This book was great! I love romance books, and this one was no exception! The characters were wonderful and realistic, the plot was well written, and the setting was gorgeous. I cannot wait until this is published so everyone can read it!

This was a sweet contemporary, Christmas novella set on Prince Edward Island. I hadn't read the earlier books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Whitney has struggled to stick with a plan and believes it's because she can't finish anything. All she wants to do is go to culinary school, and when a neighbor asks for her help with a matchmaking scheme and promises to pay the difference between her savings and the tuition bill, Whitney agrees. Little does she know that she's going to do more than bake pies and try to help Daniel and Ruby discover love. This is a sweet read that will put you in the Christmas mood.

I recently binge-read Johnson's "Prince Edward Island Shores" series (book 1: Beyond the Tides), and was really excited to find out about/read this one!

It was a really sweet read that absolutely got me in the Christmas spirit--a nice respite from the Southern summer I am still sweating through, haha! I'm hopeful by the time _Meddling with Mistletoe_'s release date hits on September 3, the IRL weather will have taken a hint from it. :)

The characters are endearing, and the storyline sweet without being over-the-top or saccharine. A few vaguely familiar names and faces appeared, presumably from the "PEI Shores" series, but also potentially from Johnson's "PEI Dreams" series--which I must add to my TBR list. I didn't feel lost at all, thankfully, not having yet read the latter series; I think other readers would do just fine, too, without reading either series before this one. It's a good introduction to both Johnson's writing and the PEI community she's developed.

I'll also note that quilters (hi, Mom :D) will particularly enjoy the quilting subplot; it's subtle, but it's there!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This novella is a quick, entertaining, seasonal read set in Prince Edward Island, Canada. As part of a series, the book works fine as a stand-alone.

Whitney Garrett has a history of broken commitments – with sports, activities, and career choices, but not with people. Given an ultimatum from her retiring parents to create some stability in her life, she sets her sights on culinary school. The only problem is money and for that she is baking mouth-watering pies to sell at Christmas markets. Enter Arethra Franklin (no relation to the singer) who is determined to foster a romance between her nephew, Daniel, and a businesswoman visiting the island. Aretha enlists a reluctant Whitney’s help in the matchmaking scheme by promising to help her with tuition money.

While the outcome is predictable, I found the storyline charming and engaging. I particularly liked the children – precocious but amusing rather than obnoxious. Overall, this is a welcome and enjoyable start to my foray into Christmas stories for this year.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Baker Publishing Group. This book is a cute, fun read. The setting is at Christmas time but this story can be read anywhere. The great thing about this book it can be read by anyone. Whitney has many dreams but wants to find the right the job the right thing to do with her life. Life for her has been an experience of unfortunate events. But will see find the dream that really speaks to her and is what she really needs to do? Daniel has always tried to help family when he can but sometimes it's hard. When a family member calls him for help can he really help with what they need? Aretha knows what her family needs more then they do. So when she calls Daniel home to help her with her business. She decides that she can help him find his true love. Ruby is her on business can she complete it and make her bosses happy. Can she she find happiness

A Cute Christmas romance by Liz Johnson. The Author is new to me and I loved the book. The story takes place in Prince Edward Island Canada. Though I was born in Canada and lived there for 21 years I have never been to PEI. It sounds like a lovely place to put on my bucket list.
The winters are cold and since this is a Christmas story there’s snow and freezing temperatures. The story is filled with the Christmas Spirit, decorations and lots of delicious pies. I loved most of the characters but admit that at times I wasn’t fond of Aunt Aretha. She considered herself to be a successful matchmaker but she meddled into her nephew’s life and I found her to be irritating at times. At least she had good intentions and loved her nephew. In the end all things worked out for the best and the story was very entertaining and drew me in completely. I’m pleased to have found a new Author and I look forward to reading more books by her.
I recommend this book to readers of Christmas novels, Christian Fiction, women’s Fiction and Contemporary Romance. This book is part of a series but I read it as a standalone and enjoyed it to the fullest. This book is scheduled to be released on 9/3/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.

#MeddlingwithMistletoe #NetGalley

A perfect Christmas read
I really enjoyed this a beautifully written cute Christmas story.
A perfect hallmark movie
Loved the characters and their sweetness
It’s such a sweet story I couldn’t love it more will probably be one of my favourite Christmas books this year

This story is VERY hard to put down! Liz has written the perfect Christmas romance, and YES you can read it all year long. This for me is one I would read over and over!

Whitney is struggling trying to prove to herself and others that she can pick a career and she can for once stick to it! So when she decides on culinary school she has one hurdle she needs to overcome - Cost! She sets out to bake her pies to earn the money for her tuition, but with her faulty oven she ends up needing to use the Inn's oven instead. In exchange for babysitting / cooking a few meals she is allowed to use their kitchen. Everything is going as planned until a new job is added to her plate - play matchmaker for two of the inn's guests: Daniel and Ruby! In exchange, her tuition will be paid in full! She doesn't know Daniel or Ruby, but she needs the tuition and agrees to the arrangement. But the more time she spends with Daniel the more convinced she is that Ruby isn't the right one for him . And even Daniel is starting to see Whitney as something more. But if Whitney goes back on her Matchmaking job, she loses her tuition. But worst of all, if Daniel finds out about the agreement, she will lose A LOT more... Him.

This was my first time reading a story from Liz Johnson but I love her writing style. The story is very relatable, and the romance is very believable. And my goodness... mistletoe made this story just SO interesting!

Thank you to Revell Publishing and Net Galley for my advance copy.A review was not required & all opinions are my own.

#MeddlingwithMistletoe #NetGalley

What a delightful holiday story! Christmas is my favorite holiday and Liz Johnson has created the perfect story to celebrate the season. Filled with romance, family, faith, and lovable characters, it is certain to entertain and inspire.

Whitney Garrett finds herself struggling to pay for tuition for culinary school which lands her as an unwilling accomplice to Aretha Franklin’s plan to set up her nephew, Daniel. Whitney soon discovers Aretha’s matchmaking skills are off with the match of Daniel and Ruby but struggles to find a way to get out of helping with the scheme before it is too late.

A perfect holiday read! Not only did it put me in the holiday spirit, it filled my heart with joy and laughter. It is so well written, the story came alive making me feel like I was actually there experiencing it. This is a must read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

A Christmas romance with a cozy B&B setting, lots of holiday baking, mistletoe and meddling? Count me in! Meddling with Mistletoe is such a sweet holiday read. I always love a story with a meddling family member (aren't they just the best?), so admittedly the title drew me in... but this one was a fun twist with the FMC being brought in to aid in the matchmaking of the MMC... with someone else. (Don't worry, there is definitely no love triangle here though.) I think that made it all that more interesting and I just adored it. All the characters were well written, drawing me right into their stories. This had just the right amount of holiday cheer and felt very much like a Hallmark Christmas movie. If you're looking for a fun holiday romance, you'll definitely want to add this one to your TBR.

** I received complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Sweet story and a cozy setting with Christmas and romance.
If you, like me, can't wait for December, this is just what you need - it's just like the moives ::)

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book!!! Such a good story and great writing style. This was my first by this author and will not be my last! Such a cute cozy holiday romcom!

Meddling with Mistletoe is a truly captivating novel that exceeded my expectations. Initially, I thought it would be a light beach read, but the author skillfully drew me in with thought-provoking questions and engaging storytelling. I was particularly impressed by Johnson's exploration of themes such as career choices, the dangers of making assumptions about others, and the importance of self-reflection. It felt as though the book was speaking directly to me.

Meddling with Mistletoe is a heat warming holiday story. We meet Whitney and Daniel as they come in contact at the Red Door Inn.

Whitney Garett is making pies to raise money for her tuition for culinary school. Just as she has everything prepared, her oven breaks down. She makes a deal with Marie, of the Red Door Inn. If she can use the oven in their kitchen, she will watch Marie's children. Marie agrees, but only if Whitney can make breakfast for her guests. Whiney is surprised, as the Inn is usually closed during the holidays. But she agrees.

Daniel Franklin is Aretha's nephew. He is coming to PEI to help Aretha with the sale of her antique shop. He meets with Ruby, a representative for the company buying Aretha out. Aretha thinks Ruby and Daniel would make a good couple, as she thinks he is lonely. She strikes a deal with Whitney. If Whitney will help bring them together, Aretha with cover the rest of her tuition for culinary school. Whitney agrees although she doesn't like the matchmaking. She tries, but the more she is with Daniel, the more she likes him.

This is such a sweet story. The pacing was good, dialogue, interaction between characters. An altogether delightful clean romance. I have read several of Ms Johnsons books, but this one by far is my favorite.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute cozy holiday read! It wasn't super deep to me, but a good way to pass a few hours.

From the very beginning, my heart was into this heartwarming, holiday story. Whitney is baking and selling her homemade pies to earn the money she needs to pay for tuition at culinary school. Until the very worst happens, with eight pies read to be put in the oven, she discovers her oven is broken and her landlord is out of the country for an extended period. From a place of desperation, she asks her friend, Marie, the manager of the local inn if she can use the oven there. The busy tourist season is over and there are only two guests at the inn. Whitney readily agrees to Marie’s conditions that she prepare breakfast every morning for the two guests, and also act as a babysitter for her young children when she is busy at church helping with the preparation of the upcoming Christmas program. Whitney readily agrees to both in exchange for the use of the oven.
One of the guests is Daniel, the nephew of local resident, Aretha Franklin. The other is Ruby, in town to purchase Aretha’s antique store. Daniel’s expertise is in the world of finance so he’s been asked by Aretha to oversee the financial terms of the purchase. Aretha, however, is concerned about Daniel’s single state and decides he and Ruby would make a good match. She even recruits Whitney to help with her mission of bringing the two together, offering to provide any monetary shortfall in her endeavor to earn enough money for the tuition payment.
This delightful story has ups and downs, and places where I had to pause reading while I laughed out loud. The characters are loveable and unforgettable, as I’ve discovered Liz Johnson’s characters to be.
Reading this book is a great way to begin the holiday season, with getting to know these endearing characters, as well as a reminder of why we celebrate and who we are celebrating at Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

What an amazing and different Christmas story. An encouragement to keep friends and family close. Also to keep looking for the dream God has placed in my heart, He sees me and knows His timing.

Are you ready for some holiday cheer? If you are, Meddling with Mistletoe should be the next book on your to be read list. Don’t miss this one.

To pay her tuition for culinary school, Whitney Garrett decides to sell homemade pies at the market. When her stove breaks down, she heads to the Red Door Inn to see if she can use their kitchen. A deal is struck and Whitney finds herself caring for the three Sloan children and taking on a temporary chef position in return for the use of the inn’s kitchen.

All seems to be working well until the meddlesome antiques dealer’s single son arrives in town. Aretha thinks Daniel’s love life could do with some help and she enlists the aid of the temporary chef to work magic with one of the inn’s guests, Rubie Lavoie. The thing is, Whitney doesn’t think they’re a good match. She has a plan of her own!

Just when I thought this was an easy beach read, the author got my attention and raised some fantastic probing questions. I loved her examination of choosing a career path, the dangers of judging others and ‘settling for’ instead of ‘aiming for’, and the necessity of seeing ourselves through the eyes of another. Suddenly, this book seemed as if it was written for me! I loved the message about meddling with the mistletoe as much as I loved the front-row seat to Whitney’s transformation.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Publication date: September 3rd, 2024

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In a charming Christmas romance set at the Red Door Inn, Whitney Garrett dreams of attending culinary school. She must sell enough pies at the local Christmas market to afford tuition. However, when her oven breaks, Whitney turns to Marie, the owner of the Red Door Inn. Marie agrees to help, but in exchange, Whitney must assist with caring for her three children and preparing breakfast for the inn's guests. cute little Christmas romance

Thank You Netgalley and Revell

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.