Love Finds You Under The Mistletoe

I am a huge fan of the Love Finds You series of books, published by Summerside Press through different authors and was more than thrilled to review this Christmas favorite, Love Finds You Under The Mistletoe, by Irene Brand and Anita Higman. In this wonderful novel, you get two holiday romance stories in one book.

An Appalachian Christmas by Irene Brand

Julia Mayfield made a promise to her dying sister Margaret, that she would reunite her son, Bobby with his grandparents in Mistletoe, Kentucky. Since serving in WW2, Julia feels responsible for finding the time to fulfill this wish of her sister and reunite her nephew Bobby with his paternal grandparents the Warrens. What she finds upon stepping off the bus in Kentucky with two year old Bobby, is a very small town of Booneville, 18 miles outside of Mistletoe and no way to get there. Thankfully Julia gets a ride from a mail carrier headed just that way. However when his truck gets stuck while crossing a heavy creek, Julia sends up prayers for God to rescue her.

Enter, David Armstrong on horseback who rescues Julia, Bobby and Tom, the mailcarrier and helps to free their stuck vehicle from the creek. When Julia explains her situation to David, the look of concern on his face in helping her locate the Waldens isn't good. Since the Walden's received news of Bobby's fathers death, they have become recluses in their home and never venture out. David isn't so sure that even with Bobby being their grandson that the Walden's will believe her.

When they arrive at the deserted, rundown home of the Warrens, Julia is threatened with being killed if she doesn't leave, but where does one go in the town of Mistletoe with only a school and a post office in town. Lucky for her, David has the answer.

This story took me right to the small, isolated town of Mistletoe, Kentucky, lost in the deep, dark forests to see if things will work out for Julia and Bobby. Seems small town charm does bring out the best in some people.

Once Upon A Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Holly Goodnight was left on the doorstep of the Little Bethlehem Shoppe as an infant by her mother one night and since then it's all Holly can think about as she has grown is where her mother is and why she left her behind. Working at the store, which has now been voted the best Christmas shop in America, Holly realizes that her "father" has done the very best he could even though he himself never married in taking care of her in the small town of Noel, Missouri.

Owen Quigley is Holly's best friend throughout her childhood in Noel, and has for quite some time seen himself as more to her than just a friend, but not to Holly. When an unexpected stranger shows up in town, Van Keaton, a writer who wants to capture Holly's story in a book, Owen realizes that it's time to finally be honest to Holly about what his true feelings are for her. Yet for Holly having someone who is willing to help her search for her mother, causes her to feel something more for Van Keaton, but is it love?

What I loved about these two heartwarming romance stories is that even though they are both different, they are connected by one seemingly small act in each book. I just know that if you're like me, reading a great Christmas romance is just what you need to put you in the holiday spirit.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and present it with a 5 out of 5 stars. This is truly a great Christmas classic for me and it's found a permanent home in my library. Thanks Irene for signing my copy too!

For more information on this book, the authors and where to purchase a copy, please read on:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe Summerside Press (September 1, 2010)
by Irene Brand & Anita Higman

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Irene Brand has written Sunday School curriculum, edited a two-year series of mission curriculum, and her works have appeared in five program-material anthologies. Her publishers include Zondervan, Standard Publishing, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fleming-Revell, Barbour Publishing, Kregel Publications, Steeple Hill (inspirational imprint of Silhouette), and Summerside Press. She has had 4 non-fiction books published, and 43 fiction works. Her first inspirational romance was published in 1984.

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Two Christmas stories - one historical, one contemporary - under one cover!

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas

A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve

Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.

If you would like to read an excerpt of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, go HERE.