This week I’ve been reading novellas, and I’ve picked Avoiding the Mistletoe by Anne Greene to tell you about this week. And I know it’s a Christmas story, but would you believe I’ve had it on my TBR table for a while and I’m just getting to it? Besides, I can read a Christmas story any time!
Here’s the back cover copy:
Desperate widow Olivia accepts a position as a mail-order bride, yet refuses to accept any male’s proposal. Fighting demons of his own, Sheriff Stark sees a second chance for love. This widower vows to win the widow or die trying…and almost does.I
Olivia Rose Baker abandons her dying hometown in Massachusetts to become a mail-order bride in male-dominated Seattle, Washington. Her abusive husband died in the Civil War and left Olivia wary of marriage, so she hopes to take a teaching position rather than become a bride.
But the man who purchased her ticket to Seattle insists she fulfill her contract and marry.
Stark Macaulay, former Confederate and now Sheriff of Seattle, is smitten with Olivia. Stark, unlike all the rich men in Seattle, has nothing to offer Olivia but his love. But Olivia hates anything to do with the Confederacy.
Both fight an uphill battle. Both clash with demons from the past. Both struggle with desperate futures. Will these strong-willed people gain a second chance at love?
My take:
I always enjoy Anne Greene’s books, and Avoiding the Mistletoe was a delight to read. Olivia Baker had just the right amount of backbone to wait for love when so many were pushing her to get married, especially the men who had paid her way out West. I loved watching the romance between Olivia and Stark Macaulay. This is a story I think everyone will enjoy!
My question for you to answer in the comments is: Do you prefer to read Christmas stories in December? Next week I’ll draw a winner for April.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]Do you only read Christmas stories in December? Or do you read them year round? Leave a comment to win a book from my library! #bookgiveaway[/tweet_box]
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Comments 46
I find them more enticing during the months of Nov-Jan. However, throughout the year I read many books that include Christmas as one of their many seasons :).
Author
Usually I’m so far behind on my TBR pile, I don’t get around to them until Spring, Jessica. lol Thanks for stopping by!
I prefer to read them between Thanksgiving and New Year, but if the urge hits me, I’ll read a book with a Christmas plot through the rest of the year as well.
Author
I know what you mean, Michele! Thanks for stopping by!
I prefer them around Christmas, however I’ve read them all through the year this one has peaked my interest
Author
This one interested me, too, Phyllis. I love an independent heroine! Thanks for stopping by!
Christmas stories are good any time of the year!
Author
I agree, Mindy! Thanks for dropping by!
I prefer to read them in the Christmas season. I have several in my bookcase now, just waiting!
Author
Sometimes it’s the next Christmas before I get to them, Mary! lol Thanks for stopping by!
I prefer to read them during the Christmas season; they seem to just ‘fit’ then. I have been known to read them throughout the year, though, when a storyline seems especially compelling.
Author
They do help us to get into the Christmas spirit, Diane! Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I personally prefer to read them close to the season, but a well-told tale is good anytime.
Author
So agree, Delores! Thanks for stopping by!
I love to read Christmas stories any time of the year!
Author
Me, too, Elizabeth, especially if it’s a well-told story like this one. Thanks for stopping by!
I can read Christmas books anytime. Love them.
Author
Lucy, they are the ultimate feel-good book! Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoy reading Christmas stories year round. Our church library readers do too.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Author
I think my church librarian has indicated she can’t keep the Christmas stories in, Janet. Thanks for stopping by!
I read them anytime, but having them to read around Thsnksgiving & Christmaa is fun!
Author
I think reading them puts us in the mood for Christmas, Lisa. Thanks for dropping by!
I normally select a number of Christmas stories to read in the fall, but occasionally I’ll read a Christmas story later in winter that has been on my TBR pile and that I didn’t get read before Christmas.
Author
The last two Christmases I’ve been under deadline with little time to read, Suzanne, and I’m hoping this year will be different. I have a couple of Christmas anthologies to catch up on!
I try to stick to the holiday season (November – January) for reading Christmas stories, but I have read them at other times.
Author
Reading Christmas stories in November–January seems to be the consensus, Linda. Thanks for stopping by!
Christmas stories are actually not really my cup of tea….if I do read them, I prefer it to be in December. Thanks for doing another giveaway!
Author
You’re most welcome, Rosalyn! Next month I’m giving away a copy of Justice Betrayed, the cold case novel that releases June 5. Thanks for stopping by!
I can read a Christmas story any time of the year. I think it’s fun!
Author
I think they’re fun, too, Perrianne! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I will read a Christmas novel anytime, but it usually works out that I read them closer to Christmas.
Author
Hi Edward, and I’m like you, I’ll read a Christmas story anytime it makes it to the top of my TBR pile! Thanks for stopping by!
I mostly read them in the Fall but will read them anytime.
Author
Fall seems the preferred time, Gloria. I think they’re the ultimate feel-good book.Thanks for stopping by!
I prefer to read them in the winter. But, like you, I have so many books on my pile, that if it comes up, well I read it! I use novellas to up my count when I’m behind on my goal! Bye, gotta go read!
Author
Paula, I do that, too! And I need to be reading, but I’m actually trying to write the first scene in the next book!
I prefer to read them from Oct. through Dec., but I might slip in one at any time!
Author
That seems to be the consensus, Jackie. Thanks for stopping by and now back to my writing!
I read the majority of Christmas books during November to January but I also like to read them during the heat of summer. Texas gets very hot in July and August so that is a good time for me to “cool down” with a Christmas story set in a cold climate.
Author
I totally get that, Sue! We get hot here in Mississippi, too, and a Christmas book reminds me of cooler weather. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by,
I enjoy Christmas stories year round!
Author
Me, too, MS Barb! Thanks for dropping in.
I usually just read them at Christmas!
Author
December is so busy I don’t always get to read that month, Faith, so while I’d like to read Christmas stories at Christmas, I rarely get to. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I usually prefer them at Christmas time (Nov-Jan), but am not opposed to any other time of year either.
Most times that’s when a lot of Love Inspired come out and since I’m on street teams, I read quite a bit starting in October or so. I’ve also read them in July….you know the whole Christmas in July theme, lol!
Author
I love the Christmas in July thing! Thanks for stopping by, Trixi!