Messages and Mistletoe delivered a sweet but predictable Christmas Romance. The story demonstrates how one spends their time searching for that special someone, whilst failing to realise the very person they are looking for is right before their eyes.
A Christmas rebellion. An anonymous online connection. A breath-stealing rendezvous beneath the mistletoe. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Messages & Mistletoe
Author(s): H.M. Shander
Published by Self Published on November 8, 2023
Pages: 172
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
Tired of the same old Christmas traditions and grappling with unrequited love, Natalie waves goodbye to the festivities for a year and swaps snow for sun on a Caribbean cruise. Amidst the roof top pool and warm ocean breeze lies a promising chance at a new beginning - a singles' cruise brimming with attractive bachelors ready to sweep her worries away. Including the one who’s already trying to capture her heart.
In the weeks leading up to her rebellious departure, Natalie encounters Hermes, an enigmatic and charming stranger while in the virtual waters of the Cruisin’ for Singles chat room. Their online connection flourishes into an intoxicating dance of desires and secrets, stoking a yearning for a real-life encounter.
As the clock ticks toward Christmas Eve, they hatch a whimsical plan to meet under the mistletoe. Will this magical rendezvous shatter Natalie's Christmas dreams or kindle a newfound Yuletide passion?
Messages and Mistletoe was a quick read. The story flowed seamlessly. Despite the predictability, the story held my attention. I needed to see the heroine’s reaction on discovering the identity of her online friend. That aspect of the story had me smiling from ear to ear.
Now, although I enjoyed the build up to the final outcome, I had issues with the characters. Information on the hero was limited, rendering it difficult for one to connect with him. One does not get an idea of his true feelings until the end. As a result, I found it difficult to accept the hero’s feelings for the heroine, thus the romance lacked substance. All the focus was on the heroine, who rode an emotional rollercoaster for most of the story.
For a Christmas romance, the holiday theme was sorely lacking. It never left me longing for the festivities. Also, the heroine was supposed to meet her online connection under the mistletoe. They did meet, but no mention was made of the mistletoe.
The story ended on a positive note, with all parties involved sailing into their happily ever after. This is my first time reading the author’s work, and Messages and Mistletoe elicited mixed reactions. I enjoyed some aspects of the story and some not so much. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to read another of her books.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
It sounds like the author almost got this one right. My sister and I are writing a Christmas romance in Kindle Vella where both mistletoe and some ghosts play a role. You can check out the first three episodes for free if you want. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CLZ64JGX
Sorry…that linked didn’t work for some reason. Try this one: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Ghosts-and-Mistletoe/dp/B0CLZ64JGX?ref_=ast_author_dp
Sorry to hear that this one didn’t quite live up to expectations there. But I do love that it ended with a good note there for you.
I enjoy when my Christmas stories are festive. Too bad this one didn’t have enough festivities to leave you with that Christmassy feeling. Nice review, Nadene.
Sounds like a fun read. Sometimes predictablity isn’t so bad right?! 😉
I’m glad it ended well.
This sounds like a decent novella even if it didn’t have that extra something that would take it to the next level.