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Love Thy Neighbor #4
A Blue Christmas
All Ebenezer Blue wanted was to be left alone.
However, one overzealous neighbor wanting to help the man register his home for the Historical Society would not take no for an answer.
Mattie's first run-in with the Scrooge left less than an optimal outcome and started a sparring match, which they would later laugh about.
Welcome back to the Love Thy Neighbor Series for the holidays with a Blue Christmas.
However, one overzealous neighbor wanting to help the man register his home for the Historical Society would not take no for an answer.
Mattie's first run-in with the Scrooge left less than an optimal outcome and started a sparring match, which they would later laugh about.
Welcome back to the Love Thy Neighbor Series for the holidays with a Blue Christmas.
- GenresHoliday Romance
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2021
77 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gaines
135 books347 followersOlivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 17, 2021
He just wanted to be left alone
At 61 yrs old, Ebenezer Blue was a grumpy old man. He said what he meant and he meant what he said. But his neighbor Mattie was bringing out something in him he did not know he needed. He called her Ms. Sourpuss because she had a way of coming back at him word for word. Their conversations had me laughing and their flirting or should I say being exhibitionist to get the other riled up had me howling. Just when it seemed that they would finally try to make things work, Mattie's past threw a bomb at any hopes for her future with "Pip". Given an ultimatum to get her past settled, Mattie knew Ebenezer was the man for her. She was ready to make that call and when she did all he said was "come to me Mattie. Come and let me love you." Phew, man, that melted my heart right there. That was all Mattie ever wanted was to be loved. Now she and Pip will have their NEA and have pie too.
I just love how Olivia writes. She uses her sense of humor in just the right places. Ebenezer and Mattie killed me with their window shows for the other. They thought they were aggravating the other when it was just the opposite. That was so funny. I also like the fact that Ebenezer and Mattie were of a certain age too. Mature people want and need love too. I get tired of reading "Coming of age" books. I really enjoyed reading this book.
At 61 yrs old, Ebenezer Blue was a grumpy old man. He said what he meant and he meant what he said. But his neighbor Mattie was bringing out something in him he did not know he needed. He called her Ms. Sourpuss because she had a way of coming back at him word for word. Their conversations had me laughing and their flirting or should I say being exhibitionist to get the other riled up had me howling. Just when it seemed that they would finally try to make things work, Mattie's past threw a bomb at any hopes for her future with "Pip". Given an ultimatum to get her past settled, Mattie knew Ebenezer was the man for her. She was ready to make that call and when she did all he said was "come to me Mattie. Come and let me love you." Phew, man, that melted my heart right there. That was all Mattie ever wanted was to be loved. Now she and Pip will have their NEA and have pie too.
I just love how Olivia writes. She uses her sense of humor in just the right places. Ebenezer and Mattie killed me with their window shows for the other. They thought they were aggravating the other when it was just the opposite. That was so funny. I also like the fact that Ebenezer and Mattie were of a certain age too. Mature people want and need love too. I get tired of reading "Coming of age" books. I really enjoyed reading this book.
December 15, 2021
Short and Funny !!
This story was so cute It had me truly LOL. Ms Olivia sho know how to keep a smile on a reader's face. I love also that even though it was short , there was time between scenes and not everything happening in a month or so. Thank you for a early smile on Christmas!!
This story was so cute It had me truly LOL. Ms Olivia sho know how to keep a smile on a reader's face. I love also that even though it was short , there was time between scenes and not everything happening in a month or so. Thank you for a early smile on Christmas!!
December 15, 2021
2 1/2 Stars - The problem is that this book needed proofreading. All the typos and mixed up wording kept pulling me out of the story. The beginning of this book was a bit much to take and almost turned me off from reading the rest of the novella, however by the 4th of July I was really into these two characters Pip and Mattie and enjoyed their HEA.
December 9, 2022
A Blue Christmas is the third book in Gaines’ Love Thy Neighbor series. It definitely has a different tone than the others. The short novella is an enemies to lovers story. I feel the book suffered from its short length. MC’s Mattie and Ebenezer have an odd, combative relationship. Even though they are at odds, their chemistry is very evident. When their relationship turns from enemies to lovers, their sex is hot. Because of the short length, the book moves quickly from the battles to the HEA. You do get information on Ebenezer’s past and family with just a peek at Mattie’s. I would have loved to learn more about each character.
December 27, 2021
Kind of Disappointing
I get opposites attract, but this was a bit childish and way toooo rude an interaction for me to believe that this could turn into what it did with grown adults in their 50s/60s. Mattie is a woman that has baggage and been through some things, Im not sure however you would be attracted to someone in real life that was so blatantly as rude as Pip was. I understood him more as the story progressed, but their connection seems to be her chasing him hard. I wasnt a fan. You can feel the chemistry of the couple, not getting the deets on this mature love was also annoying. I want to see a woman of a certain age with some wisdom, backbone and demanding a certain level of respect...not being referred to as prude, sourpuss, etc. Then she turns arounds to chase, no ma'am. Disappointing
I get opposites attract, but this was a bit childish and way toooo rude an interaction for me to believe that this could turn into what it did with grown adults in their 50s/60s. Mattie is a woman that has baggage and been through some things, Im not sure however you would be attracted to someone in real life that was so blatantly as rude as Pip was. I understood him more as the story progressed, but their connection seems to be her chasing him hard. I wasnt a fan. You can feel the chemistry of the couple, not getting the deets on this mature love was also annoying. I want to see a woman of a certain age with some wisdom, backbone and demanding a certain level of respect...not being referred to as prude, sourpuss, etc. Then she turns arounds to chase, no ma'am. Disappointing
December 16, 2021
Must Love Pie!
This was a relaxing & on occasion hilarious story of love after 50. I enjoyed getting to know Ebenezer aka Pip & Mattie his interesting neighbor. This also goes to show sometimes what we need is literally in front of us or in this case in back of us. It also was a story of letting go of that, that which is no longer true or emotionally healthy for us. We tend to hang on to stuff at times. Mattie approached Pip regarding one thing & yet found another. Neither was ready for the other. Pip didn't realize just what he needed till Mattie showed up & out. The " peeping " moments are hilarious & I'm guilty of this before too. Pip also is a pie expert. Lordy is he ever. This is the season for love & snuggling. So snuggle down with this amazing read. ♥🥧😋😍
This was a relaxing & on occasion hilarious story of love after 50. I enjoyed getting to know Ebenezer aka Pip & Mattie his interesting neighbor. This also goes to show sometimes what we need is literally in front of us or in this case in back of us. It also was a story of letting go of that, that which is no longer true or emotionally healthy for us. We tend to hang on to stuff at times. Mattie approached Pip regarding one thing & yet found another. Neither was ready for the other. Pip didn't realize just what he needed till Mattie showed up & out. The " peeping " moments are hilarious & I'm guilty of this before too. Pip also is a pie expert. Lordy is he ever. This is the season for love & snuggling. So snuggle down with this amazing read. ♥🥧😋😍
February 24, 2022
Torn
I am a little torn about this book. I was let down severely due to not enough detail. This has me puzzled, because I am one of those people whose fantasies often goes ahead of the author and form my own endings. This has the potential of being a great book, if it was longer. This couple both had baggage Pip’s was just invisible. I felt as if neither worked their issues out completely, and she went from one controlling relationship to another. Truthfully this doesn’t have to be the case if it was longer. I rather enjoyed the quirkiness of their beginnings. It allowed me to view them as human. I also enjoyed the steady rhythm between the two; however the ending left me wanting more, and questions unanswered.
I am a little torn about this book. I was let down severely due to not enough detail. This has me puzzled, because I am one of those people whose fantasies often goes ahead of the author and form my own endings. This has the potential of being a great book, if it was longer. This couple both had baggage Pip’s was just invisible. I felt as if neither worked their issues out completely, and she went from one controlling relationship to another. Truthfully this doesn’t have to be the case if it was longer. I rather enjoyed the quirkiness of their beginnings. It allowed me to view them as human. I also enjoyed the steady rhythm between the two; however the ending left me wanting more, and questions unanswered.
December 15, 2021
Great book!
As always Ms Gaines you had done it again!! This book was full of humor and love and you just wanted to read the whole book before you put it down. Loved the chemistry between Mattie and Pip! Mattie's ex husband Lefty was a true piece of work! The story line was believable and entertaining as well as the characters and their individual personalities. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers you will not be disappointed Ms Gaines has done it again.
As always Ms Gaines you had done it again!! This book was full of humor and love and you just wanted to read the whole book before you put it down. Loved the chemistry between Mattie and Pip! Mattie's ex husband Lefty was a true piece of work! The story line was believable and entertaining as well as the characters and their individual personalities. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers you will not be disappointed Ms Gaines has done it again.
December 16, 2021
Ebenezer Blue
What a name. I liked this story. Mr. Grumpy pants met his match. Pip as he was called was a recluse. He didn't much like people.
Mattie worked for the historical society and lived in the house behind his, they both had historical homes. Her job was to get his house registered.
The relationship that developed from her endeavor was cute.
Sidenote: Olivia needs better editors, there were too many errors for a writer of her caliber. The book was enjoyable nonetheless.
What a name. I liked this story. Mr. Grumpy pants met his match. Pip as he was called was a recluse. He didn't much like people.
Mattie worked for the historical society and lived in the house behind his, they both had historical homes. Her job was to get his house registered.
The relationship that developed from her endeavor was cute.
Sidenote: Olivia needs better editors, there were too many errors for a writer of her caliber. The book was enjoyable nonetheless.
December 24, 2021
What a Blue Christmas!!!!
I discovered Olivia Gaines by accident through her Mail Order series but this Love Thy Neighbors series rivals..
Ebenezer Blue is a tortured, lovable, elecletic soulful man that falls in love with bat##!+ crazy, sourpuss pue making Mattie Jinson.
What I love most is the baggage they both carry is unpacked between the two and each discards as they not only fall in love with each other but accepts the past, revel in the present and create a future...totally by their own rules and together.
I discovered Olivia Gaines by accident through her Mail Order series but this Love Thy Neighbors series rivals..
Ebenezer Blue is a tortured, lovable, elecletic soulful man that falls in love with bat##!+ crazy, sourpuss pue making Mattie Jinson.
What I love most is the baggage they both carry is unpacked between the two and each discards as they not only fall in love with each other but accepts the past, revel in the present and create a future...totally by their own rules and together.
December 15, 2021
Mr. Blu to those who don’t know him
Every story has a start, but these two met in the middle where stubborn meets first wit and love lost. I enjoyed this novella as a 40+, who is looking towards the good parts. The bark of an old dog is tamed by a fiesta hen. Even when the angst and complications of life throw them apart, pie is the sweet solution. Good read that made me grin as I had pie and wine.
Every story has a start, but these two met in the middle where stubborn meets first wit and love lost. I enjoyed this novella as a 40+, who is looking towards the good parts. The bark of an old dog is tamed by a fiesta hen. Even when the angst and complications of life throw them apart, pie is the sweet solution. Good read that made me grin as I had pie and wine.
December 22, 2021
Mattie and Blue
Clever, witty, and endearing. It's what you didn't realized you needed until it was over. Pace yourself because you're in for a treat that only can be woven by the talents of Olivia Gaines.
Who doesn't want to see season love win but with youthful zest that keep you waiting to see what they will do or say next. Get your highlighters ready because the zingers between Ebenezer and Mattie are priceless.
Clever, witty, and endearing. It's what you didn't realized you needed until it was over. Pace yourself because you're in for a treat that only can be woven by the talents of Olivia Gaines.
Who doesn't want to see season love win but with youthful zest that keep you waiting to see what they will do or say next. Get your highlighters ready because the zingers between Ebenezer and Mattie are priceless.
January 3, 2022
A Very Good and Sweet Romantic Comedy
A Blue Christmas (Love Thy Neighbor Book 4) is a very good and sweet romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the unlikely romance between Ebenezer Blue and Mattie . They had to overcome a lot of obstacles to be free to be in love together and to make a life together. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
A Blue Christmas (Love Thy Neighbor Book 4) is a very good and sweet romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the unlikely romance between Ebenezer Blue and Mattie . They had to overcome a lot of obstacles to be free to be in love together and to make a life together. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
January 20, 2022
Mattie and Ebenezer
This book is hilarious! Olivia Gaines has a way with her characters and Ebenezer Blue was a character; a sour puss, a grump but he warmed up to Mattie and made her his wife…after she got rid of her freeloading ex-husband, Lefty, who thought she was going to take care of him after his surgery.
Not! This is a must read. You will find yourself laughing out loud!!!
This book is hilarious! Olivia Gaines has a way with her characters and Ebenezer Blue was a character; a sour puss, a grump but he warmed up to Mattie and made her his wife…after she got rid of her freeloading ex-husband, Lefty, who thought she was going to take care of him after his surgery.
Not! This is a must read. You will find yourself laughing out loud!!!
January 21, 2022
love comes to those that wait
I absolutely loved this book. I can always count on Olivia Gaines to write the best stories I love the idea of an older couple fighting each other. Never dies never gets old. I loved the story of Ebeneezer and his soulmate Mattie. Thank you for writing such a lovely story, it sizzles and burned in all the right places. Please, please write more stories about all the love and cherishing that an older couple can have.
I absolutely loved this book. I can always count on Olivia Gaines to write the best stories I love the idea of an older couple fighting each other. Never dies never gets old. I loved the story of Ebeneezer and his soulmate Mattie. Thank you for writing such a lovely story, it sizzles and burned in all the right places. Please, please write more stories about all the love and cherishing that an older couple can have.
May 29, 2024
NEVER TO LATE
I loved this book, it showed how it’s never too late for love. I recommend this one for anyone who believes in love & that making a fresh start in life can be beneficial. I’ve read a lot of this authors books and her range of stories is wonderfully surprising. Keep on doing what you’re doing “Olivia Gaines” as I’m making it my mission to keep reading whatever you write. You are never boring.
I loved this book, it showed how it’s never too late for love. I recommend this one for anyone who believes in love & that making a fresh start in life can be beneficial. I’ve read a lot of this authors books and her range of stories is wonderfully surprising. Keep on doing what you’re doing “Olivia Gaines” as I’m making it my mission to keep reading whatever you write. You are never boring.
December 19, 2021
Very nice
I don't usually read Christmas stories. I'm not really into Christmas, too much cheer. I did enjoy reading Ebenezer and Mattie story. I especially liked that the characters were older and still found each other. I recommend that you read this story, it's really good. Ms. Gaines, is the best.
I don't usually read Christmas stories. I'm not really into Christmas, too much cheer. I did enjoy reading Ebenezer and Mattie story. I especially liked that the characters were older and still found each other. I recommend that you read this story, it's really good. Ms. Gaines, is the best.
Read
December 21, 2021Mrs. Gaines never disappoints!
This was thoroughly enjoyable to read. The witty banter and high level of sexual tension between Mattie and Ebeneezer was something to behold. Mrs. Gaines has a way with words that is incredible and I often found myself laughing out loud! I loved that it dealt with a mature couple. Thanks for putting this on Kindle Unlimited too!
This was thoroughly enjoyable to read. The witty banter and high level of sexual tension between Mattie and Ebeneezer was something to behold. Mrs. Gaines has a way with words that is incredible and I often found myself laughing out loud! I loved that it dealt with a mature couple. Thanks for putting this on Kindle Unlimited too!
December 24, 2021
An odd little tale…
…but pleasant and lovable nonetheless.
Oh Pip… you old dog who loves pie!
Delicious! Not a hot and heavy romance but I could only imagine the things Pip and Mattie could do, although not presented in the pages of this book. Had it been, I would have given it 5 stars. A light read that ends well.
…but pleasant and lovable nonetheless.
Oh Pip… you old dog who loves pie!
Delicious! Not a hot and heavy romance but I could only imagine the things Pip and Mattie could do, although not presented in the pages of this book. Had it been, I would have given it 5 stars. A light read that ends well.
December 26, 2021
Great story❤
Loved this story of romance between an older couple. Ebenezer lived up to his name, he was a miserable curmudgeon, who loved to terrorize the neighborhood, he meets Mattie his neighbor and he makes an awful first impression.
I enjoyed the way the relationship developed between them ,they overcome some serious hurdles for their HEA.
Great story Olivia.
Loved this story of romance between an older couple. Ebenezer lived up to his name, he was a miserable curmudgeon, who loved to terrorize the neighborhood, he meets Mattie his neighbor and he makes an awful first impression.
I enjoyed the way the relationship developed between them ,they overcome some serious hurdles for their HEA.
Great story Olivia.
January 4, 2022
Blue everything
This was that warm cozy blanket of goodness that had a history of love built in. Ebenezer and Mattie squared off and it was one big, old fashion game of I can out do you. Out of history and poetry came a love so deep and true, time didn't get a say. Love lead the way.
Really enjoyed these two people.
This was that warm cozy blanket of goodness that had a history of love built in. Ebenezer and Mattie squared off and it was one big, old fashion game of I can out do you. Out of history and poetry came a love so deep and true, time didn't get a say. Love lead the way.
Really enjoyed these two people.
January 17, 2022
Awesome
I really enjoyed this book! Olivia Gaines is an awesome writer and the pages of this book prove it. Ebenezer and Mattie both have pasts that they are trying to get away from somewhat, but they are great as a couple. I highly recommend this read be added to your collection.
I really enjoyed this book! Olivia Gaines is an awesome writer and the pages of this book prove it. Ebenezer and Mattie both have pasts that they are trying to get away from somewhat, but they are great as a couple. I highly recommend this read be added to your collection.
October 1, 2022
The first thing I loved was that the main couple was an older couple. The things that they did to capture the other's attention was definitely entertaining. When Ebenezer left my heart dropped. When Mattie made the changes needed and went got her man, I was so proud of her and was happy when they got their HEA.
December 16, 2021
Pip and pie
I love this book! A heart warming story, with a little Christmas cheer. Glad to see there is joy after so many years of heartache. As always the characters are hilarious. Olivia Gaines, how do you come up with this stuff, still laughing as I write this review.
I love this book! A heart warming story, with a little Christmas cheer. Glad to see there is joy after so many years of heartache. As always the characters are hilarious. Olivia Gaines, how do you come up with this stuff, still laughing as I write this review.
December 16, 2021
Curmudgeonly Christmas
Cute story, both sexy and humorous with a bit of snark. A battle between neighbors- a curmudgeon and pushy historical society representative leads to path neither expected.
Cute story, both sexy and humorous with a bit of snark. A battle between neighbors- a curmudgeon and pushy historical society representative leads to path neither expected.
December 16, 2021
Hard to love
These two. I didn’t start to like this story or characters until chapter 4. Until then,the typos were a distraction.It seemed to be lacking the heart of Ms. Gaines usual work. It seemed shallow and rushed.
These two. I didn’t start to like this story or characters until chapter 4. Until then,the typos were a distraction.It seemed to be lacking the heart of Ms. Gaines usual work. It seemed shallow and rushed.
December 16, 2021
Merry Christmas
I like the older man. Wish her books were longer, she such a great story teller. She'll keep by
writing I'll keep bu
Not her books. Just wish there were a lot longer. Best but as usual she did a great job If she keeps writing I'll keep reading.
I like the older man. Wish her books were longer, she such a great story teller. She'll keep by
writing I'll keep bu
Not her books. Just wish there were a lot longer. Best but as usual she did a great job If she keeps writing I'll keep reading.
December 18, 2021
Great
I loved it, it is such an entertaining read. I loved the characters, I was laughing out loud, it is so well written. You need to read this author's work I can promise you will not be disappointed. Excellent work.
I loved it, it is such an entertaining read. I loved the characters, I was laughing out loud, it is so well written. You need to read this author's work I can promise you will not be disappointed. Excellent work.
December 19, 2021
A great book for Christmas!
A new favorite for my library and just in time for
Christmas! If only I could find my Ebenezer for life😉 grab your copy and add it to your library. Mrs. Olivia is awesome!❤🍷
A new favorite for my library and just in time for
Christmas! If only I could find my Ebenezer for life😉 grab your copy and add it to your library. Mrs. Olivia is awesome!❤🍷
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews