Tinsel & Mistletoe

Festive Christmas #1

by Kimberly Thomas

Escaping the bustling city of Boston, free-spirited romance novelist Addison retreats to a tranquil, snow-kissed cabin in the town of Rockport, brimming with dreams of crafting her next novel. Unbeknownst to her, destiny serves an intriguing twist as she stumbles upon Liam, the charming yet enigmatic bookstore owner with a shady past as riveting as the novels on his shelves.

Liam, is haunted by a past that's tightly interwoven with Rockport's most powerful families, the Hastings, and the Coopers. As the town gears up for the annual Winter Festival, their rivalry reaches a boiling point, with each family striving for the honor of decorating the grand Christmas tree in the town square.

As Addison and Liam's connection deepens into a whirlwind romance, they find themselves entangled in the feud's icy grip. Betrayals, secrets, and long-held grudges resurface, threatening to shatter their newfound love.

All the while, Sarah, Addison's best friend, guards a secret about Liam's past that could turn their world upside down. Torn between loyalty and truth, her decision could either ignite the old feud or pave the way for reconciliation.

With Christmas Eve approaching, Addison and Liam embark on a journey to unearth the truth, hoping to bring harmony back to Rockport. As they navigate unexpected allies, unforeseen challenges, and the power of forgiveness, they discover a hidden legacy that could end the feud once and for all.

"Tinsel & Mistletoe" is a captivating tale of love, friendship, and the magic of Christmas. Filled with festive cheer, heartrending moments, and a twist you won't see coming, it's a reminder of the unifying power of truth and the transformative power of forgiveness. As the clock ticks down to midnight, will Rockport's Christmas spirit be restored, or will the feud's icy frost forever chill their hearts? Unwrap this enchanting story to find out.

Genres: Christmas, Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Kimberly Thomas has a passion for writing heartfelt stories that resonate with her readers. With two adult children and a loving husband, she understands the complexities of family dynamics and uses this knowledge to create relatable characters. When she's not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures. She finds inspiration in the people she meets and the places she visits, and often incorporates her experiences into her stories.

Kimberly specializes in feel-good women's fiction, clean and wholesome contemporary romance. Her stories focus on love, loss, and the everyday situations that families face. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, and she has a talent for drawing readers in and keeping them hooked until the very end.

Reviews

[Donna Kale · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good!

[Tchipakkan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Popcorn story

There was nothing to it. Not simply bland, there was no substance, no wit, no suspense. The characters were cut-outs like the Fitting ton fairies, but less believable. I kept waiting for the story to start, some motivation to be offered. Potential incidents went nowhere, and the timing was not logical .(They go out first thing in the morning to look at a tree then so straight home to admire the night sky.)

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Diane Hermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

[Monica A. Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth your time

Boring,predictable . I had to force myself to finish this book. I kept hoping for a surprise that never came.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha did not come home for a Christmas romance. She came for a quick visit, some polite small talk, and zero emotional meltdowns. What she got instead? A full-force holiday ambush featuring her meddling hometown, a blizzard of unresolved feelings, and Nick—the ex who still makes her heart do that stupid thing. In Tinsel & Mistletoe, Kimberly Thomas delivers a small-town second-chance romance filled with forced proximity, Christmas traditions, and an entire town that has clearly made it their life’s mission to get these two back together.

Sam left town for a reason, and she planned to keep it that way. But thanks to a family obligation (because of course), she’s back—and Nick is still here, still infuriatingly charming, and still the one person she swore she was over. As Christmas decorations go up and holiday events conspire to throw them together, Sam finds herself tangled in a past she tried to leave behind and a future she’s not sure she’s ready to face. The problem? Nick might not be willing to let her go this time.

At 4 stars, Tinsel & Mistletoe is predictable in the most satisfying way. The romance? Slow-burn, emotional, and filled with just the right amount of frustration. The holiday setting? Full-on Hallmark movie, but with sharper dialogue. The tension? Like watching two people who clearly need to kiss already but are too stubborn to admit it. If you love cozy small-town romances where the town itself is basically a matchmaking committee and the main characters are the last ones to realize they belong together, you’ll devour this one. Because nothing says Christmas like falling back in love with the person you thought you’d never see again.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in A Festive Christmas series and it is Addison and Liam’s story and what a great start to a new series. When Addison who is a author gets writers block she decides to go and see her friend Sarah who lives in Rockport hoping that she can get inspiration and cure the problem and hopefully start writing again only Addison ends up in a town that has two families in a big feud that is fast becoming a volcano ready to erupt and if something is done and soon everything will be ruined including the holiday celebrations and then Addison meets Liam who is the owner of the bookstore in the town of Rockport and there attraction and chemistry is instant but will all the secrets surrounding them completely destroyed everything that they have come to mean to each other. Will Addison and Liam be able to work together and find out what happened so that they can solve the problem of the feud so that they can bring the Christmas Spirit and Magic back to Rockport while also being able to move forward with their relationship and get the happiness and future that they both deserve. This really is a beautiful and poignant story and them throw in the magic and twists and turns and you have a truly great page turner that will pull you in and you will be unable to put it down. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start to this new series set in Rockport. Addy visits Rockport at the urging of her best friend, Sarah. Addy recently lost her mother and there’s some conflict with the family due to Addy’s inheritance, so perfect time for her to get away. Also, she’s looking for inspiration for her new book. When she meets Liam, the local bookstore owner, she can’t believe her attraction to him. Sarah warns her that Liam isn’t a good match for her. There’s also the decades long feud going on between the two leading families, the Hastings and the Coopers. If you enjoy fantastic holiday stories with a side of mystery and romance, grab your copy and see what happens. I bet you’ll want to move to Rockport after reading this delightful read. I’m looking forward to reading book two.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always great to start a new series and to meet new people. A new series by Kimberly Thomas is even more exciting because you always know that you’re going to get some great well written characters in a beautiful setting. Tinsel & Mistletoe is the first book in a new Christmas trilogy and caught my interest on the first page. Addison is an author who is looking for inspiration for her new novel. She’s never settled down in one place and plans to stay in Rockport for only enough time to write her new book. Once she meets Liam, a bookstore owner, she may be headed for a change of plans. Will they be able to at least spend a joyful Christmas together in the midst of a town feud between two families that has lasted several generations or will the feud ruin Christmas for them and the entire town? This cute romance left me anxious to read book two in the series.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison, an author struggling with writer's block, takes her best friend Sarah's suggestion to visit her and her family in Rockport. Shortly after arriving, while discovering the charm of this small seaside artist colony, she encounters Liam who owns a local bookstore.

Her friend Sarah, advises her to tread carefully where Liam is concerned but not why. As the story unfolds we learn that Liam is part of a family whose in an actual fued with another local family. As they grow close and the feud escalates , the closer we get to Christmas, Liam seems to have a way to end the fued.

It's a heartwarming story of second chances and bravery in facing the past and your fears.

The author provide me with a free ARC but all thought and opinions are my thoughts own.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When author Addison finally visits Rockport to see her friend Sarah and to see if she can get some ideas fornhernwriting, she never expected to find herself caught up in the feud between the Hastings and the Coopers, nor find herself attracted to the bookshop owner, Liam Hastings. The more time she spends in Rockport, the more she wishes that something is done about the feud, especially at this time of giving and with the spirit of Christmas almost upon them, it will take the bravery of one person, with the support of Addison, to right a wrong. A beautifully written, heartwarming story full of Christmas spirit, that is engaging and captivating. Worth far more than five stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of love, drama, hope, family issues, feuds, loads of Christmas spirit and hope. Addison heads to Rockport to visit her friend, Sarah and hopes to be able to write her next book. She has lost her Mom and still struggles with this time of year. It's there that she meets Liam, who owns a bookstore. They talk and find that they both have somethings in common- pets and books. Sarah warns Addison away from Liam but we all know how that goes. Both dislike the way the feud is putting a damper on town so Liam and Addison join up together to help them solve this issue. A very sweet love story at a great time of the year, Christmas miracles happen.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing start to a new series by Kimberly Thomas. This story begins with Addison, a writer from the city, heading to a small town to get away and spend time with her friend Sarah.

The small town of Rockport, is picture perfect this holiday and the ideal setting to help Addison with her writers block. Then she meets Liam.

Drawn to him, Addison soon learns of the divided town...the family Cooper against the family Hastings. What has been a feud for generations, Addison is determined to bring the town together.

Will she and Liam find love and bring the town together?

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinsel & Mistletoe was a wonderful Christmas story written by Kimberly Thomas. This story takes place in Rockport, MA. Addison goes to her friend’s house for the Christmas holiday. Addy is a writer and she needed a change of scenery to boost her writing skills. Along the way she meets a really nice guy named Liam. Rockport is a place where most everyone knows each other and the goings on in the city by the residents. It’s a romance between Addy & Liam that has some twists and turns. I highly recommend this book!
I was gifted this book by the author for my honest review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy is a writer looking for a muse. Her friend Sarah talks her into coming to her home town of Rockport. Liam is the local bookstore owner an he has secrets of his own. A long lasting family feud between the Hastings and the Coopers still causes issues but people do not know what the original fight was about. Just what has Addy gotten in the middle of? Can she finish her book? What secrets does Liam keep locked up tight? Totally enjoyed this wonderful romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tinsel and Mistletoe is book 1 in A Festive Christmas series by Kimberly Thomas and a great start to a new series. 4.5 stars

What happens when a writer at the urging of her best friend comes to town and finds some new inspiration for her new book, a town feud between families, a bookstore owner who may steal her heart, some mystery, romance and more…read on to find out what happens with Addison and Liam…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its wonderful

What a heartwarming story. The town of Rockport is a beautiful place full of artists and a festering feud among two prominent families that kept the towns people divided for decades. Until an author comes to town she won't give up until secrets are revealed that transpire a new beginning for the town of Rockport and a very Merry Christmas. The characters are real , supportive and likeable. A very inspiring story that warms your heart. Highly recommend it for your holiday reading.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing story that focuses on a feud between two families that has been going on for generations.
"Escaping the bustling city of Boston, free-spirited romance novelist Addison retreats to a tranquil, snow-kissed cabin in the town of Rockport, brimming with dreams of crafting her next novel. Unbeknownst to her, destiny serves an intriguing twist as she stumbles upon Liam, the charming yet enigmatic bookstore owner with a shady past as riveting as the novels on his shelves."synopsis copied
This sounds good, if only...

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by Kimberly, and I was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed everything about this Christmas book, and it put me in the holiday spirit. What is even better is that there are more of these books coming soon in this series. :) Yeah. The cover is absolutely breathtaking, and it reminds me of all the fun and upcoming Christmas movies coming soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison is an author who needs a change of scenery. She goes to a little town called Rockport where her friend lives. There she meets the bookstore owner who is called Liam. But her friend warns her away from him. There is a huge family feud between his family and another. It has been going on for many, many years. Will Addison get embroiled in this feud? Will she get out of her writing funk? Will life bloom for these two. Toss in a cute little puppy and you have a wonderful Christmas story.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Addison is an author and comes to Rockport to see her best friend and get inspiration but she also meets Liam the bookstore owner and not knowing she involves herself in the Rockport two families feuds. Can Liam be the one to turn the town around and end the feud? Will him and Addison become a couple?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. This story takes place in the town of Rockport where the feud of the coopers and the Hastings at Christmas are kill the buzz around the festive holiday . this is a beautiful and wonderful story of hope ,goodwill and romance .

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet Christmas book! It's well written with so many interesting characters. This book has a great storyline and is interesting, enjoyable and entertaining I didn't want it to end but the twist is done quite well. I’m glad this is the first book of a series. I can’t wait to read them all!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great start to a new series. It's a cute, sweet story that was a joy to read. I loved the setting, the characters, and that it puts you in the Christmas spirit. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like this town has had its fill of feuding families. This one is about the Coopers/Hastings feud. Addy and Liam are getting caught up in it. Getting a story is one thing . But not being put in the middle is something else entirely.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance at it's best. A well written story line that captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are realistic, easy to get to know and one even brings a bit of drama to the story. A great weekend read when you want to curl up with a good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series by Kimberly Thomas this is book 1 of 3 in the "Festive Christmas" series. This is my first read by this author. It's well-written, has interesting characters, and is set in a beautiful setting. It's a mix of mystery and romance, and not at all what I thought it was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas in Rockport while retreating into a cabin to rest, write and relax. Addison does manage to write but gets very involved in the town and especially with the owner of a bookstore. It's a fun book with lots going on that makes you smile. Thanks for a good story and the decorating of a huge tree in the town square.

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tinsel & Mistletoe

This was a pretty good story. Small town loves & rivalries. A feud to shame the Hatfields & McCoys! Snow to make the town beautiful! But there is one thing missing. One very important thing. The Reason for the Season! Without Christ you can't truly have Christmas! However, as a secular story, it is actually very good!

[James A. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything a Holiday Romance Novel Should Be

A disenchanted young lady, a picturesque rural village with a dark secret and a handsome local man carrying guilt threatening to crush him. You can feel the village around you and share the suspense as the plot unfolds. A good story well told.