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Harvest Ranch Romance #20
Secret Santas and Holiday Dances
Description coming soon!
- GenresChristmasContemporary
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
14 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Thornton
27 books903 followersEllie Thornton is an award-winning author who has been writing since she could lift a pencil and making up stories even longer than that.
For years she worked part-time jobs so she would always have time to write, read, and travel. Some of her favorite filler jobs include working as an editor, at a nursery (flowers not children,) as a driving instructor (not as harrowing as one might think,) writing a blog called Confessions of a Property Manager, and being a ghost tour guide.
She loves mysteries (reading and writing them) and especially enjoys the ones with sweet romance involved. Her "Reboot Mystery Series," (Previously known as "The Contemporary Reboot Series,") is a mystery series that takes classics like "Pride and Prejudice," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Jane Eyre," and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" puts them in a modern setting and adds a murder mystery and a love story that builds from one book to the next. (Not an easy feat!)
She's currently super into honey and beeswax and everything bee related as she is writing a book for Gelato Publishing's Halloween Sweet Romance Series, "Pumpkins and Proposals." Her main character is a beekeeper and owns a business that's all about honey, and beeswax related products. And again, because she loves a good mystery, you'll also find some intrigue there too.
She also writes a writing, editing, and marketing blog for authors under the name Emily Clark called Write of Passages.
If she's not at her computer, you can typically find her reading, listening to podcasts, at the local library, in her garden, in her kitchen, or with her sister and her sister's kids.
For years she worked part-time jobs so she would always have time to write, read, and travel. Some of her favorite filler jobs include working as an editor, at a nursery (flowers not children,) as a driving instructor (not as harrowing as one might think,) writing a blog called Confessions of a Property Manager, and being a ghost tour guide.
She loves mysteries (reading and writing them) and especially enjoys the ones with sweet romance involved. Her "Reboot Mystery Series," (Previously known as "The Contemporary Reboot Series,") is a mystery series that takes classics like "Pride and Prejudice," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Jane Eyre," and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" puts them in a modern setting and adds a murder mystery and a love story that builds from one book to the next. (Not an easy feat!)
She's currently super into honey and beeswax and everything bee related as she is writing a book for Gelato Publishing's Halloween Sweet Romance Series, "Pumpkins and Proposals." Her main character is a beekeeper and owns a business that's all about honey, and beeswax related products. And again, because she loves a good mystery, you'll also find some intrigue there too.
She also writes a writing, editing, and marketing blog for authors under the name Emily Clark called Write of Passages.
If she's not at her computer, you can typically find her reading, listening to podcasts, at the local library, in her garden, in her kitchen, or with her sister and her sister's kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 28, 2021
When the book starts out, Grace and Liam are perfect for each other and perfectly set to fall in love. I was waiting for the obstacle since there has to be one to make a good book. Enter in Grace's mother, Charlotte, a four-time divorcee (or is it five?) who sets her eyes on Liam and his money. I nearly rubbed my hands together in glee at her surface-level charm and deep down awfulness. What can I say, I love me a good villain. And I loved this book!
March 9, 2022
So much fun.
I remember doing a Secret Santa once and we loved dropping things on their doorstep and disappearing. All these feelings were wonderful feelings came back. Great work by the author.
I remember doing a Secret Santa once and we loved dropping things on their doorstep and disappearing. All these feelings were wonderful feelings came back. Great work by the author.
November 28, 2021
Brilliant
I loved the characters. Liam almost loses his chance with Grace who eventually realises her true worth. Charlotte is generally despicable but even she manages a moment of honest clarity. Another delightful romance in Harvest Ranch.
I loved the characters. Liam almost loses his chance with Grace who eventually realises her true worth. Charlotte is generally despicable but even she manages a moment of honest clarity. Another delightful romance in Harvest Ranch.
December 13, 2021
Scheming mother, secret Santa, and secret crushes...that about covers everything for a wonderful book that keeps you glued to the pages. I started reading this while taking a short break from another book. I completely forgot the first book because this one was so intriguing and amazing. Never has a book had me cringing so much but in a good way. Charlotte was absolute hell in heels, but yet she added so much to the story. I'm glad she is there, even if I wanted a truck to accidentally smoosh her.
The characters feel real, intense, and all have their strengths and weaknesses. The story is wonderful and unique and such a perfect addition to the series. I feel the best part about this book is the growth Grace goes through. Oh my goodness I just wanted to cheer her on!!
Secret Santas and Holiday Dances is a must read this Christmas. It would be well read with a cup of peppermint hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, cozy blanket, and make sure you Christmas tree is on (I promise it adds to the Christmasy sweet romance magic of this story).
The characters feel real, intense, and all have their strengths and weaknesses. The story is wonderful and unique and such a perfect addition to the series. I feel the best part about this book is the growth Grace goes through. Oh my goodness I just wanted to cheer her on!!
Secret Santas and Holiday Dances is a must read this Christmas. It would be well read with a cup of peppermint hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, cozy blanket, and make sure you Christmas tree is on (I promise it adds to the Christmasy sweet romance magic of this story).
December 13, 2021
Secret Santa's are supposed be secret, that is until someone starts digging and finds out who their secret Santa is. A sweet holiday romance that keeps you glued to the pages to find out what happens. The characters are engaging, fun to get to know and perfect for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2021
Grace lets people walk all over her including her boss and her mother. But after her overbearing selfish mother Charlotte appears in the book I could see why Grace just goes along with things. I wanted to tell her to stand up to herself in front of her boss who kept dismissing her art and all the connections she got and work she did for his gallery and her mother who kept demanding she drop everything and meet all her needs. I loved that Grace found ways to secretly help those locally in need out. Liam had his head in the sand and almost missed what was in front of him. It didn't help that Charlotte was going after him. This was a sweet kisses only romance.
December 8, 2021
This was super cute, sweet and swoony. I stayed up way too late finishing this one!
February 16, 2025
Secret Santas and Holiday Dances is the nineteenth book in Lucy McConnell and Ellie Thornton’s Harvest Ranch Romance series. It is a sweet Christmas friends-to-lovers romantic comedy which takes place in a small town in Virginia. This book can be read either as a stand-alone or immediately following Love and Loathing. Grace was introduced as Jessie’s cousin in Love and Loathing.
22-year-old Grace Montgomery moved to Harvest Ranch, Virginia after graduating from college. Her mom is the black sheep in her family, running off to New York City as a young adult and marrying multiple times. Grace’s best childhood memories are spending summers with her cousins in Harvest Ranch. She is working at the art gallery, using her marketing degree and hoping to get her own artwork promoted. Grace is trying to give back to the community with her anonymous Secret Santa gifts, a tradition she shared with her favorite stepfather, Walt.
Liam Nichols is friends with Grace but is afraid to have any kind of serious romantic relationship. He was a successful corporate attorney in Philadelphia until he returned to Harvest Ranch three years ago. He’s surrounded by his large family, who are all urging him to date Grace and settle down to family life.
Grace enjoys her job at Life on Canvas, but the gallery manager, David, takes credit for Grace’s accomplishments. He won’t even look at her paintings. Then her irresponsible mother, Charlotte, decides to visit Harvest Ranch for the Christmas holidays. While Grace has to deal with family and workplace drama, Liam has to decide if he can step up and be the man that Grace deserves.
I had previously read and reviewed many of the books in the Black Ops Tag: Harvest Ranch Wedding and Harvest Ranch series. I especially enjoyed the sweetness of Secret Santas and Holiday Dances, primarily due to the subplot involving the Secret Santa. Grace and Liam are engaging and likable characters, and the friends-to-lovers trope is perfectly done. I look forward to finishing out this series.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
22-year-old Grace Montgomery moved to Harvest Ranch, Virginia after graduating from college. Her mom is the black sheep in her family, running off to New York City as a young adult and marrying multiple times. Grace’s best childhood memories are spending summers with her cousins in Harvest Ranch. She is working at the art gallery, using her marketing degree and hoping to get her own artwork promoted. Grace is trying to give back to the community with her anonymous Secret Santa gifts, a tradition she shared with her favorite stepfather, Walt.
Liam Nichols is friends with Grace but is afraid to have any kind of serious romantic relationship. He was a successful corporate attorney in Philadelphia until he returned to Harvest Ranch three years ago. He’s surrounded by his large family, who are all urging him to date Grace and settle down to family life.
Grace enjoys her job at Life on Canvas, but the gallery manager, David, takes credit for Grace’s accomplishments. He won’t even look at her paintings. Then her irresponsible mother, Charlotte, decides to visit Harvest Ranch for the Christmas holidays. While Grace has to deal with family and workplace drama, Liam has to decide if he can step up and be the man that Grace deserves.
I had previously read and reviewed many of the books in the Black Ops Tag: Harvest Ranch Wedding and Harvest Ranch series. I especially enjoyed the sweetness of Secret Santas and Holiday Dances, primarily due to the subplot involving the Secret Santa. Grace and Liam are engaging and likable characters, and the friends-to-lovers trope is perfectly done. I look forward to finishing out this series.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2024
This is such a sweet addition to the Harvest Ranch Romance Series. This one is about another one of the cousins of Jessie who is now married to Alex. Grace Montgomery had spent a few summers in Harvest Ranch with her cousins. She had not had a steady home growing up with a mom who went through one husband after another. Grace's mother was a self centered woman and because she had her when she was a teenager, and she could almost pass for Graces sister she didn't want to be called mom. Grace had decided to move to Harvest Ranch and had been there about six months. As Christmas drew near she had decided to play Secret Santa blessing some of the people she heard had needs. People were so touched by this 6that it was being reported in the paper everyday. She just wanted to hide in the shadows as she had done for m ost of her life and not receive any recognition.
Liam Nicholls grew up in Harvest Ranch and after becoming a lawyer, he had moved away for a high paying job in Philly. He had really missed his hometown and after his fiance cheated on him, he decided to move back. He had decided to protect his heart so he wasn't planning on any more relationships. He was older than Grace and he saw how giving she was to everyone around her. They had become good friends and met for lunch. He wanted her to have more in her life so as Christmas approaches he tries to get her to attend some of the special yearly dances.
When Grace's mother Charlotte decides to come visit Harvest Ranch- she sets her attention on Liam. Liam had discovered that Grace was actually the Secret Santa so he was spending time with Charlotte to keep her occupied so Grace could finish giving her gifts to the people in need. Will Charlotte destroy the friendship between Liam and Grace? Will Liam discover that he wants more than just a friendship with Grace? Will Grace learn how to stand up for herself when she is finally pushed too far by her mother?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liam Nicholls grew up in Harvest Ranch and after becoming a lawyer, he had moved away for a high paying job in Philly. He had really missed his hometown and after his fiance cheated on him, he decided to move back. He had decided to protect his heart so he wasn't planning on any more relationships. He was older than Grace and he saw how giving she was to everyone around her. They had become good friends and met for lunch. He wanted her to have more in her life so as Christmas approaches he tries to get her to attend some of the special yearly dances.
When Grace's mother Charlotte decides to come visit Harvest Ranch- she sets her attention on Liam. Liam had discovered that Grace was actually the Secret Santa so he was spending time with Charlotte to keep her occupied so Grace could finish giving her gifts to the people in need. Will Charlotte destroy the friendship between Liam and Grace? Will Liam discover that he wants more than just a friendship with Grace? Will Grace learn how to stand up for herself when she is finally pushed too far by her mother?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2024
Now that Grace Montgomery is back in Harvest Ranch, it finally feels like home. Spending summers with her cousins when she was younger always felt like that. Having her cousins around her makes her feel lucky to be there with them. They care and love her. Moving around with her mother and different step-dads, she never really had a good childhood. Now she has a job as a marketing expert at an art gallery called Life on Canvas, that she loves, if only she were brave enough to show her boss her paintings. Will she ever shown her art to him? She is also a Secret Santa. She loves giving to others but doesn’t want the attention. Everyone is wondering who it is. Will they find out? Liam Nicholls, a lawyer who recently moved back to Harvest Ranch after he broke off his engagement with his cheating fiancée, quits his job at a big firm, he’s ready to return home to his loving family. He’s glad he did. When he meets Grace they become fast friends. Neither are looking for a relationship. Been there done that. She’s only twenty two, she’s smart and beautiful. He’s eight years older. Too old for her. As they spend time together their feelings come up to the surface. Will they admit it to themselves much less to each other. When Grace’s mother appears for Christmas, Grace isn’t happy. She doesn’t really have a relationship with her. Grace is the wallflower and her young beautiful mother is all about the attention. Now Grace is insecure around her mother. It’s time for Grace to stand up for herself. Will she? Seeing her mother chasing her next rich young man, Liam Nicholls is upset. They are only friends after all. Will Grace stand up for what she wants? Is Liam falling for her mother? Grace is such a wonderful character and deserves to find her voice, stand up for herself, show her art and fight for the man she now realizes she loves. Will Liam fight for Grace? No one ever has before. This is one of my favorite reads. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
December 5, 2022
We go back to the small town Harvest Ranch for Liam and Grace's story.
Grace moves to Harvest Ranch to be closer to her Auntie's and cousins who she spent summer's with and now wants to be near them.She has not had a very good upbringing with her mother re-marrying every few years.
She wants to give back to the town and residents who have given her more than her mother.She becomes the secret santa of the town and finds out who needs help.
Liam has also moved back to Harvest Ranch after a bad breakup.Liam and Grace become friends.Liam finds out about Grace being the secret santa.Will he keep her secret?He also tries to convince her to go to the town's dances with him,but she resists..Grace thinks she is not good enough for Liam and when her mother comes sweeping into town she is not happy.
Liam wants give Grace everything she deserves as she thinks about everyone but herself.
Will he succeed in convincing her to come to the dances with him and that he has feelings for her too?
They do eventually get to their happily ever after.
Another great read by Ellie Thornton cannot wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grace moves to Harvest Ranch to be closer to her Auntie's and cousins who she spent summer's with and now wants to be near them.She has not had a very good upbringing with her mother re-marrying every few years.
She wants to give back to the town and residents who have given her more than her mother.She becomes the secret santa of the town and finds out who needs help.
Liam has also moved back to Harvest Ranch after a bad breakup.Liam and Grace become friends.Liam finds out about Grace being the secret santa.Will he keep her secret?He also tries to convince her to go to the town's dances with him,but she resists..Grace thinks she is not good enough for Liam and when her mother comes sweeping into town she is not happy.
Liam wants give Grace everything she deserves as she thinks about everyone but herself.
Will he succeed in convincing her to come to the dances with him and that he has feelings for her too?
They do eventually get to their happily ever after.
Another great read by Ellie Thornton cannot wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
'Secret Santas and Holiday Dances' by Ellie Thornton is a standalone romance with no cliffhanger set during the Christmas holidays and tells the story of Grace, an artist and marketing wiz at the local art gallery, and Liam, a lawyer whose office is across the street from the gallery. Grace recently moved to Harvest Ranch where she spent some of her happiest times with various cousins. Liam moved back home to be near his family and get over a bad relationship. They became friends and Grace hoped it might develop into something more. Then her mother, Charlotte, showed up and threatens everything Grace was working towards.
Ms. Thorton has written an engaging and dynamic Christmas romance with likable characters. The chemistry between Grace and Liam jumps off the page even as he tries to deny it. Charlotte is oblivious to anyone but herself and her wants but Liam held his own against her. The story has some angst, laughs, secrets, trust issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes some Christmas with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book. and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Thorton has written an engaging and dynamic Christmas romance with likable characters. The chemistry between Grace and Liam jumps off the page even as he tries to deny it. Charlotte is oblivious to anyone but herself and her wants but Liam held his own against her. The story has some angst, laughs, secrets, trust issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes some Christmas with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book. and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2021
Ellie Thornton returns to the Harvest Ranch Romance world with Secret Santas and Holiday Dances. Another beautifully-written, holiday masterpiece, this small town romance is sweet and entertaining and a can't-put-it-down read. Grace, recently graduated from college, has moved to Harvest Ranch where her maternal aunts and cousins live, seeking a home for the first time since she was a little girl. Liam moved back to Harvest Ranch a year ago, his life as a big-city lawyer and a bad relationship having soured him. While he has loved spending time with Grace since they met, he has put her securely in the friend-zone. But as Christmas nears, a Secret Santa for the town in the form of Grace, opens his eyes - just as her manipulate mother arrives in town. Tons of sweetness and romance with a stellar supporting cast, makes this a must-read small town Christmas romance. You will not be sorry you picked up Liam and Grace's love story to read - you will fall in love with them as quickly as Harvest Ranch works its way into your bones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2023
This was a sweet, clean romance that takes place in a small town. I love the characters in this story and the natural progression of the romance.
Grace is a closet artist who works for an art gallery and is treated like a doormat by her boss. She does a great job at marketing the business but isn't appreciated for her efforts. Her dream is to sell her own art but that doesn't seem possible.
Liam is a successful attorney who left the big city and his former relationship. He isn't ready to dive into an another relationship but he is happy to be friends with Grace. Grace wants something more from their relationship but is reluctant to make that known because she doesn't think Liam sees her as anything more than a friend.
When Grace's mom comes into town like a tornado, Grace begins to retreat into her shell but as she begins to realize what she really wants and starts to stand up for what she really wants, all things are possible.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Grace is a closet artist who works for an art gallery and is treated like a doormat by her boss. She does a great job at marketing the business but isn't appreciated for her efforts. Her dream is to sell her own art but that doesn't seem possible.
Liam is a successful attorney who left the big city and his former relationship. He isn't ready to dive into an another relationship but he is happy to be friends with Grace. Grace wants something more from their relationship but is reluctant to make that known because she doesn't think Liam sees her as anything more than a friend.
When Grace's mom comes into town like a tornado, Grace begins to retreat into her shell but as she begins to realize what she really wants and starts to stand up for what she really wants, all things are possible.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
June 27, 2024
This is a sweet Christmas romance novella with some family drama thrown into the mix. Grace, a transplant from New York, had moved to small town Harvest Ranch to live near her cousins. She established a friendship with lawyer Liam, but his walls (courtesy of a failed previous relationship) prevented anything more. There were many Christmas elements to the story. As with all the books I’ve read in this series, I found the characters endearing. Grace in particular, was engaging. After growing up with an attention-seeking and toxic mother, she was reserved but had such a big and giving heart. “‘Sometimes being in the shadows is easier than stepping into the light, but that doesn’t mean you belong there.’” This book is part of a multi-author series based in the community of Harvest Ranch. There is carryover throughout the series, but the books can be read as standalones. This is closed door romance with mild innuendo and no harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
I loved this story and stayed up way too late so that I could finish it.
Grace has not had a great life growing up but has found a home in Harvest Ranch. Everything is going well for her, she has a job she's great at, she's reconnected with her cousins and she has a crush on her best friend Liam. Until her mother comes to visit for the holidays.
Everyone can see that Grace and Liam would be perfect for each other, but Liam manages to almost mess things up by trying to do the right thing. It was so easy to get pulled into the story, the characters felt so real, and even the tension that Charlotte brings makes you root for Grace and Liam getting together even more.
I love that Grace had started a Secret Santa, her gifts were so thoughtful and personal, and the big gesture that Liam makes at the end had me in tears (happy tears!).
I will be checking out more from this series and the author.
- hallmark vibes
- small town
- age gap (9 years)
- standalone
Grace has not had a great life growing up but has found a home in Harvest Ranch. Everything is going well for her, she has a job she's great at, she's reconnected with her cousins and she has a crush on her best friend Liam. Until her mother comes to visit for the holidays.
Everyone can see that Grace and Liam would be perfect for each other, but Liam manages to almost mess things up by trying to do the right thing. It was so easy to get pulled into the story, the characters felt so real, and even the tension that Charlotte brings makes you root for Grace and Liam getting together even more.
I love that Grace had started a Secret Santa, her gifts were so thoughtful and personal, and the big gesture that Liam makes at the end had me in tears (happy tears!).
I will be checking out more from this series and the author.
- hallmark vibes
- small town
- age gap (9 years)
- standalone
February 18, 2025
Liam and Grace are friends, but could there be more than just friendship? Grace is used to people walking all over her. It's the story of her life, moving around lots. But now Grace mostly finds joy in spreading joy to others, so she leaves "Secret Santa" gifts on the doorsteps of deserving people. Very few in town know her secret.
Liam was a successful Philadelphia attorney but moved out of the big city to Harvest Ranch, a quieter town with a quieter lifestyle. Liam's and Grace's friendship meet a challenge when Grace's mother comes for an unannounced visit and brings a lot of drama with her, hitting on the single men in town--including Liam. "Secret Santas and Holiday Dances" was a fun and sweet story with a HEA.
The only negative in the book is that there were a lot of characters, and learning who they all were was a challenge for me.
I received a complimentary ARC and have given my honest opinion in my review of this book.
Liam was a successful Philadelphia attorney but moved out of the big city to Harvest Ranch, a quieter town with a quieter lifestyle. Liam's and Grace's friendship meet a challenge when Grace's mother comes for an unannounced visit and brings a lot of drama with her, hitting on the single men in town--including Liam. "Secret Santas and Holiday Dances" was a fun and sweet story with a HEA.
The only negative in the book is that there were a lot of characters, and learning who they all were was a challenge for me.
I received a complimentary ARC and have given my honest opinion in my review of this book.
December 2, 2021
Beautiful sweet romance
Grace is the marketing guru at the local art gallery, working for low pay and a hope for eventually showing her own at. Liam works at the law office across the street, having come to town a year ago to escape his past job and relationship. Grace and Liam quickly became friends, but only she seems to want more. Just as things look to be changing, her mother (the tornado) rolls into town threatening everything Grace has worked for. How will things work out?
Grace was a doormat the first half of the book, leading to some anxiety and drama, but she slowly began taking control of her life and it was a joy to cheer her on. Liam seemed a little clueless for a lawyer, but he was sweet and a perfect partner for Grace. It was a quick, clean holiday read that had me cheering out loud at the end.
Grace is the marketing guru at the local art gallery, working for low pay and a hope for eventually showing her own at. Liam works at the law office across the street, having come to town a year ago to escape his past job and relationship. Grace and Liam quickly became friends, but only she seems to want more. Just as things look to be changing, her mother (the tornado) rolls into town threatening everything Grace has worked for. How will things work out?
Grace was a doormat the first half of the book, leading to some anxiety and drama, but she slowly began taking control of her life and it was a joy to cheer her on. Liam seemed a little clueless for a lawyer, but he was sweet and a perfect partner for Grace. It was a quick, clean holiday read that had me cheering out loud at the end.
January 4, 2025
This is a cute, clean Christmas romance.
Grace has been doing secret Santa things, like giving food to those who need it, or gifts for families. She does it under to cover of darkness. She has a good heart and a talent as an artist, if only the owner of the art studio would recognize it. Liam moved back to town about a year ago and hangs with Grace. Could there be more? He's thinking about it when Grace's mom comes into town and throws everything into an upheaval.
This was a really good story with great characters. I definitely love the small town stories. I appreciate the family dynamics and how things aren't always what they seem. The author does a great job of getting the different personalities across. A definite read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grace has been doing secret Santa things, like giving food to those who need it, or gifts for families. She does it under to cover of darkness. She has a good heart and a talent as an artist, if only the owner of the art studio would recognize it. Liam moved back to town about a year ago and hangs with Grace. Could there be more? He's thinking about it when Grace's mom comes into town and throws everything into an upheaval.
This was a really good story with great characters. I definitely love the small town stories. I appreciate the family dynamics and how things aren't always what they seem. The author does a great job of getting the different personalities across. A definite read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 21, 2025
I received a digital copy of this book from Book Sirens, but I was already reading this series, so either way I would have read it. I’ve really enjoyed the Harvest Ranch series. It does seem like there is some duplicates in the book numbers…I’m guessing because there are multiple authors writing at the same time. The books can technically be read as stand alone’s, but the books overlap and intertwine with each other, so I suggest reading it in order. Grace and Liam have both returned to Harvest Ranch from big cities. Liam grew up there, Grace had family there. They have lunch together every day…but they are just friends…even if their family and friends don’t believe them. But then Grace’s mom Charlotte comes to town and stirs up drama. Will Liam & Grace figure out their feelings for each other before it’s too late? You’ll have to read to find out! I read this book in one sitting.
December 6, 2021
Grace is a sweet caring young woman which is totally different from her selfish self-absorbed mother Charlotte who is beautiful. Liam is friends with Grace and they have lunch everyday but he does not want a relationship due to his cheating ex. Grace is also the towns Secret Santa where she goes around leaving gifts for the people in need but Liam has found out her secret. When her mother comes back to town after her fourth marriage falls apart and sets her sights on Liam because he comes from a wealthy family. Her visit almost ruins the relationship between Grace and Liam but when Liam realizes that he may lose Grace he will do anything to win her back. Lovely story with all the good feels that will warm your heart.
December 4, 2022
“Sometimes being in the shadows is easier than stepping into the light, but that doesn’t mean you belong there, pumpkin.”
For those of us who are natural givers, caretakers, that’s a sentiment that resonates to the core of our beings. Because of that, it was all too easy for me to connect with Grace and her self-effacing ways. Even though Liam didn’t always get it right, I loved how he could always see Grace, find her in those shadows she was hiding in. And, perhaps especially when he didn’t get it right, gave her the courage to step out into the light. I love the possibilities the author has set in place for the next books in the series and I can’t wait to read how they turn out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
For those of us who are natural givers, caretakers, that’s a sentiment that resonates to the core of our beings. Because of that, it was all too easy for me to connect with Grace and her self-effacing ways. Even though Liam didn’t always get it right, I loved how he could always see Grace, find her in those shadows she was hiding in. And, perhaps especially when he didn’t get it right, gave her the courage to step out into the light. I love the possibilities the author has set in place for the next books in the series and I can’t wait to read how they turn out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
February 18, 2025
This was an enjoyable book. I really like Grace and Liam together. This is one of those books where you find yourself wanting to shout at the characters to "just talk." Both make some incorrect assumptions about the other person's feelings based on how they perceive the other person's actions.
This is a clean book. There's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. It's really a sweet, clean story about two friends becoming something more. If you like sweet romances, which are really more about the friendship and little acts of service for each other than a bunch of kissing or other physical contact, this story's for you. One thing I really liked about this story is that Grace and Liam's romance is sweet without feeling too cheesy.
This is a clean book. There's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. It's really a sweet, clean story about two friends becoming something more. If you like sweet romances, which are really more about the friendship and little acts of service for each other than a bunch of kissing or other physical contact, this story's for you. One thing I really liked about this story is that Grace and Liam's romance is sweet without feeling too cheesy.
January 2, 2022
Grace and Liam have both come back to the small town they have some family near. He is a lawyer and she is an artist and designer, bringing a lot to the gallery she works in. As a possible relationship starts up, her witch of a mother shows up and wants to be taken care of. Grace decides that she has had enough and sets the rules so she is not being used so much anymore. Liam almost misses the boat because of his backstory. Loved the chemisty and the characters backstories. The storyline is a roller coaster of feelings, situations, surprises, dominant personas and steam. The ending was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2025
Secret Santa’s and Holiday Dances by Ellie Thornton a cute little story about Grace and Liam. Both characters have gone through hard things in their past that make them a little guy shy about jumping into a relationship, so they focus on being great friends. I really enjoyed this clean contemporary romance. This was my first time reading a book from this author. She created a very likable hero and heroine and the villain was definitely easy to dislike. I wish that the novel would have been a little longer so the characters could have been more developed. That being said, it was still very enjoyable. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2025
Sweet and cute romance centered around Christmas and kindness
Grace Montgomery and Liam Nichols are ‘friends’ and while each one is happy with their current relationship, Grace wants more. But she’s afraid to upset their present friendship, and she’s way too timid. Liam has trust and relationship issues, so even though he is attracted to Grace, he’s happy to go along with status quote.
Until Grace’s mother strolls into town and attempts to grab Liam for herself.
The secret Santa is something Grace does because she enjoys making other people feel good.
It’s a sweet story, with a happy ending… but you definitely want to strangle the mother, until Grace stands up for herself.
Grace Montgomery and Liam Nichols are ‘friends’ and while each one is happy with their current relationship, Grace wants more. But she’s afraid to upset their present friendship, and she’s way too timid. Liam has trust and relationship issues, so even though he is attracted to Grace, he’s happy to go along with status quote.
Until Grace’s mother strolls into town and attempts to grab Liam for herself.
The secret Santa is something Grace does because she enjoys making other people feel good.
It’s a sweet story, with a happy ending… but you definitely want to strangle the mother, until Grace stands up for herself.
March 6, 2025
Secret Santas and Holiday Dances ~The Harvest Ranch #20 by Ellie Thornton.
Blurb:
She's his Secret Santa. And he knows it.
Another wonderful romantic story to add to this fabulous series from Ellie.
Beautifully written, has wonderful characters and is a great easy-to-follow holiday romance.
Ellie never fails to impress me, I thoroughly enjoy her books. and do recommend her books. All of her series have strong characters & detailed plots.
A great addition to The Harvest Ranch series, which I recommend to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Blurb:
She's his Secret Santa. And he knows it.
Another wonderful romantic story to add to this fabulous series from Ellie.
Beautifully written, has wonderful characters and is a great easy-to-follow holiday romance.
Ellie never fails to impress me, I thoroughly enjoy her books. and do recommend her books. All of her series have strong characters & detailed plots.
A great addition to The Harvest Ranch series, which I recommend to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
December 4, 2021
Secret Santas bad Holiday Dances
Grace and Liam have a great story. The story involves Grace who has recently moved to Harvest Ranch where she has family and Liam who returned earlier from working in the city to be with his family. They have become friends. When her flighty mom comes into town everything seems to become much more complicated. Can they overcome their past to find a future together? The book could have used one more read through. There were several misspelled words. If you can overlook them, this book is well worth reading.
Grace and Liam have a great story. The story involves Grace who has recently moved to Harvest Ranch where she has family and Liam who returned earlier from working in the city to be with his family. They have become friends. When her flighty mom comes into town everything seems to become much more complicated. Can they overcome their past to find a future together? The book could have used one more read through. There were several misspelled words. If you can overlook them, this book is well worth reading.
May 27, 2024
Another addition to Thornton's Harvest Ranch Romance series and a delightful addition to the series, which can be read as a standalone. Thornton delivers a well written, sweet romance read, perfect for the holiday season. Our main characters are Grace and Liam who are perfect for each other, but someone gets in the way of their seemingly perfect romance. A great read, smooth flowing storyline, sweet, clean romance and a beautiful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2024
necessary
Of course one might argue Grace and Liam are too good to be true and if they just fell in love and lived happily ever after, the story would be boring, so a villain brings the spice to this story. On the other hand I read to escape the sad truth that evil characters often bring severel damage other peoples´ lives and unfortunately often gain the upper hand without receiving punishment for the evil they spread. Well every coin has two sides and if we never experienced something bad, how should we recognizs and appreaciate the good things in life?
Of course one might argue Grace and Liam are too good to be true and if they just fell in love and lived happily ever after, the story would be boring, so a villain brings the spice to this story. On the other hand I read to escape the sad truth that evil characters often bring severel damage other peoples´ lives and unfortunately often gain the upper hand without receiving punishment for the evil they spread. Well every coin has two sides and if we never experienced something bad, how should we recognizs and appreaciate the good things in life?
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