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The Sullivans #9
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
The Sullivans have captivated the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, and now New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre shares the love story that started it all...
For Mary Sullivan Christmas is, and always has been, about family. And this year is no different. As she awaits the arrival of her eight children and their partners at the cottage in Lake Tahoe, she hangs the ornaments that they made for her over the years. Each decoration brings with it a tide of memories, all of which she holds dear to her heart. But when she comes across the oldest ornament, the one her beloved husband, Jack, gave her on their very first Christmas together, Mary is immediately swept back to the first days of their whirlwind romance, to the love that would be the foundation on which they built the family she is so proud to call her own. Join the Sullivans this Christmas for a story that explores the wonder of the holidays, the meaning of family and a love that transcends time.
For Mary Sullivan Christmas is, and always has been, about family. And this year is no different. As she awaits the arrival of her eight children and their partners at the cottage in Lake Tahoe, she hangs the ornaments that they made for her over the years. Each decoration brings with it a tide of memories, all of which she holds dear to her heart. But when she comes across the oldest ornament, the one her beloved husband, Jack, gave her on their very first Christmas together, Mary is immediately swept back to the first days of their whirlwind romance, to the love that would be the foundation on which they built the family she is so proud to call her own. Join the Sullivans this Christmas for a story that explores the wonder of the holidays, the meaning of family and a love that transcends time.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2013
572 people are currently reading
3994 people want to read
About the author
Bella Andre
149 books56.2k followersBella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
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September 24, 2013Mary & Jack's book is finally here! I absolutely fell in love with Jack Sullivan while I was writing their love story, and I can't wait for you to meet him and find out how they fell in love. <3 Bella
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eBook Links....
Amazon Kindle US ~ http://amzn.to/16Xzmf6
Apple iBooks ~ https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kiss...
Nook ~ http://bit.ly/1b314b7
Kobo ~ http://bit.ly/18egl6L
Smashwords ~ http://bit.ly/1b31aQg
Kindle UK ~ http://amzn.to/19BoAcg
Kindle Canada ~ http://amzn.to/16FIHFf
Hardcover Links...
Amazon ~ http://amzn.to/13e4WiV
Barnes & Noble ~ http://bit.ly/16i5PN9
Audiobook Links...
Audible ~ http://bit.ly/18MWPOD
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Amazon ~ http://amzn.to/14CDdjb
September 22, 2013
4. 5 stars!
All of the Sullivans have been paired up and have found their happily ever afters. So what now? Fans of the series have always been interested in Mary and Jack Sullivan, the parents who created our favorite characters in this series. Bella Andre has listened to her fans and has created a holiday themed story for Mary and Jack that will warm your hearts this winter.
I wondered how Andre would pull this off. How would she go back in time and retell the story that was the beginning of a journey for Mary and Jack. I thought she would simply spring into the past and begin there, but no. Andre’s storytelling abilities go beyond that and she integrates the holiday theme effortlessly as she opens the story up with Mary decorating their Christmas tree with ornaments made by her children over the years. This scene just warms me right up. It’s so heartfelt and emotional, that you can sense Mary’s pride in all her children. Her love transcends through Andre’s words. You can’t help but smile as you read the words.
It’s from there that Andre flows into Jack and Mary’s love story and boy is it a good one. I loved reading about Mary’s time as a model and how Jack and her met for the first time. Jack is an engineer and he has invented the Pocket Planner, but in order to have it hit the market for Christmas time, they need to add some sex appeal to the product. This is where Mary enters the picture. She’s sweet, sexy and intelligent, the perfect face for the product.
However, despite being a temptation that Jack can’t resist, Mary sets down the rules. As long as she is working with him, they cannot have an affair. She has been burned in the past when she mixed business and pleasure before and she will not do it again and suffer the consequences a second time. Not enough time has passed for her to forget that hurt. But Jack is resilient and patient, which further proves just how perfect he is for Mary.
KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE is just like a hot cocoa in the winter. It’s sweet, comforting and makes you want more. I found it impossible to stop reading once I started. Mary and Jack’s story just reels you in and it helps that Andre’s writing always feels so effortless to me. I know just how much work goes into writing a book, but every time I pick up a new Bella Andre novel, I feel as if it takes no effort on her part. It’s such a natural extension to the series. Simply put, I loved it!
*ARC provided by publisher
January 9, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book and it's probably not fair for me to rate it as any less, which is why I have settled on 3 stars.
I enjoyed learning more about Mary and Jack, but I don't feel it was as compelling as most of the other books in the series. I thought the story was quite sweet, but I didn't feel as big a connection to the couple as I was expecting.
Also it was one of those strange occasions where events in the book and my real life collide.
I could not get my mind off of the fact that we know Jack dies leaving his young family behind. My dad died when I was very young and I couldn't focus on anything other than how awfully lonely Mary must be without him and what it's like as one of the ones left behind to grow up knowing something is missing.
I became fixated on trying to figure out how young Jack must have been when he died and everything he missed out on with his children. Also, I remember that in Zack's book we hear about how Jack's brothers couldn't bare to see Zack because of the strong resemblance. This made me feel really sad for them when we met them.
It's a bit like when I watched that episode of Doctor Who, where Rose Tyler meets her Dad for the first time, and I cried like a baby all the way through it.
Whilst I didn't have such a visceral reaction to this book as I did Dr Who, I didn't expect it to make me feel this way otherwise I would have avoided it. However, what's done is done and it did leave me feeling incredibly sad and unable to really connect with the love story.
I enjoyed learning more about Mary and Jack, but I don't feel it was as compelling as most of the other books in the series. I thought the story was quite sweet, but I didn't feel as big a connection to the couple as I was expecting.
Also it was one of those strange occasions where events in the book and my real life collide.
I could not get my mind off of the fact that we know Jack dies leaving his young family behind. My dad died when I was very young and I couldn't focus on anything other than how awfully lonely Mary must be without him and what it's like as one of the ones left behind to grow up knowing something is missing.
I became fixated on trying to figure out how young Jack must have been when he died and everything he missed out on with his children. Also, I remember that in Zack's book we hear about how Jack's brothers couldn't bare to see Zack because of the strong resemblance. This made me feel really sad for them when we met them.
It's a bit like when I watched that episode of Doctor Who, where Rose Tyler meets her Dad for the first time, and I cried like a baby all the way through it.
Whilst I didn't have such a visceral reaction to this book as I did Dr Who, I didn't expect it to make me feel this way otherwise I would have avoided it. However, what's done is done and it did leave me feeling incredibly sad and unable to really connect with the love story.
September 28, 2013
SIGH! I have read every book that Bella Andre has written. My favorite was Smith; that was up until now. Kissing Under The Mistletoe was by far Bella's most sensuous and glorious love story. Bella has given us the California Sullivan's and then introduced us to the Seattle Sullivan's. Now, Bella has taken us on a spellbinding journey to where it all began; Mary & Jack Sullivan. Their love has shaped all 8 Sullivan children and their own beautiful love stories and relationships. It is so easy to see how each child has lived and then loved to their fullest. It was so sweet and poignant that I didn't want it to end. Bella has weaved the most beautiful love story, one that each reader yearns to live for their own life. Bella also told their love story with their sensuous sex scenes with such reverence and class that no smutty words were needed. It was the most beautiful love story I have ever read and I am so grateful to Bella for deciding to write about Jack & Mary and share their love with us, her readers. Thank you Bella. You have done it again and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next. It will be wonderful, but Jack & Mary's story is one for the ages!.
December 27, 2018
I can’t believe it took me so long to read a book by Bella Andre. The Sullivans have been on my TBR FOREVER and now that I’ve read Mary and Jack’s Story - I need everyone else now!
June 21, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Een prachtige romance.....!
Bij het begin in het boek moest ik even door de opening heen bijten. Die liep voor mij niet helemaal soepeltjes. Maar toen ik eenmaal in het verhaal zat....., wat romantisch!
Een dame op leeftijd blikt daags voor kerst, terug op de romantische ontmoeting met haar echtgenoot. Liefde op het eerste gezicht, zó mooi! Het bestaat echt! Ik kan het weten.
Ik kende deze serie en schrijfster nog niet, maar ik ga nu zeker snel bij deel 1 beginnen.
Een prachtige romance.....!
Bij het begin in het boek moest ik even door de opening heen bijten. Die liep voor mij niet helemaal soepeltjes. Maar toen ik eenmaal in het verhaal zat....., wat romantisch!
Een dame op leeftijd blikt daags voor kerst, terug op de romantische ontmoeting met haar echtgenoot. Liefde op het eerste gezicht, zó mooi! Het bestaat echt! Ik kan het weten.
Ik kende deze serie en schrijfster nog niet, maar ik ga nu zeker snel bij deel 1 beginnen.
October 17, 2013
I received a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I haven’t read the other Sullivan books yet this was my first but I will definitely be going back and getting the others. Mary and Jack’s story was so sweet and sexy I couldn’t put it down.
As Mary is pulling out the Christmas Ornaments to decorate the tree she gets to the most important ones of all. The ones her children made and the ones exchanged between husband and wife their first and second Christmas together.
Watching her unwrap each ornament and going back to when her children were the ages they were when they gave them to her was beyond amazing. Getting to know those characters without ever meeting them is how you know that Bella Andre did a fantastic job. This whole opening sequence had me holding my kindle for dear life and waiting to touch the screen to turn the page. I wanted to know more and experience what Mary was. Being thrown back in time to when your children are still children and they each have amazing little personalities that come through in their ornaments. Mary and Jack were so lucky to have so many amazing children.
Reading about Mary and Jack’s love story made you realize why their children were as fantastic as they are. They had the greatest example of true love right in front of them. You would like that leading the life of a model would make Mary snotty and ungrateful when really it had the opposite effect. She was the most down to earth and grateful person. She knew where she came from and she learned from her mistakes. Jack you just think of him as the hot nerdy guy but he surprises you with his sweet sentimental side. Watching their love story come to life was perfect. This was one of the best love stories I have read in a very long time. I totally adored this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. 5/5
I haven’t read the other Sullivan books yet this was my first but I will definitely be going back and getting the others. Mary and Jack’s story was so sweet and sexy I couldn’t put it down.
As Mary is pulling out the Christmas Ornaments to decorate the tree she gets to the most important ones of all. The ones her children made and the ones exchanged between husband and wife their first and second Christmas together.
Watching her unwrap each ornament and going back to when her children were the ages they were when they gave them to her was beyond amazing. Getting to know those characters without ever meeting them is how you know that Bella Andre did a fantastic job. This whole opening sequence had me holding my kindle for dear life and waiting to touch the screen to turn the page. I wanted to know more and experience what Mary was. Being thrown back in time to when your children are still children and they each have amazing little personalities that come through in their ornaments. Mary and Jack were so lucky to have so many amazing children.
Reading about Mary and Jack’s love story made you realize why their children were as fantastic as they are. They had the greatest example of true love right in front of them. You would like that leading the life of a model would make Mary snotty and ungrateful when really it had the opposite effect. She was the most down to earth and grateful person. She knew where she came from and she learned from her mistakes. Jack you just think of him as the hot nerdy guy but he surprises you with his sweet sentimental side. Watching their love story come to life was perfect. This was one of the best love stories I have read in a very long time. I totally adored this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. 5/5
October 4, 2013
While hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree and waiting for her children and their partners to arrive at the Tahoe cabin, Mary Sullivan relives her courtship with their father Jack. They had a whirlwind romance after a case of love at first sight. Mary had to get over her fear that Jack was using her to further his career before they could find happily ever after.
Jack Sullivan was an engineer who had spent 10 years developing a new product and was within sight of successfully launching it during the Christmas season but he needed something of someone to give the product some sex appeal. Mary was a very successful fashion model who was taking part in her last shoot when they ran into each other.
Mary had been used by another man who just wanted to make his product look good and was fearful of trusting Jack. But Jack's patience, persistence, and love finally won the day with her. Having read the stories of his and Mary's eight children previously, I was pleased to see where they got their character from. Each one demonstrated pieces of what we see in Jack in this story.
I loved this romance and can't wait to read about the Sullivan cousins.
Jack Sullivan was an engineer who had spent 10 years developing a new product and was within sight of successfully launching it during the Christmas season but he needed something of someone to give the product some sex appeal. Mary was a very successful fashion model who was taking part in her last shoot when they ran into each other.
Mary had been used by another man who just wanted to make his product look good and was fearful of trusting Jack. But Jack's patience, persistence, and love finally won the day with her. Having read the stories of his and Mary's eight children previously, I was pleased to see where they got their character from. Each one demonstrated pieces of what we see in Jack in this story.
I loved this romance and can't wait to read about the Sullivan cousins.
August 21, 2013
From the moment that I met Mary Sullivan in The Look of Love I knew that she was a woman that I wanted to get to know a little better. After reading about each of her children's love stories I just knew that it had to take the most extraordinary woman to raise the most kind and loving characters that I have ever come across in a contemporary romance series. Kissing Under the Mistletoe is a great addition to one of my most beloved contemporary romance series and I'm so glad that Andre has finally given us an insight to the great love story that produced eight wonderful children.
For The Sullivan's fans you definitely don't want to miss this novella.
Full review to come closer to release date.
*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
For The Sullivan's fans you definitely don't want to miss this novella.
Full review to come closer to release date.
*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
July 3, 2018
lots of love everywhere with really good ideas for personal use.
September 26, 2013
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
The long awaited story of Mary and Jack Sullivan comes alive on the pages of “Kissing Under the Mistletoe”. A beautiful, loving, very touching love story about how the wonderful Sullivan Clan came to be.
Jack never gave a second thought to love. He was engrossed in his invention, the Pocket Planner, for the last 10 years. He’s dated but never could he put a woman before his inventions. Until Mary. One look at the beautiful model and he was gone. He didn’t care if his invention made it to the stores, he didn’t care if he lost everything that he has worked for. Even though she could be the answer to his prayers for the Pocket Planner, he didn’t care if she said yes to the ad campaign or not. He just wanted her … heart and soul … and he would do whatever it took, wait as long as she needed, to claim her.
It’s only fitting that Mary and Jack met just before Christmas and that their first kiss would be a chaste and beautiful one under the Mistletoe in front of his friends. The love that they had from the onset was pure and beautiful but Mary was afraid of it due to past hurts. Her mother disowned her when she left Italy to pursue her dream of becoming a model. She found her former lover in bed with another model. Everyone that she loved hurt her, left her, used her for what she could give them. Did she dare open her heart to Jack Sullivan? Did she dare let her guard down enough to let him in?
As the Prologue started, my tears started. Reading about each of the Sullivan siblings and the memories of each of their childhoods and Christmas’ past, was heart-breaking knowing that Jack was not there to share it with her in the cabin that they built together. As the book begins and we see how they met and what a wonderful, whirl-wind romance they had, we are reminded about how special love and family are. We are brought through all of Mary’s heartache, her trials and tribulations as Jack stands by her and shows her what true, meaningful love is. When she is finally reunited with her family, with Jack by her side, we are reminded how important it is to let go of the past, forgive and look forward to the future. What impressed me most was how Bella Andre respected that we were reading about Marcus, Chase, Gabe, Zach, Ryan, Smith, Sophie and Lori’s parents. When Mary and Jack made love, they made love with their hearts, their expressions, their full bodies. There was nothing tasteless, there was nothing harsh – it was romance at it’s finest.
I was delighted and honored to have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing “Kissing Under the Mistletoe”. I was thrilled to meet Jack’s other siblings and hope to get to know them more in future books. I will also truly understand why Mary would not have a new HEA with another man. The love that her and Jack shared was amazing and transcends time. No other man could take the place of Jack Sullivan!
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
The long awaited story of Mary and Jack Sullivan comes alive on the pages of “Kissing Under the Mistletoe”. A beautiful, loving, very touching love story about how the wonderful Sullivan Clan came to be.
Jack never gave a second thought to love. He was engrossed in his invention, the Pocket Planner, for the last 10 years. He’s dated but never could he put a woman before his inventions. Until Mary. One look at the beautiful model and he was gone. He didn’t care if his invention made it to the stores, he didn’t care if he lost everything that he has worked for. Even though she could be the answer to his prayers for the Pocket Planner, he didn’t care if she said yes to the ad campaign or not. He just wanted her … heart and soul … and he would do whatever it took, wait as long as she needed, to claim her.
It’s only fitting that Mary and Jack met just before Christmas and that their first kiss would be a chaste and beautiful one under the Mistletoe in front of his friends. The love that they had from the onset was pure and beautiful but Mary was afraid of it due to past hurts. Her mother disowned her when she left Italy to pursue her dream of becoming a model. She found her former lover in bed with another model. Everyone that she loved hurt her, left her, used her for what she could give them. Did she dare open her heart to Jack Sullivan? Did she dare let her guard down enough to let him in?
As the Prologue started, my tears started. Reading about each of the Sullivan siblings and the memories of each of their childhoods and Christmas’ past, was heart-breaking knowing that Jack was not there to share it with her in the cabin that they built together. As the book begins and we see how they met and what a wonderful, whirl-wind romance they had, we are reminded about how special love and family are. We are brought through all of Mary’s heartache, her trials and tribulations as Jack stands by her and shows her what true, meaningful love is. When she is finally reunited with her family, with Jack by her side, we are reminded how important it is to let go of the past, forgive and look forward to the future. What impressed me most was how Bella Andre respected that we were reading about Marcus, Chase, Gabe, Zach, Ryan, Smith, Sophie and Lori’s parents. When Mary and Jack made love, they made love with their hearts, their expressions, their full bodies. There was nothing tasteless, there was nothing harsh – it was romance at it’s finest.
I was delighted and honored to have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing “Kissing Under the Mistletoe”. I was thrilled to meet Jack’s other siblings and hope to get to know them more in future books. I will also truly understand why Mary would not have a new HEA with another man. The love that her and Jack shared was amazing and transcends time. No other man could take the place of Jack Sullivan!
September 23, 2013
I was lucky enough to get a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. The release date is set for September 24, 2013 and the publisher is Harlequin MIRA.
The Sullivan series is one of my favorite series I've read in forever. I've loved reading about each of the siblings finding the HEA and had always wanted to know how Mary and Jack fell in love. Ms. Andre totally delivers with this special Christmas story for her readers.
As Mary is pulling out all the Christmas decorations for the family tree, she is blessed with memories of each of her children making their ornaments. I loved each and every one of the ornaments the kids made, but Sophie's was my favorite, and it made me cry and smile at the same time. When Mary gets to the first ornament Jack gave her all those Christmases ago, we finally get Mary and Jack's story.
I have to say that Jack's sons are so much like him it is almost scary. Much like Jack, once they met the right woman, no one else would ever be right. I loved that Jack pretty much fell for Mary at first sight, and while Mary was a bit more cautious because of her past, I could tell she fell just as fast.
The chemistry is super hot between Jack and Mary from their very first sighting of one another and it only gets stronger after their first kiss under the mistletoe. Jack will do anything to make sure Mary feels how much he loves and respects her. Jack does so many sweet things to help prove his love to Mary, but trying to take things slow when they both want each other so much was one of the sweetest.
I also loved how important family was to both Mary and Jack and how Jack helped Mary get closer to her parents again. I actually cried like a baby the first time Mary saw her mom again after so many years apart.
Jack and Mary are so perfect for one another and I loved how much they loved each other. The passion between them was obvious from their very first kiss and only grows stronger each time they make love. I loved that Mary's parents put them in separate rooms and Mary sneaked into Jack's room so they could make love and sleep together. Their wedding was fairy tale beautiful to me and made me cry once again.
I loved reading about how the Sullivan family began. I both laughed and cried at various times while reading this story. While I've loved all the books from the Sullivan series, I know Mary and Jack's is my absolute favorite.
The Sullivan series is one of my favorite series I've read in forever. I've loved reading about each of the siblings finding the HEA and had always wanted to know how Mary and Jack fell in love. Ms. Andre totally delivers with this special Christmas story for her readers.
As Mary is pulling out all the Christmas decorations for the family tree, she is blessed with memories of each of her children making their ornaments. I loved each and every one of the ornaments the kids made, but Sophie's was my favorite, and it made me cry and smile at the same time. When Mary gets to the first ornament Jack gave her all those Christmases ago, we finally get Mary and Jack's story.
I have to say that Jack's sons are so much like him it is almost scary. Much like Jack, once they met the right woman, no one else would ever be right. I loved that Jack pretty much fell for Mary at first sight, and while Mary was a bit more cautious because of her past, I could tell she fell just as fast.
The chemistry is super hot between Jack and Mary from their very first sighting of one another and it only gets stronger after their first kiss under the mistletoe. Jack will do anything to make sure Mary feels how much he loves and respects her. Jack does so many sweet things to help prove his love to Mary, but trying to take things slow when they both want each other so much was one of the sweetest.
I also loved how important family was to both Mary and Jack and how Jack helped Mary get closer to her parents again. I actually cried like a baby the first time Mary saw her mom again after so many years apart.
Jack and Mary are so perfect for one another and I loved how much they loved each other. The passion between them was obvious from their very first kiss and only grows stronger each time they make love. I loved that Mary's parents put them in separate rooms and Mary sneaked into Jack's room so they could make love and sleep together. Their wedding was fairy tale beautiful to me and made me cry once again.
I loved reading about how the Sullivan family began. I both laughed and cried at various times while reading this story. While I've loved all the books from the Sullivan series, I know Mary and Jack's is my absolute favorite.
December 14, 2014
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This Christmas read pulled hard on my heartstrings. When first introduced to Mary and the Sullivan Family, Jack’s character was always in the background – the perfect, loving father and husband whose sudden passing left great emptiness in all their lives. So happy to see how their love blossomed from a chance encounter to a heart stopping, world-wind romance. It was a bittersweet flashback story. Jack Sullivan quickly became my favorite character in this series.
Mary, a world-renowned model encounters a handsome stranger, Jack, on her last photo shoot. Jack, a struggling inventor becomes fascinated with beautiful Mary. What he comes to learn is that Mary’s beauty lies within her heart and soul. Jack is determined to make Mary a permanent part of his life. Their love, which transcends time, all began with a passionate kiss, underneath the mistletoe.
If you are a fan of this series, Kissing Under The Mistletoe is a must read. A sugary sweet romantic story which will leaving you swooning.
http://angelas-sizzling-pages.blogspo...
This Christmas read pulled hard on my heartstrings. When first introduced to Mary and the Sullivan Family, Jack’s character was always in the background – the perfect, loving father and husband whose sudden passing left great emptiness in all their lives. So happy to see how their love blossomed from a chance encounter to a heart stopping, world-wind romance. It was a bittersweet flashback story. Jack Sullivan quickly became my favorite character in this series.
Mary, a world-renowned model encounters a handsome stranger, Jack, on her last photo shoot. Jack, a struggling inventor becomes fascinated with beautiful Mary. What he comes to learn is that Mary’s beauty lies within her heart and soul. Jack is determined to make Mary a permanent part of his life. Their love, which transcends time, all began with a passionate kiss, underneath the mistletoe.
If you are a fan of this series, Kissing Under The Mistletoe is a must read. A sugary sweet romantic story which will leaving you swooning.
September 28, 2013
First let me say I am a huge fan of Bella Andre and have read every book she has ever written - HOWEVER, "Kissing Under the Mistletoe" is by far her very best book EVER!!! If you have read her series about the “Sullivan” family, you already know the series starts out with the mother, Mary, being a widow. The wonderful love of her life, Jack, has passed on, but all through the series you learn what a wonderful man he was and the wonderful marriage they had, as they raised their beautiful children. Through all the successful books Bella has written about the Sullivan children, her readers, included myself, begged her to share the love story of Mary and Jack Sullivan, mom and dad to the phenomenal Sullivan clan! Well we certainly got our HEA and much much more!! This truly is an amazing story which gripped my heart … it was where it all began. Learning about the love of Mary and Jack made it easy to understand how all the Sullivan children turned out so kind, loving and respectful. I loved every book in the Sullivan series, as I watched each brother and sister meet their soul mate and find their HEA. Trust me when I say the love story of Mary and Jack Sullivan “Kissing Under the Mistletoe, could possibly be sweetest and most beautiful love story ever told. Take my word for it, if you want to read a series that will have you just begging for more, Start with this book and then read the complete Sullivan series – you will not be sorry you did!!!
February 19, 2014
This is by far the worst of the Sullivan series and the worst book I have read this year. Considering how much each Sullivan book talked about the wonderful story of its progenitors (Mary and Jack) you'd think that it would at least be emotional, good or thrilling...something. Instead, we get a tepid story of two character that fell in love within the day and acted on it after the weekend was over. Their story lacked substance, an actual story and needed better writing.
The writing was plagued with errors, not grammar or spelling (although there were several), but anachronistic errors. Assuming the current Sullivan stories take place nowish, in the 2010s (give or take 5-10 years), you'd figure Mary and Jack's story takes place at least 36 years prior (36 cause that is the age of the eldest Sullivan in one of the books). That puts the book in the 70s, at least. If so, there are a lot of things out of place...and time. The invention of pocket planners seems to be before its time, the book 'The Sunshine Princess and the Stinky Dog' was published in 2011, the term Silicon Valley wasn't widely used until the 1980s and several other things.
But, the worst part of the novel was the extreme sappiness in the story. For a story that was supposed to be so 'inspirational' to their children, Jack and Mary basically fell in lust with each other and then in love in the time it took them to eat at a diner.
Agh. I really really disliked this book.
The writing was plagued with errors, not grammar or spelling (although there were several), but anachronistic errors. Assuming the current Sullivan stories take place nowish, in the 2010s (give or take 5-10 years), you'd figure Mary and Jack's story takes place at least 36 years prior (36 cause that is the age of the eldest Sullivan in one of the books). That puts the book in the 70s, at least. If so, there are a lot of things out of place...and time. The invention of pocket planners seems to be before its time, the book 'The Sunshine Princess and the Stinky Dog' was published in 2011, the term Silicon Valley wasn't widely used until the 1980s and several other things.
But, the worst part of the novel was the extreme sappiness in the story. For a story that was supposed to be so 'inspirational' to their children, Jack and Mary basically fell in lust with each other and then in love in the time it took them to eat at a diner.
Agh. I really really disliked this book.
September 25, 2013
As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly
4.5 out of 5 Licks
I admit I was a little nervous to read this one. I devoured the previous Sullivan books and I was afraid that Mary and Jack's book wouldn't live up to the story already in my mind. Thankfully I was wrong. While I did find the book dragging a bit at times, overall it was the perfect love story for them. Knowing Jack's fate did make the book harder for me to read, but it made me love him more than I already did (which I wasn't sure was possible). The book leans a little more on the sweeter side than smutty, but there were some pretty steamy sex scenes between these two. I found myself starting to cry multiple times while reading this one-particularly right at the beginning. I'm not sure a sweeter man ever excited than Jack Sullivan. He wanted Mary more than he had ever wanted anything else in the world, yet he still put his own wants aside to give her everything she could have ever wanted. The only thing that would have made this better for me would have been adding in the rest of her family arriving at the end, but that's because I am a series whore and I never want them to end. lol While I would recommend reading the other books in this series first, I don't think you are missing anything if you don't. This story is all about Mary and Jack and so worth the read!
4.5 out of 5 Licks
I admit I was a little nervous to read this one. I devoured the previous Sullivan books and I was afraid that Mary and Jack's book wouldn't live up to the story already in my mind. Thankfully I was wrong. While I did find the book dragging a bit at times, overall it was the perfect love story for them. Knowing Jack's fate did make the book harder for me to read, but it made me love him more than I already did (which I wasn't sure was possible). The book leans a little more on the sweeter side than smutty, but there were some pretty steamy sex scenes between these two. I found myself starting to cry multiple times while reading this one-particularly right at the beginning. I'm not sure a sweeter man ever excited than Jack Sullivan. He wanted Mary more than he had ever wanted anything else in the world, yet he still put his own wants aside to give her everything she could have ever wanted. The only thing that would have made this better for me would have been adding in the rest of her family arriving at the end, but that's because I am a series whore and I never want them to end. lol While I would recommend reading the other books in this series first, I don't think you are missing anything if you don't. This story is all about Mary and Jack and so worth the read!
September 29, 2013
Okay I finished this at 5:30 this morning, I couldn't put the book down. I was so afraid I was going to miss something great & I'm glad I didn't. This has become my #1 favorite story of the series. I love Jack & Mary.....now I see where the men in the Sullivan family get their personality from & the women get their love for life & their temper too. This was a great love story, I'm looking forward to rereading it when I reread the whole series once it's complete. Bella I love your stories & I love your writing, great job. Will definitely be recommending this book to all my family & friends. Now I can't wait for Mia's book. Hopefully there will be a book on Max & Claudia as well, you piqued my interest in their story while dropping little hints about how they got together.
April 16, 2015
4.5 This is the story of Mary and Jack. It was sweet and simply beautiful. I became teary eyed at the end because I know where the story of Mary and Jack truly leads and it made my heart ache. Jack was wonderful, no wonder Mary never married again. Their love was endless and timeless.
June 2, 2018
The Sullivan family series is well written and a pleasure to read.
July 28, 2019
A beautiful holiday romance with a lasting love. I loved how all the kids are grown, and we are seeing how it all began. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for a Christmas novel.
November 4, 2021
A whirlwind Christmas romance in the Sullivan saga. I was bothered, though, by the fact that this book is a look back at their love story from decades ago ago, but yet everything was written like it was happening in modern day, so the errors bothered me.
December 24, 2022
I absolutely love the Sullivans and I really enjoyed getting to read Mary and Jack's story, even if it was a bit bittersweet. This was so sweet and romantic. I adored this book.
September 5, 2013
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at RomancingRakes4TheLuvOfRomance.blogspot.com.
Rating: ~3 hearts: I liked it
Review:
If you’re a fan of Bella Andre’s incredibly successful Sullivans series as I am, you’ll already know about Jack and Mary Sullivan, and how Mary was left alone to raise their six sons and two daughters after Jack died much too young from a brain aneurysm. In the first 8 books of the series, we got to see each of the Sullivan siblings find their one true love. Now in “Kissing Under The Mistletoe” we finally get to see how Jack and Mary met and fell in love so many years before, along with a glimpse of how wonderful being together was in their first year of marriage.
Jack Sullivan is a dedicated and brilliant electrical engineer who along with his two good friends and co-workers, has created a new portable electronic device that he believes will be a top seller for his San Francisco company. But unless he can find a way in the next 24 hours to show that the Pocket Planner has some kind of sex appeal, his boss won’t even consider trying to sell any. A lesser man would be daunted by such a task, but Jack Sullivan refuses to give up. When he and his co-workers head out to Union Square in search of a place to sit and brainstorm, that’s when Jack has the most tremendous stroke of luck. For that’s when he finds both the solution to his marketing problem and the love of his life.
Mary Ferrer is a world famous fashion model who just happens to be in Union Square that evening for the final photo shoot in her long and successful career. She’s decided to retire after tonight because although she doesn’t regret having become a model, the day-to-day life just isn’t enjoyable for her any longer, and she’d like the chance to do more than just pose for pictures. Mary feels so completely alone since she left her family behind in their small Italian village and her mother disowned her as a result of that decision. She’s tried relationships within the fashion industry, but the last one ended up leaving her even more disillusioned about men and love than before. Yet when she sees the tall and handsome Jack Sullivan staring at her from the street, Mary can’t help but stare back in return, and it’s then that she decides to take one more chance at happiness and perhaps even love.
“Kissing Under the Mistletoe” does a great job in showing exactly why Jack and Mary were so perfectly matched from the start and provides all the back story about how each of them had gotten to that moment in Union Square when fate brought them together. I loved seeing how Mary had experienced a full and exciting life completely separate from her current identity as the quiet loving matriarch of the Sullivan family, and how finding Jack wasn't an ending for her but a beginning to a whole new life that she’d already wanted before she’d ever met him. We’d seen through the previous books how much her children are like her, but now we get that same type of recognition for their late father, as Jack comes fully to life in this story and shows us just how much he loves Mary by both his words and actions.
The only thing I didn't fully enjoy about “Kissing Under the Mistletoe” was how the epilogue detailing the first year of their marriage was more like a series of snapshots than an actual continuation of the complete story. Normally I’m a big fan of epilogues, but in this instance I found the change in writing style to be somewhat jarring by comparison, and I almost would have rather not had it there at all.
In any case, I am still happy to have read the story of the Sullivan parents, and am looking forward to the continuing stories of the Sullivan cousins now that all of Jack and Mary’s children have been paired up and married off. Bella Andre never fails to make me care about her characters and “Kissing Under the Mistletoe” is no exception. It’s a lovely romance, perfect for the holiday season.
Favorite Quote:
“Next time I invite you in,” she said with a small smile as she gave him his coat and walked him to the front door, “I’ll let you drink your coffee.”
He was standing on her front step when he said, “Next time you invite me in, I’m going to make love to you.”
Rating: ~3 hearts: I liked it
Review:
If you’re a fan of Bella Andre’s incredibly successful Sullivans series as I am, you’ll already know about Jack and Mary Sullivan, and how Mary was left alone to raise their six sons and two daughters after Jack died much too young from a brain aneurysm. In the first 8 books of the series, we got to see each of the Sullivan siblings find their one true love. Now in “Kissing Under The Mistletoe” we finally get to see how Jack and Mary met and fell in love so many years before, along with a glimpse of how wonderful being together was in their first year of marriage.
Jack Sullivan is a dedicated and brilliant electrical engineer who along with his two good friends and co-workers, has created a new portable electronic device that he believes will be a top seller for his San Francisco company. But unless he can find a way in the next 24 hours to show that the Pocket Planner has some kind of sex appeal, his boss won’t even consider trying to sell any. A lesser man would be daunted by such a task, but Jack Sullivan refuses to give up. When he and his co-workers head out to Union Square in search of a place to sit and brainstorm, that’s when Jack has the most tremendous stroke of luck. For that’s when he finds both the solution to his marketing problem and the love of his life.
Mary Ferrer is a world famous fashion model who just happens to be in Union Square that evening for the final photo shoot in her long and successful career. She’s decided to retire after tonight because although she doesn’t regret having become a model, the day-to-day life just isn’t enjoyable for her any longer, and she’d like the chance to do more than just pose for pictures. Mary feels so completely alone since she left her family behind in their small Italian village and her mother disowned her as a result of that decision. She’s tried relationships within the fashion industry, but the last one ended up leaving her even more disillusioned about men and love than before. Yet when she sees the tall and handsome Jack Sullivan staring at her from the street, Mary can’t help but stare back in return, and it’s then that she decides to take one more chance at happiness and perhaps even love.
“Kissing Under the Mistletoe” does a great job in showing exactly why Jack and Mary were so perfectly matched from the start and provides all the back story about how each of them had gotten to that moment in Union Square when fate brought them together. I loved seeing how Mary had experienced a full and exciting life completely separate from her current identity as the quiet loving matriarch of the Sullivan family, and how finding Jack wasn't an ending for her but a beginning to a whole new life that she’d already wanted before she’d ever met him. We’d seen through the previous books how much her children are like her, but now we get that same type of recognition for their late father, as Jack comes fully to life in this story and shows us just how much he loves Mary by both his words and actions.
The only thing I didn't fully enjoy about “Kissing Under the Mistletoe” was how the epilogue detailing the first year of their marriage was more like a series of snapshots than an actual continuation of the complete story. Normally I’m a big fan of epilogues, but in this instance I found the change in writing style to be somewhat jarring by comparison, and I almost would have rather not had it there at all.
In any case, I am still happy to have read the story of the Sullivan parents, and am looking forward to the continuing stories of the Sullivan cousins now that all of Jack and Mary’s children have been paired up and married off. Bella Andre never fails to make me care about her characters and “Kissing Under the Mistletoe” is no exception. It’s a lovely romance, perfect for the holiday season.
Favorite Quote:
“Next time I invite you in,” she said with a small smile as she gave him his coat and walked him to the front door, “I’ll let you drink your coffee.”
He was standing on her front step when he said, “Next time you invite me in, I’m going to make love to you.”
September 12, 2016
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
We’ve come to know Mary Sullivan throughout the entire Sullivan series as the mom who’s always there for her kids and loves them all fiercely. We also know that she raised her kids alone after losing her husband Jack too soon. Here, we get the love story of Mary and Jack, how they met and fell in love and the biggest thing for me was getting to know Jack himself.
Mary was working as a model after being discovered at 19 in her hometown in Italy. Deciding to pursue modeling estranged her from her family as her mother didn’t give her blessing to Mary. She’s spent the past 13 years modeling, traveling the world, having her heart broken by people and men she thought she could trust and she’s ready now to move on to a new adventure in her life and move away from modeling. During her last shoot, Jack sees her and is immediately drawn to her. He and his two best friends have created the Pocket Planner but need a sexy way to market it and fast so it’ll be picked up by distributors for the holiday season. He wants to try and convince Mary to help them but what he doesn’t count on was their instant attraction and the bone deep need to keep this woman in his life.
Mary is hesitant to mix business and pleasure so they try to deal with business first before moving on to anything else. But Jack is a hard man to resist and they end up falling hard and fast for each other. Mary still has a lot of insecurities about opening her heart up again and it takes her some time to quiet those thoughts and to realize that Jack is the real deal and in it forever.
Romances like this are always bittersweet because as I was falling crazy in love with this couple, I couldn’t help but keep thinking about Jack and his death that happens too soon. Even with that small thought in the back of my head it was still easy to focus on their romance and I enjoyed seeing this couple fall in love. Now I know where the Sullivan men get their sexiness from - Jack was so sweet and so perfect for Mary, I loved everything about this guy. To the fun dates that Jack takes Mary on, to the sexy nights in bed, it was a joy to know this couple better and it makes me want to reread the series and focus more on Mary now.
The epilogue takes us month by month throughout their first year of marriage and is a nice note to end on in their journey. It still makes me sad, just a little, because now I wonder what kind of father Jack would have been and would have loved to have seen that come to life on page. But seeing Jack and Mary fall in love was very satisfying and it feels like that branch of the Sullivan family series is now complete.
Blog rating: B+
We’ve come to know Mary Sullivan throughout the entire Sullivan series as the mom who’s always there for her kids and loves them all fiercely. We also know that she raised her kids alone after losing her husband Jack too soon. Here, we get the love story of Mary and Jack, how they met and fell in love and the biggest thing for me was getting to know Jack himself.
Mary was working as a model after being discovered at 19 in her hometown in Italy. Deciding to pursue modeling estranged her from her family as her mother didn’t give her blessing to Mary. She’s spent the past 13 years modeling, traveling the world, having her heart broken by people and men she thought she could trust and she’s ready now to move on to a new adventure in her life and move away from modeling. During her last shoot, Jack sees her and is immediately drawn to her. He and his two best friends have created the Pocket Planner but need a sexy way to market it and fast so it’ll be picked up by distributors for the holiday season. He wants to try and convince Mary to help them but what he doesn’t count on was their instant attraction and the bone deep need to keep this woman in his life.
Mary is hesitant to mix business and pleasure so they try to deal with business first before moving on to anything else. But Jack is a hard man to resist and they end up falling hard and fast for each other. Mary still has a lot of insecurities about opening her heart up again and it takes her some time to quiet those thoughts and to realize that Jack is the real deal and in it forever.
Romances like this are always bittersweet because as I was falling crazy in love with this couple, I couldn’t help but keep thinking about Jack and his death that happens too soon. Even with that small thought in the back of my head it was still easy to focus on their romance and I enjoyed seeing this couple fall in love. Now I know where the Sullivan men get their sexiness from - Jack was so sweet and so perfect for Mary, I loved everything about this guy. To the fun dates that Jack takes Mary on, to the sexy nights in bed, it was a joy to know this couple better and it makes me want to reread the series and focus more on Mary now.
The epilogue takes us month by month throughout their first year of marriage and is a nice note to end on in their journey. It still makes me sad, just a little, because now I wonder what kind of father Jack would have been and would have loved to have seen that come to life on page. But seeing Jack and Mary fall in love was very satisfying and it feels like that branch of the Sullivan family series is now complete.
November 24, 2013
Another Sullivan review! I am sure by now, that ya’ll know I have mad love for this family and for Belle Andre, the author who shares them with us. Kissing Under the Mistletoe is the tenth book in the Sullivans series. I had just finished book five, and I was nervous about reading them out of order since I didn’t want anything spoiled. No worries there, as Bella Andre takes us back in time for Mary Sullivan and Jack’s love story. In the back of my mind, I knew how their love story ends but it also made it bittersweet and utterly romantic. Mini review: heart-warming, hot and memorable.
Mary Sullivan is alone at their cottage on Lake Tahoe waiting for her children, their spouse and her grandchildren to arrive. She is pulling out family ornaments and reminiscing over the memories of each. Then she opens an important box and carefully removes two very special ornaments. As she holds them, she remembers her beloved husband and how they fell in love. Wildly romantic, and sweet I fell in love with Mary and Jack.
Now I know where the Sullivan boys get their charm and stubbornness. I loved Jack and Mary from page one of this novel. For the record, Jack can call me Angel any time. The man was sweet, honest and even learned how to say romantic phrases in Italian. He made me melt. Mary is wonderful and I fell in love with this super mom in The Look of Love, book one of the series. It was nice to meet her as a young , confident woman. I understand why Mary never remarried; I am not sure another man could hold a candle to Jack.
Break out the tissues. Eek, Kissing Under the Mistletoe was such a wonderful romance. The tale had everything from innocent kisses under the mistletoe to heated scenes with red satin sheets. It was such a pleasure watching their romance unfold and Andre made it all come to life. Jack has always been a memory in the novels and getting to know him was delightful. We begin in our journey in San Francisco and travel to Italy before all is said and done. I laughed, sighed and even cried while reading this. Jack and Mary’s romance is the kind little girls dream about.
For fans of the Sullivans or anyone looking for a romantic holiday tale, Kissing Under the Mistletoe offers the perfect, magical kind of romance we expect around the holiday. If you haven’t guessed Bella Andre is on my auto-buy list, and I look forward to sharing more of her books with you.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Mary Sullivan is alone at their cottage on Lake Tahoe waiting for her children, their spouse and her grandchildren to arrive. She is pulling out family ornaments and reminiscing over the memories of each. Then she opens an important box and carefully removes two very special ornaments. As she holds them, she remembers her beloved husband and how they fell in love. Wildly romantic, and sweet I fell in love with Mary and Jack.
Now I know where the Sullivan boys get their charm and stubbornness. I loved Jack and Mary from page one of this novel. For the record, Jack can call me Angel any time. The man was sweet, honest and even learned how to say romantic phrases in Italian. He made me melt. Mary is wonderful and I fell in love with this super mom in The Look of Love, book one of the series. It was nice to meet her as a young , confident woman. I understand why Mary never remarried; I am not sure another man could hold a candle to Jack.
Break out the tissues. Eek, Kissing Under the Mistletoe was such a wonderful romance. The tale had everything from innocent kisses under the mistletoe to heated scenes with red satin sheets. It was such a pleasure watching their romance unfold and Andre made it all come to life. Jack has always been a memory in the novels and getting to know him was delightful. We begin in our journey in San Francisco and travel to Italy before all is said and done. I laughed, sighed and even cried while reading this. Jack and Mary’s romance is the kind little girls dream about.
For fans of the Sullivans or anyone looking for a romantic holiday tale, Kissing Under the Mistletoe offers the perfect, magical kind of romance we expect around the holiday. If you haven’t guessed Bella Andre is on my auto-buy list, and I look forward to sharing more of her books with you.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 29, 2014
Listen to extended sample at: http://www.hotlistens.com/kissing-und...
I got a copy of Kissing Under the Mistletoe audiobook for review back in December, and I wish I’d have picked it up earlier. It was a pleasant surprise to get acquainted with Bella Andre’s excellent work.
This is book number 10 in the series, and I was a little nervous about being lost coming in this late and without any prior knowledge of the characters, but Ms. Andre does a beautiful job at bringing you smoothly into her story, and by the end, I felt as if these people were part of my family. I was left with the immense desire, to hear the rest of their stories.
With expert ease, Ms. Andre takes us through the beginning of the affair of the heart between Jack Sullivan and Mary.
Taken back by the memories brought by Christmas ornaments while decorating the tree, Mary (whom I loved is this book) takes a trip through memory lane, and shows us that achieving happiness is never easy and that every love story is paved with sweet and bittersweet moments.
With each ornament, a new memory emerges, and through Mary’s thoughts we get introduce to her children. I loved how I got to see each child’s personality come to life. I enjoyed watching the formation of this wonderful family, all guided by the strength of a true heroine.
Jack and Mary’s love story is sweet, sensual, touching, heartfelt, and leaves you with the conviction that true love is enough to last you a life time.
I know this is Christmas story, but I could have enjoyed it just as much on a warm night in July.
Narration:
This is my first experience with Eva Kaminsky, I though she did a good job with the portrayal of the characters. I love when a narrator brings the main character to life with the qualities they were written. I definitely got Mary’s strength and kindness and the goodness in Jack.
Even though her voice for Jack wasn’t as deep for a male character, I liked that it didn’t feel forced or unnatural, as well as, all the other characters in the story including the children. The changes in tone and pace nicely dictated the direction of the novel.
Her interpretation made me feel all the heartfelt emotions packed in this novel, the sweetness of the romance as well as its sensuality.
All in all, I enjoyed Eva Kaminsky delivery, and I won’t shy away from any of her performances.
I got a copy of Kissing Under the Mistletoe audiobook for review back in December, and I wish I’d have picked it up earlier. It was a pleasant surprise to get acquainted with Bella Andre’s excellent work.
This is book number 10 in the series, and I was a little nervous about being lost coming in this late and without any prior knowledge of the characters, but Ms. Andre does a beautiful job at bringing you smoothly into her story, and by the end, I felt as if these people were part of my family. I was left with the immense desire, to hear the rest of their stories.
With expert ease, Ms. Andre takes us through the beginning of the affair of the heart between Jack Sullivan and Mary.
Taken back by the memories brought by Christmas ornaments while decorating the tree, Mary (whom I loved is this book) takes a trip through memory lane, and shows us that achieving happiness is never easy and that every love story is paved with sweet and bittersweet moments.
With each ornament, a new memory emerges, and through Mary’s thoughts we get introduce to her children. I loved how I got to see each child’s personality come to life. I enjoyed watching the formation of this wonderful family, all guided by the strength of a true heroine.
Jack and Mary’s love story is sweet, sensual, touching, heartfelt, and leaves you with the conviction that true love is enough to last you a life time.
I know this is Christmas story, but I could have enjoyed it just as much on a warm night in July.
Narration:
This is my first experience with Eva Kaminsky, I though she did a good job with the portrayal of the characters. I love when a narrator brings the main character to life with the qualities they were written. I definitely got Mary’s strength and kindness and the goodness in Jack.
Even though her voice for Jack wasn’t as deep for a male character, I liked that it didn’t feel forced or unnatural, as well as, all the other characters in the story including the children. The changes in tone and pace nicely dictated the direction of the novel.
Her interpretation made me feel all the heartfelt emotions packed in this novel, the sweetness of the romance as well as its sensuality.
All in all, I enjoyed Eva Kaminsky delivery, and I won’t shy away from any of her performances.
January 1, 2016
Vikki’s Musings
I just love Bella Andre’s writing style. When I found Kissing under the Mistletoe on sale and the offer of the audio version for $1.99, I immediately downloaded it. I normally like to read series in order, but that has not been the case with the Sullivan series. However, each book is written in such a way that they are easily stand alone. I LOVED this book!
Mary Sullivan is getting her Christmas tree ready for her family’s arrival. As she places each homemade ornament on the tree, her mind travels to where it all began. I am so pleased I had a chance to hear Jack and Mary’s incredible love story.
Jack and Mary are wonderful characters, and I fell in love with them from the first page. Their love story is definitely love at first sight, and even though they go from first meeting to marriage in a month, their love comes across so strong that I had no difficulty in believing in them.
One of the things I enjoy most about Ms. Andre’s books is that the hero and heroine are no at each other’s throats as is the case with so many books today. I think some writers confuse conflict with angst. Ms. Andre shows how an author can write a moving love story where the main characters like each other throughout the entire book.
I listened to the audio version by the fabulous Eva Kaminsky. Ms. Kaminsky’s performance is flawlessly perfect. She truly reads with a great deal of emotion without taking it too far. She gives each character their distinct voice. I always know I am in for a treat when I see Ms. Kaminsky is the narrator.
If you enjoy a wonderfully romantic hero and a gracious heroine with a great love story, then you will love Kissing under the Mistletoe as much as I did. I truly love this fantastic family. I highly recommend reading these great books and Kissing under the Mistletoe in particular. It’s my favorite so far. I can’t wait to read the other books in this amazing series. Happy reading!
I just love Bella Andre’s writing style. When I found Kissing under the Mistletoe on sale and the offer of the audio version for $1.99, I immediately downloaded it. I normally like to read series in order, but that has not been the case with the Sullivan series. However, each book is written in such a way that they are easily stand alone. I LOVED this book!
Mary Sullivan is getting her Christmas tree ready for her family’s arrival. As she places each homemade ornament on the tree, her mind travels to where it all began. I am so pleased I had a chance to hear Jack and Mary’s incredible love story.
Jack and Mary are wonderful characters, and I fell in love with them from the first page. Their love story is definitely love at first sight, and even though they go from first meeting to marriage in a month, their love comes across so strong that I had no difficulty in believing in them.
One of the things I enjoy most about Ms. Andre’s books is that the hero and heroine are no at each other’s throats as is the case with so many books today. I think some writers confuse conflict with angst. Ms. Andre shows how an author can write a moving love story where the main characters like each other throughout the entire book.
I listened to the audio version by the fabulous Eva Kaminsky. Ms. Kaminsky’s performance is flawlessly perfect. She truly reads with a great deal of emotion without taking it too far. She gives each character their distinct voice. I always know I am in for a treat when I see Ms. Kaminsky is the narrator.
If you enjoy a wonderfully romantic hero and a gracious heroine with a great love story, then you will love Kissing under the Mistletoe as much as I did. I truly love this fantastic family. I highly recommend reading these great books and Kissing under the Mistletoe in particular. It’s my favorite so far. I can’t wait to read the other books in this amazing series. Happy reading!
December 16, 2013
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
When the blurb of a book makes you cry, this does not bode well for the reader. Having a box of Kleenex handy while reading this book is a MUST!!!
I’ve read a couple books in Bella Andre’s The Sullivan Series. I will admit that I was always intrigued by Mary and her husband Jack. I mean after Jack passed away, Mary never remarried and raised all eight of their kids alone. That shows me what an extraordinary person he had to have been and the power of their love. So when Mary got her own book, I couldn’t wait to read it.
Kissing Under The Mistletoe takes you on the journey through the love affair of Mary Ferrer and Jack Sullivan. From the beginning, the book will have you smiling. The book starts out with Mary unwrapping Christmas ornaments that their children made when they were younger and hanging them on the tree. The ornaments all have a special place in Mary’s heart and a lovely child story behind each one. Mary starts to reminisce about her past and the love of her life, Jack. We’re graced with the opportunity to see how they first met, how Mary was an integral part in helping Jack launch a new product, and them falling in love. If you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you will realize the kids definitely took after their parents.
Touching, emotional, heartwarming, and loving; this is a story not to be missed. How can you not love a man who says, “I know I don’t have much to give you, and that you deserve absolutely everything. Riches. Beautiful gifts. I can’t give you any of those things. Not yet, anyway. All I can give you is my heart. And every last piece of my soul.” Simply put, Mary and Jack Sullivan show you what true love is really all about. This is definitely a romance book for the ages.
Source: Harlequin MIRA via NetGalley
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
When the blurb of a book makes you cry, this does not bode well for the reader. Having a box of Kleenex handy while reading this book is a MUST!!!
I’ve read a couple books in Bella Andre’s The Sullivan Series. I will admit that I was always intrigued by Mary and her husband Jack. I mean after Jack passed away, Mary never remarried and raised all eight of their kids alone. That shows me what an extraordinary person he had to have been and the power of their love. So when Mary got her own book, I couldn’t wait to read it.
Kissing Under The Mistletoe takes you on the journey through the love affair of Mary Ferrer and Jack Sullivan. From the beginning, the book will have you smiling. The book starts out with Mary unwrapping Christmas ornaments that their children made when they were younger and hanging them on the tree. The ornaments all have a special place in Mary’s heart and a lovely child story behind each one. Mary starts to reminisce about her past and the love of her life, Jack. We’re graced with the opportunity to see how they first met, how Mary was an integral part in helping Jack launch a new product, and them falling in love. If you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you will realize the kids definitely took after their parents.
Touching, emotional, heartwarming, and loving; this is a story not to be missed. How can you not love a man who says, “I know I don’t have much to give you, and that you deserve absolutely everything. Riches. Beautiful gifts. I can’t give you any of those things. Not yet, anyway. All I can give you is my heart. And every last piece of my soul.” Simply put, Mary and Jack Sullivan show you what true love is really all about. This is definitely a romance book for the ages.
Source: Harlequin MIRA via NetGalley
August 31, 2016
What? Wait a minute... has Kimba over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer lost her mind? Didn't she already review this book? Relax peeps take a sip of your cocoa I haven't lost my mind. Thanks to audible.com I was offered a change to review the audio version of Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Bella Andre. Since I am new to the audio book world, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to compare reading vs listening.
Mary Sullivan is alone at their cottage on Lake Tahoe waiting for her children, their spouse and her grandchildren to arrive. She is pulling out family ornaments and reminiscing over the memories of each. Then she opens an important box and carefully removes two very special ornaments. As she holds them, she remembers her beloved husband and how they fell in love. Wildly romantic, and sweet I fell in love with Mary and Jack.
Listening to the audio was a different experience then actually reading the book, and to be honest sometimes I liked the narration in my own head better. As I listened Eva Kaminsky slowly won me over, and I quickly settled into listening to this wonderful romance unfold. I loved Jack and Mary's world wind romance and Andre's wonderful writing style translates well in audio. I was a little nervous as to how the kissing scenes would translate, but it worked out well, and I found myself swooning all over again. Eva doesn't rush, and she gives voice to each character. This is new to me so stick with me as I navigate this review. I want to say her timing was good, in other words she paused at the right moments and used the right pitch when expressing passion or humor. Does that make sense? She left me eager to try more audio books, and I hope to bring you one each month.
thanks to audible.com for providing this listen. Review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Mary Sullivan is alone at their cottage on Lake Tahoe waiting for her children, their spouse and her grandchildren to arrive. She is pulling out family ornaments and reminiscing over the memories of each. Then she opens an important box and carefully removes two very special ornaments. As she holds them, she remembers her beloved husband and how they fell in love. Wildly romantic, and sweet I fell in love with Mary and Jack.
Listening to the audio was a different experience then actually reading the book, and to be honest sometimes I liked the narration in my own head better. As I listened Eva Kaminsky slowly won me over, and I quickly settled into listening to this wonderful romance unfold. I loved Jack and Mary's world wind romance and Andre's wonderful writing style translates well in audio. I was a little nervous as to how the kissing scenes would translate, but it worked out well, and I found myself swooning all over again. Eva doesn't rush, and she gives voice to each character. This is new to me so stick with me as I navigate this review. I want to say her timing was good, in other words she paused at the right moments and used the right pitch when expressing passion or humor. Does that make sense? She left me eager to try more audio books, and I hope to bring you one each month.
thanks to audible.com for providing this listen. Review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 8, 2014
I got a copy of this book through netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Christmas for Mary Sullivan has always been about her family. As she is decorating the Christmas tree and pulling out home made ornaments from her children, each one brings with it a flood of memories. The last one is most precious, the first one given to her by her husband Jack for their very first Christmas together and she cannot help but remember the love that bought them together and built the foundation of their family.
I have to admit, I dove into this one head first. I have never ever read a Bella Andre book before even thought I own book one. I did come into this one with a lot of expectations. I know, shame on me for starting all the way on book ten, but it is what it is.
I did not know how to feel about this book at first. I did like Bella Andre style of writing, it was just too... sweet for me. (Except for the abundance of sensuous love scenes that left me scratching my head by how it had been written) Everything was going perfect for Mary and Jack. From the first time they set their eyes on each other to Mary getting back together with her family and even the perfect wedding. Honestly I was so sick of perfect by the time I got to the end of the book that I did not expect the flood gate of emotions to open up at the realizations that this perfect man that she fell in love with, that gave her everything her heart desires is long gone and it's only Mary and her children for Christmas.
Something about that actually made me shed a couple of tears. It came so unexpected. Especially since the book dragged for me that I have decided to up my rating for Jack. Even if he was too sweet, even if he was too perfect. It's no secret that Jack is no longer with them. But the fact that in the end this book unleashed tears, was enough for me to reconsider my rating.
Christmas for Mary Sullivan has always been about her family. As she is decorating the Christmas tree and pulling out home made ornaments from her children, each one brings with it a flood of memories. The last one is most precious, the first one given to her by her husband Jack for their very first Christmas together and she cannot help but remember the love that bought them together and built the foundation of their family.
I have to admit, I dove into this one head first. I have never ever read a Bella Andre book before even thought I own book one. I did come into this one with a lot of expectations. I know, shame on me for starting all the way on book ten, but it is what it is.
I did not know how to feel about this book at first. I did like Bella Andre style of writing, it was just too... sweet for me. (Except for the abundance of sensuous love scenes that left me scratching my head by how it had been written) Everything was going perfect for Mary and Jack. From the first time they set their eyes on each other to Mary getting back together with her family and even the perfect wedding. Honestly I was so sick of perfect by the time I got to the end of the book that I did not expect the flood gate of emotions to open up at the realizations that this perfect man that she fell in love with, that gave her everything her heart desires is long gone and it's only Mary and her children for Christmas.
Something about that actually made me shed a couple of tears. It came so unexpected. Especially since the book dragged for me that I have decided to up my rating for Jack. Even if he was too sweet, even if he was too perfect. It's no secret that Jack is no longer with them. But the fact that in the end this book unleashed tears, was enough for me to reconsider my rating.
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