Sweet Christmas romance to warm your heart this season. Christmas themes of hope, love and fresh starts are written beautifully in this charming love story. Scars are painful reminders of injuries, whether internal or external and Riley and Mark both have the opportunity to discover what it means to push through the pain. There is the usual discomfort as they are both stretched and challenged, but with the backdrop of Christmas in small town that rallies around its people, you can rest assured that Christmas magic restores and fills lonely, broken hearts.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

4/5 stars

POV: Riley and Mark
Pacing: Good pace
Steam: Slow burn, good chemistry, zero steamy scenes
Tropes: Small town Christmas

<u>Overall</u>
I really enjoyed this small town Christmas romance with a lot of heart! There was a definite sense of hope, healing, and Christmas spirit throughout the book. Riley and Mark both had a lot of personal issues that they were recovering from in the past. Mark was a complete awkward cinnamon roll hero trying to get over past trauma as a firefighter. I enjoyed reading about how their romance blossomed from friendship to something more. They definitely had plenty of rom-com moments and hilarious situations in this story! The only thing I had an issue with was the almost love triangle between Riley and the town's resident lady's man. Personally, I felt it was a little unbelievable considering her past mistakes that she just ran away from, but I understand he needed to cause drama for reasons. I would've preferred the drama to come solely from them personally overcoming their separate issues and fears. Overall, it was a great Christmas romance read with plenty of drama and deeper character issues that made it memorable.

*Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Some scars are much more obvious than others. Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Lynne Jensen explores that along with healing, recovery and helping others. The Miracle Creek Community had a difficult time with forest fires in the past year. While many suffered with loss none more so than the former firefighter Mark Rivers who is still recovering from injuries and grief. Nomad Riley Madigan moves there to work in the art school dept. She has scars from life that are not seen on the outside but come through with her wary behavior.

Surprising these two characters click. I liked Riley’s no back down attitude which is what Marks also appreciates. It is a slow process for these two to learn to trust for friendship then to romance. Mark is a rework in progress, but one that is lovable if gruff. The supporting characters are some of small towns best which drew me to this fictional town. The descriptions of the area put you right there in the story whether at a school play or in the fire ravaged areas or the orchards new and old.

I was thinking as I read this book that it hasn’t been since reading Linda Lael Miller that a book could hold my interest though it is so much based on normal days for mostly normal people. While Mark’s story is full of tragedy he longs for some normalcy. Riley’s and Mark’s journey to love is an excellent book that kept my interest and spoke to my heart.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Miracle Creek Christmas is this season’s holiday offering by author Krista Jensen. Artist/art teacher Riley Madigan has recently relocated to the small town of Miracle Creek on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range in Oregon. Having lived in many big cities around the world as her father moved repeatedly for his work, Riley is seeking to find home and put down roots. Having just been on the receiving end of a brutal breakup, Riley is seeking solace in her job, her students, and her new life in a very small town. Having made a strong bond with her arts department colleague Yvette Newsome, head of the school’s drama department, Riley has completed all of the beautiful scenery for the fall production of Peter Pan.

Mark Rivers is what you might call a local hero. He wouldn’t! While he is credited with rescuing six boys between 7 and 10, to him it is his late best friend Jay Hendricks who brought the boys down from their tree fort one by one as the flames caught and the fire roared. Mark feels he simply brought them from that point to safety, and when it really counted not only could he not rescue Jay and bring him safely out but he also couldn’t save himself from the crashing fire infested trees and has worked for over a year to recover from his scarring injuries. He still finds himself a recluse, covering as much of his head and face as possible, telling himself he is protecting others from seeing the monster he feels he has become.

When Riley and Mark meet at the presentation of Peter Pan, in which Mark’s young niece Ivy is a Lost Boy, it is the beginning of a tenuous relationship. Friendship develops in such a manner that each sees the other’s soul first, leading them through many hurdles from anxious acquaintances to tenuous soulmates clamoring to find their way forward.

So much happens in this heart warming story that finds two lost souls just trying to figure out their lives. One is wounded from circumstances, betrayal, and loss. The other is wounded from deep loss, loss of self, and fighting back from significant physical injuries. And in this story friendship translates to a deeper feeling and this then becomes a more intimate friendship. They seem to be a salve to mend each other’s wounded souls and you will be rooting for them every step of the way!

With heartwarming characters, pristine scenery, and the trek each has to find the soul searching journey to where they next need to be, this is a magnificent story any time of the year. However, the fact that the story takes place in the Christmas season just makes the story even better. I very much enjoyed this book and I certainly do recommend it!

Miracle Creek Christmas is the first book I have read by Krista Lynne Jensen. It will not be the last because this one was a great read. I highly recommend it.
Five stars.

Passing thru or coming home?

Riley's nomadic life and wounded past has her torn between following a sort of superficial, surface-level lifestyle with no roots or risking the pain to find a safe home for her heart.

The story is immediately engaging, and the characters are sympathetic and well-developed. Unfortunately, I don't care much for love triangles & I wasn't sure why Riley kept going out with Dalton when she had more or less pegged him as shallow & self-serving from their first date. I think there were more likely angles for dramatic tension or conflict in the plot.

That said, Riley's family is an argument for mental distress & one could argue (& the story basically does) that Dalton is just a symptom of Riley's self-sabotaging avoidance of depth and authenticity. The story still succeeds overall as a heartwarming love story between two scarred people who find healing with each other - and I heartily recommend it!

*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic

If you're looking for a light and fluffy Christmas read, especially after looking at the cover, I have to say that this book is much more than that. So much more!

Riley and Mark are two souls who have had struggles and loss and heartache. They've both had hard experiences. They've both taken different roads in their learning after their experiences. I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed both of these characters. I enjoyed diving into their thoughts and learning more about what they learned as they shared with each other. It was a good reminder that what we see on the surface doesn't truly tell us a person's story and struggles and triumphs and joys. Their initial meeting had some humor behind it. Some misunderstandings for sure.

The budding friendship was sweet to watch unfold. There were many factors standing in their way. Small town being one of the biggest. You know, everyone knows everyone and everyone's business. It's real. Not necessarily a bad thing in some instances but definitely not helpful in others. Riley has traveled the world with her parents since she was young. She's lived in many places. But Miracle Creek is quickly wrapping itself around her heart. The people and the sights.

There are some fun connections that you learn about the further that you read into the story. Reasons for why Riley chose Miracle Creek, WA. I loved finding out about those. They made a greater connection for me as a reader with Riley and Mark and his family.

I enjoy books that I find personal connections with as well. The setting of this book is one I know, well one of the places that the characters talk about and visit. Leavenworth. It truly is a charming place to visit. I want to go back and have been thinking about visiting there quite a bit over the last year. So to have it show up in the book and read about it, it definitely brought on a stronger desire to go there. Maybe soon for a vacation. I visited Leavenworth years ago on a family trip. I had just finished studying German for many years and had dreamed of visiting Germany. Well, it was a close alternative. Lol! If you get the chance to go visit there, do it! It's charming. I only had a short amount of time to explore but it was a fun time.

Another connection was Mike and his story. I have a family member who was also severely burned over most of his body. It was a miracle he lived. I am drawn into books who have characters who have experienced burns. I really was impressed by Mike's character. He was strong. And through his demons and pain he kept pushing ahead and reaching out to help others. I loved his character.

Riley and Mark were just a fun couple. Even through their struggles and uncertainties and pain, I loved seeing the healing slowly start. The moments of understanding and acceptance and love. It was just sweet. So as I said before. If you're looking for a fluffy and light read, this isn't that. But it has light and fun amid everything else.

Content: Clean. Some kisses. Some very mild innuendos.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Miracle Creek Christmas
By: Krista Jensen

“We don’t always have to be strong. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? I think it’s okay to be tired. Or scared. But, here’s a secret I discovered. Sometimes we think we want to run away. Disappear. When all we really want is to be found.”

Do you love all things Christmas!? Do you love The Hallmark Channel Christmas movies!? If, so, then this book is for you!

Both main characters, Mark and Riley have been through a lot and have gotten pretty good at hiding and running away from people. Despite these emotional barriers, I was immediately drawn to and connected to these characters. I was rooting for them!

Then the author gave us a minor love triangle. Boo! Despite that, I was still along for the ride. This book will give you all the feels. You will laugh, it has witty-banter, and is definitetly swoon worthy!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75. This book will get you in the Christmas spirit and you’ll want it on your bookshelf to read, year after year! Thank you to @ShadowMountainPublishing via @netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This is a sweet, quick read about forgiveness and learning how to trust again. Both Riley and Mark have been "damaged" and they're both just surviving, not really living. Once they meet each other (and that part is hilarious!) they gradually start to figure out how to heal. I enjoyed reading this book and thought the author did a great job with all of the characters - even the slimy ones.

This was such a heartwarming story! I loved getting to know the two main characters and everything from their past that led them to each other. Riley and Mark have both experienced terrible events. Their reactions to these trials were relatable and realistic, without being over dramatic. I loved their banter and they way they were able to connect with each other despite their issues. The small town setting made it perfect for a Christmas story. Although the story is set during Christmas, it doesn't over power the story. This needs to be made into a Hallmark movie! It was the perfect, sweet, holiday romance.

I wasn't sure if I was ready to read a Christmas book in September, but this one kept me in stitches and had me dreaming of colder weather.

Riley and Mark have their own baggage to deal with and in a small town that isn't always easy because everyone knows everyone else's business. But it is also that small town vibe that helps Mark and Riley through their difficulties and towards each other.

Riley and Mark start off as friends on a secret project for Mark's dad, but what evolves is so much more. I liked how Riley saw past Mark's burn scars and saw the man within. I think it is what helps bring him back out of hiding. Mark helps Riley stop running from life and examine what she holds to be true in her life.

There are so many funny parts from their stumbling around each other and I liked how they brought up those moments even later to tease each other.

But their path towards a relationship is not smooth from a smarmy guy trying to make Riley another notch on his bedpost to misunderstandings between Mark and Riley. But each situation just helped to forge their bond in the end.

Love wins.

I loved this book and experienced so many emotions while reading it. I can see this as being a wonderful Hallmark movie. It was definitely a feel good novel.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A truly sweet story watching Riley and Mark help each other see their worth not only to themselves but to others. There were some sad moments but showed what they were trying to work through. This book left me with really feel good moments watching the town really caring for these two. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

3.5 star review of Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen
It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is centred around Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate life.   Krista Jensen is a new author to me.   

Riley Madigan recently moved to Miracle Creek, hoping the new surroundings would help her heal her broken heart. Mark Rivers is a former firefighter who is recovering from burns he received and has had a hard time emotionally since the fire.

When these two come together on a special project for Christmas, friendship soon becomes more. Will they be able to make a go of their relationship or will life in a small town make it impossible to move forward?

I liked Riley, she was feisty and fun which made her easy to relate to and I liked Mark. This was a sweet, extremely slow burn story and at times it was a little too slow.
I received a copy of this book, through the publisher via NetGalley

I am not really a fan of Christmas before November and I usually only read 1800’s romance but for this book I made an exception. WOW was it a good choice! Thank you, Krista Jensen and Shadow Mountain Publishing, for such a amazing book & Net Galley for the opportunity to read this before the release in September 2020.
I ended up thinking I was just going to start this book one evening and stayed up until 3 in the morning reading the first half of the book. If I could have called into work, I probably would have, just to be able to stay home and finish it! That is how good this book is. For anyone that loves Hallmark Christmas movies you are going to LOVE this book!
I enjoyed the personality of Mark but when his Dad and him are together it was even better; they really get you laughing. This book really had me laughing and crying all with in the a few pages. I would also suggest to not read the jacket or the description of the book. Just pick it up and start reading, it is so much better to be surprised as you read. But for those of you who just can’t resist, here you go…

“Riley Madigan escapes to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek after her relationship with an A-list actor ends badly. At least for a time, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will bring her the peace and quiet, she is looking for. The last thing on her mind is love.

Mark Rivers was a firefighter until he got trapped in a wildfire and suffered third-degree burns on his face and body. After a year of recovering, Mark is trying to piece his life back together but struggles both emotionally and psychologically. He’s been a recluse until he forces himself to attend his niece’s school play and sees Riley, the school’s art teacher. Immediately, Mark feels a connection to her. Maybe it’s the kind way she greets his niece or the way the art she created for the school play is reminiscent of his late mom’s artwork. Either way, Mark feels driven to get to know her, but first he’ll need to build up the courage to talk to her.”

3.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Miracle Creek Christmas is the first contemporary Proper Romance I’ve picked up, although I had a passing interest in the concepts of a few others. And my conclusion is that it is fairly predictable, with a Hallmark-esque feel that didn’t blow me away a ton. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, given the popularity of that genre, and I can see why it provides comfort to many people.

The romance at the center of this story is sweet, with broken-hearted Riley not looking for love, but of course finding it, and wounded firefighter Mark working to rebuild his life. The latter in particular is compassionately conveyed, being the standout part of the story, and I did like how both of them being scarred in different ways impacted their pursuit of a relationship.

While not an overly memorable story, it’s a sweet small-town Christmas romance that I think will hit the right spot for a lot of people, especially as the future remains uncertain with what’s going on in the world right now. So, if you need a comfort read, for the upcoming holiday season or otherwise, and/or happen to like cozy Hallmark romances, definitely pick this one up.

Charming and Comforting! That is how I felt while reading Krista Jensen's Miracle Creek Christmas. The story is charming and it was comforting for me to read because it took place in a small town. I'm from a small town so, I felt right at home! Feeling like you've visited home with the holidays coming up was simply enchanting.

Riley Madigan and Mark Rivers make a perfect couple. I loved them and the characters in this book were probably in your home town too. I'm sure you could give me a name of someone you know if I described every character in this book. They were such authentic people but, yet very typical. Cream of the crop and people you would like being around.

If you are like me and love a good Christmas story with morals and a lesson or two to be learned, you will absolutely fall in love with this book like I did. I always love to read something like this during the holidays!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

This is basically a story about two broken people trying to make it through the holidays in a small town, with all the gossip and things “small town” implies. If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you will love this, though I would say it is a notch above. It has all the feels and very subtle Christian undertones. The characters are great, and the plot flows well if a little slowly at first. I love the messages of hope and courage. It is a cozy Christmas read that I think many would enjoy snuggling down with during the coming holiday season.

Riley is the art teacher at the high school. She chose Miracle Creek to hideout from a public breakup with an actor in Hollywood. Mark is a firefighter and local hometown hero. Mark and his best friend Jay saved boys in a wildfire. Jay died and Mark was burned. This is a wonderful feel good romance between these two with a few bumps along the way. I loved the relationship that Mark had with his dad. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

This book gets my first five star review this year. I very much enjoyed everything about it. It made me cry, laugh and root for the underdog. A perfect story.