dear mr. hemingway’s 2020 holiday books & pairings
Nutcrackers Who Dance & Holiday Romance
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
Relationship and dating drama…Sign me up. There is no shortage of dates gone wrong in Bayliss’ rom-com. I adored Kate and all her dating adventures in this feel-good holiday tale. Cuddle up by the fire and enjoy this cozy read.
From the publisher: “When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say “Bah, humbug.” The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate’s found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt’s neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor…right?
Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before–and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures–Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along…”
P.S. Pucker up for some BOOZY chapsticks from Cape Gold Honey. Pina Colada, Rum and Coke, Sauvignon Blanc, Bourbon, and perhaps some Fireball to keep your lips luscious and smooth this winter. My favorite chapstick in the world goes great with this holiday read!
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Gallery)
Oh how I loved this book! A snowy cabin, spiked eggnog, some dreamy “steamy” romance, and a teeny bit of time travel (trust me…this works) is sure to turn any frown upside down. This smile-inducing story will have you dreaming of Christmas.
From the publisher: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.
But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.
Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.”
P.S. Cocktails in the Cabin sounds perfect with In a Holidaze. This candle from Nubble Light Candle Company (my favorite candle company on the planet) is the perfect match for this book.
A California Christmas by Brenda Novak (Mira Books)
Let me just say this…Emery + Dallas = va va va voom! This holiday romance has tons of sparks and plenty of substance. Loveable characters, baggage galore, and small-town living give Novak’s story a big thumbs up from me. This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I now can’t wait to go back to Silver Springs. I hope you enjoy your visit.
From the publisher: “Up-and-coming TV anchor Emery Bliss can’t imagine anything more humiliating than the sex tape her ex revenge-posted online. That is until it causes her to lose her job on top of her self-esteem. Seeking solace–and anonymity–in Silver Springs, Emery isn’t looking to get involved with another man any time soon. But when she’s thrown back into contact with Dallas Turner, she sees something that his many detractors have missed.
Being home for the holidays and his adoptive mother’s wedding isn’t where mountain climber Dallas feels most comfortable. Thanks to his troubled childhood, he’d rather be on a rock face alone than trying to connect with people. Emery, however, makes him want to overcome his past…somehow.
Both Emery and Dallas had been planning on a quiet, solitary Christmas, but the sparks between them are lighting a fire strong enough to last–possibly forever.”
P.S. Slide this book in a Happy Go Lovely Booksleeve for the perfect pairing. Pick a pattern…any pattern. Any Maxi size sleeve will do.
Dear Mr. Hemingway’s 2020 Holiday Books & Pairings
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