Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Happily Everlasting World #7

An Everlasting Christmas

Rate this book
A Happily Everlasting Series Novella

Welcome to Everlasting, Maine, where there's no such thing as normal.

Wil Messing may own a thriving antique shop in the tiny seaside town of Everlasting, Maine, but the man and the shop are far more than they appear to be. Born into a long line of supernatural hunters, this alpha male has had to make tough decisions all of his life. But the toughest one of all was walking away from the woman who stole his heart long ago. But he had no choice. It was for her own safety.

He wants more from her than mere friendship but knows he has no right to ask—not with their past. But when a secret admirer begins leaving Jolene gifts, it doesn’t take a great detective to tell Wil it's now or never.

Jolene Bails may come off as a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense kind of woman, but underneath it all, she has a softer side. Now that she has a Secret Santa, who seems to know her well, she finds herself opening to the idea of wanting more from life. But first, she has to figure out who is leaving her mysterious gifts and why it is Wil, her old flame, is acting so strange.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2018

326 people are currently reading
310 people want to read

About the author

Mandy M. Roth

409 books1,981 followers
NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Mandy M. Roth® loves 80s music and movies and wishes leg warmers would come back into fashion. She also thinks the movie The Breakfast Club should be mandatory viewing for…okay, everyone. When she’s not dancing around her office to the sounds of the 80s, she’s busy writing paranormal operatives and kick-butt urban fantasy heroines. Mandy lives in Oxford, Mississippi with her husband and three boys. She has sold over 2 million books. Mandy has published with Harlequin, Random House/ Virgin Books, numerous small presses, and has had an amazingly successful indie career. She’s had bestselling books in a multitude of categories and genres at Amazon, Nook, Google Play, Apple Books, and Kobo.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
425 (51%)
4 stars
233 (28%)
3 stars
129 (15%)
2 stars
35 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,706 reviews228 followers
January 9, 2021
Oh, yeah. We have a little second chance, holiday romance between ex-hunter Wil and shifter Jolene. Probably my favorite thing about these characters is how everyone's afraid of Wil because of his hunter past (and his penchant for permanently getting rid of bad guys who cross his path), but he's SUCH A MARSHMALLOW when it comes to the ladies in his life. We're talking Penelope, Kelsey, and Jolene, folks. He's gentle and protective with all of them, but kinda intimidating to everyone else in town.

So. Wil and Jolene have a past. They've been circling cautiously around one another since they were first introduced and Wil's finally getting the kick in the pants he needed to make his move. A potential suitor for his lady friend does wonders for motivation, doesn't it?

As for Jolene, she might not be actively encouraging Wil, but he's always held a special place in her heart. It just seemed like they'd missed their chance once upon a time and it was something she'd have to deal with. Until, you know, she didn't.

A lot of familiar faces, a sprinkle of holiday cheer, and a couple of meddling family members. Wil and Jolene get their second chance and they grab it with both hands. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
405 reviews16 followers
November 9, 2018


Reviewed by SFF Dragon*

Christmas is coming to Everlasting, along with a few feet of snow, Secret Santa, a happy reunion and a wedding... I absolutely love it.

I've been addicted to wonderfully funny and clean multi-genre Cozy mysteries for the who-dun-it lover of all ages for years and the multiple author romantic paranormal Happily Everlasting series is one of the best. If you're new to the genre (and even if you're not), this feel good and laugh out loud funny Christmas story from Mandy M. Roth, one of my all-time favourite authors, is a great place to start.

Everlasting, Maine - not your typically average town... unless your typically average is magical in every way. I love it! Christmas is coming but were-dolphin and service station owning mechanic Jolene Bails has decided not to celebrate this year, she really doesn't see the point. With her beloved nephew Sigmund off in pastures new and showing no signs of returning from Hedgewitch Cove after nearly a year, Jolene was alone, or so she thought. But Secret Santa has a plan....!

Semi-retired Supernatural Hunter and antique shop owner Wil Messing has been in love with Jolene for nearly half of his extraordinarily long life and has finally realised something.... She's his mate! Only took him about 80 years or so to work it out, but hey! who's counting? Now, he's finally going to get around to apologising for the events of so long ago that tore them apart and make up for all the lost time, but wooing is something that doesn't come naturally to him and he has competition....

I'm not going to give spoilers here but... what a fantastic start to my holiday reading this book is. I laughed ... and cried, as this terrific story unfolded. There's so much going on between the 'covers' that it's hard to write a lot without giving spoilers but this is a heart-warming seasonal tale about second chances at the elusive happily ever after and filled with so many wonderful characters, it left me with a soppy grin on my face and a warm glow all over as we enter the season of goodwill. I highly recommend it and have added it to my list of books to rescue if the house was burning down. It's also gained a permanent place on my 'read again' list, and I'm sure it won't be that long before I do, read it again I mean. I've given it 5 well earned stars.

Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
November 8, 2018
Yay, Mandy M. Roth gives us Will's story. And what a story it is. Wil Messing owns an antique shop with all the super natural things that he guards in it. He is a supernatural hunter and his whole family was. Because of his family, he had to make a choice long ago to walk away from a woman, Jolene, that he loved so very much to protect her for her protection.
Jolene Bails comes off as super tough and no nonsense but she has a soft side that no one too. Her old love is Wil Massing. She never got over him. Now she has a Secret Santa and Wil isnt happy about the gifts she has gotten . This is just what might be the kick Wil needs to get his girl back before it's too late to win Jolene back.
This story is full of fun, full of great characters, has the mystery, tons of twists and turns and has the steam that makes this such a great romance read.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
572 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2018
This is a holiday story mixed with a paranormal romance mystery. Will and Jolene are ex-lovers who let others break them up. Years past when Will finally decides he needs to step up or lose Jolene forever. This was a sweet story that deals with an older couple. This is part of s multiple author series. You don’t have to read them in order. I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
96 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2018
Was given as an ARC by the author for an honest review.

It's about time Mandy M Roth gave Will Messing the so needed kick up the backside over Jolene.😉😁.

Everlasting's antiques shop owner and apparently retired supernatural hunter (so he says) Wilber Messing and local match maker and female mechanic who stands for no rubbish Jolene Bails have a history, which we all have an idea that went deep, but just how deep we didn't know.

Well... in this next story of those who live in Everlasting, Maine, not only do we get a romance, but we finally get to find out what really happened all those years ago, and the reason why Will Messing had to give up the one and only woman who stole his heart.

I absolutely love this series, it's always a refreshing change to read a clean romance, don't get me wrong I do love reading Mandy's other works too, but it's just good to have a change up every now and again.
And this series gives you that, I've not gone into too much detail above about the story, cause I believe it would give you more spoilers than what you would want. But what I'm also happy to tell you is there's a lot of huffing and puffing of Will's chest, first class comedy that will have you laughing so hard from beginning to end, get to meet up with old characters and a new one as well, (and I can't wait for his story), a romance that has been on the back burners for so long no one ever thought anything would ever come of it, and a girl's firm favourite the HEA.

This series just keeps getting better with every new book Mandy writes. And it well and truly deserves more than the five stars it's allowed. If you want to kick back and read a good romantic comedy that WILL have you being unable to put the book down, then I really recommend you read this series, but make sure if you haven't read the previous books then you should cause not only is there an order of reading but you will find yourself with spoilers. So I would advise you start reading from Dead Man Talking. And you will find yourself falling in love with the quirky town of Everlasting, Maine as quick as we all did.
Profile Image for Amanda Bhear.
666 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2023
I have loved these! I hope there will be more. Wil has seen his granddaughter mated, married & running his antique store with her 3 month old daughter. Her husband still drives him crazy but you can't win 'em all. He is trying to get his attitude up to go to Jolene to ask her out. She was his when he was about twenty. He loved her then, he just didn't know they were mates at the time. He was a hunter & she is a shifter. His family didn't approve. One of his Uncles hurt her, that's why she has a weak ankle. It got shattered when she was getting away from him. Wil felt he had to give her up for her safety. He then ended his attachment to that part of the family. When his son & daughter-in-law stood against them for some reason, the family had them killed & took away his grandchild. Wil finished it, by taking care of the rest of that part of the family so there would be no more family statements like that. Jo started finding little presents around her house, she thought maybe Wil left them. He had stayed over one night, she hurt her ankle, a present was on the porch. He thinks it might be another guy trying to make a move on his gal. Jo is supposed to be coming to the Christmas party being held at his granddaughter's house. When they get there, they are wondering where Wil is. He comes in bringing Jo's nephew, Sigmund, & a couple other friends who had been down south with him. Jo had been missing him so much. Jo hears Wil say something about the 2 of them being mates & when they get a chance to talk she hears about other things as well. It turns out the girls had been leaving her the gifts hoping it would bring Wil & Jo closer together knowing how perfect they are for each other. Wil asks Jo to marry him & she says yes. He tells her he has the pastor on his way there. They get married. I love it!
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,699 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2018
Wil Messing may own a thriving antique shop in the tiny seaside town of Everlasting, Maine, but the man and the shop are far more than they appear to be. Born into a long line of supernatural hunters, this alpha male has had to make tough decisions all of his life. But the toughest one of all was walking away from the woman who stole his heart long ago. But he had no choice. It was for her own safety.

He wants more from her than mere friendship but knows he has no right to ask—not with their past. But when a secret admirer begins leaving Jolene gifts, it doesn’t take a great detective to tell Wil it's now or never.

Jolene Bails may come off as a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense kind of woman, but underneath it all, she has a softer side. Now that she has a Secret Santa, who seems to know her well, she finds herself opening to the idea of wanting more from life. But first, she has to figure out who is leaving her mysterious gifts and why it is Wil, her old flame, is acting so strange.

I so so so so so so love Everlasting and Wil Messing and Jolene are to die for!
I really enjoyed this story so much!
So refreshing and as always so well written.
Mandy M Roth once more gave us an amazing story!
Profile Image for Kathy Tozzi.
239 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2018
An Everlasting Christmas
Mandy M. Roth

Welcome back again to Everlasting, Maine that quirky little town full of lovable characters.
This time our story revolves around Wil Messing the local antique shop owner/ Paranormal Hunter (retired) and his ex flame Jolene Bails. Jolene is a Were-Dolphin as well as the local service station owner and operator.
Wil walked away from Jolene many years ago to protect her from the hunters. Even though it was the hardest thing he had ever had to do, his love for her had never faded.
Now it seems she has a secret Santa, the thought of losing her is twisting him up inside.
No way was someone going to take her away from him again! Now if he can only convince Jolene that his love for her is real and he wants another chance to show her he is the man for her.
Can a match between a hunter and a supernatural even work, or will they be doomed once again?
This is such a fun series, every book just keeps getting better and better. You don't have to read them all, each one can be read alone but think of all the fun you will be missing out on if you don't read all of them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

3,423 reviews20 followers
November 9, 2018
I loved this story. It includes a visit with some of my favorite Everlasting characters. I'm always touched by love for the little older set. In this case, the couple is quite a bit older than the humans of the town, they just don't look it.

Jolene runs the towing mechanic shop in town. She's a good mechanic. No kids, her nephew has made an unending visit to another town too far away for regular visits. Loneliness is getting to her until gifts start showing up from a secret Santa. He or she may be a secret but they know her pretty well to give those particular gifts.

Will has always been in love with Jolene. Even when they were married to different people. Their youthful love had been squashed by both families. When he sees the gifts she getting he thinks he knows who it might be and he isn't letting her go this time. He just has to get her on board.

The on-going secrets, antics, and jealousy are funny even sweet. Watching Jolene show a side that few people see gives you that "awe" feeling. This is the kind of story we all can use in this crazy world of ours. You'll read the last line and sit back with a smile. Don't miss this new winner in the series.
Profile Image for Robin.
464 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2018
Mandy Roth - An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series Book 7)

ToThis novella takes place back in the unique town of Everlasting where all sorts of supernatural and magical people and animals live.
This is the 7th story in the series and this one is a short story that takes place around Christmas. We have met Jolene and Wil in previous stories and it’s always been know that there is some romantic history between the two.
Jolene is as Shifter who is known for her matchmaking skills and has inherited her fathers auto mechanic business. Despite her tough exterior she is a caring person who loves a pretty home.
Wil Messing comes from a family that we’re supernatural hunters and he is still feared by many townsfolk despite the fact that he is long retired. Wil has finally decided it is time to put the past behind them and pursue Jolene, righting a wrong from many years ago.
This was a very heartwarming, sweet ,funny story and I’ve waited through many books to finally get Jo and Wil’s HEA.
I also like the fact that romance can grow and bloom again for characters that are a bit older. An entertaining novella for any time of year!
267 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2019
I recently read An Everlasting Christmas by Mandy M. Roth. This is book seven in a seven book Everlasting series, written by several authors. I have not read any of the others and had no problem enjoying this novel, in fact the series promotes that it can be read in any order. I am guessing that each books take place in the town of Everlasting, Maine. Perhaps each story follows a different person, in this case an antique store owner. This short little "cozy" is part mystery, part romance, with a bit of paranormal and Christmas thrown in, to hit all the bases. There is a secret admirer, a second chance romance, and of course holiday cheer. I don't want to tell you much, the book is around one hundred and fifty pages long so I kind of feel like I need to leave any description very open so that you'll have lots to discover while reading. This fun, cute, book provides plenty of entertainment.

If you like serious nonfiction or intense thrillers, this book may not be for you. If you like cozy mysteries, this quick holiday title may be the stress relief your cookie baking stress is begging for.
Profile Image for Pogo Frankman.
26 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2018
I really enjoy Ms. Roth's Everlasting stories. They are very different from her usual works but just as engrossing. This book is even more of a departure since it features two characters that are a bit older than the usual hero and heroine. Wil Messing is a retired supernatural hunter and a great grandfather, and Jolene Bails, a dolphin shifter is his first love. Her family did not approve of him and they both went on to marry others, he happily, and she not so much. She is alone now and runs her late father's garage, content with her life. She has acquired a secret Santa who gifts her with feminine gifts she would never get for herself. Wil is still in love with Jolene and these gifts arouse his jealousy, forcing him to step out of the background and back into her life. But can he compete with Santa?

The author has definitely proved that love is just as wonderful the second time around. I love the town of Everlasting, Maine and it's inhabitants and can't wait to visit there again.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
November 27, 2018
Title: An Everlasting Christmas   
Series: A Happily Everlasting Series #7
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan 
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger  
Genre: #PRN #ShiftersGalore 
#5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟
••••••••••••••
💢Another short but sweet Christmas story by Ms. Mandy. There's nothing like falling in love with a book that took an hour to read, it's such a peaceful feeling that lasts forever.

🔷️Jolene Bails is a Dolphin Shifter but right now in Everlasting, Maine it was freezing and she was getting to old everything hurts. But when she finds out she has a Secret Santa her days become warm. Who could it be?

🔷️Wil Messing owned a Antique Shop of precious supernatural objects. He was also in the family business of Hunters of the Supernatural for over two hundred years now. Many were terrified he would look there way. Especially if they crossed his love.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,561 reviews55 followers
November 6, 2018
Yay, Wil and Jolene finally get some loving! Wil has been on his own for a long time. He and Jolene share a bit of history (not going to spoil anything) and he has harboured a bit of a crush for a while!

Jolene caved to finally pressure before and now lives her life, her way. No-one really gets to see the softer side that she releases within the confines of her home. She may know her way around a carburettor but she is also a rather chic and classy lady!

But just as he works up the courage to beg her for a chance, a secret admirer surfaces and before you know it the green eyed monster is firmly in residence.

I always knew there was way more to these two than just being friends! I loved their courtship but just felt heartsick at all the time they had missed! As usual romance doesn't go smoothly and there may or may not be some meddling by well meaning relatives!
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
November 7, 2018
Everlasting
Wil Messing owns an Antique shop with super natural things he guards in it. He was a supernatural hunter. His whole family was. Because of them he had to make a choice long ago to walk away from a women he loved for her own safety ( jolene)

Jolene Bails comes off as tough as nails and no nonsense but she has a softer side to. Her old flame is Wil massing. She never got over him and she has a secret santa but Wil is so not happy about the gifts she has been getting . This just might be the kick in the butt he needs to get his girl back before it's to late.
This story is funny full of great characters, mystery, twists and turns. I loved it and couldn't put it down. The interaction og the characters are amazing and this story really pulls you in fast. Don't miss it.
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
556 reviews12 followers
October 15, 2018
Ever since I began reading this story I knew there was something between Wil and Jolene. Learned many things I didn't know about these two. And today I needed the distraction of falling into a romantic story with humorous overtones. My brother was tragically killed two days ago 10/13, two days before my older brother's birthday.

So thanks Ms. Roth for being a darn good story teller. Your stories convey a great deal of emotions that someone like me falls into it like I am a character too.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy and no I haven't been compensated in any way for this opinion
Profile Image for JKAF.
566 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2018
This series is super amazing! This story is about Jolene and her life...

Possible SPOILERS



















Jolene has been receiving secret Santa gifts and she thinks she has it narrowed down to 2 guys...Marty a guy she has gone on a couple dates with or her Ex Wil.
Wil wants to make amends with Jolene for the past and try to have a future together however things get in their way.
Jolene has always had feelings for Wil but can she put the past in the past and move forward?
When Wil finds out that someone else is interested in Jolene he is seeing red....he has to be the one who wins...but how?
Profile Image for Lisa.
902 reviews12 followers
November 27, 2019
I love this series. This one was really short but I loved it anyway. It can be read as a stand alone but reading them in order with give it a richer experience. There are some others that have the main character in them and really help you to get to know her. I liked the secret Santa and how everyone thought it was certain men. Also, I know this is a Christmas read but it can be enjoyed all year because it mainly focuses on the story and not the holiday. I was so happy for Jolene and Wil. Too bad they didn’t make it work when young. But it’s nice they were true mates so that spark stayed more alive than ever.
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,132 reviews16 followers
January 31, 2022
Novella from the Happily Everlasting World: Everlasting, Maine.

Will and Jolene and used to be a couple when they were teens, but their families, hunters vs. shifters, forced them apart. After having separate families of their own with Will even having children and grandchildren, things have changed. He disagreed with and left his hunter family and no owns the local antique store, and she runs the family car repair garage and gas station. Will wants to get back together, but she has a mysterious admirer sending her gifts.

Footnote: Were-dolphins! My favorite animal.

Fave Scenes: Will ‘taking care of’ Lloyd, Kelsey & Penelope early morning arrival and Jolene & the butter knife.
Profile Image for Vicky.
154 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2018
Once again, Mandy does not disappoint.
I knew that Wil and Jolene had a history, but always wondered if they would have a future. This is such a sweet book that once again made me want to live in Everlasting.
Someone is leaving Jolene little presents and it's not Wil, and he is not happy about it at all.
If you haven't read the others in this series written by Mandy, you should. It just helps know the back story of the characters mentioned. There are other books in the series not by Mandy, you should read them too.
I cannot wait for the next one.
17 reviews
November 10, 2018
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I was so excited to see that I was getting my wish. Fitting for a Christmas story. I have been anxiously awaiting Wil and Jolene's story. Mrs. Mandy did not disappoint in this short but entirely sweet rekindled Romance. I was rooting for Wil, after all I've said from the beginning of the series everyone needs a grandpa like him. I enjoyed seeing the unseen side of Jolene, after all we all have that side don't we? I love that the Happily Everlasting and Bewitchingly Ever After series' are being kept intertwined.
Profile Image for Amber.
71 reviews
November 12, 2018
Oh my gosh I absolutely loved this book! It was so cute, funny, romantic, and it says Will and Jolene's story! Thier story is perfect, you find out why they aren't together and its frustrating to see them both love each other but go thier separate ways. Then to become friends after all they be through and try to rekindle that flame, warms your heat! I am so happy they got thier story and Ms Mandy didn't disappoint! I actually read this 3 times, it is so good! I love how Ms Mandy makes her books come to life! Another must read!!
Profile Image for Jan Janus.
871 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2018
Another amazing read written by Many M Roth. Wil is more than a hunter, he's a stubborn old coot if you will. Green definitely is not his best color, unless of course it is at the mercy of laughs. I love all of the characters and how they banter back and forth with one another and this story line made my heart rejoice. Lots of laughs and a few tears, looking forward to more in the coming months.

I voluntarily received an ARC copy for review
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
October 15, 2018
AWWWW. Ok, this one is sweet with a little sass in it. Fans of this series know by now that Jolene is spunky and Wil is stubborn. Combine the two and awwww, sparks, caveman attitude, the color green (as in jealousy) and a town full of nosey busybodies. I loved this book and was hooked. Nope, did not put it down and devoured it. I really thought it was short, but really it was 150 pages of humor.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,054 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2018
A nice holiday read.
Ignoring love's call can carry high consequences. Both Will Messing and Jolene Bails spent years more or less alone because each let their families rule their hearts calling. But this Christmas instigators played tricks to make each of their lives happier. Unexpected revelations abound in this read but results in holiday cheer. This is my voluntary and honest review for the ARC I was given.
244 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2018
You've met and loved them both from the earlier stories....now we finally have theirs. I've waited a long time to see these two characters come together. You could tell there were sparks and there was a hint of a history between the two...now it call comes out. Mandy did not disappoint with this story. I absolutely loved Wil and Jolene's story. It is full of comedy, mystery and alpha males meeting their demise. I highly recommend reading this great story.
27 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2018
For Wil and Jolene it's about to be the most Wonderful Time of the year or will it? Wil has always known exactly who Jolene is to him. He's loved her, protected her, and watched over her from a distance. When someone else starts showing interest in Jolene Wil decides it’s now or never. This another fantastic installment of The Happily Everlasting series, I couldn't put it down.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
109 reviews15 followers
January 2, 2019
A Happy return to Everlasting, ME

Wil Messing, Grandfather to Penelope, local antiques dealer and supernatural Hunter, has been harboring a secret for over a hundred years.
Jolene Bails, local auto shop owner and mechanic extraordinaire, has been receiving small gifts from a secret santa. She is delighted about the thoughtful gifts and Wil is incensed.
Love is Everlasting and it is nice to see two lonely people finally get their Happily Ever After.

53 reviews
October 25, 2018
Another awesome book by Mandy.

Her books are so fun and easy to read that they always seem much shorter than they actually are.

I love Everlasting. The shenanigans that the town people gets up to always has me in stitches and this time was no different.

At last a romance that has been in "hibernation" for many, many years has come to fruition.

Definitely worth reading
Profile Image for Dawn Dohey.
215 reviews
November 8, 2018
An absolutely delightful read for sure I love Paranormal stories and Christmas stories so to me this book has the best of both worlds for me. Mandy is the best when it comes to blending a little bit of wicked Holiday Spice with a touch of mystery. This has just became another of my Holiday favorites .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.