Cover Image: At the Heart of Christmas

At the Heart of Christmas

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

When Nolan's studio burned down, it set the stage for this innocent Christmas romance. I enjoyed Quinn's quirkiness and hard work in using her inheritance to turn her family's ornament company into what it once was. But for some reason, it was hard for me to engage with this story. I felt like the plot stayed at the surface level and could have gone deeper on a few different levels. I never was able to mentally picture the characters as I read "At the Heart of Christmas", which also caused difficulty in connecting with the book. Overall, it was a cute, simple Christmas story.

Was this review helpful?

For years, the Hardwick Ornament Company’s artisan glass blown ornaments were “must haves” for family Christmas trees. Two families, the Hardwicks and the Vessers had crafted the “heart of Christmas” at their small factory in New England.

Quinn Hardwick is the great-great-grandaughter of the founder. She has recently inherited the abandoned ornament company. She has also inherited the passion and vision needed to make her dream of resurrecting the ornament production come alive.

Nolan Vesser lives on the opposite coast in California. He has had to raise his younger sister after his parents tragically died. He makes it work, thanks to his dedication and glassblowing skills. But when another tragedy shakes his life, he decides to accept Quinn’s invitation to visit her and consider working with her at the Ornament Company. And yes, his Great-Great Grandfather was the original glassblower, which leads to some secrets.

This charming book features everything we love about Christmas, especially a Hallmark Christmas. A small town, a large loving family, events such as the Reindeer Ruckus and an eggnog competition gift us the magic of the holidays and warm our hearts.

Speaking of warm hearts, Quinn and Nolan are sweet as they navigate a business relationship and a growing love for each other. He admires her love of town and family and commitment to her dream. She is captivated by his good looks, strength of character and artistic talents.

The story ends with a beautiful scene as the “heart of Christmas” is revealed. No surprises in this book, but there are plenty of loveable characters and events, including the antics of two spunky horses. And there’s a recipe for Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Glaze. (Hey, how about one for Grandma’s special egg nog?)

Although I appreciate Hallmark books and movies because of their sweet values, I do wish we had been treated to a real kiss between Quin and Nolan. Happy Holidays! Thanks to Net Galley and Hallmark Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

At the Heart of Christmas shows us that Christmastime is all about love and forgiveness. It can also be a great time for new beginnings. I thought this was a sweet and heartwarming story. I would love to see all the ornaments that Quinn and Nolan end up creating together! Maybe this year Hallmark will release some of Quinn and Nolan's ornaments along with their other Christmas ornaments... I would totally buy one! This story is one of the more recent Hallmark books that doesn't have a movie accompanying it, which is great for allowing readers to picture the characters and setting the way they want. At the Heart of Christmas can be enjoyed by readers of multiple ages! Go get yourself a copy!

Was this review helpful?

Love the romance in this book. It was an awesome Christmas romance. Well written. Hope to get more books like this to read

Was this review helpful?

Received book as an ARC to review from NetGalley. Since it was a hallmark channel movie I had to get it.

Was this review helpful?

This is Quinn's starting over. Rebuilding her family's old Hardwick Ornament Company. Now all she needs is a glass-blower to create the stunning designs that everyone has come to love and expect.

Nolan has lost everything. A fire not only injured him but also left him without a place to work. When a will comes to light that he is the owner of Hardwick Ornament Company, Nolan travels to see his new property and maybe start over.

But heads collide when he becomes the answer to Quinn's prayer. He's a famous glass-blower and she still thinks that this is her company.

This is book is recommended for everyone. Like all Hallmark content, this story is appropriate for all readers.

Was this review helpful?

AT THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS is a very romantic Christmas story! It has all the emotions of loss, despair, hope, excitement, joy, romance, rebuilding and achievement and love. It's a rollercoaster of a journey full of quirky characters! If you read one Christmas story this year, it needs to be this one!!!

Was this review helpful?

I sincerely enjoyed Jill Monroe's story of Quinn and Nolan and their work to restart a family business, it definitely was Hallmark Christmas- movie-esque and I really did love it.

Quinn Hardwick takes control of her family's Christmas ornament business after it being closed for years after having loved it as a child.

After investments and her dedication to restarting the business, she decides to hire Nolan Vesser, whose relatives used to be the glass blowers of the business. However, what she doesn't know is that Nolan actually has a piece of information that could change her life, and not in a good way.

Nolan and Quinn are relatable and kind humans who find each other in the midst of trying to restart a business, which is no easy endeavor. It was an engaging and heartwarming story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves sweet stories and Christmas!

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful, feel good Christmas story. It has memorable, likeable characters and the ending is perfect. Jill Monroe did a great job making you feel the joyness of the season. Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and #Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Jill Monroe did an excellent job at making you feel all the emotions and brought all the scenes to life. If you are looking for a really good clean Christmas book, this is it! I highly recommend this book and the recipe at the end. Thank you Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

Was this review helpful?

A Hallmark book about the Hardwick Ornament Company....coincidence? Ya. Anyway, it was a sweet little romance about a boy and a girl from families that were destined to be together. The journey takes a few twists and turns, but you know how it's going to end.

Was this review helpful?

The storyline was good and the small town setting charming. Definitely an easy read and a good christmas story. I did like this however it just lacked a bit of magic.

Was this review helpful?