Member Reviews
Whitney has a history of giving up on projects when things get hard, but she's determined that cooking school will be different - if she can just earn enough before Christmas to pay the tuition. So when her oven dies, the only way to bake the pies she plans to sell is to borrow the kitchen at the Red Door Inn. Unfortunately, that puts her in the firing line to help with Aunt Aretha's latest matchmaking plot. Daniel has always struggled with recognising and expressing emotion - a fact which his ex-girlfriend exploited, leaving him devastated. So when his aunt calls him to PEI to help with the sale of her antique shop, he's eager to get it all sorted out quickly so he can retreat to his peaceful, if lonely, home. He never bargained for the woman who's an expected ray of light in his dark life - but can their budding relationship survive Aunt Aretha's matchmaking?
A delightfully heartwarming read, perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas, but also great to read at any other time of the year. I loved watching Daniel get over his self-confessed Grinch-ness (particularly around the kids), but it felt perhaps even more meaningful to see Whitney gradually develop confidence in what she can do rather than what she can't. They're really a delightful couple, and Ruby makes the perfect counterpoint because she, well, isn't. The result is a lighthearted read that still has enough depth to make the story meaningful rather than just fluff. As for the turkey hat - do they actually make such things, or is it merely poetic license?? All in all, a great read, highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
"He was going because even Eeyore spent time with his friends."
It's always a pleasure to return to Prince Edward Island, especially to the Red Door Inn. I enjoyed getting to know Daniel and Whitney. Daniel and his straight-laced, grumpy ways were completely opposite to Whitney and her melodious, often flighty ways but they complemented each other well. He believed in Whitney, gave her things to seriously think about, and supported her in her endeavors. She, in turn, brought joy, laughter, and belief in human connection to Daniel's gray world. Their friendship that turned quickly into romance was sweet and tender. I didn't love Aretha's meddling, the misconstrued love triangle, nor the awkwardness of that premise but all of this provided angst and romantic tension to propel the story forward. I did love catching up with the characters from the Prince Edward Island Dreams series and seeing how their families have expanded. I also loved how the author circled back to the true meaning of Christmas with a Christmas pageant at a small church.
It's a fun Christmas story set in Prince Edward Island. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
This is a great Christmas read! I love the way Liz Johnson writes and I have loved all her Prince Edward Island books that revolve around the Red Door Inn. What fun to visit there again! I loved rooting for Daniel and Whitney to get their happily ever after even though his aunt was doing her best to pair him with Ruby.
Such a sweet quote!
"the true meaning of Christmas was that they were never meant to be alone. And human love - well, that could be a reflection of God's forgiveness."
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Meddling with Mistletoe. Whitney and Daniel are likeable characters that I'd enjoy sitting down with and visiting while sipping hot chocolate. Aretha, the matchmaking aunt, is a well-meaning meddler, but causes the conflict in the story. I loved all the Christmassy things in the story: Christmas trees, sledding, gingerbread houses, lights, and, of course, the mistletoe! The children at the Red Door Inn are adorable and exasperating and move the romance along. There's a very satisfying happy ending to this clean Christmas romance.
I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this delightful and well-written romance.
I always look forward to her novels and this one didn't disappoint.
I was pulled into the story from the beginning.
I feel like this could be a Hallmark movie it was so delicious and heartwarming.
This book will make you drool that's for sure. It will also make u laugh too.
One misunderstanding was what made this book a cute and fun read.
Whitney was a hit with me. She's the one who had me tickled pink. She's so adorable.
All the characters were really. Even ol Ruby.
To me, she's what really made this story.
The meddling is my favorite part of this book.
I can relate to the obstacles in life that's for sure! I have one now! Geeze!
5 stars for a wonderful laugh that I very much needed. I highly recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
The misunderstanding that leads us into the ending of the book and has us wondering if the two main characters will end up together is something that simple communication—which would only be reasonable at that point in their relationship—would have fixed. Seems completely out of character for them. Also, it didn’t seem like a misunderstanding, more like something that was strange but certainly nothing that should have caused anger or the issue it did in this story. While it was a cute story, the ending really ruined it for me. I haven’t read any of her other books in this series but I enjoyed one of her other series—Prince Edward Island Shores.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This author is a first-time read for me and I enjoyed this cute story. It has all of the earmarks of a sweet Christmas romance, including icy weather, sweet kiddos, and a meddling family!
This sweet story brings together people from other books in the series, I am assuming, as they were referring to other characters not in this book. It was not overly distracting as the author did a great job blending them into the story.
Great characters who balance each other out and who are fun, wholesome, and caring. Auntie was a bit over the top as she was desperate to get in the middle of a budding romance by forcing interactions with another woman who was supposedly perfect for her nephew, Daniel. But he has eyes for another.
I love the way Daniel spoke to the female main character, Ruby, with deep insight, support, and kindness. They truly are meant for each other.
This faith-based romance is an easy-to-read story that brings the sweet side of life and a lovely ending too.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for the ARC of Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson.
Meddling with Mistletoe was the first book that I’ve read by Liz Johnson. I enjoyed it and plan on reading her other books. The book was filled with romance, family, faith and lovable characters. It was a sweet Christmas story.
I really liked reading this book! It was sweet and heartwarming with a great message. Was it predictable and cheesy at times? Yes, but in a comforting way.
A huge thank you to Revell and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are my own.
I loved returning to PEI and the Red Door Inn. It’s been a wonderful series and who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas there? It’s a magical time!
Well developed characters, whether you agree with them or not, will keep you reading. Aretha made me want to shake her, the meddling old lady. But sometimes meddling backfires. Ruby is uptight and needs to put some jeans on instead of business apparel. Whitney and Daniel were really good characters, who both need healing and confidence. And of course there are the three kids who add a lot of fun to the story.
And pies. Lots of talk of pies. Lots of baking of pies. Lots of descriptions of smelling pies. You will definitely want pie while reading this. And do read it. It’s so good. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Was a sweet, breezy read that will be a perfect reread at Christmas. I will most definitely be buying to reread on Christmas. Great story with relatable characters - this will put you in the Holiday mood!
I had not read any other books by this author and only know of PEI through Anne of Green Gables! This was a lovely uplifting Christmassy read and I throughly recommend it. It doe have a strong Christian Christmas aspect, but that fits well in keeping with the small town aspect of the story.
Beautiful relationships are built and as you read you just will the charaters to keep helping each other out.
I've been eagerly anticipating this story ever since Liz Johnson first announced it. The Prince Edward Island Dreams series is a personal favorite of mine, and I couldn't wait to return the the Red Door Inn, and the lovely cast of characters that call it home. This one definitely did not disappoint, and I ended up reading the majority of it in one sitting.
While it has its heartwarming moments as a lovely Christmas romance, there's so much more to the story than the reader initially expects picking it up. Whitney Garrett has never really known what she wants out of life, and this fact has caused her family never ending annoyances. As she struggles to find the place she fits into in this world, she's given an opportunity to be a temporary breakfast chef for the Red Door Inn for their two last minute guests. One of those guests is the lovely Aretha's nephew, who's been going through a hard time. When Aretha makes Whitney an offer she can't refuse, she agrees to try and help her nephew (Daniel) fall for the inn's other guest. Of course, she didn't expect to start developing feelings for Daniel herself, and she's not sure how to handle the situation without breaking someone's heart in the process.
Very rarely have I ever found myself identifying with a character as much as I did Whitney, and I loved how this beautiful story speaks of the truth of how hard it can be to find where you truly belong in this world, and how to continue trusting God when nothing seems to be going the way you expected. All of these truths are wrapped up in a heartwarming Christmas story that's definitely now on my list of all time favorite holiday reads. It's swoon worthy, heart wrenching, and full of all the atmospheric Christmas bits that would truly make this a wonderful made for TV movie.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I can't possibly recommend this amazing story enough, and I'm so thankful that Liz Johnson chose to give visitors one last visit to the Red Door Inn.
Thanks so much to Revell 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 publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
If you’re looking for a Christmas read that’s more than just tinsel and mistletoe, this one’s for you. It’s got heart, it’s got faith, and it’s got a sweet romance that feels exactly right for the season. I’d definitely recommend Meddling with Mistletoe to anyone who enjoys holiday stories with a strong dose of faith and some delightful matchmaking mischief on the side. It’s a delightful read that leaves you feeling both warm inside and uplifted.
Returning to The Red Door Inn felt like coming home. The characters are just as charming and real as ever. Whitney, with her pie-baking ambitions, is a character you can’t help but root for. And Daniel, well, let’s just say he’s a guy who’s been a bit lost, but the way he’s portrayed is really touching. There’s a moment where he’s reminded that God’s love hasn’t left him, and that part really hit home for me. It’s such a simple truth, but it’s one we all need to remember.
Now, the meddling part of the story is fun—Aunt Aretha is a classic matchmaker, and her schemes to pair Daniel with Ruby had me laughing out loud. But here’s the thing: as Whitney gets roped into these plans, she starts to see that maybe, just maybe, she’s the one who’s meant for Daniel. And that’s where things get interesting.
What I really loved about this book is how it blends holiday cheer with meaningful reflections on faith. There’s a line from the author’s acknowledgments that stuck with me: “Obstacles are part of the journey. And it’s worth fighting to overcome them. Keep trying. God is faithful.” That’s the kind of encouragement we all need, especially when life throws us curveballs.
Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson is one of those books that wraps you up in a cozy Christmas setting but also nudges you to think a little deeper about life and faith. I just finished it, and I have to say, I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to dive into this compelling read.
I received an eARC copy of Meddling with Mistletoe from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley. Additionally, I preordered the ebook. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of the holiday spirit through the lens of ambition, community, and unexpected romance. Liz Johnson weaves a narrative that is as much about the pursuit of dreams as it is about the warmth of Christmas. Whitney Garrett's character is a testament to balancing her culinary aspirations with the practical challenge of funding her education. The broken oven incident serves as a pivotal moment, bringing Whitney into the fold of the Red Door Inn's charming chaos.
Marie Sloan emerges as a figure of maternal wisdom, offering Whitney a deal that, while beneficial to both, also sets the stage for growth and familial bonding. The dynamic between Whitney and the Sloan children adds layers of humor and tenderness, illustrating the makeshift family ties that often form in close-knit communities. The inclusion of holiday guests like Daniel and Ruby introduces subplots of love and business, enriching the main storyline with their arcs and contributing to the novel's tapestry of interpersonal connections.
Meddling with Mistletoe hints at the playful interference of fate and the serendipitous encounters that define the holiday season. It suggests that sometimes, meddling can lead to the most delightful outcomes, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Johnson's writing style is fluid and engaging, with a knack for dialogue that captures the nuances of each character's voice. Her descriptions of the culinary creations and the bustling inn are so vivid that readers can almost smell the pies baking and hear the laughter echoing through the halls
In summary, "Meddling with Mistletoe" is a delightful read that offers more than just a seasonal romance. It is a story of resilience, community, and the magic that can happen when people come together. It reminds us that the holiday season is not just about the glitter and gifts but about the connections we forge and the dreams we chase. Liz Johnson has crafted a novel that is sure to become a cherished addition to any Christmas romance collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A perfect read for the Christmas time, yet suitable for reading at any other time of the year. I was not familiar with the author but I found the book quite entertaining. The setting was in Prince Edward Island of Canada and the characters were well developed and quite believable. The story was well thought through, and the environment was very beautiful. I would recommend this book to every fan of Christmas romance.
I want to thank Revell and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson takes her readers back to the Red Door Inn. This charming story is full of all the delightful holiday feel-good elements. Descriptions of PEI, meddling family, non-traditional characters, and plenty of holiday magic come together to warm the heart and put a smile on the face. Whitney finds herself in a rock and a hard place while at the same time, being challenged by Daniel to find and pursue her dream. I enjoyed the chaotic tension that resulted in everyone pursuing the same thing, albeit in very different ways. Sit back, curl up, and lose yourself for a moment in this heartwarming Christmas novella.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
This is what I expected based on the title. Since it is a christmasy book, I expected a Hallmarky feeling, with a meddling relative trying to put 2 singles together! Sweet read!
This is a sweet Christmas novel you will not want to put down once you start reading it.
A lovely mix of characters makes this book very charming. A young woman undecided about her future, a single CFO whose Aunt Aretha is always meddling in his life to try to get him matched up, a very pretty lady working with the CFO for her company to buy Aunt Aretha’s antique store, and the ever-present mistletoe in the doorway. Mix these elements together and you get a very sweet holiday read.
You will enjoy how this all comes together. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and opinions expressed are my own.
How can you follow your dreams if you aren’t really sure if they’re your dreams at all? That’s what Whitney Garrett is trying to do, and it’s leading her to places and people she wasn’t expecting. And what if you meet someone who makes you want to reconsider those dreams and look for something so much more rewarding? Blame it on the mistletoe! This is a feel-good holiday story and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Thanks, NetGalley for the chance to read and advance copy and review it honestly!