This book was given to me by Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary:

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?

My Thoughts:

I have often said there is nothing happier than a Christmas romance novel, and this is no exception. I am a pretty seasonal reader – I tend to read with the seasons, and have a hard time with summery books in winter, and so on. But a Christmas romance I can generally read anytime, especially if I am going through something and need some happy in my life.

And this book certainly delivers on the uplifting, have faith in people, love one another front. Haven Point is all about second chances, so veterinarian Dani Capelli has landed in the right place for a new start with her two daughters. She works for just the type of vet you would expect in a small town, kindly and sweet. And Dani herself, despite a sort of standoffish demeanor with the residents of Haven Point, is nothing but love and cuddles and concern when it comes to the resident’s pets.  Dani would love to make Haven Point work for her and her daughters, but find herself holding everyone she meets at arm’s length, especially her boss’ attractive son Ruben.

However, when her daughter Silver lands herself in some hot water, Ruben steps in to help Dani and the family out. This whole thing, Ruben and his interactions with Dani, Silver, and Mia, is so heartwarming, that it makes the entire book. Ruben gives the benefit of the doubt where so many wouldn’t, and takes the Capelli family under his wing. He introduces Dani and her daughters to the traditions of the season in Haven Point, slowly but surely winning them over, one by one.

But Dani has a secret that she feels she needs to hide from the town. Can she trust Ruben with her secret, and her heart?

I loved this book. I loved Dani and Ruben, and my heart went out to poor Silver. But it is the sense of community in these books that gets me. A small town that cares about its residents, where people know each other, help each other, do things like bake cookies and shovel snow for neighbors. Practice forgiveness, extend a little understanding and compassion, and are not so quick to judge. The fact that all of this is taking place at Christmas makes it all the better. This book was a quick read, but a very good one. Perfect for a day that you need a pick-me-up!

The Giveaway!

To enter to win a brand spanking new copy of this book, just leave me a comment here with your email on this post by midnight on September 24th! A comment about a winter or holiday tradition would be fun, but not necessary. 🙂  I will choose the winner via randomize.com.

You don’t need a blog to win, just an email! Must also live in the US to be eligible for mailing purposes.