What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas Mountain #7
Between Christmas and Romance
There’s nothing like the spark of attraction to light up the holidays...
When the bright lights and big city lost its luster, Carol Bennett returns to her Montana hometown disillusioned and ready to embrace a simple, quiet existence. After she takes over the Christmas Mountain bookstore, she is determined to forget the glitzy world that left her with broken dreams. The store provides the perfect place to hide from her past while indulging her secret joy of reading sappy romances.
Then she encounters a cowboy too handsome for his own good and too insightful for hers. Although she adores his grandmother, rancher Tim Burke is stubborn, bold, and opinionated. He refuses to let her hide when he sees her all too clearly and does his best to draw her out of her protective shell.
In spite of her determination to detest the man, the sparks sizzling between them could light up the town’s Christmas tree. Carol has to decide if she’ll choose being brave and latching onto happiness or staying safely tucked away in her store.
Will two such opposite people be able to find love somewhere between romance and Christmas?
When the bright lights and big city lost its luster, Carol Bennett returns to her Montana hometown disillusioned and ready to embrace a simple, quiet existence. After she takes over the Christmas Mountain bookstore, she is determined to forget the glitzy world that left her with broken dreams. The store provides the perfect place to hide from her past while indulging her secret joy of reading sappy romances.
Then she encounters a cowboy too handsome for his own good and too insightful for hers. Although she adores his grandmother, rancher Tim Burke is stubborn, bold, and opinionated. He refuses to let her hide when he sees her all too clearly and does his best to draw her out of her protective shell.
In spite of her determination to detest the man, the sparks sizzling between them could light up the town’s Christmas tree. Carol has to decide if she’ll choose being brave and latching onto happiness or staying safely tucked away in her store.
Will two such opposite people be able to find love somewhere between romance and Christmas?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
96 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
164 books1,324 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 6, 2020
Reading this book feels like watching a Hallmark Movie. This is a standalone book, part of the Christmas Mountain Series.
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 25, 2019
Can it be Christmas already please???
Can Rudolph’s Reads be a real bookstore please???
Can Christmas Mountain Montana be a real place please???
Shanna Hatfield has once again got my Heart singing a happy tune. Christmas tunes this time. Between Christmas and Romance was a wonderful story with such sweet love, laughter and caring. The sparks fly from the first time Carol and Tim meet and the sizzle continues till the end. This story was more than just a romance it showed the true meaning of giving and even paying kindness forward of the Christmas season. I highly recommend this book as a required must read this Christmas season. Upon finishing this book a reader’s heart will truly be warmed with the Christmas Spirit. I know mine certainly was!!!
Can Rudolph’s Reads be a real bookstore please???
Can Christmas Mountain Montana be a real place please???
Shanna Hatfield has once again got my Heart singing a happy tune. Christmas tunes this time. Between Christmas and Romance was a wonderful story with such sweet love, laughter and caring. The sparks fly from the first time Carol and Tim meet and the sizzle continues till the end. This story was more than just a romance it showed the true meaning of giving and even paying kindness forward of the Christmas season. I highly recommend this book as a required must read this Christmas season. Upon finishing this book a reader’s heart will truly be warmed with the Christmas Spirit. I know mine certainly was!!!
November 6, 2020
I love books written in 1st person, but Shanna Hatfield’s version is the best I’ve ever read. I “WAS” Carol Bennett in this sweet Christmas romance from the first sentence.
Between Christmas And Romance has catapulted me into the Christmas spirit.
I fell in love with Christmas Mountain, Montana and all the wonderful people who call this town home.
But Tim Burke stole my heart, I fell hard for this handsome, down to earth cowboy.
Carol Bennett recently bought Reindeer Reads, a quaint bookstore, which had always been a place for her to escape, as a child.
She’s a bit of an introvert, or so she “portrays”, but she’s really hiding a secret, one she doesn’t care to share.
Carol is a friend and a blessing with all her patrons, a roommate to Hemi, an over opinionated cat.
Tim has met his match with Carol, he sees right through to her soul and isn’t foiled by her relaxed clothes, comeback lines, or even her surprise “ninja” attacks.
Carol and Tim maybe oil and water, but even that combination has been known to make some of the best concoctions.
As Carol and Tim get to know one another, Tim starts suspecting that she’s hiding something, something that has her on guard. Will they be able to get past her secret or will it be the coal in their Christmas stockings?
I laughed, I swooned, and I celebrated an early Christmas, now if only I could go to Christmas Mountain, Montana, I’d be in Heaven.
Ms. Shanna has written another amazing book, this one is now tied with my two other favorites of hers. Learnin’ The Ropes And Barreling Through Christmas. Ty and Cooper have stiff competition with Tim, as my all-time favorite Cowboy.
I highly recommend this book to the Christmas, Cowboy, Romance Lover!!
Between Christmas And Romance has catapulted me into the Christmas spirit.
I fell in love with Christmas Mountain, Montana and all the wonderful people who call this town home.
But Tim Burke stole my heart, I fell hard for this handsome, down to earth cowboy.
Carol Bennett recently bought Reindeer Reads, a quaint bookstore, which had always been a place for her to escape, as a child.
She’s a bit of an introvert, or so she “portrays”, but she’s really hiding a secret, one she doesn’t care to share.
Carol is a friend and a blessing with all her patrons, a roommate to Hemi, an over opinionated cat.
Tim has met his match with Carol, he sees right through to her soul and isn’t foiled by her relaxed clothes, comeback lines, or even her surprise “ninja” attacks.
Carol and Tim maybe oil and water, but even that combination has been known to make some of the best concoctions.
As Carol and Tim get to know one another, Tim starts suspecting that she’s hiding something, something that has her on guard. Will they be able to get past her secret or will it be the coal in their Christmas stockings?
I laughed, I swooned, and I celebrated an early Christmas, now if only I could go to Christmas Mountain, Montana, I’d be in Heaven.
Ms. Shanna has written another amazing book, this one is now tied with my two other favorites of hers. Learnin’ The Ropes And Barreling Through Christmas. Ty and Cooper have stiff competition with Tim, as my all-time favorite Cowboy.
I highly recommend this book to the Christmas, Cowboy, Romance Lover!!
October 28, 2019
Sweet romance
Once again, Shanna Hatfield has written a fun Christmas romance. The snarky dialog filled with literary quotes, movie references, and puns related to the characters' names kept me smiling. Tim, the handsome cowboy who was so determined to get beyond Carol's defenses had me swooning. And Carol's very painful past had me sighing.
It was obvious that Carol, the owner of Rudolph's Reads, had secrets in her past that she wanted to keep there. Big secrets that caused her to learn major self-defense moves which got used on the unfortunate Tim more than once when he surprised her. While I conjectured many scenarios, none of them were correct. The fact that Tim figured out her secret surprised me and the way he let her know that he had was quite fun.
I loved the subplot about Mia, the teenage girl who hid in the bookstore after school. Carol's kindness to her and how she drew her out so she was willing to share her hurts reflected on Carol's sweet nature. What Carol did with the information she found. . . Well, let's just say you'll have to read the story to find out.
If you enjoy lighthearted Christmas romance with an undertone of mystery, visit Rudolph's Reads and learn more about Carol and Tim in Between Christmas and Romance!
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Once again, Shanna Hatfield has written a fun Christmas romance. The snarky dialog filled with literary quotes, movie references, and puns related to the characters' names kept me smiling. Tim, the handsome cowboy who was so determined to get beyond Carol's defenses had me swooning. And Carol's very painful past had me sighing.
It was obvious that Carol, the owner of Rudolph's Reads, had secrets in her past that she wanted to keep there. Big secrets that caused her to learn major self-defense moves which got used on the unfortunate Tim more than once when he surprised her. While I conjectured many scenarios, none of them were correct. The fact that Tim figured out her secret surprised me and the way he let her know that he had was quite fun.
I loved the subplot about Mia, the teenage girl who hid in the bookstore after school. Carol's kindness to her and how she drew her out so she was willing to share her hurts reflected on Carol's sweet nature. What Carol did with the information she found. . . Well, let's just say you'll have to read the story to find out.
If you enjoy lighthearted Christmas romance with an undertone of mystery, visit Rudolph's Reads and learn more about Carol and Tim in Between Christmas and Romance!
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2019
It is never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, especially the way author Shanna Hatfield lays on the romance, humor, warmth and surprises. I think this is the only book this author has done in first person which makes it even more enchanting. Even the names of the principles are fun: Heroine Carol Bennet and hero Tim Burke. Returning to her home town to run the bookstore she loved as a child (Rudolph's Reads!) with her rescue cat Hemingway, she practically lays out Tim twice with her self-defense moves as he innocently frightens her twice. Easy-going, very tall, and handsome cowboy Tim is initially smitten with Carol but the interest is not immediately returned. Tim's grandmother and a dear friend play matchmaker while Tim tries to figure out why Carol is so guarded and wary. It seems Carol has some dangerous secrets from her recent past that she wants nobody to investigate but Tim will not give up easily. Along the way Carol befriends a young teenage girl seemingly in trouble and a sweet friendship blossoms. Not wanting to reveal any spoilers, Carol's secrets are unlike anything you would have ever thought of but that is the creative brilliance of Shanna Hatfield to totally surprise. Another winner for this author!
Read
October 16, 2019Shanna's latest romance is as stellar and heart-pounding as her many other wonderful novels. I loved the mystery behind Carol's past and Hatfield wrote in such a talented way as to keep readers on the edge of their seat. And oh. Tim<3 My, my, my. Shanna's done it again. Tim Burke is everything you'd want in a man and Hatfield simply writes his character as heroic, kind, and perfect for Carol. This novel includes feisty old women, a talented chef, a small town, and a secret just waiting to be told. This novel is masterfully written, entertaining, heart-warming, and simply perfect for the fall season.
I recommend this wonderful novel for all those in search of a fun holiday romance.
5/5 stars:)
I recommend this wonderful novel for all those in search of a fun holiday romance.
5/5 stars:)
September 25, 2019
I loved this sweet Christmas story about a girl who left the city life to return to her home at Christmas Mountain. She buys a book store and meets a hunky cowboy. Tim who is ex military and came home to run the ranch after his uncle died. It's a time when people come together to help others. When Carol's stalked is caught she can finally relax and hopefully win Tim back.
October 15, 2019
A sweet country Christmas romance. This story has real characters you can’t help liking. I laughed at some parts and sighed at others. I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2020
It's Christmas believe in miracles and who knows what might happen. A delightful holiday suspense romance written in first person, with snarky characters, a beautiful small town Montana setting, twist and turn plot and a solid satisfying resolution. Puns, references to books and music, and world travels makes the story a fun holiday read. Perfect for reading during a pandemic. No passport or air travel required. Hemingway the contrary finicky cat made me chuckle. As a German American, I enjoyed the references to Carol's travels to Germany. Never in a million years would I have recognized Carol's previous career. While I am not usually fond of first person narrative, Shanna Hatfield executes first person narrative with finesse. Few authors do. As an avid reader with young granddaughters, who often visit our local independent bookstore, Rudolph's Reads is our kind of place. Our local SW Michigan small town toy store has a large stuffed reindeer. As a retired high school teacher with teen grandsons, my heart went out to Mia. A future filled with hope and love not just for Carol and Tim, but the McBride family. Well done, Shanna Hatfield.
January 20, 2021
Carol Bennett owns Rudolph Reads bookstore in her hometown of Christmas Mountain.
A place where she can hide in her own little world, away from everyone and everything that can or has hurt her. Perfectly happy in her little world, sharing it with her bossy cat, that is until a certain cowboy turns her world upside down.
Tim Burke lives on a local ranch caring for family, he stops into the bookstore to pick up an order for his grandmother and is instantly interested in the frumpy little woman who owns and runs the bookstore.
There is a instant mutual dislike for each other in the beginning. He can see through the disguise she has worn for years and she can not have that. Throw in the magic of the little town and maybe a meddling Grandmother and these two have no choice but to get to know each other.
Believe in the magic of Christmas Love!
Between Christmas and Romance
A place where she can hide in her own little world, away from everyone and everything that can or has hurt her. Perfectly happy in her little world, sharing it with her bossy cat, that is until a certain cowboy turns her world upside down.
Tim Burke lives on a local ranch caring for family, he stops into the bookstore to pick up an order for his grandmother and is instantly interested in the frumpy little woman who owns and runs the bookstore.
There is a instant mutual dislike for each other in the beginning. He can see through the disguise she has worn for years and she can not have that. Throw in the magic of the little town and maybe a meddling Grandmother and these two have no choice but to get to know each other.
Believe in the magic of Christmas Love!
Between Christmas and Romance
January 1, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was a great story. The characters were a lot of fun. The story was unpredictable and exciting. I liked the involvement of the characters I’ve seen in other books. I’m so excited for the next books in this series. The only thing that got it cut off a star is how we learned Carol’s secret. I wish it was a bit more slowly given to us.
The story follows Carol. She’s running away from something. We don’t know that. She’s gone back home, Christmas Mountain, and has taken over a cosy little bookstore where she spent her youth. She likes her new life. She meets Tim at her bookstore when he comes to her shop to pick up some of his grandma’s books. They both dislike each other but slowly through time, they learn more about each other.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
This was a great story. The characters were a lot of fun. The story was unpredictable and exciting. I liked the involvement of the characters I’ve seen in other books. I’m so excited for the next books in this series. The only thing that got it cut off a star is how we learned Carol’s secret. I wish it was a bit more slowly given to us.
The story follows Carol. She’s running away from something. We don’t know that. She’s gone back home, Christmas Mountain, and has taken over a cosy little bookstore where she spent her youth. She likes her new life. She meets Tim at her bookstore when he comes to her shop to pick up some of his grandma’s books. They both dislike each other but slowly through time, they learn more about each other.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
December 1, 2020
A sweet Christmas story that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. Shanna Hatfield writes well crafted characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Carol Bennett and Tim Burke are two great examples. Carol Bennett has returned to her home town and purchased the town's bookstore. It is a good place for her to hide and run away from what she has left behind in New York. Reindeer's Reads was her salvation when she was hiding from her mother growing up. Tim Burke has returned home to live with his grandma and help on the ranch, when his grandfather unexpectedly dies. There is definitely electricity between them. Sparks fly the first time they meet, but not in a good way.
November 16, 2020
Carol Bennett was owner of Rudolph's Reads book store in a small town called Christmas Mountain. She was a quiet, friendly, hardworking woman who loves what she does. When a hard headed, handsome cowboy named Tim Burke comes into her store to pick up his Grandma's book order, they begin to get on one another's nerves. You'll fall in love with this small town and all the people in it! Wonderful 5 star romance read.
December 5, 2020
Christmas Mountain
Perfect holiday romance book! I love Christmas and small town life. Very inspirational in regards to the importance of making valuable choices and having solid priorities. Fame and fortune never make one happy, but having family's love in your life is priceless. Cute romance!
Perfect holiday romance book! I love Christmas and small town life. Very inspirational in regards to the importance of making valuable choices and having solid priorities. Fame and fortune never make one happy, but having family's love in your life is priceless. Cute romance!
December 12, 2020
Carol and Tim 💞
What a great story! I loved the romance between Carol and Tim, even though she fought against it at first. Also, the fun little bits of humor throughout was an added perk! And the town name...Christmas Mountain, Montana...sigh... what a perfect sounding place. I would be visiting Reindeer Reads just about every day ❤️
What a great story! I loved the romance between Carol and Tim, even though she fought against it at first. Also, the fun little bits of humor throughout was an added perk! And the town name...Christmas Mountain, Montana...sigh... what a perfect sounding place. I would be visiting Reindeer Reads just about every day ❤️
July 5, 2022
Back to Christmas Mountain
A romantic story of Carol Bennett who returns to Christmas Mountain, trying to hide from a stalker. Meets and falls in love with a cowboy who recognized her as a gorgeous model. But her love for him is threatened by the possibility her stalker would find her. It's one of those stories of happily ever after.
A romantic story of Carol Bennett who returns to Christmas Mountain, trying to hide from a stalker. Meets and falls in love with a cowboy who recognized her as a gorgeous model. But her love for him is threatened by the possibility her stalker would find her. It's one of those stories of happily ever after.
November 13, 2020
Loved it!
This is a really good story with great characters. I loved how strong Carol is with her successful business and past career, despite all her circumstances. Tim was an awesome character who gave wonderful kisses. This is a sweet, clean romance.
This is a really good story with great characters. I loved how strong Carol is with her successful business and past career, despite all her circumstances. Tim was an awesome character who gave wonderful kisses. This is a sweet, clean romance.
December 23, 2020
Carol
I enjoyed this book about a woman who returned to where she grew up and bought the local bookstore. A cowboy walks in and is mean to her. Read it to discover the one,texted things that happen.
I enjoyed this book about a woman who returned to where she grew up and bought the local bookstore. A cowboy walks in and is mean to her. Read it to discover the one,texted things that happen.
December 31, 2020
There's no place like home
Carol, like her friends left Christmas Mountain right after high school graduation. Just as fast as she left, Carol suddenly returns without a hint of where she had been or what she had been doing. After a year home Carol meets cowboy Tim and electricity zips thru her body! Read how their relationship develops!
Carol, like her friends left Christmas Mountain right after high school graduation. Just as fast as she left, Carol suddenly returns without a hint of where she had been or what she had been doing. After a year home Carol meets cowboy Tim and electricity zips thru her body! Read how their relationship develops!
January 8, 2022
Christmas love
This was so sweet to read, the characters in this story had tears running down my face as I read this awesome book. Shanna literally holds you in her stories and doesn’t release till the end of this amazing story, I highly recommend this book.
This was so sweet to read, the characters in this story had tears running down my face as I read this awesome book. Shanna literally holds you in her stories and doesn’t release till the end of this amazing story, I highly recommend this book.
December 26, 2022
Good books always make me eager to pick them up and read and this is one. I loved the characters and the setting of the story. Towards the end I thought there would be an interesting twist, but it ended without the twist. That’s ok, though.
January 19, 2025
Between Christmas and Romance
I enjoyed reading this story. Carol ran a book store, and she was preparing for Christmas. She met Tim when he brought his aunt in for. a book wishes wanted ,chemistry was in the air. Enjoy their story.
I enjoyed reading this story. Carol ran a book store, and she was preparing for Christmas. She met Tim when he brought his aunt in for. a book wishes wanted ,chemistry was in the air. Enjoy their story.
March 31, 2020
My apologies to the author. This is a DNF. I didn’t make it past the first few chapters of the book.
November 10, 2020
Sweet Christmas story
I Really enjoyed this sweet Christmas read. Carol and Tim have a sweet HEA. Set in a snowy Christmas town
I Really enjoyed this sweet Christmas read. Carol and Tim have a sweet HEA. Set in a snowy Christmas town
December 23, 2020
It's best if I don't say anything at all.
January 14, 2021
A sweet Christian Christmas fiction story.
February 23, 2021
Excellent & fun story!!
I love it!!! It was written perfectly. A lot of give & take, but it didn’t lose sight of the storyline and go off on tangents. I can’t wait to read more!!
I love it!!! It was written perfectly. A lot of give & take, but it didn’t lose sight of the storyline and go off on tangents. I can’t wait to read more!!
April 21, 2022
Soooo fun! I loved this “first person” perspective of finding love after hiding from the past. SUPER cute story. Enjoy!
December 12, 2022
sweet read
What an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and Nancy and Charli rounded out the personalities of the others. A must read!
What an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and Nancy and Charli rounded out the personalities of the others. A must read!
October 4, 2025
the best in the series
I read this whole series and this was the best. I love Shanna’s writing. I can always tell when I am reading her books. Merry Christmas
I read this whole series and this was the best. I love Shanna’s writing. I can always tell when I am reading her books. Merry Christmas
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews