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One Shop Over
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Christmas in Juniper Falls is Elodie Fox’s favorite time of year, when snow dusts the rooftops, lights glow along Main Street, and her whimsical little shop is overflowing with holiday magic. Shy, curvy, and never quite as confident in herself as she wishes she were, Elodie certainly isn’t expecting the gorgeous older man she spent one very out-of-character night with last summer to appear months later in Juniper Falls.
Grant Blackwood is a bearded lumberjack of a man, and he’s still every bit as taken with Elodie as he was the first time they met. Now he’s opening a woodcarving shop one shop over from hers, and when his historic manor needs a Christmas makeover for the town’s holiday house tour, the two of them end up spending their days tangled in garland and their nights tangled up in each other.
Neither of them expected to find each other again, let alone fall so easily into something that feels this good. But somewhere between the mistletoe, the late nights, and a house slowly filling with Christmas, Elodie and Grant are about to discover just how quickly the unexpected can start to feel meant to be.
Grant Blackwood is a bearded lumberjack of a man, and he’s still every bit as taken with Elodie as he was the first time they met. Now he’s opening a woodcarving shop one shop over from hers, and when his historic manor needs a Christmas makeover for the town’s holiday house tour, the two of them end up spending their days tangled in garland and their nights tangled up in each other.
Neither of them expected to find each other again, let alone fall so easily into something that feels this good. But somewhere between the mistletoe, the late nights, and a house slowly filling with Christmas, Elodie and Grant are about to discover just how quickly the unexpected can start to feel meant to be.
249 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Sarah Neese
5 books37 followersI write emotionally driven romances about resilient women and the men who love them without trying to change them. Expect witty banter, swoon worthy dialogue, and found family.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
"He's the sexiest Santa I've ever seen in my life. What a deeply disturbing sentence."
I just finished @sarahneeseauthor_jbhb 's upcoming Holiday Romance that is releasing November 3, 2026!!!!
What to Expect:
🎄Contemporary Holiday Romance
❄️Rom Com Vibes
🎄Small Town
❄️Age Gap
🎄Curvy FMC
❄️Millionaire MMC
🎄He Falls First
❄️Fast-Burn
🎄"Foxling"
My Thoughts:
“She smiles, and suddenly I understand why somebody can watch the same damn thing every year and still be excited when it happens.
This story has all the feels and all the holiday cheer. What an amazing way to break up the dark things I normally read. I absolutely loved the banter and humor, the characters, the story. 5 ⭐ for sure.
“I pull on my clothes as fast as I can, silently praying he stays asleep. Yeah, I’m pretty sure God clocked out of this situation about the time my underwear landed on the lampshade.”
Grant and Elodie are the quintessential small town shy girl meets handsome guy down BAD for her...except add in a few twists and some hilarity. This made me feel like I was inside of a hallmark movie, except...we all know the books are better than the movies. 😉😉 Such a cozy fun read with a sprinkle of spice.
If you're looking for a Holiday contemporary read, don't miss out on this one!!
Also, great work to both her and @kauramel on this cover Absolutely love it! Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!
I just finished @sarahneeseauthor_jbhb 's upcoming Holiday Romance that is releasing November 3, 2026!!!!
What to Expect:
🎄Contemporary Holiday Romance
❄️Rom Com Vibes
🎄Small Town
❄️Age Gap
🎄Curvy FMC
❄️Millionaire MMC
🎄He Falls First
❄️Fast-Burn
🎄"Foxling"
My Thoughts:
“She smiles, and suddenly I understand why somebody can watch the same damn thing every year and still be excited when it happens.
This story has all the feels and all the holiday cheer. What an amazing way to break up the dark things I normally read. I absolutely loved the banter and humor, the characters, the story. 5 ⭐ for sure.
“I pull on my clothes as fast as I can, silently praying he stays asleep. Yeah, I’m pretty sure God clocked out of this situation about the time my underwear landed on the lampshade.”
Grant and Elodie are the quintessential small town shy girl meets handsome guy down BAD for her...except add in a few twists and some hilarity. This made me feel like I was inside of a hallmark movie, except...we all know the books are better than the movies. 😉😉 Such a cozy fun read with a sprinkle of spice.
If you're looking for a Holiday contemporary read, don't miss out on this one!!
Also, great work to both her and @kauramel on this cover Absolutely love it! Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Sarah Neese for the honor of reading an ARC of "One Shop Over" in exchange for my opinion.
#SarahNeese #OneShopOver #Christmas #Romance #Fiction @sarahneeseauthor_jbhb
Title: One Shop Over
Author: Sarah Neese
Format: eBook
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: November 3, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Holidays, contemporary romance, small town, second chance
Trigger Warnings: Body-shaming, age gap, moderate sexual content, one night stand
Introverted Elodie Fox loves Christmas and certainly enjoys decking out her little shop in holiday whimsy. The last thing she expects is a handsome carpenter to move into the shop next door and sweep her off her feet. She really doesn't expect this carpenter to be the same man she had a one-night stand with months earlier.
Awkward! Imagine running into a one-night stand in your tiny hometown six months after the fact and then finding out that he's opening a shop right next to yours. That's what happens to Elodie Fox in this sweet Christmas romance. The characters are likable yet relatable. The author has a writing style that feels a lot like hearing a story from your best friend. This isn't a story that reinvents the wheel, but I really liked that about it. When I pick up a comfort read, especially a Christmas romance, I'm looking for a particular feeling. This cozy book gave me that feeling. I really hope we haven't heard the last from Juniper Falls. I highly recommend this to any fan of a cozy romance.
#SarahNeese #OneShopOver #Christmas #Romance #Fiction @sarahneeseauthor_jbhb
Title: One Shop Over
Author: Sarah Neese
Format: eBook
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: November 3, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Holidays, contemporary romance, small town, second chance
Trigger Warnings: Body-shaming, age gap, moderate sexual content, one night stand
Introverted Elodie Fox loves Christmas and certainly enjoys decking out her little shop in holiday whimsy. The last thing she expects is a handsome carpenter to move into the shop next door and sweep her off her feet. She really doesn't expect this carpenter to be the same man she had a one-night stand with months earlier.
Awkward! Imagine running into a one-night stand in your tiny hometown six months after the fact and then finding out that he's opening a shop right next to yours. That's what happens to Elodie Fox in this sweet Christmas romance. The characters are likable yet relatable. The author has a writing style that feels a lot like hearing a story from your best friend. This isn't a story that reinvents the wheel, but I really liked that about it. When I pick up a comfort read, especially a Christmas romance, I'm looking for a particular feeling. This cozy book gave me that feeling. I really hope we haven't heard the last from Juniper Falls. I highly recommend this to any fan of a cozy romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, my goodness! Sarah Neese does it again with One Shop Over. It's an age gap Christmas romance and I am completely OBSESSED with it. It was a breath of fresh air for me since I am mainly a dark romance girlie. But I have absolutely loved all of Sarah's books, that I knew this one was no exception. The fast-paced banter filled love story between Grant & Elodie was done *Chef's Kiss* that I was literally chuckling through 90 percent of the book. The ending though OMG I was in tears from laughing so hard. Don't get me wrong though, it did have some serious moments when Elodie let her mind spiral with self-doubt. Grant was absolutely perfect for her in every way, by helping her work through those moments while also helping her break down walls. And helping her to feel better about herself. He of course is every woman's dream of how a man should be. Oh and it also does have a sprinkle of spice mixed in (tastefully done, nothing overly descriptive)
I HIGHLY recommend you read this or add it to you TBR
I HIGHLY recommend you read this or add it to you TBR
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah has done it again! 5/5 🌟
This review may have spoilers so beware. I also turned on the spoiler tab incase.
If you love Christmas then you will love this Hallmark Movie Worthy Christmas Romance Story.
Elodie is a curvy girl who isn't one to date because she has a fear of letting people in and she thinks she isn't pretty enough to be wanted by someone, she is more into one-night stands.
Little did she know a one night stand would show up in her hometown. She has a one night stand with the man of all men.. Grant. He is a taller big muscular man who works with his hands. He is the man everyone wants but he only wants one woman. But will Elodie give in and actually let someone love her?
You will have to read to find out. This is my new favorite Christmas Romance 🎄
There is so much Christmas joy in the story. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Hot chocolate, snowballs, candy canes. You get it all with this story.
This review may have spoilers so beware. I also turned on the spoiler tab incase.
If you love Christmas then you will love this Hallmark Movie Worthy Christmas Romance Story.
Elodie is a curvy girl who isn't one to date because she has a fear of letting people in and she thinks she isn't pretty enough to be wanted by someone, she is more into one-night stands.
Little did she know a one night stand would show up in her hometown. She has a one night stand with the man of all men.. Grant. He is a taller big muscular man who works with his hands. He is the man everyone wants but he only wants one woman. But will Elodie give in and actually let someone love her?
You will have to read to find out. This is my new favorite Christmas Romance 🎄
There is so much Christmas joy in the story. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Hot chocolate, snowballs, candy canes. You get it all with this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who here is a fan of Christmas Hallmark movies? You know the ones I’m talking about- the ones with cheesy romance, second chances, and enough decor to put Santa’s workshop to shame. One Shop Over by Sarah Neese perfectly captures this gooey, mushy goodness!
Grant is the silver fox we’ve all been searching for, and Elodie is the independent FMC we crave. Put these two together, and you get an adorable fast-falling romance- oh, did I mention the age gap as well?
Also: we need to talk about the plot twist at the end 😩 I was not expecting that to happen… queue the set up for book two??? Regardless, I can’t wait to return to Juniper Falls!
Grant is the silver fox we’ve all been searching for, and Elodie is the independent FMC we crave. Put these two together, and you get an adorable fast-falling romance- oh, did I mention the age gap as well?
Also: we need to talk about the plot twist at the end 😩 I was not expecting that to happen… queue the set up for book two??? Regardless, I can’t wait to return to Juniper Falls!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story has ALL the feels and so much Christmas cheer! What an amazing way to kick off my cosy Christmas reads! I absolutely loved the banter and humour, and Grant and Elodie completely stole my heart. Their chemistry had me smiling the whole way through!
This book made me feel like I was living inside a Hallmark Christmas movie, with all the cosy vibes, sweet moments, laugh-out-loud banter and just the right sprinkle of spice. It was such a fun, heartwarming read that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you're looking for a festive romance to get you into the Christmas spirit, this one needs to be on your TBR!
This book made me feel like I was living inside a Hallmark Christmas movie, with all the cosy vibes, sweet moments, laugh-out-loud banter and just the right sprinkle of spice. It was such a fun, heartwarming read that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you're looking for a festive romance to get you into the Christmas spirit, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the PERFECT cozy season read. Think Christmas meets Gilmore Girls meets The Holiday. With a touch of spice that’s not just in drinks. I was smiling, kicky feet the whole time. A shy, insecure, curvy FMC who never does anything wild meets the “corporate mountain man” that changes everything. If you like cozy reads and all the damn green flags in your MMC, THIS is your holiday season read. Sarah always manages to bring a litany of emotions to her writing and the end will have you wanting so much more! It’s a standalone, but we love a tease right?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Christmas romance is fantastic! Grant moves to a new town just in time for the Christmas season. Elodie lives in this small town and runs into him- literally- at the coffee shop on Black Friday. Only, they’ve met before. One night in Chicago. She’s nicknamed him Corporate Mountain Man and told her sister and two friends about him. Neither of them have forgotten that night. Now, neither of them want to. Turns out Grant has the shop next to Elodie— he is just one shop over. Please go read this book when it comes out on November 3!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did enjoy this cute age gap Christmas romance. I like the fox ears hat, as I myself have owned one in my lifetime.
To offer a small critique I felt Elodie’s initial reaction to Grant being in her town felt out of place. It was never explained why she had such an initial negative response. It was left to the reader to interpret. It seemed more like that was just thrown in there to accommodate popular tropes rather than it being an intricate part of the story.
To offer a small critique I felt Elodie’s initial reaction to Grant being in her town felt out of place. It was never explained why she had such an initial negative response. It was left to the reader to interpret. It seemed more like that was just thrown in there to accommodate popular tropes rather than it being an intricate part of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who doesn’t love a GOOD Hallmark movie??!!! This felt like a hallmark movie that I could watch every year for Christmas because this novel was so well put and just loved it! There was so much comedy, romance, and anything about Christmas!
I really loved it! Im excited for everyone to actually sit and read it once it’s released! But can we talk about the ending??? Because I need to know if there’s another one coming 🤭
I really loved it! Im excited for everyone to actually sit and read it once it’s released! But can we talk about the ending??? Because I need to know if there’s another one coming 🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Sarah Neese for allowing me to ARC read!
A warm and cozy must read for the holidays! ❄️🎄🎅🏼🤶🏻
If you're thinking about reading this book do it!! Elodie and Grant fall very fast but do not let that stop you from enjoying this book. They are the perfect example of if it’s meant to be it will be! Juniper Falls sounds truly magical during the holidays and if it was a real place I’d move there as soon as possible. The ending gives me hope we will be getting Elodie’s sisters story next! I NEED it.
A warm and cozy must read for the holidays! ❄️🎄🎅🏼🤶🏻
If you're thinking about reading this book do it!! Elodie and Grant fall very fast but do not let that stop you from enjoying this book. They are the perfect example of if it’s meant to be it will be! Juniper Falls sounds truly magical during the holidays and if it was a real place I’d move there as soon as possible. The ending gives me hope we will be getting Elodie’s sisters story next! I NEED it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah never ceases to amaze me with the stories she writes. One Shop Over was no exception. It was the perfect holiday read to put me in the Christmas mood. Elodie and Grant are perfect for each other and of course I love a curvy FMC and a MMC who loves her for all that she is. This story had the perfect amount of spice too. Now I am just hoping we get a followup on Mags' story!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Such an adorable Christmas read! I love the vibe, the characters, the relationships between the main characters and town members. The whole little Christmas town and whimsical main character really got me hooked. And we love a plus sized FMC on this account! Absolutely would recommend this book for this holiday season!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews