Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is a delightful story of how believing in others can help heal past hurts. Sophie is a quilt shop owner in Pine Hill who finds an accidental donation by the town’s new fireman and former Marine, Cole. She feels an instant connection and tries her hardest to show Cole he is better than what he thinks. Though Cole is attracted to Sophie, he just can’t shake his past, and the feeling of not being good enough for her. Sophie’s compassion and determination fight for Cole’s change of heart, and shows the reader that even the hardest of hearts needs to be wrapped with love. Hope this becomes a Hallmark Christmas movie!
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Genre - Christmas, Romance
Format Audiobook
Narrated by Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Narration 4 out of 5

I loved this book. It combined two of my favorite things Firefighters and Quilt Shops with a bit of romance and one of my favorite charities Quilts of Valor. This book is published by Hallmark corporation which is also a plus because I love Hallmark during the holidays.

The book is about Sophie and Cole. Sophie has found a diary that Cole has written and wants to return it to him. He does not want any part of that. It is based at Christmas time and it is the perfect back drop for the story.

I really liked the audio version because Cole is narrated by a man and Sophie by a woman. This is one of the problems that I have with traditional audiobooks because sometimes it is hard to tell the characters are hard to tell apart.

I would definitely recommend this audiobook to listen to while running around picking up those last few Christmas presents or just while sitting at home drinking a hot cup of cocoa!

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In 2019, Janice Lynn's book Wrapped Up in Christmas was published. This year, it is Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy. Both books deal with veterans and quilts of valor. I loved them both, with their message of respect, healing, remembrance, sacrifice and moving on. Sophie Davis finds a journal in a box of books donated to the church. She buys it and reads it, feeling the pain that had gone into the words. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that it belongs to the newest firefighter in her community and it was donated by mistake. She tries to return it to former Marine Cole Aaron, but he just wants her to destroy it. She can feel his pain and wants to help him. He does not want her pity, but they seem to get thrown together over and over. Gradually a friendship develops and then the feelings become deeper. Sophie wants to make a Quilt of Valor for Cole, but will he accept it?

This was a sweet and fun story. I enjoyed the characters, and felt that they were well developed, even several of the secondary ones. I enjoy small-town stories and the customs and events that go along with that. The toy drive and fun rivalry between the teams added some humour and fun to the story. There was some serious issues involving PTSD, new beginnings for military personnel, but it was all wrapped up in Christmas cheer and a caring community. I definitely recommend this one. The narration by Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs was well done. As always, with male and female narrators, I enjoyed identifying the voices of the main characters. It made this story enjoyable to read and listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for allowing me to read and review this eARC.
This is a grumpy/sunshine Christmas romance about an ex-military fireman named Cole and a quilt shop owner named Sophie. One day Sophie finds Cole's journal from his days in the military in a box of books. She doesn't know who he is so she reads it, but awhile later runs into him and instantly feels like she knows him. However, he is not receptive or eager to start a relationship with this Christmas loving sunshine. He has a lot of unresolved trauma and PTSD and he doesn't want to be in a relationship and doesn't want to talk about any of the stuff in his journal. He feels like she pities him so he's a jerk in response for 90% of the book. They have to work together on a toy drive for the community, and eventually he lets down his guard.
My complaints about this book were that Cole was just such a jerk. I wanted Sophie to stand up for herself and just forget about him or put him in his place! I also thought the commentary and generalizations about the military that her family has were gross and although she did speak out against that I just didn't like it. I also thought the pacing got a little slow for such a short book. Overall, I have read better Christmas books and probably won't watch the movie, but maybe read this if you love any of the aforementioned tropes.

I had a hard time getting into the book. The narrators were ok but doable. The story line is definitely what you would want to see in hallmark movie and feel good Christmas romance. It was a good story and worth finishing.

Sweet story to cuddle up with for the holidays! When I saw this was affiliated with Hallmark publishing, I was hooked! Nothing says Christmas like a Hallmark Movie. Sophie finds a journal in a box of donated books and is drawn to the person who wrote it. The journal was written by a a soldier who was struggling with the effects of war and she was determined to find the owner to return it. It's a heartwarming tale of hope and love for those who enjoy lighter romances. It was a cute story, but I personally struggled with all the references to the Quilts of Valor program. It felt a bit like an advertisement. It was especially difficult to repeatedly read the exact same phrasing of how Sophie was going to wrap Cole in a quilt of love. I feel like it would be better to change the wording to something else periodically or perhaps remove the phrase entirely. It was overkill.

It was an endearing story though and it did bring light to a nice program, Quilts of Valor.

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is a heartfelt Christmas romance about Cole, a veteran, and Sophie, a young woman with a heart of gold. He is a firefighter who also fights his war memories. When Sophie discovers (and then reads) his journal in a box of donated things at her church’s sale she decides to involve him in holiday related activities. He’s reluctant but has a hard time saying no to Sophie. Saying yes could make all the difference. This is a sweet story for the season that fans of Hallmark movies are sure to enjoy!

Narration:  I thought, overall, Rachel Jacobs and Alexander Cendese did a good job. However, there was one thing that struck me. When Jacobs voiced Sophie and Cole I was totally invested in the story. When Cendese did both I was distracted by Sophie's voice. I've found I usually feel the same when any male narrator voices a female character. I guess it's personal preference.

What a delightful holiday romance - but not an 'easy' or corny one.

This book was such a delight to listen to. It felt like a warm hug and joy to my ears, all of which I enjoyed while taking long endorphin-releasing walks. It was everything I needed in the difficult time we're in! It was sweet, heartwarming and packed full with love - but not devoid of real-world struggles and serious emotional damage.

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is a small town romance between Cole, an ex-marine with PTSD, and Sophie, a girl who finds Cole's diary from his time as a soldier and decides to track him down. They both struggle with what they are feeling, especially with the heavy emotional baggage involved from both sides, but especially Cole's. He often treats Sophie with slight cruelty while trying to cope with his emotions.

In the end, of course, it's a very Christmassy romance well worth a listen for a true escape during the holidays.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Think of this audiobook as a Hallmark movie on the go! It's the perfect audio for those times you don't have time to cuddle up and enjoy a Holiday Hallmark movie. You can listen to this as you head out to shop, work, clean, work out or whatever you need to get done, but still want the Christmas joy of enjoying a heart touching Hallmark movie! Sophie and Cole's story will reach out and touch your heart while helping you get the Christmas spirit. If you like a good Hallmark story, this checks the box. You like a good Christian story, this checks the box! Not a fan of Christian stories or Hallmark Christmas movies, but like a sweet romance story then this still checks the box! It's a fun diversion just when you need it! Great dual narration to help bring the characters to life too!

An adorable Hallmark Christmas Romance. It’s just what I thought I would be. Broken man who doesn’t believe he deserves. Joyful Christmas loving woman who believes in him. Very cute! Like watching a hallmark movie in my head!

This was a heartwarming Christmas romance and a follow up to this author's last Christmas book. Sophie comes across Cole's journal from his time in the military and he is horrified when she tries to return it to him after reading it to find out who it belongs to. As the two main characters come into contact with each other more and more during the Christmas season, Sophie develops feelings for Cole that Cole interprets as pity but are romantic in nature. Sophie decides that Cole is worthy of a Quilt of Valor and sets to making one for him. A perfect Christmas romance. The cast of characters is the same as her previous book and are funny and endearing.

This was the cutest Christmas story!!! Sarah is a sweet girl in a small town. She works with her sister at their quilt shop, even making quilts for soldiers. Brodie comes to the town to be a firefighter. When Sarah finds his war journal and tries to give it back to him, you don't know what will happen. When Brodie and Sarah are put together to help get xmas toys for the children of the town, will she break down Brodies feelings that he will never be good?
Every other chapter was Sarahs and then Brodie talking. I did not like when it was the man narrator's turn to speak. The way that he spoke like a woman did not sound like one at all!

When I got approved for this I didn't realize that it was an audiobook, but was excited none the less.

The cover (and title) grabbed my attention and I had high hopes, which it lived up to! This is a small town romance that has the Christmas spirit right from the beginning. Cole is a Veteran, who even though hasn't been in the service for a little while, is still reeling from the effects. He just wants to live life as he knows it and not change anything. Cue Sophie. She loves life, spreads happiness and joy. She and Cole have chemistry and are unable to keep from running into each other. The feelings build and they worm their way into each other's hearts. Happy endings all around.

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is an emotional and heart-felt second story in a series by Janice Lynn. This story features Sophie Davis, a quilt shop owner, who finds the journal of former Marine, Cole Aaron, a veteran who has struggled to get his life back in order and deal with his traumatic experiences as a soldier. He is now rebuilding his life as a firefighter when Sophie tracks him down in order to return his very personal and provocative journal.

Their romance is a sweet one...eventually, once Cole finally gets over the idea that Sophie is not interested in him only out of pity. This point is a rather frustrating element of the story, not only because it is repetitive,, but also because Cole seems truly unable to let go of this unfounded idea. I did really enjoy Sophie’s character, though I would have loved to see a bit more gumption on her part in standing up for herself. I appreciated the Christian perspective scattered throughout the plot and the touching conclusion. I also appreciated that there were both male and female narrators for the two main characters in this story, which made it much more believable and easy to envision the story. All-in-all, Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy was a unique, moving, but festive story.

Sophie is a small town girl and local seamstress. She keeps herself busy volunteering, spending time with elderly friends - the butterflies, running a sewing shop in town, and hand quilting quilts for veterans. Making these quilts is something that truly resonates with her as she feels it brings her closer to her late father who was a veteran who suffered severe ptsd.
Cole is a veteran with a dark history who ended up in this town as a firefighter after his late uncle left a farm to him on the outskirts of town. Cole, while good in heart, volunteering for everything that comes his way, is determined that he is broken beyond repair. A relationship with Sophie is practically shoved in his face and he flat out refuses to even be her friend. Yet somehow he keeps ending up working along side her, and wanting to talk to her and think about her. But he can't allow feelings to come, no matter what. He is too broken to be loved.
Sophia and Cole continue to grow closer and closer through happenstance and pushing from some friends and Sophie is convinced that she can make him feel loved and welcome. After an accidental reading of a journal he abandoned full of his whole history, Sophie is now set on making sure Cole knows just how important and special he is- she decides to make him a military quilt in his honor so he can be wrapped in love and know how grateful she is for his service.
And maybe, she can wrap him in her love too.

Wrapped up in Christmas is a quintessential hallmark movie in word form. It is corny and eye roll worthy and if you love hallmark movies, you will love every minute of it. It has patriotism, small towns in the south, quilting, batty old ladies, quilting, sledding, a Christmas wedding and everything in between. Definitely not anything note worthy but a great read for a holiday pick me up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the advance audio in exchange for an honest review.

Great holiday novel.
The characters were great, the plot was adorable, and it all just throws you into the Christmas Season and the Joy of Giving whether you want to be in it or not.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a feel good holiday story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for the advance audio. What a fun, clean feel good Christmas romance. Narrators did a great job with each character. Can't go wrong with this story.

This fills you with so much Christmas joy and love that it’s sure to be a hit this holiday season! Perfect for anyone who loves Hallmark movies!

Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn & Hallmark Publishing
Narrated by Arielle DeLisle
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2020

Wrapped Up in Christmas is a sweet, small town, Christmas story by Janice Lynn & Hallmark Publishing.

I absolutely loved this sweet tale of a young girl who donates her time and self to the service of others and a Wounded Warrior, who was saved by the kindness of a stranger.

This was a beautiful, heartwarming story. The narration by Arielle DeLisle was wonderful and added to the beauty of the story.

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a sweet tale that will warm your heart this Christmas season.

I'm so grateful to Janice Lynn & Hallmark Publishing, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderful return to Pine Hill. I fell in love with the town in the first novel and was thankful for the opportunity to return. I love the honor given to the military and the representation of Quilts for Valor. Sophie is a warm hearted, small town girl who sees the good in former marine Cole and is determined to help him get past his demons and walls. The slow burn romance is drawn out perfectly. I was so happy for the return of the Butterflies and love the entertainment they bring to the story. Pine Hill is a wonderful community that captures the essence of honor, community, loving your neighbor, and Christmas. I highly recommend this sweet, romantic Christmas story. The narrators did a great job of capturing the characters, experiences and emotions involved. I enjoyed having a man and a woman to capture the dynamic points of view. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.