A Witch For Mr. Frost

Witches of Christmas Grove #5

by Deanna Chase

Payton McCabe finally has her dream job in a town she loves. Christmas Grove is not only magical, but it has the small-town charm she’s always craved. Love isn’t on her radar. In fact, she’s never wanted to get married. So, when she agrees to pretend to be a rock star’s wife for a weekend, she figures she’ll do her part to help him out and then it’ll be over, right? Wrong. Now she’s falling for a bad boy rock star and one way or another, she knows her heart is going to be broken.

Atlas Mazer is on top of the world. As the front man for the bestselling rock band in recent years, he can’t imagine settling down. But when it’s time to make good a promise he made years ago, he finds himself in a bind and the only way out of it is to convince his family that he’s found the one . Now he’s a groom in a fake wedding, trying to dodge news reporters, and falling for a woman who has only promised him a weekend. Will he find love this Christmas or will he be dateless on New Year’s Eve… again?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Christmas, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Holiday, Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2023

About the author

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that series! And this latest addition doesn't disappoint. Likeable characters, magic, love, laughter, tears, cute animals, all wrapped in a bow of Christmassy feels. Perfect read to start a new year with.

[Dawn Starkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick, festive read with a touch of magic, A Witch for Mr. Frost is a great choice. This short Christmas story blends the coziness of the holiday season with a fun magical fantasy twist.

The characters are charming, and the story has just the right amount of whimsy to keep you entertained. It’s light, enjoyable, and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a fan of witches, Christmas, or both, this book is a delightful way to spend a cozy afternoon!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully, magical story that has a little something for everyone. I’m looking forward to more in tis series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enchanted Weekend . . .

Earth witch, Payton McCabe, had made a promise to the cocky rock star spirit witch, Atlas Mazer, when she agreed to fake-marry him 11 months ago in Vegas. He was to pay her lots of money for the favor, and she had been drinking so it made the offer sound good at the time. After the promise, she never heard from him again… until now, a year later. She is not looking for love and definitely not interested in marriage. But he announces that he now needs her to attend a family gathering over the weekend, pretending to be his new wife, totally in love with him, which he arrogantly claimed should be easy for her as he observed her reaction to him. The diamond ring he then put on her finger had her jaw dropping open, just window-dressing to convince his grandmother he had indeed married her. But this would have given her funds to pay off a loan and to open a pie shop in Christmas Grove. However, she has to work this weekend cooking at her job at the Enchanted Inn and her assistant chef is out of town for the weekend. So no. He shouldn’t be telling a lie to his grandmother anyway!

Atlas walked out, but a short time later he was back with her boss. He had arranged with Olivia to give her the weekend off because his grandmother’s final wish was to see him married and he wanted to do that for her. He truly looked pained, so she agreed for the sake of his grandmother. Her brother Declan came over later with a contract and an NDA to sign. And he told her their restaurant, newly opened a month ago, may be in trouble when a large investor is himself facing bankruptcy. It looked like she would have to go through with Atlas’ plan or she and her brother could lose everything.

Atlas picked her up and they drove to the cabin. Payton was overwhelmed by the enormous, exquisite cabin with a view of the beautiful lake through the wall of windows in her huge bedroom. The tree was delivered for Christmas and they all decorated it. Payton was on the ladder putting the tree topper on when she slipped. Atlas caught her in his arms, appreciating the effort she was making for his grandmother who had already confessed to him that she loved Payton already. Payton was delighted to cook everyone lunch in the enormous kitchen, at least until the cheese and salami started to dance across the counter by itself! Atlas’ ghost twin brother, Ashton, killed in a car accident a decade ago, told Atlas he better marry Payton for real or he would steal her away. What they didn’t know was that his grandmother GiGi and his sister Alison had already arranged for them to re-enact their wedding vows in front of their families! And the stylist had just arrived with an assortment of wedding dresses! In the evening, Alison and GiGi arranged for a magical sleigh ride for the two of them, and they stopped among the dancing snowmen where Atlas held her and they joined the dance, ending in a heated kiss. Could the two of them be falling in love for real? Or is it just the magic in the air?

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series it's like a Hallmark movie with literal magic and witches. This book is a spin off of the Keating Hollow, which has been one of my favorite series of Ms. Chase. I love how the author weaves in previous stories into the the current one, so you not only have a brand new book but you get to catch up with all your old friends from the previous stories.

When Peyton gets an offer she can't refuse, pretend to be rockstar Atlas Mazer's wife for a weekend and save the restaurant she and her brother have sunk all their savings into, will she end up with more than a paycheck?

I am a sucker for a witty grandmother, so the premise, albeit weird, was adorable. I loved how Grandma Frost, a spirit witch, was 10 steps ahead of her family and she was hands down, one of my favorite characters in the story.

This book was as comforting as a warm cup of cocoa. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

I recieved an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 5 of the series, we follow Payton and Atlas. Payton needs a large amount of cash fast to save her business. Atlas needs a wife to grant his dying Grandma's last wish. The story was cute with endearing characters. It can be read as a standalone, but it's worth doing the whole series.

[Janet Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Witch for Mr. Frost," the fifth installment in the delightful Christmas Grove series, exceeded all my expectations. Deanna Chase has once again woven a tale that captivates from start to finish. The characters are intricately crafted, drawing readers into their world, while the vivid world-building adds depth and charm to the story.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions - it's fun, heartwarming, and poignant all at the same time. However, there were moments when I had to pause my reading, foreseeing the heartbreaking fate awaiting Gigi. Chase's masterful storytelling evokes such strong connections that I found myself emotionally invested, knowing that Gigi's journey would deeply affect me.

Deanna Chase has an incredible ability to make her readers feel every emotion as though experiencing it themselves. As the story unfolded and Gigi's fate unraveled, it felt akin to losing a beloved family member.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a touching and immersive read that will linger in their hearts.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Witch for Mr. Frost starts with Peyton fulfilling her promise to spend a weekend, while being paid, with Atlas. At first she wants to take back her promise, then she receives some news that changes her mind.

From a hesitant start to the weekend to falling in love, this book invites you in, sits you down, and takes you along for the weekend trip!

Another unputdownable read by Deanna Chase! Run, don’t walk to grab a copy to cozy up by your tree and prepare to get lost in Christmas Tree Grove until you finish.

[Heather Huth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally cathartic

The love story of Payton and Atlas is amazing, heart warming and completely on point for Deanna's style I love so much. This series is one of my favorites because I love the holiday season and time with family and this series delivers with all of the feels. More than anything the love in the book for Gigi, Atlas's grandmother, and how the family rallies around her had me in tears. If you are looking for a book that instills strong emotions, passion, and new love finding it's way jump right into this book. Then join me in waiting patiently for the next in the series. Thank you Deanna for a fabulous book at just the right time.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly delightful book! Love the characters the story and the location. I love Deanna's holiday series. I think I'll go back and re-read them as the next book won't come out for an entire year!!

Amazon synopsis:
Earth witch, Payton McCabe finally has her dream job in a town she loves. Christmas Grove is not only magical, but it has the small-town charm she’s always craved. Love isn’t on her radar. In fact, she’s never wanted to get married. So, when she agrees to pretend to be a rock star’s wife for a weekend, she figures she’ll do her part to help him out and then it’ll be over, right? Wrong. Now she’s falling for a bad boy rock star and one way or another, she knows her heart is going to be broken.

Spirit witch, Atlas Mazer is on top of the world. As the front man for the bestselling rock band in recent years, he can’t imagine settling down. But when his grandmother’s health takes a turn for the worst, he’s desperate to give her the one thing she’s always wanted—to see him walk down the aisle. Now he’s a groom in a fake wedding and falling for a woman who has only promised him a weekend. Will he find love this Christmas or will he be dateless on New Year’s Eve… again?

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and Sweet

Hot and sweet describes both Payton, a talented chef in a small town and Alistair Frost, popularly known by his stage name of Atlas and lead singer of a rock band.

They are two quite different personalities. Payton is practical and down to earth and doesn’t suffer fools or overly charming stars, and while ridiculously gorgeous Atlas is definitely a charmer, Payton treats him refreshingly like an ordinary guy.

So when Atlas turns up on Payton’s doorstep with an ironclad confidentiality contract and a whopping check for a boatload of cash to be pretend married for his dying grandmother, she thinks he has lost his mind - until she meets Gigi, and then Payton will also do annnnything to give her happy days for her last ones, and that means marrying Atlas.

It also happens that Payton’s adorable brother Declan, another chef, is on the verge of losing his restaurant due to an insolvent investor. Payton can buy the investor out and give her Declan the financial stability he wants for himself and his girlfriend (who is also Payton’s now best friend- love a small town!). All Paton has to do is accept the gig with Atlas. Payton does eventually, but doesn’t realize until too late she and Atlas will fall madly in love with each other, but have substantial obstacles in their path, including some quite ghostly ones!

This is a wonderfully well written and entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back in Christmas Grove and this time we have chef (and baker) Payton and rockstar Atlas making eyes at one another. To be fair, Payton kind of has to be coaxed into the making eyes part. But that's mostly because she thought Atlas's plan to have her play pretend wife-y for a weekend wasn't a real request. Then he showed up and suddenly Payton's meeting his family and sleeping beside the hunky rocker.

On the other end of things, Atlas is ...well, he's int a sort of weird place. He's attracted to Payton (which is good) and he really wants to give his grandmother the thing she wants most, which is to see him married. So he concocts a kind of wild plan, ropes Payton into it, and soon the two are playing the happy couple for his family. Except it's not all playing. And before they know it, they're in the middle of planning a wedding (rife with odd occurrences) and falling hard for one another.

(As an aside, I'm not a huge fan of people steamrolling others to plan things the people don't really want to do. While I get why that happened here, it's just...not one of my favorite things. Still, I get it and it worked in this instance, so there you go.)

Allergies, fake couple-dom, kittens, ghosts, family, a rockstar who's a little adrift, and a chef who has a dream. Witches get stuff done, amirite!?!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payton McCabe is on top of the world. Being a chef for her friend’s bed and breakfast allows her earth magic to infuse her foods to the delight of her guests. Her brother’s new restaurant, in which she is part owner, is on schedule and its future promising. But she can’t believe she agreed to be a rockstar’s fake wife at some time in the future. That’s what happens when one drinks a bit too much on New Year’s Eve almost 11 months ago. A sudden change requires Payton to seriously consider Atlas’s ridiculous offer of $500k for a weekend of pretend.

Atlas Mazur is a rockstar at the top of his game. A people pleaser by nature, he knows his time with his precious grandma, Gi-gi, is coming to an end. Nothing would make her happier than to see her beloved grandson married and settling down. Enter Payton McCabe. He is fascinated by her as she doesn’t treat him like a rockstar.

Can these two soulmates wade through a weekend full of relatives, magicked kittens, a fake wedding, and most of all real feelings? Will Ashton ruin it all, or will Atlas finally put his desires first for once.

Another great story about the witches in Christmas Grove.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Witch For Mr. Frost (Witches of Christmas Grove Book 5) by Deanna Chase 12/15/23 5 stars
Payton & Atlas

This may be my favorite for the season (I feel like I say this in every book for this series) A touching story with a woman about to get her dream--if something doesn't get in the way. A bad boy rocker on top in the music world. Seeing him with his frail grandmother you see the real, Atlas, and he's nothing like his persona.

As a chef in the restaurant, she and her brother share she is startled by the voice of a man she hasn't heard in almost a year when they made a deal. It isn't something she'd do now--if--there wasn't a huge problem she could solve by just following through. Be a make-believe wife for a weekend. Would she agree and why?

Meeting the family, especially GiGi, his grandmother, fills in for the family she's always wanted.

The story is touching, romantic, a little steamy, and of course filled with magic. I know you'll love it as well.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review

Wow what a story. It’s book 5 in the series . I started listening to it I g right away . So happy this was in audio form. Had to get it. Loved the Ebook also. Deanna story has extensive world-building and deep character development. .
Heroine Payton. Hero is Atlas Mazer. Payton is an Earth Witch Atlas is a spirt witch and a medium .

Atlas Mazer ( not his real name) is also a rock star . He gives Payton a proposal that Payton is seriously considering. Only for the weekend. For Payton it’s for a good cause. Atlas is only thinking about his grandmother and her limited time on earth.
There are many levels to this story and characters that play an important part to the story.
Love how Deanna at the end of the story gives you a sample of the next story in the series

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book for this time of year. The story revolves around Christmas. The year before, Atlas asked Payton for a favor in which she would be compensated monetarily. When she didn’t see him again, she thought he had forgotten about it. But he comes knocking on her door and asks her to be his pretend wife for a weekend to make his ailing grandmother happy. And if she makes it through the weekend, she will get the money needed to payoff the restaurant debt.

Loved all the characters and especially his Gigi (grandmother). While neither one wants to fall in love, magic is in the air. And you can never pull one over on the person who loved and knows you best.

I always love this authors books. So heartwarming. Definitely looking forward to the next in this series.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Payton is a very independent, confident young woman. She is a successful chef and co-owns a restaurant with her brother. At a wedding, on New Year’s Eve, Rock Star, Atlas, lets her know that he plans to make her his wife by the end of next year. By Christmas time of the next year he makes good on his promise. He presents a contract to her, for half a million, if she will pose as his bride as his beloved grandmother is failing. Due to a threat, that she and her brother could loose their restaurant, she agrees to the terms. As they spend time together, love grows between the two. She feels he sees her like no one else ever has. He knows she sees the real him and not his fame or fortune. She grows to love his family and they love her. I highly recommend this holiday read.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Christmas

These are fun, almost Hallmark type books, and I love them. They are sweet Christmas stories and tie in loosely with Befana Bay, Keating Hollow, and Deanna's fantastic witchy writing.
I think I would have liked more background on Atlas, but I really enjoyed his and Payton's story. This fake marriage story does not blow up the way so many do, which makes it my favorite Fake relationship story! The secondary characters are as well developed as the main characters. Super cute storyline. Overall, a very fun, happy Christmas Eve/Jolabokaflod read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

for the audio..

This was a great listen. You know the premise, gal & guy each have their reasons for faking a marriage. What was total enjoyment was how they went about it, all of the things that involved them and the relationship. Payton & Atlas are wonderful together. They are an engaging couple that were mature and adult. All of the characters are great and added depth, I adore GiGi. Gabra Zachman keeps the magic alive for this listen. It was always easy to tell who the characters were and where in the story.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow!!!

This book is the absolute best of the series by far!!!

Payton and Atlas' story is so beautifully written.
It was everything I've been wanting!
It gives you all the feelings.
It is the most heartbreaking, sweetest story you would ever hope to read.

It follows all the other books in this series happy-ish, misunderstanding, happily ever after
But it is definitely written in a unique and original way that is spectacularly Atlas and Payton.

If you're a fan of fake fiance, HEA, Christmas story then I could not recommend this book any higher.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton and Atlas—she’s a chef and he’s a rock star. He convinces her to be his fake wife to make his grandmother’s final wish come true and because she needs the money to cover a loan on the restaurant she co-owns with her brother, she agrees. And, of course, they fall in love and she and his family become close. After his grandmother dies, he is forced to go on tour and everything that could go wrong does. He comes home to make sure they have their HEA and he gets his schedule more reasonable and takes up glass-blowing while she opens up a pie shop. Fun witchy Christmas romance.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for this time of year; they remind me of the love stories on a certain channel. This latest has a rock star and chef pretending to be married for his dying grandmother to enjoy before she’s gone. As always, this is full of romance, love, and togetherness, and of course the author’s great writing. I really like there to be a little bit of a suspense element which this didn’t really have, but that’s OK for it’s great anyway. If you’ve read this series and the ones connected to it, you’ll love this latest. If not, you need to start them ASAP. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series!

I love the Christmas Grove series. Every year at this time, I look forward to a new release. This one was just as sweet, funny, and wonderful as the other books in this series. Payton, Atlas, Gigi, and the rest of the characters were ones that you wish you had as friends. I love how the story emphasized just how important family is, that love is worth it and not to be afraid to follow your dream, no matter what age you are! Overall 5 out of 5 stars!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book which starts with a deal/fantasy and becomes a reality. True love always wins and this book was no different. What started as a business deal for a famous person because his grandmother Gigi was dying became reality! Lots of magic and humor and cooking. Interesting was the choice of dress and the surprise of kittens. Enough said because I don’t want to spoil it but you will love the mystery lol and the romance. Thank you, Ms Chase for the excellent book in the new series!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payton needs cash fast to save her business. Atlas needs a wife to grant his Grandma's last wish. I love how the characters are so realistic and it feels like you are right there in the story with them. Past characters (seriously, start with book 1!) make cameos so you can stay caught up in their lives, and who doesn't love a world filled with magic and kittens? I love this series and highly recommend it. Gabra Zackman does a fabulous job bringing this story to life.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the enchanting town of Christmas Grove, earth witch Payton McCabe agrees to a fake marriage with rock star Atlas Mazer for a weekend. What starts as a charade turns into a heartwarming journey as they navigate unexpected emotions. Atlas, a spirit witch, faces a shift in priorities when his grandmother falls ill. This was such a magical listen with Gabra Zachman's narration!
This is a must-listen for those who enjoy heartwarming romance with a touch of magic.

[Diana Reeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story

It was a very sweet story and it had all the fun elements of Christmas....snow men, snow, ghosts, family and festive feels. However nothing really happens, I think I was expecting more action but that's not the stories fault I just would like more drama and dynamics...just everything happened so quick and the chemistry and love was fine. if you like a simple love story you'll like this.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the rock star and the chef!!!!!
What a wonderful Christmas story.
This was a delightfully charming read that I just couldn’t put down.
Atlas and Payton are just sweethearts together and Atlas’s grandmother stole the story and my heart.
Family, love, romance this one had a bit of everything from laughter to tears.

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas and Payton was just the sweetest couple. Grandma was just great also. I think Grandma could have her own book. LOL I was surprised by how some of these twists went. I love this authors writing so the twist are always fun to figure out. At the end you should have figured out LOVE is worth all the trouble. Great read not just for the holidays.

[Jennifer Ashburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfection!

Just what I needed to ring in the new year! I love the Christmas grove books and this one is at the top! Gigi is the grandmother everyone wishes they had and Alistair is the husband every hallmark movie is looking for! I love that even the ghosts end up with HEA’s, Another amazing read!