This was a lovely book. Holly lives just outside Nashville. Her Papa dies and she and her Nana are left alone. Her Papa left her a sizeable inheritance to do up the family cabin to provide her Nana an income for the rest of her life and Holly does it up and rents it out.

A year after Papa dies, Holly convinces her Nana to go and spend christmas in the cabin and when they get there a renter had not left and Holly and Joseph start to play a dangerous game of flirtation and attraction until both Joseph and Holly's pasts come and smack them with a dose of reality.

Now i sat and read this last night and stayed up until 4 am reading it as i was completely incapable of putting it down. I also ended up crying my eyes out at the end, cheeks stinging, migraine bringing on crying. It really touched me in a way i was not expecting.

I love a good Christmas feel good book - and this didn’t disappoint (really). Holly and her Nana’s christmas in their cabin has been hijaked by dishy Joseph who has been snowed in!
It was a bit movies 24 and I can imagine watching the movie of the same name with a hot chocolate and a blanket but it was enjoyable. Well written but extremely far fetched - who knew one waitress could do so many jobs so well!?! If you are wanting to curl up and escape in snow, line dancing and love triangles go for it.

I had a hard time with this book. I felt like it was having an identity crisis! Almost like the author didn't really plot anything and just kept writing, For example; Holly was a waitress, apparently a phenomenal one! But she was also an interior designer. And a wedding planner, AND rehabbed old furniture! All so amazingly well. Joe felt flat to me. They had no connection in my opinion. And then we had Rhett, who just sort off popped in. I think he was supposed to be part of a "triangle" but there was also no connection there for me either. I won't even go into his part of the "plot". It made no sense. I would pass on this one.

While the temps are not feeling quite “christmasy” here in AZ, this book got me into the spirit. Jenny Hale takes us to Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. A small town where everyone knows each other and everyone makes sure that all are safe and sound.

Holly McAdams is a creative genius working as a waitress and taking care of her grandmother, Nana. Nana lost her husband and Holly’s grandfather, Papa. Since the loss, Nana has just not been herself, nor has she wanted to visit the family cabin in Leiper’s Fork. Holly comes home from her last shift before the Christmas holiday, and Nana wants to go to the cabin. Holly would do anything for her grandmother, so off to Leiper’s Fork they go, in the middle of a snowstorm.

The surprise element is Joseph Barnes, a handsome stranger who had rented the cabin from AirBnB, and was snowed in. Joseph is in Tennessee to get things ready for his upcoming wedding, and that is where things get complicated. Because Nana & Holly arrive, and Joseph hasn’t left, they are now roommates until the snow clears.

Jenny Hale has created a warm & cozy story that fits in perfectly with the holidays. I usually pick up a light holiday novel every year and this one fits the bill perfectly. It’s the ideal addition to your reading while wrapping gifts and drinking hot cocoa. I loved the characters and the location, the storyline, the setting, the dialogue. I’m not a huge romance fan, but I do fall for some light romance and good storytelling. Pick this one up and enjoy it when you’re ready for some holiday cheer.

A heartwarming story of healing and finding yourself. Holly is just trying to get her Gran to smile again and bring back some Christmas magic. Spending time at the family cabin for the holidays seems like the perfect idea. Until they find a surprise guest still in residence due to the inclement weather. But what starts out awkward quickly turns into the magic they were looking for. Now to get over the hurdle of his upcoming wedding...

This was such a heartwarming story. I already knew I liked Jenny Hale's writing as I have read some books by her previously and enjoyed them. I loved the community setting of this book, I have a weakness for that sort of thing and this one was lovely. I really wanted to move there! The characters were all unique and interesting and the whole thing was brilliant. Very enjoyable read!

Having read and loved previous books by Jenny Hale, I jumped at the chance to read and review her newest title and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I did. It felt a little sacrilegious reading a Christmas book so close to Halloween but aside from that, I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page until the very last. I read the book in a day too as I simply found it too difficult to put it down! It is everything I wanted from a Christmas romance book and is a wonderful reminder of how many wonderful Christmas stories I have to look forward to in the coming months – including a few more by Jenny Hale herself. So if you’re ready to dive into that Christmas feeling – I highly recommend getting your hands on this book!

As usual, Jenny has created some unique and heart-warming characters. I felt so much for Holly and thought that she was such a strong character to read about. I followed her story closely and just fully connected with her on a true emotional level. I wanted her to finally find happiness, to let life bring her what she wanted and she was just such a wonderful character to read about. I also loved how much she wanted to make Nana happy, especially after the loss of Papa. When we first meet Joseph, I have to admit I also really connected with him. I love how helpful he was and how they both connected so quickly too. It’s the kind of start that I think we all hope to have. Then last, but certainly not least, there is Rhett. At first I really didn’t like him but soon found myself enjoying reading about him and realised that he wasn’t as bad as I first thought!

As the book progresses, Jenny Hale carries you along the story of this Christmas in the cabin so well. As everything starts with disaster – and a very unhappy Nanna – to the very end when things are much better. As expected, I absolutely loved the narration of this book. Jenny Hale has a knack of describing everything in such a manner that you get fully pulled into the story and filled with that Christmas magic feel inside your bones. I also really loved that while this book did have a true romantic focus of love, it also delved into family love too – it just made the book that much more wonderful to read. I have to admit, even with Halloween around the corner, I cannot wait for Chrismtas now. This book just brought out that atmosphere so well and reminded me of why Christmas is such a magical time of year!

All in all, this book is one that I very much liked! I could not put it down and found myself fully invested in the story. I would definitely highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a great magical Christmas read that will really get you into the spirit. Plus if you like your romances too, this book will have you gushing quite a bit too! Honestly, I want you to just stop reading this review now and go and get yourself this book to read because I am positive that you won’t regret it!

It Started With Christmas, written by author Jenny Hale, is a heartwarming, feel-good holiday story. Jenny Hale releases a holiday book around this time every year, and reading these books have become a tradition with me, and something I always look forward to every year.

Holly McAdams is taken by surprise when her grandmother "Nana" announces that she wants to go to the family cabin for Christmas. Nana was married to Arthur McAdams (Papa), and after his death a couple of years ago, Nana has changed. Nana was so full of life while Papa was alive, but since his death, it is evident that she is completely lost without him. She has not been able to return to their cabin since Papa died...the memories are too painful for her broken heart. The cabin was rented out recently, but Nana made sure the cabin would be available if she found the courage to return this Christmas. Holly decides to not waste a moment now that Nana asked to go to the cabin, and they leave that night, despite the falling snow. The trip usually took about an hour, but the roads were extremely treacherous and it took a lot longer to get there. Holly and Nana were completely exhausted by the time they reached the cabin. Holly gets Nana settled on the couch, and goes out to get their luggage. She comes back inside, goes straight to the bedroom with the luggage, and turns on the light. What happens next takes Holly completely by surprise!

Joseph Barnes booked the cozy cabin in the mountains outside of Nashville for two weeks...giving him time to take care of things he needs to do, but also allowing him some time to clear his head. Unfortunately, he is snowed in at the cabin, and his flight got cancelled...obviously he will be staying longer than expected. He decides to call it a night and go to bed...only to wake up a few hours later to the light being turned on in the bedroom...and to see a woman standing in the bedroom doorway.

Rhett Burton is a musician...a small town boy following his dream. Unfortunately, dreams also mean sometimes leaving behind those you love...and in his case, that person was his best friend all throughout his childhood. A woman he has never forgotten, despite what she believes. Now he is back home...determined to make up for lost time and finally win her heart for good.

The story that unfolds is truly a magical holiday story about love, family, friendships, and believing in the spirit of Christmas. Nana is such a beautifully written character...one that spoke to my heart. She is a bit of a lost soul since losing the love of her life, Arthur (Art). Holly has a big heart, and only wants to see Nana happy once again. However, that is easier said than done with the unexpected visitor sharing the cabin with them. Joe is a complex character, but he is a man with a heart of gold. The chemistry is evident between Holly and Joe, but they do not act on it. Nana obviously senses there is something between them, which is why she has reservations about him. After all, she needs to make sure Holly does not get hurt, and she can see Holly heading in that direction. Finally, Rhett is back, and he is on a mission to be with Holly. I also have to mention the awesome supporting cast of characters...and what a wonderful group they are. They are literally the true meaning of friendship and community. All of the characters in this story are the perfect mix for a heartwarming and heartfelt holiday story. There are some unexpected twists that add to the overall story, and it will all lead up to a very satisfying ending.

I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review It Started With Christmas. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

The heart-warming holiday reads continue with It Started With Christmas by Jenny Hale. This was a cute book and definitely gave me Hallmark Channel Movie vibes (which is a good thing by the way). It was cute and light, but I will say I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoping. I liked it, but it took awhile for me to really get invested and the first quarter of the book felt a little off and slightly hokey. Ultimately, it was a cute read and if you are looking for something light and sweet for the holiday season, then this would be a good read for you.

Someone please hug me, I think I’ve turned into a romantic pile of mush!!! You know those films which come on TV in the run up to Christmas, the ones usually on Christmas24 or equivalent? You know the ones I mean? Well, Jenny Hale’s new novel reminded me of one of those – the type of film which fills you with Christmas joy to rival Santa Claus’ Christmas spirit, whilst also warming you like a giant mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows. How could anyone complain about that?

Holly is determined to make her Nana smile this Christmas, as the death of a loved one seemed to strip Nana’s joy away permanently. It’s no wonder really, but, having been close to her grandmother ever since she was a little girl, Holly would do anything to make Christmas one to remember for both of them. Of course best laid intentions don’t always go to plan….that would be FAR too easy.

The romance in this book is utterly spellbinding. As I have said more than once, I don’t do romance unless someone shoves a cookie under my nose, yet this storyline just oozed romantic love as well as tender, family love. I guess part of me was waiting for a family argument to appear like on most Christmases, but I was so thankful that rifts were so far away from Holly’s family, I definitely sighed with relief. Holly and her Nana had a relationship just too special to be dented by any family row, especially as they both knew just how devastating it was to lose someone who meant the world to them.

I also loved the little subplot where Joseph was concerned as it highlighted the deeper and more naive (in a good way) parts of Holly’s personality. It was as though I witnessed two versions of Holly’s character – the one where she did things for her Nana and everyone else, and then the one where she decided to listen to her heart and put her trust in her own beliefs in hope that things would pan out in the way that she had hoped.

‘It Started With Christmas’ is such a beautiful, tender, touching novel which left me covered in goosebumps due to the sheer beauty of every little detail from the description of the furniture in the cabin, to the way the author described Holly’s romantic thoughts. There was no stone unturned, and for me, such attention to detail and well crafted storyline from the author, made this book the little, festive gem that blew me away and left me wanting more. I adored it and would love to see this gracing my TV screens one Christmas!

This book was overflowing with Nashville Christmas charm from start to finish and it was such a dream to read that I devoured it in one sitting as I couldn't put the book down.

The folk in Leiper's Fork were like old friends giving me the feeling that I'd known them my whole life as I warmed to each and every one of them. Nana was a dream of a character with her disapproving faces aimed in Holly and Joe's direction. But the icing on the cake fell to her baking skills as the smell of her buttermilk biscuits lifted right off the page as I was reading creating wonderful aromas in my head. Papa, for me, was a larger than life stature of a man who created an abundance of Christmas magic in the story and a standout moment in the book had to be the present hunt he designed for Nana taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt that his character shone the brightest even though he wasn't with us, showing that those we truly love never do leave us. Moving on and dealing with grief is a tough road that Nana and Holly face, a one that only time can even begin to help heal.

The unexpected guest found snowed in at the cabin added a delightful sprinkling of romance to the storyline. Joe and Holly's chemistry sizzled right off the pages from the start making me crave the happy ever after that I hoped would be there. But it wouldn't be a Nasville story without the added bonus of a country music heart throb which came in the form of Rhett Burton adding additional complications down the road to true love for Holly.

It Started with Christmas is a wonderful story that I was sad to see come to an end. I feel that there's plenty move adventures left for these characters and would love to spend a bit more time in this idyllic part of the world in the future.

Review: It started with Christmas is one of those novels that you just have to read when the weather is cold outside and you are wrapped up in a blanket all cosy by the fire.

I would like to thank Bookouture and Noelle for arranging the blog tour and letting me review this wonderful book. 

Holly loves a cosy Christmas with her family in their cabin all decked out in its festive splendour. However, this year is going to be very different with the absence of her beloved Grandpa and the sudden appearance of a handsome Joseph. 

I adored this read, for me it sums up what Christmas is all about. Love and family with a sprinkle of magic. A beautiful setting, snowed in in a log cabin at Christmas is my kind of dream. A perfectly written Christmas romance.     

Christmas is not right without a Jenny Hale book.

What a lovely book this is, perfect for snuggling down on a cold winter’s night.

I really liked Holly she was a lovely character who cared so much about her Nana, putting her own life on hold, even though she was still grieving for her Papa. I really liked the mysterious Joseph Barnes as well and completely understood Holly’s attraction to him. I wasn’t so keen on Rhett Burton, Holly’s childhood friend, although I did warm to him towards the send of the book.

I loved the snowy setting of the cabin in Nashville, it made me want to stay there. I’d love to shop at Pucketts and meet Tammy, and then go to that party at Otis’s barn and maybe even try his infamous tea!

There was so much tension between Holly and Joe that made me want to get into the book and tell them to be honest with about their feelings for each other . I’d love to mention so many other things that happened but I don’t would to spoil your enjoyment of the book.

I don’t normally read Christmas books, but I definitely want to read the author’s other Christmas stories so I can experience the Christmas magic that Holly and Nana did.

I'm starting to think that it wouldn't be Christmas without a Jenny Hale book! They are just the perfect festive stories! It started with Christmas is such a lovely festive story. These are so much more than the usual romantic stories and I found it to be quite emotional at times.

It really is the cosiest Christmas story I have read this year and I feel its one I could read again and again.

If you're looking for sweet and simple holiday story that incorporates the love of Christmas magic and a small-town romance, then this is the book for you!

Those of my readers that are fans of steamy romance will not find that in this story. It is a clean romance and is focused more on the growth and development of people through loss of family and finding that Christmas spirit again.

The main character, Holly, spends almost all of her time and energy focused on keeping her Nana happy and taking care of her after her grandfather passed away a few years ago. Little does Holly realize, she's watching her own life pass her by.

Through a casual encounter with a renter at their cabin and other chance events, Holly starts to remember what Christmas is supposed to be about. Bringing joy to those around you and finding happiness within yourself. After what feels like a tragic love lost, Holly finally sets on her own adventure to find herself again and possibly finding the love that she thought she was missing?

Read it to find out - it will warm your heart and soul this holiday season and remind you of the importance of family through trying times.

My Review: 5/5

Jenny Hale is my go to author for romance. Her books are light yet filled with emotion. I always fall in love with the characters. It Started with Christmas did not disappoint.

The lead character, Holly, lives with her Nana in Nashville. On an unexpected whim, Nana decides to spend Christmas at their old cabin…and it’s the first time since her husband passed.

Holly, thinking it is a terrific idea, loads them up and they head out. Holly is a great character. She’s in her twenties and is trying to find herself, even though she tells herself she is perfectly happy waiting tables and living with Nana. Then she meets Joe….the man who was staying at the cabin prior to their arrival, stuck because of the weather. Even though Joe is engaged and planning to get married to Katharine right after the New Year, Holly finds herself falling fast. To make things even more complicated, an old friend from her past shows up. Rhett is a successful singer who is head over heals for Holly, although he is a like a brother to her.

As Holly begins to help plan the wedding for Joe and Katharine, she learns she must put her feelings in check. She also learns her true love and passion in life. This is a great story about someone realizing the true magic in Christmas…with herself and others.

Another great one by the fabulous Mrs. Hale!

4.5 glistening holiday light bulbs!

I absolutely adored this festive story about Holly and her Nana. After losing Papa (Holly's grandpa) the two women have decided they will spend Christmas at the family cabin. What they don't know is Joe, the man who rented the cabin a week prior is snowed in and sleeping nice and cozy in the cabin still.

This book was just festive perfection. Reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. I loved the Nashville setting, what a breath of fresh air! All the characters were likeable. I can't wait to read another holiday book by Jenny Hale.

I would love to be snowed in during the Christmas season at this location. Ms Hale brings the beauty and serenity of the mountain cabin outside of Nashville, Tennessee to life with such word pictures that I felt as though I’d been there myself.

It Started with Christmas is a beautiful romance, yet it’s also a vivid, love story on many other levels. It’s the love story of Nana and the husband she loved so very much, Their love lives on through her memories, the stories she tells and that special look on her face when she remembers. It’s the love story of Holly and her Nana who share a very special bond and love. It’s the love story of Rhett and Holly who once meant everything to each other and then parted ways with heartache. Does the love between a best friend, a man who could light up your world really ever end? Is there the possibility of finding what was once lost again? It’s the love story of a stranger and the impact he might have on other’s lives. Most of all, it’s the love story of the Christmas season and all of the traditions, celebrations, and simple beauty of the season. No, It Started with Christmas is much more than a romance, and I really hope you’ll experience this beautiful story this Christmas season.

It would be very easy to let spoilers slip, so I’m going to simply leave this review with — I loved this story, I teared up, I chuckled and I felt the emotions of these characters so easily. It’s for stories like this one that I read Christmas Romance year round. I’d recommend this love story to any who has ever loved and finds magic in this time of year.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

For me, it just isn't Christmas without a new Jenny Hale book. Her festive stories always make me feel warm and fuzzy. They bring romance, drama, laughter and a good sprinkling of Southern hospitality. They make me reminisce about Christmases back home in Canada and they make me so happy!


Holly and Nana are the perfect duo to enjoy reading about. They are the sweetest family and when you add Joe to the mix, things get more interesting. Joe is a sleek big city boy who should be out of place in this cabin in the woods, but he isn't. He is relaxed and cool and I really like him. When he manages to engage Nana, their exchanges are so cute!


When Rhett enters the picture, things get complicated for Holly. Nana knows what she thinks should happen but Holly has been hurt by him and is afraid to risk that happening again. So she keeps herself busy planning the festivities and entertaining the unexpected guest. There is a fair big of intrigue, will they or won't they, happening in this book and I loved it!

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book and for letting me take part in this tour. I have been a big fan of Jenny's books for many years and I always know Christmas is coming when I hear about her latest Christmas story. It's like my version of the Coca-cola advert!

This book made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me swoon.

Holly and Nana are still struggling with their grief of losing Papa 2 years ago. This Christmas they decide to return to the cabin to see if they can regain their Christmas spirit. At first, Nana was a really difficult character for me. Nothing Holly seemed to do pleased her. I did enjoy the change in Nana as she spent more time in the cabin. She soon became my favourite character. Holly has been trying to be strong for Nana but being back in the cabin brings all her feelings to the surface and makes some rather big decisions because of it. Holly is a sweet, loyal girl. She would do anything for the ones she loves.

Joseph Barnes, oh what a man. He was very easy to fall for. He was kind, good-looking and charismatic. The connection between him and Holly was instantaneous. From that very first night when they put the tree up you could feel the chemistry. I loved the Christmas gifts these two got each other too.

Not only is Holly stuck with a stranger this Christmas but her best friend Rhett has decided to come home. Rhett is a big shot musician. Just over 2 years ago he left for a tour and Holly hasn't heard from him since. Now he's declaring his love for her! Rhett was a little bit selfish to start off with and a little impulsive too. But deep down I think he has Holly's best interests at heart.

On the surface, this may seem like a typical love triangle story but let me tell you now, its anything but. This story was realistic. The characters struggled but in the end, they do the right thing.

This story is warm and inviting from the start. It's perfect for snuggling up on the sofa, heating on and hot drink in your hand. I can't think of a better way to spend these long winter nights.