Iris Applewood

Keeper of Lost Loves by Iris Applewood is a cozy and heartwarming Christmas romance that sweeps you into the charming world of Serenity Falls, where love and mystery intertwine under the spell of mistletoe magic.
Clara Winters, the protagonist, is a refreshingly skeptical character when it comes to the idea of soulmates, which makes her journey all the more compelling. Her only wish this Christmas is to save her beloved Fireside Manor Bed and Breakfast from financial ruin. Clara’s determination and independent spirit are immediately relatable, especially as she navigates the challenges of keeping her business afloat during the holiday season.
The arrival of Ethan, a mysterious guest with unclear intentions, adds an intriguing twist to the story. As Clara and Ethan’s paths cross, what begins as suspicion gradually turns into a partnership filled with sleuthing and, eventually, romance. Their investigation into long-buried secrets tied to the history of Fireside Manor adds a layer of mystery that keeps the narrative engaging.
What I loved most about this book is how it seamlessly blends romance with a touch of magic and mystery. Each kiss under the mistletoe not only deepens Clara and Ethan’s connection but also helps unlock hidden truths about their pasts. The gradual reveal of these secrets adds depth to the characters and the story, making their eventual romance feel earned and heartfelt.
Applewood’s writing captures the cozy, festive atmosphere of Serenity Falls beautifully, making it the perfect setting for a holiday romance. The themes of love, redemption, and the power of connection resonate throughout the book, leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingers long after the last page.
If you’re a fan of holiday romances with a sprinkle of magic and a touch of mystery, Keeper of Lost Loves is a must-read. It’s a delightful journey through heart and heritage, reminding us that love is often found in the most unexpected places. Iris Applewood has crafted a story that is as enchanting as it is comforting, making it a perfect read for the holiday season.… (plus d'informations)

Keeper of Lost Loves by Iris Applewood is a first novel with an unconventional plot line but the excessive descriptions of everything, with so many cliches felt cloying. Clara Winters owns Fireside Manor, a Bed and Breakfast, that isn’t doing well financially. She discovers at a Christmas event in town that if she kisses someone under the mistletoe, she knows about their “lost loves.” A stranger, Ethan, comes to stay in the B&B, surprisingly believes in her new found ability and helps her in her effort to discover the town curmudgeon’s lost love. They, of course, fall for each other. Clara is an unusual B&B owner - she can spend all kinds of time with her one guest and she provides dinner as well as breakfast. Clara and Ethan work through some misunderstandings, solve their mysteries and everything works out. Unfortunately, I found myself skimming the book towards the end because I just couldn’t relate to Clara and Ethan.… (plus d'informations)

Keeper of Lost Loves: Clara is struggling to keep her newly opened inn afloat, and hopes that her cookies at the Christmas festival will encourage some local business. But things take a left turn when a kiss under the mistletoe lets her receive memories of the other person’s romantic regrets. She teams up with the mysterious (and only) guest at the inn to find the long lost love of the town’s curmudgeon, unlocking town secrets and opening her own heart in the process.
A delightful Lifetime movie of a book! The narration is simply a delight. It is EXACTLY like hanging out with a friend who is a gifted storyteller. The reader is spoken to so directly and it feels so personal and intimate and FUN! The love story was very sweet, and while there are misunderstandings, they are short lived. And there is no third act break-up!
I also really enjoyed Serenity Falls, meeting Clara’s friends and the rest of the town. I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. Hopefully there are more weird magical gifts, too!
Thank you Enchanted Owl and LibraryThing for the ARC!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily… (plus d'informations)