Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas actually takes place in Heart Lake, MI, which is only about 30 minutes north of our family cabin….so of course while we were up there recently, I had to make a pit stop at the lake and drive through town to see how close the book was to reality!

This was a perfect little Hallmark holiday romance book. Magnolia comes home for the holiday to work on getting her grandmas house on the market and spend some time with her two closest friends, Rosie and Amanda. While visiting her hometown, Nola realizes how much she has missed the small town feel and the friends that turn into family…and well, the rest plays out perfectly.

This was such a light and easy read - it was the perfect book to throw into my normal thriller mix…and it also got me super excited for the upcoming holidays! Based off the authors notes, this is book #1 in the Heart Lake Christmas series - book #2 comes out Summer 2023 and I will definitely be reading this (and any others)!

4.5 ⭐️’s

Sarah Robinson is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Heart Lake as I read this book. Nola Bennett and Tanner Dean had crushes on each other as teens. But they were in the no-fly zone since Nola was best friend's with Tanner's younger sister. Nola is in town to get her Gigi's home ready for sale. She's not sticking around after the holidays; she is going back to Chicago to start her own consulting business. Nola kept saying she didn't have enough clientele in Heart Lake to have a viable business, but she was offering suggestions left and right that the business owners were willing to implement and pay her for! But the attraction between Nola and Tanner is stronger than any lie they tell themselves about each other. Their banter is humorous and full of angst, challenging and raw. They want to hate and hate to want. It's through their time together that Nola realizes just how she needs to honor her grandmother's legacy as well as her determination to be her own boss. This story has me ready for the holidays to begin!

I received an advance print copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

The book blurb describes this story perfectly. It is a wonderful romance, funny, sweet, and heartwarming. The writing is great and I felt really connected to the town and it's inhabitants. Nola and Tanner definitely rub each other the wrong way. They both have a tendency to fly off the handle and speak out of turn, but these two are meant for each other if they can just get it together! I loved Nola and Tanner and all of the other characters. I enjoyed this story very much.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was definitely a Hallmark movie book but I loved everything about it. It was set in a small town, there was lots of Christmas joy, and there was even a snow storm! As I read this book I smiled, I laughed and I became totally engrossed in the story. I loved the characters and the story line was so incredible. I hope this author writes more books in this small town. Thanks NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for your next Hallmark type holiday romance then look no further. Cute and Christmas-y with just a touch of spice, this will give you all the holiday vibes.
Nola inherits her grandmother’s home and heads back to her hometown to clear it out and get it ready for sale. She has big plans for the money from the sale. She’s burnt out from her job and wants to start her own business in Chicago. So when she’s back and reconnects with her high school crush Tanner and sparks fly while snowed in during an epic snowstorm, Nola reconsiders her decision to keep or sell her grandmother’s property.
There are fun supporting characters and there is a truly laugh out loud scene with Tanner’s dad that you won’t forget quickly!
If you’re a fan of small town romance, second chance romance or Hallmark movies, this book is for you.
Thanks to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

It was easy to like Tanner and Nola and to be drawn into their story. They have known each other practically all their lives, had crushes on each other as teenagers and light up when they are around each other, sometimes in anger and always because of the sparks of fiery attraction between them. Practically everyone in Heart Lake thinks Nola and Tanner belong together, but for some unknown reason they have never even approached each other about dating. For years now, Nola has been settled in Chicago pursuing her career and life outside of Heart Lake, returning only occasionally but still maintaining relationships with her best friends. Now, she is in town for the Christmas Holidays to ready the Victorian home her grandmother left her for sale. She has mixed feelings about selling the Castle as her grandmother and the townspeople have called it, but her life is in Chicago and the funds from the sale could be used to start her own consulting firm. Tanner is a fiercely loyal to his family, friends and his home town. He is resistant to change and thinks about the needs and wants of his family and for himself. Tanner is angry that Nola wants to sell the Castle and that the plan is to tear it down and build condos on the land. Most of all, he is mad that Nola will then have even less reason to come back to Heart Lake. Both are stubborn, and denying their attraction to and feelings for the other until a winter storm blows in and the two are forced to spend some time together. Even then, they make a pact not to talk about what happened or to repeat it. Will these two ever really get out of their own way and actually work on building a relationship that they both want deep in their hearts? Their friends and family are willing to help things along and Christmas is the season of magic and miracles after all.

This book was very entertaining and enjoyable. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Christmas in Summer? Ready for a sweet Hallmark movie moment? Look no further than this book. New-to-me author Ms. Robinson brings forth an endearing tale of rediscovery, connecting, and growth. Nola Bennett returns to her hometown where she's felt most loved by her deceased grandmother. Whilst visiting to manage her grandmother's estate, she spends time with her besties and reconnects with her high school crush.

What I like about this story is how it shows both sides of change. Nola is the quintessential trailblazer who wants to innovate and adapt to the latest trends. She does not want to be left behind. She wants to remain relevant. I completely identify with her. Tanner on the flip side does not want to change. He loves the history and memories he has created over the years. Watching so many of his childhood places torn down and switch to a franchise bland place breaks his heart. I feel for Tanner. I understand and feel the same when someplace I love is suddenly gone. It is as if my experience and memories are being erased and never existed.

This story is filled with meaning and the views of how two different viewpoints are valid. What is more important is that we do not have to pick one or another. In fact, As Nola starts to understand Tanner's perspective, she moves closer to his way of thinking. Just as Tanner finally realizes that Nola's point is also true because those who do not adapt, may die. This coming together and blending the best of both worlds makes my heart sing. I love this affirming message as well as the heartfelt way Ms. Robinson presents it.

This romance is a feel-good holiday tale recommended to readers who want to experience a break from the fast pace world and take joy in meaningful relationships.

I loved Sarah’s writing style. This is an adorable Christmas story. It will hold your attention from page one. I honestly would love to see this adaptation on screen. If you love holiday romances, this one is for you. It’s a quick and light read. I loved the cover. I’m getting the hard copy when it comes out.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC

A perfectly adequate holiday romance about two frenemies with childhood history,
These two bicker and misunderstandings abound but HEA is always there at the end.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

love Sarah Robinson’s writing, and this was my first full-length novel by her, so I was excited to dive in! Dreaming Of A Heart Lake Christmas is an adorable Christmas romance with perfect Hallmark Channel vibes. Nola Bennett and Tanner Dean had grown up together, and both had a crush on each other. Nothing ever came of it because they were heading on different paths for their future. Nola returns home to her hometown of Heart Lake to finish selling her grandmother’s house. Nola and Tanner ran onto each other after not seeing each other for years. After being stranded together at her grandmother’s house when a significant snowstorm hits, feelings start flying again, and they cannot hide their attraction toward each other any longer. I loved both Nola and Tanner and how they rekindled their feelings slowly. Their second chance was sweet to watch. This book is an easy read with a charming small-town romance. If you’re looking for a light romance that hits all of your Hallmark Channel guilty pleasures, this book is for you!

This is a sweet small town romance that holds your attention from the first page until the last. It's a heartwarming story that was a joy to read. I loved how the author brings the book to life with her words and makes you feel like you are there.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

So, I had no idea this book was going to be set in Michigan! I love when I pick up a book set in my home state! This is definitely a book that should be read around Christmas all cozied up by the fire. It will warm your heart, and made me want to move to a small town just like Heart Lake.

This has all the wonderful Hallmark-y tropes that we love and leave your heart full and satisfied. We have Nola who is returning to her hometown to sell her grandmothers house. Shes hoping to use the money to open her own consulting firm. While most everyone is supportive of her plans to sell the Castle ( seriously, why would you sell it? I want to live in a place with its own name, especially if the name is The Castle) they secretly all hope she will decide to stay.
Enter Tanner, older brother to her best friend, whom she has known forever. The two can't be in the same room with out arguing about something. They both loathe and dare I say love? one another. It doesn't help that while he finds her wildly attractive, and can't stop thinking about her, but her plans to sell The Castle aren't something he can agree with. Especially as it will be demolished to make way for new condiminiums. (I don't blame him... Keep the small town charm!)
Then there is a snow storm! I think you can guess what happens after that... (wink)
I loved Tanner from the very beginning, the way he was with his family... I want a guy just like him... While Nola took a bit for me to warm up to, she has a very strong personality... and doesn't like to admit she needs help (see snowstorm) but she did win me over. They had some great chemistry that has been slowly building since they were teenagers, and I loved Nolas relationship with her friends and everyone else in town. I loved all the characters except Craig, (blech) he gave off extra smarmy vibes.

I will definiely be reading the next book in this series, I can't wait to see who the couple will be!

Nola is back in her hometown of Heart Lake to clean out and sell her grandmothers house, shes all too eager to get out of Heart Lake as soon as possible.

Tanner has aways been at odds with his little sister’s best friend, Nola makes him feel like no other woman has. Shes frustrating but he cant look away from her smile. Shes reckless but he worries about her safety.

Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas was perfection! I loved how descriptive the author was. It’s like you can feel the warmth of Heart Lake. I picture it like my own hometown at Christmas time. This book was slow burn without the angst, full of chemistry and depth. I look forward to the next Heart Lake book, coming out next year!

A sweet small town romance that's perfect to relax with. Nola wants to sell the Castle, which she inherited from her grandmother, so that she can use the money to build her own business but Tanner, her old high school crush, doesn't want to see it turned into condos. Nola and Tanner always resisted one another because Rosie, his sister, is Nola's BFF. Rosie of course. wants to see Nola stay in Heart Lake as much as Tanner does (even if he won't admit it). There are no surprises here but it's a fun read. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Would make a cute Hallmark movie.

I would love to visit The Castle. How fun would it be to own a place like that, especially with the personal history! I love the relationship between Nola, Rosie, and Amanda. Becca and Zander are a hand full, but so much fun. I loved the storyline and seeing folks realize what is their dreams really are. Great storyline and wonderful characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

There's no place like home for the holidays, even though Magnolia (Nola) Bennett believes it will be her last Christmas in Heart Lake, Michigan. Though she grew up in this small town, she always had big dreams of the big city, and now that she has a high-powered consulting job in Chicago and plans to start her own business, she intends to sell the big house (The Castle) her grandmother Gigi left her in her will so that she has the necessary start-up funds.

Trouble is, her best friend Rosie thinks Nola should return to Heart Lake for good, keep The Castle, and start her business in town so she can be close to friends and her beloved godchildren. Rosie's brother Tanner, Nola's high school crush, disapproves of her selling The Castle in favor of a new condo development, but then, they've always argued, right?

But being back home brings back many happy memories for Nola, and the Christmas season has a way of revealing what's truly important in life...

This holiday romance hits all the feel-good Hallmark holiday tropes: city girl returns home to the small town, high school crushes, "enemies" to lovers, best friend's brother, and that perfect Christmas gift trope of being snowed in. You know from the get-go that you're going to get a heartwarming happy ending, and this book gets you there in an irresistibly charming way. Nola and Tanner are comfortable, likable characters who share a caring nature, and you can't help but agree with Rosie that these two should just get together already!

Nola's friends Rosie and Amanda are great side characters who I trust will get their own books, and Rosie's kids are adorably silly and wise. You'll find other fun characters as well as another romance budding in the pages (though I gotta say, Tanner was surprisingly clueless in this regard, and his reaction, while partly understandable, was on the immature side for someone in his late 30s).

A solid, quick read that gives you all the holiday feels. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

I found this book to be very entertaining. There's family fun, conflict and resolution, sexy times and Christmas spirit. The characters are all very likable. Well, maybe except for swarmy Craig Blasco. Rosie's twins, Becca and Zander add some lightheartedness. Nola and Tanner make a lovely couple and I enjoyed reading along to their Happily Ever After.

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you will love this book. The story starts with Nola, a gorgeous business consultant, who heads back to her hometown to deal with the house her Grandmother left her. Nola loves the home and her memories there, but plans to sell the house to a developer to bulldoze the house to make condos so that she gets a quick sale that will help her start her dream business in Chicago. Her best friend’s brother Tanner does not approve of her plans and does not hesitate to let her know. Tanner is a local woodworker who loves the town and can’t understand why anyone would want to leave his beautiful hometown or ruin it’s charm by bringing in a bunch of outsiders. As the two of them go toe to toe things start to heat up. Both Tanner and Nola have a lot to learn about what will truly make them happy this holiday season. There was a great cast of side characters, some of which I really hope get their own stories. This was the perfect Christmas romance read. I received an ARC from netgalley, and this is my honest review.

Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas begins like many Hallmark movies do. The woman, Magnolia (Nola), moves away to the big city. She needs to come back to her home town to clean up an prepare her grandma's house for sale. Tanner is Nola's best friends sister. They have always had a strained relationship, but their bickering has always been "fun", and unbeknownst to each other they have always had crushes on each other, but never acted on them. When they get stuck together in a snow storm, they act on their passions and Nola and Tanner need to decide if they want to keep their lives the same, or throw chaos into their lives for a chance at love.

This was a quick and light read that I could not put down. It was a cute rom-com-esque book by Sarah Robinson. She writes a great romance with all the quaintness of a small town. You have failing businesses, unique characters (including side characters) and the all so perfect snow storm. I loved the main characters, Nola and Tanner, and even though you knew they would ultimately get a happily ever after, it was interesting to see how they got there. I also really liked the personal growth that we saw in both Nola and Tanner in this book, realizing that you can plan things, but have to ready and willing to change when presented with an opportunity.

This was an adorable Christmas read that would be a perfect read this holiday season.Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas begins like more HEA small town romances, The woman (Magnolia, Nola) is from the small town and moves to a bigger city to live her dreams. Small town man (Tanner) is living his best life in the small town and is Nola’s best friends sister. While they are conveniently stuck in a massive snow storm, they realize they have amorous feelings for one another.

I enjoyed this book, It gave good history for the main characters and some insight into the supporting roles. There was too much left to the imagination regarding Tanner’s sisters children and how their father entered into the relationship he is in. Left it open for a sequel or prequel, but the Ned of the book only left me hanging with something about “come back for more” with no name or preview who it would be about. I hope I don’t miss it, because I enjoyed this book and the characters a lot,

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Sarah Robinson for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.