The Holiday Shoppe

Blue Moon Bay #8

by Susan Hatler

A sweet holiday tale to tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to believe that true love will last forever.Anna is heartbroken that her family’s downtown shoppe is going under after her father suddenly passes away. When billionaire buyer Peter—who is new to their small beach town—makes a good offer to buy the business, Anna must convince him that tradition is better than change before they lose all her dad built.From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss this “opposites attract” sweet romance that will warm your heart in THE HOLIDAY SHOPPE.

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday, Ebooks, Chick Lit

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2019

About the author

SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

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Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna loves tradition and all the feelings that accompany it, but when a lot of struggling businesses in Blue Moon Bay are bought up by Peter Locke, she takes matters into her own hands to ensure her family's story stays with the family.

Anna is a little deceptive in her motives towards Peter at first, but I love how love grasps her heart and changes her. She's an adaptable character and Peter has the best of intentions, which makes them a likable couple.

Blue Moon Bay is steeped in traditions, especially with the romantic legend of a kiss. The cozy, feel-good feelings extend throughout the story and the Christmastime elements only add another dimension to that coziness. Susan Hatler has creative a vividly wonderful small town with many wonderful characters and stories to be told and I always love my time spent here within the pages of her books. A Kiss for Santa is no exception.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in July

There's nothing like reading a Christmas story in July! It seemed a touch odd as I'm basking in summer and sunshine but all the Christmas feels were in this book. Decorations, music, lights and Santa. This is a shorter story and I read through it quickly. The "feels" weren't as strong for me in this book as I'm used to from this author, but it's still a fun book! I loved the ending with the blue moon legend coming full circle and how that legend has been a part of every book in this series. It's magically romantic. 💙. 3.5 stars, rounding up.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all this talk about Christmas in July, I just couldn't resist picking up a copy for Susan Hatler's latest book. It's part of the Kissed by the Bay series, which I have enjoyed reading several of the books. How can you not enjoy another sweet and witty read by this fabulous author? I love the banter. I love the legend of kissing under a blue moon in Blue Moon Bay. Plus, her characters always have some sort of flaw or struggle that keeps them feeling real. And sometimes those struggles might make you want to yell through the book, telling them to "just speak up and it'll all be ok." But you can't because it's a fiction novel. And they're just characters. But people, I'm telling you, I get connected to my characters and speak to them.

Anna has had some heartache and loss and has come back home to Blue Moon Bay and the traditions she's expecting for Christmas time have changed. Her sweet little tourist town is changing as well. She wants it all to stay the same. Then a chance meeting has her thinking she can just teach Peter a thing of two and everything will work out and her traditions and town won't change. Until she realizes that she's falling for Peter.

That's all I'm telling you plot wise. I'll tell you that I laughed, possibly shed a couple tears, and most definitely sighed over these two characters! They're great. And everything is not as you think it seems. And that fun surprise of it all connecting together. I knew it! I caught the clue at the beginning and kept thinking...hmmmmmm. If you haven't read previous books in the series, it's ok, it's all explained and you'll figure it out in the end.

If you've never read a Susan Hatler book, what are you waiting for? I've been reading her books for several years now after I stumbled across a freebie from her, Better Date Than Never Series. I was hooked and love reading them any chance I can. An author, and book, that I recommend snagging and enjoying her fun sense of humor and sweet romance stories.

Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Hatco Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiss for Santa (Kissed by the Bay Book 8) by Susan Hatler  
 
 
Halter is my go to for feel good, butterfly inducing, quick fire romance. So I am not ashamed to say that A Kiss for Santa checked all my boxes. Anna is a little but her heart is in the right place. Peter has a hint of Scrooge guarded a heart far more sensitive than even he realizes. A cute twist on an old classic. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT.

[romancejunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna loves the traditions in her family's mini-mart because they make her feel connected with her dad, so when she hears that the place was under debt and they would probably have to sell to a new buyer in town who had just made an offer, she comes up with a plan to spend time with him and try to influence him to keep the traditions she loves so much - without him knowing the motives she got close to him. When she begans to realize that she is falling for him, she starts to get conflicted between the focus on her plans and the fear for what his reaction will be when he learn the truth.
This was so adorable and had everything i adore in a christmas story, Peter was the sweetest man and i loved him, the end with the starstruck lovers that started the blue moon legend finally having their deserved happiness was so touching and sweet. An incrible and heartwarming story!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kiss for Santa (Kissed by the Bay Book 8) By: Susan Hatler
Could There Possibly Be "A Kiss for Santa" & IS The Time RIGHT For RoMANce...
Is IT Time For "A Kiss for Santa," or Has Scrooge Come To Town!?! Find OUT By One-Clicking "A Kiss for Santa!"
Your gonna be highly entertained reading "A Kiss for Santa;" a delightful Tale by Susan Hatler! I can't TELL you how many times I keep reading & Re-Reading Her books since finding Her as an Author in 2018... And YET, I keep coming back Again & Again! Why?! Because I truly LOVE Her work, & That's also it's the Hallmark of a TRULY Great RoMANce & a Spectacular Writer... When you can ReVisit a book like an OLD friend without getting Tired of it, but instead find Something New & hidden EACH & Every TIME!
I LOVE Susan's writing! It's witty & Fresh.... One-Click "A Kiss for Santa" & Experience IT for YourSelf!!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, Susan Hatler's "A Kiss for Santa (Kissed by the Bay Book 8)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I love Christmas Romance at any time of the year, I especially love Susan Hatler’s Christmas stories so this short holiday story that in some ways wraps up the Kissed by the Bay series is a lovely holiday romance with just a touch of “I’m going to miss these characters” feeling. However! Keep a look out for the new spin-off series Do Over Date with the first release due in August 2019.

A Kiss for Santa brings us the story of the new rich guy in town, Peter, who is buying up property – and Anna, who has recently lost her father and fears that Peter’s offer to buy the family business will destroy all the love that her father and her family has poured into that little mini-mart. Hmmm. You know what is said about assumptions, right?

Anna may have started out wanting to convince Peter to not make any changes to her family business or the traditions that their small town has held dear for generations, but along the way she’s going to get to know a man who isn’t at all what she thought – and maybe she might just be falling for the man. Only thing is, she hasn’t exactly been straightforward with him about her intentions or her fears and now Anna’s between a rock and a hard place.

I had such a good time with A Kiss for Santa. Anna and Peter work so well together even when they seem at odds. Get an early taste of the coming holidays with this short story that delivers all the joy, magic and love of not only Christmas but two unlikely people falling in love.

*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.*

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. Anna’s father passed away and her Mom and brother have come to the conclusion that they need to sell the family business. Peter has offered to buy it but Anna fears he will just come in and change everything. She discovers that she really likes Peter but she won’t tell him her last name while she tries to convince him that the old traditions should be left alone and not changed. He tries to show her that things can change and still be good. Unfortunately Anna doesn’t see it that way and it drives them apart. But it is Christmas and Peter has the Christmas spirit and doesn’t give up. I absolutely love this series! And the Blue Moon Bay legend is something that just warms your heart. Loved the ending on this one!

[Wysteria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute romance!

I felt like the two characters were trying to seem like soul mates but I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I did think it was cute how opposite they were. Her wanting everything to stay the same and him wanting everything to be different.

It was hard for me to understand why Anna was using Peter. I mean I know she was upset but why not be more blunt about what you want?

I really liked Peter! He was a very nice man who happened to have a lot of money. I just loved how he was so compassionate.

I'm not big on the billionaire trope which was why originally I didn't think I would read this one but when I kept loving the Blue Moon Bay series I figured I would at least think it was a four star and that is what happened. Good book but not as great as the rest of the series.

Content: kisses

I received a free copy via Booksprout and am leaving an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about Blue Moon Bay, the legend and the people of the town. Anna wants desperately to hang on to the way things were. Peter is such a great guy and loves life. They both have suffered the loss of their father's and want to honor them but in different ways. Things start out a little shaky with these two but the ending was amazing. Loved how the legend played into not only their love story but ... No spoilers - you have to read this book to find out. You won't be disappointed.

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

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

awww this was such a sweet story. A quick and easy read

Anna is trying hard to save her fathers legacy and didn't count on finding something more. Wonderful small town setting and great characters

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eight in the Blue Moon Bay series and the main characters are Anna Bell and Peter Locke. Anna returned back to her home town after the sudden death of her father and finds the mini-mart that was his dream, failing and heavily in debt. Her mother and brother have been trying their best to find an investor or some other way to pay off the debts, but even Anna helping out with no pay, hasn’t really helped. It seems more likely that their mother will have to sell the mini-mart and lose everything their father had worked for. Her friends mention a new face in town, Peter Locke, who is a billionaire, who is buying up loads of properties around and outside of town. When she spots his name on the papers her mother is thinking of signing, she realises that he is the person wanting to buy their family legacy and modernise it, rather than keep traditions going. Anna believes people come to Blue Moon Bay for the lovely traditions and traditional shops they have. This is her first ever Christmas without her father and a hard time for them all, especially when their father was the one who loved this time of year and putting up all the decorations.

When she and a friend go to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the town centre, Peter is pointed out to her and she decides to catch him and try to push tradition over modernisation, but without letting him know who she actually is. Peter lost his father about a year previously and saw the effects of his overworking lifestyle and wishes to change his own life, so he doesn’t follow the early death of his own father. He used to visit the town as a child with his parents and had always loved it. He is taken with the Blue Moon Bay folklore of kissing under a blue moon, by the plaque on the beach, by the inn. He has changed up the Christmas decorations, changing her father’s golden bells to inflatable Santa’s. She hates it at first glance, but soon sees the absolute delight of all the children during the lighting ceremony and parade and has to admit they were a good choice.

Peter is enthusiastic about all his new ideas and what he wants to do for the town. He sees it as needing lots of modernisation to pull in more tourists during the whole year, rather than mostly all in the summer. Anna is determined to show him all the traditional parts of the town and what makes it so delightful, but soon finds that other businesses are also struggling. They have a connection and Peter invites her for dinner, she thinks she can use this attraction to get him to change his mind about her father’s life’s work, but this could soon all crash down upon her head, as she keeps her identity secret and what her main interest in speaking to him was! It could all backfire and break apart a romance that even she is beginning to believe in. Their lives may be vastly different on economic fronts, but they have suffered the same loss recently and there is more that connects them than separates them. A gentle storyline with a romance that comes about from opposing opinions, but draws them closer, until the secret is out. What happens next is for readers to find out, to hope for Christmas values and magic to play a part, or for common sense and truth to prevail. Another fascinating pairing in this series, with characters you will know from previous books if you have read them, but it isn’t necessary. I received an ARC copy of this book and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna loves tradition just like her deceased father did. She was helping her best friend, Kari, decorate her Kari’s Kaleidoscope shop and bemoaning the little bells they used to use versus the huge blown up Santa that threatened to knock her off the ladder! Kari told her the Santas were the “new rule” for the shops and Kari was just complying. Kari’s business was still doing great for the past 3 years, unlike Anna’s family’s business, the Main Street Mini-Mart. Without her dad, she was having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. And her mom and brother were trying to untangle the financial mess of their business and the bills piling up. Strange, but Kari seemed to be holding something back from her as they walked toward the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Anna’s mom had gotten an offer for the business that she was seriously considering. Many of the struggling businesses in Blue Moon Bay, a small beach town on the California coast, were being purchased by Peter Locke. But Anna doesn’t want to lose the family history associated with their business, so she wants to write into the contract that they can’t make any changes since they won’t have any say about it otherwise once it’s sold!

Anna and Kari continued toward the tree-lighting as an out-of-towner tried to step out in front of the parade. Anna grabbed his arm and pulled him back, chastising him that he would get crushed crossing the street there with the parade. He was amused at the questions she raised and the obvious fact she had no idea who he was. But later she starts to think maybe she can influence Peter so she will get her way and traditions and the town he is buying up won't change. It was a sneaky plan, but then she realizes that her heart is opening up to Peter who maybe isn’t a bad guy after all. Is there a future for the two of them?

This was an adorable story about the tiny town of Blue Moon Bay, immersed in its traditions, including the legend of kissing under a blue moon. Is there any truth to that legend? The town and its characters are wonderful. Come for a visit – I’m sure you’ll choose to stay!

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna's father owned the mini-mart at Blue Moon Bay, and since his death the family has been doing their best to keep it going in memory of him - but it's going broke. When Peter, a billionaire who has made an offer to buy it, appears in town, Anna is afraid that he'll change everything and that her father's legacy will be lost - so she comes up with a plan to get to know him and convince him of the joys of tradition rather than change. But the plan backfires when they connect in ways she never expected, and she ends up reluctant to broach the subject lest it destroy their budding relationship. Can their two worlds ever really meet?

As always with this author, this book is an enjoyable light, clean read, perfect for a brief escape from 'real life'. While not the sort of thing I want all the time, I do thoroughly enjoy it for a change - and this book was no exception. The conclusion was a nice twist, too! All in all, well written and a good read if you're wanting something on the lighter side but that's more than just fluff.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new story from the Blue Moon Bay series, a small town with a beautiful legend: 2 lovers who promised each other eternal love under the blue moon, but unfortunately had to let each other go.
All stories in the series can be read separately.
It’sthe Christmas season. Anna comes back to town, after recently losing her father, the family business is not doing well and to her surprise she notices that a lot has changed in the town, partly due to a new investor; Peter Locke.
When Anna approaches Peter, it is primarily to make it clear to him what she thinks about traditions and changes. As their relationship progresses, they learn from each other that not all traditions and changes are bad, and that they can find compromises.
With a special ending to mark the last book of the series
As always the author writes a humorous romantic story with nice characters. Accessible and light.

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

[Heike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anna tries to safe a (big-time failing) mini-mart from being bought and brought back to life by millionaire Peter. When they meet they fall for each other right away, in less than a seconds time. But Peter can not know that Anna owns the mini-mart.
So Why?
Why does Peter fall for a random woman that crosses his pass?
Why is it okay that she is only criticizing him?
Why does she refuse to modernize a store that does NOT make money?
Why has it to be repeated in the book a HUNDRED times that he can NOT know that she is connected to the mini-mart? Does the author think her readers are stupid?

This was a horrible bad book. The only reason I finished it was that my kindle refused to connect to my WiFi to download something else - how sorry is that for an excuse?
Positive: it has only 162 pages *yay*

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Susan Hatler book I have read. It reminded me of “You’ve Got Mail;” store in trouble, buyer for store, and how to keep the store. It is set in Blue Moon Bay, a small beach town on the California coast.

Anna’s plan is to get close to the new buyer, Peter Locke, and have him include in the contract to buy a clause that states he can’t make any changes to the store. She hopes this will keep her family history associated with their business.
Catch is she begins to fall for Peter and is afraid if he finds out her true motive, the store will no longer be associated with her families history and Peter will want nothing to do with her.

See what happens.

I will be reading more from this author.

I was given a copy after publication by Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Bell and Peter Locke share similar tragedies. Anna is traditional and old-school all the way while Peter tries to see things with fresh eyes. Anna tries to get Peter to see tradition is a good thing, not a bad thing, while trying to save her family’s mini-mart. Peter is a developer who has offered to buy the mini-mart as well as other businesses in town. Anna is grieving the loss of her father a few months before. He left the family in considerable debt, but Anna is in denial that they could lose the store. I enjoyed this storyline, but I did feel that Anna could be a bit over the top in her reactions. She is grieving and we all grieve differently. I loved Peter and how he seemed so good for Anna. I also loved Anna’s friends, Kari and Michelle. I highly recommend this book

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

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites attract but can they see it

*** June 5, 2021 ***
I originally read an earlier edition of this book when it was titled "A Kiss for Santa". The story has not changed so my original review is still relevant and what I am staying with. ***

*** May 18, 2020 ***

A Kiss for Santa is the eighth book in the Kissed by the Bay series and is a Christmas themed story of Anna and Peter. This is a last book in this series and is a great story to end it on. Anna and Peter are about as opposite as you can get but yet they fit together really well, if only they could see it.
This is an entertaining and fun story but with a lot of emotion also. A very likable story.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter and Anna are at odds at first as he buys their family store and updates it. She gets close to make sure he does not destroy all that her father built. Change can be good is both business and in relationships, as they start to see more than opposition in each other. I really like this locale and series, where the characters are your average people trying to make a difference. There is great care and feeling, with a few twists as nothing ever goes one hundred percent the way you want it to. Loved the ending and can not wait to read more about this group.

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

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a feel-good & moving, Blue Moon Bay romance. I enjoyed reading it.
With the recent passing of her father,
Anna, headed back home & is helping
her mom & brother, with her parent's business, that they've learned is having financial problems.
She noticed there were many changes happening in Blue Moon Bay.
Anna, wondered why, when there had
nothing wrong to begin with.
Tradition is important.
Peter, has moved to town. He wants
to revive the failing businesses.
Help the town to grow again.
But Anna, has ideas of her own, when
she meets Peter. What she didn't expect
is to have feelings for him.
I loved everything about this Must Read
Story!!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna was so stubborn trying to hold onto her family's store or at least make sure that whoever bought didn't change anything that she didn't see the stress her mother and brother were under trying to find a way out from under all the debt her father had accumulated. It is just a building and holding onto it can't bring her father back. She even tries to convince potential buyer Peter to keep things the same by going on about the importance of tradition without revealing who she really is. Peter starts to fall for her and she could ruin their budding romance with her subterfuge. I thought it was funny that Peter loved Santa and thought of himself like Santa trying to bring cheer along financial stability to so many struggling businesses in Blue Moon Bay.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Moon Bay's magic continues in this book as new characters and old come together for another lovely adventure of love, oneness and pure bliss.

It is beautiful to see how people like you and me struggling through death, devastation, loss, heart break and more come together as a community to stand up for one another.

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

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna and Peter are again a great story! An added bonus is the story taking place during the Christmas season, I love a Christmas romance. Anna is trying to keep her family’s store going after the death of her father. Peter is new to town and the two have instant chemistry. They have their issues, but it all comes together for our HEA that this author writes so well!

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

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Clean Christmas Romance
This sweet novella is part of the Blue Moon Bay series. This is a heartwarming storing about being open to change, but not just changing for the sake of change. It left me with a smile on my face and something very special to mull over. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most probably every one of us, at a certain time of our lives, were afraid of changes and lacked the skills to let people know why. Anna, the main character, is exactly like that, she fears changes until she starts to listen and to communicate better. She realizes, in spite of all the loss she has suffered, she has found a new purpose in her life, romance, is able to keep family tradition and the things she loves. A very well put together plot, a flowing language that makes it very easy to read and entertaining. Too bad the series has come to an ending!

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining quick read, with great characters, some romance and a HEA ending. I hope you like it.

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

[Suzie Wathen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan has done it again. I am obsessed with this Kissed by the Bay series! I found this one was hard to put down. It definitely captured my heart.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissed by the Bay Book 8 is another great book by Susan Hatler. Each book is connected to the previous ones but you meet new people each book.
After Anna's father passed away, she's moved back to Blue Moon Bay to try and save the family business but her mom and brother realize they may have to sell to Peter who has offered to buy it. Peter has purchased other properties in town and has made changes to bring in more tourists. Anna isn't happy about selling the business since it was her father's dream and she doesn't want to see it changed. She's also realizing she likes Peter but she won't let him know that and she won't let him know her last name. Can she convince Peter that tradition is better than change or will she realize some change is for the better? Can they compromise? Will love happen between them? Once again the Blue Moon Bay Legend will be at work in the story.

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

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story in a Christmas setting at Blue Moon Bay.
Peter is new in town and wants to invest in places who aren’t successful.
Anna’s dad had built the mini-mart to what it was, so it was hard for her to see it change.
During all the festivities they get to know each other and fall in love.

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