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Deck the Shelves
Kendall Jackson is the proud owner of Heartfalls’ bookstore, The Cozy Shelf. Her life is one straight out of the pages, except she’s missing that leading man. Although she has a crush on the handsome auto mechanic, Quinton Hendricks, Kendall wants an old-fashioned type of romance—the stuff swoon-worthy romance books are made of. But Quinton seems to need a little prodding.
Something about Kendall sparks hope in Quinton Hendricks that love could be his again. Only being abandoned by his ex-wife has made him cautious to the point of non-moving.
Can two people hesitant on second chances find love as they Deck the Shelves?
Something about Kendall sparks hope in Quinton Hendricks that love could be his again. Only being abandoned by his ex-wife has made him cautious to the point of non-moving.
Can two people hesitant on second chances find love as they Deck the Shelves?
170 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2019
38 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Toni Shiloh
56 books1,887 followersToni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 16, 2019
This was one of my favorite holiday stories of 2018. I loved everything about it. The shyness of both characters created so much romantic tension, especially for a novella. It’s not easy to create a fully developed story a reader can get so invested in so easily in so few pages, but Toni totally succeeded.
December 27, 2019
If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance that celebrates books, this is the novella for you!
Kendall and “Q” are a cute match, and their secret ‘bookish’ notes that they leave each other throughout The Cozy Shelf bookstore simply delighted me. In fact, bookworms will find much to love about Deck the Shelves. From the charming bookstore setting to the literary quotes gracing each chapter – and the secret admirer notes – to the shout outs to various fave authors … this is a book for book nerds
Shiloh always writes wonderfully diverse and layered characters, and she has done so again in Deck the Shelves. While this is a lighter read with plenty of chuckles and grins, there is nonetheless a deeper spiritual theme woven into the fabric of the plot as well. In order to trust each other’s hearts (based on their past painful relationships), they each will first need to learn to trust God with the relationship.
A cute Christmas romance perfect for Hallmark movie fans and bookworms alike!
Kendall and “Q” are a cute match, and their secret ‘bookish’ notes that they leave each other throughout The Cozy Shelf bookstore simply delighted me. In fact, bookworms will find much to love about Deck the Shelves. From the charming bookstore setting to the literary quotes gracing each chapter – and the secret admirer notes – to the shout outs to various fave authors … this is a book for book nerds
Shiloh always writes wonderfully diverse and layered characters, and she has done so again in Deck the Shelves. While this is a lighter read with plenty of chuckles and grins, there is nonetheless a deeper spiritual theme woven into the fabric of the plot as well. In order to trust each other’s hearts (based on their past painful relationships), they each will first need to learn to trust God with the relationship.
A cute Christmas romance perfect for Hallmark movie fans and bookworms alike!
November 9, 2018
So cute! And familiar. Made me think of me and my husband. He's a mechanic and I'm a book nerd.
June 26, 2021
So Much More than a Holly Jolly Christmas Story!
Looking for a Christmas story that has substance? Toni Shiloh's "Deck the Shelves" is a wonderful choice. When I decided to read this book I thought, "Yay! Books and old-fashioned love! My kind of story!" I got that understanding from the synopsis. But there's so much more with the additional stories that the secondary characters throw in, while reading about the main characters.....and the faith element is so real and strong. Loved it!
I already knew that the characters would be shy, which was a plus because it's cute and adds a mysterious layer to the story. It makes the reader interested in knowing who the characters are. Do they have past struggles, that they are still trying to overcome? What are their insecurities/fears? What are their hopes for the future? What things are important to them? What are they most confident about? Everything was revealed at a nice and steady pace. I liked how Toni Shiloh stretched out the events and the exchanges between the characters, to add suspense. While reading, I knew all of the characters' "what-ifs" and "maybes" would come together in the end. There was a happy ending, and figuring out how everything would eventually come together was very enjoyable. Quinton (Q!) swoony, swoon swoon! Lol! Ohmygosh, let me just say that when an author writes the male character in a way in which you feel like the female character, that's good writing. I always love when that happens. I also really liked Kendall. I could totally understand her random heart palpitations and heart-in-throat moments. Kendall is authentic, down-to-earth and she loves to read! She is the type of character, who you would want to be friends with, if she was a real person. I thought she was very loyal within her group of friends.
Reading was not a hobby that Q enjoyed like Kendall, but did that hinder their connection? Nope! Q did some research in the book world to communicate in a very attractive, bookish language, so Kendall would know that he was serious about his love for her. They found a way to work around their shyness, in order to deliver messages that spoke volumes to their hearts. Aaawww, how sweet!
I liked how each chapter began with a quote from a classic book. It made me so excited to see what would be revealed, because the quotes tied into what happened in the chapters. "Deck the Shelves" was thrilling from the first page to the last page. The Cozy Shelf, the bookstore that Kendall owned, was cozy indeed. It had the perfect name. Kendall had names for different sections of the bookstore as well. The names reminded me of names for sections in amusement parks. That made me smile. Another thing that made me smile, was the amount of bookish paraphernalia that Toni Shiloh created for this story. Just when I thought that I'd read the last bookish reference, in came another one, and I was laughing out loud.
Besides the laugh-out-loud moments, and the great anticipation during the step-by-step progression towards saying "I Love You", Quinton and Kendall sought God's guidance and direction for their present moments, and future many times throughout the story. The prayers were so on point. I found myself wanting to bow my head and close my eyes. Read this book and fall in love like I did, not only with the characters, but also with the lovely fictional town of Heartfalls, New York. You will also love Quinton's little son, Deuce! He brought so much life, spunk and energy to this story. I loved him to pieces. I always say that this world would be boring without children, and it's the truth!
5 out of 5 stars for sure, and I'm really looking forward to reading more of Toni Shiloh's work!
Looking for a Christmas story that has substance? Toni Shiloh's "Deck the Shelves" is a wonderful choice. When I decided to read this book I thought, "Yay! Books and old-fashioned love! My kind of story!" I got that understanding from the synopsis. But there's so much more with the additional stories that the secondary characters throw in, while reading about the main characters.....and the faith element is so real and strong. Loved it!
I already knew that the characters would be shy, which was a plus because it's cute and adds a mysterious layer to the story. It makes the reader interested in knowing who the characters are. Do they have past struggles, that they are still trying to overcome? What are their insecurities/fears? What are their hopes for the future? What things are important to them? What are they most confident about? Everything was revealed at a nice and steady pace. I liked how Toni Shiloh stretched out the events and the exchanges between the characters, to add suspense. While reading, I knew all of the characters' "what-ifs" and "maybes" would come together in the end. There was a happy ending, and figuring out how everything would eventually come together was very enjoyable. Quinton (Q!) swoony, swoon swoon! Lol! Ohmygosh, let me just say that when an author writes the male character in a way in which you feel like the female character, that's good writing. I always love when that happens. I also really liked Kendall. I could totally understand her random heart palpitations and heart-in-throat moments. Kendall is authentic, down-to-earth and she loves to read! She is the type of character, who you would want to be friends with, if she was a real person. I thought she was very loyal within her group of friends.
Reading was not a hobby that Q enjoyed like Kendall, but did that hinder their connection? Nope! Q did some research in the book world to communicate in a very attractive, bookish language, so Kendall would know that he was serious about his love for her. They found a way to work around their shyness, in order to deliver messages that spoke volumes to their hearts. Aaawww, how sweet!
I liked how each chapter began with a quote from a classic book. It made me so excited to see what would be revealed, because the quotes tied into what happened in the chapters. "Deck the Shelves" was thrilling from the first page to the last page. The Cozy Shelf, the bookstore that Kendall owned, was cozy indeed. It had the perfect name. Kendall had names for different sections of the bookstore as well. The names reminded me of names for sections in amusement parks. That made me smile. Another thing that made me smile, was the amount of bookish paraphernalia that Toni Shiloh created for this story. Just when I thought that I'd read the last bookish reference, in came another one, and I was laughing out loud.
Besides the laugh-out-loud moments, and the great anticipation during the step-by-step progression towards saying "I Love You", Quinton and Kendall sought God's guidance and direction for their present moments, and future many times throughout the story. The prayers were so on point. I found myself wanting to bow my head and close my eyes. Read this book and fall in love like I did, not only with the characters, but also with the lovely fictional town of Heartfalls, New York. You will also love Quinton's little son, Deuce! He brought so much life, spunk and energy to this story. I loved him to pieces. I always say that this world would be boring without children, and it's the truth!
5 out of 5 stars for sure, and I'm really looking forward to reading more of Toni Shiloh's work!
December 18, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
I'm not a huge fan of Christmas stories but I am a big fan of this one! While I personally prefer to keep the celebration of this sacred holiday simple and quiet, I can definitely appreciate the joy and enthusiasm people (and fictional characters) like Kendall Jackson possess!
Quinton reminds me so much of my real-life hero, quiet, hard-working, a wonderful daddy, and swoony! The family dynamics within his multi-generational household warmed my heart (I'm not volunteering for that living plan but it's so sweet to read about how others might make it work).
I highly recommend this novella! It has heart and depth and humor and it's perfect for the busy Advent season or any time of year!
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I'm not a huge fan of Christmas stories but I am a big fan of this one! While I personally prefer to keep the celebration of this sacred holiday simple and quiet, I can definitely appreciate the joy and enthusiasm people (and fictional characters) like Kendall Jackson possess!
Quinton reminds me so much of my real-life hero, quiet, hard-working, a wonderful daddy, and swoony! The family dynamics within his multi-generational household warmed my heart (I'm not volunteering for that living plan but it's so sweet to read about how others might make it work).
I highly recommend this novella! It has heart and depth and humor and it's perfect for the busy Advent season or any time of year!
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2020
Squeal! Sqquueeeaaaalll!!! Sqqqquuueeeeeeeeeaaalllll!!!!!! This is so cute and funny and over-the-top bookish! My idea of the bibliophile's ideal holiday read. I mean, there are book quotes at the beginning of every chapter and the heroine owns a bookstore and there's indie author name-dropping and such a toe-curling bookish twist to the love story...I can't even...but it's soooooooooo dreamy! THUD!
And speaking of dreamy...Q!!! Double thud. The cautious way he pursues Kendall, the way the author lets us see into his deep-rooted fears and the way we get to watch him wrestle them into submission by calling on God to help him every step of the way. Hello, fellow Christian fiction readers, this is the kind of inspirational 'umph' we're all clamoring for in our stories!
And have I mentioned all the fainting-couch worthy swoons I experienced while reading Deck the Shelves (eeeeppp -- cutest title ever!) Quinton and Kendall have some chemistry going on!
Not only that, but Toni Shiloh has created a captivating town with some memorable characters and I can't wait to read more about them.
Best Christmas romance novella ever!!!!!
And speaking of dreamy...Q!!! Double thud. The cautious way he pursues Kendall, the way the author lets us see into his deep-rooted fears and the way we get to watch him wrestle them into submission by calling on God to help him every step of the way. Hello, fellow Christian fiction readers, this is the kind of inspirational 'umph' we're all clamoring for in our stories!
And have I mentioned all the fainting-couch worthy swoons I experienced while reading Deck the Shelves (eeeeppp -- cutest title ever!) Quinton and Kendall have some chemistry going on!
Not only that, but Toni Shiloh has created a captivating town with some memorable characters and I can't wait to read more about them.
Best Christmas romance novella ever!!!!!
December 11, 2018
2.5 stars.
I just didn't care for this one much. The fact that the main character lived in an old Victorian mansion that had been converted to a bookstore was fun. And I did like Deuce. He was such a typical little boy. I just couldn't relate to most of the books mentioned as they are ones I haven't and wouldn't read. The biggest problem I had was that both main characters were divorced. Of course it was the "other" person's fault that they got divorced, so it was okay to marry again, right? No. It just made me not enjoy the story.
I just didn't care for this one much. The fact that the main character lived in an old Victorian mansion that had been converted to a bookstore was fun. And I did like Deuce. He was such a typical little boy. I just couldn't relate to most of the books mentioned as they are ones I haven't and wouldn't read. The biggest problem I had was that both main characters were divorced. Of course it was the "other" person's fault that they got divorced, so it was okay to marry again, right? No. It just made me not enjoy the story.
November 20, 2024
Y’all need to read Toni Shiloh’s books!! I have loved the three Christmas books I’ve read by her, and can’t wait to read more of her books. What a beautiful short story and I totally cried happy tears at the end.
October 7, 2018
The perfect little book to put you in the holiday season.
November 22, 2020
Sweet romance
This story of Kendall and Quinton's romance was so sweet. I liked the way the relationship unfolded slowly as the two characters dealt with the issues in their past that caused them to have trust issues.
I enjoyed the faith element that was interwoven throughout the story highlighting not only the characters involvement in the church but also their dependence on God. I was reminded that though it may not always seem like it, God is concerned about every area of our lives and wants us to invite him in.
This story of Kendall and Quinton's romance was so sweet. I liked the way the relationship unfolded slowly as the two characters dealt with the issues in their past that caused them to have trust issues.
I enjoyed the faith element that was interwoven throughout the story highlighting not only the characters involvement in the church but also their dependence on God. I was reminded that though it may not always seem like it, God is concerned about every area of our lives and wants us to invite him in.
December 11, 2019
Cozy Romance!
This was such a sweet romance ❤
I loved how nervous and shy both Q and Kendall were. Each one suffered from broken hearts in the past. I liked how they turned to God for guidance before beginning a new relationship.
I loved the notes! I also loved the books and authors mentioned in this story.
I wish I could visit The Cozy Shelf for a book and a muffin.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
This was such a sweet romance ❤
I loved how nervous and shy both Q and Kendall were. Each one suffered from broken hearts in the past. I liked how they turned to God for guidance before beginning a new relationship.
I loved the notes! I also loved the books and authors mentioned in this story.
I wish I could visit The Cozy Shelf for a book and a muffin.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
July 29, 2019
This book was a beautiful story set in a small town that gives the characters room to stretch, grow, and break out of any vices holding them back in their lives, all while letting their friends, family, and the reader experience this growth with them. Can't wait to read more of this author's books!
March 2, 2019
Love, love, LOVED IT! A super cute and fun read. One of my very favorite books by this author! Highly recommended! 😍😍😍😍😍
November 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this first foray into the town of Heartfalls! Toni Shiloh has created a great community, and I am so looking forward to returning soon! I really enjoyed Kendall and Q's story and the strong spiritual component of this book. I loved their journey and how they both grew deeper in their trust in the Lord as they grew closer in their relationship with each other.
December 24, 2018
A wonderful Christmas novella by Toni Shiloh! I loved how a lot of the story took place in a bookstore, and I did a little happy dance when one of my new favorite authors Sarah Monzon was mentioned in the novella! If you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming Christmas novella, you need to read Deck the Shelves! You will not be disappointed!
March 10, 2019
What a cute little story about life, love, and God's grace! Toni gives life to her characters in this story about falling in love again, by letting God take the lead.
December 21, 2019
Loved this book! It was such a cute story with a bookstore, sweet romance and literary quotes. I loved it.
October 26, 2018
There are two reasons I REALLY love this book. One, I love the Christmas season, and two, I love bookstores, books, and EVERYTHING related to them. Also, I just have to say, this bookstore sounds so wonderful. Like a place, I’d want to hang out in and never leave!
Kendall LOVES books and everything about books. It’s her life and things are going along smoothly until she acknowledges the fact that she also really likes Q.
Quinton or Q for short, has been making every effort and using every reason to stop in Kendall’s bookstore, just so he can see her.
When friends realize something is there and convince each of them to take a chance by writing anonymous notes, things start to change.
They both fight the feelings they have because of their own past issues and relationships. But God has other plans. The real fun starts when Christmas draws near.
I laughed out loud when I read how Kendall had some favorite authors who are ones I have, and she was reading books I’ve actually read. So Cool!
Toni Shiloh is an author who brings out the sweetest stories and has you believing each of these characters are real. Her stories flow with great dialog and wonderful word pictures of places, people and relationships.
I laughed, I cried, (well, not from anything too sad, but from laughing) I truly loved every moment I was reading this book and hope you will too. I highly recommend you pick it up and read it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Kendall LOVES books and everything about books. It’s her life and things are going along smoothly until she acknowledges the fact that she also really likes Q.
Quinton or Q for short, has been making every effort and using every reason to stop in Kendall’s bookstore, just so he can see her.
When friends realize something is there and convince each of them to take a chance by writing anonymous notes, things start to change.
They both fight the feelings they have because of their own past issues and relationships. But God has other plans. The real fun starts when Christmas draws near.
I laughed out loud when I read how Kendall had some favorite authors who are ones I have, and she was reading books I’ve actually read. So Cool!
Toni Shiloh is an author who brings out the sweetest stories and has you believing each of these characters are real. Her stories flow with great dialog and wonderful word pictures of places, people and relationships.
I laughed, I cried, (well, not from anything too sad, but from laughing) I truly loved every moment I was reading this book and hope you will too. I highly recommend you pick it up and read it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
October 28, 2018
"Deck the Shelves" by Toni Shiloh
"Past is the past. Leave it there, Q"
In the second of this boxset, we meet Kendall and Quinton, two souls battered by past relationships and present expectations. Kendall owns The Cosy Shelf, the local bookstore. After a bad first marriage, she hides behind books and keeps to herself. Until Q comes knocking on her door, his young son in tow. Deuce and Q have been alone living with his father and grandmother since his ex abandoned them because she wasn't ready for a family.
Q and Kendall 's budding attraction scares both of them. They start leaving each other unsigned notes around the bookstore and they spark a further interest that begins to take center stage.
I loved this novella which I read in one day. Christmas, books, and love, what else can you ask for? Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
"Past is the past. Leave it there, Q"
In the second of this boxset, we meet Kendall and Quinton, two souls battered by past relationships and present expectations. Kendall owns The Cosy Shelf, the local bookstore. After a bad first marriage, she hides behind books and keeps to herself. Until Q comes knocking on her door, his young son in tow. Deuce and Q have been alone living with his father and grandmother since his ex abandoned them because she wasn't ready for a family.
Q and Kendall 's budding attraction scares both of them. They start leaving each other unsigned notes around the bookstore and they spark a further interest that begins to take center stage.
I loved this novella which I read in one day. Christmas, books, and love, what else can you ask for? Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
January 16, 2020
This was such a cute and precious story of how God has "plans to prosper and not harm" us. Plus, it had BOOKS! I totally want to steal....um....borrow some of Kendall's shirts and coffee mugs :) I am looking forward to reading more about Heartfalls in the future. Toni always brings everything gently back to God, which is beautiful and awesome - some grammatical/editing issues, but I didn't count that in my rating. This is a wonderful novella that read like a much longer novel. I hope we get to delve more into Emma's, Xavier's, and Daisy's lives when we get back to Heartfalls!
I received this from the author and all opinions are my own. Thank you, Toni for the preview copy!
I received this from the author and all opinions are my own. Thank you, Toni for the preview copy!
October 5, 2018
Love, love, love this story! Author Toni Shiloh delivers another great story that caught me from the first page and I couldn't stop reading. These are characters I would love to meet in "real life". Bookstores are my favorite and to have a story set in The Cozy Shelf is awesome. Will the bookstore help Kendall find love? Read and find out what happens in this sweet, inspirational story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
December 20, 2018
I enjoyed roaming the bookstore shelves and nooks and crannies of Kendall's world. Second chances pose challenges and aren't always easy to accept. Toni introduces the Heartfalls characters with their fears and different personalities in this novel. I'm anxious for her to continue the journey in Heartfalls.
October 26, 2018
This was a very sweet love story. I loved how the main character ran her own bookstore. I currently work at a library and love books, so I could identify with her! I also loved how this novella centered around the Christmas season since I also love Christmas! I received this from the author for my honest opinion.
February 11, 2019
I was super excited to try this new author and the plot just sounded so cute. I loved the storyline and the characters. It was super sweet to see them fall in love and shed their fears. However, I didn't feel like it was developed enough or fleshed out. Some of the scenes felt short or clunky. I think the author was trying to pack more into the story because it was a novella. Novellas should still be developed but they just typically have a shorter time frame. It felt like she was trying to take a long time frame and shove it into a novella which resulted in a jumpy timeline with scenes missing. I did really like the premise because it was their fears getting in the way of love and not outside people and I feel like that is more realistic.
I might try another one of her books, I'm interested to see how her full length stuff compares and if it feels more in depth and developed.
I might try another one of her books, I'm interested to see how her full length stuff compares and if it feels more in depth and developed.
October 25, 2018
As good as all of Toni's stories. Fun, lovable characters, in a sweet Christmas story.
August 31, 2019
Loved this book so much. All the feels! A bookstore owner. A handsome mechanic, Quinton...and an old fashioned romance had me swooning. High recommendations for a cozy Christmas romance.
June 17, 2020
In many ways, this book is delightful. Also, I love the cover!
November 21, 2020
Fantastic!
I'm so thankful that I found Toni Shiloh's books. They've been a real blessing from God and I look forward to reading them all. This book was so sweet and I'm so glad that Toni register these loving characters in the other books in this series, I can't wait to dig in and enjoy.
I'm so thankful that I found Toni Shiloh's books. They've been a real blessing from God and I look forward to reading them all. This book was so sweet and I'm so glad that Toni register these loving characters in the other books in this series, I can't wait to dig in and enjoy.
December 18, 2021
What a fun and faith-filled Christmas romance! Short read - I was able to read it in an evening, but an enjoyable story line of 2 people seeking to let go of the past and potentially seek out a relationship. I appreciated the pace of the romance (so many times the romance is whirlwind) and how both characters truly sought God's will for the relationship. If you enjoy a good holiday romance novella, this is one I can definitely recommend!
February 6, 2020
This was a fun story. I thought the characters were great and it was a great Christmas read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews