Just Add Mistletoe: Christmas in Gingerbread, Colorado

by Addison Moore

*A laugh out loud holiday romance by New York Times Bestseller Addison Moore*

Graham Holiday has always had the ability to set any girl’s heart aflutter. Tall, dark, and vexingly handsome—he is well aware of his superpowers and he isn’t afraid to wield them.

Missy Winters, Gingerbread Colorado’s unofficial matchmaker, is busy running her bakery when her brother’s best friend, Graham, waltzes back into town. With only weeks until Christmas Eve, Missy needs to work harder than ever to fill her holiday orders. The last thing she needs is obnoxious Graham Holiday getting in her way. To top it all off, Sabrina Jarrett, her longtime nemesis is threatening to have her father hike the rent on the bakery.

In a vindictive yet highly therapeutic move to rid herself of both unwanted parties, Missy schemes to pair Sabrina and Graham—determined to crown them as Gingerbread’s newest power couple by the time Santa takes flight. But a curveball gets thrown her way, and she ends up seeing far more of Graham than expected. Suddenly, Missy isn’t so hot on giving Graham to Sabrina with a shiny red bow. There are some gifts that Missy might want to keep for herself.

From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore— Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Collections

274 pages, ebook

First published September 17, 2018

About the author

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Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.


FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF

Reviews

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again, another amazing read. Just add Mistletoe is an amazing book with all the christmas feels. I love christmas and I love so far all the books written by Addison Moore.
I loved Missy and Graham. This was a real page-turner and I loved every second!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly (the book hussy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Way too much drama for a holiday read. The entire OW drama with Sabrina was annoying and lasted pretty much the entire book.

[Davyne DeSye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine book. I love the Christmas spirit/Christmas romance aspect of it.

But.

It was very difficult for me to get into the book (or stay in the book) because the writing wasn't very good. Just as examples (and there are many, many more than just these), the author used the word "panache" several times in the book when the word she probably meant to use was "penchant," (or tendency?) as in "Mom had a panache for panic attacks at the worst moments." Or "he had a panache for ordering too much food." Just ugh.

Or, "He couldn't help but hide a smile." Really? He couldn't help but hide it? I think the author meant "He couldn't help but smile," or "He tried to hide the smile that came naturally to his lips." But hiding a smile is an active decision... not something you "can't help but" do.

Or, "... what would happen when they got behind closed quarters." How do you get behind closed quarters? Into a tunnel with a peephole? I think the author meant, "behind closed doors," or "in closed quarters."

Anyway, there was lots of this. And yeah, I know I'm nit-picking word choices, but I LOVE reading because it takes me out of this world and into another altogether... I learn to love (or dislike) the characters, cry for them, ache for the success of their endeavors, whatever. The process of reading is absolute MAGIC. That being said, there is nothing more annoying to me than being jogged out of a story because some glaring grammatical error catches me by the eye socket and slams my head back on cementitious reality.

Typos, sure. Typos happen, even in the best of books. Read on, baby, read on. But, just bad English? Well, as a word lover, I found myself yelling at this book several times - and not because I was cheering on a character or warning a character NOT to go there... but because of bad writing.

If this kind of stuff doesn't bother you, "Read on, baby, read on." It's a cute story.

[J.C. Reilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rolled my eyes so many times I can practically see outside the back of my head.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s Christmas season in Gingerbread, Colorado. Mistletoe (Missy) Winters and her sister, Holly, own their own bakery downtown and it’s their busiest time of year. Everything would be going perfectly if it weren’t for Missy’s nemesis, Sabrina Jarrett, getting in her way. Sabrina’s dad is the Winters daughter’s’ landlord, so in order to keep their rent affordable, they need to keep Sabrina happy, which is no easy task.

To make matters worse, Graham Holiday, Missy’s brother, Nick’s, best friend is back in town for a month to help save his grandma’s pie business. It wouldn’t seem so bad if it weren’t for the fact that Missy can’t stand to be in Graham’s presence. As kids, he always teased her. And now it seems he’s a ladies man in Manhattan, pulling in the big bucks doing real estate. And now he’s renting the house next to Missy’s, so they’re getting to see each other on the daily.

When Missy sees Sabrina ogling Graham, she has a bright idea. Why not set them up together? It would solve all Missy’s problems. The two people causing her the most disdain would be perfect together.

But the more time Missy spends with Graham, the more she realizes he’s not the man she thought he was. He’s kind and funny, and not quite the ladies man she once thought. Missy thinks she may have made a big mistake setting him up with Sabrina, and now she’s worried it may be too late to make her move. Graham and Missy falling in love would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

Just Add Mistletoe by Addison Moore is a short and sweet holiday romance. Although the holiday-themed name and town were cute, the story was too predictable and not dynamic enough. Generally I like romance stories and don’t mind that I know the couple will end up together, but this was just too much. Graham and Graham went from enemies to loving each other in about 5 seconds. the storyline seemed unrealistic. The characters were immature and unrelatable. I wanted so badly to love this holiday story, but it wasn’t for me. 2.5/5 stars.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect holiday romance. It was so cute and perfect. I love happily ever after especially holiday books. Loved Graham and Mistletoe.

[eleanor · Rating 2 out of 5]

i loved the dog but that was about it. i just found the characters so flat and boring and wasn’t invested in their love at all
also missy needed a property lawyer

[Melissa-ann Strausser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Hard to get through. I personally would not recommend.

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I always look forward to reading anything written by Addison Moore as she knows how to write stories that just capture your attention, I just get swept away each time I come across them. This is the perfect read for when it’s either a nice day to cosy up in the fall or during those cold winter nights. This book I found to be a little different to anything I’ve read of Addison’s and the reason for that is because this time it felt more realistic… Normally if something huge happens in a book people tend to just avoid the situation and just let things linger, this time was completely different instead the way it’s written Addison has given them a lot more credit and showed them that it’s possible to not just avoid confrontation. I would explain what happens but being honest that would ruin the story for you and that’s the last thing I want to do. The writing was amazing as always and I was completely gripped to the story and the characters. You should seriously give this book a chance as honestly it will just melt your heart away.

Missy is an amazing baker and runs her own bakery/café with her sister Holly right in the middle of where they grew up. Around Christmas is always pretty busy for them, however with Sabrina the town’s social gossiper and Missy’s arch-nemesis always looming about in their café she just can’t wait to get rid of her, so when the perfect opportunity arises Missy jumps for it. Little does she realise how complicated her life is about to get for her… will her plan work amazingly or is there heartbreak in store for her along the way.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Just Add Mistletoe Stars: 3.5 of 5 Author: Addison Moore @authoraddisonmoore Publisher: Hollis Thatcher Press, Ltd. This holiday season I have decided to read holiday books. This is my first one. Missy and her sister Holly own a bakery in Gingerbread, Colorado and the holidays are there busiest time. Missy has a nemsis names Sabrina who just happens to be the daughter of their landlords. Keeping her happy means keeping the rent low. Graham Holiday is a wealthy real estate developer who lives in New York City and happens to be best friends with Misty and Holly's brother. Graham has come home to Gingerbread for the holidays. Graham ironically rents the house next to Missy's. Missy comes up with the supreme idea of setting Sabrina and Graham up but as Missy spends more time with Graham she soon realizes what a mistake that was as she is slowly falling in love with Graham. But will Graham end up feeling the same way about Missy? This was an absolutely adorable and sweet story. A bit predictable but with just enough romance and shennanigans to make it the perfect first holiday book to read this year. #addisonmoorebooks #holidays, #holidayseason, #festive, #holidayfun, #christmas, #merrychristmas, #xmas, #happyholidays, #santaclaus, #christmastree, #christmaslights, #christmas2023, #christmasmood, #christmasvibes #christmasbooks #bookstagram #ilovetoread #igreads #MondayBooks, #MondayReads, #MondayBookClub, #MondayBookLove, #MondayBookworm, #MondayBookChat, #MondayBookSuggestions, , #MondayBookReview, #MondayBookPick

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Winters, master baker and town matchmaker, has a perfect record when it comes to finding love for others. But when it comes to herself that's another story. So when her childhood tormentor Graham Holiday returns to town for a month-long stay, she can't resist the opportunity to get back at him a little by matching him up with the current thorn in her side, Sabrina, who just so happens to also be her business landlord's manipulative daughter. But when Sabrina threatens to have her father triple the bakery's rent unless she gets to bag Graham, things start to get very interesting. However, while attempting to accomplish this near-impossible mission, Missy just may be inadvertently creating sparks between herself and Graham and sabotaging the whole plan. Will she risk breaking her perfect matchmaking record to pursue her own love interests and thereby losing the bakery she loves or will she sacrifice her own happiness in order to save the bakery she and her sister love so much? As always, Addison Moore delivers a heartfelt romantic comedy with lots of Christmas charm and a sassy female lead. This book was a fantastic read and totally got me in the 'Holiday' spirit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wicked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I absolutely loved this book. Nothing better than sitting down and reading a sweet, loving, funny book that has all of the feels. I wont lie, I love a good book with detailed 'behind the door' scenes, but every now and then it's nice to sit down and read something like this. No cursing, no sex scenes, but still has all the laughs and romance a good book does.

Mistletoe Winters, Missy, is the baker of the their small little town, Gingerbread. Graham Holiday is originally from there but decided to move to New York. Graham is Missy's brothers best friend and growing up they used to torment each other. So when he comes back to town, they decide to keep up with the banter that they've always had. Except, this time around, there is something else brewing between the two that they arent quite sure what it is.

I loved the banter between them, I loved the town, I loved all of the cute names everyone has. I especially loved Noel. My favorite part in the whole book is Graham's epilogue. Hysterical! You will fall in love with both of them and root for them the whole way.

This is the first book I've ready by this author, and it will not be my last!

[Jeeza (Romance Pennydreadful) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another heroine called Holly Winter ... sadly not as cute as Reindeer Falls ... I tried very hard to get through the whole book and succeeded, but it was a struggle.

Story: Graham Holiday has always had the ability to set any girl’s heart aflutter. Tall, dark, and vexingly handsome—he is well aware of his superpowers and he isn’t afraid to wield them. Missy Winters, Gingerbread Colorado’s unofficial matchmaker, is busy running her bakery when her brother’s best friend, Graham, waltzes back into town. With only weeks until Christmas Eve, Missy needs to work harder than ever to fill her holiday orders. The last thing she needs is obnoxious Graham Holiday getting in her way.

There were a few tender and sweet moments in this book, but mainly I was just annoyed with Holly for trying to set up the hero with another woman for so long! Additionally the hero was a jerk to her in the past, but really didn’t do anything wrong from the time they reconnected. So...she was just holding a grudge for years on end. Get over it. All in all the story was just a bit tedious for me.

[Gidg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book me took a long time to get through as I only read it when I was commuting home from work. The book didn't grab me enough to want to read every day or every free moment. At one point I was ready to give up and jump to the end. I felt that Missy was just too annoying with her immature and idiotic behavior. Creating unnecessary situations that just dragged things out.

Graham on the other hand was very likeable. Just as the towns people where enamored with his charm so was I. There no game playing and nonsense from him in the way Missy was up to. Although he did lack in character when it came to his brother. I can see why his brother would be resentful about his lack of interest or support for his family's business while he was off living his live in NYC.

As for the Epilogue, I don't think we needed it or the last chapter. It should have ended with the chapters before them; end on a high note and not an after thought.

[Tina Helzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another amazing book by Addison. You can not go wrong when you are reading her books. They are all awesome.

Mistletoe has been in love with Graham for as long as she can remember, but she does not realize it until plays matchmaker one more time. She is known as the town matchmaker and is wanting to set Graham up with Sabrina so that maybe Sabrina will leave her along and stop threatening her bakery with rising rent. When Graham walks in Mistletoe things it would be great to set those two up and maybe help herself out, but things backfire and the more she pushes Graham towards Sabrina she realizes she is in love with him.

To find out what happens get the book, It will be so worth it. This is a real page-turner of a book. Keeps ya going from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Add Mistletoe is a fantastic Holiday read!!
Welcome to the small town of Gingerbread, and meet matchmaker/baker extraordinaire, Missy(Mistletoe) Winters!! Just add sassy sneaky Sabrina, and Graham, two of Missy’s biggest pains in life, and you’ve got trouble!!

When Graham pops into town after years away, Missy thinks she’ll kill 2 manipulative birds with one stone. But, things aren’t always as they seem in Gingerbread.

Addison kills it again in the Happy Holiday read!! There really wasn’t too much I could put here without giving away all my favorite parts of this story. For how many times I “awed” “grrrrr’d” and yelled “PLOT TWIST” this is DEFINITELY one you’ll have to pick up yourselves!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, well written with a great plot and characters. This book has drama, humor, traditions, romance and family. Missy owns a bakery and has to get orders done before the holidays. She doesn't want anything to do with Graham whom she finds obnoxious. Her nemesis is threatening to have her dad up Missy's rent at the bakery. Missy figures kill two birds with one stone and hooks them up so both of them will be out of her way. Graham and Missy's mothers have other plans, will Graham and Missy find a blossoming relationship? Read to find out. I couldn't put down this book! I can't wait to read more of the Murder in the Mix series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[bookgeek607 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Addison has us traveling to Gingerbread, Colorado where we get to meet Mistletoe “Missy” Winters, a baker that is even known as a successful matchmaker. Life is close to perfect except for a nuisance named Sabrina Jarrett. When a childhood friend, Graham Holiday, comes rolling back into town Missy is hoping he will jet right back out town and take her nuisance with him. The only problem is what if the match is one sided and Graham has his eyes set on another? What happens if the matchmaker realizes she might have made a mistake? Just Add Mistletoe has just the right ingredients to bake up a romantic, laugh out loud, drama, and yes there may have even been tears shhh, holiday read.

[Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Another great book from Addison Moore! I loved this book! The book seemed shorter than others, but I think that was just because I was so into the book, I couldn't put it down. Definitely a page turner.
Missy is the queen of matchmaking so as soon as Graham comes waltzing into town, she chooses the best person to make him run for the hills and she had a reason behind it. Little did she know all those years of growing up with Graham, she never would admit to herself what her heart felt for him.
Addison Moore throws these books out like they are candy and I absolutely love it! Off to read her next book Bobbing for Bodies! Keep your eye out for the next post!

[Kelli Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Graham Holiday and Mistletoe Winters are an unlikely couple with their more of a brother/sister relationship in the past. When they reconnect as adults in their cute little hometown of Gingerbread, Colorado it quickly becomes obvious that they cannot deny their attraction to eachother. They go through a few bumps in the road, but they will keep you laughing throught the whole ride. I absolutely loved this book. It was a cute happy little love story that made me laugh and cry. (It was definitely a happy cry) You need this book for the holidays!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically don't read holiday theme books. They just don't seem to appeal to me when I have such a lengthy list of books I want to read. When I was given the chance to read an advanced reader copy of Just Add Mistletoe I decided to give it a chance because I have loved every book I've read from Addison Moore.
I am really glad I did! Just Add Mistletoe was such a sweet story with loveable characters and a storyline that keeps drawing you through the pages. Worth adding to your list of books to read this season!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I loved Gingerbread, CO and all their wacky residents.

Mistletoe and Graham have been frienemies for years. I mean Graham is her brothers best friend. Full of ego and handsome as hell, he always seems to rub her the wrong way. So what better plan to set him up with the other person who is on her last nerve - Sabrina... Hopefully, the two will be perfect for each other and when Graham goes back to New York City, he can take Sabrina with him!

Except there's one little problem... She's fell in love with him instead.

A laugh out loud full of fun Christmas Novella - full of heart too!

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, quick holiday read. Graham and Missy were kind of all over the place in the beginning. She was pretty immature and opinionated towards Graham. Graham comes back to town and realizes that maybe he left too much behind in Gingerbread when he left for so long. Sabrina was kind of a nuisance, but it seems to be an Addison Moore requirement in her books. Their story was definitely holiday themed. The ending seemed perfect for them. I did have some issues with Tanner and Sabrina at the end. It would have been nice to have had some more of a story with them. Overall a good, quick second chance Christmas romance.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story.

A sweet typical Christmas story in small town USA. Mistletoe and her sister Holly own and run a bakery, cafe on Main Star. Life is hectic with the holidays coming up and to make matters worse her arch enemy Sabrina is threatening to have her father up the rent. In walks her brothers best friend, who has always been a thorn is her side. As the towns matchmaker, Missy sideline, her decides to match up Sabrina and Graham.
Graham is home for Christmas per his brother’s request. He has been home for years. Entering the bakery he is surprised, Holly is all grown up.
Many ups and downs, like riding a roller coaster. Will they or won’t they? Read it and find out.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Small Town Unexpected Holiday Romance

Graham: Brother's Best Friend, Big Shot in NYC, & a Smoking Hottie
Missy: The Girl he Teased Mercilessly & Drove Crazy

A random chance meeting upon returning to his Hometown of Gingerbread, Colorado or... Maybe not random at all *wink,wink*
An adorable lost puppy, the guy who irks the crap outof her needing a place to stay located next to her home of course, and a Snooty nemesis who lives to make Missy's days miserable along with making threats daily to her & her sister's business. All this during one of the most Hectic months of the year for her shop "December" leading up to "Christmas".
What could possibly go Wrong? Or Right? Revenge? Love? Real or Pretend?

[Mandy Robinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison brings us a perfect holiday romance! When Graham Holiday comes back into town Mistletoe Winters is ready to ship him right back to New York. Mistletoe (Missy) isthe towns best matchmaker and decides to fix Graham up with the biggest drain on her bakery, Stephanie. But things aren't always what they seem, and Graham has his eye on someone a little closer, Missy herself. This is a great holiday romance filled with laughs! Christmas in Gingerbread, Colorado is a perfect setting for some holiday cheer!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 - super cute, bordering on a Hallmark Xmas special (which I'd watch) . The antagonistic feelings left over from childhood aren't harmful or spiteful, so it's fun to see them act upon them. The dog is a very fun addition, and as a pet owner, I understand that love and adoration, but it got a little weird a couple of times with their love of her. The hidden agendas got a little bit frustrating, but not wholly unbelievable as to why they acted as they did. Loved both sides of family, but could have easily have done without both brothers.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story and a perfect prelude to the Murder in the Mix series. It was a pleasant read and kept me interested from start to finish. I love the town of Gingerbread. What and original name for a town devoted to Christmas and the character names were perfectly fitting. Graham Holiday and Mistletoe Winters. Plus, the surprise name added at the end is perfect for this story. I love reading about their childhood bantering turning into something much more and life altering. I can't wait to read more of this fantastic series.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Missy and Graham. Missy's matchmaking backfires on Graham and Sabrina. The more Missy gets to know Graham the more she realizes what a great guy he is. Graham comes back to Gingerbread and his best friend's little sister has this gal chasing him around talking marriage. His younger brother says the family business is going to close after Christmas unless Graham does something to bring it back to life. Missy hears this and wants to help Graham and his family. This was a great book and I really enjoyed it!

[Stillgrowing]

DNF
Felt like the author was using words to they didn't understand the meaning of or they didn't edit properly.
After the kids flew the nest she got "angsty" - maybe "antsy"?
Her fingers had a "panache" to want to wrap themselves around his neck - maybe "penchant"?

This is too annoying to me. When there are errors like this it feels like the book is a rush job to try and make money rather than an effort to write a good story.