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A Girl's Best Friend
Freelance writer Retta Delaney thinks she finally has it all: her dream job at Popular Magazine, a home of her own—well, hers and the bank’s—and a sexy new neighbor, commercial artist Sam Parnetti. But their budding attraction is complicated when a fortune turns up via the mailman. Delivery of that small packet sets a terrifying clock in motion.
Their romance might have to take a back seat to stay one step ahead of danger as the past snakes out, elusive and sinister, to threaten everyone connected to the package. A long-hidden family secret spirals to an unavoidable reality, complicating the growing affection between Retta and Sam. The couple, with a group of close friends, must put personal agendas aside to form an alliance against a malevolent enemy and the elusive truth.
The winner takes all—but it’s hard to get answers when all the suspects are dead.
Their romance might have to take a back seat to stay one step ahead of danger as the past snakes out, elusive and sinister, to threaten everyone connected to the package. A long-hidden family secret spirals to an unavoidable reality, complicating the growing affection between Retta and Sam. The couple, with a group of close friends, must put personal agendas aside to form an alliance against a malevolent enemy and the elusive truth.
The winner takes all—but it’s hard to get answers when all the suspects are dead.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2017
37 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Annalisa Russo
20 books308 followersI grew up in the Midwest in a first-generation Italian family. We lived with my grandparents since in an Italian family when the oldest girl gets married, she doesn’t move out, her husband moves in. I was the eldest of five children which caused the usual sibling problems—fighting, borrowing stuff, and eating really, really fast or you were out of luck. Our grandparents spoke to us in Italian, and we answered in English (so we wouldn’t get kicked out of kindergarten like my mother did for not knowing English).
I went to an all-girl Catholic high school (yes, with the plaid skirt/blazer/knee-high socks) and on to an all-girl college where I rebelled by wearing slacks in the library instead of a skirt. I majored in math until I switched to English Lit after deciding to become a teacher. Since I wanted to graduate early, I took several English courses at a time which is frowned upon in math (you know, prerequisite and stuff) and then went on to teach 5th grade math--go figure.
During this exciting time, I began to write, for my own pleasure, as no one wanted to buy my stories. I have a rejection slip from Helen Gurley Brown at Cosmopolitan magazine way back when they published short stories in each issue. I framed it because Ms. Brown actually wrote on it and said (and I quote): "Your story was not quite right for us, but we’d be interested in seeing some of your other work." Of course, I didn’t know at the time that I should have opened a bottle of very expensive champagne, called all my friends over to celebrate that I received an actual written response from an editor instead of a form letter. Now I’m much more savvy; I crack the champagne when I push "send" on the finished manuscript. In my naiveté, I actually took Ms. Brown’s letter as a rejection—gasp--and decided to concentrate on making a living.
I also married, had three children, traveled, took up gardening and became a pretty good cook (now I just cook for company; my stove is for resale purposes only). And I inherited a tabby named Buster who really runs the house and my life. Luckily he’s pretty easy to live with and doesn’t complain unless his dish is empty, which is all the time.
My daughter, Teresa, helped me create my website as her business sense is intact along with her sense of humor (a necessity to working on technology with me, so she says).
My Cavelli Family Saga, a 20th century romantic quartet is about an Italian immigrant family in the 1920s and 30s. The Cavelli family consists of three brothers---Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, named after the archangels by their overly optimistic mother (and angels they’re not) and two sisters, Anna and Tessia. I also have a stand-alone romance called A Girl’s Best Friend and a sweet contemporary romance series, The Green Earth Christmas series. I LOVE writing holiday stories! Who doesn’t like those wonderful happily-ever-after endings? My next effort will be a female sleuth P.I. series (coming soon, hopefully!) and a cozy mystery: Archibald Lemon's Boarding House. I hope my characters and their love stories stay with you long after you turn the last pages.
I went to an all-girl Catholic high school (yes, with the plaid skirt/blazer/knee-high socks) and on to an all-girl college where I rebelled by wearing slacks in the library instead of a skirt. I majored in math until I switched to English Lit after deciding to become a teacher. Since I wanted to graduate early, I took several English courses at a time which is frowned upon in math (you know, prerequisite and stuff) and then went on to teach 5th grade math--go figure.
During this exciting time, I began to write, for my own pleasure, as no one wanted to buy my stories. I have a rejection slip from Helen Gurley Brown at Cosmopolitan magazine way back when they published short stories in each issue. I framed it because Ms. Brown actually wrote on it and said (and I quote): "Your story was not quite right for us, but we’d be interested in seeing some of your other work." Of course, I didn’t know at the time that I should have opened a bottle of very expensive champagne, called all my friends over to celebrate that I received an actual written response from an editor instead of a form letter. Now I’m much more savvy; I crack the champagne when I push "send" on the finished manuscript. In my naiveté, I actually took Ms. Brown’s letter as a rejection—gasp--and decided to concentrate on making a living.
I also married, had three children, traveled, took up gardening and became a pretty good cook (now I just cook for company; my stove is for resale purposes only). And I inherited a tabby named Buster who really runs the house and my life. Luckily he’s pretty easy to live with and doesn’t complain unless his dish is empty, which is all the time.
My daughter, Teresa, helped me create my website as her business sense is intact along with her sense of humor (a necessity to working on technology with me, so she says).
My Cavelli Family Saga, a 20th century romantic quartet is about an Italian immigrant family in the 1920s and 30s. The Cavelli family consists of three brothers---Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, named after the archangels by their overly optimistic mother (and angels they’re not) and two sisters, Anna and Tessia. I also have a stand-alone romance called A Girl’s Best Friend and a sweet contemporary romance series, The Green Earth Christmas series. I LOVE writing holiday stories! Who doesn’t like those wonderful happily-ever-after endings? My next effort will be a female sleuth P.I. series (coming soon, hopefully!) and a cozy mystery: Archibald Lemon's Boarding House. I hope my characters and their love stories stay with you long after you turn the last pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 27, 2017
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance of reading this awesome book!
This book was so different and sweet! Christmas isn't just about Santa, the snow, decorations or the cookies. It's about Jesus's birthday and reading this book made me happy. Because it was focused on Jesus and the kindness of people.
I enjoyed reading about how one person got to change the life of so many (without even knowing it). I really liked the jar idea. We should all do it. Especially at Christmas time.
And I really liked Melah. She was like a fairy godmother, a funny and strong character.
What I appreciated, was the ending of the book. It wasn’t the standard type of ending. It was original and thoughtful, and focused on all the characters, not just the main ones.
This book was also a mix of music, education, growing up and second chances. I love it!
Favorite quotes:
"To discover the one you loved didn't return your feelings, well... it left bruises on your heart."
"When you get hurt, it doesn't get better until you finally realize you're looking at everyone like you're waiting for them to hurt you."
This book was so different and sweet! Christmas isn't just about Santa, the snow, decorations or the cookies. It's about Jesus's birthday and reading this book made me happy. Because it was focused on Jesus and the kindness of people.
I enjoyed reading about how one person got to change the life of so many (without even knowing it). I really liked the jar idea. We should all do it. Especially at Christmas time.
And I really liked Melah. She was like a fairy godmother, a funny and strong character.
What I appreciated, was the ending of the book. It wasn’t the standard type of ending. It was original and thoughtful, and focused on all the characters, not just the main ones.
This book was also a mix of music, education, growing up and second chances. I love it!
Favorite quotes:
"To discover the one you loved didn't return your feelings, well... it left bruises on your heart."
"When you get hurt, it doesn't get better until you finally realize you're looking at everyone like you're waiting for them to hurt you."
February 13, 2020
1920’s. Retta has waited her whole life for this moment. She’s a freelance writer for Popular Magazine, has just moved into her first home, not to mention a virile next-door neighbor, Sam. Just as she’s getting settled, she receives a package from her recently deceased aunt. Inside she discovers a compact filled with loose diamonds. Diamonds from her rather destitute aunt? A mystery to unravel, that’s for sure. But who should she share her secret with? The more she tries to uncover where the diamonds came from and why her late aunt gave them to her, the more danger Retta places herself in. Someone is after the diamonds and will stop at nothing to take them from Retta, even if it means killing her in the process.
A Girl’s Best Friend is a roaring good time of a historical mystery with a suspenseful plot, a unique set of characters and even a romance. The plot is well-developed with a few twists I didn’t expect. The mystery unraveled slowly, almost like a Miss Marple mystery. The characters are unique in the fact they exuded the time period (1920’s) through their slang and dialogue. I felt transported to the roaring twenties and even picked up a few turns of phrase I didn’t know before. The romance between Sam and Retta was so much fun to read. The attraction is there right away but it takes awhile for them to get together. The pacing of the story moves at a nice easy pace which I really enjoyed.
If you’re looking to dive into the 1920’s for a delightful mystery, pick this book up today. I can’t wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
A Girl’s Best Friend is a roaring good time of a historical mystery with a suspenseful plot, a unique set of characters and even a romance. The plot is well-developed with a few twists I didn’t expect. The mystery unraveled slowly, almost like a Miss Marple mystery. The characters are unique in the fact they exuded the time period (1920’s) through their slang and dialogue. I felt transported to the roaring twenties and even picked up a few turns of phrase I didn’t know before. The romance between Sam and Retta was so much fun to read. The attraction is there right away but it takes awhile for them to get together. The pacing of the story moves at a nice easy pace which I really enjoyed.
If you’re looking to dive into the 1920’s for a delightful mystery, pick this book up today. I can’t wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
December 29, 2019
I loved this story. Jillian and Tristán were so cute together and everything in this book was so sweet
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2017
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas is a sweet novella. Perfect with hot cocoa and an afghan before a warm fire. This delightful read mashed together of It’s a Wonderful Life with A Christmas Carol. Jillian’s whole family bailed on her this Christmas leaving her alone and sad. When a fun-loving Spirit haunts her dreams even in the day time to show Jillian her life hasn’t been wasted the fun begins. Between Buster the obnoxious cat and the cast of believable, supportive friends and the hunky rekindled love interest this is a delicious Christmas read. Russo sprinkled her story with all the things readers want in a Christmas Novella—kids, love, snow and a Christmas miracle or two.
I received an advance reader copy for this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance reader copy for this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2018
What a wonderful Christmas story about Jilly, a young teacher who is disappointed in how her Holiday is about to turn out. Her parents are going on a retirement cruise, her brother has a new baby and can't travel back to Minnesota and her boyfriend dumps her to vacation without her. When she wakes up one night to see an angel standing over her she fears she is losing her mind. Melah , her guardian angel can't decide if she likes to look like Oprah or a construction worker shows Jilly how her small actions and thoughtfulness have changed lives in their small town. When Jilly's old boyfriend shows up her life seems to be complete. Very subtle Christian values throughout the book, this is a real winner. Ends with the distinct possibility of a sequel, can't wait.
February 24, 2018
Sappy sweet romance. I enjoyed reading it.
- - Received copy through NetGalley - -
L
- - Received copy through NetGalley - -
L
April 14, 2021
4.5
OMG! This book was so sweet! I loved this book so much! I am going to state the pros and cons but there's more pros, so that's always good!
This book is about a woman who has just moved into the small town and is opening a small shop called "White Ballon" *I loved the name so cute* and a man who has just moved back to the small town with his cousin after being deployed in military for a few years. And a teenage girl who is the employee of White Ballon.
*I'm not gonna give out names of the characters because we have some parts in the story were the name is "important". I don't know how to explain this so you'll have to read it to understand lol*
Okay here are the pros:
-As we read we get an inside view from all characters. So that means one chapter the pov will be of the man in this story and the next will be the employee and so on, so on.
-I found the characters very relate-able. Like you could very easily step in their shoes.
Here are the cons:
-It was very confusing at times. Once you get past the third chapter or so I found it much easier to read. There was just so much happening in the beginning so I couldn't grasp the plot or main characters at first. But that could just be me. That's why I have rated this book 4.5 but I decided to go with 5 because that may just be me.
All in all, this book is a very sweet and charming read. I recommend it to anyone who likes romance, suspense, and contemporary. This was my first from this author but definitely not my last.
*I received a free copy from NetGalley all thoughts and opinions are my own and vary among others*
OMG! This book was so sweet! I loved this book so much! I am going to state the pros and cons but there's more pros, so that's always good!
This book is about a woman who has just moved into the small town and is opening a small shop called "White Ballon" *I loved the name so cute* and a man who has just moved back to the small town with his cousin after being deployed in military for a few years. And a teenage girl who is the employee of White Ballon.
*I'm not gonna give out names of the characters because we have some parts in the story were the name is "important". I don't know how to explain this so you'll have to read it to understand lol*
Okay here are the pros:
-As we read we get an inside view from all characters. So that means one chapter the pov will be of the man in this story and the next will be the employee and so on, so on.
-I found the characters very relate-able. Like you could very easily step in their shoes.
Here are the cons:
-It was very confusing at times. Once you get past the third chapter or so I found it much easier to read. There was just so much happening in the beginning so I couldn't grasp the plot or main characters at first. But that could just be me. That's why I have rated this book 4.5 but I decided to go with 5 because that may just be me.
All in all, this book is a very sweet and charming read. I recommend it to anyone who likes romance, suspense, and contemporary. This was my first from this author but definitely not my last.
*I received a free copy from NetGalley all thoughts and opinions are my own and vary among others*
December 29, 2019
Christmas may be over, but this is an anytime of the year book. Its heartwarming, frustrating, quirky and even tender throughout.
🤦🏻♀️Cleo’s fears led to extreme stubbornness. And, if she’s not careful, it will cost her that happy ever after she’s always wanted.
🙋🏻♂️Ross is a real gentleman. He, like Cleo, lost at love. However, unlike Cleo, he’s willing to ‘pull himself up by the bootstraps’ when necessary and face his challenges head on.
🤯Zack is a loser, an all around loser. He keeps a chip on his shoulder and does whatever it takes to get his way. He doesn’t play nice.
😍Jillie and Tryston were great. It was good revising them and catching up with their lives. (I do wonder though whatever became of Brian from the first book? Did he go away and stay away or did he come back to find Jillie certainly didn’t wait around for him? Hmmm…)
😇Last but not least….. Melah is back. This time she’s here for Cleo and always shows up right at the perfect time. And, was that her standing with Derrick at the end? I’m thinking so. After all, Derrick wanted Cleo to be happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🤦🏻♀️Cleo’s fears led to extreme stubbornness. And, if she’s not careful, it will cost her that happy ever after she’s always wanted.
🙋🏻♂️Ross is a real gentleman. He, like Cleo, lost at love. However, unlike Cleo, he’s willing to ‘pull himself up by the bootstraps’ when necessary and face his challenges head on.
🤯Zack is a loser, an all around loser. He keeps a chip on his shoulder and does whatever it takes to get his way. He doesn’t play nice.
😍Jillie and Tryston were great. It was good revising them and catching up with their lives. (I do wonder though whatever became of Brian from the first book? Did he go away and stay away or did he come back to find Jillie certainly didn’t wait around for him? Hmmm…)
😇Last but not least….. Melah is back. This time she’s here for Cleo and always shows up right at the perfect time. And, was that her standing with Derrick at the end? I’m thinking so. After all, Derrick wanted Cleo to be happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2019
I received a reviewers copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it . It’s a lovely, light Christmas romance and since Christmas is just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to go for this book. I loved the celestial messenger who is sent to nudge our hero and heroine towards each other ever so gently . It was a perfect holiday read fr me.
December 27, 2019
When the Heart Finds Christmas is a heartwarming story with a celestial messenger trying to help two people find Christmas romance. There is romance intermixed with humor to make this a beautiful Christmas story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and authors for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and authors for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book.
December 11, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Tristán and Jillian have a history, childhood best friends, young teens with a huge crush or maybe puppy love – in Jillian’s mind they were a couple forever, right up until Tris took off for the bright lights and fame of the music world and left her back home …alone. It’s been eight long years and Jillian really hasn’t moved on from her young love. She has a career as a teacher that she loves, a group of really good friends, and a community that she takes pride in being a part of and helping where she can. She has a good life, even if it is missing that special someone at her side. This Christmas season everything Jillian thought she knew for certain is going to change – all due to one love coming home and a sassy, angel or ghost that insists on barging in on Jillie’s sleep… or maybe she’s just finally lost it, who knows.
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas combines bits of mystical magical takes on It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol in the form of one very sassy, determined being who invades Jillian”s night time and shows her parts of her life that she never knew about… the ways she’s touched others in their time of need without even knowing it. Underlying Jillian’s excitement at Tris being home again is still fear and worry that just like last time he won’t stay. He still has her heart but she’s hesitant of simply handing it over into his care once again. A lovely getting to know you again romance that is strong on family, friends and community and spiced with special Christmas touches.
I enjoyed myself in this world and was very satisfied with how Jillian and Tris reconnected. We’re left with a happy ending that, frankly, feels like a happy for now ending that will grow into a happily ever after as they continue their romance off page. And really that’s fine, I was content with this couple finding their way back to the one they belong with eventually. I’ve no doubt that their future is in good hands. If you have a heart for the Christmas classics, then this romance is perfect for you. I’d recommend All Hearts Come Home for Christmas to any reader who believes in second chances and still has the faith to believe in miracles. On a slightly side note, I am going to keep my eyes out to see if there is another connecting story in the future for I certainly would like to know how a certain New Year’s blind date goes. *grin*
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
Tristán and Jillian have a history, childhood best friends, young teens with a huge crush or maybe puppy love – in Jillian’s mind they were a couple forever, right up until Tris took off for the bright lights and fame of the music world and left her back home …alone. It’s been eight long years and Jillian really hasn’t moved on from her young love. She has a career as a teacher that she loves, a group of really good friends, and a community that she takes pride in being a part of and helping where she can. She has a good life, even if it is missing that special someone at her side. This Christmas season everything Jillian thought she knew for certain is going to change – all due to one love coming home and a sassy, angel or ghost that insists on barging in on Jillie’s sleep… or maybe she’s just finally lost it, who knows.
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas combines bits of mystical magical takes on It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol in the form of one very sassy, determined being who invades Jillian”s night time and shows her parts of her life that she never knew about… the ways she’s touched others in their time of need without even knowing it. Underlying Jillian’s excitement at Tris being home again is still fear and worry that just like last time he won’t stay. He still has her heart but she’s hesitant of simply handing it over into his care once again. A lovely getting to know you again romance that is strong on family, friends and community and spiced with special Christmas touches.
I enjoyed myself in this world and was very satisfied with how Jillian and Tris reconnected. We’re left with a happy ending that, frankly, feels like a happy for now ending that will grow into a happily ever after as they continue their romance off page. And really that’s fine, I was content with this couple finding their way back to the one they belong with eventually. I’ve no doubt that their future is in good hands. If you have a heart for the Christmas classics, then this romance is perfect for you. I’d recommend All Hearts Come Home for Christmas to any reader who believes in second chances and still has the faith to believe in miracles. On a slightly side note, I am going to keep my eyes out to see if there is another connecting story in the future for I certainly would like to know how a certain New Year’s blind date goes. *grin*
I own a Kindle edition of this story.
January 6, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. I actually read the second book of this series first. It was a good thing too. I adored that story (When the Heart Finds Christmas). This story fell a little flat for me. The premise was a great one and I read it in just a few hours. The problem lies in the male protagonist, Tristán Solano. He leaves college right before he graduated for his music. He become the lead keyboardist for a band and hits the big time. Eight years later he comes home with a 3 1/2 daughter Sadie. After seeing his best friend while growing up, Jillian Magee, he realizes he loves her.
The problem for me, the story wasn't written in a much of a dual POV format. There were just two short sections for his POV and they didn't give us much to go on. I didn't understand his actions at all. Just when the story starts to really get good and both Tristán and Jillian are starting to rebuild their relationship, the story just ends! I mean come on! He admits to living with a groupie, Sadie's mom, on the road but he now realizes he has always loved Jillian?! Now where is the nitty, gritty details? I wanted, no I needed more to really understand him. I will say that I really fell for the character from again reading the second book first.
This is a sweet, clean second chance romance. It really is light on the romance though. We do get to see a character that shows Jillian just how much her actions have affected others in a positive manner. She is not in a positive place like she normally is at Christmas time. Her younger brother and his wife can't come home for Christmas as they have a newborn. Her parents are on a trip of a life-time celebrating their dual retirement. Melah (not an angel) is sent to show Jillian how important her spirit has touched others. Now that was a nice story to read.
If you want more of a feel-good story, with a touch of romance, then you may enjoy this one. I would highly recommend though to continue the series as the second one is much better in my opinion.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. I actually read the second book of this series first. It was a good thing too. I adored that story (When the Heart Finds Christmas). This story fell a little flat for me. The premise was a great one and I read it in just a few hours. The problem lies in the male protagonist, Tristán Solano. He leaves college right before he graduated for his music. He become the lead keyboardist for a band and hits the big time. Eight years later he comes home with a 3 1/2 daughter Sadie. After seeing his best friend while growing up, Jillian Magee, he realizes he loves her.
The problem for me, the story wasn't written in a much of a dual POV format. There were just two short sections for his POV and they didn't give us much to go on. I didn't understand his actions at all. Just when the story starts to really get good and both Tristán and Jillian are starting to rebuild their relationship, the story just ends! I mean come on! He admits to living with a groupie, Sadie's mom, on the road but he now realizes he has always loved Jillian?! Now where is the nitty, gritty details? I wanted, no I needed more to really understand him. I will say that I really fell for the character from again reading the second book first.
This is a sweet, clean second chance romance. It really is light on the romance though. We do get to see a character that shows Jillian just how much her actions have affected others in a positive manner. She is not in a positive place like she normally is at Christmas time. Her younger brother and his wife can't come home for Christmas as they have a newborn. Her parents are on a trip of a life-time celebrating their dual retirement. Melah (not an angel) is sent to show Jillian how important her spirit has touched others. Now that was a nice story to read.
If you want more of a feel-good story, with a touch of romance, then you may enjoy this one. I would highly recommend though to continue the series as the second one is much better in my opinion.
December 22, 2019
I really, really was starting to enjoy this book. It was luring me in. Sweet storyline, promising characters and a somewhat quirky female lead named Jillian whom you grow to respect. She was badly hurt and needed a lot more than a simple 'I'm sorry' from the man she loved. And that man, the one who left and broke Jillians heart, was Tristan Solano.
We even get to meet a very wise, if not strange, Jiminy Cricket type of character that is able to show the smallest good deed can affect and change a life.
We learn it took eight years for Tristan to realize he needed to make make things right. And herein lies the problem. Just as we’re being drawn into ‘forgiving’ Tristan, the story stops. We need more, a lot more. We need to see more of Tristan’s backstory. It’s hinted he thought of Jillian often but it seems ‘thinking’ about her was all because his fame and fortune became his true love, along with many other women sharing his time. So, we need to know, really know more about his regrets and remorse. We need to be able to ‘feel’ it but the story ends before we ‘see’ how Jillian is able to trust in Tristan again. The story ends before we are able to see him ‘feel’ the pain he caused Jillian when he abandoned and rejected her.
So, the storyline has lots of promise but falls short by leaving too much out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We even get to meet a very wise, if not strange, Jiminy Cricket type of character that is able to show the smallest good deed can affect and change a life.
We learn it took eight years for Tristan to realize he needed to make make things right. And herein lies the problem. Just as we’re being drawn into ‘forgiving’ Tristan, the story stops. We need more, a lot more. We need to see more of Tristan’s backstory. It’s hinted he thought of Jillian often but it seems ‘thinking’ about her was all because his fame and fortune became his true love, along with many other women sharing his time. So, we need to know, really know more about his regrets and remorse. We need to be able to ‘feel’ it but the story ends before we ‘see’ how Jillian is able to trust in Tristan again. The story ends before we are able to see him ‘feel’ the pain he caused Jillian when he abandoned and rejected her.
So, the storyline has lots of promise but falls short by leaving too much out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2019
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas The Green Earth Christmas Series, Book 1 by Annalisa Russo
Summary of this book is highlighted at the start.
Other works by the author are summarized.Dedication page.
Jillian is all ready for Christmas, house decorated and cookies baked.
No family will be visiting, NO snow and no now no boyfriend.
She's a teacher for 10 year old kids. Story also follows Tristan, a musician who according to the tabloids he's leaving the profession and heading back home.
The weird dream: Oprah and several others over the time show up in her house and it's her job to make sure Jillian gets through Christmas. She gets to see things in a different light for many others in town.
Love hearing how the neighbors, teachers and waitress are all so involved with one another.
She has finally heard what she's been wanting to hear for years and now she has to say them back but she takes her time thinking about the whole situation.
Love the idea of the Christmas jar and where the money is going to.
Magic and miracles to make the dreams come true.
A word about the author is included at the end.
I received this review book from Wild Rose Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AllHeartsComeHomeforChristmas #NetGalley
Summary of this book is highlighted at the start.
Other works by the author are summarized.Dedication page.
Jillian is all ready for Christmas, house decorated and cookies baked.
No family will be visiting, NO snow and no now no boyfriend.
She's a teacher for 10 year old kids. Story also follows Tristan, a musician who according to the tabloids he's leaving the profession and heading back home.
The weird dream: Oprah and several others over the time show up in her house and it's her job to make sure Jillian gets through Christmas. She gets to see things in a different light for many others in town.
Love hearing how the neighbors, teachers and waitress are all so involved with one another.
She has finally heard what she's been wanting to hear for years and now she has to say them back but she takes her time thinking about the whole situation.
Love the idea of the Christmas jar and where the money is going to.
Magic and miracles to make the dreams come true.
A word about the author is included at the end.
I received this review book from Wild Rose Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AllHeartsComeHomeforChristmas #NetGalley
July 30, 2025
🎄 Book Review 🎄
📚 Snowflake Wishes and Christmas Kisses by Annalisa Russo
This heartwarming holiday romance has all the magic of Christmas wrapped up with a bow! 🎁✨
She’s all about fashion 👠. He’s from the wrong side of the tracks 🚦. Can a heavenly messenger help them find holiday happiness?
Cord McQuada, a cyber security expert, returns to his hometown of Green Earth, Minnesota with his young niece. 🏡 His Christmas spirit? Nonexistent. The town once turned its back on him, and he’s never quite forgiven it. Meanwhile, Giselle Delacroix, heir to a French fashion empire, is ready to slow down and open a children’s boutique in Green Earth. ✨ She loves the holiday traditions but isn’t exactly looking for romance—until Cord enters the picture.
With the help of heaven’s unofficial matchmaker, Melah, sparks begin to fly. 💫 This story is filled with holiday cheer, small-town charm, and the kind of love that warms your heart like a cup of hot cocoa. ☕❤️
If you love sweet romances with Christmas magic, a touch of faith, and characters you’ll root for, this one’s perfect for you!
📚 Snowflake Wishes and Christmas Kisses by Annalisa Russo
This heartwarming holiday romance has all the magic of Christmas wrapped up with a bow! 🎁✨
She’s all about fashion 👠. He’s from the wrong side of the tracks 🚦. Can a heavenly messenger help them find holiday happiness?
Cord McQuada, a cyber security expert, returns to his hometown of Green Earth, Minnesota with his young niece. 🏡 His Christmas spirit? Nonexistent. The town once turned its back on him, and he’s never quite forgiven it. Meanwhile, Giselle Delacroix, heir to a French fashion empire, is ready to slow down and open a children’s boutique in Green Earth. ✨ She loves the holiday traditions but isn’t exactly looking for romance—until Cord enters the picture.
With the help of heaven’s unofficial matchmaker, Melah, sparks begin to fly. 💫 This story is filled with holiday cheer, small-town charm, and the kind of love that warms your heart like a cup of hot cocoa. ☕❤️
If you love sweet romances with Christmas magic, a touch of faith, and characters you’ll root for, this one’s perfect for you!
December 23, 2019
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas is the first book in the Green Earth Christmas series by Annalisa Russo. Jillian Magee loves Christmas, but this year it is all falling apart since she will be all alone. Her parents have just left for a dream retirement trip to Italy and her brother, Noah, has a newborn that prevents his family from traveling home from Boston. To make things worse, her new boyfriend has decided to take a tropical vacation to find himself. It’s going to be the worst Christmas ever!
Then, the icing on the cake is her old boyfriend, rockstar Trystan Sol, left his band and moved into his grandmother’s house across the street with his young daughter. But Jillie thinks maybe it won’t be such a bad holiday after all when Tristan comes through for the Christmas program at Jillian’s school and joins in on Jillie’s caroling. Has he had a complete change of heart since his rocking days?
With a little heavenly intervention, Jillie’s Christmas might just turn out to be the best ever. I enjoy this series and do recommend this book.
Then, the icing on the cake is her old boyfriend, rockstar Trystan Sol, left his band and moved into his grandmother’s house across the street with his young daughter. But Jillie thinks maybe it won’t be such a bad holiday after all when Tristan comes through for the Christmas program at Jillian’s school and joins in on Jillie’s caroling. Has he had a complete change of heart since his rocking days?
With a little heavenly intervention, Jillie’s Christmas might just turn out to be the best ever. I enjoy this series and do recommend this book.
January 2, 2020
This is a wonderful page turner that features Jillian (Jillie) and her best friends Cleora (Cleo) and Melissa. Jillian can’t believe her eyes, when she opens her door to Tristan Solano and a little girl, that he introduces as his daughter, Sadie. Jillian and Tristan were a couple before he left to become a famous keyboardist with Last Bluff. Why is he back in town? I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say I’m so glad I got the chance to read this book. I really enjoyed reading about Melah visiting Jillian and taking her on some adventures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2017
A truly unique and charming twist on A Christmas Carol...rather than the ghosts from her past, present, and future, Jillian was presented with the gift of seeing, through assistance her own Christmas guide, those she has touched with her unselfish kindness...traits natural to her loving nature. There is so much packed into this short, but sweet story, it's hard to reach the end and leave the lovely life of Jillian Magee.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
December 31, 2019
This was my first book from this author and I really liked it. The Christian element, the clean romance. It was all an amazing, and well put together Christmas book. The characters were so real and personable, you could not help but fall in love with them. The supernatural element was a little bit different at first, but turned out to be a really cool addition. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2020
Jillian and Tristan are wonderful characters. Friends since childhood, years before Tristan left Jillian behind in order to grab for his brass ring in the music world. Having achieved his dream, he and his young daughter head back home.. Along with a strong supporting cast of characters and one impish celestial being, the two just may get their second chance at love.
I recommend this story to anyone looking for a second chance, small town romance.
Thank you Annalisa Russo, The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
I recommend this story to anyone looking for a second chance, small town romance.
Thank you Annalisa Russo, The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
January 7, 2020
Such a sweet read for the holiday season. Grab your favorite hot drink, a cuddly blanket and curl up in your favorite reading spot and get ready to lose yourself in this wonderful story. The characters are wonderful and the story line is well written and flows smoothly. There's family, disappointment and love, everything Christmas, snow and fun and of course Christmas miracles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2020
What a disappointing read! The hype surrounding this book led me to believe it would be something really special. What I got was a weak storyline; characters that were easily forgettable; no real plot twists and turns; and an HEA that was definitely lacking. I really wanted to like this book...and I wanted you to like it too. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was really disappointed.)
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed this story about Jillian and Tristan. Christmas time is a time to enjoy the season with family and friends. When Jillian’s family cannot be home for the holiday, Jillian spends time wondering about her life. When the guy she loved but broke her heart returns, she wonders where her future will go. Add in an angel who reminds her of the good in her life and friends who care, I found this story a definite feel good story!
December 30, 2019
Cosy Christmas story
by Merneo
I read this story in a couple of hours.
It was a cosy Christmas story that passed the time,,In fact i t reminded me of that good old Christmas staple, "It's'a Wonderful Life"
But don't be put off it did leave me with a warm feel good feeling
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
by Merneo
I read this story in a couple of hours.
It was a cosy Christmas story that passed the time,,In fact i t reminded me of that good old Christmas staple, "It's'a Wonderful Life"
But don't be put off it did leave me with a warm feel good feeling
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 27, 2020
Engaging Christmas Romance!
A delightful start to the Green Earth series by Annalisa Russo. Wonderful heartwarming characters and unique storyline. I love Jillian Magee’s quirky heavenly ‘guide’ who helps Jillian and Tristan get a second chance at love. Sweet, clean romance. Enjoy!
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
A delightful start to the Green Earth series by Annalisa Russo. Wonderful heartwarming characters and unique storyline. I love Jillian Magee’s quirky heavenly ‘guide’ who helps Jillian and Tristan get a second chance at love. Sweet, clean romance. Enjoy!
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
October 25, 2020
A cute premise, a quirky and interesting female lead, not much on the male lead, and a story that felt rush and was more telling than a show of the regrets that he supposedly had.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a copy from Hidden Arcs.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a copy from Hidden Arcs.
November 29, 2020
A very enjoyable second chance Christmas romance. A book to keep and reread each Christmas season. A feel good story. Romantic. Funny. Caring. Good deeds shared. Nativity. Good characters. Christmas cheer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
November 23, 2025
I am in the minority with this book. I had a lot of trouble getting into this story. It is very predictable. It will probably bring the Christmas spirit to most people. I might have enjoyed it more as a hallmark movie.
April 11, 2023
WOW
What an outstanding read from days of old. Men who love their wives and women who can stand on their own.
What an outstanding read from days of old. Men who love their wives and women who can stand on their own.
April 15, 2023
Enjoyed the introduction to this new series. Love the descriptions Annalisa uses, you can almost feel like you are right there. Looking forward to the next books in the Cavelli Family Saga.
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