My gosh Susan Mallery is fast becoming a top ten Author for me! This is both witty, heartfelt, romantic and festive. There's just the right dose of absolutely everything in this book to make it a wonderful read, and great for this time of year.

the setup…
Camryn Neff came to Wishing Tree from Chicago two years ago to care for her ailing mother and help with her much younger twin sisters, Lily and Victoria. Her mother subsequently died right before Christmas and this year Camryn wants the holidays to be special for her 15-year old sisters. Jake Crane is now living in town permanently and is general manager of his family’s resort hotel, the flagship of their enterprise, but his mother, now widowed and a little bit lonely, wants grandchildren. Helen begins Project Jake’s Bride to help move things along and she’s got Camryn topping her list. Dylan Tucker, Jake’s best friend and surrogate brother, isn’t immune either. Helen is resurrecting the town’s annual Snow King and Queen and she’s rigged it so he’s going to be the King. River Best, a computer security expert with her own business, was selected as the Snow Queen and he was immediately taken with the lovely woman who would be his partner through the holiday season. She shares his attraction but her shyness may get in the way.

the heart of the story…
While Camryn and Jake form a breezy and fun friendship in their shared goal of thwarting his mother’s plans, they still can’t avoid how truly attracted they are to each other. It doesn’t take long for him to bond with her sisters, especially when they rescue a cute little Chihuahua found in the snow on his mother’s property who they decide to call Tinsel. Jake’s no longer interested in a casual relationship but that’s all Camryn is up for since she plans to return to Chicago once the twins graduate from high school. I found this aspect of the story hard to swallow as she’d formed quite a life in Wishing Tree and there wasn’t anything to really return to for her to have dug her heels so strongly into the notion. Otherwise, I enjoyed everything about their relationship. Dylan is much clearer about his intentions towards River and that was refreshing. However, he’s hiding quite the secret about his circumstances and, knowing that River had serious trust issues, he makes some boneheaded choices. Otherwise, their romance was lovely and the Snow King and Queen roles served them well in developing a deeper relationship.

the narration…
There were so many fun moments in this story and Tanya Eby’s performance made them come to life. I loved how she voiced the banter between Camryn and Jake, his friendship with Dylan and their conversations with the meddling Helen. It was a wonderful listening experience.

the bottom line…
I love it when the relationships work without a lot of contrived conflicts and we were gifted with two in this story. Despite my annoyance with Camryn’s determination to keep a return to Chicago as goal and barrier to accepting a deeper commitment with Jake, the journeys of their developing relationships were mature and natural. Both couples were well suited and their life experiences brought added richness to their stories. Friends and family, along with little Tinsel, made for a magical holiday story.

Two women who are not looking for love reluctantly find it with two too-good-to-be-true men in the town of Wishing Tree, where Christmas reigns supreme. A fun holiday romance by the always reliable Susan Mallery.

Home Sweet Christmas
Wishing Tree #2
Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery delivers a delightful and heartfelt Christmas story about loving, loss, trust and starting over in a town that celebrates Christmas all year round.

River Best moved to Wishing Tree, WA to be near her sister and niece, being in the cyber security business meant she can work from anywhere so relocating wasn’t a career problem. She however is not what you’d call a social butterfly and her scoliosis and surgeries to fix it as a young girl only added to her social awkwardness. To broaden her social horizons she decides to enter the contest to be the town’s Snow Queen, when she wins she’s not sure is she’s happy or sad about the hunky Snow King she gets to serve with.

Camryn Neff is spending her second Christmas in Wishing Tree, last year she and her twin teen sisters were mourning the loss of their mother. This year the loss isn’t as painful and she’s determined to make this Christmas a memorable one for her family. One thing she didn’t count on was meeting a handsome hotelier. And she’s not sure whether to be appalled or pleased when she learns she’s one of his mother’s candidates to be his wife.

Home Sweet Christmas is a warmhearted holiday romance that features a small town that loves Christmas, festive events, beautiful back drops and multiple stars that are likeable, relatable, and memorable. Plus many costars that are unforgettable especially a pair of teen twin girls and a tiny doggy that knows how to show off ugly Christmas sweaters and absolutely steal the show. So if you like your holiday tale served with a small side of angst and a large helping of heart, Home Sweet Christmas is just what you need.

Susan Mallory has given the year’s Christmas a gift. Her characters are soon a part of your family and I found myself thinking about them when I wasn’t reading!

Another winner by Mallery, this is the next book set in Wishing Tree. Two women who are trying to figure out the next steps in their lives while protecting their hearts at the same time find that this Christmas may be the best of their lives if they can learn to be a bit vulnerable. Camryn is back in her hometown to care for her sisters after the death of their mother, but her plan has always been to move back to Chicago and the life she left behind there. But is that really what will make her happy? River has found a home in Wishing Tree, but now she needs to decide if she can take a chance on love.

This is the second book in the Wishing Tree series. I thought the narrator did a great job capturing the characters and story.

Wishing Tree is a town in Washington that is devoted to Christmas. It's got wonderful traditions and lots of holiday joy. Friends River and Camryn are not looking for love, but maybe love is looking for them.

Camrys moved home to take care of her teen sisters after she they lost their mom. While she's settled into her life, she assumes it's a temporary stop before returning to her 'real' life in Chicago. Hotelier Jake (with an amazingly meddlesome mother) might hope for something different.

River, a computer genius, followed her sister to Wishing Tree. She thinks she's maybe found a home in the town. And she's definitely found some attraction with one of the hometown boys, Dylan.

This was a comfortable, gentle holiday read. I loved the community, characters, and their stories. I'd love to visit Wishing Tree.

Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Camryn Neff returns to Wishing Tree to take care of her twin sisters after the death of their mother. This is supposed to be a temporary stay. But when she meets handsome Jake Crane she can't resist the temptation. She suggests that they enjoy the season with no strings attached. That was the plan. But plans change.

River Best is crowned Snow Queen of Wishing Tree with Dylan Tucker her king. While performing their royal duties feelings grow between them But when River uses her skills to find out what secret Dylan is hiding those feelings may be in jeopardy.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A cute Christmas romance that I would have given four stars to if it weren't for all the annoying angst of the two women characters at the end of this book.

I love reading holiday books, especially this time of year. They really get me in the mood. Susan Mallery's books are always such wholesome and joyful stories.

Wishing Tree is a town full of friendly, caring people who thrive on the Christmas season. Even the streets and businesses have holiday names. How wonderful would that be? I especially loved the group of women who are devoted friends and have each other's backs. And watching a little romance slip into some of their lives was so much fun to witness.

I haven't read book one in the series and I didn't feel like I missed anything while reading book two. If anything, it made me want to go back and read the first one, just to learn more about the wonderful people and community of Wishing Tree.

Home Sweet Christmas is the perfect read if you are wanting to get into the season spirit right now.

Home Sweet Christmas gives us not one but two romances in the small town of Wishing Tree. I'm not always crazy about the double romance thing. All too often, one couple overshadows the other, and they both lose out, but that's not the case with this one. I enjoyed both couples. They're likable and easy to root for. Of course, Susan Mallery's writing style makes it easy to fall into a story, and before you know it, you're invested. This one is full of small-town charm, witty banter, great characters, and an engaging storyline. I always know I'm going to get a well-written and entertaining story when I open a Susan Mallery book, and this latest Christmas romance is no exception.

I have officially kicked off my Holiday reading! And this was such a heartwarming book with a snow king & queen, cookie baking, and a rescue dog named Tinsel!

The town of Wishing Well has that special small-town feel, and there are two couples that you will be rooting for during the town’s Christmas festivities.

Camryn, is still grieving the loss of her mother, who died right before Christmas, and wants to make the Holidays memorable for her much younger sisters. Camryn runs a store at the big resort in town. Jake is the manager of the resort which his family owns. Jake’s mother, Helen, a wealthy widow, is determined to find Jake a wife and puts Camryn high on the list.

Dylan, Jake’s best friend, and basically brother, is also in Helen’s sights. Part of her plan is to use the annual Snow King & Queen as a meet-cute for Dylan. River, who works with Camryn, becomes Dylan’s Snow Queen. But River is shy and has a few secrets, but so does Dylan.

With great characters, a festive wintery feel, a few secrets and a dog rescue, you'll love cozying up with Home Sweet Christmas.

Thank you @harpercollins @HQNbooks and @htpbooks for a gifted ebook.

Susan Mallery delivers another heartwarming romance set in the enchanting town of Wishing Tree.

When Camryn Neff’s mother died, she moved to Wishing Tree, leaving her life in Chicago behind…for the time being. She is now the guardian of her teenage twin sisters.

River Best was charmed by the quaint little town when she first visited her sister there. So charmed, she decided to stay.

Camryn and River fall in love with the all-too-perfect men. (Hey, a girl can dream!) Jake Crane catches Camryn’s eye, and she can’t resist. But Camryn plans to move back to Chicago when the twins go to college. She can’t fall in love with someone in Wishing Tree. They begin a romance with an expiration date. For River, keeping secrets is a deal breaker, and her new love Dylan Tucker has a big secret. Of course, their romances can’t come to fruition without some angst thrown in. For all four lovers, this is a story of loss and healing.

I really liked Jake’s mother. She does meddle in her son’s life, but sometimes it is needed. I had a few chuckles over her antics. And I fell in love with the little dog so adorably named Tinsel.

A small town with warm and friendly residents filled with the Christmas spirit…well, don’t you think you need to visit Wishing Tree?

Susan Mallery writes beautiful family-themed stories with happily-ever-after endings. Just what is needed for the holidays!

You will enjoy this book if you enjoy novels with close-knit families, some romance, and humor.

Not one, but two sweet romances in one small-town cozy story! I could recommend this one to high school readers.

Usually, I'm not a big fan of following two new couples, however, Mallery did such a good job with Camryn and Jake, River and Dylan! I was fully invested in each of their stories and backgrounds from start to finish.

Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery is the second book of the contemporary romance Wishing Tree series and is of course set during the Christmas holiday season. As with a lot romance series the Wishing Tree series changes main characters from book to book so they can be read and enjoyed as a standalone if choosing to do so.

Camryn Neff moved back to the small town of Wishing Tree to raise her two younger sisters and had always planned on moving back to Chicago when the girls were old enough for college. However, when Camryn gets asked to a meeting with the handsome Jake Crane’s mother she doesn’t expect to find she’s a candidate in Helen’s find a wife for her son campaign.

River Best works with Camryn and is new to Wishing Tree and looking to make more friends and get to know more of the town. When it’s suggested River run for Wishing Tree’s Snow Queen she is completely out of her comfort zone but onced crowned River doesn’t mind a bit spending time with her new king, Dylan Tucker.

Last year I was lucky enough to get a copy of The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery and I absolutely fell in love with the town of Wishing Tree and it’s inhabitants so of course I was excited to read Home Sweet Christmas. Just as the first book Home Sweet Christmas pulled me into the story immediately and I had so much fun with the double romance involved. Both couples involve have their own personalities and paths to their relationships so that makes the pages turn even faster waiting to see if there would be a happily ever after in store for them. Another great holiday read to add to this series and I’ll of course be waiting to see what comes next in the small town.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book was the perfect fall/pre-holiday season read! I loved getting to know the town and the people and I wish there was another book in this series. It was like the book version of a Hallmark movie!

With two romances, this is just what you need
If you're looking for a heartwarming festive read!
Set in the small town of Wishing Tree, Washington, you'll find
A close community of folks, most of whom are kind.

A meddling Mum wants to find a bride for her son,
So Project: Jake's bride is what she's done!
She also wants a bride for his best friend, too,
So it's the Snow King role for him to do!

Get ready for fun and laughter
As these men try to avoid their happily ever after.
But maybe their Mum has a knack with these dates
Will these men want to avoid their fates?

Two ladies who are friends, too,
Have survived all that life's put them through.
But surviving has made them both very wary, it's true,
Can these men win their hearts and trust, too?

A story filled with good intentions and romance,
With a matriarch and family at the centre, taking a chance.
Will her plans succeed, will her boys find their mate
Or will there be more than one twist of fate?

With a meddling Mum and two festive romances, too,
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to you.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

This book is a beautiful, heartwarming story about two imperfect couples who turn out to be perfect for each other.

Jake and Dylan spent their entire lives in the small town of Wishing Tree. Both of them are not looking for love or a relationship because of past bad experiences.

However when Jake meets Camryn, and when River meets Dylan, they are instantly drawn to them. Even though the women have some problems, the men cannot stay away from them!

Camryn gives up her life in Chicago to move back to Wishing Tree after her mother dies. She has become the guardian for her two teenage twin sisters. While there, she must work on her family owned gift-wrapping shop. However, she still plans to move back to Chicago and her former life. Therefore, she does not want to become involved with anybody.

River moves to Wishing Tree to begin a new life. In the past, she is constantly picked on when she is forced to wear a back brace for her scoliosis diagnosis. To make matters worse, she has undergone several back surgeries which causes her to miss a lot of school. As a result she is a shy, reclusive character that has never learned how to act sociable and has very little trust in people.

Unfortunately, both couples stumble over some trust issues. But because of their basic characteristics and positive attitudes, they are able to overcome these trust obstacles.

There is a lot of humor in this story especially from Jake’s mother. She has decided to find a wife for her no matter what she has to do to succeed. In spite of her constant meddling, Jake always treats his mother with respect and love even though she is driving him crazy..

I love this story because of its imperfect, but extremely, lovable characters! The characters immediately win over the readers with their’ very lovable traits. Their generosity, kindness, humor, intelligence, patience, sensitivity and charisma make them perfect boyfriends for two imperfect, sensitive women.

Home Sweet Christmas embodies that Christmas magic and charm that leaves you wanting to sing Christmas carols and decorate your house.

Ok, so it is no secret that I love all things Christmas, incredibly charming Christmas stories, and I will never say no to reading a book set during the Christmas season. I was particularly excited to read this book because I have heard good things about Susan’s writing. So, what better way to get acquainted with Susan’s books than starting with her latest Christmas story, Home Sweet Christmas. This book is “holly jolly” perfection, and I could not put it down. Home Sweet Christmas is perfect for those who like Hallmark movies but wish they had more depth and spice to their storylines. I felt like I was transported into the charming town of Wishing Tree and experiencing all the pre-holiday hustle and bustle. Susan does a marvellous job bringing Wishing Tree to life with lush and vivid descriptions and using secondary characters to help give the town that fun, quirky feel.

Home Sweet Christmas is two charming holiday romance stories in one. We follow Camryn and River (who are friends) as they prepare for another holiday season. Both characters aren’t really looking for love, but as I am sure you know, the universe has different plans for them. Both stories are fun and endearing and will leave you with all those warm fuzzy holiday feelings. Each story has its distinct voice, and I just love how Susan blended them together to create this one phenomenal Christmas book.

Let’s start with Camryn and Jake’s story. Their love story has more of that Hallmark feel to it. Camryn runs a gift-wrapping store, and Jake manages the local resort. Both characters are brought together because of Jake’s meddling mother, who has come up with a plan to find her son a wife, aka Project: Jake’s Bride. There are lots of fun and delightful moments in Camryn and Jake’s story that will put a smile on your face. I enjoyed these two together as a couple. There is this easy banter between them, and underneath that banter is a sizzling attraction. Don’t think that because their story is more Hallmark in nature, there isn’t depth to their characters. Camryn and Jake’s backstories are complex, and their past problems give their characters a sense of realism.

River and Dylan’s story was my favourite, and that is because I just adored River. All the characters in this book are very Hallmark-y in nature; you have a cabinet maker (Dylan), a gift wrapper (Camryn), and a resort manager (Jake). Don’t get me wrong, I love all the characters in this book, but what makes River’s character stand out for me is her un-Hallmarkiness. River is a hacker/cyber guru and is adorable and awkward. River is first introduced to us while helping the cops find a little girl her uncle kidnapped. She uses her cyber skills to look into the uncle’s online history to help locate the missing girl. I was completely hooked on her character and couldn’t wait to see what Susan had in store for her. River’s interactions with Dylan are so wonderfully awkward and just cute. She really has no filter, and there is this social awkwardness that just makes her character so endearing. Dylan is a real sweetheart, and he really could make a girl swoon. I just couldn’t get enough of these two and loved every moment they were together.

Home Sweet Christmas has all that Hallmark charm with just a dash of naughtiness.

Snowflakes Over Primrose Woods has all that romantic charm, and heart readers come to expect from a Jill Steeples novel.