~ About the Book ~
He needs a fake girlfriend.
She needs a holiday miracle.
After years as a hostage in Afghanistan, wounded journalist Will Sinclair retreats to idyllic Sugar Creek, Arkansas, to finish his memoir and get his life back on track. As if the town’s match-making mamas aren’t enough trouble, his own meddling family descends on him for the holidays. To get them all off his back, Will plots a ridiculous idea. He just needs the right woman. When he finds a bossy decorator in his yard, it’s more than her ugly Christmas sweater that makes her the perfect pick.
Cordelia Daring loves her life as a foster mom and entrepreneur. But when she finds herself in need of money, Will’s offer comes just in time. Pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks? She can handle that. Sure, she flunked drama in high school, but how hard could it be to pose as the arm candy of famous journalist Will Sinclair? Never mind that her foster son adores him. Or that his family is everything she’s ever wanted. Because when the deal expires, Cordelia intends to take her money and run.
As the holiday draws near, their pretend relationship spirals out of control. And Cordelia’s not sure she wants it to unravel. If these two hope to make it till December 25th, they’re going to need some serious Christmas magic. . .
If you like heart-warming characters, small-town romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll love this visit back to Sugar Creek.
Genre: Contemporary Romance (novella)
Series: Sugar Creek (can be read as standalone)
Release date: 6 December 2018
Pages: 200
Publisher: Sweet Pea Productions
Amazon US // Amazon AU // iTunes // Goodreads
~ Excerpt ~
“I think a tree is taking this too far.”
These words greeted her as she answered the ring of her doorbell. He stood on her front porch, a stocking cap on his head that should’ve looked silly, but instead made him look like a calendar pinup for Mr. December. He wore a gray ski jacket that hinted at travel experience and a name brand that Cordelia would never be able to afford.
“If you want the interior of your house to look festive, you have to get a Christmas tree.” Cordelia handed Will her diaper backpack, held a bundled Isaiah in her arms, and locked up her home.
“Trees are a stupid tradition.”
“Maybe your Congressman brother can change that. Eliminate all Christmas tree frivolity. I’m sure it would make a solid platform for his reelection. But until you get the whole holiday banned, you’re going to love the Wonderland Tree Farm.”
“I doubt it.”
The baby fussed in her arms. “Isaiah’s offended by your seasonal cynicism.”
“I’m pretty sure he was agreeing with me.”
~ Review ~
Perfect! This is everything you could ask for in a Christmas novella—unless you want vampires, in which case, you’re out of luck. There’s even a kind of resurrection, so it’s a little like Christmas and Easter all at once! Lol. But seriously, after believing Will Sinclair died in a bombing in Afghanistan, readers will be just excited as his own family to discover he’s actually been held hostage all this time.
As is always the case with Jenny B. Jones’ books, the banter between Will and Cordelia is perfectly pitched—never forced or lame—and somehow perfectly complements the more serious side of this novella. After all, you can hardly spend four or so years as a hostage in Afghanistan without having some emotional baggage to sort through, and I love that Jenny B. Jones deals with this as naturally and authentically as she does the banter.
There are cameos from beloved characters, a cute baby, Christmas sweaters, several swoony moments, and one very charming if wounded hero. Really, what’s not to love?
I purchased my own copy of this novella.
~ Related Books ~
~ About the Author ~
Award-winning, best-selling author Jenny B. Jones writes mysteries, rom-coms, and YA with sass and Southern charm. Since she has very little free time, Jenny believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as eating ice cream, watching puppy videos, and reading celebrity gossip. She lives in the beautiful state of Arkansas, is a foster parent, and has worked in public education for half of forever. She loves bluegrass, a good laugh, and strong tea. She adores hearing from readers.
Connect with Jenny: Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram
Just bought this book. Excellent review! Thank you for the recommendation. 😀
Yay! Enjoy 🙂