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Christmas House Romances #4
The Peppermint Drop Inn
A second chance romance sweeter than a peppermint stick left for Old Saint Nick.
History buff and blacksmithing enthusiast Bryony had very good reasons for dumping Colton two years ago.
Dumbfounded CEO Colton has no idea what those reasons could be. Things had been going so well before her demolition day struck. He'd even bought a ring!
Now, the exes work together daily, restoring the historic houses in town--while their relationship's history bubbles just beneath the surface.
When Colton’s meddling sister insists Colton show up at their family holiday gathering fake-engaged, can a holiday at a pink Victorian house give Colton a chance to rebuild love with the woman he lost?
He needs a Christmas miracle.
For a magical, snowy world of Christmas romance, family traditions and togetherness, plus the shimmering sparkle of renewed love, read The Peppermint Drop Inn now!
History buff and blacksmithing enthusiast Bryony had very good reasons for dumping Colton two years ago.
Dumbfounded CEO Colton has no idea what those reasons could be. Things had been going so well before her demolition day struck. He'd even bought a ring!
Now, the exes work together daily, restoring the historic houses in town--while their relationship's history bubbles just beneath the surface.
When Colton’s meddling sister insists Colton show up at their family holiday gathering fake-engaged, can a holiday at a pink Victorian house give Colton a chance to rebuild love with the woman he lost?
He needs a Christmas miracle.
For a magical, snowy world of Christmas romance, family traditions and togetherness, plus the shimmering sparkle of renewed love, read The Peppermint Drop Inn now!
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
434 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Griffith
90 books349 followersDo you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 25, 2022
There's nothing sweeter than a peppermint pink Victorian house, a second chance love, and a fake relationship with dazzling chemistry. This story delivers all that and more and I couldn't get enough of the swoon and historical charm.
Bryony and Colton once had a relationship that dreams are made of, but an invisible deadline broke them apart. Now business partners, a desperate plea from a family member brings them together again and once again on the brink of a fake happily-ever-after. But how can a couple deny real buried feelings and a sizzling spark, combined with Christmas magic and the most charismatic family ever?
This book was everything I expect and hope for in a holiday romance. The characters and interactions were endearing and had me smiling and swooning. I could understand Bryony's impatience and the issues that Colton struggled with, as they seemed to contradict each other's plans for the future and they paid such a big part of the story, but as with most things, there is usually more to a story than what meets the eye. I loved unraveling the layers to these characters and their issues.
The Peppermint Drop Inn is a great addition to this sweet Christmas romance series. Swoon, swoon, swoon!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Bryony and Colton once had a relationship that dreams are made of, but an invisible deadline broke them apart. Now business partners, a desperate plea from a family member brings them together again and once again on the brink of a fake happily-ever-after. But how can a couple deny real buried feelings and a sizzling spark, combined with Christmas magic and the most charismatic family ever?
This book was everything I expect and hope for in a holiday romance. The characters and interactions were endearing and had me smiling and swooning. I could understand Bryony's impatience and the issues that Colton struggled with, as they seemed to contradict each other's plans for the future and they paid such a big part of the story, but as with most things, there is usually more to a story than what meets the eye. I loved unraveling the layers to these characters and their issues.
The Peppermint Drop Inn is a great addition to this sweet Christmas romance series. Swoon, swoon, swoon!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
August 16, 2025
I went in expecting cheesy Hallmark Christmas magic. Instead I got awkward cringe with a side of way too many exclamation points. It also felt like the book was explaining things to me like I’d never seen snow before, but somehow I still kept turning the pages. It was like watching a holiday movie you know isn’t great, but you can’t stop because it might get better.
December 5, 2022
This one was one of my favorites in the series. The main characters were likeable and the second chance/fake dating were all the good vibes and add a pink Victorian house at Christmas with a loveable family, bad karaoke, heartfelt proposals and surprises gone wrong and you get this sweet romance perfect for your holiday TBR. 🎄💍
February 22, 2025
Exciting
This is my favorite book of the series so far. Loved the story line. Fell in love with the house. It made me want to be there. I have been in love with Victorian houses my whole life. This would be my dream Christmas. Love this writer and her stores. Two thumbs way up.
This is my favorite book of the series so far. Loved the story line. Fell in love with the house. It made me want to be there. I have been in love with Victorian houses my whole life. This would be my dream Christmas. Love this writer and her stores. Two thumbs way up.
October 25, 2022
Loved this sweet second chance Christmas story. The H and h were still in love with one another. He had no clue why she broke up wit him after they were together for two years. After seeing her friends relationships fall apart after years together, she had a policy of giving a guy one year to move forward with a proposal. She had really loved Colton but after two years with no proposal- she had to let him go.
Now they worked together in her dream job after Colton started a company to restore Victorian houses. Bryony was a history buff of everything Victorian and she also was a phenomenal blacksmith.
When Colton's sister asks him to come to the family Christmas getaway in a beautiful Victorian house called the Peppermint Drop Inn- he says yes. She needs him to help save his brother's relationship with his girlfriend by bringing along Bryony as his fake fiance. Could Colton use their time away to have a second chance with Bryony? Will Bryony get Colton to understand she still has feelings for him but that he defeats himself by wanting everything so perfect he waits too long to do anything?
The descriptions and dialog in this story were wonderful that you could picture what was going on. I loved the humor of the big family gathering with their quirky holiday traditions and contests.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Now they worked together in her dream job after Colton started a company to restore Victorian houses. Bryony was a history buff of everything Victorian and she also was a phenomenal blacksmith.
When Colton's sister asks him to come to the family Christmas getaway in a beautiful Victorian house called the Peppermint Drop Inn- he says yes. She needs him to help save his brother's relationship with his girlfriend by bringing along Bryony as his fake fiance. Could Colton use their time away to have a second chance with Bryony? Will Bryony get Colton to understand she still has feelings for him but that he defeats himself by wanting everything so perfect he waits too long to do anything?
The descriptions and dialog in this story were wonderful that you could picture what was going on. I loved the humor of the big family gathering with their quirky holiday traditions and contests.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
December 16, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
History buff and blacksmithing enthusiast Bryony had very good reasons for dumping Colton two years ago. Dumbfounded CEO Colton has no idea what those reasons could be. Things had been going so well before her demolition day struck. He'd even bought a ring!
Now, the exes work together daily, restoring the historic houses in town--while their relationship's history bubbles just beneath the surface.
When Colton’s meddling sister insists Colton show up at their family holiday gathering fake-engaged, can a holiday at a pink Victorian house give Colton a chance to rebuild love with the woman he lost?
He needs a Christmas miracle.
MY TAKE
Another cute romance by Griffith. I felt bad for Colton. It was bad of Bryony to break up with him without telling him why. It's unrealistic for her to assume he knows and it's unfair for her to expect him to without letting him know. The poor guy can't read her mind. My husband can't either, so I try not to set him up to fail because... mindreading! Ain't happening!
But Colton and Bryony have so much in common, and they do really care for each other. I couldn't help but root for them. I'm glad they got their happily ever after.
4 1/2 stars
History buff and blacksmithing enthusiast Bryony had very good reasons for dumping Colton two years ago. Dumbfounded CEO Colton has no idea what those reasons could be. Things had been going so well before her demolition day struck. He'd even bought a ring!
Now, the exes work together daily, restoring the historic houses in town--while their relationship's history bubbles just beneath the surface.
When Colton’s meddling sister insists Colton show up at their family holiday gathering fake-engaged, can a holiday at a pink Victorian house give Colton a chance to rebuild love with the woman he lost?
He needs a Christmas miracle.
MY TAKE
Another cute romance by Griffith. I felt bad for Colton. It was bad of Bryony to break up with him without telling him why. It's unrealistic for her to assume he knows and it's unfair for her to expect him to without letting him know. The poor guy can't read her mind. My husband can't either, so I try not to set him up to fail because... mindreading! Ain't happening!
But Colton and Bryony have so much in common, and they do really care for each other. I couldn't help but root for them. I'm glad they got their happily ever after.
4 1/2 stars
October 28, 2022
The Peppermint Drop Inn is the fourth book in the fabulous Christmas House Romances series. Like the others it can be read as a delightful stand-alone as well as part of the series.
Bryony and Colton were once very much in love but it didn’t work out. He couldn’t make a very important decision, she wouldn’t wait any longer. Two years later they remain friends and work together. It is obvious that they still love each other but he has no clue what went wrong and she won’t tell him. The art of communication is as well and truly dead as their relationship.
When Colton agrees to do a favour for his sister Bryony agrees to play along with a fake engagement over the holidays. The huge family gathering at the beautiful, pink, Peppermint Drop Inn is a reminder of what they lost … it could also be a second chance but communication is still not their thing.
This was a great read, very festive and I loved the traditional Taffy making. Whilst I would have loved to have knocked some sense into the pair of them I did still enjoy the book. Jennifer Griffith does not disappoint and this is a beautifully written book with fabulous characters. I definitely recommend this book.
Bryony and Colton were once very much in love but it didn’t work out. He couldn’t make a very important decision, she wouldn’t wait any longer. Two years later they remain friends and work together. It is obvious that they still love each other but he has no clue what went wrong and she won’t tell him. The art of communication is as well and truly dead as their relationship.
When Colton agrees to do a favour for his sister Bryony agrees to play along with a fake engagement over the holidays. The huge family gathering at the beautiful, pink, Peppermint Drop Inn is a reminder of what they lost … it could also be a second chance but communication is still not their thing.
This was a great read, very festive and I loved the traditional Taffy making. Whilst I would have loved to have knocked some sense into the pair of them I did still enjoy the book. Jennifer Griffith does not disappoint and this is a beautifully written book with fabulous characters. I definitely recommend this book.
October 26, 2022
The Peppermint Drop Inn: A Fake-Engagement Holiday Romance (Christmas House Romances Book 4) by Jennifer Griffith is a lack of communication second romance story. It has two characters who once were an item but could never express their true feelings. Now they are back in the co-worker, friend zone. Nether are over each other. It takes a meddling family member to knock some sense into these two. How I love that family member!
A fun romance with only a small amount of angst to go with the drama. A fake engagement that everyone believes because it should be real if only Bryony and Colton would talk and I meant real talk. Lesson to be learned for us all it’s not location, location, location. It s communication, communication, communication!
Read today The Peppermint Drop Inn.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A fun romance with only a small amount of angst to go with the drama. A fake engagement that everyone believes because it should be real if only Bryony and Colton would talk and I meant real talk. Lesson to be learned for us all it’s not location, location, location. It s communication, communication, communication!
Read today The Peppermint Drop Inn.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 27, 2022
Story: 5 stars
Bryony and Colton are both really likable characters and because neither seems capable of laying his/her feelings on the line and truly hashing things out, they broke up and are now in the friend zone, but battling the attraction that never ended.
Both have character arcs that are satisfying to the reader. For the most part, it appears that the character arc is all one-sided, but it isn't (and I like that, because in real life, it's never just the one person who needs to take a hard look at his or her actions/motivations.)
The victorian house is wonderfully described and both the families and their Christmas traditions really bring depth to the book. (After all, interactions with family are usually a part of a couple's experience.)
This book is another clean, swoony romance in the Christmas Houses series!
Bryony and Colton are both really likable characters and because neither seems capable of laying his/her feelings on the line and truly hashing things out, they broke up and are now in the friend zone, but battling the attraction that never ended.
Both have character arcs that are satisfying to the reader. For the most part, it appears that the character arc is all one-sided, but it isn't (and I like that, because in real life, it's never just the one person who needs to take a hard look at his or her actions/motivations.)
The victorian house is wonderfully described and both the families and their Christmas traditions really bring depth to the book. (After all, interactions with family are usually a part of a couple's experience.)
This book is another clean, swoony romance in the Christmas Houses series!
October 31, 2022
Victorian home - modern romance
Byrony dated Colton for two years waiting for him to mention marriage. In exasperation she broke up with him. After six months he asks her to come work for his restoration company. His interfering sister demands he come to their family Christmas engaged. He asks Byrony to pretend to be his fiance because this is all to help his brother save his relationship. All this makes sense in theory but nothing turns out as planned. Colton and his very competitive brother are clueless as to why they are losing the women they love. In spite of the crazy plans going wrong there is a happy ending for all.
I'm sure this story resonates with some readers as it did with me. Been there done that ..One serious conversation resolved the issue. We have been happily married for fifty seven years.
Byrony dated Colton for two years waiting for him to mention marriage. In exasperation she broke up with him. After six months he asks her to come work for his restoration company. His interfering sister demands he come to their family Christmas engaged. He asks Byrony to pretend to be his fiance because this is all to help his brother save his relationship. All this makes sense in theory but nothing turns out as planned. Colton and his very competitive brother are clueless as to why they are losing the women they love. In spite of the crazy plans going wrong there is a happy ending for all.
I'm sure this story resonates with some readers as it did with me. Been there done that ..One serious conversation resolved the issue. We have been happily married for fifty seven years.
October 25, 2022
Sweet Romance at its Best
Like most romances, good communication would have wrapped everything up quickly. Instead Bryony dumped Colton two years ago. He’s to puzzled to ask why, but they’re still in each other’s lives. When a family emergency results in them pretending to date again throughout the family holiday celebrations, they get a second chance. Can they get it right this time?
I loved Colton’s sweet actions. It’s obvious that he still cares for Bryony, but equally obvious that he’s totally oblivious to the problem. Bryony was lovable. I especially loved their interactions with Colton’s family, the traditions, and the loving relationships.
Read this book with a cup of cocoa!
Like most romances, good communication would have wrapped everything up quickly. Instead Bryony dumped Colton two years ago. He’s to puzzled to ask why, but they’re still in each other’s lives. When a family emergency results in them pretending to date again throughout the family holiday celebrations, they get a second chance. Can they get it right this time?
I loved Colton’s sweet actions. It’s obvious that he still cares for Bryony, but equally obvious that he’s totally oblivious to the problem. Bryony was lovable. I especially loved their interactions with Colton’s family, the traditions, and the loving relationships.
Read this book with a cup of cocoa!
October 16, 2022
I fell in love with these characters! Not only the two main characters Colton and Bryony but each of the family members too. Colton's family has lots of fun together and they all love each other. It oozes the Christmas spirit through the pages during their time together. Colton is very methodical with everything he does. Bryony is full of love as well as hope and feels time moving on with no signs of forever from Colton. There is only one thing to do.
This book and all others I've read by Jennifer Griffith have wonderful stories. She has the magical writing abilities that translates into a movie playing in my head.
This book and all others I've read by Jennifer Griffith have wonderful stories. She has the magical writing abilities that translates into a movie playing in my head.
December 23, 2022
This whole book had so much miscommunication or no communication at all. Bryony and Colton both were so detail focused and plan oriented that they let each other get away for 2 years even though they still loved each other. If they had just sat down and actually communicated their HEA could have happened when they both wanted it to. Even after they broke up Colton never even knew why she left which shows you that the communication wasn’t really good to begin with. I’m glad it worked out in the end but so much could have been avoided if they both stopped and paid attention
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
Bryon after dating Colton for 2 yrs breaks up with him. He doesn’t understand why…he didn’t put a ring on it. But he planned to all of this time he was just to slow. They are in business together and continue their work working on victorian houses. That was Bryony love, so Colton said that for her.
They play like they are engaged when they go to Colton family Christmas. They began to feel all the old feels. But Colton is still slow, Bryony tells him so. Colton gets the Victorian house she loved. He ask her to marry him on the porch.
They play like they are engaged when they go to Colton family Christmas. They began to feel all the old feels. But Colton is still slow, Bryony tells him so. Colton gets the Victorian house she loved. He ask her to marry him on the porch.
October 26, 2022
The Peppermint Drop Inn is a clean, heartwarming, second chance, Christmas romance. I love everything about this book - and I do not even like the color pink! I love the interactions with Colton's family and their traditions. If Bryony and Colton had ever communicated, there would not have been a story. But it was fun to see how much they loved each other, their jobs, Victorian restoration and wonder how Ms. Griffith would work things out. I highly recommend this book!
October 30, 2023
I loved this story. The characters were so real. You could feel the love and chemistry they had with each other. The story line felt familiar yet so different due to the characters and circumstances. Peppermint Drop Inn was a beautiful setting for this story. I definitely would love to spend the holidays in the beautiful Victorian home. This is definitely a book that will get you in the Christmas spirit and fill your heart with love.
October 25, 2022
So good!! I loved it! I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end. I love Bryony and Colton. I love his interfering sister and the cute little girls. This whole story was so good. Great writing and characters!!
I received an advanced copy of this book, however, I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book, however, I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
October 26, 2022
Colton and Bryony lost two years of being together because Colton over planned everything and Bryony got tired of waiting. The Christmas season brings them together to help a family member and it gives them a chance to see what they have been missing. I enjoyed this Christmas story with the strong family ties and the sweet romances.
October 29, 2022
When Bryony broke up with Colton he was shocked not knowing what went wrong. Two years pass by and they are working together at Bryony's dream job at Colton's small business. A fake engagement between them as they spend time at his family's Christmas party brings up old feelings. But Colton needs to stop dragging his feet and offer forever to Bryony before he loses her again.
December 20, 2022
Each Christmas I crave one of Jennifer’s books. Not typically my chosen genre, the clean romance stirs up a little fun for me during the holidays.
This light read is a great reminder that LOVE is based on good communication. And don’t procrastinate with unnecessary details the biggest, most important things in life.
This light read is a great reminder that LOVE is based on good communication. And don’t procrastinate with unnecessary details the biggest, most important things in life.
February 24, 2024
Second Chances
Two brothers love their girlfriends but fail to commit to them.
So the girls feel that they have patiently waited long enough
and breakup with them. Will they discover the reason or lose
them forever? Well written story with strong and believable
characters. Can't wait to read more of this series. joy943
Two brothers love their girlfriends but fail to commit to them.
So the girls feel that they have patiently waited long enough
and breakup with them. Will they discover the reason or lose
them forever? Well written story with strong and believable
characters. Can't wait to read more of this series. joy943
October 26, 2022
Peppermint Love
Such a sweet and fast moving story. They finally figured it out - that true love for someone else is always better when doing the planning and sharing together, and not holding onto doubts by yourself. Love IS about sharing!
Such a sweet and fast moving story. They finally figured it out - that true love for someone else is always better when doing the planning and sharing together, and not holding onto doubts by yourself. Love IS about sharing!
November 5, 2022
My picture -perfect Victorian era house is the setting for the 4th in the series. It features two individuals with talents they undervalue. Through lots of soul searching, they come together.
Definitely was in love with the architectural details. Felt like I could touch house.
Definitely was in love with the architectural details. Felt like I could touch house.
November 22, 2022
Promise is forever.
I enjoyed this book because I love Victorian things! The simplicity of the era, the lace,the design of wood work used in the home and I love wrap around porches.
I recommend this read. I like the clean story. No smut talk.
I enjoyed this book because I love Victorian things! The simplicity of the era, the lace,the design of wood work used in the home and I love wrap around porches.
I recommend this read. I like the clean story. No smut talk.
December 16, 2023
Heartwarming
This was a very heartwarming story. The characters are funny and supportive. This was a great story for the holidays. A very clean contemporary romance. I recommend this book
This was a very heartwarming story. The characters are funny and supportive. This was a great story for the holidays. A very clean contemporary romance. I recommend this book
December 18, 2023
Cute and so sweet
Another adorable book in this series. Some of the drama scenes were a bit much but understandable for the situations. They are such a sweet couple and it was fun to see how everything played out.
Another adorable book in this series. Some of the drama scenes were a bit much but understandable for the situations. They are such a sweet couple and it was fun to see how everything played out.
January 3, 2024
Second chances
Great Christmas time book. Misunderstanding and Colton's compulsive planning almost ends in disaster. All of the Victorian remodeling sounds so beautiful and brings love back into Colton's life.
Great Christmas time book. Misunderstanding and Colton's compulsive planning almost ends in disaster. All of the Victorian remodeling sounds so beautiful and brings love back into Colton's life.
January 5, 2024
What a cute, sweet story! Amazing that he started a business just for her but she didn’t know it! If they just would have communicated even a little bit they could have started their family years ago!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
This was an extremely crazy love story. A lot of the same story retold by pov's which got boring. This does not apply to all of the chapters. I will not be interested in the next book, if it reads like this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews