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Their Mistletoe Matchmakers
A Christmas Match
The best Christmas possible—that’s what Lavinia Crowne intends to provide before taking her orphaned nieces and nephew home to Philadelphia. But carrying out her plan may be harder than she expects, with their handsome, stubborn uncle, Henry Hawthorn, insisting on raising the children in rough-and-tumble Sutter Creek, California. Lavinia can’t bear to lose her late sister’s children, though, or go against her father’s demand to bring them home.
Henry believes his nieces and nephew need affection and security more than a lavish lifestyle. But as the children conspire to bring their aunt and uncle together, a new vision fills his head—of future Christmases spent with sweet, determined Lavinia and their growing family. Can three little matchmakers, and the spirit of the season, bring the gift of a very happy beginning?
The best Christmas possible—that’s what Lavinia Crowne intends to provide before taking her orphaned nieces and nephew home to Philadelphia. But carrying out her plan may be harder than she expects, with their handsome, stubborn uncle, Henry Hawthorn, insisting on raising the children in rough-and-tumble Sutter Creek, California. Lavinia can’t bear to lose her late sister’s children, though, or go against her father’s demand to bring them home.
Henry believes his nieces and nephew need affection and security more than a lavish lifestyle. But as the children conspire to bring their aunt and uncle together, a new vision fills his head—of future Christmases spent with sweet, determined Lavinia and their growing family. Can three little matchmakers, and the spirit of the season, bring the gift of a very happy beginning?
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 7, 2017
16 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Keli Gwyn
13 books207 followersKeli Gwyn's stories transported readers to the 1800s, where she brought historic towns to life, peopled them with colorful characters, and added a hint of humor. She has retired from writing and is spending time with her husband and adorable cat.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 4, 2017
Three cute-as-a-button matchmakers don't take any prisoners when it comes to romance in Sutter Creek. They are out to ensure a family-size happily ever after, even if their aunt and uncle aren't on board. 'Tis the season when all things become possible and Lavinia and Henry don't stand a chance. They are both so stubborn -- though I have to admit to siding with Henry right from the start.
Lavinia was just sooooooo...well, wound tight, over-the-top ladylike and seemingly unable to see anything from anyone's perspective but her own. But as I got to know her I began to understand exactly why and this story is about her struggle to find the courage to make a stand. Henry helps...and infuriates...with his devotion to their nieces and nephew. Suddenly matters don't seem as clear as she thought -- especially when three conniving children are determined to orchestrate a very different outcome.
An inspirational holiday romance guaranteed to get readers into the Christmas spirit.
Lavinia was just sooooooo...well, wound tight, over-the-top ladylike and seemingly unable to see anything from anyone's perspective but her own. But as I got to know her I began to understand exactly why and this story is about her struggle to find the courage to make a stand. Henry helps...and infuriates...with his devotion to their nieces and nephew. Suddenly matters don't seem as clear as she thought -- especially when three conniving children are determined to orchestrate a very different outcome.
An inspirational holiday romance guaranteed to get readers into the Christmas spirit.
October 11, 2017
Lavinia and Henry arrive to take care of their nieces and nephew after their parents die. Henry has been given guardianship of the children. Lavinia has been brought up in privilege and believes that her father can give the children a better life. Even though her father has never acknowledged the children before, he is now interested in them. Lavinia sets out to win her case to take the children away from Henry. But the children are only interested in making a match between Lavinia and Henry! And even though Lavinia believes with all of her heart that she would be the better guardian, she cannot help but admire Henry and the way he is with the children.
Oh Lavinia, Lavinia! I say that while shaking my head! At one point I had to message the author and tell her that Lavinia needed a "Come to Jesus" talk! My goodness that girl made me want to reach through the pages and shake her til her teeth rattled! Henry was much more understanding than I ever would be. He admired Lavinia for her stubbornness because he knew that she didn't have a leg to stand on to get the children. He was so patient in helping Lavinia understand that her grand schemes were just what her sister had escaped from and that the children would appreciate a more simpler way of life. I love when a book gets you so involved in the characters that you feel as if you are a part of the family. When I finished reading I truly missed Henry and Lavinia. Being thrown together to care for the children and with the help of the scheming trio, Henry and Lavinia's romance developed slowly and naturally. Their Mistletoe Matchmakers was a sweet Christmas read that will definitely help get you into the holiday spirit!
Oh Lavinia, Lavinia! I say that while shaking my head! At one point I had to message the author and tell her that Lavinia needed a "Come to Jesus" talk! My goodness that girl made me want to reach through the pages and shake her til her teeth rattled! Henry was much more understanding than I ever would be. He admired Lavinia for her stubbornness because he knew that she didn't have a leg to stand on to get the children. He was so patient in helping Lavinia understand that her grand schemes were just what her sister had escaped from and that the children would appreciate a more simpler way of life. I love when a book gets you so involved in the characters that you feel as if you are a part of the family. When I finished reading I truly missed Henry and Lavinia. Being thrown together to care for the children and with the help of the scheming trio, Henry and Lavinia's romance developed slowly and naturally. Their Mistletoe Matchmakers was a sweet Christmas read that will definitely help get you into the holiday spirit!
December 10, 2017
The Mistletoe Matchmakers had their work cut out for them. Their Aunt Lavinia was stubborn! To be honest, I did not like her for most of the book. I must say that I loved their Uncle Henry right away.
Lavinia Crowne was a complicated person. Learning there was a more to life than what money could buy. She was breaking free from her father's strict rules but still planning on taking the children to live with him. She was developing feelings for Henry while trying to discredit him and take custody of the children. There were several times I actually told her (out loud) to open her eyes and see what was right in front of her. I was tempted to check the last page, something I never do, to see if she changes. I didn't, because this is where the author shines. Expertly crafting the story to melt my heart in the end.
The situation is difficult and very emotional. The children lost both of their parents in an accident. Their beloved uncle Henry is named their guardian in his brothers will. They've just met their mother's sister Lavinia and know nothing of her plan.
A few weeks spent together getting ready for Christmas bring the adults closer together. The children are smart and see the attraction between their aunt and uncle. Using mistletoe more than once and a little prompting, they finally get their wish. But that is not the end! There are still more touching moments and more drama to be had.
I read this book twice before writing this review. It was time well spent. I'm sure it will become one of my regular Christmastime reads.
Lavinia Crowne was a complicated person. Learning there was a more to life than what money could buy. She was breaking free from her father's strict rules but still planning on taking the children to live with him. She was developing feelings for Henry while trying to discredit him and take custody of the children. There were several times I actually told her (out loud) to open her eyes and see what was right in front of her. I was tempted to check the last page, something I never do, to see if she changes. I didn't, because this is where the author shines. Expertly crafting the story to melt my heart in the end.
The situation is difficult and very emotional. The children lost both of their parents in an accident. Their beloved uncle Henry is named their guardian in his brothers will. They've just met their mother's sister Lavinia and know nothing of her plan.
A few weeks spent together getting ready for Christmas bring the adults closer together. The children are smart and see the attraction between their aunt and uncle. Using mistletoe more than once and a little prompting, they finally get their wish. But that is not the end! There are still more touching moments and more drama to be had.
I read this book twice before writing this review. It was time well spent. I'm sure it will become one of my regular Christmastime reads.
October 19, 2017
Lavinia Crowne and Henry Hawthorn meet under a less than ideal situation when they must decide what is best for their nieces and nephew after the death of their parents. Not only are the children dealing with grief, they are too by losing both a sister and brother. Lavinia is instructed by her overbearing & rich father to bring the children to Philadelphia after the Christmas holiday and Henry is their legal guardian determined to keep them in Sutter Creek, CA. These two are at a crossroad with no easy solution, so the question remains, what will happen to the children?
Lavinia is one character I can relate to, she's stubborn, determined, tenacious to a fault and goes after what she wants! She believes she has a strong case in being able to obtain guardianship of her sister's children and won't take no for an answer. Henry is just as determined to keep the children in his care and show Lavinia that a family is made up of love and affection more than the things riches can buy. As time goes by, she begins to admire his devotion and gentle nature that brings out the best in eight year old Alex, six year old Marcie and four year old Dot. As for the children, they add their own delightful personalities, fun and a little mischief thrown in the mix! I found this to be a warm & satisfying Christmas themed story full of love, faith, learning the more important things in life and ending in sweet romance to satisfy the heart.
Side-note: this is the last book Keli Gwyn will be writing since the announcement Love Inspired will be discontinuing the historical line of books in 2018. For me, it is very bittersweet since I've enjoyed so many stories by her and have gotten to know her through them. She brings the reader a great deal of joy, strong faith-themed stories, and many fun characters to life in her novels. I will truly miss seeing her books on the shelves!
* I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions are my own. *
Lavinia is one character I can relate to, she's stubborn, determined, tenacious to a fault and goes after what she wants! She believes she has a strong case in being able to obtain guardianship of her sister's children and won't take no for an answer. Henry is just as determined to keep the children in his care and show Lavinia that a family is made up of love and affection more than the things riches can buy. As time goes by, she begins to admire his devotion and gentle nature that brings out the best in eight year old Alex, six year old Marcie and four year old Dot. As for the children, they add their own delightful personalities, fun and a little mischief thrown in the mix! I found this to be a warm & satisfying Christmas themed story full of love, faith, learning the more important things in life and ending in sweet romance to satisfy the heart.
Side-note: this is the last book Keli Gwyn will be writing since the announcement Love Inspired will be discontinuing the historical line of books in 2018. For me, it is very bittersweet since I've enjoyed so many stories by her and have gotten to know her through them. She brings the reader a great deal of joy, strong faith-themed stories, and many fun characters to life in her novels. I will truly miss seeing her books on the shelves!
* I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions are my own. *
December 23, 2017
An enjoyable historical Christmas romance set in Sutter Creek, CA. Three orphan children being cared for by their paternal uncle after their parents' death. Lavinia, their maternal aunt, arriving in Sutter Creek saw the roughness of this new area, after having a life of luxury but not experiencing a loving relationship with her father. Three young children only had one goal in mind. Will the mistletoe bring what they want to happen? Readers will experience history and the importance of a simpler lifestyle that brought love, joy, and contentment into lives during 1860. I've enjoyed every back I've read by Keli Gwyn and know this is her last one she will be writing. Her historical romance books with Love Inspired will be missed.
January 12, 2018
Such an awesome Christmas story that can be enjoyed any time of year and one I would want to read again. What's not to like with 3 precious little matchmakers. Add in the cant put down factor and the inspirational thread and you have a winner.
December 18, 2022
This lovely little mess of bad writing begins with Lavinia Crowe, Philadelphia socialite, walking down a street and a giant limb from an oak dropping on her. But don't worry, in 'Love, Inspired's lollipop world of impossibilities, she doesn't get a single scratch - she's just conveniently trapped under the enormous branches so that the hero can not only lift it off her heroically, but sweep her up in his arms and carry her to safety.
Melodramatic, much?
Oh, it gets better. The hero is none other than Henry, her brother in law who was a 'dirty-handed', 'obtuse' and 'low class' blacksmith. He and his brother - also a blacksmith - met the Crowes while doing a job at one of her father's hotels. There, his brother fell in love with her sister, married her, whisked her off to blacksmith in California's gold country, and then died on an anniversary boat ride. Which is par for 'Love Inspired's course.
Except then Gwyn changes the story, and Henry isn't *REALLY* a blacksmith - he owns a hotel. But he wants to own a restaurant. Because he was paid for a smithy job once with cooking lessons from the country's top chef E.V.E.R., so he's a five-star chef, and wants to do that. Except he has to sell his hotel. Except he's got to take over the care of his three nephews/nieces.
At which point Gwyn changes the story again, and his brother wasn't a SMITHY, he was the deal-maker/salesman for the smithy-ing that Henry was doing. And the brother didn't do the wrought iron on his own house, it was done by Henry... who was at that point NOT a smithy, but owned a hotel.
Following? Of course you are. Because it *ALL MAKES SO MUCH SENSE*.
And it gets better. Lavinia has come to town to create THE MOST LAVISH holiday ever for her nieces/nephews before she whisks them back to Philadelphia to become their guardian, based on the word of her sister (while Henry has a will from both the sister AND brother making him the legal guardian). Add to that the fact that Lavinia's father hated Henry's brother, and by default will treat the kids as second class citizens. He wouldn't let Lavinia visit once in the past TEN YEARS, and is only allowing her travel there because he has hotel interests and a man who was going that way, anyhow (and to shut her up).
He's restrictive, judgmental, cold, abusive to her, a megalomaniac... but Lavinia is CONVINCED that taking the children home to his house is THE BEST option for them. Period. To the point where she's going to undermine Henry at every turn and contest the will, using money and underhanded means to get what she wants.
Sound like an 'inspirational' book? Cuz... HOW ABOUT NO!?
And of course Henry is SOOOOO amazing that he's making Thanksgiving dinner by himself and shaving chocolate to put on cocoa and... then the author has him put a block of ice under the shelf in the oven, to turn it into an icebox. Um... you DO realize that cold air sinks, right? You want to cool something, you put the ice ABOVE it.
**sigh.**
Anyhow, the whole thing is Mr. Too-Good-To-Be-Real being sniped at by snooty, uptight Miss, and it's jut NOT enjoyable. And I thought, "I... have SO MUCH better to read. Why am I holding this horrible thing in my hands?"
So I stopped. DNF @ pg 56.
Melodramatic, much?
Oh, it gets better. The hero is none other than Henry, her brother in law who was a 'dirty-handed', 'obtuse' and 'low class' blacksmith. He and his brother - also a blacksmith - met the Crowes while doing a job at one of her father's hotels. There, his brother fell in love with her sister, married her, whisked her off to blacksmith in California's gold country, and then died on an anniversary boat ride. Which is par for 'Love Inspired's course.
Except then Gwyn changes the story, and Henry isn't *REALLY* a blacksmith - he owns a hotel. But he wants to own a restaurant. Because he was paid for a smithy job once with cooking lessons from the country's top chef E.V.E.R., so he's a five-star chef, and wants to do that. Except he has to sell his hotel. Except he's got to take over the care of his three nephews/nieces.
At which point Gwyn changes the story again, and his brother wasn't a SMITHY, he was the deal-maker/salesman for the smithy-ing that Henry was doing. And the brother didn't do the wrought iron on his own house, it was done by Henry... who was at that point NOT a smithy, but owned a hotel.
Following? Of course you are. Because it *ALL MAKES SO MUCH SENSE*.
And it gets better. Lavinia has come to town to create THE MOST LAVISH holiday ever for her nieces/nephews before she whisks them back to Philadelphia to become their guardian, based on the word of her sister (while Henry has a will from both the sister AND brother making him the legal guardian). Add to that the fact that Lavinia's father hated Henry's brother, and by default will treat the kids as second class citizens. He wouldn't let Lavinia visit once in the past TEN YEARS, and is only allowing her travel there because he has hotel interests and a man who was going that way, anyhow (and to shut her up).
He's restrictive, judgmental, cold, abusive to her, a megalomaniac... but Lavinia is CONVINCED that taking the children home to his house is THE BEST option for them. Period. To the point where she's going to undermine Henry at every turn and contest the will, using money and underhanded means to get what she wants.
Sound like an 'inspirational' book? Cuz... HOW ABOUT NO!?
And of course Henry is SOOOOO amazing that he's making Thanksgiving dinner by himself and shaving chocolate to put on cocoa and... then the author has him put a block of ice under the shelf in the oven, to turn it into an icebox. Um... you DO realize that cold air sinks, right? You want to cool something, you put the ice ABOVE it.
**sigh.**
Anyhow, the whole thing is Mr. Too-Good-To-Be-Real being sniped at by snooty, uptight Miss, and it's jut NOT enjoyable. And I thought, "I... have SO MUCH better to read. Why am I holding this horrible thing in my hands?"
So I stopped. DNF @ pg 56.
November 1, 2017
A Christmas story filled with family warmth and sparkling romance!
Wealthy Lavinia Crowne travels to Sutter Creek, California, to bring her orphaned nieces and nephew back to her father’s home in Philadelphia. Henry Hawthorn gives up his plan to be a chef in his own restaurant in order to provide a stable home for his deceased brother’s children.
The three children who serve as matchmakers in this story add charm and delight, as do the interesting additional townsfolk of Sutter Creek. But it is the challenging road to a happy-ever-after which grabbed my heart as Lavinia and Henry struggle to do what’s best for their young nieces and nephew. Henry is amazing, self-sacrificing and swoon-worthy. At times, I wanted to scream at Lavinia....”Don’t do that!” But I sympathized with her motivation. I held my breath as the looming conflict intensified.
Just wait till you get to the ending....perfect! A perfect surprise gift, not to mention perfect kisses.
The details of Christmas celebrations in earlier times have me anticipating Christmas even more....along with gingerbread and spiced cider. The spiritual thought of seeking God’s plan for our lives was beautifully and meaningfully expressed.
I highly recommend Their Mistletoe Matchmakers by Keli Gwyn!
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a positive review. I’m delighted to offer my honest review.
Wealthy Lavinia Crowne travels to Sutter Creek, California, to bring her orphaned nieces and nephew back to her father’s home in Philadelphia. Henry Hawthorn gives up his plan to be a chef in his own restaurant in order to provide a stable home for his deceased brother’s children.
The three children who serve as matchmakers in this story add charm and delight, as do the interesting additional townsfolk of Sutter Creek. But it is the challenging road to a happy-ever-after which grabbed my heart as Lavinia and Henry struggle to do what’s best for their young nieces and nephew. Henry is amazing, self-sacrificing and swoon-worthy. At times, I wanted to scream at Lavinia....”Don’t do that!” But I sympathized with her motivation. I held my breath as the looming conflict intensified.
Just wait till you get to the ending....perfect! A perfect surprise gift, not to mention perfect kisses.
The details of Christmas celebrations in earlier times have me anticipating Christmas even more....along with gingerbread and spiced cider. The spiritual thought of seeking God’s plan for our lives was beautifully and meaningfully expressed.
I highly recommend Their Mistletoe Matchmakers by Keli Gwyn!
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a positive review. I’m delighted to offer my honest review.
December 25, 2017
Wonderful story
The hero was guardian to his nephew and his nieces. One day there aunt showed up challenging his guardianship. She is determined to take the children back to Philadelphia. She didn't think about the children, or how their uncle would feel. She was doing this to please her father. Couldn't she see how her father had disowned her sister, because she married the children's father, who he thought was below him. He thought the children's father was not good enough. Why would she want to subject the children to someone who only cared about building an empire, but not carrying for his family or the people that worked for him. I am so glad God is not like that, God cares for us all. Thank you Father
The hero was guardian to his nephew and his nieces. One day there aunt showed up challenging his guardianship. She is determined to take the children back to Philadelphia. She didn't think about the children, or how their uncle would feel. She was doing this to please her father. Couldn't she see how her father had disowned her sister, because she married the children's father, who he thought was below him. He thought the children's father was not good enough. Why would she want to subject the children to someone who only cared about building an empire, but not carrying for his family or the people that worked for him. I am so glad God is not like that, God cares for us all. Thank you Father
November 2, 2017
Their Mistletoe Matchmakers is another fun and sweet story by Keli Gwyn. I love her stories. They are always fun, sweet and heartwarming. This story definitely did not disappoint. I loved Lavinia and loved how she would do anything for the adorable children. Then in walked in Henry and the story really began. Love it!
A fabulous, sweet and clean historical romance. I highly recommend this book, as well as, any other book written by Keli Gwyn.
Most definitely a well deserved 5 plus stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A fabulous, sweet and clean historical romance. I highly recommend this book, as well as, any other book written by Keli Gwyn.
Most definitely a well deserved 5 plus stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
December 13, 2017
Meh. It was "okay" but not overly inspiring or engaging.
January 1, 2018
I wasn’t a fan of the story in the first half of the book. I didn’t like the deception going on. I kept reading and did like the ending.
April 12, 2018
Another hit from Keli. She did an excellent job on this one, just as I would expect her to write.
February 11, 2019
Keeps you guessing
I enjoyed the story and the continuing surprises as the book neared the end. I will buy and read more of her books!
I enjoyed the story and the continuing surprises as the book neared the end. I will buy and read more of her books!
March 10, 2020
Wonderful book!
January 17, 2020
Finally, a novel from the larger Harlequin Romance umbrella I can give a full 5 stars to! This book has a very sweet and believable romance, and the plot's conflict is equally believable regarding the custody matters concerning the two protagonists' shared nieces and nephew.
Truth be told, it took me a little time to get into this one, but once I did, I was hooked. The story is very clean, well-written, and it moves at a fair pace. As far as the historical fiction aspect is concerned, the setting takes place during the time of the California Gold Rush, but there is little in the book concerning the Gold Rush itself. The focus stays more with the protagonists and their growth as individuals (especially our female protagonist) and their budding romance.
I think my only complaint is that towards the very tail end of the book, our female protagonist's controlling father shows up, and the entire purpose of his appearance feels very deus ex machina to get the plot to progress in a very specific direction. Other than that however, this is a very sweet, feel-good seasonal romance and I definitely recommend it, even if you're not usually a romance reader.
Truth be told, it took me a little time to get into this one, but once I did, I was hooked. The story is very clean, well-written, and it moves at a fair pace. As far as the historical fiction aspect is concerned, the setting takes place during the time of the California Gold Rush, but there is little in the book concerning the Gold Rush itself. The focus stays more with the protagonists and their growth as individuals (especially our female protagonist) and their budding romance.
I think my only complaint is that towards the very tail end of the book, our female protagonist's controlling father shows up, and the entire purpose of his appearance feels very deus ex machina to get the plot to progress in a very specific direction. Other than that however, this is a very sweet, feel-good seasonal romance and I definitely recommend it, even if you're not usually a romance reader.
December 30, 2017
I was excited to win this book on a blog, and I wasn’t disappointed when I read it. I love this author’s writing style, her characters in her stories, and the history she includes. The children in the story are adorable! While the heroine was frustrating through most of the story, she was also admirable for her strength. I have enjoyed and learned so many things through this author’s writings, and I only regret that this is her last. I chose freely to leave my own honest review for this wonderful sweet, historical fiction book.
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