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One beach cottage, two strangers, and a secret that could ruin everything…

Sheridan DeMarco would rather be anywhere than home for the holidays. Housesitting in South Carolina, far away from her new and chaotic blended family, sounds like the perfect way to spend Christmas. Until she arrives and realizes she isn’t as blissfully alone as she thought she would be…

Michael "Mikey" Patterson has a secret, one that requires him to stay out of sight until his attorney gives him the all clear. He finds the anonymity he needs in a small coastal town, but there’s a problem. Mikey isn’t the only one at the charming beach cottage, and the last thing he needs is a beautiful roommate named Sheridan who pushes all of his buttons.

All it takes is a sprig of mistletoe and one memorable kiss to make Sheridan and Mikey forget their plans to stay away from each other. But when his secret is revealed, can their newfound bond outlive the holiday season? Or will their happily ever after get tossed out with the discarded wrapping paper, ribbons, and tinsel?

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2020

36 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Melissa McClone

266 books2,478 followers
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.

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5 stars
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99 (33%)
3 stars
58 (19%)
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21 (7%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 25, 2024
A Small Town Christmas: Sweet Yuletide.

I truly loved this book and even better because it’s set at Christmas time. It’s a sweet and romantic story between our two main characters Michael and Sheridan. They are both homeless and jobless but Michael has something up his sleeve that no one can find out until the right time. Sheridan has been treated terribly by her father, he has given her job and apartment to his stepdaughter. The time they spend together is magical and an absolute joy to read.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
October 8, 2020
In spite of the seriousness of the situation I almost had to laugh as Michael 'Mikey' Patterson faces off with his family. Thinking he needs an intervention because he now has two phones, he's jobless, crashing on friends couches, being very secretive and now he wants to spend Christmas alone. Michael's secret is a big one, he's won a huge lottery and is going through a process to both help and protect his family. His state allows him to claim the prize anonymously and that's how he's handling this. However a video of people buying tickets has surfaced and his team recommends leaving town for a while.

Sheridan manages the only gallery in her hometown for her father, she also lives in the apartment above it. After a disastrous Thanksgiving dinner where she up and left in the middle, she's waiting for the confrontation with her father. This confrontation occurs on the Saturday after, and what he does totally shocks her. He not only fires her, he informs her that Remy, his stepdaughter would be taking her job and her apartment. He's giving her three days to vacate and has the audacity to tell her she has to train Remy. I have to say I was glad she quit on the spot, handing him the gallery keys and refusing to train anyone.

When Hope calls and asks Sheridan to housesit in Indigo Bay over the Christmas holiday, she jumps at the chance. She can use the time to regroup and be far away from the pity and rumors of Berry Creek. In exchange Sheridan would be cataloging Hope's artwork and delivering a painting to be auctioned at a fundraiser.

Van who is marrying Michael's sister, offers him the house in exchange for preparing stuff for the family New Year's celebration. The location is perfect for Michael to be away and not have to constantly lie about things.

I really got a kick out of their first meeting in the cottage and the subsequent making of rules. However it's as Sheridan finds she can't transport the painting to the venue in her rental that begins a shift in the rules.

From the venue, to breakfast and shopping these two start to get to know each other.

As they plan a real Christmas the fun begins and Mistletoe plays a part in getting them together. Of course nothing is going to go as planned and they both face a challenge to their beliefs. All on top of Michael's BIG Secret!

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful Christmas story.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,704 reviews
October 8, 2020
Sheridan and Michael’s story in Sweet Yuletide is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet romance by Melissa McClone, book four in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romances. In this sweet, heartwarming story we have one beach cottage and two strangers, both asked to house-sit. It only took one kiss under the mistletoe to go from becoming friends to wanting more.

Sheridan needs to be away from her home for the holidays and the disappointment in her father. Jobless and homeless she readily agrees to spend Christmas away from her parents’ new blended families. Michael needs to stay out of sight until his attorney gives him the all clear. House-sitting for his future brother-in-law is the perfect solution. All should be good for both Sheridan and Michael until they discover they will not be alone. Worse, they seem to push each other’s buttons. One memorable kiss under a sprig of mistletoe sends Sheridan and Michael all the signals that staying away from each other is not what they need. What they might need is to extend their visit for a New Year’s Eve kiss and maybe many more.

Ms. McClone wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. This story contains strong magnetism, chemistry, the magic of love, and charming characters giving Sheridan and Michael a chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend Sweet Yuletide to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,933 reviews18 followers
October 10, 2020
Melissa McClone brings us another sweet romance filled with interesting characters, the magic of Christmas and a great couple to root for.
Having read most of not all of her previous books, I remember Michael (Mikey) and Sheridan as secondary characters in other stories. They look to have nothing in common on the surface...she’s a planner, he’s more a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type...but opposites not only attract but are so right for each other.
After a mixup has the both house sitting, for the same house, they think avoiding each other is the way to go. Luckily, that just serves to make them spend even more time together. After a maddening and heartbreaking issue with her dad, Sheridan needs the distraction and fun the Michael brings. And he helps himself, as well as Sheridan, by helping her find her Christmas spirit.
Honestly, even their inevitable drama isn’t really about them, but a third party. So the reader isn’t forced to choose sides, which admittedly we all probably do in every book we read!
I loved Sweet Yuletide so much. It was just the story I needed after a challenging and often very sad year. My thanks to Ms. McClone for writing such a wonderful, happy book.
Profile Image for Smadma.
256 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
Christmas Romance

Sheridan is happily working at her father’s art gallery when he informs her that he is firing her and taking her apartment away so that his step-daughter can have her job and home. She packs up and agrees to house sit for a friend so that this year she can spend Christmas alone on the opposite side of the country where she hopes to ignore anything festive. Unlucky or perhaps lucky for her, it turns out that her friends brother invites a friend of his to house sit the cottage on the coast. Michael and Sheridan were both looking to get away from other people, but there are no vacancies anywhere, so the two of them decide to be housemates. It doesn’t take long before their lives become entwined and they discover that they like spending time with each other and decide to take part in the festive season. Christmas eve has some unhappy surprises, but Christmas day brings the biggest ones; both good and bad. Will Sheridan and Michael part as friends at the end of the holiday season, or will they discover that what they thought they wanted might not be what they really want/need?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,086 reviews24 followers
October 6, 2020
Sweet Yuletide is a well-written clean romance. Sheridan and Michael are both very likable characters. The plot flows well as do all of the other books that I've read by Melissa McClone. Her writing style is easy to read and makes the journey into the stories that she creates very enjoyable. One of my favorite lines from the story is told from Sheridan's viewpoint: "At least he couldn't see into her daydreams--ones involving a ceiling covered in mistletoe. His kiss was that good." I'd love to spend a Christmas at Indigo Bay. (I'll supply my own sweetheart!) Between the town's traditions and those of the main characters, the holiday season would be merry and bright. There is a great HEA for Sheridan and Michael.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,763 reviews20 followers
October 12, 2020
This story seemed straight out of a Hallmark movie: two people who wanted to be alone for Christmas after losing their jobs were each separately asked to stay at the same house. Sheridan lost her apartment and job to her nasty stepsister, But unlike Cinderella she still had a loving mother who welcomed her into her home. Von and Hope's beach house in Indigo Bay was just supposed to be a place to escape and find peace for a while. Michael and Sheridan's stay starts off rocky with him trying to find her somewhere else to stay, but they soon spend time together and find joy in each other's company. I love Indigo Bay. It sounds like a sweet town with people who care about and look out for each other. I love the wishing tree. I felt for Sheridan and how she put her heart and soul in her job at her father's art gallery only to have it ripped from her and for him to keep jerking her around. I loved that her mother works with animal rescue and that even though Sheridan was on vacation she kept looking for ways to help the rescue. I would love to be able to travel the world and see so many places without worrying about work and time off. Maybe someday. This was a clean holiday romance with plenty of sweet and funny moments.
Profile Image for Shari.
1,892 reviews25 followers
October 14, 2020
Loved this sweet heart warming Christmas romance. Sheridan wants to spend Christmas anywhere but at home, so the perfect fix, house sitting for a friend at Indigo Bay. Michael has a secret he needs to keep from his family, so he has decided not to attend the Christmas festivities and stay at his his sister's beach house. Only to find out he will be sharing it with a stranger, Sheridan. They have decided to make the best of the situation with boundaries, but soon those boundaries will be broken and love is in the air.

This story brought many happy tears while reading. So many family traditions, along with heart break for Sheridan but loves how Michael stood by her side at the end. This is part of series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this sweet romance this holiday season.
1,639 reviews10 followers
October 7, 2020
I loved Sheridan and Michael's story. It was romantic and sweet read. Two strangers who do not know each other end up in the same place and neither has another place to go. They end up being roommates. They kind of grow on each other and become friends. Then all it takes is the magic of Christmas. This story was very intriguing and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane.
701 reviews10 followers
October 8, 2020
Yuletide Magic! Micheal (Mikey) and Sheridan’s story is sweet, romantic and a little hairy at moments. These two starting out as strangers and building from there had me swooning. Two people, both at their lowest point in their life find each other and the magic of the holidays does them right. This is a great light hearted holiday escape that can be read at anytime.
1,382 reviews10 followers
October 8, 2020
A story with hope, love, & understanding, that's a touching & moving Christmas romance. I truly enjoyed reading it.
Sheridan, has a job she loves, & a great place to live. Till her whole life turned upside down.
Michael, was out of work. But something wonderful happened to him.
They both wanted to spend Christmas away from family this year. But a bit of miscommunication changed all that.
Captivated me from page one.
I didn't want it to end!!
2,308 reviews29 followers
October 7, 2020
Sheridan and Michael want to be alone for the holidays but for very different reasons. Liked how at first they are both pretty prickly toward each other but things change. I felt like they both changed and grew into an even better version of themselves. Adorable together. Loved her mom.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
374 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2020
Sweet and heartwarming story of finding love when least expected or desired. Wonderful read.
Profile Image for Kathy Tozzi.
241 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2020
Sheridan DeMarco runs her fathers art museum. A business she always thought she would take over one day. Plans don't always go the way you want though. She is replaced by her fathers new family, with no where to turn she decides to run to a small town for a little vacation.
Michael Patterson is hiding a secret from his family and everyone he knows. One that will change everything. He decides he needs to get away for the holidays as well.
Welcome to Indigo Bay, South Carolina. A beautiful little town with a lot of love and happiness.
While house sitting for family he walks in to find a very shocked Sheridan also there to house sit for her friend.
Well, it's a big enough house for them both to share so why not.
Two souls needing time, one to heal and one just waiting for his life to change.
This is book 4 of 6 in a wonderful romance series, while each book can be read as a standalone you may just want to read them all.
Sweet Yuletide
Profile Image for Kirsty Hoggons.
199 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2024
Sheridan's dad is a real piece of work. I'm glad she quit, once she'd been fired, I can't believe the dad expected her to train her replacement. Unacceptable. The fact that she just jumps on a plane because her dad realises what a mistake he's made - no, not a good move. I understand it's her dad but by doing that it shows that he can treat her like dirt, apologise and just get his way. Plus, leaving Michael, who has been there for her, I'd never. And judging Michael even though they were in the same position, that's so rude. I can't believe that she would just assume that Michael would want to spend Christmas Eve with him just because she couldn't get a flight for that day. He's obviously hurt.


Michael won how much?! That's insane! Also, his family having an intervention is absolutely disgraceful. Especially since there is absolutely no proof and it's based on nothing. That's just unacceptable. Good job on the proposal! So beautiful and so sweet.

Overall, a sweet Christmas romance and a quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Helen Shirley.
166 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2023
It's the first book by Melissa McClone that I've read, and as I bought it in a "Christmas" story selection, I've not read any others in the series. I don't know, therefore, if the same characters appear elsewhere or not. So yes, I read this as a standalone Christmas novel and actually really enjoyed it. Sheridan and Michael/Mikey had an instant connection despite their very differing circumstances for wishing to spend Christmas alone. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with their families. I instantly warmed to Sheridan and felt her pain for what she was going through. Whether Michael's story was that believable, I'm not sure, but I threw caution to the wind and went with it! Not terribly sophisticated writing, and the Kindle editing was a little dubious in places but yet I still enjoyed it. I think it deserves 4.5 star but obviously thats impossible on here, so four stars it is! Merry Christmas!
1,596 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2020
I loved this heartwarming Christmas romance with characters you want to be your friends and a fun story that kept me totally involved in all that was happening in the charming beach town of Indigo Bay, South Carolina. I enjoyed the instant attraction and undeniable chemistry between Sheridan DeMarco and Michael "Mikey" Patterson who both end up house-sitting the same beach cottage. "Sweet Yuletide" is definitely a book I will share with all of my family and friends because it will warm your heart, put a smile on your face and make you ready to celebrate the upcoming Holiday Season. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I purchased a copy so I can read it many times.
1,290 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2020
Two house sitters? Somebody messed up! Michael aka Mikey walks into the kitchen and finds a tall brunette standing there. They are both totally surprised. He asked her who she was and why she was there. At the same time, she asked who he was and what was he doing there. Both had been asked to house sit and since wires had gotten crossed because of flying times, they both showed up.
Agreeing to both staying at the house on the beach, Sheridan and Michael decide that they can manage their lives and stay there during Christmas.
Interesting plot and a great outcome.
What else do you expect from this author???

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DJ.
Author 1 book34 followers
November 12, 2020
This is a really cool story!

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you won the lottery?

I’ve heard that everyone… relatives and friends, plus everyone you’ve ever known — and more than a few that you’ve never met — asking for donations, loans, handouts. It’s not a pretty picture… and maybe one reason I’ve never bought a lottery ticket.

I have no idea if there are really attorneys who specialize in helping lottery winners to stay anonymous, but the idea is awesome. As is the storyline.

I am thrilled to be reading Sweet Yuletide… and the chance to tell you how good it is. Be sure to pick up a copy to read soon. This Christmas series is well worth reading.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!
2,731 reviews20 followers
October 8, 2020
What a beautiful , romantic story where wishes really do come true for Sheridan and Michael. It was such fun returning to Indigo Bay to enjoy its unique Christmas activities. I thought it was fun that two strangers were both asked to house-sit the same cottage when neither one was in the mood for company. I loved everything about the story from the beginning to the epilogue. It was unique, fun, and full of feelings as it definitely touched my heart. I was sad to say goodbye to Sheridan and Michael as well as to say goodbye to Indigo Bay. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,415 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2020
This is Book 4 in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance Series by this author. It is a heartwarming holiday romance between Michael and Sheridan. These characters are likeable, the connection strong, the chemistry combustible, and the unique plot makes for an enjoyable read. It is a love story with drama, humor, steam, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested, and a happy ending. It can be read as a standalone but you enhance your reading pleasure if you read the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Floyd.
425 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2020
Sheridan had been done wrong by her father and needed to get away. She went to the opposite coast to house sit for a friend and spend the holidays alone.

Michael had lost his job and had been couch surfing for a couple of months. His soon to be brother-in-law asked him to house sit for him for the holidays. What know one knew was that Michael had won the lottery and he was protecting his family by hiring a team to handle it for him. He needed to lay low for awhile since he was claiming it anonymously.

They both get to the house to house sit and find each other! What will happen? Will one of them leave? You need to read to find out!
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,418 reviews46 followers
November 27, 2023
Could have been great, if not for Sheridan's pathetic need to believe in her excuse for a father.
Applauded when she quit and cheered when she finally took action against him at the end.
I gave her some leeway as the situation with her father has happened quite quickly.
But she walked away from possibilities with Michael as soon as her dad called. So I just couldn’t feel sorry for her.
Michael was a sweetie. His intentions are so good but I laughed out loud at his families intervention.
He did act childishly by just walking out without saying goodbye. But hurt feelings can be painful too.
Read in the two book anthology A SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS.
Profile Image for Nethanja.
862 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2020
Sheridan is devastated when she losses her job and her place to live. She needs some alone time and is house sitting during Christmas. Michael is between jobs and needs to stay under the radar a little longer so house sitting is the perfect solution. But together house sitting was not what the both expected. Spending time together build their friendship but that kiss makes everything even more complicated.......
Really entertaining story, great characters and storytelling!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jean Oram.
Author 102 books953 followers
Read
October 14, 2020
Another sweet one from Melissa. What would you do if you flew across the country to housesit and found someone already there and doing your job? And you didn’t have the money to fly home again. And the whole town was booked up for Christmas?

It’s a good thing Sheridan isn’t Mikey’s type and vice versa. But what happens when these two find connections that lay beneath the surface. Ones that bring on something they’ve never felt before?

The right person brings out the best in us and this sweet story shows that in an endearing couple you won’t soon forget.
257 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2024
Sweet Yuletide is a clean and easy to read romance. Sheridan and Michael are both very likable characters. Although, her father is a piece of work and he has a family that feel interventions are called for. The plot flows the story is very enjoyable. They spend the time leading up to Christmas at Indigo Bay house sitting. The town's traditions and those of the main characters, ensure that the holiday season is merry and bright. A few twists and turns but there certainly is a HEA for Sheridan and Michael.
1,178 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2020
Get ready for the holidays with this book. I am very choosy on holiday themed stories. With this author I was all in as she never disappoints.
The beach is the perfect setting anytime of year.
When sheridan and Mikey share a kiss under Christmas magic they get a forever Christmas gift.
A quick yet full story. I enjoyed this well paced read that was fulfilling and cozy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,831 reviews11 followers
December 1, 2023
Sometimes everything has to go wrong before it can go right, and that is exactly what happens to Michael and Sheridan. This is a tug-at-the-heartstrings romance full of mixed emotions. You have to feel sorry for Sheridan and they way her father treats her, laugh at Michael's family trying to stage an intervention, and then fall in love with the couple as they find the meaning of Christmas. Wonderful characters in a delightful setting and a heartwarming story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews