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The Cole Brothers #1
Montana Christmas Magic
Can a rescue dog help two lost souls find love at Christmas?
All accountant Griffin Cole wants for Christmas is stability. After spending his childhood traveling the world with his one-hit wonder rocker dad, he loves his quiet and unremarkable life in Marietta. Then the beautiful Raelyssa Woods knocks on his door. Her bold spirit immediately turns his predictable life upside down, and suddenly Griffin wants to ask Santa for so much more.
Rae Woods loves running her café in the small Montana town she calls home. She specializes in comfort food because she loves spreading joy to everyone she meets—two-footed or four. But after she impulsively takes in a homeless dog she names Noel, her big heart lands her in bigger trouble when her landlord threatens to toss her out. Grasping at holiday straws, she remembers a cute accountant who owes her a favor—and she happens to know he’s got a fenced yard and hidden soft spot.
When Griffin reluctantly agrees to foster Noel, he inadvertently sets in motion several Christmas miracles that neither he nor Rae could have ever seen coming.
All accountant Griffin Cole wants for Christmas is stability. After spending his childhood traveling the world with his one-hit wonder rocker dad, he loves his quiet and unremarkable life in Marietta. Then the beautiful Raelyssa Woods knocks on his door. Her bold spirit immediately turns his predictable life upside down, and suddenly Griffin wants to ask Santa for so much more.
Rae Woods loves running her café in the small Montana town she calls home. She specializes in comfort food because she loves spreading joy to everyone she meets—two-footed or four. But after she impulsively takes in a homeless dog she names Noel, her big heart lands her in bigger trouble when her landlord threatens to toss her out. Grasping at holiday straws, she remembers a cute accountant who owes her a favor—and she happens to know he’s got a fenced yard and hidden soft spot.
When Griffin reluctantly agrees to foster Noel, he inadvertently sets in motion several Christmas miracles that neither he nor Rae could have ever seen coming.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2020
488 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Kaylie Newell
49 books302 followersKaylie Newell lives in Southern Oregon with her husband and two daughters. She’s the proud author of over a dozen romances, including the RITA® finalists, Christmas at The Graff and Tanner’s Promise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 23, 2024
FREE today (October 23, 2024) on Amazon.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A delightful, quick read with such endearing characters and a truly sexy spectacled hero!
“Montana Christmas Magic”, by Kaylie Newell (Tule Publishing), is a sweet story about an aloof accountant and an easygoing café owner who meet and bond mostly because of a rambunctious dog.
Griffin is such a wonderful hero, hiding and fighting with all that sadness over a broken childhood and disruptive family memories. Despite the guardedness, he’s hunger for love, and Rae, who can’t help being a giving, nice person, is the right match for him.
I loved the slow pace of their relationship, and how Rae, who wears her heart on her sleeve, wakes the best in the kind and awkward hero.
Kaylie Newell’s sensitive storytelling shows how healing begins to Griffin and the fractured relationship with his father and how slowly he learns to let go of the sadness.
All the characters are interesting and rounded and I was left wanting to know their stories, too.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A delightful, quick read with such endearing characters and a truly sexy spectacled hero!
“Montana Christmas Magic”, by Kaylie Newell (Tule Publishing), is a sweet story about an aloof accountant and an easygoing café owner who meet and bond mostly because of a rambunctious dog.
Griffin is such a wonderful hero, hiding and fighting with all that sadness over a broken childhood and disruptive family memories. Despite the guardedness, he’s hunger for love, and Rae, who can’t help being a giving, nice person, is the right match for him.
I loved the slow pace of their relationship, and how Rae, who wears her heart on her sleeve, wakes the best in the kind and awkward hero.
Kaylie Newell’s sensitive storytelling shows how healing begins to Griffin and the fractured relationship with his father and how slowly he learns to let go of the sadness.
All the characters are interesting and rounded and I was left wanting to know their stories, too.
October 29, 2020
What a sweet, contemporary, festive romance this is - a lovely opportunity to revisit Marietta, catch up with some of the regular characters from previous series and to meet some new ones, too.
Rae Woods runs a small café specialising in warm comfort foods. She has a huge heart and, although it has been bruised by the actions of others in the past, she's a smiley, cheerful young lady, someone who will always do that bit extra to help others, even though that means some people take advantage of her. She helped save the home of accountant Griffin Cole when a pipe burst whilst he was away visiting his rock star father and when he pops in her cafe to say thank you the attraction between them is definitely there. However, he expects those he loves to leave and so doesn't trust . . . . though he does agree to temporarily take in Noel, the rescued bloodhound that is in danger of having her evicted from her home. As the Marietta Christmas festivities begin can the festive season work its magic to help these two find love together?
This is a story of two people who crave a real sense of family for very different reasons. It is a heartwarming romance set in a delightful community. If, like me, you enjoy the Tule romances set in Marietta, Montana, you'll get to catch up on several very familiar characters and visit many settings from other stories set there. This is a great addition to those stories and I look forward to reading more about the Cole brothers - and their Dad - in future books!d
Many thanks to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed and honestly reviewed.
Rae Woods runs a small café specialising in warm comfort foods. She has a huge heart and, although it has been bruised by the actions of others in the past, she's a smiley, cheerful young lady, someone who will always do that bit extra to help others, even though that means some people take advantage of her. She helped save the home of accountant Griffin Cole when a pipe burst whilst he was away visiting his rock star father and when he pops in her cafe to say thank you the attraction between them is definitely there. However, he expects those he loves to leave and so doesn't trust . . . . though he does agree to temporarily take in Noel, the rescued bloodhound that is in danger of having her evicted from her home. As the Marietta Christmas festivities begin can the festive season work its magic to help these two find love together?
This is a story of two people who crave a real sense of family for very different reasons. It is a heartwarming romance set in a delightful community. If, like me, you enjoy the Tule romances set in Marietta, Montana, you'll get to catch up on several very familiar characters and visit many settings from other stories set there. This is a great addition to those stories and I look forward to reading more about the Cole brothers - and their Dad - in future books!d
Many thanks to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed and honestly reviewed.
October 31, 2020
What an utterly gorgeous, charming and delightful book this is! There have been so many moments where I’ve chuckled, smiled, or occasionally felt a tear making its way to the corner of my eye.
Montana Christmas Magic is set in Marietta, Montana, a town that really does Christmas in style. In this story author Kaylie Newell has brought together two people who have both suffered their own sort of rejection as children but who deal with it differently.
I absolutely adored the characters in this story. Each made me smile in their own way. Rae Woods has a sunny personality and loves nothing more than to make people happy. When she isn’t gifting customers at her café with grilled cheese sandwiches she’s taking cookies as thank you gifts or to cheer people up. Griffin Cole shuts himself off from people for fear of being rejected, having been sent to Marietta to live when he was a boy as his rock star father felt touring wasn’t a stable lifestyle for him. He’s a good accountant and a caring man but safety is his middle name. Bloodhound Noel, whom Griffin ends up dogsitting as a favour to Rae, is the third character that makes this story so special. I love the way that she worms herself into Griffin’s heart and how she brings these two together.
Characters and story aside, and both are just fabulous, I think Kaylie Newell’s writing style is what really shines through and makes this story feel so special for me. She does similes to perfection. I loved her description of a plate of cookies that Rae had baked, “They smelled like sugar and perfection. Warmth and kindness, all wrapped up into one.” And then there was the way she described Sage Carrigan’s hot peppermint chocolate drink, “It smelled heavenly—like a candy cane and a chocolate bar had fallen for each other and had a love child.”
This story is just peppered with warmth and love, family, community and caring and honestly it is one of the most charming and beautiful Christmas stories I have ever read.
Montana Christmas Magic is set in Marietta, Montana, a town that really does Christmas in style. In this story author Kaylie Newell has brought together two people who have both suffered their own sort of rejection as children but who deal with it differently.
I absolutely adored the characters in this story. Each made me smile in their own way. Rae Woods has a sunny personality and loves nothing more than to make people happy. When she isn’t gifting customers at her café with grilled cheese sandwiches she’s taking cookies as thank you gifts or to cheer people up. Griffin Cole shuts himself off from people for fear of being rejected, having been sent to Marietta to live when he was a boy as his rock star father felt touring wasn’t a stable lifestyle for him. He’s a good accountant and a caring man but safety is his middle name. Bloodhound Noel, whom Griffin ends up dogsitting as a favour to Rae, is the third character that makes this story so special. I love the way that she worms herself into Griffin’s heart and how she brings these two together.
Characters and story aside, and both are just fabulous, I think Kaylie Newell’s writing style is what really shines through and makes this story feel so special for me. She does similes to perfection. I loved her description of a plate of cookies that Rae had baked, “They smelled like sugar and perfection. Warmth and kindness, all wrapped up into one.” And then there was the way she described Sage Carrigan’s hot peppermint chocolate drink, “It smelled heavenly—like a candy cane and a chocolate bar had fallen for each other and had a love child.”
This story is just peppered with warmth and love, family, community and caring and honestly it is one of the most charming and beautiful Christmas stories I have ever read.
December 23, 2021
Holiday Romance Perfection
Griffin and Rae’s story was sweet, beautiful, romantic, and oh so magical. If you’re looking for a story to put you in the holiday mood, this is it.
The storyline flowed perfectly. From the amazing writing to the great characters to the cozy small town, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I got lost in it and loved every second.
I am most definitely interested in Griffin’s brothers and their stories too so I will be checking those out as well!
5 stars.
Griffin and Rae’s story was sweet, beautiful, romantic, and oh so magical. If you’re looking for a story to put you in the holiday mood, this is it.
The storyline flowed perfectly. From the amazing writing to the great characters to the cozy small town, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I got lost in it and loved every second.
I am most definitely interested in Griffin’s brothers and their stories too so I will be checking those out as well!
5 stars.
November 20, 2024
Super quick cute story. Very lovey dovey. No spice at all. Makes you remember what it is like in a new relationship.
December 19, 2024
That was such a cute and heartwarming book! It was a perfect, light read. It has a very "Hallmark movie" feel to it that feels cozy and familiar.
November 13, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Marietta, Montana is a town that knows how to do Christmas celebrations just right — and the residents also know how to mend a wounded heart that’s been allowed to hurt for far too long.
Meet Griffin, the son of a rock star who spent much of his youth in Marietta while his father toured. Life on the road really isn’t the life for a kid but all Griffin took away from that time was that his father always left, he wasn’t wanted and that underlying mistrust, belief that people never stay, and sadness lingers to this very day. Rae has known heartache, but she deals with it in a far different way… Rae cooks comfort food at her cafe, smiles through the rough times, and spreads happiness in the same way she serves food – with a free and full heart. One adorable pup, Noel, is about to crash into their lives bringing them all something each needs in a different way – love, acceptance exactly as they are, and a future together… eventually.
Montana Christmas Magic does indeed capture that “magical feel” of a Marietta Christmas with all of the festivities, the food, the events, the decorations that I’ve come to expect from this very large small town. We’ll meet up with lots of familiar faces (to those readers who have followed along with the many series set here) – and add a few new ones as well. There is nothing like the “Stroll” to put a Christmas smile on my face every time I visit here.
In many ways sweet Noel, our four-footed heroine is just as much one of the main characters as Griffin or Rae are. This pup knows she loves her humans, now she just has to show them how right they all are together. I loved her shenanigans throughout this story. But what I loved most of all was watching Griffin heal from his past, move beyond the conceptions of his youth to actually allow Rae (and Noel) into his heart, mistrustful as it was at the start. There was healing for them both, yet I loved watching Griffin emerge as a confident, fun-loving, able to laugh again man.
If you love a Christmas Romance that will touch all your emotions, have hope for the future, cannot wait to see what happens to the Cole brothers next, or simply love a great love story at Christmas time… then Montana Christmas Magic is perfect for you this holiday season. I had a blast, and I’m itching to see what comes next.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Marietta, Montana is a town that knows how to do Christmas celebrations just right — and the residents also know how to mend a wounded heart that’s been allowed to hurt for far too long.
Meet Griffin, the son of a rock star who spent much of his youth in Marietta while his father toured. Life on the road really isn’t the life for a kid but all Griffin took away from that time was that his father always left, he wasn’t wanted and that underlying mistrust, belief that people never stay, and sadness lingers to this very day. Rae has known heartache, but she deals with it in a far different way… Rae cooks comfort food at her cafe, smiles through the rough times, and spreads happiness in the same way she serves food – with a free and full heart. One adorable pup, Noel, is about to crash into their lives bringing them all something each needs in a different way – love, acceptance exactly as they are, and a future together… eventually.
Montana Christmas Magic does indeed capture that “magical feel” of a Marietta Christmas with all of the festivities, the food, the events, the decorations that I’ve come to expect from this very large small town. We’ll meet up with lots of familiar faces (to those readers who have followed along with the many series set here) – and add a few new ones as well. There is nothing like the “Stroll” to put a Christmas smile on my face every time I visit here.
In many ways sweet Noel, our four-footed heroine is just as much one of the main characters as Griffin or Rae are. This pup knows she loves her humans, now she just has to show them how right they all are together. I loved her shenanigans throughout this story. But what I loved most of all was watching Griffin heal from his past, move beyond the conceptions of his youth to actually allow Rae (and Noel) into his heart, mistrustful as it was at the start. There was healing for them both, yet I loved watching Griffin emerge as a confident, fun-loving, able to laugh again man.
If you love a Christmas Romance that will touch all your emotions, have hope for the future, cannot wait to see what happens to the Cole brothers next, or simply love a great love story at Christmas time… then Montana Christmas Magic is perfect for you this holiday season. I had a blast, and I’m itching to see what comes next.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 28, 2020
Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell
Can a rescue dog help two lost souls find love at Christmas?
All accountant Griffin Cole wants for Christmas is stability. After spending his childhood traveling the world with his one-hit wonder rocker dad, he loves his quiet and unremarkable life in Marietta. Then the beautiful Raelyssa Woods knocks on his door. Her bold spirit immediately turns his predictable life upside down, and suddenly Griffin wants to ask Santa for so much more.
Rae Woods loves running her café in the small Montana town she calls home. She specializes in comfort food because she loves spreading joy to everyone she meets—two-footed or four. But after she impulsively takes in a homeless dog she names Noel, her big heart lands her in bigger trouble when her landlord threatens to toss her out. Grasping at holiday straws, she remembers a cute accountant who owes her a favor—and she happens to know he’s got a fenced yard and hidden soft spot.
When Griffin reluctantly agrees to foster Noel, he inadvertently sets in motion several Christmas miracles that neither he nor Rae could have ever seen coming.
This is Raelyssa Woods and Griffin Cole's story.
Rae Woods made her way down the sidewalk, careful not to turn an ankle on any sneaky patches of ice. It was biting cold for late November—even for Montana, which was notorious for all kinds of cold. Especially the biting kind.
She dug her hands deeper into the pockets of her wool pea coat and turned to see Carol Bingly in her robe across the street. The older woman was bending to pick up her paper with a fluffy dog dancing at her feet. When she saw Rae, she straightened and waved.
“No car this morning, Raelyssa?”
She grinned. “Merry Christmas!”
Griffin Cole hated Mondays. But that didn’t exactly set him apart. What did set him apart was his aversion to coffee. Which made Mondays twice as hard to bear.
“Good morning, Griffin!”
Tawny, his bubbly twenty-four-year-old front office assistant, loved them.
I highly recommend reading.
Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kaylie Newell.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Can a rescue dog help two lost souls find love at Christmas?
All accountant Griffin Cole wants for Christmas is stability. After spending his childhood traveling the world with his one-hit wonder rocker dad, he loves his quiet and unremarkable life in Marietta. Then the beautiful Raelyssa Woods knocks on his door. Her bold spirit immediately turns his predictable life upside down, and suddenly Griffin wants to ask Santa for so much more.
Rae Woods loves running her café in the small Montana town she calls home. She specializes in comfort food because she loves spreading joy to everyone she meets—two-footed or four. But after she impulsively takes in a homeless dog she names Noel, her big heart lands her in bigger trouble when her landlord threatens to toss her out. Grasping at holiday straws, she remembers a cute accountant who owes her a favor—and she happens to know he’s got a fenced yard and hidden soft spot.
When Griffin reluctantly agrees to foster Noel, he inadvertently sets in motion several Christmas miracles that neither he nor Rae could have ever seen coming.
This is Raelyssa Woods and Griffin Cole's story.
Rae Woods made her way down the sidewalk, careful not to turn an ankle on any sneaky patches of ice. It was biting cold for late November—even for Montana, which was notorious for all kinds of cold. Especially the biting kind.
She dug her hands deeper into the pockets of her wool pea coat and turned to see Carol Bingly in her robe across the street. The older woman was bending to pick up her paper with a fluffy dog dancing at her feet. When she saw Rae, she straightened and waved.
“No car this morning, Raelyssa?”
She grinned. “Merry Christmas!”
Griffin Cole hated Mondays. But that didn’t exactly set him apart. What did set him apart was his aversion to coffee. Which made Mondays twice as hard to bear.
“Good morning, Griffin!”
Tawny, his bubbly twenty-four-year-old front office assistant, loved them.
I highly recommend reading.
Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kaylie Newell.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 30, 2020
I have enjoyed the past books written by Kaylie Newell so I was thrilled to see her new book, Montana Christmas Magic (The Cole Brothers #1). Since the Harlow Brothers Series is still one of my favorite it was great to see that this book would be part of a series about brothers. This is no rehash of former plots but incredibly unique with the Cole Brothers being the sons of a famous Rod Stewart type of musician. Add in the fact that they live in small town fictional Marietta I knew it would be interesting.
Griffin is no rocker nor is he a cowboy like his brothers, he is an accountant. The story has several Clark Kent comparisons that I loved. The first suggestion of this was from Carol Bingly, the town busybody, no less. Being a fan of the Marietta setting, my second surprise was getting different perspective on Carol. Still the busybody but kinder and more caring somehow. I like this Carol. If you are new to Marietta, Montana take my word for it that she has been known to be mean spirited.
Griffin Cole craves peace and quiet. He also doesn’t take any chances on his heart being broken. Then he meets good Samaritan Raelyssa Woods who wears her heart on her sleeve. I loved this Pollyanna woman who along with Noel the hound dog turns Griffin inside out. This story is a romance that is filled with Marietta Christmas traditions, family issues and friends who are like family too. Need a feel good story where family is able to reconnect, find love and simply have better happier lives then Montana Christmas Magic is the sweet story for you.
Now I am not a big rocker romance fan but I even have a soft spot for Griffin’s father too. I would love to see him find the true love he has spend his entire life seeking. Then Gus and Tawny need a story too. However, first it would be wonderful to see the Cole Cowboys shaken up with love.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Griffin is no rocker nor is he a cowboy like his brothers, he is an accountant. The story has several Clark Kent comparisons that I loved. The first suggestion of this was from Carol Bingly, the town busybody, no less. Being a fan of the Marietta setting, my second surprise was getting different perspective on Carol. Still the busybody but kinder and more caring somehow. I like this Carol. If you are new to Marietta, Montana take my word for it that she has been known to be mean spirited.
Griffin Cole craves peace and quiet. He also doesn’t take any chances on his heart being broken. Then he meets good Samaritan Raelyssa Woods who wears her heart on her sleeve. I loved this Pollyanna woman who along with Noel the hound dog turns Griffin inside out. This story is a romance that is filled with Marietta Christmas traditions, family issues and friends who are like family too. Need a feel good story where family is able to reconnect, find love and simply have better happier lives then Montana Christmas Magic is the sweet story for you.
Now I am not a big rocker romance fan but I even have a soft spot for Griffin’s father too. I would love to see him find the true love he has spend his entire life seeking. Then Gus and Tawny need a story too. However, first it would be wonderful to see the Cole Cowboys shaken up with love.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 11, 2020
I recently received an advance copy of Kaylie Newell’s Montana Christmas Magic. Every time that I receive a new Kaylie Newell book, it feels like a cherished childhood birthday. You remember, the birthday you received that bike, or the drum set, or your puppy! Her stories are so intricate and rich… each is a true gift to the reader. New worlds are discovered, or old familiar worlds are cherished more. Montana Christmas Magic is another exceptional story by this author. It centers around small business owner Rae Woods, and accountant Griffin Cole. Both are long time residents of our favorite town, Marietta, MT. Rae helps Griffin with a plumbing issue. Griffin reciprocates by helping Rae with a foster dog problem. These two approach love as polar opposites. Rae loves life, and works hard at spreading love daily to everyone. Griffin, because of childhood issues, has built a hard and tough shell around himself, refusing to even consider love. Thankfully, our couple is prodded and pushed by many friends, including Marietta’s Sage Carrigan O’Dell, Carol Bingley, Rae’s best friend Ellie, Rea’s business partner Gus, Griffin’s estranged dad Eddie Cole, Griffin’s secretary Tawny, and mostly by Noel, the loveable bloodhound. This book is a truly fun book to read, but it is also a heartfelt story of many people who struggle in life, and the solace that they find in each other. What could be better in 2020 than a book about excelling over struggles, living a life of optimism, and understanding that love conquers all?
October 19, 2020
This story is the start of the new series titiled Cole Brothers. Three brothers whose rockstar Dad, left them in Montana with their aunt shortly after the boys’ mother left the family. Often feeling abandoned.
Years later, the younger of the boys, Griffin , now an accountant, is still dealing with those feelings and believing it’s best not to have a relationship and fall in love, since they are likely to be abandoned at some point. Add to that the relationship with their famous father, Eddie Cole, which is strained and you know Cole will have a hard time opening his heart.
Rae Woods loves Marietta , her cafe, food truck , Christmas and everyone in town. She wants to make everyone happy, sometimes to her own detriment.
When she finds herself in a bind with a dog, she reaches out to Cole, since he owns her a favor. Neither realizing that a friendship and more would develop. But the past and the beliefs each holds in their hearts might hinder their HEA.
This touching romance was more than a story about two unlikely individuals. It was a story about family dynamics or lack thereof. It’s a story about how one’s childhood does in fact affect one as an adult.
It’s also a story about trust, taking a risk, and finding love when you least expect it.
A story worth your time. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Years later, the younger of the boys, Griffin , now an accountant, is still dealing with those feelings and believing it’s best not to have a relationship and fall in love, since they are likely to be abandoned at some point. Add to that the relationship with their famous father, Eddie Cole, which is strained and you know Cole will have a hard time opening his heart.
Rae Woods loves Marietta , her cafe, food truck , Christmas and everyone in town. She wants to make everyone happy, sometimes to her own detriment.
When she finds herself in a bind with a dog, she reaches out to Cole, since he owns her a favor. Neither realizing that a friendship and more would develop. But the past and the beliefs each holds in their hearts might hinder their HEA.
This touching romance was more than a story about two unlikely individuals. It was a story about family dynamics or lack thereof. It’s a story about how one’s childhood does in fact affect one as an adult.
It’s also a story about trust, taking a risk, and finding love when you least expect it.
A story worth your time. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 12, 2022
This book felt like a hallmark christmas movie- in the best possible way! Sooo feel-good and wholesome, perfect for dreary winter days to get you in the holiday spirit. Grumpy accountant with daddy issues and go-lucky girl with a homeless dog who forces him to take care of dog since he owes her one for saving his house. This opposites-attract love story is one for the tales!! I loved the setting with the small-town vibes, the cute cafe she works at that seems to be the heart of the town, and the overall christmas spirit. I love how the dog brought this pair together- they kept meeting to discuss the dog, but ended up getting to know each other more. They helped each other work through their own share of baggage which was sweet, and as they grew more attached to the dog, they also grew more attached to each other. The love story was not easy though, Griffin had his heart on lock and took soooo long to let his guard down, every time Rae made a move he really took a step back which was sooo frustrating but so typical of men. I'm glad we got a happy ending though, I was worried since it was a series I'd be left with a cliffhanger, but nope. There's also an epilogue which is sweet because authors hardly do that anymore, I love getting a glimpse of their "happily ever after." I definitely recommend this easy but wholesome read.
November 3, 2024
Two broken people brought together by a foster dog? Do I even have to think about that?
Rae owns Melts the soup and grilled cheese shop, and Griffin works in an office of some sort that doesn't matter. Rae turns off the water at the main while Griffin is away and saves his house, so he tells her he owes her a favor. That favor comes in helping her foster Noel a bloodhound left behind because of deployment. Noel is loved by all and she loves to eat boxers ( the undergarment not the dog breed).
Rae's mother is never around and prefers jet setting to spending a traditional Christmas with her daughter. Griffin's father is a rock star that dumped his boys off with an aunt because he couldn't be a rock star and two parents at the same time. Rae took this and turned it into trying to save and love everyone, no matter if they deserve it. Griffin took this and shut off. So they are polar opposites that are attracted to each other .
I'd love to know who Kaylie Newell pictured as Griffin 's dad. I can't imagine a leather pants wearing rock star singing Mistletoe Magic, but maybe I'm living under a rock. Also Al gets to retire at 60? Lucky him!
Anyway, Rae's bff Ellie gets married on Christmas eve and when it all starts to go wrong, you can just guess who saves the day! This is a really cute Christmas romance book!
Rae owns Melts the soup and grilled cheese shop, and Griffin works in an office of some sort that doesn't matter. Rae turns off the water at the main while Griffin is away and saves his house, so he tells her he owes her a favor. That favor comes in helping her foster Noel a bloodhound left behind because of deployment. Noel is loved by all and she loves to eat boxers ( the undergarment not the dog breed).
Rae's mother is never around and prefers jet setting to spending a traditional Christmas with her daughter. Griffin's father is a rock star that dumped his boys off with an aunt because he couldn't be a rock star and two parents at the same time. Rae took this and turned it into trying to save and love everyone, no matter if they deserve it. Griffin took this and shut off. So they are polar opposites that are attracted to each other .
I'd love to know who Kaylie Newell pictured as Griffin 's dad. I can't imagine a leather pants wearing rock star singing Mistletoe Magic, but maybe I'm living under a rock. Also Al gets to retire at 60? Lucky him!
Anyway, Rae's bff Ellie gets married on Christmas eve and when it all starts to go wrong, you can just guess who saves the day! This is a really cute Christmas romance book!
November 26, 2024
Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell is a well written, very believable story of Love. Love between a man and woman as they start their married life together. Love between a man and woman, both broken in similar ways. Love been a parent and child. And love between a man and a dog.
Rae is a strong believer in the Magic of Christmas. Griffin is a heart-hardened, closed off man who believes it's better to not get close to anything or person. Rae also got caught by her landlord with a (forbidden) dog in her apt. Rae asks Griffin to 'dog sit' Noel for a few days till she can find a new family for Noel. In the midst of Griffin's dog sitting ... and his unwanted growing feelings for Rae ... leather clad, tattooed rocker Eddie Cole comes to Marietta, Montana to attempt to get closer to his three sons, including the youngest and most hurt son, Griffin.
This is an wonderful story of Love in all it's possible reiterations. Rae introduces Griffin to the Magic of Christmas as she feels he needs to see Christmas in a happy way. I found Montana Christmas Magic an uplifting, healing and enjoyable book. It is a great book to start your Christmas reading with.
Rae is a strong believer in the Magic of Christmas. Griffin is a heart-hardened, closed off man who believes it's better to not get close to anything or person. Rae also got caught by her landlord with a (forbidden) dog in her apt. Rae asks Griffin to 'dog sit' Noel for a few days till she can find a new family for Noel. In the midst of Griffin's dog sitting ... and his unwanted growing feelings for Rae ... leather clad, tattooed rocker Eddie Cole comes to Marietta, Montana to attempt to get closer to his three sons, including the youngest and most hurt son, Griffin.
This is an wonderful story of Love in all it's possible reiterations. Rae introduces Griffin to the Magic of Christmas as she feels he needs to see Christmas in a happy way. I found Montana Christmas Magic an uplifting, healing and enjoyable book. It is a great book to start your Christmas reading with.
December 22, 2023
What is it about Montana and Christmas? The last three or four Christmas stories I’ve read have been set in Montana. Most of them are in Marietta or around Kalispell. It’s a great state, a great place to visit or live, so I don’t mind. I just wonder if all these characters from other authors who live in the same place know one another. Seems like they would.
So, I’d possibly give Montana Christmas Magic 3.5 stars, but I don’t think I’d bump that to 4 stars. It was fun, the characters were engaging and interesting. Both Griffin and Rae have some abandonment issues. Their relationship with their parents isn’t bad, it’s just strained. They struggle throughout the entire story to come to terms and move on from that. Griffin is afraid to let anyone too close and Rae is too quick to let someone in.
If you’re looking for a fun, clean, cute, and entertaining story for the holidays pick this one up. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, you’ll love this story. Plus, you'll love Marietta during the holidays!
So, I’d possibly give Montana Christmas Magic 3.5 stars, but I don’t think I’d bump that to 4 stars. It was fun, the characters were engaging and interesting. Both Griffin and Rae have some abandonment issues. Their relationship with their parents isn’t bad, it’s just strained. They struggle throughout the entire story to come to terms and move on from that. Griffin is afraid to let anyone too close and Rae is too quick to let someone in.
If you’re looking for a fun, clean, cute, and entertaining story for the holidays pick this one up. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, you’ll love this story. Plus, you'll love Marietta during the holidays!
October 28, 2020
While this is the start to a new series all about the Cole Brothers it is set in a world that we know Marietta Montana and we have all of the usual town folk involved in getting these two to admit what is growing between them
Griffin Cole has walls built so high around his soul and heart that it is a wonder he is even living but that is what happen when you have bad childhood with no love as your father chases stardom all over the globe but at least he has found peace in this small to pwn . Raelyssa (Rae) Woods a small business owner in the town is the exact opposite she loves life and everyone in her life casting love out to everyone far and wide. When these two connect first due to a plumbing issues then due to a foster dog who could cause Rea to be homeless things soon heat up between them with the help of interfering town folk will Griffin finally find that love is something that the more you give the more you receive.
Griffin Cole has walls built so high around his soul and heart that it is a wonder he is even living but that is what happen when you have bad childhood with no love as your father chases stardom all over the globe but at least he has found peace in this small to pwn . Raelyssa (Rae) Woods a small business owner in the town is the exact opposite she loves life and everyone in her life casting love out to everyone far and wide. When these two connect first due to a plumbing issues then due to a foster dog who could cause Rea to be homeless things soon heat up between them with the help of interfering town folk will Griffin finally find that love is something that the more you give the more you receive.
November 17, 2024
I decided to choose this book as a first one for starting the season of Christmas readings, but even though Montana Christmas Magic is very well-reviewed, it was not my cup of tea. The story is sweet, set at the end of November in a small town but it is very predictable and the chemistry between the main characters (Rae and Griffin) is non-realistic and really sudden. I did not feel any connection with the characters and the storytelling was sometimes too descriptive that I had to try not to skip such paragraphs. The Christmas setting is there marginally, sometimes it is mentioned but usually the same Chrismas thing repeats over and over again. Nevertheless, I was not totally disappointed with the story and the book is not bad but it just did not grip me at all. I expected a more thorough story and more Christmas themes since it is a Christmas-themed book.
July 24, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on October 27, 2024 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
I needed a holiday book for the current COYER RAT. And Montana Christmas Magic also has a dog. Rae owns a food truck / cafe that serves Grilled Cheese. She's sunshine and optimism about people. She takes a friend's dog who is going into the military but her landlord says no
Griffin is an accountant who Rae saved when he had a broken pipe. She noticed he had a big backyard and begged him to take Noel, the dog, until she could find another home. Noel is a personality in the story.
Of course, Griffin becomes attached to Noel. Rae comes to walk Noel and spends more time with Griffin. Rae is also busy preparing for her best friend's wedding on Christmas Eve. She's trying to make friends with her landlord with sandwiches, cookies and eventually inviting him to the wedding party.
Throughout various adventures, Griffin and Rae fall for each other. It's a sweet story with personal growth as they repair misunderstandings in their families.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on October 27, 2024 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
I needed a holiday book for the current COYER RAT. And Montana Christmas Magic also has a dog. Rae owns a food truck / cafe that serves Grilled Cheese. She's sunshine and optimism about people. She takes a friend's dog who is going into the military but her landlord says no
Griffin is an accountant who Rae saved when he had a broken pipe. She noticed he had a big backyard and begged him to take Noel, the dog, until she could find another home. Noel is a personality in the story.
Of course, Griffin becomes attached to Noel. Rae comes to walk Noel and spends more time with Griffin. Rae is also busy preparing for her best friend's wedding on Christmas Eve. She's trying to make friends with her landlord with sandwiches, cookies and eventually inviting him to the wedding party.
Throughout various adventures, Griffin and Rae fall for each other. It's a sweet story with personal growth as they repair misunderstandings in their families.
August 14, 2020
Who does not love Christmas in Marietta and grilled cheese. Raelyssa Woods owns the Melt which specializes in the Best Grilled Cheese sandwiches in Marietta. She is always willing to lend a helping hand or a meal when needed. In the spirit of the season she is in need to help rehome Noel or risk losing her home. Can she call in a favor, the big question is will he be able to help her. After all he did say he owed her one.
Griffin Cole loves his plane structured life as a accountant. It is very different from his chaotic childhood living on the road with his rocker dad. One day his pipes break and Rae does him a favor an shuts off the water. After a chance meeting to thank Rae he is hooked by her and her infections spirit. His world is about to be turned upside down as Rae calls in the favor.
What better place to be than in Marietta for Christmas! You will fall in love with this new series about the Cole Brothers by Kaylie Newell. I would definitely recommend it.
I was given a ARC and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Griffin Cole loves his plane structured life as a accountant. It is very different from his chaotic childhood living on the road with his rocker dad. One day his pipes break and Rae does him a favor an shuts off the water. After a chance meeting to thank Rae he is hooked by her and her infections spirit. His world is about to be turned upside down as Rae calls in the favor.
What better place to be than in Marietta for Christmas! You will fall in love with this new series about the Cole Brothers by Kaylie Newell. I would definitely recommend it.
I was given a ARC and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2020
I’ve been following and reading Kaylie Newell’s books from the beginning. They are always such a joy to read and very heartwarming. Montana Christmas is no exception. It takes place in my favorite fictional if Marietta, Montana. Rae meets Griffin after turning off his water to stop a leaky pipe from flooding his home when he’s out of town. You’ll have to read the book to see how their lives turn out but I can say you won’t be disappointed.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite passages from the book. Rae is introducing Griffin to a peppermint hot chocolate from a local chocolate shop. Here’s her description.....
“It’s like a candy cane and a chocolate bar fell into each other and created a love child.”
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite passages from the book. Rae is introducing Griffin to a peppermint hot chocolate from a local chocolate shop. Here’s her description.....
“It’s like a candy cane and a chocolate bar fell into each other and created a love child.”
November 2, 2020
Griffin Cole want to be nothing like his famous father. From the pain of his childhood and watching his father marry and divorce without finding happiness, he has learned to keep everyone at arms length. That is until he meets Rae and he is torn between his normal behavior of pushing her away or letting her into his heart. Rae is a softie and puts everyone's happiness before her own. When she sets out to help Griffin enjoy Christmas, like he did as a child, she knew she would have to protect her heart. She loves too easily and too hard. Griffin has admitted to being closed off. The more time she spends with her sexy accountant the more she falls for him. Can a Christmas miracle help them find love? Great read!
May 9, 2023
Love Rae and Griffin
Both Griffin and Rae have issues with their parents and feeling neglected and abandoned. Because of this they are afraid to truly fall in love. They meet because he had a water leak in his house while he was out of town and she figured out how to shut the water off to prevent more damage. And then there is Noel the dog. Rae took him from a friends cousin because he was being deployed. Then her landlord says if she doesn't get rid of the dog she will be evicted in a couple days, so she convinces Griffin to keep him until she can find Noel a new home. Can they overcome the issues with their parents to be able to love each other or will they get in their own way? Will Griffin be able to let go of Noel when someone wants to take her I to their home?
Both Griffin and Rae have issues with their parents and feeling neglected and abandoned. Because of this they are afraid to truly fall in love. They meet because he had a water leak in his house while he was out of town and she figured out how to shut the water off to prevent more damage. And then there is Noel the dog. Rae took him from a friends cousin because he was being deployed. Then her landlord says if she doesn't get rid of the dog she will be evicted in a couple days, so she convinces Griffin to keep him until she can find Noel a new home. Can they overcome the issues with their parents to be able to love each other or will they get in their own way? Will Griffin be able to let go of Noel when someone wants to take her I to their home?
October 5, 2020
This is book one of the Cole Brothers series and I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review, and because this book takes place in Marietta Montana my favorite fictional town, it stole my heart and has me really waiting to read the Brothers story and hay I think I would even love to read the Rocker Dads story cannot wait for the rest of the series. Griffin and Rae’s romance was a fun enjoyable read that started from a frozen water pipe.
And a grilled cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods but Rae’s sandwich shop’s menu makes me feel I have not really had a good one yet.
I recommend this book, it’s feel good ending might just make your day.
And a grilled cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods but Rae’s sandwich shop’s menu makes me feel I have not really had a good one yet.
I recommend this book, it’s feel good ending might just make your day.
October 28, 2020
I loved Noel the author did a great job at her personality just jumping off the pages. I really liked Rae she just had such a big heart and she just seems like someone you would love to know. Griffin has his problems but in this story he felt just as equal as a hero in this story. I really liked the small town story of this book it makes you picture yourself there. I liked the relationship with the brothers even though they didn't appear a whole lot they seemed like no matter what they were always there for each other. Over all this was a fun and quick read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 26, 2021
Afraid to Love
Rae is walking to work and she notices water rushing from one of the houses. While knocking on the door, a neighbor tells her Griffin is out of town. She starts looking for the shut off for the home. Onces she finds it shuts gets the water to stop. When Griffin returns home he decides to go to Rae's sandwich shop to thank her. Rae has just broken off with her boyfriend and has given up men. Griffin doesn't want a relationship for fear of becoming like his father. When they meet their feelings start to change. Well written story with strong and believable characters. joy943
Rae is walking to work and she notices water rushing from one of the houses. While knocking on the door, a neighbor tells her Griffin is out of town. She starts looking for the shut off for the home. Onces she finds it shuts gets the water to stop. When Griffin returns home he decides to go to Rae's sandwich shop to thank her. Rae has just broken off with her boyfriend and has given up men. Griffin doesn't want a relationship for fear of becoming like his father. When they meet their feelings start to change. Well written story with strong and believable characters. joy943
December 19, 2025
Cute holiday romance
Rae is open and easily loves others. Griffin the son of a country music star with a big Christmas song hit. Whose mother left and father Eddie left them, he and his older twin brothers, to grow up in Montana with an aunt. Griffin has major abandonment issues. When Are shuts off a water main to keep the guest pipe from destroying his house while he was visiting his dad for Thanksgiving, he meets Rae, who needs to find a home for a bloodhound. She asks Griffin. From there Griffin starts to open up a little and when his father decides to move to Montana to retire Griffin slowly starts to heal. Cute clean romance with some holiday magic.
Rae is open and easily loves others. Griffin the son of a country music star with a big Christmas song hit. Whose mother left and father Eddie left them, he and his older twin brothers, to grow up in Montana with an aunt. Griffin has major abandonment issues. When Are shuts off a water main to keep the guest pipe from destroying his house while he was visiting his dad for Thanksgiving, he meets Rae, who needs to find a home for a bloodhound. She asks Griffin. From there Griffin starts to open up a little and when his father decides to move to Montana to retire Griffin slowly starts to heal. Cute clean romance with some holiday magic.
October 2, 2020
Begin your holiday reading with this sweet opposites-attract romance set in Marietta. I love reading romances set in Marietta (from Tule Publishing) especially ones set at Christmas time. Likable characters, small town charm, good storyline, and a loveable dog seal the deal. I was hooked from page one. Rae has a huge heart and is full of happiness. Griffin keeps people and life at arm’s length. Montana Christmas Magic is the start to a new series by Kaylie Newell and I look forward to the upcoming books in the Cole Brothers series.
October 26, 2020
I have read a few books by Kaylie Newell and she has never let me down. Her books always grab my attention from the beginning, and I end up reading them all in one sitting. This story takes place in a small town called Marietta. It is a heartwarming, sweet, and funny Christmas story. It has wonderful characters and a great story line. You throw in a sweet lovable dog and you have yourself a 5-star read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A sweet start to a new series Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell.
You can never go wrong with reading one of Kaylie Newell's books. They always lock you in from start to finish. Montana Christmas Magic has the small town, likable characters, great upcoming christmas storyline, and a big sloppy dog. I look forward to reading more books in The Cole Brothers series.
A sweet start to a new series Montana Christmas Magic by Kaylie Newell.
You can never go wrong with reading one of Kaylie Newell's books. They always lock you in from start to finish. Montana Christmas Magic has the small town, likable characters, great upcoming christmas storyline, and a big sloppy dog. I look forward to reading more books in The Cole Brothers series.
October 28, 2020
The latest book in this series, set at Christmas in Marietta.
When Rae impulsively adopts a large dog, despite no pets being allowed in her apartment, she is forced to turn to Griffin for helps. He owes her a favor but never expected it to be fostering a large dog!
Griffin is shy of relationships and love after being abandoned by his father when he was younger, so do Griffin and Rae have a chance together?
A great festive read.
When Rae impulsively adopts a large dog, despite no pets being allowed in her apartment, she is forced to turn to Griffin for helps. He owes her a favor but never expected it to be fostering a large dog!
Griffin is shy of relationships and love after being abandoned by his father when he was younger, so do Griffin and Rae have a chance together?
A great festive read.
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