Smitten with Candy Canes

Smitten with Travel #3.5

by Ellen Jacobson

Snowflakes and love are in the air in this sweet Christmas romantic comedy set in Finland. When Zoe is stuck working with her arch-enemy, Max, in Santa’s Village over the holidays, she thinks things can’t get any worse. But when Max convinces her to pretend that they’re a couple, Zoe quickly realizes that this is going to go down in the books as the worst Christmas ever. Having to fake being Max’s girlfriend isn’t easy, especially when he’s constantly flirting with every other woman beside her. All Zoe wants to do is clobber him over the head with a giant candy cane. But as they spend more time together, Zoe sees a more vulnerable side of Max that almost makes her forget why she hates him so much. Will the spirit of the Christmas season soften Zoe’s heart and help her realize that what she feels for Max isn’t fake after all? If you like quirky characters, happily ever afters, and mischievous elves, you’ll love Zoe and Max’s story. Want more hilarious travel adventures and romance? Check out the other standalone books in the Smitten with Travel Smitten with Ravioli – Ginny’s story set in Italy Smitten with Croissants – Mia’s story set in France Smitten with Strudel – Isabelle’s story set in Germany Smitten with Candy Canes – Zoe’s story set in Santa’s Village, Finland Smitten with Baklava – Olivia’s story set in Greece Smitten with Caviar – Jasmine’s story set in Monaco This novella was originally published as part of the Love, Laughter & Happily Ever After romantic comedy collection.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Christmas

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Ellen Jacobson is a chocolate obsessed cat lover who writes cozy mysteries and romantic comedies. After living on a sailboat for many years, she now travels around in a teeny-tiny camper with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon.

Her Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series, featuring a reluctant sailor turned amateur sleuth, is inspired by her own sailing adventures and misadventures living aboard sailboats in New Zealand and the States.

Her Smitten with Travel romantic comedy series is inspired by her life as an expat in Scotland and New Zealand and love of exploring new countries and learning about new cultures.

You can find out more about Ellen and her books at:
https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

Subscribe to her newsletter for updates on new releases, works in progress, sales / promos & live on the road in a teeny-tiny camper at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/m4g9m4

Reviews

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shortest standalone book is called “ Smitten with Candy Canes” by Ellen Jacobsen. Ellen does it again. She writes an extraordinary and captivating story and the characters were believable with so many twists and turns I couldn’t put it down. It keeps me wanting to read more. The main characters in the book are very lighthearted, witty and hilarious. When I was younger, I loved reading fairy tales and I also loved Christmas fairytale stories as well. You’ll get to read a bit of holiday activities, elves, love-hate romance between and you may will need lots of wine, and need a good laugh to read this between Zoe and Max. As a result, did they get their happy ending or not. You can decide.

[Toi Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read whether as a standalone or as part of the series. I always enjoy the work of this author and was happy to discover that I was missing some books from this series. I believe I still have two more to go since I think I read this one already but forgot to review it. Still, I enjoyed it just as much the second time around as I did the first time.

Both main characters are likable and it's easy to see how their whole situation could be a simple misunderstanding in the real world, but I enjoy the hilarity of how it all comes together. Plus, it's nice to read stories related to holidays (whatever that holiday may be).

Highly recommended to fans of romantic comedy, enemies-to-lovers tales, and a good holiday story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was a little too rushed, even for a novella. Really this story was so charming I wish it had been extended into a full length book or even just a short one. Not every rom-com has to be 500 pages.

[Fleurs_books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dit was zo'n schattige cozy kerst novella! Ik rate novellas nooit zo hoog, omdat ik het meestal te kort vind om echt een goed verhaal te hebben. Deze novella was niet anders, maaaaaar het was wel echt cute. vond het jammer dat ie niet langer was

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ITS A GREAT QUICK NOvella and I really enjoyed Max & Zoe story! I read in a few hours .was fun & very entertaining! Another great read

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t typically read short story/novella books, but this was cute enough I guess….

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After.

This was great! Annoyance, angst and attraction…all bundled up in winter furs and a Santa sack full of candy canes to give the reader a fun read !