Well Merry Christmas to me! After Halloween at the Graff which I really didn't like, I was a bit nervous picking up Christmas at the Graff. But holy smokes was this a good story! I mean, it's a fabulous holiday romance with all the fixin's just laid out in a feast.

Redemption story? Check.
Hard-hearted Grinches? Check.
Cute animals? Check.
Winter sports? Check.
The magic of Christmas? Check.
True love? Check.

What's not to love in all that? I have no idea because I loved this book. This is my first Newell book and it won't be my last. Her style was simply lovely to read and the story tugged at every last one of my heartstrings. I was in tears several times, including the super fabulous ending.

The backstories were simply and wonderfully told, which I think made all the difference. Nothing felt info-dumpy, just info given at the right time in the right way. The fractured family dynamics were painful to read and the descriptions just felt spot on. Jemma and EJ were strong three-dimensional characters and the supporting cast, especially dad Joe and Wink were just superb. I'm hoping for a story for Justine, the other sister in this fractured family. The Christmas tree competition was just icing on the cake in this wonderful story.

An all-around great book and wonderful addition to the Marietta lexicon.

This is a fantastic read and perfect for reminding us of the magic of the season. It's a story of forgiveness, new beginnings, and finding a happily ever after when you least expect it.

For years Jemma Banks has resented the father that walked out on his family. Her mother's bitterness had ruined the holiday season for her. So when she agrees to return to Marietta, where everywhere is over the top Christmas, to care for her father while he rehabilitates shocks herself as much as anyone else. Yet there is something very healing about this small town and discovering that her father is not the monster she had created in her mind brings a peace to Jemma she wasn't expecting. Add in the wonderful time she's having with her father's physical therapist EJ and this is turning out to be the best holiday season ever.

I definitely recommend this one.