A matchmaking aunt wants her nephew to find love under the mistletoe...
All doggy daycare owner Callie Andrews wants for Christmas is to win first prize this year. The annual window display competition is a huge event in Silver Falls, and she’s determined to showcase her success when her family visits her small town. It's time for her parents and three older brothers to realize the "baby" of the family is thriving on her own.
The last thing Brandt Winslow wants to do is rehash the past, but returning home to Silver Falls means confronting the reason he left. His vacation, however, takes an unexpected turn when his well-meaning aunt meddles in his love life, and he finds himself caught up in her misguided efforts at matchmaking.
Despite their reluctance at being paired up, Callie and Brandt discover the holidays are full of surprises...and romance. But is the magic of Christmas strong enough to keep the couple together through the new year?
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone is a contemporary romance set at the Christmas season. This small town holiday romance changes the point of view between the main characters to tell the story in this sweet read.
Callie Andrews owns a doggy daycare in the small town of Silver Falls and has put everything into her business since moving there. For the first time this season Callie plans to invite her family to her new home and wants to win the holiday decorating contest as one more way to show them she has made something of herself.
Brandt Winslow grew up in Silver Falls but left six years ago when his business partner went behind his back and sold their company. Brandt’s aunt happens to be a client of Callie’s and always in the mood for a bit of matchmaking so it doesn’t take her long to coax Callie into spending time with her nephew.
The Christmas Window is a nice little small town holiday romance with likable characters and a lovely setting. On top of all of that this one will also be sure to be a hit with animal lovers with plenty of four legged furry companions making appearances during the story too. The angst in the story was a bit predictable but thankfully over quickly since I’m not a huge fan of a lot of drama in a romance. If looking for a quickie holiday read though I’d recommend giving this one a try.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
This story started out good. I like the heroine and the animals. The hero’s personality simply grated on my nerves, and I began to lose interest before I was even halfway finished. Sorry, but this was not the book for me.
A delightfully entertaining story! All her life Callie has had her parents and three older brothers to take care of her. Wanting to stand on her own two feet for a change and start a life of her own, she moves to Silver Falls and opens her own business, Wags and Tails, a doggy daycare. Brandt hasn't been home to Silver Falls in six years, having been betrayed by his business partner when the man sold their company without even consulting Brandt. It was a bitter pill to swallow, coming from a man Brandt considered to be his best friend. So Brandt decided to start his own company and has become quite successful in his own right. Now, he has come to spend Christmas with his aunt in Silver Falls. After all, Margot practically raised him, he spent so much time with her while growing up. It's through Margo Brandt meets Callie. When the woman asks him to deliver her two dogs to Wags and Tails, Brandt readily agrees. A simple errand, how could he say no? And it's Margot who suggests Callie be Brandt's tour guide and show him all the changes that have occurred in the community since he's been gone.
While Sallie and Brandt don't exactly hit it off at first, they quickly discover they enjoy each other's company and, in spite of Margot's matchmaking efforts, see no harm in just hanging out as friends. Except it's hard to think of someone you're falling in love with as just a friend!
I loved this one. The small town appeal, the interesting characters, and an engaging plot all team to make this a wonderful way to pass a couple of hours out of the day. Add to that it's Christmas! What more could one want?
Callie Andrews is the owner of a doggy daycare in Silver Falls. She says she doesn't have time for dating and she's happy with her life, expect for the fact her family still treat her like a baby and not like the grown woman she is. The town is all about decorating big for the Holidays and this year, she decided that she want to win the Holiday window display competition.
"How much trouble could walking two dogs a couple of blocks be ?"
This sentence show perfectly that Brandt Winslow is not used to dogs. He's back in his hometown for the first time in six years. He left and stayed away after being betrayed by a friend and business partner. But he's in Silver Falls to visit his aunt until New Year's Eve. Things doesn't get to a good start between him and Callie. He offer a suggestion and advice and she misinterpret his intention. A little prickly at first, but a couple minutes spend with him (thanks to Brandt's aunt who ask her to play the tour guide with her nephew) is enough for Callie to realize he's not the kind of man she thought when she met him.
If your looking for a story to put you in the Holiday's spirit, this is a good one. Dogs, a not so subtle aunt playing matchmaker and pretty much drama free. I totally agree with people who said this book would make a great Hallmark's movie.
I must first mention how much I adore this book's cover. I was immediately drawn in by the cute puppy and Christmas atmosphere. This book's cover is a perfect match. It immediately puts you in the mood of the season.
It's quite simple for me to picture myself in the center of Silver Falls and taking part in the small town celebrations because to the genuine characters and the rich atmosphere the author has developed.
The story's angst was somewhat predictable, but it didn't change the tone of the novel as a whole. The book was excellently written, and the plot was simple to follow.
With numerous four-legged furry buddies making appearances throughout the story, this one will also undoubtedly appeal to animal lovers on top of everything else. This is a fantastic way to kill a few hours of the day thanks to a gripping plot!
The romance in this novel was beautiful and had me loving that the heroine gave the hero a chance despite though none of them want anything to do with relationships. Overall, Ms. McClone has created a really good read.
This is a good small-town tale if you're searching for something to get you in the holiday spirit. I wholly agree with the remarks made by others who thought this book would make a fantastic Hallmark movie.
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < < Cute pup wearing a Santa hat. Dual title font with “Christmas” is a sloppy, nearly illegible font. Christmas tag design is an appealing touch. Synopsis sounded adorable. What’s not to love about small-town holidays and pets? > > Looking Deeper < < POV ~> Third person
Callie left California and her all-too successful family for green pastures and colder winters. She opened a daycare for dogs in idyllic Silver Falls and her business has steadily gained success though she feels it may not measure up when compared to the doctors, lawyers, and professor in her family. This year, she’s determined to win the Main Street Holiday Window competition. Brandt is spending the holidays with his aunt in Silver Springs although he’d prefer to stay away from the one place that once met everything to him until betrayal struck hard from an unlikely source. Freelancing, he can work anywhere at any time but chooses not to put down any roots. Now, not only does he find himself back in town for his aunt but he feels an unwelcome attraction to the gal that runs the daycare that keeps his aunt’s dogs while she’s at work. There’s a few mischievous townfolks, some meddling mutts, and a bit of miscommunication, but Callie and Brandt are drawn together slowly but surely, it’s an undeniable attraction that’s sweet and sometimes frustrating. Secondary cast is entertaining. Dialogue is smart, interactions felt natural. The plot flowed nicely and was written smoothly. Predictability was low. The conclusion was solid. If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance with a small-town setting and has plenty of dogs, this is the perfect read for you! . Rating: [PG] ~ Score: 4.325 ~ Stars: 4 ========================== ⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from #NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
This story is very sweet with a lot of heart and self reflection. The writer creates very realistic characters set in an idyllic setting that makes the reader wish for snowy nights and Christmas cheer. I really enjoyed being sucked into the lives of the residents of Silver Falls. And the ending is everything you want it to be.
A simply enchanting Christmas story that is sure to put you in the mood for holiday magic. The characters are realistic, and with the vivid imagery the author has created, it’s so easy to place myself right in the middle of Silver Falls and take part in the small towns festivities. I’m always on the lookout for Ms McClone’s stories, they never disappoint in providing escape and entertainment.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
First I have to say I just love the cover of this book. It drew me right in with cute dog and holiday theme. The cover fits this book so well. I loved the small town charm in this one especially during the holidays. It gets you right into the holiday spirit. I loved Callie and Brandt.They were great engaging characters. Callie owns the doggy daycare she has one awesome job. Brandt is a hunky nerdy guy. The love he has for his aunt won me over. It's a great make you feel good story with the added bonus of the magic of the holiday season.
I enjoyed the charm of the small town, even with everyone knowing each other’s business. Christmas in such a cozy setting is always magical. Aunt Margot’s matchmaking attempt was delightful, and I loved that Brandt cared for her enough to go along with it. While I liked the storyline, I had a hard time with the female lead, Callie, to the point where I nearly stopped reading. She came across as a spoiled teenager, convinced she was always right and unwilling to apologize when wrong. She was strong and capable, but her stubbornness made it hard to understand what Brandt saw in her. Still, despite the things I didn’t enjoy, I really liked the ending.
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book
The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone. A heart-warming holiday story. A great book to get you in the holiday spirit. A small town, friends, new friends, coming home, and dogs. This author knows how to write a story that pulls you in from the first page.
The Christmas Window is a sweet, romantic holiday romance. I enjoyed this book, the character interaction was engaging and the storyline beautifully written. I look forward to reading more by this author
This was a really good story. This was a story of facing one's past, as Brandt discovered and of learning that it is okay to ask for help when you really need it, as Cassie learned when her window display fell to pieces when the fountain plugged up.
So here I thought I had the great opening line for this review about not being able to wait for Hallmark’s Christmas movies and needing a dose in book form, but did you know that the Christmas movies start in a week?! A WEEK!!!
Regardless, The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone very much feels like a Hallmark Christmas romance with an immediate antagonism between the hero and heroine, a gently developing relationship, and all of the warm-hearted feels of a small town joining together. And, by now you may have my reading/reviewing number, put a dog on the cover, and she will read. I loved the stellar dog cast.
The characterization if skillfully handled with both Callie and Brandt coming to terms with their stubbornness, which leads to interesting subplots regarding family and best friends.
If you’re looking for a sweet (big highlight on sweet) romance for the holidays, I recommend The Christmas Window.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone A matchmaking aunt wants her nephew to find love under the mistletoe… All doggy daycare owner Callie Andrews wants for Christmas is to win first prize this year. The annual window display competition is a huge event in Silver Falls, and she’s determined to showcase her success when her family visits her small town. It’s time for her parents and three older brothers to realize the “baby” of the family is thriving on her own. The last thing Brandt Winslow wants to do is rehash the past, but returning home to Silver Falls means confronting the reason he left. His vacation, however, takes an unexpected turn when his well-meaning aunt meddles in his love life, and he finds himself caught up in her misguided efforts at matchmaking. Despite their reluctance at being paired up, Callie and Brandt discover the holidays are full of surprises…and romance. But is the magic of Christmas strong enough to keep the couple together through the new year? This is Callie Andrews and Brandt Winslow's story. December might be six days away, but Silver Falls was ready for Christmas with fresh garland strung across First Avenue, streetlights decorated like candy canes, and twinkling lights, well, everywhere. The scents of pine and cedar hung on the air. The dusting of snow resembled pixie dust, another reminder of the magic of the season. As Callie Andrews walked toward Wags and Tails, her doggy daycare, warmth flowed through her despite the freezing temperature on this overcast Monday morning. She loved how her small town celebrated the holidays. Loved the Christmas traditions of the First Avenue Business Association. Loved the nonstop cheer that overflowed from Thanksgiving to December twenty-fifth. She loved everything about this place.Silver Falls was home. “Good morning.” His light brown hair was carelessly styled, almost as if he’d crawled out of bed and used his fingers as a comb. Callie double-checked to make sure she wasn’t drooling. His stubble was sexy. Glasses gave him a nerdy vibe, but did nothing to dull his vibrant eyes. Drowning in those pools of blue would be so easy to do, but what a way to go. He glanced at the door and then back at her. “Is the coffee shop open?”“Uh, yes. Sorry.” Raine appeared dazed, but Callie didn’t blame her. This guy could be the next Bachelor of the Year, if the town awarded that title. “We’re open. Someone’s behind the counter. I’ll be right in.” "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book." I highly recommend reading. The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Melissa McClone. Melissa's Books with Tule: Home for Christmas Bar V5 Ranch Copper Mountain Christmas Mistletoe Magic Bar V5 Ranch Copper Mountain Christmas The Honeymoon Prize Ever After Kiss Me, Cowboy Bar V5 Ranch The 76th Copper Mountain Rodeo Mistletoe Wedding Bar V5 Ranch The Cinderella Princess Ever After Royal Holiday A Christmas Homecoming Bar V5 Ranch Christmas at the Castle Ever After A Thankful Heart Love at the Chocolate Shop
Brandt Winslow is back in Silver Falls for the holidays. However, being home isn't easy for him, especially with what happened years ago that sent him running. Yet, meeting Callie Andrews makes things better for him and the more time they spend together, the more Brandt wants to stay. Will Brandt be able to let go of what happened in the past or will he break Callie's heart?
What an absolutely riveting, fast-paced, delightful read Ms. McClone has delivered in this book where the main characters have interesting back stories that made me want to get to know more about them; the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments and playful banter that had me loving this couple's growing relationship; and the plot drew me in right from the beginning, as the heroine is stubborn and independent and doesn't need advice from another male with an opinion that makes her sound like she doesn't know what she's doing. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether Callie would give Brandt a chance.
With the characters, I was totally charmed by the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters too, especially the hero's aunt. She's determined to matchmake because she wants Brandt to stay. Will she get her wish? Will Callie and Brandt end up together despite their rocky start? Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working, determined to prove she can be just as successful as any of her family and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, especially when she believes Brandt is just like her family and can't accept her for who she is. While the hero, he's been through tough times and it's understandable why he finds it hard to be in Silver Falls, especially after what his best friend did to him. With a best friend like Brandt had, who needs enemies? However, I liked that the hero would do anything for his aunt and how determined he was to win the heroine over, which is proven by how he tries to help her when things go awry for her. Will Callie accept the hero's help? Will she be able to let go of her independent streak to see that the hero is right?
Overall, Ms. McClone has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me loving that the heroine gave the hero a chance, even though neither of them want anything to do with relationships because she's too independent while he has trust issues; and the ending had me loving how these two made things right between them because they're so deserving of the happiness they've found together. I would recommend The Christmas Window by Ms. McClone, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the matchmaking trope, Christmas themed stories or books by authors Sinclair Jayne, Erika Marks, Trish Milburn and Dani Collins.
One of the hardest parts of being an adult is living up to the expectations of our families — or maybe, what we believe those expectations are. Callie is quite happy and content living the life she wants, owning a doggy day care business and sees no reason to change that for anyone else. Yet, with her family coming in to town for the holidays she’s determined to show them just what a success she’s become… all without a law degree, or big business takeovers under her belt, too. The one way that Callie believes she can accomplish that is by winning the annual Christmas window display competition this year… surely that would show her family that they don’t have to worry about her, she’s thriving just fine on her own. Maybe… maybe not… maybe it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks but what Callie knows in her heart. Some lessons learned this Christmas season may be under Callie’s tree.
Brandt would have never returned to Silver Falls if his favorite aunt didn’t insist on living there…. well, to be fair it is a nice small community, and maybe he wouldn’t hate coming here so much if it wasn’t the location of the biggest betrayal of his life. The best part of his career was that he could work just about anywhere. Freelancing meant that he could stay as long as he liked or pick up and leave at a moment’s notice… which he intended to do just as quickly as possible, not spending a moment longer in Silver Falls than absolutely necessary. Brandt’s plans might have worked out well enough if his aunt hadn’t decided to be a meddling matchmaker for her favorite nephew. Now the question becomes can he make a future in the one place that defines such a huge part of his past…
The Christmas Window easily drew me in to Callie and Brandt’s romance. From an unfortunate first impression, through some bumps in the road to happiness it wasn’t difficult to see that this couple belonged together — once past their stubbornness and misunderstandings. Yet some adorable pups and one well-meaning matchmaker do steal some scenes from our couple, and I was perfectly okay with that. I enjoyed my time in this charming Christmas tale full of interesting characters, a small town to fall in love with and a couple that you cannot help but wish for their happy ending. Looking for a Christmas Romance that’s full of feel good moments? Then I believe you’ve found one right here. Enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW: A Small-Town Holiday Romance by Melissa McClone is a great book to read whether it’s Christmas or July 4th. Who won’t love the wonderful feeling of love in the air (although there are a few stumbling blocks along the way), that small town feeling where everyone pulls together and wonderful dog antics thrown in the mix enough to make you smile!
THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW is the story of Callie Andrews who moved to Silver Falls three years ago and opened All Doggy Daycare. She’s determined to stay focused so she can show her family that she can be a success on her own without their overbearing protection and constant interfering because she is the “baby” of the family.
Brandt Winslow comes back to his hometown for the Christmas holidays to spend time with his favorite aunt, Aunt Margot, and possibly find some closure. He hasn’t been back since he left 6 years ago when his best friend and business partner, Nick, sold NiBrTech, a company he started from scratch, out for under him to the highest bidder leaving not only him but a big part of Silver Falls high and dry.
Add to the mixture that Aunt Margot has a way of matchmaking and with great success, there’s no surprise when sparks seem to fly between Callie and Brandt from their first meeting. With both working through their own problems (Carrie with her issues on control and proving she can make it completely on her own accepting no help from anyone and Brandt not being able to trust and how to regain his life again without running to escape), and both determined they have no room in their life for any kind of permanent relationship, can they find a way to heal each other and come together as a couple? The author has a way of having you root for a positive outcome but she makes the journey there exciting, full of pitfalls and a few laughs along the way making the happily ever after such a rewarding brass ring at the end of the marvelous ride called life.
Truly a wonderful Christmas story, but I recommend this book any time of the year to anyone that loves a well written romance story that will have you believing in true connections, not all well intentioned meddling is of the bad sort and families really do love one another even if they often have a bad way of showing it. THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW will satisfy your romantic soul but leave you wanting to know more about Silver Falls and its residences. I’d love to see Anna, who works for Callie, and one of Callie’s brothers make a connection. I think I might have seen a gleam in Aunt Margot’s eye when she found out the three brothers weren’t married!
It appears I’m in the minority here, but this book was NOT for me. And I just cannot even be bothered to better compose my review so here are my random thoughts while reading (take em or leave em)-
•It was so juvenile. The MCs acted as if they were literally middle schoolers instead of in their mid/late twenties. There was no actual chemistry because the characters had no depth. The way they spoke to each other was so immature and just made me uncomfortable- “I don’t know what this is happening between us”. It’s a romantic relationship- why are you being weird about it? Is this your first crush or something? Have girls had cooties until this point? Then there’s the miscommunication trope. And that entire fight just felt so “I know you are but what am I?” Why did this feel like a fight between children? Grow up, both of you. Stop being unwilling to listen to people give opinions/advice. You’re from LA- that’s all you people do? And Brandt just being such a wuss and standing down from anything that makes him uncomfortable. Go back to therapy.
•Callie spent the entire book acting like a spoiled brat being offended by everything and taking each little thing to heart. Grow up. People are always going to give their opinions- stop being a cry baby. Nobody feels sorry for you. Then there’s Brandt who goes home and cries himself to sleep because he got into a fight with the girl he likes? Stoppit. No he didn’t. Goodbye.
•WHY WAS CALLIE ALWAYS WIGGLING HER TOES?! WHAT IS THIS TOE FETISH?! It feels like House of the Dragon all over again. *Shivers*
•The entire book was filled with ALL the dramatics: “Brandt tapped his foot, not caring if he worse down the tile.” How hard are you tapping your foot, friend? “His hands trembled so much he nearly dropped his phone.” EYE.ROLL.
•And was really just too cheesy for it’s own good. Like, cringe-worthy lines: “You don’t have to keep ripping that apart. Hold on to me instead.” “She’d offered her support and a kiss. He’d taken both.” “Would you accept kisses as payments?”
But then all of a sudden we get this: “I can’t imagine my life without having met you.” “Same.”
Like, can we find a happy medium in the romance/flirt department? Cuz this isn’t it.
•And what is with the text messages?
“Water damage at shop. Window display destroyed. Waiting for insurance agent to arrive.”
Who types messages like this? I’m 30 years old and I can confirm I’ve never texted like this. Nor known anyone who does? It’s a text message, not a telegraph. I feel like I’m reading out Morse code. S.O.S.
So yeah, this book = not for me. Thank goodness it was free.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I liked this story a lot. This was a sweet romance with small town charm and Christmas magic. I have read a few books by Melissa McClone before and have enjoyed them all.
We meet Callie Andrews who has moved to Silver Falls from California to run a doggy daycare business, Wags and Tails. She felt her parents and older brothers were too controlling and judgmental so she bought a business and moved three years prior. Silver Falls has a window decorating contest for the businesses, and she wants to win it this year as her family is coming to visit. She busies herself with her elaborate design including a waterfall and lots of silver color.
Margot Winslow owns a quilt shop in Silver Falls and her nephew Brandt returns home to visit her for the month. He had owned a high tech business after college in Silver Falls with his ex best friend until he sold the business without his knowledge. The employees were left to find other work, which in a small remote town wasn’t easy. Brandt had been hurt and angry when he learned at the same time as the other employees what Nick had done. He immediately left town and never returned until now.
Callie meets Brandt on the street first, then when he brings his aunt’s dogs to daycare. Brandt isn’t comfortable around dogs and then he tries to tell her what to do with her window decorating and other things. This makes her think he’s dominating like her family and they don’t immediately get along. Margot is a huge matchmaker and she works to pair up Brandt and Callie. She gets it set up for Callie to give Brandt a tour of the town since he moved away. While out, they catch a couple of her doggie clients and the owner rewards them with a dinner at her restaurant.
There is chemistry between Callie and Brandt and lots of time spent together. This builds up to the window competition judging, Callie’s family arriving and where Brandt is going to end up. I encourage everyone to read this 5 star romance.
The Christmas Window is book #1 in Melissa McClone’s Silver Falls series. Silver Falls is the typical American small town. Hard working people… people who enjoy an ice cream cone, or a walk around town, or a high school choir, or Christmas music, and definitely love everyone’s pet dogs. The author is a master at creating, and depicting cherished small town lives. Lives which don’t revolve around rush hour traffic, smog, and endless demands on our precious lives.
Callie Andrews, despite objections from her successful parents and brothers, moved to Silver Falls three years ago. She purchased a dog daycare business, Wags and Tails, and has transformed it into an integral part of Silver Fall’s thriving downtown, as a member of the First Avenue Business Association. Callie desperately wants to impress her family by winning the annual Christmas window decorating contest, but there are many speedbumps along the way.
Speedbump #1 is the return of Margot Winslow’s nephew Brandt. Brandt hasn’t been back to his hometown since his business partner and best friend betrayed him. He isn’t interested in dating, and neither is Callie, but that didn’t deter Margot, and her matchmaker extraordinaire abilities. Brandt’s ex-partner, Nick Baxter, also creates problems for Callie and Brandt. Because Callie is the “baby” in her family, she feels constant pressure to prove herself. She is an adult woman who chooses to live her life on her terms. Her terms do not include the Los Angeles of her childhood. An oversight destroys her decorated window, thus dooming her contest entry, and the collateral damage could doom her business.
When she desperately needs help, will Callie accept it from Brandt, and her Silver Falls friends? Will the Christmas window be saved? Will Wags and Tails be saved? Will Aunt Margot’s matchmaker skills triumph? Will Callie and Brandt find love? The Christmas Window is a beautiful read, and the perfect book #1 in the Silver Falls series! I vote 5 Stars!
With the second book in this series coming out in just a few days, I thought I'd go back and read the first one. Of course it's July and the story is Christmas, but seriously what is better than Christmas in July?
Callie Andrews has a successful doggie day care business in Silver Falls. She started it after careful research and this is the first year her family is coming to visit. She's also planning the perfect Holiday window to win this year's competition. She wants to show her family this is a serious business not just her 'playing' with dogs as they see it.
Brandt Winslow has come home to Silver Falls to spend time with his Aunt Margot. He's taking a break from his computer consulting business. It's been six years since he's been back and he's looking forward to spending Christmas here. If he can just keep the reason he left out of his mind it would be perfect.
Of course his Aunt Margot has plans for him, and one of those includes him getting to know Callie. She starts by having him walk her dogs to the doggy day care. Unfortunately he doesn't make a good impression. Not really his fault but the tone of his advice on one of the window decorations rubs Callie the wrong way.
The second part of Margot's plan is for Callie to give Brandt a walking tour to show him all the things that have changed over the years.
In spite of her resolve not to like Brandt he does start to break down her walls as she realizes he really isn't like her brothers.
Then of course there has to be a bit of a confrontation with his ex-partner Nick. One that truly gives more insight to the self-centeredness of the man.
Brandt's more than a little upset that Callie is friends with him then on top of everything there's a problem at Wags and Tails that threatens all of Callie's holiday plans,
Full of fun, intriguing, romance and plenty of Christmas spirit.
The Christmas Window is the first book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Callie Andrews has found her passion running a doggy daycare in the small town of Silver Falls. The town has a holiday window display contest that she is determined to win. To prove to her parents and older brothers that she is thriving on her own. Brandt Winslow has reluctantly returned home to Silver Falls. He left many years ago after being betrayed by someone he trusted. He hopes to spend his vacation avoiding the past and quietly checking off the days. When his well meaning, matchmaking aunt has decided that her nephew needs to find love, Brandt finds himself spending time with Callie and discovering hope and magic in the holidays. Is there enough magic to find love under the mistletoe? The Christmas Window is a sweet, cute and clean Christmas romance. I enjoyed Callie and Brandt as they met on the wrong foot and through forced proximity, they find common ground and a growing friendship and eventually love. I also enjoyed Brandt’s aunt and the other residents of Silver Falls. They were great support for Callie and Brandt. This story also brings the importance of standing up for yourself, for your passions and dreams as well as confronting the past in order to move forward. The story flowed smoothly and I enjoyed reading Callie and Brandt’s romance that I read well into the night. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town romance with a Christmas atmosphere, I highly recommend The Christmas Window.
The Christmas Window is available in paperback and eBook
Lots of cute dogs, a matchmaking aunt and some serious romance, made this a fun book to read.
Doggy daycare owner, Callie Andrews, was determined to win the annual Silver Falls Christmas window display competition this year. She couldn’t wait for her family to arrive and see how well Wags and Tails was doing. They think all she does is play with dogs all day and want her to find a better career. She would show them that she had become a successful business owner.
Brandt Winslow left Silver Falls six years ago after his business partner sold their company right out from under him. Brandt was still angry at Nick about it. He was back in town to visit his aunt Margot for Christmas and just hoped he didn’t run into Nick while he was there. He didn’t know how he would react or what he would say to him. The last thing he expected was for his aunt to try to set him up with a girl. He didn’t have time for it and didn’t plan on sticking around once Christmas was over. But, it seems when Margot sets her goal on a couple, they end up falling in love.
The cover of this book grabbed my attention right away. The story is also very enjoyable too and definitely put me in the holiday mood. I loved the characters and couldn’t get enough of them. I especially liked how Callie was able to get Brandt used to being around dogs when he was a little scared at first. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals or just a good clean romance.
Callie loves her life in Silver Falls. Running her doggy daycare is exactly how she wants to spend her life, regardless of what her parents and brothers think. As the baby of her family, she never seems to be able to live up to expectations. A recent visit with her family, and all of the accolades received by her brothers, left Callie determined to win the annual Christmas window contest run by the shop owners association in Silver Falls. She wants to prove to her family that she can be a winner too!
Brandt left Silver Falls as soon as he could and isn't anxious to revisit his past, but a Holiday visit with his Aunt Margot was just what he needed in his downtime between jobs. Margot is not only a quilt shop owner, but she plays a bit of matchmaker as well, and is determined to see Brandt and Callie spend time together.
This is a fabulous story of misunderstandings, the pressure of expectations and the joy of community. This story would make a fabulous Christmas movie! I know I'd love to watch it with a plate of Christmas cookies and warm mug of cocoa!
*I received an advanced ebook copy of this book for me to provide an honest review. The opinion expressed above is 100% my own.
The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone kept me interested from the first pages to the end. Girl, Callie Andrews, meets boy, Brandt Winslow. This is not a new plot at all, bit that doesn't matter. Melissa McClone wove a classic plot into an enduring love story. Callie is a Los Angels transplant of three years to Silver Falls while Brandt is a local; but hasn't been back for six years. He's a computer software engineer with a business reason not to come back home. His Aunt Margot Winslow is why he's back. Aunt Margot was his loving mentor throughout his childhood. Aunt Margot owns a Quilt Shop in town and is also the unofficial Silver Falls matchmaker.
Callie's family of professionals (doctors & lawyers) can't fathom why she likes to play with dogs. They don't view her as a successful business owner of Wags and Tail; a dog daycare facility and training center. Callie has invited her family to Silver Falls for Christmas to show them what she has accomplished. Callie's goal is to win the annual Silver Falls Business Christmas Window decorating contest to impress her family.
Silver Falls is place I'd like "to visit" whether in person or by reading the next book in this series. Give a read to this book as you'll enjoy your visit.
Callie runs the doggy day-care in Silver Falls and this year she wants to win the town’s best decorated Christmas window competition. Maybe by winning this she can show her family, who are visiting her for Christmas, that she is as successful as they all are. As the younger of the family, her parents and brothers are always trying to look after her and Callie is determined to show them that she can stand on her own two feet. Brandt has come home to Silver Falls to spend the holidays with his aunt. He is semi reluctant to come as it will mean having to face the reason, he left town in the first place. His aunt is thrilled to have him home and immediately sets about matching making him and Callie. Neither of them is looking for a relationship but the more time they spend together the more they like each other. They both help each other through various difficulties, could this year be the year they get all they want for Christmas? I really liked the characters, I can totally see why Callie wanted to prove that she could stand on her own two feet. The town has a lovely feel to it and I love the way everyone helps each other in times of need. A great start to a series. I have read one other in this series and will be reading the rest.