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Library Love Notes #7

Checking Out Santa

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He didn’t expect a town that worshipped rodents to be the place that healed his heart…

Jasper Haggarty went to Beaver Creek with one to clean out his estranged, deceased father’s home and get back to Calgary. He never asked for a small-town life or nosy neighbours. He has a job, an apartment, and a mother whom he speaks to…occasionally.
Bronwyn Scott has always lived in Beaver Creek. As the city events coordinator, the town’s happiness practically rests on her shoulders. She’ll do anything to live up to the community’s expectations, even blackmailing Beaver Creek’s newest arrival.
After their disastrous first meeting, Jasper can’t forget Bronwyn, and Bronwyn, desperate for Jasper to step into his father’s shiny black boots, won’t let him. Donning the mantle of jolliest elf is the last thing introverted Jasper wants, but Bronwyn won’t take no for an answer, not with Christmas at stake.

There’s no mistletoe needed for the sparks to fly in this interconnected story from The Library Love Notes series.


220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

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L.E. Wagensveld

11 books46 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Lottie Jones.
252 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 5, 2026
Thank you to L.E. Wagensveld for providing this ARC of Checking Out Santa in exchange for my review.

⭐⭐ 3.75/5 stars ⭐⭐

So this is it, the final book in Beaver Creek, and I am WEEPING (emotionally, not actually, I've got things to do). Genuinely gutted it's over. I will be first in line for another multi-author small town collab if anyone's offering, because the fun of hopping between authors while staying in the same cosy little world is just chef's kiss. Also, reading a Christmas book in July, in the UK, in actual summer, felt borderline illegal. I was also praying, praying, that this wasn't going to be a "falling for Santa" situation, because listen... there are some tropes I simply do not have the emotional bandwidth for.

Jasper, my love. This man has some Family Issues with a capital ISSUE. I won't say his dad abandoned him, it's messier and more complicated than that, but growing up dadless with a mum who's about as emotionally present as a Christmas bauble will do things to a person. Suddenly his bluntness and his ride or die bromance with his best mate make complete sense. He's not cold, he's just never been given a reason not to be guarded, and watching that crack open a bit was properly lovely.

And then there's Bronwyn. This girl is sweeter than a candy cane (yes, I went there, no, I'm not sorry) and she is out here trying to single-handedly keep the joy and morale of Beaver Creek afloat. Being the town's unofficial jolly little helper elf sounds exhausting, frankly, and I wanted to hand her a cup of tea and tell her to sit down for five minutes.

Together though? Sugar and spice and all things nice, and honestly a properly fitting send-off for a series I've loved. It made me laugh, it had me pausing the book just to have A Moment, sometimes hopeful, sometimes a bit despairing, and it gave me all of the feels a good finale should. Beaver Creek, you will be missed.
Profile Image for Kerrie Juric.
104 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
Checking Out Santa by LE Wagensveld in the 7th and final book in the Library Love Notes, multi author series based in quirky Canadian small town, Beaver Creek. The story follows town local Bronwyn Scott, the eldest of 5, best friend to Nora and a town favourite as she works at the council as the festival organiser. She loves her job and bringing joy to the townsfolk, especially the Winter Festival and all things Christmas. But with unexpected passing of Stan, the man who has played the part of Santa for the past 10 years, she needs to find someone to replace him and is finding the planning a little more stressful than usual. Enter Jasper.

Jasper Heggarty, son to Stan, is in Beaver Creek to tidy up his father’s affairs and close the chapter on what was an estranged relationship. Having nothing to do with his dad since he was 17, this task is proving to be more of an emotional roller coaster than he expected. As fate has it, Bronwyn and Jasper cross paths and work out a deal to help each other which has Jasper agreeing to play Santa. The closer Bronwyn and Jasper get, the more they peel back the layers and it quickly becomes more than just a physical attraction.

I liked the back stories of both characters and how that intertwined with their behaviours and characteristics and built up their story of opposites attract. I recommend reading Checking Out Santa if you feel like a light, warm and fuzzy Christmas romance with heart and laughter. This was a great end to the series, the perfect bow on top!

I have loved every minute of being in Beaver Creek, the small town quirky locals, and the visitors that decided to stay and call this place home. I wish I could visit, especially for the holidays and the Winter Festival.

5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Lynda Malone.
177 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 3, 2026
Checking Out Santa

This is the 7th and last book of the ' Library Love Notes' series and I am sad to say goodbye to Beaver Creek.

But if I have to, this book was a great way to leave. Bronwyn and Jasper are the true definition of opposites attract. Bronwyn is outgoing, witty and unfiltered whilst Jasper is the epitome of an introvert. But they work together, they work so well.

Their whole lives are so different, yet they find a way to connect. Bronwyn is there for Jasper, showing him care and compassion, letting him know that she is willing to just let him be. After she asks him a HUGE favor. Jasper, at first, doesn't really know how to handle Bronwyn's brashness. But he does know that he wants her.

Watching as these two navigate their feelings for each other is such a joy. Bronwyn had me laughing with some of the things she said and I didn't know if I wanted to hug or slap Jasper at times but it was such a fun journey. This story was such a sweet and cute one that had me wanting to stay in their lives a little longer. Whilst the story generally didn't feel rushed, the ending felt quick and as I said, I wanted it to go on a little longer.

I am holding on to the fact that Bronwyn has 4 siblings and Jasper has a best friend/brother and that we will hopefully get their stories too. Another 4 star read to round out this series.
Profile Image for Sarah Reapz.
136 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 18, 2026
Going to miss this beautiful, meddling small town of Beaver Creek.
What a great ending to the series for library love notes.

This made me laugh so much at some of Bronwyn unfiltered things she said
"it's alright, I usually like to give consent before having my hair pulled is all"

These two are a perfect match, witty, cute and down right adorable together especially Bronwyn with her unfiltered words sometimes.
I liked learning more about Jasper and his family situation.
I missed seeing more of Jasper's best friend I know he was busy in Beaver Creek but would have loved more of their banter.

I did think the word juxtaposition was used a lot or maybe I'm not used to seeing the word either way this was an absolute blast to read.

I'm truly going to reading more of this small town and all the residents, unless the authors decide to do some spin offs. Which honestly I hope they do especially for Luke or maybe Trevor and Nix, seems something could be written about them. Then I'm going to miss it if not. It's been a hell of a ride reading everyone's stories.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,254 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
3.5 stars. A cute Christmasy romance.

Bronwyn Scott is just trying to make sure the Winter Carnival in Beaver Creek is a success, despite losing the man who had played Santa for the last 10 years. Then Jasper Haggarty comes to town to clean out his estranged, deceased father's home. Bronwyn figures it's perfect since he looks just like Stan, the Santa every child in town knew. As he begrudgingly agrees to help, sparks start to fly.

Overall, this is a super cute and fun story. I like Jasper and Brownwyn, and both characters feel very realistic. They have supportive friends and we get a chance to see both of them in their elements. Jasper working through some of his family challenges was also great.

I wish we got to see a bit more of Bronwyn growing and the two of them spending a bit more time really supporting one another.

Overall, this is a fun Christmas read and I definitely recommend it for a snowy afternoon with a cup of cocoa.

Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
3,311 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
This story is dual POV, well written, and an emotional, sweet and steamy, opposites attract, contemporary small town romance between Bronwyn, the female extroverted town events planner lead, and Jasper, the male introverted lawyer lead who is in town to settle his father’s estate and get out. I empathised with the significant trauma that both characters carried from their childhood and the impacts that had on their adult choices. I enjoyed Bronwyn’s optimism and perseverance, and her determination to succeed and make events joyful for others. I enjoyed Jasper’s acknowledgement of his challenges, and his willingness to move out of his comfort zone to assist Bronwyn. I enjoyed the developing relationship and the steamy intimate moments. I empathised with the challenges that Jasper’s migraines brought, and the compassionate assistance Bronwyn provided. I enjoyed the optimistic ending and the potential for Jasper’s best friend (who I hope gets at least a bonus novella!).

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Serena.
203 reviews
June 30, 2026
I’d first like to thank the author for the advanced copy of this, the 7th and final book in the Beaver Creek collaboration series.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and what a way to end it, with my favourite one! I just love a bit of Christmas in June 🤣

I was hooked from the start! Checking out Santa is a perfect opposites attract small town romance com, with our bold as brass FMC Bronwyn who goes above and beyond, taking no prisoners when it comes to Beaver Creek and the Christmas Season and our Nerdy, introverted, sexy little glasses wearing MMC Jasper who has an unexpected return to his past.

What was supposed to be a flying visit to clear out his estranged dad’s home, after he passed, turns into something Jasper can’t walk away from. Not only does he fall for small town living, but a special little lady is never far away from his thoughts.

This is a perfect Christmas rom com and I can’t wait to read it again!
15 reviews
July 7, 2026
ARC Review
I’m not going to lie, I procrastinated starting this one because I didn’t want my time in Beaver Creek to come to an end. This book absolutely did not disappoint as the last instalment of the Library Love Notes series though. I want to be a little more like Bronwyn. She is bold, compassionate, and she doesn’t accept defeat. Jasper is the perfect sweet and spicy nerd. The characters in this book are complex and feel like whole characters. In my opinion all the aspects of their personalities flowed seamlessly. I also adored the side characters like Luke and Nix. The heavier themes in the book were approached with care and I thought discussed well. I thought the book was very well rounded. I think I will be revisiting Beaver Creek in the future!
Checking Out Santa is the seventh book in the Library Love Notes series. Each book is written by a different Canadian Indie author and set in the fictional town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,600 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 13, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.

We meet Bronwyn, town event coordinator who is in need of a Santa. Her usually Santa Stan has just passed away leaving a huge void in town and her heart. We meet introvert Jasper who is in Beaver Creek to go thru his father's things. He hasn't spoken to Stan in 17 years, just left him as a teenager. When he hears about how much Stan meant to the community he is shocked...the same man?? Bronwyn convinces Jasper to be Santa much to his dismay. He's not sure what he's doing but along the way started to like Bronwyn. She has her hands full with planning and keeping Nicky aka Jasper in check. He's hot for a nerd. But when Santa gets locked out and only left in his underwear, Bronwyn helps him out and sparks fly. But things are not what they seem. Words are shared and tempers flare before they can get off the ground.
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
1,241 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 20, 2026
Checking Out Santa is a charming, funny, and heartfelt small-town romance that makes Beaver Creek feel like a place you never want to leave. Bronwyn and Jasper are a delightful opposites-attract pairing—she’s bold, unfiltered, and endlessly determined, while he’s a reserved introvert just trying to survive an unexpected return to his past. Their banter, awkward moments, and slow-burn connection made their story genuinely fun to follow.
I especially enjoyed the emotional layers tied to Jasper’s family history and Bronwyn’s dedication to her community, even if I wished a few side dynamics and character interactions had more page time. The humor and cozy Christmas-town chaos more than make up for it, delivering plenty of laughs and warm moments.
A sweet, festive finale for the series that balances heart, humor, and holiday romance beautifully.
Profile Image for Jess Pierce.
413 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
July 4, 2026

What happens when you fall for Santa?

Checking Out Santa is the final story in the Library Love Notes serie, and what better way to close it out than at Christmas time in Beaver Creek?

Jasper came to Beaver Creek to clean out the house of the father he hasn’t spoke to in over 17 years and found more than he ever bargained for. Bronwyn is planning the town’s Christmas celebration, and who better to convince to be Santa than the former Santa’s son?

Jasper and Browyn’s story is everything you want for a holiday inspired read. Holiday hijinks, a city boy and small town girl, and a town as special as its name. Their story has everything you’re looking for in a cozy romance that also has a little something to spice up the holiday season.

Come back to Beaver Creek for one last story and find out what happens when you’re Checking Out Santa.
Profile Image for MKAC.
52 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 3, 2026
4.25 ⭐️

Like living in a Hallmark movie, this last visit to Beaver Creek, is an almost idyllic Christmas romance.

Bronwyn’s job has her organizing the town’s Christmas events and has hit a snag in the planning. Jasper, in town briefly, seems like the perfect, imperfect, person to help.

Both come from families that struggled in different ways and in learning more about each other, they recognize new things about themselves.

Migraine representation, amazing friendships, families both born and found and of course the trials of a new love, Bronwyn and Jasper have my heart.

This is a lovely end to the Library Love Notes series. We get to celebrate Christmas in a town that seems tailor made for a little bit of holiday magic. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to visit again, someday.
Profile Image for Rachel.
116 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 12, 2026
I received this as an ARC

Plot- Bronwyn is the town planner in Beaver Creek. Jasper has just arrived to clean out his late father’s house. She needs a Santa for the holiday festivities and his dad used to do it. So they strike a deal.

I thought the storyline was cute. I didn’t love the characters or their backstories. The shocker of why Jasper’s dad moved there in the first place was weird and I found it somewhat unbelievable when you consider he was 16 at the time.

I loved how many of the other characters from the series made cameos in this book. I thought it really tied the books together well. I also enjoyed the ending and epilogue.

Spice 3/5

1,475 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 25, 2026
Library Love Notes: Jasper and Bronwyn

He’s in town to pack up his fathers house, and she needs help with the festivals and town activities on the calendar…
When she finds out who he is, she drafts him to be Santa, and they start the sweet build of a friendship before becoming more.

There are some difficult topics… Parentification of an oldest child, neglectful parent, criminal parents and toxic relationship dynamics… I don’t care, his mum is horrible!

But never mind, like the rest of this series, the cozy small town works its magic, and they get one (or a few more) to add to their population.
Profile Image for Jaqueline Doldersum.
74 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2026
This is the last book in the Library Love Notes series.
Jasper is in Beaver creek. To clean out his estranged fathers house. After his father past away.
Bronwyn is the cities events coordinator.
When Bronwyn can't find a Sants Claus. She "blackmails" Jasper into being Santa Claus. Telling him, his father was the towns Santa Claus for years.
In return, she helps Jasper clean out the house.
The more time they spend together. They start to get feelings for each other.
I loved the chemestry between Jasper and Bronwyn.
How she helps him, getting out of his comfortzone.
How Jasper is dealing with his past. So he can go forward.
Profile Image for Dawn Smit.
307 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
This was absolutely my favorite book and such a great ending to the Library Love Notes series ❤️

I laughed out loud at 99% of this book, such a well written, sweet, funny, romantic, small town, Christmas story that I devoured in one sitting

I am so grateful to the author for the ARC opportunity and I know the series is technically finished but I hope we get a few more books... I definitely want Luke to get a HEA in Beaver Creek 🦫

❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
Profile Image for caffeinatedbookbabe_.
85 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book. It’s a Christmas Rom com/ emotional journey. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jasper and Browyn and how I felt I could connect to them. This book is a dual pov from both main characters and takes you through their romance during the festive period.

This book was a lot more emotional and dealt with grief and loss so ensure you are prepared for this before diving in.

I enjoyed the spice 🌶️

Perfect cosy up reading!
Profile Image for Julie.
151 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2026
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Well, that was an opening scene.
Stand firm on the market rules.
Had those hair problems as well. 🤦‍♀️
🤣 arm chair and window
Related to Santa. I know him!!
🚗 👀 jump scare
"This time" 😆
I want a lair!
Ok, what did you do for income Jasper?
Kids made of rubber and magic 🤭
⛸️ 😆
📼 🥺
Well crud! 🎅
☕️ spill 😆
Luke's text 🤣
Stan's letters 🥺
Mom with the truth 💣.
😫 🤮 😵‍💫
📱 Luke "Woohoo!" 😆
Profile Image for Nifer  Waters.
562 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
ARC Dual POV First Person
Library Love Notes, multi author series, #7
🇨🇦 Authors, settings, and characters
Jasper and Bronwyn
You go in expecting a festive romcom (which you do get, with some spice) and get hit with a sharp pang of grief. Poor Jasper hit with a double whammy of grief, death of his estranged father, and what could've been if either of his parents had been honest.
Profile Image for Pamela Rosen.
143 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2026
While this book was a cute cozy book with a little spice. It had some holes, but it also had some on the best lines. My favorite was right off the first few chapters " I usually like to give consent before having my hair pulled "

Will definitely read again
Profile Image for Monika Kozlowski.
355 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 9, 2026
I loved that she wanted kids to believe in the magic that is Santa. Kids should believe .
A wonderful book perfect for Christmas time
Profile Image for Sarah.
99 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
This was another great Library Loves Notes book. Yes it was also sad and heartbreaking but it was also very sweet. I loved this little town and all the people in it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
650 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
This was another cute one! A little bit of grumpy x sunshine, a little bit of past trauma healing, some sweet moments, some emotional moments, I enjoyed this!
Profile Image for Amber.
1,317 reviews54 followers
Review of advance copy
July 3, 2026
I enjoyed Bronwyn and Jasper's story. It had so many emotions. I loved Bronwyn's sassy side towards Jasper but there was also both of them growing and dealing with past trauma.
Profile Image for Jennifer Michelle.
209 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2026
From start to finish this book had me smiling ear to ear. I loved how deep the book dived into some struggles and how characters helped one another out!

This is the perfect short and quick read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews