Title: Gavel and Garland
Author: Kathryn Hills
Genre: Holiday Romance, Contemporary Small Town Romance
Book Blurb:
Can a humbug and a holiday lover come together when wedding and Christmas bells ring?
Elizabeth McKenzie doesn’t hate Christmas. As the new mayor of Dickens, the quaint New England town famous for its holiday cheer, she has no time to enjoy it. And while she understands small-town politics, what she doesn’t get is people sugar coating problems during the hectic season. There’s much to be done, and she intends to prove she’s up to the task. However, she never imagined being blindsided by someone special. The Army officer in town for the wedding she’s officiating is annoyingly upbeat and handsome. Will he derail her agenda? Or can she slow down enough to smell the gingerbread and maybe meet him under the mistletoe?
Trekking around the globe to help animals and people is all Army veterinarian Daniel Murray knows. He’s not a fan of settling down, but there’s something wonderful about a place that embraces his favorite holiday. What’s even more appealing is Dickens’ feisty young mayor. Seems she has a knack for finding trouble. Dare he get involved with the beautiful humbug? Or should he avoid her like a stocking full of coal? It’s decision time for the self-proclaimed bachelor for life. Stay in the military, or open a vet practice right there in Christmas town?
My Review:
Have you heard the one about the feisty mayor and the soldier who kept running into each other until they fell in love? No? Well, read on… The first time Daniel saw Elizabeth was at the airport. He nicknamed her ‘Big Red’ and the attraction was immediate. She appeared to be having a hard time and was a mayor of some town, or so he overheard. He felt bad for her, but it wouldn’t spoil his trip. He’s on his way to Dickens for a wedding and couldn’t be more excited. Once he arrives in Dickens, he understands why people call it Christmas-central. It’s just what he needs to figure out what’s next for him. While’s he’s enjoying his time, he keeps running into Beth, the woman he met at the airport. She appears to need a big jolt of the Christmas spirit. He makes it his mission to wrap her in the magic of Christmas but along the way love makes his way into his heart. Can he shower her with love this Christmas?
Gavel and Garland is a heartfelt holiday romance I thoroughly enjoyed. There are times when it’s easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the holidays, like Beth does. It’s only then do we need a wake-up call, like Dan provides. I connected with these characters right away. I delighted in the banter between these two. The dialogue is fast, fun, and filled with zany one-liners. The narration is pretty emotional, especially when it came to family, friends, and falling in love. What I loved most about Gavel and Garland was the town and the Christmasy vibe. The romance was great, too, but there’s something magical about this small town. Kathryn Hills infused this story with holiday spirit and it’s one of her best written books. If you love holiday romance, treat yourself to Gavel and Garland. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/49nOek
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59762849-gavel-and-garland---a-dickens-holiday-romance
Author Biography:
The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.
When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.
Social Media Links:
Find Kathryn Hills Online
Reviewed by: Mrs. N