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Christmas Wishes #3
The Jingle Bell Bride
New York wedding planner Jessica Christie always goes above and beyond for her clients. So, stopping in Alaska to pick up the famed Jingle Bell flower for her famous client's bouquet doesn't seem too outrageous–until she ends up stranded there.
Matt Holden has spent the last five years since his fiancée died, living in a virtual bubble in Alaska. His research work as a botanist and assistant at the local reindeer farm keep him busy during the holidays.
But when Jessica Christie bursts into his life, all bets are off. Her stay is definitely temporary, but the feelings she ignites aren't. Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right?
Matt Holden has spent the last five years since his fiancée died, living in a virtual bubble in Alaska. His research work as a botanist and assistant at the local reindeer farm keep him busy during the holidays.
But when Jessica Christie bursts into his life, all bets are off. Her stay is definitely temporary, but the feelings she ignites aren't. Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
95 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 26, 2017
Jessica Christie is a wedding planner in New York that usually has those celebrity clients that need to have everything just perfect for their special day and of course better than the last big wedding in town. Jessica prides herself on staying organized and on top of every last wish that any bride could possibly make and making their dreams come to life. Her latest client has been especially demanding so when she gets a last minute call that the bride wants to use special flowers only grown in Alaska for her bouquet she's not surprised until she learns that she's the one expected to fly to Alaska to pick up those flowers.
Matt Holden has spent the last five years living in Alaska somewhat hiding from life since his fiancee died. Matt enjoys the peace of the small town isolated life that Alaska brings while he works in a greenhouse studying a wide variety of plant life but also running a reindeer farm as a second income. When Matt received the phone call from a frantic bride he tried explaining coming to Alaska for flowers wasn't a good idea but next he knows he's getting a phone call to meet Jessica at their small airport. Unfortunately for Jessica she's landed right as an Alaskan blizzard is hitting and flights will be grounded for a few days so Matt offers to give her a place to stay at his lodge until the weather clears.
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson is the second book of the Christmas Brides series. The opening book of the series had completely different main characters and also the setting has changed so each book is definitely find to be read as a standalone. I would warn readers that the plot in this one is very fast paced as the relationship forms over just five days so those that prefer a more slow growing courtship would probably not enjoy the instant connection in here.
For me I really enjoyed these two characters and their distinct personalities so I didn't mind the quick setting of the story. Jessica was a rather cute frazzled type of lead with her lists and charts trying to stay on top of her job but she had big dreams of owning a library which sounded rather nice. Matt is getting over the loss of the love of his life and just coming to terms with it may be time to move on so even with the quick timing of the story it still felt slower as the two came together. In the end I thought it was a beautiful clean romance with a lovely couple and would definitely recommend this holiday romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Matt Holden has spent the last five years living in Alaska somewhat hiding from life since his fiancee died. Matt enjoys the peace of the small town isolated life that Alaska brings while he works in a greenhouse studying a wide variety of plant life but also running a reindeer farm as a second income. When Matt received the phone call from a frantic bride he tried explaining coming to Alaska for flowers wasn't a good idea but next he knows he's getting a phone call to meet Jessica at their small airport. Unfortunately for Jessica she's landed right as an Alaskan blizzard is hitting and flights will be grounded for a few days so Matt offers to give her a place to stay at his lodge until the weather clears.
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson is the second book of the Christmas Brides series. The opening book of the series had completely different main characters and also the setting has changed so each book is definitely find to be read as a standalone. I would warn readers that the plot in this one is very fast paced as the relationship forms over just five days so those that prefer a more slow growing courtship would probably not enjoy the instant connection in here.
For me I really enjoyed these two characters and their distinct personalities so I didn't mind the quick setting of the story. Jessica was a rather cute frazzled type of lead with her lists and charts trying to stay on top of her job but she had big dreams of owning a library which sounded rather nice. Matt is getting over the loss of the love of his life and just coming to terms with it may be time to move on so even with the quick timing of the story it still felt slower as the two came together. In the end I thought it was a beautiful clean romance with a lovely couple and would definitely recommend this holiday romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 8, 2021
This was a really quick holiday romance that was cute, but not something I was overly invested in. The heroine is a cliched New York wealthy woman stuck in a small town. She even says she's shocked she can buy a whole outfit for $200 in the town she's snowed in at because she bought a shirt for $200 a week before...okay. She was so obsessed with her job and then had this other dream and it just felt like something placed as part of her character and not something genuine I could believe in. Why the other dream? Why is she a wedding planner then?
I thought the whole town was cute, but the romance was just okay. It was definitely insta-love and rushed, but this was a short book, so insta-love is bound to happen. She also gets mad at him for something that I think wasn't too big of a deal, and I usually don't love when a character overreacts for conflict in a book. While it wasn't a bad romance, it wasn't anything special.
I thought the whole town was cute, but the romance was just okay. It was definitely insta-love and rushed, but this was a short book, so insta-love is bound to happen. She also gets mad at him for something that I think wasn't too big of a deal, and I usually don't love when a character overreacts for conflict in a book. While it wasn't a bad romance, it wasn't anything special.
November 23, 2020
3.5 Figuring Out What's Important Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-Only 99 cents!!!
Yes, the book is about Christmas time and I am reading it in September... But, hey...We can always use a little Christmas cheer...
Jessica Christie has devoted her recent life to becoming the Wedding Planner of the stars... or at least the Reality Stars who think they are someone! Jessica has the reputation of making sure everything is perfect... and her endless list keeping is the means to do it. With the ridiculous current client expecting everything to be changed on a whim, Jessica has not had a moment to relax...
In fact, Jessica can't remember what that feeling could even be....
Right now she is in the cab rushing to the airport to climb on a plane to London where this infamous wedding is about to take place in 6 days. As she juggles 3 huge suitcases with all the extras for this affair and the last minute 4th bridal dress, she hears the dreaded ring tone she gave the reality star bride...
Jessica listens to this next demand, not believing this is happening....She has been instructed to go to Alaska of all places to collect a very specific flower for the bridal bouquet...it seems it cannot be found anywhere except there and our star Must have it....
Fine. This is just great.
Rushing off to Alaska, Jessica doesn't even change clothes... there is no time.
She will just make sure she can get a turn-around flight and then dash off to London as planned.
When Jessica realizes this trip is not your regular jet to a place and then off again... it is too late. She is freezing her hiney off on a tiny little plane that seems to not be able to land because the place is located between two glaciers. When the plan does land... she is so out of her element, the pilot takes pity on her and calls Matt to pick her up.
You see Matt Holden is the botanist who was tortured over the phone by the bride. She wouldn't listen to reason... and she threw so much money at the research group who grew these flowers, they couldn't saw no. Matt tried to tell her the flowers probably wouldn't survive the trip to London but she wouldn't hear of it. Now he is on his way to the airport in the middle of a blizzard to pick up this woman who is supposed to transport them.
Fine.
These two people have been hibernating... Jessica has been using her business to hide from past relationship hurts. Matt's pain lies deeper... Matt had it all. He had his woman and they were happy. He popped the question and they were set to get married...but then Family interfered causing a delay for a big wedding. That delay cost Matt everything... his fiance was in an accident and her passing just about killed him.
Matt needed to get away from everything that reminded him of her so when a botanist research position opened up in Alaska... it sounded like an answer to his prayers. Away from everything. He has been there for 3 years and hasn't been interested in mixing or mingling or being set up by those in the close knit community.
Jessica is standing waiting for Matt and she is about to turn into a Popsicle. Through the curtain of white, she finally sees a glimmer of red... that turns out to be a truck. Matt gets out of the truck and immediately sees she is not dressed for the snow. He talks her into coming with him, back to his place as there will be no flights out of there for days. He even takes her to a store to get warm clothes so she will be able to withstand the cold.
Jessica is dying... she cannot believe this is happening. She has no cel reception, no internet, no flight out of there and there isn't even a hotel for her to stay in... She is at the good graces of this man she doesn't even know...But for some reason... she isn't afraid or thinks she should be... he is too real and down right handsome...not that it should factor into it...
But you know it does....
This is a sweet tale of two people who are just in the right place at the right time to be good for each other. They seem opposites and should not work... but as the snow keeps coming and they both learn more about each other... things begin to strip away and they connect on a deeper level.
There was a sweetness to their chemistry and sensuality... and the secondary story lines worked. It accomplished its Christmas goals for me.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-Only 99 cents!!!
Yes, the book is about Christmas time and I am reading it in September... But, hey...We can always use a little Christmas cheer...
Jessica Christie has devoted her recent life to becoming the Wedding Planner of the stars... or at least the Reality Stars who think they are someone! Jessica has the reputation of making sure everything is perfect... and her endless list keeping is the means to do it. With the ridiculous current client expecting everything to be changed on a whim, Jessica has not had a moment to relax...
In fact, Jessica can't remember what that feeling could even be....
Right now she is in the cab rushing to the airport to climb on a plane to London where this infamous wedding is about to take place in 6 days. As she juggles 3 huge suitcases with all the extras for this affair and the last minute 4th bridal dress, she hears the dreaded ring tone she gave the reality star bride...
Jessica listens to this next demand, not believing this is happening....She has been instructed to go to Alaska of all places to collect a very specific flower for the bridal bouquet...it seems it cannot be found anywhere except there and our star Must have it....
Fine. This is just great.
Rushing off to Alaska, Jessica doesn't even change clothes... there is no time.
She will just make sure she can get a turn-around flight and then dash off to London as planned.
When Jessica realizes this trip is not your regular jet to a place and then off again... it is too late. She is freezing her hiney off on a tiny little plane that seems to not be able to land because the place is located between two glaciers. When the plan does land... she is so out of her element, the pilot takes pity on her and calls Matt to pick her up.
You see Matt Holden is the botanist who was tortured over the phone by the bride. She wouldn't listen to reason... and she threw so much money at the research group who grew these flowers, they couldn't saw no. Matt tried to tell her the flowers probably wouldn't survive the trip to London but she wouldn't hear of it. Now he is on his way to the airport in the middle of a blizzard to pick up this woman who is supposed to transport them.
Fine.
These two people have been hibernating... Jessica has been using her business to hide from past relationship hurts. Matt's pain lies deeper... Matt had it all. He had his woman and they were happy. He popped the question and they were set to get married...but then Family interfered causing a delay for a big wedding. That delay cost Matt everything... his fiance was in an accident and her passing just about killed him.
Matt needed to get away from everything that reminded him of her so when a botanist research position opened up in Alaska... it sounded like an answer to his prayers. Away from everything. He has been there for 3 years and hasn't been interested in mixing or mingling or being set up by those in the close knit community.
Jessica is standing waiting for Matt and she is about to turn into a Popsicle. Through the curtain of white, she finally sees a glimmer of red... that turns out to be a truck. Matt gets out of the truck and immediately sees she is not dressed for the snow. He talks her into coming with him, back to his place as there will be no flights out of there for days. He even takes her to a store to get warm clothes so she will be able to withstand the cold.
Jessica is dying... she cannot believe this is happening. She has no cel reception, no internet, no flight out of there and there isn't even a hotel for her to stay in... She is at the good graces of this man she doesn't even know...But for some reason... she isn't afraid or thinks she should be... he is too real and down right handsome...not that it should factor into it...
But you know it does....
This is a sweet tale of two people who are just in the right place at the right time to be good for each other. They seem opposites and should not work... but as the snow keeps coming and they both learn more about each other... things begin to strip away and they connect on a deeper level.
There was a sweetness to their chemistry and sensuality... and the secondary story lines worked. It accomplished its Christmas goals for me.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 21, 2022
4.5 stars:
The perfect read for Christmas. It’s cute, quick and fun. It’s the simple story of being snowed in together and finding your HEA. Plus it’s in Alaska with the northern lights snd reindeers a flight. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
The perfect read for Christmas. It’s cute, quick and fun. It’s the simple story of being snowed in together and finding your HEA. Plus it’s in Alaska with the northern lights snd reindeers a flight. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
September 23, 2017
The wedding planner vs the Alaskan wilderness. This was a nice Christmassy contemporary romance.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 15, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2017/11/...
3 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
Hmmm...well, this one started off pretty good. I was intrigued, I thought the premise seemed interesting. But at some point my interest waned. And I never really got it back. It wasn't a bad book, but it was very very meh. If I wasn't reading towards a challenge and this wasn't a NetGalley ARC, I probably would have just abandoned it in favour of something that would better keep my attention.
In the end I think I just wasn't that enamoured with our characters. Maybe I just didn't quite understand what made them tick. I just wasn't able to fall in love with either of them. Jessica was SOOOOO high strung, and I couldn't understand the disconnect between her celebrity wedding planner life and her supposed dream of a bookstore. Like they were pretty far apart, so she kind of felt like 2 different people. I did like when she was sweet, and how understanding she could be with Matt. And she felt very child-like at times. I just don't get how that child-likeness remained in the life she led. *shrugs*
And Matt had his own good moments, but he was also kind of dismissive of certain things about Jessica, poo-pooing her job and certain aspects of her personality. I get that that wasn't necessarily the "real" her, but then again, it has to be somewhat her. Just seemed kind of dick-ish.
And their chemistry was only OK for me. It was slow slow slow, and then all of a sudden it kind of turned really fast. And while they acknowledged that the love was fast, that just felt like lampshading...saying it was fast doesn't discount that it was honestly unbelievably fast.
I liked the magic of Alaska though, and that atmosphere. I enjoyed the reindeer, though I can always stand for more reindeer...as my husband said, could use more ungulates.
So yeah. Not a terrible book by any means, just didn't capture my attention.
3 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
Hmmm...well, this one started off pretty good. I was intrigued, I thought the premise seemed interesting. But at some point my interest waned. And I never really got it back. It wasn't a bad book, but it was very very meh. If I wasn't reading towards a challenge and this wasn't a NetGalley ARC, I probably would have just abandoned it in favour of something that would better keep my attention.
In the end I think I just wasn't that enamoured with our characters. Maybe I just didn't quite understand what made them tick. I just wasn't able to fall in love with either of them. Jessica was SOOOOO high strung, and I couldn't understand the disconnect between her celebrity wedding planner life and her supposed dream of a bookstore. Like they were pretty far apart, so she kind of felt like 2 different people. I did like when she was sweet, and how understanding she could be with Matt. And she felt very child-like at times. I just don't get how that child-likeness remained in the life she led. *shrugs*
And Matt had his own good moments, but he was also kind of dismissive of certain things about Jessica, poo-pooing her job and certain aspects of her personality. I get that that wasn't necessarily the "real" her, but then again, it has to be somewhat her. Just seemed kind of dick-ish.
And their chemistry was only OK for me. It was slow slow slow, and then all of a sudden it kind of turned really fast. And while they acknowledged that the love was fast, that just felt like lampshading...saying it was fast doesn't discount that it was honestly unbelievably fast.
I liked the magic of Alaska though, and that atmosphere. I enjoyed the reindeer, though I can always stand for more reindeer...as my husband said, could use more ungulates.
So yeah. Not a terrible book by any means, just didn't capture my attention.
October 30, 2017
This was a good, cozy, heartwarming romance, my first book by this author. Jessica is a wedding planner in New York. She always gives her clients 100% of her time and effort. Unfortunately, celebrity, Renee, demands more. Now she's insisting on incorporating the jingle bell flower into her wedding bouquet and the only place Jessica can obtain it is Alaska. She arranges a flight, believing she can stop in Alaska, pick up the flower, and head on over to London in time to take care of all the last minute arrangements for Renee's wedding.
Matt is a botanist carrying out important research in Alaska. He also takes care of a reindeer farm. He's the person Jessica is to meet at the airport, the one with the jingle bell flower. Which is fine on both their parts. Until the weather deteriorates and Jessica ends up stranded with Matt.
Really liked the characters and the story gives you a good idea of what life is like in Alaska. Although Jessica is on the verge of a full fledged meltdown over the wedding, she can't help but be attracted to Matt. He's everything she always wanted in a man. Matt is equally charmed. Too bad Jessica lives an entire continent away.
Matt is a botanist carrying out important research in Alaska. He also takes care of a reindeer farm. He's the person Jessica is to meet at the airport, the one with the jingle bell flower. Which is fine on both their parts. Until the weather deteriorates and Jessica ends up stranded with Matt.
Really liked the characters and the story gives you a good idea of what life is like in Alaska. Although Jessica is on the verge of a full fledged meltdown over the wedding, she can't help but be attracted to Matt. He's everything she always wanted in a man. Matt is equally charmed. Too bad Jessica lives an entire continent away.
October 14, 2017
Jessica Christie is a wedding in New York City and is planning a wedding for a reality star and she is driving her crazy with all of the changes. The wedding is not even taking place in New York but at a castle. On her way to the airport with the fourth wedding dress she receives a call from the bride saying she would like a flower for her bouquet called the jingle bell flower. By the way it is grown in Alaska. She change her flight to the directions that were given to her and she finds herself in a small town names Corona Creek. She also meets the Botanist named Matt Holden who has been living there for three years after something happened in his life. Now after meeting him and thinking she will get the plant and leave. The town is hit with a massive snow storm and she is stuck for a couple of weeks. Together with Matt they work out a plan to make things work or so it seems. A lot of good scenes with the town people and the older couple that Matt works for that own a reindeer farm. A very good story about two people finding themselves. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com t
October 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this fun cute read. Set in Alaska, I could picture all the winter beauty from the authors very descriptive writing. When wedding planner Jessica Christie finds herself stranded in an Alaskan cabin with a virtual stranger rather than on her way to London and the wedding she's been working on she has a moment or ten of panic. Stopping to pick up the Jingle Bell flowers for the bride's bouquet should have been easy but Mother Nature has different plans. Matt Holden has been in Alaska for the last three years, licking the wounds the death of his fiance caused. He's content with his work as a botanist at the local college and his work at the reindeer farm. He doesn't need some big city girl crashing into his world, igniting unwelcome feelings and tempting him. The sooner he can get her out of here the better!
A great holiday read that I highly recommend.
A great holiday read that I highly recommend.
December 16, 2020
The Jingle Bell Bride (Christmas Brides Book 2)
The love story of Matt and Jessica. Jessica is a wedding planner. She is planning a wedding for a famous star who is very demanding. She wants a very special plant call "the Jingle Bell" and it grows only in Alaska. So off to Alaska to get it. She get snow in and met the man who grows the plant. Will she get the plant to London or will she find love? Great story.
The love story of Matt and Jessica. Jessica is a wedding planner. She is planning a wedding for a famous star who is very demanding. She wants a very special plant call "the Jingle Bell" and it grows only in Alaska. So off to Alaska to get it. She get snow in and met the man who grows the plant. Will she get the plant to London or will she find love? Great story.
October 6, 2017
Scarlet Wilson is a great writer who delivers again. The Jingle Bell Bride is the perfect book to read this Christmas season. It's a sweet romance that can be read in an afternoon.
December 14, 2020
Cute story
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
Summary
Jessica has spent years becoming a sought-after wedding planner to celebrities, but her unspoken dream is to own a bookstore and encourage literacy. She's just picked up the fourth dress and is on the way to the airport when her current client, Renee, calls to tell Jessica to fly to Alaska to get the Jingle Bell flower for her bouquet. There's no saying no to this woman. Jessica's plane lands safely, barely, in a snowstorm. She expects to take a cab, get the flower, then fly back to Anchorage and then to London (Renee is getting married in a castle). The pilot sees she's alone and tells her that there won't be flights for at least a day, there are no cabs, and there are no hotels. All she has is the botanist's name and address. The pilot calls Matt for her, then leaves. She's alone with no cell signal and no wifi. When Matt arrives, he sees a New Yorker who must be something like her boss, especially because she's in stilettos. Deb whispers in his mind to be kind and help her. He offers his guest room for the night, and, on the way home, takes her shopping for Alaska-worthy clothes. He's a botanist for the university, but that doesn't pay the bills, so he also helps David and Mary with their reindeer farm. The snow keeps falling, she has to use his landline to make all her calls, she can't send emails, and he cooks.
Evaluation
I so relate to Jessica! She has color-coded lists, lots of them, and list-making is her refuge. I appreciate the insight via Matt as to how someone can find love a second time. His wisdom to live in the moment balances her need to plan for the future. The story has too much thinking in relation to dialog, and punctuation was sorely misused. Still, I enjoyed their story.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to those who like clean Christmas romances. I especially recommend this to those who keep lists.
Favorite Quotes
[Flying in a small plane] was like some really bad fairground ride that one went on looking all pristine, and came off looking as though they’d just wrestled a bear.
[Matt gives Jessica his phone to call anyone on there to verify he's safe to stay the night with because she's stranded] *Please don’t let it be my mom.* She’d start knitting baby clothes.
“You live. You die. Everything else is just salad dressing.”
“The social intricacies of reindeer. And I thought celebrities were bad.”
Possible Triggers (spoilers)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: none
Critique (spoilers)
Does any family come for the wedding? I'd cut my Hawaii vacation short and haul my sister to my daughter's wedding. What about Mitch?
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
Summary
Jessica has spent years becoming a sought-after wedding planner to celebrities, but her unspoken dream is to own a bookstore and encourage literacy. She's just picked up the fourth dress and is on the way to the airport when her current client, Renee, calls to tell Jessica to fly to Alaska to get the Jingle Bell flower for her bouquet. There's no saying no to this woman. Jessica's plane lands safely, barely, in a snowstorm. She expects to take a cab, get the flower, then fly back to Anchorage and then to London (Renee is getting married in a castle). The pilot sees she's alone and tells her that there won't be flights for at least a day, there are no cabs, and there are no hotels. All she has is the botanist's name and address. The pilot calls Matt for her, then leaves. She's alone with no cell signal and no wifi. When Matt arrives, he sees a New Yorker who must be something like her boss, especially because she's in stilettos. Deb whispers in his mind to be kind and help her. He offers his guest room for the night, and, on the way home, takes her shopping for Alaska-worthy clothes. He's a botanist for the university, but that doesn't pay the bills, so he also helps David and Mary with their reindeer farm. The snow keeps falling, she has to use his landline to make all her calls, she can't send emails, and he cooks.
Evaluation
I so relate to Jessica! She has color-coded lists, lots of them, and list-making is her refuge. I appreciate the insight via Matt as to how someone can find love a second time. His wisdom to live in the moment balances her need to plan for the future. The story has too much thinking in relation to dialog, and punctuation was sorely misused. Still, I enjoyed their story.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to those who like clean Christmas romances. I especially recommend this to those who keep lists.
Favorite Quotes
[Flying in a small plane] was like some really bad fairground ride that one went on looking all pristine, and came off looking as though they’d just wrestled a bear.
[Matt gives Jessica his phone to call anyone on there to verify he's safe to stay the night with because she's stranded] *Please don’t let it be my mom.* She’d start knitting baby clothes.
“You live. You die. Everything else is just salad dressing.”
“The social intricacies of reindeer. And I thought celebrities were bad.”
Possible Triggers (spoilers)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: none
Critique (spoilers)
Does any family come for the wedding? I'd cut my Hawaii vacation short and haul my sister to my daughter's wedding. What about Mitch?
October 4, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
When you deal with the fantasy of reality stars weddings then you know to expect anything and be prepared for the bridezilla of epic size to emerge. Well, maybe Christie expected the bridezilla part, after all she’s made a successful business catering to the every whim of some of the most famous brides around – but this one was over the top. Detour from everything else to head to Alaska for one elusive flower for the bride’s bouquet? Really? Completely unprepared for what was ahead of her Christie mumbles a few choice words and set out to cater to every stupid whim of this crazy bridezilla. She didn’t expect to be caught in a blizzard, she certainly didn’t expect the man who held access to that flower to be so handsome or tug at her own heart. No, she was not prepared… to fall in love.
On the surface Matt and Christie seem so totally different, but the surface is only the beginning. It’s what lies beneath that truly matters. I enjoyed The Jingle Bell Bride very much. It has chuckle out loud moments, a few emotional tears moments and the magic of the season wrapped up in the raw beauty of Alaska. When the woman Matt had loved and planned a life with died, he believed everything important in his life died with her. To watch him come alive again, to realize that we can get more than one chance at happiness was such an emotional journey.
This one was a fun experience, and I’d definitely recommend it for any Romance reader who enjoys holiday romances, and seeing two people who deserve happiness… find it.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
When you deal with the fantasy of reality stars weddings then you know to expect anything and be prepared for the bridezilla of epic size to emerge. Well, maybe Christie expected the bridezilla part, after all she’s made a successful business catering to the every whim of some of the most famous brides around – but this one was over the top. Detour from everything else to head to Alaska for one elusive flower for the bride’s bouquet? Really? Completely unprepared for what was ahead of her Christie mumbles a few choice words and set out to cater to every stupid whim of this crazy bridezilla. She didn’t expect to be caught in a blizzard, she certainly didn’t expect the man who held access to that flower to be so handsome or tug at her own heart. No, she was not prepared… to fall in love.
On the surface Matt and Christie seem so totally different, but the surface is only the beginning. It’s what lies beneath that truly matters. I enjoyed The Jingle Bell Bride very much. It has chuckle out loud moments, a few emotional tears moments and the magic of the season wrapped up in the raw beauty of Alaska. When the woman Matt had loved and planned a life with died, he believed everything important in his life died with her. To watch him come alive again, to realize that we can get more than one chance at happiness was such an emotional journey.
This one was a fun experience, and I’d definitely recommend it for any Romance reader who enjoys holiday romances, and seeing two people who deserve happiness… find it.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 3, 2017
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson
New York wedding planner Jessica Christie always goes above and beyond for her clients. So, stopping in Alaska to pick up the famed Jingle Bell flower for her famous client’s bouquet doesn’t seem too outrageous–until she ends up stranded there.
Matt Holden has spent the last five years since his fiancée died, living in a virtual bubble in Alaska. His research work as a botanist and assistant at the local reindeer farm keep him busy during the holidays.
But when Jessica Christie bursts into his life, all bets are off. Her stay is definitely temporary, but the feelings she ignites aren’t. Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right?
this is Jessica Christie and Matt Holden's story.
She nodded in relief and held out her
hand. “Jessica Christie. Pleased to meet you. I’m the wedding planner for Renee.
“I’m Matt Holden. Are you the person looking
for the penstemon barbatus?”He sighed. “The jingle bell flower.
Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading.
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Scarlet's Books with Tule:
Christmas with the Laird
Christmas Around the World
The Fairy Tale Bride
Montana Born Brides
The Runaway Christmas Bride
Christmas Brides
A Royal Christmas Princess
Christmas Brides
The Jingle Bell Bride
Christmas Brides
New York wedding planner Jessica Christie always goes above and beyond for her clients. So, stopping in Alaska to pick up the famed Jingle Bell flower for her famous client’s bouquet doesn’t seem too outrageous–until she ends up stranded there.
Matt Holden has spent the last five years since his fiancée died, living in a virtual bubble in Alaska. His research work as a botanist and assistant at the local reindeer farm keep him busy during the holidays.
But when Jessica Christie bursts into his life, all bets are off. Her stay is definitely temporary, but the feelings she ignites aren’t. Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right?
this is Jessica Christie and Matt Holden's story.
She nodded in relief and held out her
hand. “Jessica Christie. Pleased to meet you. I’m the wedding planner for Renee.
“I’m Matt Holden. Are you the person looking
for the penstemon barbatus?”He sighed. “The jingle bell flower.
Could Ms. Oh-So-Wrong actually be Mrs. Right? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading.
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Scarlet's Books with Tule:
Christmas with the Laird
Christmas Around the World
The Fairy Tale Bride
Montana Born Brides
The Runaway Christmas Bride
Christmas Brides
A Royal Christmas Princess
Christmas Brides
The Jingle Bell Bride
Christmas Brides
October 4, 2017
Planning a wedding for a demanding reality star can be a challenge on its own. But when the star decides she wants a rare jingle bell flower, and the only place one can be found is in Alaska, Jessica Christie sets off to get it before heading to the wedding in London. Only, Jessica didn't anticipate being stranded in Corona Creek, Alaska when a snow storm shuts down the airports.
Matt Holden moved to Corona Creek three years ago after losing his fiance. It was the perfect place to start his life over again. He was happy with his life as a botanist, studying plants and flowers at the university, and helping his neighbors Mary and David on their reindeer farm.
When Matt met Jessica at the airport and found out no planes would be leaving until the snow storm passed, he decided to let Jessica stay with him until the airport opened again. He didn’t expect to find himself interested in the workaholic New Yorker. And she seemed to be interested in him too until he took matters in his own hands after finding a secret project that she was working on. Will Jessica be able to forgive Matt for wheat he did, or will she leave on the next plane and never look back?
This book whisked me away to a magical place. All of the details really brought the story to life. Jessica and Matt were the perfect couple in this sweet romance. I was cheering them on as I read the book.
Matt Holden moved to Corona Creek three years ago after losing his fiance. It was the perfect place to start his life over again. He was happy with his life as a botanist, studying plants and flowers at the university, and helping his neighbors Mary and David on their reindeer farm.
When Matt met Jessica at the airport and found out no planes would be leaving until the snow storm passed, he decided to let Jessica stay with him until the airport opened again. He didn’t expect to find himself interested in the workaholic New Yorker. And she seemed to be interested in him too until he took matters in his own hands after finding a secret project that she was working on. Will Jessica be able to forgive Matt for wheat he did, or will she leave on the next plane and never look back?
This book whisked me away to a magical place. All of the details really brought the story to life. Jessica and Matt were the perfect couple in this sweet romance. I was cheering them on as I read the book.
September 30, 2017
I love stories written around the holidays and this one was so good because it was based around Christmas and also it was so different. We have Jessica Christie a very busy wedding planner to the elite, based in New York. She has no time to date herself because she spends all her time fixing up weddings for high dollar brides and grooms.
On the other hand we have botanist and assistant Reindeer farm helper Matt Holden. He lives way up in Alaska and works at the research center located at the University there. Matt is an widower....of sorts.
OHHH you are wondering how a wedding planner in New York could met up with a Botanist in Alaska right? Well you HAVE heard of Bridezilla's? Well Jessica had one who was from the states but getting married in London and just had to have this one rare flower that only blooms a certain time of the year in AZ (which was not this time of the year of course), and the research center we.....
You guessed it they came to the rescue of sorts.
Oh My Goodness this book was both fun to read as well as a great romance too. There were times it hit me in the heart and other times in my funny bone. I felt like Scarlet Wilson wrote me in this book. It was like I opened it and she invited me into the story. I look forward to reading more from her.
On the other hand we have botanist and assistant Reindeer farm helper Matt Holden. He lives way up in Alaska and works at the research center located at the University there. Matt is an widower....of sorts.
OHHH you are wondering how a wedding planner in New York could met up with a Botanist in Alaska right? Well you HAVE heard of Bridezilla's? Well Jessica had one who was from the states but getting married in London and just had to have this one rare flower that only blooms a certain time of the year in AZ (which was not this time of the year of course), and the research center we.....
You guessed it they came to the rescue of sorts.
Oh My Goodness this book was both fun to read as well as a great romance too. There were times it hit me in the heart and other times in my funny bone. I felt like Scarlet Wilson wrote me in this book. It was like I opened it and she invited me into the story. I look forward to reading more from her.
October 3, 2017
Scarlet Wilson brings us a charming series to entice our holiday spirit to get ready for the Christmas season. The Jingle Bell Bride is the second in the series but she uses different characters and settings so they feel almost more like standalone stories.
In this second book Wilson provides a plot where the relationship moves very quickly so for those of you who like the slow burn be prepared but if you’ll allow yourself to get invested in the characters you might find the pace of their relationship doesn’t matter so much. We have these two distinct personalities, Jessica and Matt, who meet in a really cute way that you can see being one of those great ‘meet-cute’ stories that gets told every year.
Her evolution of Matt as someone who is going through the grieving process only to find healing in falling in love again felt very quick as if she compressed the normal healing period but I didn't feel as if it took away from the overall enjoyment of the novel. It gives you the feel of one of those Hallmark Holiday movies.
It’s a sweet, funny, PG kind of romance story which is perfect for the season to give you something to escape into and get you in the Christmas mood.
In this second book Wilson provides a plot where the relationship moves very quickly so for those of you who like the slow burn be prepared but if you’ll allow yourself to get invested in the characters you might find the pace of their relationship doesn’t matter so much. We have these two distinct personalities, Jessica and Matt, who meet in a really cute way that you can see being one of those great ‘meet-cute’ stories that gets told every year.
Her evolution of Matt as someone who is going through the grieving process only to find healing in falling in love again felt very quick as if she compressed the normal healing period but I didn't feel as if it took away from the overall enjoyment of the novel. It gives you the feel of one of those Hallmark Holiday movies.
It’s a sweet, funny, PG kind of romance story which is perfect for the season to give you something to escape into and get you in the Christmas mood.
October 21, 2017
I truly enjoyed The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlett Wilson, book two in the Christmas Brides series. Wedding Planner to the stars, Jessica Christie is a city girl through and through but a job is a job. Jessica ends up stranded in Alaska by a snowstorm when she goes there to pick up the Jingle Bell flower for her latest demanding celebrity bride. Matt Holden took the job with the Botany department to escape the memories back in Montana of losing his fiancé. He never planned on housing a stranded guest or becoming attracted to her. Jessica is in awe of the beauty in her surroundings and the people living there. Maybe there is more to life than being a wedding planner, like following your original dreams. Can country boy and city girl compromise or find common ground to pursue their dreams and attraction?
I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Wilson drew me in and did not let go until I read the last page, reading this book in one day. I recommend this book to other readers and cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Wilson drew me in and did not let go until I read the last page, reading this book in one day. I recommend this book to other readers and cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 9, 2017
The Jingle Bell Bride is a sweet, funny and utterly endearing Christmas romance. Set in the tiny town of Corona Creek Alaska this story brings together New York wedding planner Jessica Christie and botanist Matt Holden.
Jess is frazzled and stressed to the max by her celebrity client, who has sent her to Alaska to source some extremely rare flowers for her bouquet. Arriving in stiletto heels in the middle of a snow storm, she is very much a fish out of water. Matt has been in Corona Creek for three years having moved there to escape the memories of his dead fiancée Deb.
I loved these two! They’re chalk and cheese and it seems as though the6 have nothing in common. While they only have a few days together, author Scarlet Wilson has done a good job of adding plausibility to their rapidly developing relationship. Throw in a handful of reindeer with attitude, a lovely old couple with a striking similarity to Santa and Mrs Claus, and all the trappings of a white Christmas and you have a lovely story in the making. This one meets all those criteria.
Jess is frazzled and stressed to the max by her celebrity client, who has sent her to Alaska to source some extremely rare flowers for her bouquet. Arriving in stiletto heels in the middle of a snow storm, she is very much a fish out of water. Matt has been in Corona Creek for three years having moved there to escape the memories of his dead fiancée Deb.
I loved these two! They’re chalk and cheese and it seems as though the6 have nothing in common. While they only have a few days together, author Scarlet Wilson has done a good job of adding plausibility to their rapidly developing relationship. Throw in a handful of reindeer with attitude, a lovely old couple with a striking similarity to Santa and Mrs Claus, and all the trappings of a white Christmas and you have a lovely story in the making. This one meets all those criteria.
October 5, 2017
It’s off to Corona Creek, Alaska in The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson. This First book in Tule Publishing’s Christmas Bride Series is a real treat. The main characters are seemingly opposites who learn to appreciate their differences even if it is a bumpy snowy journey. I liked the characters, including the supporting ones except for the bridezilla, and the locale with the contrast from New York City to small-town Alaska.
The Jingle Bell Bride is a sweet story that shows getting stuck may be the only way to find your way to move forward. Compete with a darling Christmas flower, reindeer with attitudes and Santa’s sled, this is a fun read. I would love to see more stories take place in this Alaskan small-town.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
The Jingle Bell Bride is a sweet story that shows getting stuck may be the only way to find your way to move forward. Compete with a darling Christmas flower, reindeer with attitudes and Santa’s sled, this is a fun read. I would love to see more stories take place in this Alaskan small-town.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
October 12, 2017
This is the cutest story of finding unexpected love over the course of four days in remote Alaska. The sheltered and sequestered heart of a man, Matt Horton, is reached by a delightful but list driven wedding planner, Jessica. She is on a last minute mission to obtain a high-maintenance client bride's request for a particular flower only obtainable in remotest Alaska. As happens in Alaska in the winter, snow storms have closed the tiny airport of Corona Creek where Matt lives and works as a botanist who has the Jingle Bell flower-the client's request.
Jessica is stranded with no hotel or place to stay when Matt offers her a place at his home. He is an absolute gentleman-more than Jessica is prepared for and his personality, manner and just self work a way into her heart. Her life is in New York, his in Alaska. Is there an in between spot to meet?
Jessica is stranded with no hotel or place to stay when Matt offers her a place at his home. He is an absolute gentleman-more than Jessica is prepared for and his personality, manner and just self work a way into her heart. Her life is in New York, his in Alaska. Is there an in between spot to meet?
December 2, 2023
Seasonally infused holiday romance. I mean -- Alaska. Reindeer farm. Stranded in a snowstorm. And did I mention the reindeer?! My first Scarlet Wilson book but I'll be hunting down more of her books. This is the second book in The Christmas Brides series, but it read fine as a standalone. Connected with Jessica right away -- even though wedding planner to the elite is absolutely the last job I'd have the patience to do. But then she's sent to Alaska for the 'perfect' flower for her current bridezilla. And then snow happens and so does Matt who is a bit of a grump in the beginning. Cue all the Christmas magic as these two slowly let down their defences and romance happens...fast. If you are not an InstaLove fan, this isn't the book for you. I am, when it's done right and this one is sweet perfection.
December 15, 2024
So I'm listening to this book and thinking it sounds really familiar; that's because I've already watched this Hallmark movie. (I liked the movie). But once I realized that I kept hearing the Julie Gonzalo as the narrator even though it wasn't her; but she played Jessica in the movie so that's who I was hearing. When watching a Hallmark movie you expect a short courtship, but reading/listening to it was a little extreme. I mean, I still love a cheesy Hallmark movie, and this was better than the Runaway Christmas Bride but not as good as the Christmas Contest.
December 11, 2017
This sweet little book felt like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie in the best way!
It was a sweet, easy romance between a man recovering from a broken heart and a woman who was too busy to even think about dating. The setting in a magical, small Alaska town in the weeks leading to a Christmas was perfect. Add in snowstorms, reindeer, snow angels, Christmas trees and traditions, and you have the setting for a cozy afternoon read beside your Christmas tree.
I would recommend reading this while snow swirls outside, lights twinkle and cocoa steams beside you - they're the perfect compliment to this fun story!
I received a digital ARC of this book through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
It was a sweet, easy romance between a man recovering from a broken heart and a woman who was too busy to even think about dating. The setting in a magical, small Alaska town in the weeks leading to a Christmas was perfect. Add in snowstorms, reindeer, snow angels, Christmas trees and traditions, and you have the setting for a cozy afternoon read beside your Christmas tree.
I would recommend reading this while snow swirls outside, lights twinkle and cocoa steams beside you - they're the perfect compliment to this fun story!
I received a digital ARC of this book through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
December 18, 2017
The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson is a contemporary Christmas romance. Its sweet like a Hallmark film and can be read by all ages.
Jessica spends all of her time as a wedding planner for the rich and famous. While planning the wedding of a reality TV star, she is sent to Alaska to obtain special flowers for a bouquet. As soon as she arrives, the snow starts to fall and doesn't stop. She is stranded and Matt, who she is getting the flowers from, agrees to help her.
This was a very nice sweet Christmas story. This was exactly the kind of thing I wanted to read. I wouldn't have been offended if there had been a little sex in it but that's okay. It was still worth a read. The characters were well developed and, like most Christmas stories, there was some insta-love and an HEA.
Jessica spends all of her time as a wedding planner for the rich and famous. While planning the wedding of a reality TV star, she is sent to Alaska to obtain special flowers for a bouquet. As soon as she arrives, the snow starts to fall and doesn't stop. She is stranded and Matt, who she is getting the flowers from, agrees to help her.
This was a very nice sweet Christmas story. This was exactly the kind of thing I wanted to read. I wouldn't have been offended if there had been a little sex in it but that's okay. It was still worth a read. The characters were well developed and, like most Christmas stories, there was some insta-love and an HEA.
September 25, 2017
Jessica was a wedding planner and she was in the middle of planning a wedding for Renee a celebrity who was always trying to do things better than the next person. Renee was having problems deciding which dress to wear so she sent Jessica everywhere to come back with 4 different dresses so she could pick which one she wanted to wear on her special day.
She saw there was a flower frown only in Alaska so with just a few days before the wedding she sends Jessica to get it. It is called the Jingle Bell flower. This story was really good and was a quick read. Can
t wait to read the rest of the series.
I think you will enjoy the book
She saw there was a flower frown only in Alaska so with just a few days before the wedding she sends Jessica to get it. It is called the Jingle Bell flower. This story was really good and was a quick read. Can
t wait to read the rest of the series.
I think you will enjoy the book
September 26, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable read written by talented author Scarlet Wilson. The surprising romantic couple is made up of a deeply sad hero living in Alaska and still mourning a traumatic loss, and a stressed and busy celebrities wedding planner living in New York.
The story is about how they meet, fall in love in a few days and engage in the magic setting of Corona Creek, Alaska, where you even experience a beautiful aurora borealis.
It’s a good, romantic story, with well-rounded and layered characters.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable read written by talented author Scarlet Wilson. The surprising romantic couple is made up of a deeply sad hero living in Alaska and still mourning a traumatic loss, and a stressed and busy celebrities wedding planner living in New York.
The story is about how they meet, fall in love in a few days and engage in the magic setting of Corona Creek, Alaska, where you even experience a beautiful aurora borealis.
It’s a good, romantic story, with well-rounded and layered characters.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
December 9, 2017
I got this book free from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers and I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a really fast read that's a sweet story with a holiday theme, this is a really good choice. In spite of the fact that the book took almost no time to read, the characters were well developed and I cared about them. I definitely recommend checking this out and would read the other books in the series (and more by this author) in a heartbeat. So many books, so little time...
If you like cute romantic books, this is a good choice!
If you like cute romantic books, this is a good choice!
September 30, 2017
Jessica is a wedding planner for celebrities. No detail is too small. She has no time for a personal life. Matt escaped his grief by moving to a remote part of Alaska. When Jessica ends up stranded with Matt she can't wait for the storm to pass. She needs to get back to her current bride, after all she has the wedding dress with her. The more time they spend together they realize they aren't so different. Can strangers heal each other's heart? Great read.
October 4, 2017
The Jingle Bell Bride is the second book in the Christmas Brides series by Scarlet Wilson. When wedding planner Jessica Christie goes to Alaska to pick up an item for a wedding, she meets Matt Holden. Although this should be a quick in and out trip, she gets stranded. This is a heartwarming story with some humor, the perfect little escape to a Christmassy land. I really enjoyed this story, and I definitely recommend it.
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