Welcome to Mistletoe. A lovely small town in Maine. A town where the hottest megastar Dante West calls hometown. Then meet the girlfriend he left behind to peruse his dreams in Hollywood. Lucy Marshall doesn’t welcome the idea of Dante returning home 8 years later to film his latest movie. She has built a life for herself as head librarian of Mistletoe. A job she loves, but she can’t seem to get over the fact that Dante left her behind without so much as a goodbye. All their dreams up in smoke. Now, he is back to film his new movie and to top it all off the whole town welcomes him back with a huge parade like he never left them all behind? This is a story of redemption and forgiveness. This is the story of Dante trying to redeem himself for his past mistakes. This is the story of Lucy learning to trust again and learning to forgive the mistakes Dante made 8 years ago. A story of second chances. A second chance with love and a second chance with family.

I loved this story. It felt like I stepped right into a hallmark movie. I hope hallmark wisens up and buys the rights. You won’t want to put it down. You’ll be put right in the Christmas spirit when you are done. It has a small town, tree lightning ceremony, snow, Christmas tree farms, hot cocoa, misinterpretations, 2nd chances, and a whole lot of drama that makes this no ordinary Christmas!

Belle Calhoune’s No Ordinary Christmas takes place in Mistletoe, Maine during the holiday season. It’s the BEST second chance romance that I have read all year! I loved the small town setting, the storyline and characters.
Head librarian Lucy Marshall is drawn to the scene taking place on the town square in front of the library. Everyone in Mistletoe has gathered to see Dante West, the hometown hero who is a movie star. Everyone but Lucy. Dante broke Lucy’s heart when he left town without saying a word. She’s held onto her anger and can’t seem to move forward.
Love the author’s voice and that she is able to describe each one of the characters so vividly. She is able to portray Lucy’s feelings so the reader fells compassion not pity for her. Dante wants to make things right with his brother Troy and Lucy. Dante was not perfect and his actions hurt his family and Lucy. Dante’s determination to make things right won me over.
Loved the secondary characters. Lucy’s sisters Stella and Tess (she’s a hoot!) are an integral part of the story as they offer emotional support to her. I liked that the sisters were close and that they wanted to protect Lucy. Tess’s scene stealing added lots of laughter to the storyline. Dante’s best friend Nick and his son Miles tugged at my heartstrings and I am hoping to read their story very soon.
The chemistry between Lucy and Dante still sizzles after eight years. Belle Calhoune writes an exceptional story for this couple – their journey is not easy and it’s filled with a mix of emotion, heartache and passion. No Ordinary Christmas has it all- a determined hero, a stubborn heroine, great secondary characters and the perfect blend of romance and conflict.
I highly recommend No Ordinary Christmas – it is an engaging story of compassion and the capacity to forgive—hallmarks of the holiday season.

No Ordinary Christmas begins the Mistletoe, Maine series with an emotional second-chance, almost enemies-to-lovers romance with characters that leap off the page, and a story that grabbed my reading emotions and never let go. This is my first story by Ms. Calhoune, but I’ll definitely be looking for more as I loved the way she brought her characters to life, had me wanting to reach into the story to give either a hug or a smack upside the head – depending on the scene – to characters that I cared what happened to from the main couple down to the secondary characters.

Dante is back home to film his latest movie, perhaps give the small town a much-needed financial boost, and connect with the best friend he abruptly left behind almost a decade ago. He’s, not surprisingly, not too sure of his reception by either the townsfolk or by the woman he once loved and left but he’s determined to show everyone the man he is now… not yesterday. It’s just going to take some time to undo the harm that hasty departure caused, time that is not always on Dante’s side.

Once upon a time, Lucy loved Dante with everything she had to give. Her best friend, the man she would have spent her life with if only he hadn’t just walked away from everything, from her with only a brief note and no real explanation of how he could so easily discard their plans. Now he’s back, bringing a needed financial boost to their hometown, and trying to make amends. She loved him once, but she’s not about to be fooled again into giving her heart away to a man whose life is now so different, so far from what she’s made of her own life here in Mistletoe.

I so easily fell into this couple’s second chance at getting love right this time. To be fair, Dante has some major groveling to do, some explaining, and perhaps some convincing that his feelings for Lucy are real and can be trusted this time. I loved watching them work through the troubled waters that surround their past, edged into their present, and had such hopes for a future together for this couple. I loved the small town of Mistletoe, Maine – everything that I know a small town can be with its pros and cons obvious to all. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next story, Summer on Blackberry Beach for now I need more of this town, this series.

If you love a good story, an engaging second chance romance, and love a small town’s unique setting then, No Ordinary Christmas should be on your reading list at any time of the 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.*

I love Christmas stories! They are so warm and cozy. I’d never read anything by Belle Calhoune, but I am so glad I found this book, because I am a new fan. I love second chance romances and the fact that the main character, Lucy, is a librarian, was an instant plus for me. I was excited to learn it’s the first book in the Mistletoe Maine series so I will watch for the rest of the upcoming books. The author created a wonderful setting and lots of opportunity for more books with the side characters and I can't wait for the rest of the series!

I didn't finish this book because I just couldn't handle how the main characters refused to communicate with each other - in the past and in the present. I wanted to like it and know others' did but I couldn't do it. I did not post online.

This was a cute little Christmas read, and I enjoyed being immersed in Lucy and Dante’s juxtaposed worlds.

I found myself rooting for Dante from the beginning of the novel and enjoyed watching their encounters and experiences unfold throughout the novel.

This is a great own voices read, and I encourage you to read more of them, especially in the holiday reads category!

Thank you to @readforeverpub for my #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was super cheesy - think max Hallmark Christmas movie levels of corny. This is a second chance romance, and I had a hard time believing Lucy forgave Donte so easily. At the beginning of the book, she HATED him and then she’s making out with him. She did a complete 180 - just like most of the Christmas Hallmark movie heroines. It wasn’t for me, but if you’re in the mood to read a Hallmark Christmas movie, this is the book for you.

Thanks to @NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my ARC!

I have read a lot of holiday romances this year but No Ordinary Christmas by Belle Calhoune was hands down my favorite. Instead of feeling like a run of the mill Hallmark Christmas story, it was a well written story that was set during the holidays with a romantic story at its core. I loved it.

Lucy is the best type of heroine. She owns her feelings. She embraces her flaws. Her devotion to her family is admirable and she’s the town librarian… like I said, the best type of heroine.

Dante was another great character but what I loved the most about him was his dedication to earning back Lucy’s trust. Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and it was so well executed in No Ordinary Christmas.

Their chemistry was off the charts while still keeping this a clean romance- kudos to the author! I highly recommend checking out No Ordinary Christmas and I am so excited that this is book one of the Mistletoe, Maine series. I will definitely be following along!

This was the sweetest read and perfect for the holidays!

Read this book if you enjoy:

- small town books
- holiday reads
- quick reads
- likeable characters

A sweet second chance romance.

Eight and a half years after Dante leaves Mistletoe, leaving a string of broken relationships behind, he returns to film a movie. The town is ready with open arms, but not all seem ready to forget. Small town librarian, Lucy, isn't so sure she's ready to face Dante after he left without so much as a goodbye.

Set at a good pace, it was light and flirty watching them navigate the present while drudging up and dealing with their past. Can they learn to move on ... together? Are second chances worth giving?

This would be a really great candidate for a Hallmark film.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley and Belle Calhoune for the gifted copy.

This was a cute rom com that was perfect for this time of year. I loved the characters and enjoyed the story. I can’t wait until next year to read the next book.

No Ordinary Christmas by Belle Calhoune is the first book in the new contemporary romance Mistletoe, Maine series. The story in this first book is one that is told by changing the point of view between the two main characters in the book. It also does seem to be that the common theme for the series will be the setting and possibly changing main characters in the books to come.

Dante West grew up in Mistletoe, Maine but left at the first chance he got with every intention of heading to Hollywood and making it big as an actor. The road wasn’t easy at all to achieve those dreams but Dante did make a name for himself staring in action movies but now wants a change in his career writing and directing his own film.

Everyone in Mistletoe seems to be excited for Dante’s return to film his new movie, everyone that is except the one Dante left behind, Lucy Marshall. Lucy knew of Dante’s dreams and is happy for him but she can’t forget all the nights of crying herself to sleep when Dante went without her. Planning to avoid him at all costs doesn’t last long though when Dante offers up a huge sum to film in the library where Lucy works.

No Ordinary Christmas by Belle Calhoune was a lovely opener to this new contemporary romance series. Being a fan of a second chance trope I had hoped I would enjoy this one and I was right. The characters were likable and it had a nice small town vibe. I would say I would’ve liked to have seen even more Christmas incorporated into the story but I can see how that was hard with the moving filming. Overall though since I did enjoy this one I will be excited to see where the next book takes us.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I included No Ordinary Christmas in my monthly and weekly roundup of new releases and spotlighted it as Book of the Day on all of my Black Fiction Addiction platforms.

No Ordinary Christmas by Belle Calhoun

This was a lovely romance novel. I enjoyed the characters. It was well-written. I recommend this book.

No Ordinary Christmas is a sweet, holiday romance set in wintry Maine. Dante and Lucy were deep in a. relationship when Dante up and leaves for Hollywood. Nine years later he is back to film his latest project in his hometown of Mistletoe, Maine. Leaving upset not just Lucy but also his brother so Dante has a lot of bridges to rebuild.

I wanted to love this book so much. Mega movie star and small-town librarian. Christmas in Maine. Second chance romance. Sadly, it just couldn't get there for me and I'm not completely sure why because it has all the elements of a great holiday romance. I think part of it is that the writing style just wasn't for me. It is over-the-top in all descriptions, reminding me of a Hallmark movie. If that is your thing, you may love this book. I didn't feel the chemistry between Dante and Lucy and had a very difficult time getting past his completely ghosting her years ago. The reasons just didn't seem good enough.

That being said, there is a super cute small-town with a great cast of characters. This one is sure to put you in the holiday spirit and I genuinely think this would be a great read for so many people, especially those who want the sweet, magical, light-hearted romance during the holiday season.

This one was a quick read, and it was sweet. However I didn't like it, because to me it read to much like a Hallmark Christmas movie and more often than not they are misses for me. But readers who loves those movies will enjoy this book.

Mistletoe, Maine is excited to welcome back local Dante West. Now a famous movie star, Dante’s back to film an upcoming movie that is dear to his heart. Dante has a lot of fences to mend, including Lucy, the girl he left behind. Lucy is hurt and angry at being left behind despite the promise Dante had made her years ago. Dante proposes using the library where Lucy works as head librarian, Lucy can’t reject the generous offer. The town in Maine this book is written vividly and so descriptively, really makes you want to visit. The author did a magnificent job of dragging the reader into the small town and making them a part of this special place. A great holiday book with some of the essentials included. A small town, second chance romance with great characters and a lot of charm, this is a sweet and heartwarming read. The story has great messages and highlights the power of friendship, community, family, and love. This was more sweet than sexy and super cozy, definitely best read with some hot chocolate by a fire while it’s snowing outside. I loved these characters. I found Lucy particularly relatable, and I loved the relationship that she had with her youngest sister. Lucy’s younger Tess won over me over with her cuteness/nosey attitude and I hope that she makes an appearance in future books in the series. This is the first book by this author but I will definitely be looking up some other books to add to my TBR.




Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing, the author and Netgalley for providing me with ARC

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of this small town romance. This great second chance romance is based on a small quaint town on Maine where it’s filled with great holiday cheer. I love how Dante came back to Mistletoe to not only make a movie but make things right for the people he hurt. This was a fun holiday romance.

Synopsis: In this true small town novel when Lucy’s first and only true love, breaks her heart before she even truly gets a chance, comes rushing back into her life after disappearing for almost a decade she is completely thrown off guard. In her peaceful and calm library life where she is surrounded by her family and her friends and of course her love for books she is not ready to forgive. Dante left without notice to move to Hollywood and become famous and left Lucy in the dust. When he comes back to town to film his first director opportunity he hopes that he can also mend bridges that were broken when he left.

Thought: I enjoyed this book. The author made it possible for me to connect with the small town while also hearing both sides of the story. I think that this is a great book about how life sometimes takes different paths to get us places and that there is more to life than being famous and having money. As soon as I finished this book I looked up what the next book will be and I am excited to be continuing on in the series this summer! Definitely a must read. I highly recommend it.

The town of Mistletoe, Maine sounds amazing. It is full of Christmas cheer. A town small enough that everyone knows your business. Lucy is still hurting over the 8 plus years ago heartache. So when Dante returns to town as the hero actor the hurt is brought out again. How can Lucy endure his visit? The story centers on their relationship but does include plenty of side stories to make the book one of interest. I enjoyed the book, the town and the cast of characters. I felt like I got to know so many inhabitants of the town. I was entertained!