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A Wilton Hills Christmas #1
Marshmallows & Mistletoe
Christmas is the most magical season of the year. Noel loves everything about it. From the decorating, to the music, and the baking. While visiting her parents in their farmhouse nestled in the Maine woods in preparation for the holiday, she finds herself alone when the power goes out.
But when she finds a stranger and his little boy stranded next to the road, she follows her intuition and offers them shelter until they can figure out how to restore the power.
All Ian wanted to do was take his son to see Santa. Now he’s stuck with a Christmas enthusiast in a farmhouse decorated with smiling faces on family pictures. But as Ian spends more and more time with Noel, he’s reminded of what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.
Family, joy, kindness…and love.
But when she finds a stranger and his little boy stranded next to the road, she follows her intuition and offers them shelter until they can figure out how to restore the power.
All Ian wanted to do was take his son to see Santa. Now he’s stuck with a Christmas enthusiast in a farmhouse decorated with smiling faces on family pictures. But as Ian spends more and more time with Noel, he’s reminded of what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.
Family, joy, kindness…and love.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2018
139 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Rice
40 books291 followersMarianne Rice writes small town contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love.
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 23, 2020
This book is great! It’s a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book! I am so excited to see there are two more in the series! Can’t wait to read them too!
December 6, 2022
Really sweet snowed-in Christmas story between Ian and Noel. Loved how they covered the conflict thoroughly, and how her family made it clear that wasn't what mattered. Enough chemistry to make it interesting, but not so much it felt like a snowy one-night stand. HFN ending and a standalone, but part of a series.
December 28, 2025
Ian & Noel 🤍🎄
This story started off with such a unique meet-cute!! Ian & his son got stranded in a snow storm right in front of Noel’s parent’s house. Now stranded for days they get to know each other and sparks fly…Noel is such a sweet MFC who has such a giving heart where Ian has such a tragic backstory and is VERY self-deprecating.
Honestly, the story really dragged for me. It only took place over a few days and it felt longer. It was interesting, but not an easy, quick novella that I was hoping for this holiday season.
This story started off with such a unique meet-cute!! Ian & his son got stranded in a snow storm right in front of Noel’s parent’s house. Now stranded for days they get to know each other and sparks fly…Noel is such a sweet MFC who has such a giving heart where Ian has such a tragic backstory and is VERY self-deprecating.
Honestly, the story really dragged for me. It only took place over a few days and it felt longer. It was interesting, but not an easy, quick novella that I was hoping for this holiday season.
November 9, 2020
Il perfetto libro natalizio, dolce e divertente!
La magia del Natale al suo massimo! L’ho adorato!
La magia del Natale al suo massimo! L’ho adorato!
November 28, 2020
Seriously???? The PERFECT hallmark movie in a book Christmas read!!!!
I LOVE this family and this setting and I don’t want to leave!
I LOVE this family and this setting and I don’t want to leave!
December 12, 2021
Cute quick read
February 19, 2022
This is the first book I read by this author and I am hooked. During a blizzard a stranger and his son break down in a snowstorm and Noel invites them to stay and with roads closed and no power they are
all together in her parents home and her parents are away.As they are together they get closer but Ian is very reserved and insecure a beautiful story.
all together in her parents home and her parents are away.As they are together they get closer but Ian is very reserved and insecure a beautiful story.
January 4, 2020
A sweet story about a woman who opens her home to a man and his son after they crash their car on her deserted road during a storm. A nice little heart-warming tale. No sex. No violence. Just holiday cheer with a side of romance.
November 5, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed
Heartwarming. Guess that's the best word to describe this story. Loved the characters. Loved the family acceptance of a stranger at face value.
Heartwarming. Guess that's the best word to describe this story. Loved the characters. Loved the family acceptance of a stranger at face value.
December 1, 2018
Marshmallows & Mistletoe - This is my first read by this author and it won't be my last. An enjoyable, clean story that is so heartwarming and delightful, it's perfect for Christmas, and every day of the year. The characters are sweet, loving, humble and well mannered. While the child is a large part of the story, his father is the perfect character. Full of consideration and manners, like men used to be, especially in the Deep South; what he had to conquer to open his heart is heartbreaking and inspiring.
The storylines are well written, interesting and realistic, as is the dialog. There is plenty of humor that adds depth to this beauty of this story. One thing had me rolling my eyes repeatedly is that there are three vehicles using the same fuel as the generator, but he was going to walk ten miles for more fuel. Dumb.
This story goes so well with a cuppa and a furbaby, or just by itself. I contacted the author to review her book and receive it through Booksprout. 5*
The storylines are well written, interesting and realistic, as is the dialog. There is plenty of humor that adds depth to this beauty of this story. One thing had me rolling my eyes repeatedly is that there are three vehicles using the same fuel as the generator, but he was going to walk ten miles for more fuel. Dumb.
This story goes so well with a cuppa and a furbaby, or just by itself. I contacted the author to review her book and receive it through Booksprout. 5*
December 10, 2018
This was a wonderful Christmas story. It was an easy read though it was a little long in a few areas. The story was nice and the characters were well written. It’ll warm your heart reading it and maybe get you to believe that sometimes things happen for a reason.
The story is about Noel who is a girl who loves Christmas but doesn’t have a man to spend it with. She’s at her parents home when the electric goes out due to a storm. Then Ian, a single parent of an adorable son, get stuck on the side of the road which is the end of Noel’s parents driveway. Ian and his son were trying to spend a nice Christmas in their new home state when he gets stuck. He walks to Noel’s door and ends up staying a few days since the electric hasn’t been restored. The story goes on about different things they find out about each other and the fears of hoping for a real relationship with each carrying their own baggage. The story is sweet and the ending is good. A good Christmas read.
The story is about Noel who is a girl who loves Christmas but doesn’t have a man to spend it with. She’s at her parents home when the electric goes out due to a storm. Then Ian, a single parent of an adorable son, get stuck on the side of the road which is the end of Noel’s parents driveway. Ian and his son were trying to spend a nice Christmas in their new home state when he gets stuck. He walks to Noel’s door and ends up staying a few days since the electric hasn’t been restored. The story goes on about different things they find out about each other and the fears of hoping for a real relationship with each carrying their own baggage. The story is sweet and the ending is good. A good Christmas read.
October 7, 2018
When one of Maine's winter ice storms strikes, Ian Ramos and his young son Gabe are stranded at Noel Johnson's home. The power is out and the road blocked, and it's just before Christmas. Ian hopes to make this Christmas special for Gabe as the last few years have been a struggle for him and his son. Noel loves Christmas and is the perfect person to make this one special.
It's a little early, maybe, for Christmas romances, but this is a lovely story about two people perfect for each other. It's also a story about family and what makes up a family. Gabe is a doll, almost too perfect.
Marshmallows & Mistletoe is a sweet story with tender moments and funny incidents, perfect for the holidays (or anytime).
It's a little early, maybe, for Christmas romances, but this is a lovely story about two people perfect for each other. It's also a story about family and what makes up a family. Gabe is a doll, almost too perfect.
Marshmallows & Mistletoe is a sweet story with tender moments and funny incidents, perfect for the holidays (or anytime).
November 8, 2018
I absolutely loved "Marshmallows & Mistletoe" by Marianne Rice. It is a clean, feel good, Christmas romance. When Ian Ramos and his son Gabe crash their car on a road in Maine little did they know they would meet Noel. Ian is very cautious about any sort of relationship since his wife passed away, his wife's family wants nothing to do with him or their grandchild, and his family passed away during a hurricane. It is very hard for him to open up to the school teacher who loves Christmas, and opens her family home to them during the storm. Slowly the ice around Ian's heart begins to melt as he learns not everyone looks down upon him. Personally, I think this would make an excellent Hallmark Christmas movie.
November 30, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. But I had a really hard time with it.
Ian's insecurities about his heritage was one of the biggest issues. Halfway through the book I was telling him to suck it up and own it. Sadly, his insecurities lasted the entire book.
The other thing I had an issue with was the lack of communication between Noel and Ian. It was kinda cute at first and added some angst between them. But it quickly became painful. Watching them misunderstand the other's actions and start playing the poor picked on me game had me rolling my eyes and telling them to use their words.
The only bright spot in this entire book was Gabe. He was adorable. Had he not been part of the package, I probably would've stopped reading halfway through the book.
Ian's insecurities about his heritage was one of the biggest issues. Halfway through the book I was telling him to suck it up and own it. Sadly, his insecurities lasted the entire book.
The other thing I had an issue with was the lack of communication between Noel and Ian. It was kinda cute at first and added some angst between them. But it quickly became painful. Watching them misunderstand the other's actions and start playing the poor picked on me game had me rolling my eyes and telling them to use their words.
The only bright spot in this entire book was Gabe. He was adorable. Had he not been part of the package, I probably would've stopped reading halfway through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
I picked this book up last year at a local author event and have been excited to read it for Christmas this year. It had all the makings of a perfect holiday romance for me, single parent, forced close proximity, big family, tons of Christmas cheer, and so much more. It really delivered on everything that was promised. I loved the characters in the story, even the side characters of Noel's family that were off page most of the book. I loved the cozy winter atmosphere that just screams Christmas. It was a simple story but the characters really jump off the page and make it difficult to put down. It was a fast and really enjoyable read that was fun to read on a snowy day leading up to Christmas. I am looking forward to reading the next book on my shelf!
December 9, 2018
Ian Ramos with his six year old son Gabriel crash near Noel Johnson parents’ house a few days before Christmas and take out the power line. Noel is alone there stranded by the storm and offers them shelter. She ends up falling in love with both of them. But Ian is worried that her family won’t accept him because of his Puerto Rican heritage like his deceased wife’s parents. He has nothing to worry about because like Noel when her parents and siblings meet them they fall in love with Ian and Gabe too. This was a sweet clean Christmas romance. Gabe was so cute. I’d love to read romances about the other Johnson siblings with their holiday names.
October 23, 2019
This is such a sweet Christmas story, it truly reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. When Ian & his young son Gabe are stranded at Noel's due to a snowstorm he was prepared to stay in his car. When Noel offers them a place to stay, even though the house lost power he was surprised by her generosity. Noel loves Christmas and bonds with Ian's young son Gabe right away. Ian is used to people not treating him well so he was taken aback by how welcoming Noel was to both him & his son. Noel also relied on Ian's help to run the generator for the house. I loved how Noel showed Ian & Gabe the Christmas spirit.
December 2, 2018
Having an accident just before Christmas is bad, but to be stranded in a wind and snow storm with your young son has to be the worse. Yet fate had something in mind for Ian and his son Gabriel. This was a true Christmas story full of love and giving, of understanding and beautiful moments. Noel and Ian's story was so good. Loved her family great characters abound in this story. This is a book you really should read this holiday. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 6, 2018
This is a heartwarming Christmas story that captured and held me from page one right to the end. It's more than a romance .. it's the making of a new start , a new family. It's a story of insecurity , grief , hope and love. The author does a great job describing her characters and bringing them to life. I loved them all , especially little Gabriel who stole my heart with all his adorableness. It's a touching story and I loved reading it. Highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 15, 2018
Wow! What an amazing book that truly makes you feel every emotion possible!
The holidays are supposed to be filled with friends and family and the magic of Christmas. However, when Ian Ramos crashed his truck and finds himself and his son, Gabe, stranded at a strangers house. Will Noel, the Christmas loving stranger, be able to show Gabe and Ian the true meaning of Christmas?
Marianne Rice does an amazing job tugging at her readers hearts and making truly relatable characters. What a great Christmas read!
The holidays are supposed to be filled with friends and family and the magic of Christmas. However, when Ian Ramos crashed his truck and finds himself and his son, Gabe, stranded at a strangers house. Will Noel, the Christmas loving stranger, be able to show Gabe and Ian the true meaning of Christmas?
Marianne Rice does an amazing job tugging at her readers hearts and making truly relatable characters. What a great Christmas read!
December 11, 2021
Snowed in
Cut off by a foot of snow and no power, Noel is more apprehensive about spiders in he basement than inviting a stranded motorist into her home. Whereas Ian is so uneasy due to the prejudice he has experienced that it is hard to grasp for someone who has not felt that. I love how protective Ian is for his son. I love the scenes of snow play, snowmen, snowangels, sledding, even snowball fights. Instead of cabin fever and a lot of tension, the growing closeness became believeable
Cut off by a foot of snow and no power, Noel is more apprehensive about spiders in he basement than inviting a stranded motorist into her home. Whereas Ian is so uneasy due to the prejudice he has experienced that it is hard to grasp for someone who has not felt that. I love how protective Ian is for his son. I love the scenes of snow play, snowmen, snowangels, sledding, even snowball fights. Instead of cabin fever and a lot of tension, the growing closeness became believeable
December 18, 2021
Where’s Santa Leaving the Presents?
Noel is alone at her parents home during a snowstorm. There was an accident that took out the electricity. When Noel ran outside to the truck, she found Ian & his son, Gabe. She invited them into the house. After a few days of no electricity, her parents not being able to get home, Christmas was looming in the very near future. Ian was a widower, whose in-laws wanted nothing to do with him or Gabe. Ian is concerned Noel’s family will be prejudiced as well.
Noel is alone at her parents home during a snowstorm. There was an accident that took out the electricity. When Noel ran outside to the truck, she found Ian & his son, Gabe. She invited them into the house. After a few days of no electricity, her parents not being able to get home, Christmas was looming in the very near future. Ian was a widower, whose in-laws wanted nothing to do with him or Gabe. Ian is concerned Noel’s family will be prejudiced as well.
December 1, 2018
She loves everything about Christmas and she decorates her home. She has a power cut and then she finds a strange man with his son. She ends up inviting them to stay as he is stranded. All he wanted was to get his win to see santa. He begins to get infected by her desire of Christmas. Can a chance meeting turn for good for them all? See if it will
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 9, 2018
This is a book I recommend, I could not put it down once I had started it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Noel, widower Ian, and Ian's son Gabe's story will have you believing in the magic of Christmas. A story that flows smoothly from one page to the other, I found this to be a sweet, well-written story that I could not put down. What in-laws Ian had and what they did to their own daughter before she died who could do that!
December 10, 2018
Marshmallows and Mistletoe is a sweet, heartwarming Holiday romance. Ian and his son Gabe are stranded after a car accident in a storm near Noel's parents house. Noel takes them in and their lives are forever changed. This is a well written, beautiful story with believable well developed characters. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
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December 19, 2020Christmas is the most
Magical time of the year for me. So, it was five stars because of the family element and the budding romance. A marriage with kids is A special kind. This family welcomed the man of the main characters dreams, along with his child. Beautiful. I'm all warm and fuzzy inside! Thank you for portraying the kind of family that should be everyone's. There are good people in the world.
Magical time of the year for me. So, it was five stars because of the family element and the budding romance. A marriage with kids is A special kind. This family welcomed the man of the main characters dreams, along with his child. Beautiful. I'm all warm and fuzzy inside! Thank you for portraying the kind of family that should be everyone's. There are good people in the world.
December 24, 2022
I read a lot of Christmas books this year and this one was likely my favorite. It captured me from the first paragraph and kept me until the end. A single dad and his little boy are left stranded in a ditch in a freezing ice storm. Luckily Merry saw their headlights from the house and took them in. This is the story of moving from insecurity and loneliness to found family. It showed how the strongest bonds aren't always blood related. Don't let yourself miss this one.
January 8, 2023
Cute, sweet romance from an author who understands who her readers are, what they want, and consistently delivers. I used to read a lot of romance, but I find myself less interested in the genre as I get older. If I were judging this strictly on whether I "liked it" or not, I'd give it a 3, but that doesn't reflect the author's skill as much as my preference. So, for those who love sweet romances in small-town settings, this is a 4 star book.
November 18, 2025
When you need that many modern day Fairy tail with a Happy Ever After - this is your book!
Noel is waiting for her family to show up for Holiday events. A snowstorm changes plans. Ian a single dad that has endured more then anyone deserves. Gabriel is his sweet son that is living in the moment. This is a clean romance with a level up from Hallmark and this story has Christmas theme and is a series.
Noel is waiting for her family to show up for Holiday events. A snowstorm changes plans. Ian a single dad that has endured more then anyone deserves. Gabriel is his sweet son that is living in the moment. This is a clean romance with a level up from Hallmark and this story has Christmas theme and is a series.
December 1, 2018
He just wants his son to see Santa even though he is not crazy about Christmas anymore. And a storm strands them and a woman stops and takes them to her place. That is her parents. As time goes on he not only gets closer but has his heart thawing about Christmas too. I recommend it. I was given a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews