Back of Book: 

A summer escape…

To idyllic Christmas Island

Rebecca Browne has the perfect summer job. As companion to wealthy octogenarian Flora Winters, Rebecca will spend the hundred days of summer on Christmas Island. But as she falls in love with the festive resort town and its friendly inhabitants, she’s more and more conflicted about keeping her employer’s secrets—especially from Griffin May, the charming ferryboat captain who’s becoming more than just a friend.

Book Number: One 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: ? 

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On Christmas Island…

Some loves can't be forgotten

For Camille Peterson, coming home to Christmas Island to take over the family’s candy-making business is complicated. After all, she left so much behind. And when it comes to single dad Maddox May—who broke Camille’s heart back in high school—complicated is only the beginning. If only she could wrap up her feelings and forget them. But if forgiveness is sweet, a second chance might be irresistible…

Book Number: Two

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

A surprise baby…

And a Christmas Island wedding?

Hadley Pierce prides herself on being practical, but even she won’t accept a marriage proposal from a man who doesn’t love her. Mike Martin is a good friend. Soon he’ll be the father of her baby, and yet…Hadley can’t say yes. As Christmas Island comes alive for the busy tourist season, can friendship bloom into something more for this little family-to-be?

Book Number: Three 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

Could a fake engagement…

Reveal true love?

Boutique owner Violet Brookstone would do anything for her lifelong best friend, Jordan Frome. Even pose as his fiancée so Jordan can win a promotion to the Great Valley Hotel—far from Christmas Island. But their pretend summer romance makes Violet realize that Jordan is more than just a friend. How can she tell him the truth, when confessing would keep Jordan from the fresh start he deserves?

Book Number: Four 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

He stole her dream…

She’s stealing his heart

As the holiday season approaches, Cara Peterson is about to realize her dream of turning the stable where she works into a riding camp for kids… until her old crush swoops in and buys the property. Now Ryan Brookstone wants her help caring for the horses. Trusting him won’t be easy—especially since he seems to be hiding something. Unless they can work together… to build something completely new!

Book Number: Five 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

A sweet holiday romance that takes place on a small island that is addicted to Christmas.

Cara is the youngest of the Peterson sisters but that doesn't mean that she doesn't have her own ambitions. After waiting for years, Cara is finally given the perfect opportunity to start the horse camp of her dreams. That is, until Ryan Brookstone appears back on Christmas Island after being gone for ten years and beats her to purchasing the stable that they both worked at as kids. Cara reluctantly agrees to help out around the stable while Ryan gets his footing. It's not easy working alongside her former crush, but she won't let him smother her hopes either. Despite the odds, Cara and Ryan must work together to achieve both their dreams (just in time for Christmas, of course).

Honestly, this book was pretty cute. It wasn't super in depth and I didn't adore any of the characters, but the Christmas vibe was there and I didn't find the plot to be annoying. Watching Cara and Ryan work side by side caring for their horses was really sweet. I also appreciated the fact that they were childhood friends because it made them falling for each other so much more realistic. This book is also clean, doesn't have a ridiculous third act conflict that was completely forced into the story for no reason, and had some pretty cute moments.

This may have been the fifth book in the series, but it worked wonderfully reading it as a stand alone. In the first couple of chapters I felt overwhelmed by the number of characters, but I knew that they were all the main characters from the first four books, so I cut the author some slack. I quickly got them down pat, and trying to remember who was who didn't take much away from the story too much.

Overall, "Under the Mistletoe" was a cute small town, friends to lovers, clean Christmas romance that did a good job immersing me in the holiday vibes while also having an engaging enough plot that never had me bored. I didn't particularly love anything about this book, but it was an enjoyable enough read right before Christmas.