Happy Friday Sweet Friends :)
I pray today finds you all doing well, and I'm so thankful you've taken the time to drop on by The Preppy Book Princess for another book review.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to learn that Rachael Bloome was going to take readers back to the beloved town of Poppy Creek for a bonus Christmas novella.
This series has been a favorite of mine right from the first title, and honestly, I couldn't believe we were getting treated to another visit back.
I've been eagerly anticipating getting to read it ever since it was announced, and I can't believe that today I get to share my review of it with you all.
Grab your favorite hot drink, a cozy blanket, and settle in to hear all about this wonderful story that I'm sure is going to become a new Christmas favorite.
However, if you'd first like to check out my reviews of the other books in the series, you can do so using the links below:
Otherwise, keep on reading down below and join me for today's book review.
A Very Barrie Christmas by Rachael Bloome:
Source: Complimentary Copy Provided by the Author as Part of Her ARC Team
Publisher: Secret Garden Press
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Genre: Small Town Romance/Christmas Read/Clean Romance
Series: Poppy Creek
Synopsis:
Savor the spirit of Christmas in this sweet, small-town romance that's cozier than a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Frank Barrie hated Christmas. Candy canes made him cringe. Santa Clause made him shudder. And tinsel… don’t even get him started on the lowliest of holiday decorations.
But everything changed when Cassie Hayward, a newcomer to Poppy Creek, barged into his life and became the granddaughter he never knew he needed.
Now, thanks to Cassie’s kindhearted meddling, he’s married to the sweetest, smartest woman whose only shortcoming is that she picked him—a crotchety old hermit—to be her not-so-better half.
But despite his Scrooge-like past, he’s determined to give his wife, Beverly, the best Christmas ever. Which is why he goes against his introverted instincts and welcomes Nate Henderson—a young veteran—to their home for the holidays, just like Bevy’s favorite movie, Christmas in Connecticut.
Little does he realize his wife has already invited her niece, Juliet Klein—an aspiring author in need of a secluded writer’s retreat—to stay with them over the holidays.
To make matters worse, the merry mix-up gives his wife an idea.
The only thing more outside Frank’s comfort zone than Christmas cheer is matchmaking. Especially when the potential lovebirds go together like oil and eggnog.
Although he’d do anything for his Bevy, it’s going to take a lot more than mistletoe to bring the unlikely pair together.
It’s going to take a Christmas miracle.
And the help of a few friends....
Fall in love with the idyllic town of Poppy Creek in this festive, feel-good romance sure to fill your heart with all the warmth and magic of Christmas.
(synopsis from goodreads)
My Review:
When I posted my review of The Promise in Poppies last year, it was bittersweet as I truly wasn't ready to say goodbye to this fictional town and the heartwarming cast of characters that call it home. However, I never expected us readers would ever be treated to a return visit, so it was the perfect Christmas surprise when Rachael announced that she was taking us all back to Poppy Creek again in a Christmas novella. I've been waiting for this one ever since, and after having the chance to read this sweet and wonderful holiday tale, I can wholeheartedly state that it was everything I ever could have hoped for, and rereading it will be a Christmas tradition for me in the years to come.
Full of faith, family, friendship, and love, A Very Barrie Christmas treats readers to a Christmas in Poppy Creek where Frank Barrie wants to give his wife one of the greatest gifts of all-the chance to make a difference in someone else's life. Of course, life seldom goes exactly the way we plan, and soon Frank and Bev are welcoming not just a stranger for Christmas, but also Bev's beloved niece who might just be the perfect match for their unexpected houseguest this year.
With a plethora of the beloved characters from previous titles making pop up appearances, and Rachael's signature writing style that pulls you in right from the beginning, this is the perfect cozy romance to curl up with this Christmas season. Rachael always writes from the heart, and you'll always see her characters have to face tough situations and unexpected obstacles along the way, but they always learn that God has a plan, and often uses community to accomplish His ways.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I can't recommend this wonderful story enough, but don't just stop with this one. If you haven't already read all the previous titles in the Poppy Creek series, then do yourself a favor and grab them, as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Thanks so much for spending the start of your weekend here with my friends. I pray you have a wonderful rest of it :)
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