Welcome to Christmas Grove, where holiday magic and matchmaking is in the air.
When Rex Holiday walks into the charming town of Christmas Grove, all he plans to do is to spend the season helping out at his buddy’s Christmas tree farm. What he doesn’t expect is for an overzealous matchmaker to slip a love potion into his cider. But the joke’s on the resident matchmaker, because not even a potent love spell can break through the walls he’s built around his heart. But when the girl next door catches his eye, some of his barriers start to crumble. Still, Rex Holiday’s time in Christmas Grove is only temporary. He can’t afford to fall in love. Or can he?
Holly Reineer is a powerful spirit witch who can see the future for everyone. Everyone but herself that is. And when Rex Holiday walks into her life, she sees his, too. He’s destined for a big corporate job all the way across the country. So when he starts to show interest in her, she knows it’s only temporary, and Holly’s not interested in a fling. She wants her happily-ever-after. But he’s very hard to resist… Can a love spell rewrite the future? If so, Holly will need to learn to follow her heart and, for once, trust what she can’t see.
Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.
Christmas Grove saw spirit witch, Holly Reineer, still guarding her heart after Ryan had left her two years prior, with just a note in a Christmas card. But the arrival of Rex Holiday, in Christmas Grove to help his mate Zach at the Christmas tree farm, before moving on again, had Holly wondering what to do. Her best friend Ilsa, told her to enjoy the time with Rex while he was in the area, but that wasn't Holly's way. It wasn't long though, before Rex and Holly were seeing each other, both knowing their futures were uncertain.
A Witch For Mr. Holiday is the 1st in the Witches of Christmas Grove series by Deanna Chase and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A little bit of magic, lots of fun, plenty of entertainment and Christmas cheer plus a pure white rabbit called Sabrina - what more can you ask for? Recommended.
So this is what the summary promised a cheesy Christmas hallmark movie with witches (although that last bit is a stretch).
Did I enjoy the book? Yes it was fluffy, easy reading, heart warming mush.
Was it great? Nope
We’re there witches? Nope not really. There is a mention of oh she’s an air witch and floated candles for us, or oh fire departments need a good fire witch. Basically it is a contemporary romance that happened to give a few people magic powers but we don’t hardly see any at all. And if you want a magic system explanation ha.
My biggest complaint is the beginning of the book. I feel like it was missing. Some time before the start of the book a nosy match making witch slips our two main love interests a love potion. - I would have liked to seen this. The characters have already meet by the time the books starts and they practically leap into bed. There was no tension no build up. Just cheese.
A Witch For Mr. Holiday is book one in the Witches of Christmas Grove by Deanna Chase.
While this spin-off follows characters introduced in a chapter of the Witches of Knitting Hollow series, it didn't quite reach the same heights as the original.
I was hoping for the warm, fuzzy Christmas family fun that characterized the Witches of Knotting Hollow books, but this leans more heavily toward contemporary romance with only occasional mentions of witchcraft.
Alas, the magic and community felt a bit shy this time. We don't see the characters utilize their powers as much, nor is the strong sense of family and friendship present. The story also touched on some heavier aspects of life, preventing the "warm and fuzzies" I was looking for.
The story may stick to a classic line, but it's an undemanding read that offers a nice, gentle touch of Christmas spirit—perfect for a light escape.
Overall, A Witch For Mr. Holiday was just an okay read.
WOW! Absolutely loved this story I have read all of Deanna Chase's books and I say this every time...how does she do it? How does she make me love her latest book when I loved all of them before?
We are transported to Christmas Grove by Rex leaving Keating Hollow to help his friend Zach with his Christmas tree farm. Rex, an earth witch, is helping Zach with some of his trees...giving them some earth witch healing We find Rex a victim of a love spell and he is looking right at Holly... Holly knows a romance with Rex will not work because he will be leaving for New York in the new year...she doesn't want a long distance relationship...BUT will they end up in a relationship?? The characters are loving and heartwarming. I laughed out loud and I cried...I always go through emotions when reading a Deanna Chase book and this was no exception. I finished this story in one setting because I couldn't put it down. I am anxiously waiting for the second book in the series. I've always said I wanted to live in Keating Hollow but now I want to live in Christmas Grove...maybe a home in each place....so I can travel back and forth....on my broom of course... Thank you Deanna for allowing me to read a digital ARC copy of your latest book for an honest opinion...YOU rocked this book! Highly recommend
Rex and Holly are our first couple in the new Christmas Grove series from Deanna Chase and this was a seriously good story. I have to say I absolutely love an author who can dream up towns like Keating Hollow and now Christmas Grove and describe them in such magical detail that I just want to pack up and move there...
Sometimes a love Spell is not needed even when two people feel they are broken by their past, sometimes when two people are meant to be they really can let go of their pasts and grab hold of a future together...
Christmas Grove is such an awesome town and the character's omg I love them all... and that ending well that ending was truly wonderfully funny and Zach is an idiot truly and idiot but I can't wait for his and Isla's story either I just know it's going to be drama filled.
This is a series-starter, an offshoot of another of this author’s series. Holly, Ilsa, Amelia, and Rex were all wonderful characters who tugged at the heartstrings. This author amazes me every time she writes a romance; I cry, laugh, and get angry (in a good way) every time. Not only that, it was nice to see a couple of characters from the other series. A heart-warming, lovely romance with barely any paranormal elements if you aren’t in to that, the book went by very quickly. I’m also looking forward to the next book in this series. If you are a fan of this author’s, you will love this latest. If you haven’t tried her before, what are you waiting for?!? Highly recommend! I was provided a copy with I voluntarily reviewed.
Sweet and charming, a book hug. I loved the setting, the story and all the characters. Proper feel-good Christmassy book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I was very curious to find out to discover a book by Deanna Chase and I was delighted to find this volume for free on Amazon because it gave me the opportunity to dive into one of her novels. By the cover I thought it was a cozy mystery, but it’s not the case at all! It’s a romance with a touch of paranormal. But when I say “a touch”, it is really “a touch”, that is to say it is very light. But it was nice.
Holly lives in Christmas Grove, she’s struggling to recover from a difficult break-up which hanpenned two years ago. It’s also the case for Rex who is only in town for a month. When someone pours a love potion into their drinks, they will have to decide if they are willing to put aside all their wounds to move on. But they also know that whatever happens between them, Rex is destined to leave and their story has an end date before it even begins.
I had a little trouble getting into the story, but once I did, I had a great time with the characters! Of course, the story is not very surprising and it follows a fairly classic line, but it allows you to read something light with a touch of Christmas, which is always nice.
It was a good first tome and I’m quite curious to try another one of the author’s series!
Made it 20% of the way. Barely paranormal so far. Basically it is Christmas Romance Direct-to-TV-Movie. We got the cute dog, we got the plucky friend, we've made cookies, we've been embarrassed in front of our potential male which he finds cute and he is already in love with us. I was going to say "distilled" Christmas Romance Movie but that means it has been concentrated, but this is just the normal watered-down stuff. In fact, I think it is even more watered-down than a 90-minute Movie (plus commercials).
Don't get me wrong, I eat paranormal romances up normally. I'm just not in the mood for romance so "sweet" it isn't even sweet. This didn't do ANYTHING to make me fall in love with anyone. The "weird" and "cute" are so bland as to be tapioca pudding. Sometimes I want that type of pudding, but not in my paranormal romances. I want something a little more spicy - some action, some magic worldbuilding, some strong romance - anything to add some "para" to the normal.
Not a "save the bunny from a dog" moment to make me like the main character.
It's a romance! I should not need a "Save the Cat" moment to identify with the female romantic interest.
In addition, a big thing happened off-screen. Supposedly the couple was exposed to a love potion before everything began --- and it seems to have NO impact on their relationship. They were already going that direction. Why are we even talking about magic? The worldbuilding for this magic town has NO SPARKLE. So you go to a healer instead of a doctor? Big whoop. For the first date, they go to a NORMAL mini-golf situation. Make me believe this is a magic town. No Zing, No Sparkle, No Wonder.
No Wonder I didn't finish. Needs better worldbuilding, better characters, and a better relationship.
A Witch for Mr. Holiday by Deanna Chase takes us to Christmas Grove, California. Rex Holiday had a love potion slipped into his cider and the first lady he came across was Holly Reineer. Rex has no intention of letting the barriers surrounding his heart come down for the lovely red haired witch—even if she does make his heart zing. Rex is in the area to help Zach Frost with his Christmas tree farm and then he will be on to his next assignment. When Holly’s ankle gets injured courtesy of Zach’s overzealous pup, Rex steps in to help. Holly does not wish to get her heartbroken again, but she cannot resist spending time with Rex especially when he offers to help with the town toy drive. What does the future hold for the spirit witch and Mr. Holiday? A Witch for Mr. Holiday is the first novel in Witches of Christmas Grove series. I enjoyed the descriptions of this magical village with its unique residents. Deanna Chase’s writing drew me right into this enchanting tale featuring Holly and Rex. They each have issues that must be worked through. There is also a sweet little boy who could use a special Christmas gift. Harry Potter fans will just love the detailed descriptions of Holly’s special Christmas decorations. There is a fair amount of foul language (unfortunately) and there are some steamy scenes. There is delightful humor sprinkled throughout and a character or two from Keating Hollow makes an appearance. We get a sneak peek at the couple featured in A Witch for Mr. Christmas. A Witch for Mr. Holiday is a spellbinding tale that will keep you riveted on a cold winter night.
I really enjoyed this introduction into the Witches of Christmas Grove series. While it was light on the witch magic, this sweet romance encompassed all the spirit and magic of the holiday season. Rex and Holly had such wonderful chemistry with their big hearts, leading to some really endearing moments. Their holiday fling turned out to be so much more but overcoming their pasts and differences wasn’t easy, which added a nice level of emotion and conflict to their story.
Listened on audio: A new-to-me narrator, Gabra Zackman brought all the feels to this charming tale, and really elevated the emotional connections between the characters. She has a stellar range of voices and it truly made this a pleasurable listening experience.
So a witch spells our two leads with a love potion, and the two leads know this. And the two leads never ever make the date rape drug connection? I am sorry, but removing free will like that and not having any character question it was weird and off putting.
And the whole thing with the dog was just strange.
I absolutely loved Holly and Rex. It was fun to learn more about the Witches of Christmas Grove. Rex & Holly are the first couple in this spin off series. I felt like you don’t have to read the Keating Hollow series first to see what’s going on as this book could be read first but you gotta meet the Townsend sisters first. I have fallen in love with some of the minor characters and the kiddo was my favorite. Rex has certainly melted my heart and this world certainly needs more guys like Rex. #Swoon. Looking forward to the next installment. I listened to the audiobook and as always Gabra is fabulous at narrating the story. She narrated both female and male characters wonderfully!
This was a cute read, but a little underwhelming. Holly and Rex are both influenced by a love spell, but said spell happens before the story begins, and both characters are seemingly okay with it? I would have loved to see this spell have an impact, rather than just a thing that happened and is mostly ignored after the first few chapters.
Also, everyone has magic and it’s out in the open, which is cool! I did wish we got a little more worldbuilding in that regard. How does magic work? When do you find out what your gifts are? Is it passed through family lines?
Finally, the ending fell flat for me, especially the last chapter being in a different POV (Ilsa) and I didn’t care for Ryan.
This story was fun and very enjoyable. I like the characters a lot, enjoyed the storyline (although for me it seemed like I could predict what might happen), and felt the book was very well written (it definitely held my attention). I mostly listened to the book on Audible, however, I did read at times on my Kindle and I felt the narrator did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life. I noticed that there are more books in the series for the various characters and I think I will read/listen to more of the series. Overall this was a fun book to start a series!
A cute ready but one that left me unsatisfied. I was expecting Witches, a nosy matchmaker, and lots of trouble as that was what the synopsis promised. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. The beginning started after the matchmaker had administered the love potion. The mention of Witches was in passing instead of an intricate part of the story. There is no explanation of the magic system in Christmas Grove. The story felt unfinished. Not really any tension or anything. It was cute. I just wanted more. I will try the next book in this series.
I love this book, the magic world Christmas Grove and the residents like Holly and Rex kept me captivated until the end. Deanna Chase hooked me into the next book as well. If you love a wonderful story, with steamy and magic this will fill your wish list.
This is a straight up Christmas romance with a few paranormal elements thrown in. They are not overwhelming and are truly unimportant to the story. I enjoyed the characters and happily moved on to the next one.
These books, and this one especially, remind me of a Hallmark Channel Christmas Special. It’s written just like a real show would play out (except a bit more hint at romance without any sex scenes). The narrator’s voice on the Audible version is quite soft-spoken which adds to the feel. The characters are relatable and likeable. I just wish there was more adversity, depths of stronger emotions, etc. There’s plenty of sympathy, empathy, tears, and frustration, but for once I crave a witch to get pissed at how her boyfriend is acting and use a gust of air to slap some sense into him, play a prank, do something with more heat to it. I do enjoy these stories, but for me they’re an occasional read between my typical paranormal books with a bit more blood and gore. This book was very predictable, almost excruciatingly so.
I wasn’t aware that all the Witches books from Chase tie together, so I was surprised when she mentioned another neighboring town (and series) about Keating Hollow, which I read previously. I’m not sure on the official timeline, but I was able to read this and understand it just fine without following a book order. There’s a tiny twist in the very last chapter which can draw readers in to the series to continue to the next book, but isn’t so large to cause an uproar. Overall, it was a good read; just not my typical cup of tea.
OMG I'm officially hooked, and thoroughly depressed it loss like I'll have to wait a full year for book two *pout*. I'm a HUGE fan of the authors WITCHES OF KEATING HOLLOW series, and this is equally addictive! We shortly met one of the main characters, Rex in the most recent KEATING HOLLOW book. If you enjoy magic, a sweet magical town filled with amazing characters, and a dose of romance hilarity then this is the book for you. Hit with a love spell from a meddling bystander, Rex it's from the start he was attracted to Holly....She however wasn't too sure it wasn't the spell. It didn't help that she had massive baggage, and her gift of future vision saw Rex in the future holding a baby in a town that wasn't hers. Does she trust her emotions and risk her heart once more, or pay attention to this vague vision? Follow this heart warming story filled with all kinds of magic and one woman at the center of it with a huge heart, curious to see how her future will turn out. I already love Keating Hollow, looks like the town of Christmas Grove is the newest on my automatically read list! I can't wait for the follow up! Just be prepared for a unique cliffhanger.
This was my first DNF of 2023. It's bad. The moment the book starts, the two main characters act like they are so in love, and yet they've barely spoken to each other in the 2 days they've known each other. The main female is whiny and over the top. Every other page she's mentally complaining that the guy will be leaving soon.
I made it 24% before I couldn't take anymore.
This is something I would expect to see written by a 14 year old on a fanfiction site. I love cozies and holiday books but this is not a success in any way.
Holly didn't appreciate the love spell sent out as she stared up at the big Christmas tree. The man near her was gorgeous, Rex, best friend of her neighbor. She didn't need a man, especially one who was only here for a short while. He was an earth witch helping with Zach's Christmas Tree farm.
Fighting the attraction wasn't working for either of them. Could they deal with a short term relationship?
The world of modern regular people witches the author has created makes for wonderful characters. The two people are torn between their need for each other and past experiences. One travels and one needs to stay in her hometown around her friends. Rex is leaving after the holidays. Holly's been left before. Are their feelings strong enough and their reasoning right enough to let them have each other--for a time--knowing there is an end around the corner?
The characters are endearing. The banter fun. An overall satisfying read.
This is a new series for Ms. Chase and it seems to be a little different from her other books. That is not a bad thing. The book is wonderful. It's a lovely story with characters that you want to know. Who doesn't want to experience a love story in a magical town like Christmas Grove. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Ms. Chase never disappoints.