February 2026 w Mary Martinez > Likes and Comments

Stop in to chat with this month's author. Stick around for next month's discussion. 2 lucky winners will receive next month's ebook for our book club. Good luck!

Start this month's FIRST book club on February 5, 2026

Kristmas Noel Holly was born in December—but her name is where the holiday spirit ends.
Raised by parents who despised the season, Kris associates Christmas with stress, not joy. So when she’s invited to speak at a prestigious conference in Germany during the first week of December, she sees it as the perfect escape from garlands, carols, and forced cheer.

Nicholas Joseph Holladay lives for the holidays.
He treasures every twinkling light, every Hallmark movie, and every moment spent with his six-year-old daughter. When Kris insists the conference is a must business opportunity, Nick agrees to join her—bringing his daughter and niece along so he won’t miss a single magical moment with them.

Nick’s mission? To show Kris the wonder she’s been missing. From snow-dusted cobblestone streets to the enchanting stalls of Germany’s Christmas markets, he hopes to thaw her frosty view of the season—and maybe her guarded heart.

But as sparks fly and traditions clash, will Nick’s holiday charm win Kris over—or will their differences ruin more than just the trip

Christmas Holiday Romance eBooks
Small Town & Rural Fiction
Holiday Romance

Thank you Coffee Time for having my book for your book club. I've very excited.

I will watch for comments and questions throughout the month.

Let's have a good time,
Mary Martinez

Oh, on an FYI The Kristmas Project is priced at $1.99 instead of it's regular price of $3.99. It will be discounted thru the month of February.

Ask me any questions you'd like.
Mary

Good morning!
I hope everyone enjoys the book. Do you have any questions about Kristmas or Nicolas? Ask away!

PS The book is on Kindle Unlimited also.
Mary

This is the kind of story that puts you in the Christmas mood. A cinnamon roll hero with a soft spot for the season, a heroine in need of a warm place to fall, and an adorable little girl to tie up the story with a pretty bow.
I'm excited about this being a series. Can you tell us about book two?

Hi Mary,
I enjoyed the redemption story of The Christmas Project and how Kris finally felt the spirit of the season by interacting with Nick and his family.
How did your idea for this story come to you?

KyAnn wrote: "This is the kind of story that puts you in the Christmas mood. A cinnamon roll hero with a soft spot for the season, a heroine in need of a warm place to fall, and an adorable little girl to tie up..."
The next story is about Nick's sister Stefani. Her bistro is open, with a few minor updates. Grayson is a rival cook, who she went to the institute with. Sparks were sizzling at school, but there was a misunderstanding. Stef swore she would never talk to him again. The he shows up in her little town to cater a wedding for one of her best friends. Thank you for asking!

Stanalei wrote: "Hi Mary,
I enjoyed the redemption story of The Kristmas Project and how Kris finally felt the spirit of the season by interacting with Nick and his family.
How did your idea for this story come t..."
I'm not really sure. The three books, though, hit at the same time. I had all the characters and where they were going, etc. I do remember thinking, most Christmas stories it is the female who loves the holiday. I wondered what would happen if I reversed it. Kris hates it but Nick loves everything about it.
Thank you for asking.

Good morning!
Those of you reading the book, do you have any questions? Do you like the characters?

How are you? If you're not reading The Kristmas Project, what are you reading?

Those of you reading The Kristmas Project, how are you liking it? Do you have questions?

I'm here if you do,
Mary

Another Monday!
Did anyone watch the Superbowl? I didn't have any of the teams I liked in it, so it was a little boring for me.

What are you reading?
Mary

Well Goodreads won't let me add the contest directly. So you can go to www.coffeetimeromance.com to enter to win Book 2, The Holiday Cooking Club.

No i did not watch the superbowl

I am reading 4 different books including a sourdough recipe book (yes I read them before I try them) Loving it lol I am also reading The Kristmas Project. So cute Mary! You are a fantastic writer

Mary wrote: "How are you? If you're not reading The Kristmas Project, what are you reading?

Those of you reading The Kristmas Project, how are you liking it? Do you have questions?

I'm here if you do,
Mary"

CoffeeTimeRomance wrote: "Well Goodreads won't let me add the contest directly. So you can go to www.coffeetimeromance.com to enter to win Book 2, The Holiday Cooking Club."
You didn't miss anything by not watching the Superbowl.

Let me know how the recipe book is.

I'm very glad you like my book, I'm having fun writing the 3rd book.

Have a great day,
Mary

CoffeeTimeRomance wrote: "
Stop in to chat with this month's author. Stick around for next month's discussion. 2 lucky winners will receive next month's ebook for our book club. Good luck!"

I'm reading The Kristmas Project. Love it. I'm falling in love with our hero as he's so wonderful to the niece and daughter. Kris has yet to get together with him. Don't tell me, I can't wait to read more. Hugs

Mary wrote: "CoffeeTimeRomance wrote: "Well Goodreads won't let me add the contest directly. So you can go to www.coffeetimeromance.com to enter to win Book 2, The Holiday Cooking Club."
You didn't miss anythin..."
Fanny, Thanks for joining us. I am excited you like the book. I won't tell you anything. I want you to be surprised.
Hugs Back
Mary

Mary...What is Nick's niece's name? And why is she important to this story?

Loving this book!

CoffeeTimeRomance wrote: "Mary...What is Nick's niece's name? And why is she important to this story?

Loving this book!"
I'm glad that you like the book!
Joy is Nick's niece. She joins Nick and Kris on their business trip, she watch's Angel, Nick's daughter, while they're doing presentations. Without those two girls showing Kris the magic of Christmas, I'm not sure Nick could have made her believe on his own.
I hope that explains it.
Mary

Hi
The month is almost over. Remember to ask questions if you have any.

What are you doing this weekend? Anything fun?
Have a great day,
Mary

Hi everyone,
What are you reading this weekend?

Here in Utah it's sunny but cold. I'll be inside working on the 3rd book of the Wintergreen Village Series. Christmas Kisses and S'mores.

Have a great day,
Mary

Hi all,
I'll only be here for a couple of more days. I'd love to hear from anyone who read the book. Give me your thoughts.

Have a wonderful day,
Mary

I thought I'd post a excerpt. The Kristmas Project. Kris is not a fan of Christmas. This is the car ride to the airport to attend a conference in Germany. Nick brought his daughter so she could experience the Christmas Markets and his niece to watch over his daughter.

“You’re the dragon lady,” the little one announced very solemnly. She narrowed her eyes and bit her bottom lip. “You don’t look mean. You must be a nice dragon.”
Her smile lit up her entire face. Oh my, wasn’t she a little angel.
“Angel,” Nick said in exasperation.
Kris kept her chuckle in. So that was Nick’s daughter’s name, at least it was an apt name. Kris turned to Nick then thought better of it and turned her attention to Angel. “Hi Angel, I’m Kris Holly. I work with your daddy. You have a nice name.”
She tilted her head to the side. “You do too, Holly is pretty. But you didn’t say if you were a nice dragon.”
“Angel.” This time the rebuke came from Joy. “Hi, Ms. Holly, I’m Nick’s niece. Thank you for allowing Angel and me to come with you. I have planned some things for when Unck isn’t giving a workshop. I hope you join us. Oh, and I’m sure you’re very nice.”
The last sentence was more directed at Angel than Kris. “I would like to think I’m nice. In case your uncle hasn’t informed you, the holidays and Christmas are not my favorite. I will join you for some meals, because as your uncle told you, I am a foodie. Exploring the markets, I’ll leave to you three.”
“But Ms. Holly it’s going to be magical. And you are a dragon you know. They’re magical.” Angel’s statement again was very solemn. “Not as magical as the Noël Christmas market here at home. But Joy said our market was inspected by the Eupean market.”
“Our market was inspired by the European Markets,” Joy explained.
Angel frowned at her. “That’s what I said.” Then to Kris to repeat. “They are magical though. You need to come.”

I hope you enjoy the book.
Mary