Silver Bell Secrets

Christmas in Mistletoe Square

by Cara C. Putman

Growing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Novella, Inspirational

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical associate professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sounded like a fun story since it involved a bookstore.
I liked Avery and so wanted to help her. And I wanted to go browse her bookstore even if I don’t drink coffee.
Hunter grew on me, and I was glad he didn’t push even if it sounded like his job was on the line.
I kept waiting for the plot to develop into something beyond a contract that you knew from the start that Avery wouldn’t sign, but it didn’t. When I think about it, there were all sorts of possibilities, only nothing developed with them. And the ending left me confused and with many unanswered questions. If felt like nothing wrapped up. Instead of resolving the issue of the contract and Hunter, more things came up leaving me as confused and puzzled as Avery. I searched to see if perhaps this was a prequel of sorts, but there was nothing that said there was more. I don’t like stories that leave me hanging with no hope of resolution.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful story to read during the Christmas holiday. I love reading stories about bookstores and an added bonus are ones with a coffee shop, too. This one has both.
Cara Putman is a fantastic author who spins her tales skillfully. I’ve read several of her books, which are full of suspense and action. But this book is slightly different. It’s mostly a sweet story about two individuals who meet. One is from the big city and loves that fast-paced life, while the other is from a small town running a family bookstore and loves the slower pace.
I truly enjoyed all the banter and charm this story holds.
It was easy to read and gave me just the right cozy warmth for the holidays.
It wouldn’t be a Cara Putman book unless there was a teeny tiny bit of suspense mixed into this story. It was so fun to see how it all ended.
I truly loved this book and recommend you pick it up to add to your holiday reading collection.
I was given this book by the publisher, but it in no way influenced my review; all opinions are my own.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. Read via Kindle.

I think this was my first book by this author— surprisingly.

There were parts I really liked. The books and coffee, the sense of community, etc. I did feel like things didn’t wrap up in the way I expect as a reader so it left me feeling like the story wasn’t really complete. Otherwise I would have given it 4 stars.

I did listen to a chapter of a couple of other books and those appeared to me more. I have some others on my Kindle that I’ll check out.

[Malia Saldaña · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn’t enjoy this novella as much as the first, it was still okay. I thought the coffee and book shop combined was such a cute idea. I was not a fan of Avery, but I did like Hunter. I thought it was very abrupt and sudden how all of a sudden Hunter’s boss was Avery’s “dead” Dad. Then Elaine, Avery’s friend/co-worker, just read away, and I felt like we didn’t really have any explanation of to what happened to her. Overall it wasn’t my favorite, but it was a quick read. 2.5 stars

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a Christmas story to start during a hair appointment and wound up reading the whole thing in 2 hours. I got the book because I’m a sucker for bookstores & Christmas stories. I know and enjoy Cara Putman’s writing and enjoyed this book as far as it went. A main character with dyslexia owning a book store—good twist. And it was fun to see Sarah Sundin and Kristy Cambron mentioned. But what led to only 3 stars was the ending—it felt like I’d missed something like missing pages; an editors mix up or ???. I even checked for more pages on kindle. It’s like she just stopped and forgot to go back and finish it. I really liked what was there but needed the bow tied on the Christmas present in the form of some kind of ending. I felt like it was a beautiful song that ended on a dissident note and

Yep. You get it.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brilliant little story was chock-full of fantastic twists. I loved that it featured a woman who struggled with dyslexia yet owned a book and coffee shop. So creative! The book-and-coffee pairings was a cute aspect of the story. The creativity with the paper crafts was so fun. The sweet romance held lots of charm. The cover was completely adorable, and the story beneath it lived up to the expectations the cover set forth.

Comparing a cup of coffee to the birth of Christ seemed in poor taste: “Once people tried the coffee crafted at her bar, they saw the light like the Wise Men following the Christmas star.”

The ending was quite abrupt and left one major thread hanging. That was the reason for my docking a star. I hope we get Elaine’s story soon!

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of Avery Blair who runs the family bookstore despite growing up with dyslexia. Things get complicated when a New York publishing House is interested in blog posts published under Avery's name! The problem is they are written by her best friend, Elaine Donovan, who wishes to remain anonymous! Then the publisher sends Hunter Chandler to get a signed contract with Avery! Their acquaintance begins with a fairy tale date. Life is full of surprises around the bookstore/coffee shop combination. I recommend this delightful Christmas novella to others. I received a complimentary e-book. This is my honest opinion.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little Christmas story, with plenty of fun atmosphere and Christmas cheer. However, we don’t actually make it to Christmas Day after an avalanche secrets right at the end, which are left unresolved, so the ending feels rushed and unsettled. Also, I need to know what happens with Elaine.

Maybe an expanded version can be published someday? 😉

[Jan Gustafson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book held the promise of a sweet Christmas read about a woman with dyslexia who owns a bookstore and coffee shop in a small town. However, I was disappointed that so many questions were left unanswered in the end. I looked to see if there was a book that followed, but there wasn’t. I wish the author had continued the story and tied up the loose ends.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short Christmas novella. It had mystery to it, that was not fully answered. Part of an upcoming series? I liked the Christian message. "He pointed to the mistletoe. That is really the symbol of how much God loves you, only you don't have to meet Him under a ball of leaves in a set place. He's always seeking you.".

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author and I had such fun writing this book that is an ode to You've Got Mail and my love of books and bookstores. It's also a bit of a lead in to my newest series...sort of. But the best part was getting to write with some of my friends in the Christmas in Mistletoe Square collection. Such great fun!

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story set at Christmas Avery Blair has a secret that makes her wary of a book deal from a persistent publisher. But Hunter tries to get on her good side by stuffing the book donation box in her combination book shop/coffee bar. A little suspense, too!
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first 3/4 of this story but it didn't seem complete to me. I wanted to know more about Elaine and the ending was too rushed. I even went back a couple of chapters to see if I missed something. I don't think there is a sequel to this either. I usually like this author's writing so it was disappointing to me.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

A quick and intriguing book I could not put down! Cara captures the character’s personalities so well you feel you know them and want to know them and their stories better.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, sweet short story. I loved the banter between the characters and the small town feel. I just wish it was longer. I was sorry to see it end. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet Christmas read.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Blair manages a Bookstore/Coffee Shop. She posts a blog for the shop. She is offered a contact for the blog posts. She is reluctant, and the contract offer isn't all it seems to be either. We learn the truth in this sweet little story.

[Stacey Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short Christmas read

I really enjoyed this short Christmas read! The town is magical and I would love to visit. I liked the characters and enjoyed seeing their journey. Highly recommend!

[Nere Onaiwu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this at the start but it seemed like it ended abruptly.

Was there a reunion between Paul and Avery?
Did Paul and Candice rekindle their love?
Did Hunter and Avery live happily eve after?
What happened to Elaine? Who is she running from?

So many unanswered questions.

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great Christmas story filled with mystery and romance. Great characters and unique plot make0 this book definitely worth the read.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Christmas story. There were a lot of loose ends and the ending was abrupt but otherwise I enjoyed it. I’ll definitely try more of this author.

[Natasha Treadwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like this book was half finished. Nothing was resolved and I'm left not only with questions but with disappointment.

[Jennie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas Romance

A cute little Christmas romance book. I wouldn't mind hearing a little bit of this story!! It leaves you hanging...

[Jessica Grewe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read. I enjoyed the storyline but I thought the novella ended too soon. I wanted more of the story! I felt like I was left hanging.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed. This book ended abruptly and left many questions unanswered. The writing was fine, it just wasn’t complete. Cannot recommend this one

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- Cute Christmas read with a little but of an unexpected plot twist. As with most novellas this was quick and to the point with a touch of God’s goodness and love for us.

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love in an unusual way and it was beautiful 😍 🤩 👌 ❣️ ❤️. I love it so much.


Thank you, Cara Putman 😘 💓 💖 ❤️ 💙.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely characters with wit but the story plot was rather tacky. It left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. Felt like an incomplete book and I'm waiting for the missing parts.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Christmas novella about a dyslexic bookstore owner, a blog, and family secrets, but I felt the ending was a bit abrupt.

[Deborah Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming novella has some interesting twists. Avery owns a bookstore but she has dyslexia and is more comfortable making coffee for her customers. Hunter works for a publisher and is told to pursue a book deal with Avery because of her popular blog. Pursuing a relationship becomes more important. I especially enjoyed the way Cara worked a shout out to some of my favorite current authors into the story.

[Deon]

Read in Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection collection


FREE on Kindle
Dec 1, 2023
https://amzn.to/47VNoR0