This is book 4 in the Small Town Sweethearts series by Harlequin Special Editions. Former military man, Dan was discharged after an accident left him with a limp. He lives outside of town as a recluse artist that works in glass. Natalie is new to Loon Lake and is working on a fund raiser for a horse farm that gives therapy to her son. She wants Dan to donate Christmas ornaments to the auction. As they get to know each other they both get a Christmas miracle. This is a typical Harlequin romance with a happy ending. A quick and easy read for the busy holiday season. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is one of the better opposites attract books I've read in a while. Des and Natalie could not be any more different. Add in Sam with his TBI and the issues from that and it is sure to warm your heart!

The Scrooge of Loon Lake
by Carrie Nichols
Harlequin Special Edition
Romance
Pub Date 15 Oct 2019
Length: 224 pages
4⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year……with the grumpiest man in town!The love of his life left him. The navy discharged him. So former lieutenant Des Gallagher sees no reason to celebrate Christmas—now or ever.Yet when Natalie Pierce shows up on his doorstep, a bright light enters his gloomy existence. As Des shapes her—and her little son’s—world for the better, she wonders if a scrooge could turn into the perfect Santa
🎅🎄MY REVIEW 🎅🎄
A very well written story that holds your interest. This is a very sweet romance. There are a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are not all sweet at first but before long Natalie and her son have Des all sweetened up.The plot is simple, but good. Anytime there is kids involved it is bound to get interesting. This is the perfect Christmas romance. It could easy see it being turned into a Hallmark or lifetime movie. I love all the characters. They make such an interesting, family. I smiled and laughed a lot while reading this story. I
It was a quick easy read and I was able to finish it in a little over an hour. I recommend it. I enjoyed this story very much and I am eager to read other books by this author . Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. If you would like to follow my reviews please do so at my facebook page Joyce Stewart Reviews or my facebook reading group Stewart's Book Reviews Book Club.
♥️About the Author♥️
Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers.

My Review: Of course I had to jump into reading this book, a holiday romance in a small town with a grinchy, gruff main character, sign me up! I really enjoyed the slight twists on some of the common romance tropes. I did find thought that Des, our male main character, wasn't quite grumpy enough for me, he was a bit too easy to break. I did really enjoy his interactions with Sam though, and I guarantee it will give you those heart swelling emotions you are looking for in a holiday romance book. I did enjoy Natalie, she is such a caring mother and is so upbeat and full of Christmas cheer. This was definitely a heartwarming holiday romance, I just want more!

My Rating: While I did really enjoy this story, I wanted so much more. I wanted more grumpiness and more backstory and a little bit of a longer book. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

A cute little holiday read. I fell in love with the little boy. He seemed so sweet. I really wanted to like the main characters they were a tad disjointed. But was still a sweet read.

Des is a bit rough around the edges bitter and hardened he feels its better just being alone until Natalie Piece and her son somehow makes their way into his life. Now this scrooge seems to be softening up towards the small family and everyone around.

This was a cute little romance. I enjoyed seeing Natalie kinda barge her way into Des's life I mean everyone in town knows that he's not much a people person and yet can tolerate Natalie and her son. He just fit so nicely into their dynamic and even if he was still gruff Natalie brought out a sweet side to him. This was such a sweet romance with a couple holiday themes going on to making this the perfect book to read about this time while the holiday seasons are just about beginning. It doesn't scream christmas book, but it a nice little holiday events going on that I enjoyed reading. TBH this book is a good way to get yourself into the holiday spirit I know it got me excited for this upcoming season. Highly recommend!

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Harlequin Special Edition so when I got this ARC it felt like picking up an old favorite. Des Gallagher is the kind of grumpy hero who’s really just a caring and soft dude who’s been battered by life and initially thinks staying away from love, relationships and connections will be safer and less painful. Of course Natalie Pierce and her small son show up to show Des how wrong he is and how much having a family matters to him!

I’m not always a fan of Christmas centered romance because sometimes it’s a bit too preachy for my taste but Carrie Nichols does a nice job of making Christmas about the love that people have for each other whether platonic or romantic and what they (Des) will do to forge bonds and open up their hearts to love and community.

If you like single moms finding love and grumpy heroes becoming the awesome partners/fathers they’re hiding behind some attitude, you’ll enjoy this book. Also if small town romances that aren’t filled with crazy judgmental people is your catnip get this book and enjoy a sweet romance!!

Okay, so this is the first book I've read in this series but I'm pretty sure I could guess who the other couples are just by reading this one and I will admit I want to read the others now. The writing is great. Flows perfectly, just enough detail to paint a picture but not enough to slow down this short little romance. The characters are great, loved the banter! So all in all this book is great.

Now, let's get to what really got to me in this story. Sam. My daughter is non-verbal because of autism. We are working towards getting her a tablet just like Sam sometimes uses. So it really hit home with me. Sam getting upset because he can't express himself, how protective Natalie is of her son. I get it. All of it. I never thought I'd say something like this but I cared more about how Natalie and Des interacted with Sam. It just broke my heart in the best way possible to read this bit of stuff in the book.

Bottom line: I loved this little romance.

Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.

Review up tomorrow: 10/10/2019

Glass worker and injured veteran Lt. 'Des' Gallagher liked the solitary life he led, actively discouraging those interested in a relationship.
Young widow and mother Natalie Pierce ignores his growling attitude to request his talented hands to supply ornaments for an auction to raise money for a hippotherapy program her son attended. Despite his flat turn down, she kept visiting with her son and little gifts, allowing the spark he felt to grow. The young family is from Nashville and Des helps her cope with the winters that are Vermont. They help each other out with different things.
Des comes to adore Sam, her son.....and Natalie
It's a sweet romance between two people who have much personal pain, but persevere at overcoming it to make a new life. It ends up that their new life together is a perfect fit. The characters are differing and caring, crafting a close community.
I requested a NetGalley ARC and offer my opinion freely.