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The Mistletoe Book Club #1
A Sugar Plum Christmas
City girl Lacey Lane scopes out Christmas Mountain for a potential reality dating show location and gets more than she bargains for when feelings spark with small town guy Jacob Curtis who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings.
City girl and former foster child Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces. If the location gets approved for filming then she’ll receive a bonus that will allow her to buy her own house—a forever home after a lifetime of moving from place to place.
Jacob Curtis is a small-town guy who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings. Lacey might think he’s her tour guide, showing her all the best places to film her show, but he has a different agenda: show her all the reasons the town wouldn’t appeal to her TV audience.
Lacey catches on quickly to Jacob’s goal to undermine her research and soon they’re engaging in a dance that takes them from one end of Christmas Mountain to the other. Before long, she’s charmed by the town and its people, including Jacob, who is funny, heartfelt, and honest. For once in her life, she’s slowing down long enough to focus on things other than her career.
But when it’s clear Lacey and Jacob have developed feelings for one another, Lacey is torn. Regardless of where the show is filmed, will she return to the city to buy her dream house? Or will she stay in Christmas Mountain and make a home with the man of her dreams?
City girl and former foster child Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces. If the location gets approved for filming then she’ll receive a bonus that will allow her to buy her own house—a forever home after a lifetime of moving from place to place.
Jacob Curtis is a small-town guy who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings. Lacey might think he’s her tour guide, showing her all the best places to film her show, but he has a different agenda: show her all the reasons the town wouldn’t appeal to her TV audience.
Lacey catches on quickly to Jacob’s goal to undermine her research and soon they’re engaging in a dance that takes them from one end of Christmas Mountain to the other. Before long, she’s charmed by the town and its people, including Jacob, who is funny, heartfelt, and honest. For once in her life, she’s slowing down long enough to focus on things other than her career.
But when it’s clear Lacey and Jacob have developed feelings for one another, Lacey is torn. Regardless of where the show is filmed, will she return to the city to buy her dream house? Or will she stay in Christmas Mountain and make a home with the man of her dreams?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2020
413 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hatler
100 books968 followersSUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 8, 2021
This book would make the perfect Christmas rom-com movie. The small town of Christmas Mountain, all the quaint shops with the Christmas names, the town traditions like the Sharing Tree, an adorable, sometimes clumsy, somewhat overworked leading lady, and a handsome leading man who makes handmade wooden ornaments (swoon).
From the meet-cute of Lacey knocking Jacob off of a ladder into some poinsettias to the heart-melting ending I loved this book. Lacey is sweet and hard working. She's worked hard to get the job she has on the reality show Fourteen Day Till Forever, and she wants the upcoming season to be the best ever. Lacey needs the bonus to buy her own place--something that's important to her since she spent so much time bouncing around in foster care. Lacey immediately falls in love with Christmas Mountain, who wouldn't? It sounds beautiful and quaint, and except for all the snow (I'm a born and raised deep south girl), I'd love it too. I could warm up with hot chocolate from Jingle Bells Bakery or Prancer’s Pancake House.
Can we talk about Jacob? Making hand-crafted sleds, wooden ornaments, showing Lacey around town and explaining traditions to her, helping Lacey with her ice skates, helping his sister find a dog that constantly runs away. The man is so kind and sweet. He wants a forever love like his parents and grandparents had.
Lacey's boss was over the top, as were his ideas for the show, but since his part was kind of small it didn't detract from the story for me. This is part of a series of Christmas books, but can be read as a standalone. I havent' read them all yet, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Hatco via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
From the meet-cute of Lacey knocking Jacob off of a ladder into some poinsettias to the heart-melting ending I loved this book. Lacey is sweet and hard working. She's worked hard to get the job she has on the reality show Fourteen Day Till Forever, and she wants the upcoming season to be the best ever. Lacey needs the bonus to buy her own place--something that's important to her since she spent so much time bouncing around in foster care. Lacey immediately falls in love with Christmas Mountain, who wouldn't? It sounds beautiful and quaint, and except for all the snow (I'm a born and raised deep south girl), I'd love it too. I could warm up with hot chocolate from Jingle Bells Bakery or Prancer’s Pancake House.
Can we talk about Jacob? Making hand-crafted sleds, wooden ornaments, showing Lacey around town and explaining traditions to her, helping Lacey with her ice skates, helping his sister find a dog that constantly runs away. The man is so kind and sweet. He wants a forever love like his parents and grandparents had.
Lacey's boss was over the top, as were his ideas for the show, but since his part was kind of small it didn't detract from the story for me. This is part of a series of Christmas books, but can be read as a standalone. I havent' read them all yet, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Hatco via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 1, 2025
Este libro es exactamente lo que esperas de un romance navideño, ni más ni menos 🎄✨. Chica de ciudad estresada que decide escaparse a un pueblito donde el aire huele a canela, nieve recién caída y espíritu navideño embotellado; entra en escena el gran cliché: el hombre más guapo, amable y misteriosamente soltero del pueblo, al que todos adoran como si fuera una mezcla entre Santa y Ryan Gosling.
Ella llega, todos la reciben como si fuera la mismísima reina de Inglaterra, y claro, en cuestión de páginas ya está decorando árboles, horneando galletas y cuestionándose su vida entera porque sorpresa, quizá la felicidad no estaba en la gran ciudad sino en este pueblito con luces colgantes y un granero de fondo 🎁💫.
Es bonito, sí. Es cozy, también. Pero siendo honestos, desde el título ya sabes exactamente cómo va a terminar, así que no hay mucho espacio para el suspenso. Un libro que se disfruta con una mantita y un chocolate caliente, pero que no pasa de las 3 estrellas porque, bueno, ya lo hemos leído mil veces ☕🎅💋.
Ella llega, todos la reciben como si fuera la mismísima reina de Inglaterra, y claro, en cuestión de páginas ya está decorando árboles, horneando galletas y cuestionándose su vida entera porque sorpresa, quizá la felicidad no estaba en la gran ciudad sino en este pueblito con luces colgantes y un granero de fondo 🎁💫.
Es bonito, sí. Es cozy, también. Pero siendo honestos, desde el título ya sabes exactamente cómo va a terminar, así que no hay mucho espacio para el suspenso. Un libro que se disfruta con una mantita y un chocolate caliente, pero que no pasa de las 3 estrellas porque, bueno, ya lo hemos leído mil veces ☕🎅💋.
December 15, 2020
A quaint small town, engaging characters,romance and sweet moments make for a perfect Christmas read.
My first book in this series and I had no problem reading it as a standalone read.
I really enjoyed getting to know Lacey Lane and Jacob Curtis. They are just so perfect together.
A Sugar Plum Christmas is a heartwarming Christmas story that will put you in the spirit of the holiday season.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
My first book in this series and I had no problem reading it as a standalone read.
I really enjoyed getting to know Lacey Lane and Jacob Curtis. They are just so perfect together.
A Sugar Plum Christmas is a heartwarming Christmas story that will put you in the spirit of the holiday season.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 10, 2023
This small town holiday romance has all the sweet and homey vibes.
Lacey is in town scouting out the next reality tv romance location and little does she know, her heart is in for a surprise when Jacob shows her around. Jacob and Lacey are such fun characters and it was sweet to dive into the reasons they are who they are.
I loved the big city meets small town characters. I loved the charm Christmas Mountain has to offer. And I especially loved the feeling of connection between its residents and the main characters. Rooted in traditions, there is so much to offer. The Christmassy names of all the businesses and the cozy sentiments were the cream on the rich hot chocolate goodness of the story.
I loved this charming Christmas romance!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Lacey is in town scouting out the next reality tv romance location and little does she know, her heart is in for a surprise when Jacob shows her around. Jacob and Lacey are such fun characters and it was sweet to dive into the reasons they are who they are.
I loved the big city meets small town characters. I loved the charm Christmas Mountain has to offer. And I especially loved the feeling of connection between its residents and the main characters. Rooted in traditions, there is so much to offer. The Christmassy names of all the businesses and the cozy sentiments were the cream on the rich hot chocolate goodness of the story.
I loved this charming Christmas romance!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
February 12, 2023
This is such a charming Christmas read! Lacey and Jacob were so cute. Their initial meeting was pretty funny and I loved how Lacey saw it from her tv producer eye. She's a producer for a dating/falling in love tv series and has come to Christmas Mountain to scout it out to use it for filming the next season of her tv show there.
I love this charming town and all of the residents who live there. Especially a woodworking, inn helping handyman named Jacob. They are just so sweet and I loved the chemistry that was jumping off the pages with them. I loved all of their adventures as Jacob took Lacey around the town for a tour and to help her find just the right places she's needing.
I loved the sense of community and how this lovely community welcomed Lacey in with open arms. Several of the characters were from previous books in this series and I loved being reminded of their stories that I've read previously. Definitely a fun Hallmark-y book series that anyone who is wanting sweet and clean, small town, charming and fun characters, will enjoy!!!
Content: Clean. Just a few sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I love this charming town and all of the residents who live there. Especially a woodworking, inn helping handyman named Jacob. They are just so sweet and I loved the chemistry that was jumping off the pages with them. I loved all of their adventures as Jacob took Lacey around the town for a tour and to help her find just the right places she's needing.
I loved the sense of community and how this lovely community welcomed Lacey in with open arms. Several of the characters were from previous books in this series and I loved being reminded of their stories that I've read previously. Definitely a fun Hallmark-y book series that anyone who is wanting sweet and clean, small town, charming and fun characters, will enjoy!!!
Content: Clean. Just a few sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Want to read
July 15, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
December 9, 2024
Cozy Wintertime Montana Romance Novella
4.25/5 Stars
I get into different moods when choosing what sometimes I want drama and heartbreaking angst but sometimes I want an sweet romance between two people from different worlds who find each other. This novella appealed my my Cozy, wintertime sweet 📚 romance reading side. Little to no drama, clean romance, sweet cinnamon roll hero that's Gung ho on convincing the heroine to stay in his world.
Lacey is a nyc based TV producer scouting out a location for a reality tv show in Christmas Mountain Montana. She meets Jacob and his sister the first day she's staying in Sugar Plum Inn. Jacob is eager to show her around town and to steal her ❤️ heart.
I highly recommend reading this book for a Cozy winter romance.
4.25/5 Stars
I get into different moods when choosing what sometimes I want drama and heartbreaking angst but sometimes I want an sweet romance between two people from different worlds who find each other. This novella appealed my my Cozy, wintertime sweet 📚 romance reading side. Little to no drama, clean romance, sweet cinnamon roll hero that's Gung ho on convincing the heroine to stay in his world.
Lacey is a nyc based TV producer scouting out a location for a reality tv show in Christmas Mountain Montana. She meets Jacob and his sister the first day she's staying in Sugar Plum Inn. Jacob is eager to show her around town and to steal her ❤️ heart.
I highly recommend reading this book for a Cozy winter romance.
December 21, 2023
Cosa c'è di peggio di un chick-lit mediocre? Un chick-lit mediocre tradotto male e letto così così. Che già mi chiedo come sia venuto in mente di metterlo in audiolibro. Ho perso il conto di quante volte ho sentito "uno sguardo in tralice", che tra l'altro non è nemmeno un'espressione così comune da usare. Forse un dizionario dei sinonimi sarebbe stato utile.
La storia in sé poi è la banalità assoluta, ma quello per carità, è il meno, non è che mi aspettassi grandi cose. Però nel complesso, mamma mia che pena!
La storia in sé poi è la banalità assoluta, ma quello per carità, è il meno, non è che mi aspettassi grandi cose. Però nel complesso, mamma mia che pena!
December 9, 2025
2.5-3⭐️
Dnf-ed unfortunately.
Just too much focus on the physical attraction... Only knowing each other a day and it seems they can't stop brushing against each other or holding hands🫤 maybe it was just the audio book narrator, but anyway.... will not be finishing. The story is very interesting, just something about the attraction turned me off...
Dnf-ed unfortunately.
Just too much focus on the physical attraction... Only knowing each other a day and it seems they can't stop brushing against each other or holding hands🫤 maybe it was just the audio book narrator, but anyway.... will not be finishing. The story is very interesting, just something about the attraction turned me off...
December 14, 2020
A Sugar Plum Christmas has all the elements of a fun rom-com. The quaint small town (which just happens to be called Christmas), snow, the businesses named after Christmas icons, holiday decorations, a meet-cute where Lacey has Jacob falling for her - literally, and lots of swoony moments. Add to that their attraction and the conflict - Jacob loves his small town, and Lacey is trying to bring a big change to it and then go back to New York.
I loved Jacob and his beautiful woodworking. He was such a kind hero, continually thinking about Lacey and showing her kindness. I melted when he knelt to help her put on her ice skates. And the moment at the sharing tree - his thoughtfulness. I could go and on about him. Oh, and how can I leave out the fact that Jacob has been waiting his whole life to find the same kind of lasting love his grandparents and parents shared?
Lacey's boss was a little over-the-top, and I thought his suggestions were not realistic, even for his type of character. However, he fit the story and made for needed conflict.. :-)
A Sugar Plum Christmas stands alone though if you have read others in the Christmas Mountain series, you will recognize characters from them. Readers who enjoy small-town romances will enjoy this one also.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I loved Jacob and his beautiful woodworking. He was such a kind hero, continually thinking about Lacey and showing her kindness. I melted when he knelt to help her put on her ice skates. And the moment at the sharing tree - his thoughtfulness. I could go and on about him. Oh, and how can I leave out the fact that Jacob has been waiting his whole life to find the same kind of lasting love his grandparents and parents shared?
Lacey's boss was a little over-the-top, and I thought his suggestions were not realistic, even for his type of character. However, he fit the story and made for needed conflict.. :-)
A Sugar Plum Christmas stands alone though if you have read others in the Christmas Mountain series, you will recognize characters from them. Readers who enjoy small-town romances will enjoy this one also.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2020
A Sugar Plum Christmas by Susan Hatler
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction
Release Date: December 14, 2020
A Sugar Plum Christmas is the eighth book in the Christmas Mountain series by Susan Hatler. I had not read any of the previous books, but I was able to jump right in and not feel like I was missing anything. While this is the first book I've read by the author, I know it won't be the last!
This is the perfect Christmas romance book! I already told my husband that we are moving to Christmas Mountain so I can experience that magic every day!
This book should be a Hallmark Christmas movie! I loved the characters and the small town traditions. The story was beautiful and brought me such joy. I love the sweetness of this book and the self-discovery journey that Lacey went on. This book truly captured the spirit of Christmas magic and the power of love and community.
I look forward to reading the previous books in the series (thank you Kindle Unlimited) and any future books that are on the way! I couldn't get enough of this book! This is a fast read and so worth it! There will definitely be a series binge in my very near future!
I'm so grateful to Susan Hatler, Hatco Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction
Release Date: December 14, 2020
A Sugar Plum Christmas is the eighth book in the Christmas Mountain series by Susan Hatler. I had not read any of the previous books, but I was able to jump right in and not feel like I was missing anything. While this is the first book I've read by the author, I know it won't be the last!
This is the perfect Christmas romance book! I already told my husband that we are moving to Christmas Mountain so I can experience that magic every day!
This book should be a Hallmark Christmas movie! I loved the characters and the small town traditions. The story was beautiful and brought me such joy. I love the sweetness of this book and the self-discovery journey that Lacey went on. This book truly captured the spirit of Christmas magic and the power of love and community.
I look forward to reading the previous books in the series (thank you Kindle Unlimited) and any future books that are on the way! I couldn't get enough of this book! This is a fast read and so worth it! There will definitely be a series binge in my very near future!
I'm so grateful to Susan Hatler, Hatco Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2020
I’m not sure there is a nasty bone in Lacey Lane’s body. She is a hoot – sweet and kind as well. She arrives in Christmas Mountain to scout for a television series shoot, from New York City, and is just swept off her feet at the first sight of the town. I mean, she’s staying at the Sugar Plum Inn, has a treat from Jingle Bells Bakery, pancakes at Prancer’s Pancake House – she is in heaven!
Her meet-cute with local Jacob Curtis is a riot and he plays a big part in her stay in town. You aren’t quite sure what his agenda is with showing Lacey around but his motivations are true, as it turns out.
We get to “visit” with characters from previous books in the series and while I always enjoy knowing the town and its residents, this story is a standalone.
Even though they are very different characters, I really loved these two. SO sweet! Lacey has had it tough in life but she keeps plugging away at what she thinks is her HEA in life. And Jacob…not sure I’ve read a “truer” character. His family rally behind him and Lacy so it makes this story a wonderfully heartwarming one, especially helping me to believe in the spirit of Christmas.
Her meet-cute with local Jacob Curtis is a riot and he plays a big part in her stay in town. You aren’t quite sure what his agenda is with showing Lacey around but his motivations are true, as it turns out.
We get to “visit” with characters from previous books in the series and while I always enjoy knowing the town and its residents, this story is a standalone.
Even though they are very different characters, I really loved these two. SO sweet! Lacey has had it tough in life but she keeps plugging away at what she thinks is her HEA in life. And Jacob…not sure I’ve read a “truer” character. His family rally behind him and Lacy so it makes this story a wonderfully heartwarming one, especially helping me to believe in the spirit of Christmas.
December 14, 2020
As a former foster child, a permanent home very important to Laney. She has found this terrific little town to be the backdrop for the television show she produces. Once she gets the green light, she will have enough money to buy a home for herself. The town is terrific, and there are no problems with this plan.
Until there are problems with her plan. Jacob sees that Laney is too busy and focused on details to see what is happening right in front of her. He is determined to show Laney a better way of doing things. Laney is coming around to his point of view, but she is going to have to give up her dream to listen to Jacob.
Christmas Mountain is a terrific town with great people. I really enjoyed watching Laney and Jacob fall in love while touring places that I am already familiar with from previous books. Characters from before make cameos, and that is fun, too. Jacob and Laney have great chemistry and fun banter. I read this book with a smile on my face!
Until there are problems with her plan. Jacob sees that Laney is too busy and focused on details to see what is happening right in front of her. He is determined to show Laney a better way of doing things. Laney is coming around to his point of view, but she is going to have to give up her dream to listen to Jacob.
Christmas Mountain is a terrific town with great people. I really enjoyed watching Laney and Jacob fall in love while touring places that I am already familiar with from previous books. Characters from before make cameos, and that is fun, too. Jacob and Laney have great chemistry and fun banter. I read this book with a smile on my face!
January 8, 2023
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was an amazing story. The characters had so much feeling. They grew throughout the story. They were the best versions of themselves together. The story had a great ending and hit hard with lots of emotion. The writing style was amazing. It really captured my attention and then didn’t let me go until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The story follows Lacey. She’s going to Christmas Mountain for the next two weeks to look around. She wants to use it as the set of the next season on the dating show that she runs. She meets Jacob when she runs into him. He is the innkeeper’s son. They both develop feelings for each other but Lacey doesn’t know whether to choose her job or Jacob.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
This was an amazing story. The characters had so much feeling. They grew throughout the story. They were the best versions of themselves together. The story had a great ending and hit hard with lots of emotion. The writing style was amazing. It really captured my attention and then didn’t let me go until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The story follows Lacey. She’s going to Christmas Mountain for the next two weeks to look around. She wants to use it as the set of the next season on the dating show that she runs. She meets Jacob when she runs into him. He is the innkeeper’s son. They both develop feelings for each other but Lacey doesn’t know whether to choose her job or Jacob.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
December 31, 2020
This sweet story reminded me of one of my daughter's favorite Hallmark movies. Big town girl comes to small quaint town looking to make changes, but falls in love with the town instead. I have read several books lately with either an orphan or someone raised in the foster system. It's interesting how they all have the same struggle, trying to find a home by working hard to prove they can succeed. Lacey definitely struggles with this. I love how Jacob just quietly tries to show her how loved and wonderful she is. This was a sweet story in a wonderful town.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley but this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley but this is my honest review.
January 16, 2021
Lacey is an assistant producer from New York for a reality dating show and she is in Christmas Mountain checking to see if it could possibly be the location for the next show to film. Jacob’s family owned the Sugar Plum Inn in Christmas Mountain. When Jacob first saw Lacey he literally fell for her in more ways than one and that started the fun and exciting romance between Jacob and Lacey as they experienced love while facing her painful past, loneliness, overwhelming pressure from work, jealousy and definitely love as they tour the streets and sites of Christmas Mountain.
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 14, 2020
Other than getting the job title of the female lead completely wrong, it was a great story. (The person with her job description is the location manager; her boss is either the producer or director, or the assistant to one of them.)
The characters were well done; the dialogue great. The romance swoon-worthy.
Both the town and it's inhabitants are charming.
The characters were well done; the dialogue great. The romance swoon-worthy.
Both the town and it's inhabitants are charming.
December 15, 2024
It was... Ok... It wasn't a terrible book, I'm not a fan of insta-love and I found the fmc to be just meh.
December 18, 2024
Another cute Hallmark-y read. Loved how welcoming the small town was to Lacey!
December 17, 2024
Such a cute story, loved Lacey, looking forward to reading more by this author!
January 10, 2025
It was a fun, cozy, easy, predictable read about a city girl coming to a small town (and finds love). It was an okay book that’s nice to read during winter season!
October 5, 2021
This is book eight of the Christmas Mountain Clean Romance series and the main characters are Lacey Lane and Jacob Curtis. Lacey has come to the small town of Christmas Mountain to scout out locations for the next series of the reality TV show she produces, after one of her city friends moved there a year ago and fell in love with the place. She thinks it would make the perfect change from all the sea, sand and everything else, where the previous three series have been set and show off the quaint nature of this very special town, especially at this time of year with all the snow and decoration. Nearly every business is named with a Christmas theme and even the hotel she is staying in for the next two weeks is called the Sugar Plum Inn! If her idea for a location gets chosen, then she will finally be able to put down a deposit on a home of her own, something she never had growing up in foster care and constantly moving around. Jacob loves his town and never wants to leave it, but is also on the lookout for the kind of love his parents have. He helps out run the family inn, where Lacey is staying and she ends up knocking him off a ladder in her desperation for coffee when she first arrives, whilst also trying to show her boss Mel what the town looks like.
His sister was supposed to give Lacey a tour of the town, but has to try and find a large dog called Ribbons, who is an escape artist. Jacob ends up doing the tour and makes quite plain all of his negative thoughts about the show coming to his town and how it would ruin what makes the place so special. There are lots of places to show her and some have a very traditional place in the town’s heart and traditions. The Sharing Tree and Kissing Bench up by the Falls are perhaps the most famous and well visited by locals and visitors. Lacey finds herself starting to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life in the town that Jacob is trying to get her to notice, whilst flirting and joking with her. As she peruses the various shops, she finds other hints of what sort of a man Jacob is, as she finds evidence of other things he makes and helps out with. She is falling for him, but she is only there for a short time and it seems wrong to start any sort of relationship. She has a huge decision to make and it could either break her dream of finally having a home in the city that she has always dreamed of and a job she loves, or give all that up to have a more relaxed way of life with a man she realises she is in love with, in this small town. Huge decisions to ponder and the sudden appearance of her over the top boss Mel in town, throws everything in the spinner, as his ideas for everything will change the small town forever and not in a good way! Will she chance getting fired by disagreeing with everything in his vision for the show, or risk alienating the man she loves and the townsfolk who have become her friends? A few surprises at the end, in a lovely story of a town where every day reminds you of Christmas and where everyone would help another, in the drop of a hat. Romance blossoms and the story has a HEA ending. I just wish I had read all of the previous books in the series now! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the books above.
His sister was supposed to give Lacey a tour of the town, but has to try and find a large dog called Ribbons, who is an escape artist. Jacob ends up doing the tour and makes quite plain all of his negative thoughts about the show coming to his town and how it would ruin what makes the place so special. There are lots of places to show her and some have a very traditional place in the town’s heart and traditions. The Sharing Tree and Kissing Bench up by the Falls are perhaps the most famous and well visited by locals and visitors. Lacey finds herself starting to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life in the town that Jacob is trying to get her to notice, whilst flirting and joking with her. As she peruses the various shops, she finds other hints of what sort of a man Jacob is, as she finds evidence of other things he makes and helps out with. She is falling for him, but she is only there for a short time and it seems wrong to start any sort of relationship. She has a huge decision to make and it could either break her dream of finally having a home in the city that she has always dreamed of and a job she loves, or give all that up to have a more relaxed way of life with a man she realises she is in love with, in this small town. Huge decisions to ponder and the sudden appearance of her over the top boss Mel in town, throws everything in the spinner, as his ideas for everything will change the small town forever and not in a good way! Will she chance getting fired by disagreeing with everything in his vision for the show, or risk alienating the man she loves and the townsfolk who have become her friends? A few surprises at the end, in a lovely story of a town where every day reminds you of Christmas and where everyone would help another, in the drop of a hat. Romance blossoms and the story has a HEA ending. I just wish I had read all of the previous books in the series now! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the books above.
December 14, 2020
Cute, Christmassy romance.
By the end of this book, I had fallen in love with Christmas Mountain. I could picture this magical town in my mind's eye and I don’t usually do that. I honestly could imagine this book as a Christmas movie.
My reason for four stars is that it was a little corny at the start with the way Lacey described how she was feeling and that as a short book of only 177 pages we didn’t get to know the characters as much as I would have liked. I would have been more than happy to spend a few more hours and pages in this lovely setting.
There are more books in this series by Susan Hatler on Kindle Unlimited. I will definitely pick these up and continue reading about the other characters we met in this story, and spend some more time imagining myself wandering around Christmas Mountain. Therefore I recommend this book to those who want to while away some time exploring a beautiful place and finish with a smile on their face.
- Blurb from the publisher, as they do it best -
City girl and former foster child Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces. If the location gets approved for filming then she’ll receive a bonus that will allow her to buy her own house—a forever home after a lifetime of moving from place to place.
Jacob Curtis is a small-town guy who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings. Lacey might think he’s her tour guide, showing her all the best places to film her show, but he has a different agenda: show her all the reasons the town wouldn’t appeal to her TV audience.
Lacey catches on quickly to Jacob’s goal to undermine her research and soon they’re engaging in a dance that takes them from one end of Christmas Mountain to the other. Before long, she’s charmed by the town and its people, including Jacob, who is funny, heartfelt, and honest. For once in her life, she’s slowing down long enough to focus on things other than her career.
But when it’s clear Lacey and Jacob have developed feelings for one another, Lacey is torn. Regardless of where the show is filmed, will she return to the city to buy her dream house? Or will she stay in Christmas Mountain and make a home with the man of her dreams?
Thank you to NetGalley & Hatco Publishing for an advance copy.
#ASugarPlumChristmas #NetGalley # HatcoPublishing #BubblyBookReviewer
By the end of this book, I had fallen in love with Christmas Mountain. I could picture this magical town in my mind's eye and I don’t usually do that. I honestly could imagine this book as a Christmas movie.
My reason for four stars is that it was a little corny at the start with the way Lacey described how she was feeling and that as a short book of only 177 pages we didn’t get to know the characters as much as I would have liked. I would have been more than happy to spend a few more hours and pages in this lovely setting.
There are more books in this series by Susan Hatler on Kindle Unlimited. I will definitely pick these up and continue reading about the other characters we met in this story, and spend some more time imagining myself wandering around Christmas Mountain. Therefore I recommend this book to those who want to while away some time exploring a beautiful place and finish with a smile on their face.
- Blurb from the publisher, as they do it best -
City girl and former foster child Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces. If the location gets approved for filming then she’ll receive a bonus that will allow her to buy her own house—a forever home after a lifetime of moving from place to place.
Jacob Curtis is a small-town guy who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings. Lacey might think he’s her tour guide, showing her all the best places to film her show, but he has a different agenda: show her all the reasons the town wouldn’t appeal to her TV audience.
Lacey catches on quickly to Jacob’s goal to undermine her research and soon they’re engaging in a dance that takes them from one end of Christmas Mountain to the other. Before long, she’s charmed by the town and its people, including Jacob, who is funny, heartfelt, and honest. For once in her life, she’s slowing down long enough to focus on things other than her career.
But when it’s clear Lacey and Jacob have developed feelings for one another, Lacey is torn. Regardless of where the show is filmed, will she return to the city to buy her dream house? Or will she stay in Christmas Mountain and make a home with the man of her dreams?
Thank you to NetGalley & Hatco Publishing for an advance copy.
#ASugarPlumChristmas #NetGalley # HatcoPublishing #BubblyBookReviewer
January 6, 2021
Let me start off by saying something I didn’t realize at the onset of this story. A Sugar Plum Christmas is actually book EIGHT in the Christmas Mountain series. However, this is easily read as a standalone and is a lovely little dollop of holiday sweetness that you can chomp on long after your cookies are gone.
Basically A Sugar Plum Christmas is a Hallmark movie that stepped out of your TV and onto a page. The entire town embraces their name, Christmas Mountain, and all the businesses behave accordingly by giving all their businesses Christmas themed names. This… got a little corny after a while, but… so do Hallmark movies if we are being honest. And that is kind of the draw, right? Losing yourself in something wholly impossible and excessively cheesy, but sweet and romantic to make you forget the reality that is the news and current world events. It’s called escapism and you can’t help but appreciate a little cheese with your fantasy.
Although this is a clean and wholesome read you can easily see the chemistry between Lacey and Jacob when the big city foster child with some serious baggage meets the small town loving soul who doesn’t want to see the town he loves exploited for TV ratings. I honestly can’t blame Lacey. If I had a highly competitive producer position like her and I stumbled across an idyllic locale like Christmas Mountain as a possibility for a reality dating show, I would jump all over it too. But Jacob’s protectiveness and concerns that his beloved hometown will be victim to big city executives is valid and wholly endearing. Especially when he uses his de facto job as “tour guide” as a way to deter her from choosing Christmas Mountain for the show which leads to SEVERAL hysterical moments that made me literally LOL.
As much as this book met my personal requirements for the label “romcom,” there was that story long worry. Will they be more than just a fling when she lives a far different life than his? Who is going to compromise and can it really work?
Never fear, Ms. Hatler ties this story up with a beautiful, red glitter, bow that leaves you with that gloriously contented feeling that only comes from a decadent holiday meal or a fully satisfying HEA.
Basically A Sugar Plum Christmas is a Hallmark movie that stepped out of your TV and onto a page. The entire town embraces their name, Christmas Mountain, and all the businesses behave accordingly by giving all their businesses Christmas themed names. This… got a little corny after a while, but… so do Hallmark movies if we are being honest. And that is kind of the draw, right? Losing yourself in something wholly impossible and excessively cheesy, but sweet and romantic to make you forget the reality that is the news and current world events. It’s called escapism and you can’t help but appreciate a little cheese with your fantasy.
Although this is a clean and wholesome read you can easily see the chemistry between Lacey and Jacob when the big city foster child with some serious baggage meets the small town loving soul who doesn’t want to see the town he loves exploited for TV ratings. I honestly can’t blame Lacey. If I had a highly competitive producer position like her and I stumbled across an idyllic locale like Christmas Mountain as a possibility for a reality dating show, I would jump all over it too. But Jacob’s protectiveness and concerns that his beloved hometown will be victim to big city executives is valid and wholly endearing. Especially when he uses his de facto job as “tour guide” as a way to deter her from choosing Christmas Mountain for the show which leads to SEVERAL hysterical moments that made me literally LOL.
As much as this book met my personal requirements for the label “romcom,” there was that story long worry. Will they be more than just a fling when she lives a far different life than his? Who is going to compromise and can it really work?
Never fear, Ms. Hatler ties this story up with a beautiful, red glitter, bow that leaves you with that gloriously contented feeling that only comes from a decadent holiday meal or a fully satisfying HEA.
May 18, 2021
Looking for a quick little Christmas read, I stumbled upon this holiday romance, rom-com. Popular right now to introduce the main character as a foster child, fiercely independent, unattached and staying that way. She is excited about her scouting trip to beautiful little Christmas Mountain to find the sites and scene settings for their fourth season of her reality romance TV show series.
Descriptions of the little town and the friendly people certainly bring that small home town nostalgia to focus, imagining the little shops, their decorations, smells, sounds, and lights. Meeting the townspeople, contending with the temperatures and snow and learning about their traditions is sweet.
Of course it wouldn’t be complete unless she stumbled, literally, into the fella who’ll become the romantic interest. And actually, seems she stumbles quite often. She’s just clumsy. He’s gorgeous, unattached, and talented with his wooden projects, loves his family and his small town.
Totally enjoyed the interruption to the love fest when the boss from New York showed up. All right! A little conflict! (As if a cross country romance isn’t conflict enough.)
My first romp with the series and the author. Those who are fans of small town romances will greatly enjoy and those like myself will have no problem reading as a standalone. 3.5/5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
Read my review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Descriptions of the little town and the friendly people certainly bring that small home town nostalgia to focus, imagining the little shops, their decorations, smells, sounds, and lights. Meeting the townspeople, contending with the temperatures and snow and learning about their traditions is sweet.
Of course it wouldn’t be complete unless she stumbled, literally, into the fella who’ll become the romantic interest. And actually, seems she stumbles quite often. She’s just clumsy. He’s gorgeous, unattached, and talented with his wooden projects, loves his family and his small town.
Totally enjoyed the interruption to the love fest when the boss from New York showed up. All right! A little conflict! (As if a cross country romance isn’t conflict enough.)
My first romp with the series and the author. Those who are fans of small town romances will greatly enjoy and those like myself will have no problem reading as a standalone. 3.5/5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
Read my review on Rosepoint Publishing.
December 15, 2020
Lacey Lane lives in the city, a former foster child who had no “forever home” to call her own. So this project is really special for her. If they approve the location she selects for a popular reality dating show she produces, she will be given a bonus and has plans to buy her own home with the money.
Jacob Curtis loves his hometown on Christmas Mountain and wants no part of these big-shots exploiting Christmas Mountain for their ratings. So Jacob will be taking Lacey around to the different places she might choose but making sure he focuses on why this would be a good spot for her TV audience. Lacey is a smart young woman and realizes what he is going. But as he shows her around, she is falling in love with the charming town and the people she meets. Even Jacob has a great sense of humor, kindness, and thoughtfulness, and she sees his underlying enthusiasm and love for this community.
By the time these two have started to realize their attraction, Lacey is struggling with her decision. No matter where they film the show, could she stay with Jacob on Christmas Mountain? Dreams aren’t limited to the city, and she can think of no better place to make a family and a life than right here with the man she loves.
Jacob Curtis loves his hometown on Christmas Mountain and wants no part of these big-shots exploiting Christmas Mountain for their ratings. So Jacob will be taking Lacey around to the different places she might choose but making sure he focuses on why this would be a good spot for her TV audience. Lacey is a smart young woman and realizes what he is going. But as he shows her around, she is falling in love with the charming town and the people she meets. Even Jacob has a great sense of humor, kindness, and thoughtfulness, and she sees his underlying enthusiasm and love for this community.
By the time these two have started to realize their attraction, Lacey is struggling with her decision. No matter where they film the show, could she stay with Jacob on Christmas Mountain? Dreams aren’t limited to the city, and she can think of no better place to make a family and a life than right here with the man she loves.
January 3, 2021
Christmas Romance
Lacey arrives in Christmas Mountain a small quaint town in Montana. She is scoping it out for a reality TV show. As she is walking in the snow in her high heels, looking at her phone, she knocks the most gorgeous guy off a ladder into a pot of poinsettia's. He is Jacob the son of the owner's of the Sugar Plum Inn where she will be staying the next two weeks.
He is her tour guide for the town of Christmas Mountain. As she tries to find reasons to shoot her next reality film in this town he discourages her at every turn because he doesn't want his town exploited on TV. As the explore the town they develop feeling for each other, but how can it work she lives in New York City, he lives in Montana.
How will the story turn out? Will Lacey give up her career for Jacob? Will Jacob follow her to New York? Is it just a short fling in a small town? All questions will be answered in this delightful Christmas story.
I really liked this story, a lot of Christmas in the air, warm hospitality, some humor and a bit of romance. Good clean reading and a delightful story.
Thanks to Susan Hatler, Hatco Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this cheery Christmas story in return for an honest review.
Lacey arrives in Christmas Mountain a small quaint town in Montana. She is scoping it out for a reality TV show. As she is walking in the snow in her high heels, looking at her phone, she knocks the most gorgeous guy off a ladder into a pot of poinsettia's. He is Jacob the son of the owner's of the Sugar Plum Inn where she will be staying the next two weeks.
He is her tour guide for the town of Christmas Mountain. As she tries to find reasons to shoot her next reality film in this town he discourages her at every turn because he doesn't want his town exploited on TV. As the explore the town they develop feeling for each other, but how can it work she lives in New York City, he lives in Montana.
How will the story turn out? Will Lacey give up her career for Jacob? Will Jacob follow her to New York? Is it just a short fling in a small town? All questions will be answered in this delightful Christmas story.
I really liked this story, a lot of Christmas in the air, warm hospitality, some humor and a bit of romance. Good clean reading and a delightful story.
Thanks to Susan Hatler, Hatco Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this cheery Christmas story in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2021
'A Sugar Plum Christmas' by Susan Hatler is the eighth book in the multi-author Christmas Mountain Clean Romance series and may be read as a standalone. Every story has sexy heros, fierce heroines, and interesting situations.
This book tells the story of Lacey, a reality show producer, and Jacob, is a local of Christmas Mountain and gives tours of the town. Lacey goes to Christmas Mountain to check and see if it might work for one of her reality Christmas shows next year and also to visit her good friend Carol. Jacob works at the inn were Lacey is staying and overhears her plans. Jacob doesn't want a bunch of TV people exploiting his town. He decides to give her a special tour of the town a in hopes of changing her mind.
Ms. Hatler has written a great addition to the series. The book is well written with great characters, interesting plots, and wonderful dialogue. The connection between Lacey and Jacob is sweet and funny. The story has laughs, secrets, family issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed these books and recommend them to anyone who likes some Christmas with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book tells the story of Lacey, a reality show producer, and Jacob, is a local of Christmas Mountain and gives tours of the town. Lacey goes to Christmas Mountain to check and see if it might work for one of her reality Christmas shows next year and also to visit her good friend Carol. Jacob works at the inn were Lacey is staying and overhears her plans. Jacob doesn't want a bunch of TV people exploiting his town. He decides to give her a special tour of the town a in hopes of changing her mind.
Ms. Hatler has written a great addition to the series. The book is well written with great characters, interesting plots, and wonderful dialogue. The connection between Lacey and Jacob is sweet and funny. The story has laughs, secrets, family issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed these books and recommend them to anyone who likes some Christmas with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2020
I received an ARC from Hatco Publishing for an honest review. Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces. The first thing she does when she arrives is knocked Jacob Curtis off the ladder he was on to change a bulb into a pot of poinsettias. This book made me chuckle, made me feel such joy, and I could feel the magic in Christmas Mountain. Lacey grew up in the foster care system and she was working so hard that she could buy a home for herself. Jacob grew up and stayed in Christmas Mountain and he was going to be her tour guide. We meet some wonderful people, and sometimes it was like stepping back in time, like meeting the man that still made skates and rented them out to skate on the ice rink.
When Lacey's boss shows up and demands a tree has to be cut and moved, thinks have to be dug up and moved, Lacey speaks up.
This story and the location has so much spirit and it comes through every page. As I read this book it seemed to envelop me into it. I loved this book.
When Lacey's boss shows up and demands a tree has to be cut and moved, thinks have to be dug up and moved, Lacey speaks up.
This story and the location has so much spirit and it comes through every page. As I read this book it seemed to envelop me into it. I loved this book.
January 5, 2021
Lacey's dream job producing a reality dating show brings her to Christmas Mountain to research a location for its next season - with the promise of a bonus that will enable her to finally buy an apartment if she succeeds. But on arrival, she meets Jacob, who, while showing her around town, does his best to sabotage her plans - and almost has her second-guessing her life-long ambitions. When forced to choose between the show and Jacob, which will win?
This was another enjoyable visit to Christmas Mountain, and even reading it during our hot Christmas season didn't destroy the atmosphere! It was nice to see a bit more of some old friends from previous books, but this could be read on its own with no problem. As usual, this was a well-written, clean and heart-warming story - though I'd hate to have to deal with Lacey's boss! An enjoyable light read, perfect for a relatively brief but unhurried escape from 'real life'.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was another enjoyable visit to Christmas Mountain, and even reading it during our hot Christmas season didn't destroy the atmosphere! It was nice to see a bit more of some old friends from previous books, but this could be read on its own with no problem. As usual, this was a well-written, clean and heart-warming story - though I'd hate to have to deal with Lacey's boss! An enjoyable light read, perfect for a relatively brief but unhurried escape from 'real life'.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
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