The book started out rather awkwardly, as Colter tried to cram as much background information for Brody as possible before she introduced Lila, so it read like a very long exposition piece instead of flowing well, but after Lila's introduction the transitions became more fluid and the flow of the book was perfect.

I know that Harlequins are meant to adhere to a certain formula, which hasn't changed that much since the 80's Harlequins I used to devour, but I think for this story it was buried further than usual. There was definitely a sense of cheerful desperation on Lila's part while she struggled to forget what brought her to the small town in Washington to begin with and struggled with her feelings for Brody. It made her more real as we all know someone who thinks the 'perfect christmas' has to be a certain way.

Brody was kind of heart breaking. When it was from his third person limited perspective he wasn't a hard-nosed cynic at all. He was such a softie it hurt because he dwelled on loss so keenly. I wasn't really okay with what ended happening to his dog, by that point in the story it wasn't necessary as a sympathy factor believe me.

Their chemistry was amusing--the more Scrooge-like Brody became the more desperately cheerful Lila acted around him. The scene at the cabin was the sweetest I've read in a romance in a long time honestly.

As a holiday read this is fabulous--it reminds you why Christmas can be magical and gives you a warm boost to the heart. As a romance this is just as Lila wanted to create with her store--its a fantasy, but a fantasy we all need to desperately believe in.
( )

This was such a wonderful Christmas romance. Lila Grainger is new to Snow Mountain and when she finds out that Christmas will be canceled this year, she makes it her mission to restore Christmas to this small town. Police officer Brody Taggert has been assigned to stop her in her efforts and this is making him look like the town Scrooge. The book started off like just the usual Christmas romance, but as it went on, it just kept getting better and better. Lila and Brody were very likable and sympathetic leads. Lila moved to the small town of Snow Mountain to escape memories of her stalker who ended up turning violent. She wonders if she will ever truly feel safe anywhere ever again. Brody is still trying to move on after the death of his brother six and a half years ago. He doesn't look forward to Christmas anymore since his family was torn apart after his brother's death. Now he is also faced with the imminent death of his beloved dog, Boo, who is dying of cancer. He doesn't want to form any emotional attachments or fall in love, since he feels love will only lead to more loss.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, with many great moments and a sweet romance. I loved the part when Lila and Brody were stuck in the cabin in the snow and the time they spent there. I loved Brody's truly adorable dog, Boo, who completely stole my heart. The story was fun and festive, but it also had some very emotional, tear-jerking moments, as well. I thought the story was beautifully written, and it was a perfect read for the holidays, or for anytime really. ( )