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Mountain Magic Christmas #1
Wrecking Christmas
In an enchanted town that grants Christmas wishes, love was the one gift they didn't see coming.
The perfect Christmas. After the tragic loss of her mother, it’s all psychologist Kathryn Winslow wants for herself, her young son, and her grieving father. She never expects their drive to a luxury resort to end with her car dangling off the side of a mountaintop cliff. And she certainly doesn’t expect her family to be rescued by a sexy, rugged puzzle of a man like Hunter Holliday.
As owner of a collision repair and hot rod shop in the West Virginia hills, Hunter hauls motorists out of snow banks every day. But after years of sleepwalking through his life as a widower, saving a brave, beautiful woman like Kathryn wakes him up, in every possible way.
But before they can make it out of a freak snowstorm, they’re stranded in Christmas Pass, a funny little sugar-frosted mountain town that can’t be found on any map. Now somehow, they’re trapped in an enchanted village that grants Christmas wishes, and tangled in a red-hot attraction they can’t resist. Yet, even in a place that’s populating itself around their craziest whims and deepest desires, they can’t run from the crippling regrets in their past—or the shocking new revelations to come. But the love they need so badly is there for the taking…if only they have the courage to wish…
The perfect Christmas. After the tragic loss of her mother, it’s all psychologist Kathryn Winslow wants for herself, her young son, and her grieving father. She never expects their drive to a luxury resort to end with her car dangling off the side of a mountaintop cliff. And she certainly doesn’t expect her family to be rescued by a sexy, rugged puzzle of a man like Hunter Holliday.
As owner of a collision repair and hot rod shop in the West Virginia hills, Hunter hauls motorists out of snow banks every day. But after years of sleepwalking through his life as a widower, saving a brave, beautiful woman like Kathryn wakes him up, in every possible way.
But before they can make it out of a freak snowstorm, they’re stranded in Christmas Pass, a funny little sugar-frosted mountain town that can’t be found on any map. Now somehow, they’re trapped in an enchanted village that grants Christmas wishes, and tangled in a red-hot attraction they can’t resist. Yet, even in a place that’s populating itself around their craziest whims and deepest desires, they can’t run from the crippling regrets in their past—or the shocking new revelations to come. But the love they need so badly is there for the taking…if only they have the courage to wish…
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2019
284 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Liza Jonathan
9 books41 followersWrite what you know. Isn’t that what they always say?
Though I currently live in the flat, flat lands of Indiana, I’ve spent most of my life in West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. As I have found out, you can take the girl out of Appalachia, but you can’t take the Appalachia out of the girl.
So now, I write hot, heartfelt contemporary romances with a magic mountain twist.
When I’m not haunting the house at all hours writing, I have another life as a PR/marketing writer, wife to my long-time husband, and a mother to my two sons, who are rapidly fleeing the nest. Come sit with me for a spell. I've got some stories to tell you...
Though I currently live in the flat, flat lands of Indiana, I’ve spent most of my life in West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. As I have found out, you can take the girl out of Appalachia, but you can’t take the Appalachia out of the girl.
So now, I write hot, heartfelt contemporary romances with a magic mountain twist.
When I’m not haunting the house at all hours writing, I have another life as a PR/marketing writer, wife to my long-time husband, and a mother to my two sons, who are rapidly fleeing the nest. Come sit with me for a spell. I've got some stories to tell you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 9, 2020
Wrecking Christmas by West Virginia native Liza Jonathan is a redeeming romance about two people who have suffered a loss.
On her way to spend Christmas at the Greenbrier with her father and son, Katheryn Winslow wrecks on an ice-covered road. Facing death, they are rescued by Hunter Holliday and his tow truck. As Hunter begins his rescue it becomes clear that he’s dealing with ghosts and events from his past. Once the family is safe Hunter begins the long trek towards the Greenbrier Medical Center, but another patch of ice sends them sliding down the hill and right into the parking lot of a hospital that Hunter is sure was never there before.
After everyone is treated, they are informed that they won’t be making it to the Greenbrier for several days due to a new storm. How is Katheryn going to salvage Christmas?
Welcome to Christmas Pass West Virginia. The place where all you have to do is think about what you want, and it comes true. They head there and check in to the local inn.
Hunter grew up around the area where Christmas Pass is located and has never heard of it and with cell phone service out, he can’t rely on Google. He sets out to find exactly what’s going on and why. He purposefully wishes for things that suddenly become real. He questions residents and finds their answers are altered versions of the history of other towns in West Virginia. Now convinced something is going on, he decides to keep the truth from Katheryn. So far everything has been harmless, and he must admit he is enjoying himself.
He and Katheryn spend time together and feelings start to come out. Both are scared to move forward, her because of her divorce and him because of the death of his wife. Her father and son have other ideas and push them together at every opportunity. Eventually they begin a relationship and navigate their way through their old wounds. The day after Christmas the weather magically clears up and they make their way to the Greenbrier to spend the rest of their vacation with Hunter in tow. He and Katheryn spend the next few days at the resort enjoying all it has to offer. However, both wonder if they will be able to keep the relationship going when they return to their normal lives.
Once back in their own worlds date nights, charity fund raisers and family time show them both what their life together is becoming. However, family secrets uncovered on both sides drive them apart. With the help of meddling friends and family will Hunter and Katheryn find their way back to each other, or is the magic of Christmas Pass gone forever?
Overall the book is a great read for those that love romance and Christmas.
On her way to spend Christmas at the Greenbrier with her father and son, Katheryn Winslow wrecks on an ice-covered road. Facing death, they are rescued by Hunter Holliday and his tow truck. As Hunter begins his rescue it becomes clear that he’s dealing with ghosts and events from his past. Once the family is safe Hunter begins the long trek towards the Greenbrier Medical Center, but another patch of ice sends them sliding down the hill and right into the parking lot of a hospital that Hunter is sure was never there before.
After everyone is treated, they are informed that they won’t be making it to the Greenbrier for several days due to a new storm. How is Katheryn going to salvage Christmas?
Welcome to Christmas Pass West Virginia. The place where all you have to do is think about what you want, and it comes true. They head there and check in to the local inn.
Hunter grew up around the area where Christmas Pass is located and has never heard of it and with cell phone service out, he can’t rely on Google. He sets out to find exactly what’s going on and why. He purposefully wishes for things that suddenly become real. He questions residents and finds their answers are altered versions of the history of other towns in West Virginia. Now convinced something is going on, he decides to keep the truth from Katheryn. So far everything has been harmless, and he must admit he is enjoying himself.
He and Katheryn spend time together and feelings start to come out. Both are scared to move forward, her because of her divorce and him because of the death of his wife. Her father and son have other ideas and push them together at every opportunity. Eventually they begin a relationship and navigate their way through their old wounds. The day after Christmas the weather magically clears up and they make their way to the Greenbrier to spend the rest of their vacation with Hunter in tow. He and Katheryn spend the next few days at the resort enjoying all it has to offer. However, both wonder if they will be able to keep the relationship going when they return to their normal lives.
Once back in their own worlds date nights, charity fund raisers and family time show them both what their life together is becoming. However, family secrets uncovered on both sides drive them apart. With the help of meddling friends and family will Hunter and Katheryn find their way back to each other, or is the magic of Christmas Pass gone forever?
Overall the book is a great read for those that love romance and Christmas.
November 24, 2021
Sweet and much deeper than expected
I expected a typical Christmas romance: they meet over Christmas, they fall in love, they live happily ever after. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Not to say that they don't meet etc. But each of them is dealing with heavy emotional problems. Each of them have their own strengths and weaknesses, their quirks and silly jokes. This was sweet without being cloying, deep, heartwarming and hot. My only complaint was that I found it just a tad too long. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
I expected a typical Christmas romance: they meet over Christmas, they fall in love, they live happily ever after. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Not to say that they don't meet etc. But each of them is dealing with heavy emotional problems. Each of them have their own strengths and weaknesses, their quirks and silly jokes. This was sweet without being cloying, deep, heartwarming and hot. My only complaint was that I found it just a tad too long. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
September 13, 2019
If you like holiday love stories, but often wish they had more heat, this is the book to read. The magic of Christmas facilitates this steamy, but tender romance. From the harrowing opening sequence to the quirky paranormal adventures in Christmas Pass, two broken people are mended together. The character development and unique storyline will keep you turning the pages.
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December 3, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2021)! 🎁
November 9, 2020
Good People Create Their Own Family
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I found it so well written. The first scene, of course, grabbed me right away with its life-and-death situation of a car nearly going off the side of a steep mountain. While this book has a paranormal aspect, it is thoroughly grounded in reality and deeper than I would have thought for a Christmas romance. So much is going on with all the characters in this book. The heroine is trying to have a good Christmas with her young son and father after the suicide death of her mother, but she gets into a horrifying accident on the way to the special hotel they were heading to. The hero has his own issues as well, as he is a grieving widower. But there is certainly magic, literally, in Christmas Pass, where what you want and need just magically appears, like a hospital. They don’t spend all their time in Christmas Pass, though, so the magical/paranormal aspect is not overdone. The book has elements of family drama as well as romance, and I'll admit that I like stories that blend the two. The story certainly has some terrifying moments at first, but those are mixed with heart-tugging and heart-melting aspects as well. I love how this author born in Appalachia is able to imbue that into the story with certain turns of phrase, making the story even more real and adding authenticity. The author writes in an immersive style, and I'm very impressed by how she showed what was happening from the heroine's perspective when she sustained a head injury during the crash. I felt like I was right with her, trying to make sense of what happened and figuring out what to do. A well-crafted story with decent, relatable characters. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I found it so well written. The first scene, of course, grabbed me right away with its life-and-death situation of a car nearly going off the side of a steep mountain. While this book has a paranormal aspect, it is thoroughly grounded in reality and deeper than I would have thought for a Christmas romance. So much is going on with all the characters in this book. The heroine is trying to have a good Christmas with her young son and father after the suicide death of her mother, but she gets into a horrifying accident on the way to the special hotel they were heading to. The hero has his own issues as well, as he is a grieving widower. But there is certainly magic, literally, in Christmas Pass, where what you want and need just magically appears, like a hospital. They don’t spend all their time in Christmas Pass, though, so the magical/paranormal aspect is not overdone. The book has elements of family drama as well as romance, and I'll admit that I like stories that blend the two. The story certainly has some terrifying moments at first, but those are mixed with heart-tugging and heart-melting aspects as well. I love how this author born in Appalachia is able to imbue that into the story with certain turns of phrase, making the story even more real and adding authenticity. The author writes in an immersive style, and I'm very impressed by how she showed what was happening from the heroine's perspective when she sustained a head injury during the crash. I felt like I was right with her, trying to make sense of what happened and figuring out what to do. A well-crafted story with decent, relatable characters. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
January 4, 2020
WRECKING CHRISTMAS is the first book in the Mountain Magic Christmas series. I expect that each will stand on its own, but the male lead in the next book has been introduced in this one.
Sweet and steamy holiday romance – would/could/should make a great Hallmark movie if the steam were removed.
I will warn you: there is a cliff-hanger – literally! In the first chapter and I don’t think I started breathing until Hunter arrived. From there the emotional roller coaster took off!
The wonder of Christmas is perfectly brought to life with magic, fun, and mystery. I highly recommend this story – any time of year – to bring a smile to your lips and your heart.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WRECKING CHRISTMAS
Series: Mountain Magic Christmas #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Liza Jonathan
Sweet and steamy holiday romance – would/could/should make a great Hallmark movie if the steam were removed.
I will warn you: there is a cliff-hanger – literally! In the first chapter and I don’t think I started breathing until Hunter arrived. From there the emotional roller coaster took off!
The wonder of Christmas is perfectly brought to life with magic, fun, and mystery. I highly recommend this story – any time of year – to bring a smile to your lips and your heart.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WRECKING CHRISTMAS
Series: Mountain Magic Christmas #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Liza Jonathan
March 22, 2021
Kathryn's family Christmas wasn't going the way she planned at all and it started with a Wreck that nearly sent them off the edge of a mountain cliff. Thankfully, they were rescued by Hunter, a man who owned a car repair shop nearby. But they're all stranded in the magical town of Christmas Pass, a place that Hunter knows is not on any map. Will Kathryn and Hunter act on the attraction they feel for each other? Can Kathryn, her family, and Hunter heal from their individual pasts?
I absolutely loved this book which is first in a series. It's well-written with wonderful characters and a well thought out plot. It'll take you through a range of emotions. I teared up in places and laughed out loud in others. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout, I didn't want to put the book down. I highly recommend both book and series.
I absolutely loved this book which is first in a series. It's well-written with wonderful characters and a well thought out plot. It'll take you through a range of emotions. I teared up in places and laughed out loud in others. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout, I didn't want to put the book down. I highly recommend both book and series.
October 31, 2020
What a strange book! Somewhat of surprise, this book wasn’t at all like you would expect. The storyline appears inconsistent, yet it all comes together in the long run. The characters are an interesting study in dysfunctional families—but you can’t help but want to hug them! The plot meanders all over the place...but the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me—the deeper you get into this book, the more it grabs you. And the HEA...so awesome! Add this one to your TBR list today—you’ll be so glad you did! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and really enjoyed it once I got into it.) ❤️❤️
November 9, 2020
Overall I liked this book. I loved the town of Christmas Pass. The one thing I didn't like was that I felt this booked dragged especially in certain parts. There is a magical element to this book. Wouldn't it be awesome to wish for something and it happens even if it's for a week. I would sign up immediately. This is a fun Christmas story. I had already read the second book before the this one but I didn't mind and this one felt like a stand alone to the other book. I have to say both Kathryn and Hunter come with a lot of baggage and getting through it is not easy.
*I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
*I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
December 10, 2023
A new author to me. Somewhat enjoyable sections. A unique back plot with the town of Christmas Pass. Needled by many typos, misused words, poor selections of words/grammar lessened the reading experience. Some hot, sassy sexy scenes, tear-jerker moments, sad heart breakers, but final rewards await. Characters were developed well, likeable, probable, and had growth in the story arc. A few amusing sections for chuckles, especially with country witty slang. At times, the characters de-evolve into crass language and behavior that seems unneeded. Inconsistent wobbling of their demeanor. Fair pacing of story.
October 29, 2020
This story had it all, scary moments, sad moments, happy moments and magical moments. There was so much to this story; grief, anger, denial, lies, questions, pasts, secrets, addiction, relationships, disbelief, the impossible, faith, trust, strength, hope, support, forgiveness, acceptance, friends, family and love. The characters were written so well that I really cared about them, flaws and all. A really interesting, real life, romantic and magical read. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
November 1, 2020
This was okay for me. The writing wasn't bad, but the story was all over the place. As a West Virginia/Kentucky girl myself, I was hoping to really love this one. There is a lot going on in this story, and it made it hard for me to really get into it. I did root for Hunter and Kathryn because they both deserved to find happiness. All in all, the story is a little weird, and not really my thing, but I would give this author another read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
October 28, 2020
I received this book for free to review. This kind of started off like a magical Christmas Hallmark movie. I enjoyed all of the characters quite a bit. It does deal with some heavy dark issues as well (car accidents, suicide and alcoholism) and there is quite a bit of sex between the two main characters. I felt like this book was kind of all over the place in its identity. But. I can't say that I didn't enjoy it, hence my 4 stars.
January 10, 2021
This is a magical Christmas romance. I fell in love with the characters. Hunter, Kathryn, Wilson, and “Daddy” just had my feelings everywhere. I laughed and cried but loved every minute of it. I’m glad I took the time to read this book. I’m giving it a five star review and recommend it to anyone looking for Christmas magic and romance.
December 21, 2023
Love it!
This starts as a very slow burn for me but glad I finished it. I enjoyed reading a wholesome slow burn to help me refresh between other books. There were a few times I wasn't sure I should continue it but grateful I kept going. It is a story of a magical place helping a family heal with their problems to end with a happily ever after.
This starts as a very slow burn for me but glad I finished it. I enjoyed reading a wholesome slow burn to help me refresh between other books. There were a few times I wasn't sure I should continue it but grateful I kept going. It is a story of a magical place helping a family heal with their problems to end with a happily ever after.
December 24, 2023
Wrecking Christmas: A standalone romance in the Mountain Magic Christmas Series
The love story of Kathryn and Hunter. Kathryn is an enable. She enable everyone she love. When she met Hunter, who save her and her family life, she enable to continue to be unhappy about his life. Will she learn to stop enable people. A very boring story.
The love story of Kathryn and Hunter. Kathryn is an enable. She enable everyone she love. When she met Hunter, who save her and her family life, she enable to continue to be unhappy about his life. Will she learn to stop enable people. A very boring story.
January 13, 2024
A Happily ever after
It was a story of 2 people trying to function after tragedy hit both of them and they were just surviving...they fall in love. At times it was slow and drawn out...It could have been about 100 pages shorter with less description of the bedroom scenes. But it was still enjoyable.
It was a story of 2 people trying to function after tragedy hit both of them and they were just surviving...they fall in love. At times it was slow and drawn out...It could have been about 100 pages shorter with less description of the bedroom scenes. But it was still enjoyable.
dnf
January 13, 2025Dnf @ 7%.
Whoot! First DNF out of the way for 2025! I just wasn't feeling this and found it quite silly. If I'm rolling my eyes after the first 5 pages, it's not going to get better. And it didn't feel as though I was going to be able to work up enough rage or indignation to make it worth while to keep reading.
Whoot! First DNF out of the way for 2025! I just wasn't feeling this and found it quite silly. If I'm rolling my eyes after the first 5 pages, it's not going to get better. And it didn't feel as though I was going to be able to work up enough rage or indignation to make it worth while to keep reading.
October 23, 2020
Going into the future and working to let go of your past
Past is past but only if you let it go. This story explores the fantasy of being someplace you can work through nightmares and remember the magic of Christmas.
Past is past but only if you let it go. This story explores the fantasy of being someplace you can work through nightmares and remember the magic of Christmas.
November 1, 2020
A Christmas romance that had a bit too much going on with the characters and sub-plots. The basic story was good but it felt all over the place.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a copy from Hidden Arcs.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a copy from Hidden Arcs.
December 31, 2020
This is themed around Christmas with a little bit of spice that I wasn’t expecting! I could of read this in one sitting I was so hooked. I loved the relationship that was formed and how they help each other. The book also brings up real topics such as loss, hard family life, and addictions.
January 6, 2021
Holiday treat
Wrecking Christmas is a must have on anyone’s holiday shelf. This book is heavy on the holiday spirit, so read with the understanding that it’s a bit cheesy at times. Still, this book
is a delightful read. I highly recommend.
Wrecking Christmas is a must have on anyone’s holiday shelf. This book is heavy on the holiday spirit, so read with the understanding that it’s a bit cheesy at times. Still, this book
is a delightful read. I highly recommend.
November 20, 2021
Twists and turns galore
Twists and turn on a magical Christmas journey! Great book. AMAZING!!! Kept you on your toes the whole book through. A touch of Christmas magic to rock their world's a must read!!!
Twists and turn on a magical Christmas journey! Great book. AMAZING!!! Kept you on your toes the whole book through. A touch of Christmas magic to rock their world's a must read!!!
November 22, 2021
Christmas Magic
Christmas magic pulls you together, but you both have to work for your HEA in the real world. I really enjoyed this book. I will look for others in this series and by this author.
Christmas magic pulls you together, but you both have to work for your HEA in the real world. I really enjoyed this book. I will look for others in this series and by this author.
December 6, 2021
Don't miss
Better prepare for this story it's not an easy journey. The Christmas Pass was such a wonderful romance, makes you believe in magic. The life hits these two had endured, well I'm surprised they survived. Very well written, still tearing me up.
Better prepare for this story it's not an easy journey. The Christmas Pass was such a wonderful romance, makes you believe in magic. The life hits these two had endured, well I'm surprised they survived. Very well written, still tearing me up.
December 16, 2021
Magical!
This story was not what I expected but it was a wonderful story. The magic in it was so fun is to believe in. The love story was hard to see how it would end. But the ending was very fitting for the story.
This story was not what I expected but it was a wonderful story. The magic in it was so fun is to believe in. The love story was hard to see how it would end. But the ending was very fitting for the story.
December 27, 2021
Beautiful story
This was a wonderfully delightful book. It renews one’s belief in the magic of Christmas!! I fell in love with characters in this book and you will too! I can’t wait to read the next one!
This was a wonderfully delightful book. It renews one’s belief in the magic of Christmas!! I fell in love with characters in this book and you will too! I can’t wait to read the next one!
January 3, 2022
Must be what they call ‘fantasy’
It’s certainly not what I look for in a romance, and I just couldn’t make myself enjoy it.
It may be great for young adults; unfortunately I am no longer among that demographic.
For me, it was just silly, and I left it, unfinished.
It’s certainly not what I look for in a romance, and I just couldn’t make myself enjoy it.
It may be great for young adults; unfortunately I am no longer among that demographic.
For me, it was just silly, and I left it, unfinished.
April 5, 2022
Magical
This is a great story for the busy Christmas season. It brings all the feels to your holiday. Wrecking Christmas is a book to savor. All at once or little pieces at a time.
This is a great story for the busy Christmas season. It brings all the feels to your holiday. Wrecking Christmas is a book to savor. All at once or little pieces at a time.
December 10, 2022
DNF - written in 3rd person (why??!?!?!?)
Why do authors continue to write in the third person? It’s only annoying to read and it’s an automatic DNF for me. This might have been a great story - but I could not get past the third-person voice.
Why do authors continue to write in the third person? It’s only annoying to read and it’s an automatic DNF for me. This might have been a great story - but I could not get past the third-person voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews