It wasn’t the Christmas she wanted or expected—but it might just be the one she needed.
Lucy thought this holiday season would be everything she ever dreamed—a sparkling ring, a future full of promise, and joy wrapped in tinsel and twinkling lights.
But when her plans unexpectedly fall apart, she finds herself questioning her future, herself, and the place she’s always called home.
As the holidays unfold, heartbreak and hardship give way to something deeper—grace. Surrounded by a small town full of big-hearted neighbors, Lucy is reminded that sometimes the greatest gifts come in the most unexpected packages.
Through acts of kindness, quiet sacrifices, and a love that just won’t give up, she discovers that the miracle she gets looks a little different from the one she’d been praying for.
Set against the backdrop of a small town, warm pie, and a community stitched together by faith, Smoochin’ Under the Mistletoe is a sweet holiday romance that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas.
Best Selling, Award Winning Author, Madison Love enjoys writing clean and Christian romances while intertwining humor, faith, and suspense. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek.
***2024 Global Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Women's Christian Fiction***
***2024 Global Book Awards Silver Medal Winner in Clean Romance***
*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Shining Knight Protector Series ***
*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County ***
Not every Christmas looks like the one we planned. Sometimes the year ends not with wishes granted, but with the ache of loss and the mess of dreams undone. Smoochin’ Under the Mistletoe is a story that meets us in that place and gently leads us toward something richer: a holiday where grace, kindness, and the steady hand of God are the truest gifts of all.
Lucy’s Christmas is nothing like she imagined. Instead of the ring and promises she hoped for, her world unravels: a heartbreak, a diner lost, and the kind of disappointment that stings deep. But the heart of her small town beats with the kind of love that never stands far off. In the comfort of her neighbors, the wisdom of those who’ve walked hard roads, and a faith that shows up in action, Lucy finds hope again.
I especially loved how the Christmas story itself is freshly considered through the eyes of Lucy’s community. This year, the Christmas Eve Service is about seeing “the roles that others played in the story and how there are lessons that apply to our daily lives—not just during the holidays.” That gentle nudge to look deeper is woven throughout Lucy’s own journey.
There’s a scene where comfort arrives not just in words, but in presence: “He doesn’t expect us to carry our burdens alone. He’s there for us, and we are to lean on Him during those difficult times and when strugglin’. You have all of us as well. We’re here to help even when you don’t ask for it.” It’s the kind of kindness that makes a community feel like family, even on the loneliest days.
And at the heart of the story is a love that’s willing to weather storms and disappointment, trusting in God’s plan, but also knowing that “those plans require faith and action on our part.” With that kind of faith and with someone by your side who truly cares … anything can be overcome.
Madison Love writes with warmth and truth, wrapping faith and romance together like a favorite Christmas quilt. This story is gentle but unmistakable in its message: we are never alone, and sometimes the greatest miracles come in the form of second chances and the quiet strength to begin again.
I am eager to read more from this author. Her stories shine with grace, hope, and the reminder that even in seasons of loss, Christmas is still a story of Christ’s amazing love.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author via Book Sirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Madison Love returns to Baggersville, Texas, to tell the story of diner owner Lucy Evans and personal security expert Colt Weston in SMOOCHIN' UNDER THE MISTLETOE. The holidays are approaching when Colt tries to break up with Lucy before causing her more heartbreak later. Then the beloved town diner burns down. Her life in a tailspin, Lucy runs away to her parents to calm down some before heading back to face what's happened.
This entry in the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County reads a little more serious than previous books in the series. The reader knows Lucy and Colt should be together, and will be together at the book's end, but there are some real issues our couple will have to work through, including the possibility of infertility.
Though there are some weighty issues Lucy and Colt deal with, there is no doubt the characters love each other, and they have fun throughout the book as well. As with other books in the series, the Baggersville Biddies are everywhere, listening, providing counsel, loving, and stealing the spotlight from time to time.
Another 5-star entry in the series, and highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy from the author through BookSirens, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
I grabbed this Christmas novella when it first released knowing it's the 4th in a series I've not yet read, but having just binge-read Love's Matchmaker & Shining Knight series, and being well acquainted with the way her stories build on one another, the settings become home, and the characters become the reader's friends and family. This cozy little novella did not disappoint, and while I was able to pick out many characters I could have already known, it simply made me eager to catch up and get to know them better by going back to read their stories as well. I loved the beautiful way Gospel truth was woven in to offer hope and insight for some tough and often relatable dilemmas. The gentle pace of the story makes it the perfect read to curl up with by the fire, with a cup of cocoa.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun to read more of this Christian series with the characters, town, and romances you know and love, just now at Christmas. I only liked it more as it went on.
I especially thought the end of Chapter 11 was sweet. Sweet epilogue, too. And Lucy’s prayer in Chapter 17 is basically what I say to God half the time, too. And yes to the Biddies’ reply to her about God at the end of that chapter!
And yes, Lucy—it’s even just having the courage to go to culinary school, or to eat a whole ice cream sundae, that counts 😂
(No offense, but I can’t imagine Texas temperature fluctuations anywhere comparing to Colorado’s! 😉 And Mabel about “tushes” in Chapter 13… 🤦♀️ And when you say, stubbornly, “I’m not stubborn…”)
Favorite quotes:
“‘That man is a good egg…Even if he gets a little scrambled sometimes.’”
“‘…I said “crossed my mind,” not that [the thought] took up residence.’”
“‘…[I’ll] take what I can get as long as it proves my point.’”
Smoochin’ Under the Mistletoe by Madison Love is a heartfelt, faith-filled holiday romance that blends small-town charm with real-life struggles. Lucy Evans and Colt Weston face heartbreak, miscommunication, and the devastating loss of Lucy’s beloved diner, yet their journey reminds us that miracles often arrive in unexpected forms. With warmth, humor, and the ever-delightful Baggersville Biddies, Love delivers a story that is both tender and uplifting—perfect for curling up with during the Christmas season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC copy from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it.
Madison has once again written a wonderful story but this one relies on the faith one has in each other as well as God when the wishes and dreams Lucy has always envisioned don’t turn out the way she always dreamed they would.
Lucy has looked forward to the day Colt proposes to her but her dreams are shattered when he instead breaks up with her. Then the next day while she’s at church her diner burns down. Devastated she leaves to spend time with her parents.
Things happen while she’s away and returning she tries to pick up the pieces. Colt finally gets to talk to Lucy and explain why he broke off with her which alleviates her feelings somewhat but she still is unsure of her future. However. being with him and knowing they still love each other she doesn’t want to give him up. Her wondering if she should stay where she is currently living is solved as well as the town shows what she means to them!
Our dreams of what we hope for are just dreams sometimes when faced if you wonder if you can’t live without the person you love even if it means giving up those dreams you’ve always wanted.
This book is a powerful testament that sometimes what we desire can be channeled into something that can change another’s person life for the better!
I shed some tears reading this book but I have no qualms about wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommending this book to everyone as a book you really should read! Life gives us choices and sometimes there are sacrifices required with the choice we make but as always when one door closes another opens up so the choice is still ours to choose our path!
Lucy and Colt have been dating for almost 2 years. They love each other, everyone in town can see it (so can they). So when Colt tells Lucy some terrible news the day after Thanksgiving she doesn’t know how to respond.
Then her diner, which she inherited from her grandmother, burns down overnight. So she runs out of town and to her parent’s house 8 hours away. She needs a much needed dose of advice.
What Lucy and Colt need is a way to actually communicate since that’s their biggest struggle in the relationship. Colt loves Lucy so much that he is breaks up with her because he can’t give her the one thing she wants most.
I wish that I could find a Colt. He is caring, strong (mainly because his job requires it), loves God, sensitive and only wants the best for Lucy, even if that means losing Lucy. You have to read the book to find out what happens.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and the Christmas setting was perfect. The banter within the town and helping both Lucy and Colt see how dumb they are being is great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first in the series that has included main characters NOT included in the origional Cornhole for a Cause kids. Cole and Lucy, however, have been fixtures in all the series books from the time of the reunion on (books 1-4). Cole, head of security for Connie Jo, and Lucy running the diner. This story is full of heartbreak and trying to do the right thing. My heart went out to Cole, even though I know that may not be the most popular position. Lucy was stuck on what she wanted, not considering the effect it would have on anyone else. Cole was willing to break his own heart to give her what she wanted. Yet when a compromise was offered, she had to think about it? Seriously? The town could have been more supportive of Cole. Supporting Lucy through him doesn't count to me. As an aside, I found Lucy's character to be self centered on multiple levels. The stunt she pulled with his parents shows how little she truly understands the man she professes to live "with all her heart". I wanted this christmasy edition of Baggersville to hit it out of the park, but sadly it just missed the mark for me on multiple levels.
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review.
Madison Love, author of "Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe", is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This story in a familiar town with family, and friends we've met, didn't disappoint!! Colt and Lucy are truly in love, but fear is holding Colt back from his future. Then, the truth of bad things happening to good people hits home with sniper precision.
Even though mistakes were made throughout their two year relationship, the raw devastating effects could've been avoided if there had just been actual truth somewhere along the line. Yet, stepping back can provide a glimpse of what the future would hold if they were alone. I loved how the author, Madison Love, took devastating facts and gave glimpses of faith and love through acts of forgiveness and trust. Through this story, she reminded me that the truth would set me free.
Throughout the laughter, tears, and all of the disappointment -- I found that love is greater than all of these things. Faith and love will enable us to move mountains and find a love to stand the test of time. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and thank the author for the opportunity to read the ARC provided.
Smoochin’ Under the Mistletoe is a cozy little holiday romance that delivers exactly what it promises: festive vibes, sweet moments, and just enough emotion to make it feel meaningful without getting heavy. Think twinkle lights, warm cocoa energy, and a town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
The small-town charm is strong here 🏘️, and the romance unfolds in that comforting, familiar way holiday books do best. Expect plenty of 🎄 holiday magic, 💕 gentle second chances, ❄️ cozy winter vibes, and a sweet, low-drama love story that slowly sneaks up on you.
Yes, a few moments are predictable—but honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s the kind of book you pick up to relax, smile, and maybe sigh happily once or twice.
Tropes you’ll find inside : 🎄 Holiday Romance 🏘️ Small-Town Setting 💕 Sweet & Low-Drama Love Story ❄️ Second Chances / Fresh Starts ❤️ Emotionally Driven Romance 🌟 Feel-Good, Cozy Vibes
Overall, this is a fun, feel-good seasonal read that’s perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Light, charming, and very easy to enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great book by this author! This book is related to the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series, but could be read as a stand-alone. The two main characters are in the same circle of friends that is in the Beanbaggers series, although their connections and backgrounds are all easily explained so the reader doesn’t feel like they’re missing out on anything.
In the beginning of this story, Colt and Lucy are both in a serious, committed relationship, but some miscommunication and misunderstandings foul up their relationship plans. However, through the support of their friends and family and faith, they both realize their mistakes and work together to make amends. Like the author’s previous books, faith was woven into the storyline and a natural part of everyone’s lives and dialogue.
Overall, this was a sweet story and an enjoyable holiday read! I would recommend this book, along with any others by this author. Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.
I have been waiting to read Colt and Lucy's story since Colt rolled into Baggersville with Connie Jo! I am so excited to read and review my advance copy! Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe packs a wallop! Lucy is sure her life is about perfect, but when the things she has poured herself into go up in smoke, she has to decide if she will receive the good things God and others want to gift her. Or do life on her own.
Colt has already been through the fire, and he knows what he wants… Lucy! He loves her enough to let her figure things out with God. But with all of their friends in Baggersville, he shows Lucy how much she is loved and needed in lots of little and big ways!
Madison Love has made Colt and Lucy's story so rich! I appreciate how Lucy discovers that she was so focused on making her dreams come true that she couldn't see the truly perfect and satisfying gifts God placed before her… and she forgot that she was never meant to do things all on her own. Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe is a great addition to the Beanbaggers of Corn Hole County!
This is a novella in the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series. If you haven't read the rest, its a MUST!! all of these books have been my favorites and this one didn't disappoint either!! Especially this time of year, this one was perfect. I love that there is threads of faith all throughout so that anyone with a belief in God will enjoy it (and even those who dont 🙂). Lucy and Colt's story was phenomenal! Lucy is a sweetheart with a heart of gold. Everyone in town lives her and she loves them. When disaster strikes in a few ways, her head and heart seem to be at war. Colt is the epitome of protector! While it is his job, he also has that protective nature towards the townspeople. He does have the gooiest center though! He is absolutely the BEST and I loved how much he loved Lucy and the ways he showed it, even if it was hard for him. These two were the best! You are gonna love this story!
I don't know how to tell you how amazing this book was. it was so much about faith and love. trusting God to help guide you to an life change. then being gifted with the love of your life only to find he can't fulfill what you thought you wanted most. then putting your faith in God as he guides you to what your life should be. basically giving up control and trusting God and your faith.
we once again meet the characters of baggersville. getting a glimpse into their hea and watching them step up to help one of their own see their way. I just could not help myself at times allowing my heart to open to what Gods plan is even for me.
I think most of us Christian followers look at society and think where did we go wrong. this book gave me hope we can accomplish what we want and let God help us navigate our journey.
Colt and Lucy had been dating for nearly two years. Lucy was hoping for Colt's proposal for Christmas. Colt realized that, even though he loved Lucy, he couldn't grant her her greatest wish. So he ended the relationship instead. What was Lucy's greatest wish? Was a compromise possible?
At the same time as the break-up, Lucy's diner caught fire and burned to the ground. Since faulty wiring was the cause of the fire, the insurance company denied her claim.
That's just two of the issues Lucy and Colt were facing.
I enjoyed reading this story. It showed how important honesty and communication are to any relationship.
If you want to know if Colt and Lucy get their happy-ever-after, and if Lucy figures out a way to rebuild the diner, then read Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe by Madison Love.
I was given an ARC of this story, but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
This is a clean romance. it is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Lucy runs the diner in town. She has been dating Colt for a couple years and expects that he is going to propose this Christmas. However, he ends up breaking up with her. She is devastated. She doesn't take the time to listen to the full explanation, which is he can't have children. Even though he loves her, he wants her to have her dream. Then her diner burns down. What does Lucy want? Did Colt make a mistake and how can he correct it?
This was a good book. I am enjoying this series and found this book just as good as the other ones. A fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I tell you I have absolutely loved this series? Is because I surely have. This characters, this stories from all thw different ones have been one of my favorites. But this one? From Colt and Lucy? Has been my absolute favorite. She is trying to make sure her grandmother cafe keeps having business but life has been bringing one thing after the other. Colt is trying to work and live life but his past keeps stepping forward making him dough his future. But after a fire, the town comes together to make sure that not only the cafe is up and running but also that this 2 humans know how well they fit together♡ it was an amazing read, the characters, the story, well all of it was so so good. Plus, did you see this beautiful cover? Its amazing !
I'm so glad Madison wrote Colt and Lucy's story in Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe. Coming back to Baggersville felt like coming home again. It is wonderful to spend time with these characters. Mabel, Alma, and Lettie play key roles in this novella, and I'm glad we got more of their stories, along with Lucy and Colt.
I liked how we saw a bit of the journey of Lucy and Colt’s relationship, from their breakup to their happily-ever-after. The ups and downs of their story were extremely well crafted. Hope and second-chances are prominent themes throughout Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe, and felt like the perfect compliment to a story set at Christmas time.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I loved this book. This series always makes me feel like I’m visiting a group of family and friends and this one was no different. The series is slowly coming to an end but I am happy forget journey but has brought me in. The author has a way of showing true faith and using it situations that promote god and his ways. In this story colt and Lucy are at the center of. Colt is apprehensive about commuting due to what had happened in his previous marriage. Lucy is she’d she belongs and loves colt to the fullest but she must go through some hurdles to get her happy ending . She has an unfortunate catastrophe but action pulls together to help her . They learn to trust god and his plan . What you think your life will be may not always be the plan he has for you
If you’re looking for a sweet, fun, inspirational Christmas story, this is the one! Madison Love’s newest book in the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series doesn’t disappoint, bringing together two side characters from previous books to their own happily ever after! Both characters struggle with trusting their futures to God’s plans instead of their own. But along the way there are moments filled with laughter, friendship, and amazing acts of love, leaving a goofy grin on your face. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and hope to read more! I read an advanced copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Love all the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series and this one didn’t disappoint. Lucy owns and runs the local diner. Cole is Connie Jo’s head is of security and has had a thing for Lucy for years but when she wants to take the next step in their relationship he freezes and pulls back. Before he can explain why the diner burns down and Lucy leaves town to grieve. Can he come to terms with his past and will Lucy be able to accept his past and see a way to a future with Cole? This one pulls at the heartstrings but was well written and promises a HEA. Highly recommend! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe is a heartwarming, small town romance. I have loved all the stories in the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series. I was delighted to find out there was a new book and to revisit old friends. Lucy's holiday season looks nothing like what she envisioned. Colt breaks up with her, the diner burns down and she runs away! But the good folks of the town, the Baggersville Biddies and Colt are working overtime to show Lucy what she means to their community. Of course Ms. Love manages to bring things to an epic ending, but not before there are some serious twists in the road. Can easily be read as a stand alone, but so much better if you have read the preceding books!
Lucy thought she and Colt had a great relationship and she was hoping for a ring, however that didn't happen, instead their relationship imploded due to a lack of communication and secrets. Lucy finds her life and business plans falling apart, and starts questioning everything: her future, herself, and the place she’s always called home. I love how Colt didn't give up on her, and how her friends and family rallied around, and especially how she grew in her Christian walk through these trials. I received an ARC but this review is my own. Also despite being book 4.5, this book can be read as a standalone.
I really like this series especially the message of love and being a family even if not related by blood. Even though these books do have a happy ending they are not the standard romance formula and have lessons in them. I feel they show a belief in faith and that solutions appear if you wait. As a person who always wanted children and couldn’t have them and then wasn’t in position to adopt. I came to the understanding of why I wasn’t meant to have children as I have helped in other ways and this story I felt reinforced my acceptance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Smoochin’ Under the Mistletoe is a sweet, faith-filled Christmas romance that focuses on healing, community, and trusting God when life doesn’t go as planned. Lucy’s journey feels honest and relatable, and the romance grows through forgiveness and meaningful conversation rather than grand gestures. The small-town setting adds warmth and charm, reminding readers that love is found not only in romance but in showing up for one another. Definitely recommend for fellow Christian readers looking for a cozy holiday treat. 🎄📖 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely love this story! The characters are amazing—fun, quirky, and utterly lovable. Set in a small town where everyone knows each other and offers a helping hand, the story captured my heart from the very first page. It features a swoon-worthy romance filled with clean chemistry that perfectly illustrates what true love looks like. The incorporation of faith in God into the narrative is simple and relatable. The depiction of a life lived with God is truly beautiful. I especially enjoyed how everything is wrapped up with the Christmas theme. It's an excellent story!
Another great book in this series, recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet story where you can’t help but love all the characters and how they interact with each other and are there for each other. The H and h have been dating each other for almost two years and are deeply in love, when they finally talk about a serious subject that greatly affects their relationship. Suddenly they are torn apart. The very next day the h’s dinner is completely burned down. How the H, h, friends and town face these events makes for a sweet Hallmark story. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Enjoy!
Lucy and Colt were so cute together. She had a hard time coming to grips with a secret that Colt had. She wasn't sure what she should do about it. Also her diner burnt down and no insurance. Colt broke up with her over his need to protect her from his secret that would break her heart. She proved to him that she was stronger than he thought. Together they got through all their trials and made a wonderful life together. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Colt and Lucy have a communication problem, well really, a lack of it. Their first conversation is heart-rending. But the full cast of characters in Baggersville see what they don’t. Is the Lord leading or fear of the unknown? Is their love worth fighting for? Favorite quote: “My path was unclear, but not because I couldn’t see. It was because I was looking at it through an unfocused lens.” Another superb story from a favorite author.