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My Graciella #3
Winter Wonderland Love
FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHOR SARA OHLIN Book three in the My Graciella series.
When a winter escape turns into an epic love.
Fleeing her stressful fashion career and unhinged boss in Paris, twenty-seven-year-old Poppy O’Brien arrives in Graciella, her childhood home, needing her family. But Brockman Farms is hosting a winter wedding, leaving no place for Poppy to stay except for Rafe Holmes’ guest cottage on Brockman land.
Beloved by the Brockmans, quiet, intelligent thirty-year-old engineer Rafe Holmes is grieving the recent loss of his mother. Alone and in shock, he spends all night driving home to Graciella…where he finds Poppy asleep in his bed, having mistaken his house for the cottage.
A blizzard and power outage snow the two in together in Rafe’s cozy home, and attraction burns hot between them. Hindered by a small stutter and having lived most of his life alone, Rafe finds it difficult to voice his feelings, but, believing actions speak louder than words, he tries to show Poppy his heart instead.
Poppy dreams of making a home in Graciella, where she feels she belongs, in Rafe’s arms. Then the opportunity arrives for her to return to Paris in triumph. Will Rafe shut down and send her away, or defeat his insecurities and vow to love and cherish his Poppy?
When a winter escape turns into an epic love.
Fleeing her stressful fashion career and unhinged boss in Paris, twenty-seven-year-old Poppy O’Brien arrives in Graciella, her childhood home, needing her family. But Brockman Farms is hosting a winter wedding, leaving no place for Poppy to stay except for Rafe Holmes’ guest cottage on Brockman land.
Beloved by the Brockmans, quiet, intelligent thirty-year-old engineer Rafe Holmes is grieving the recent loss of his mother. Alone and in shock, he spends all night driving home to Graciella…where he finds Poppy asleep in his bed, having mistaken his house for the cottage.
A blizzard and power outage snow the two in together in Rafe’s cozy home, and attraction burns hot between them. Hindered by a small stutter and having lived most of his life alone, Rafe finds it difficult to voice his feelings, but, believing actions speak louder than words, he tries to show Poppy his heart instead.
Poppy dreams of making a home in Graciella, where she feels she belongs, in Rafe’s arms. Then the opportunity arrives for her to return to Paris in triumph. Will Rafe shut down and send her away, or defeat his insecurities and vow to love and cherish his Poppy?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
10 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ohlin
24 books411 followersPuget Sound based writer, Sara Ohlin is a mom, wannabe photographer, obsessive reader, ridiculous foodie, and the author of ten romance novels with Totally Bound Publishing.
She has over twenty years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, Feminine Collective, Mothers Always Write, Her View from Home, and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.
If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story.
She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart.
She has over twenty years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, Feminine Collective, Mothers Always Write, Her View from Home, and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.
If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story.
She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 27, 2023
Oh my, it was so sweet and delightful ❄️💕
Poppy and Rafe’s story is so charming and I enjoyed it. Rafe's gentleness and thoughtfulness was one of my favorite things.
Although the characters were going through tough times, I found it heartwarming that they were able to complement each other and help each other heal.
I am sure that fans of this and other series by the author will enjoy reading the appearances of characters from Graciella
I haven't read any other books in the series and still enjoyed this one as it can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for the eARC
Poppy and Rafe’s story is so charming and I enjoyed it. Rafe's gentleness and thoughtfulness was one of my favorite things.
Although the characters were going through tough times, I found it heartwarming that they were able to complement each other and help each other heal.
I am sure that fans of this and other series by the author will enjoy reading the appearances of characters from Graciella
I haven't read any other books in the series and still enjoyed this one as it can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for the eARC
November 2, 2023
I have enjoyed all the My Graciela novels so far, as they have well creatd characters and setting and exch story makes me feel invested. I liked the way Poppy and Rafe met. it was unique. The winter atmosphere is so well shown, and Poppy's family seemed great. I liked her backstory, Paris and a fashion career.
Rafe had my sympathy having to deal with a small stutter, and therefore a disability. I also have disabilities and welcome inclusion in novels.
Winter Wonderland Love is excapism, love, overcoming and starting again.
Thanks to Sara Ohlin, who creates wonderful ovels and has gripped me again.
5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rafe had my sympathy having to deal with a small stutter, and therefore a disability. I also have disabilities and welcome inclusion in novels.
Winter Wonderland Love is excapism, love, overcoming and starting again.
Thanks to Sara Ohlin, who creates wonderful ovels and has gripped me again.
5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!!! Ohlin delivers again!! This book brings ALL. THE. FEELS. I laughed, cried and cheered. I adored how Rafe loves Poppy! He sees her and even with few words he has all the right actions!
This book hit all the things I love about romance novels and it is set around Christmas but isn't precisely a Christmas book - BUT there is Christmas in it. Which I LOVED.
Poppy and Rafe's character growth throughout the book is beautiful and makes me so happy they found each other. Poppy and Rafe being together seemed seamless and perfect, their love is wonderful.
You can read this book as a standalone but I recommend reading the others in the series. This book is like a warm hug that leaves you happy and HOPEFUL! I can't recommend it enough! A MUST READ.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!!! Ohlin delivers again!! This book brings ALL. THE. FEELS. I laughed, cried and cheered. I adored how Rafe loves Poppy! He sees her and even with few words he has all the right actions!
This book hit all the things I love about romance novels and it is set around Christmas but isn't precisely a Christmas book - BUT there is Christmas in it. Which I LOVED.
Poppy and Rafe's character growth throughout the book is beautiful and makes me so happy they found each other. Poppy and Rafe being together seemed seamless and perfect, their love is wonderful.
You can read this book as a standalone but I recommend reading the others in the series. This book is like a warm hug that leaves you happy and HOPEFUL! I can't recommend it enough! A MUST READ.
August 15, 2024
❄️ Winter Wonderland Love ❄️
“She was all the light and warmth he needed.”
This was literally one of the sweetest most wholesome books I’ve ever read in my entire life.😭🥰 The warm fuzzies it gave me! I love Poppy and Rafe with my whole heart, and they both deserve the entire world!😭
“Her smile was brighter than the sunshine on snow.”
After her (not-so-glamorous) life in Paris implodes, Poppy finds herself desperate and alone, moving back to her childhood hometown to find answers about her past. But her surprise visit on the doorstep of her cousin’s farm means there’s no room for her in the main house, and the only place she can stay is in Rafe, the engineer’s, little cottage. To make matters worse, she accidentally ends up moving into his actual house, mistaking it for the cottage, and Rafe gets the surprise of his life when he comes home to find a random woman in his bed. But being the incredibly kind man he is, Rafe lets Poppy stay with him. As the two learn to cohabitate, they get to know each other and can’t help it when sparks fly. The two grow closer and closer, a match made in heaven. But between their messed up pasts and a new opportunity for Poppy to go back to Paris, will the two of them be able to find a way to stay together?
“‘You take such good care of me.’”
Rafe is absolutely one of my new favorite book boyfriends. He was the sweetest, most wholesome man I’ve ever read about. And he has the freaking cutest stutter ever!! Rafe has such a hard time with words and expressing himself. But he tries so hard for Poppy. He tries with his words, but he also shows he cares for her in other ways. He would bend over backwards just to make her smile. Anything to make her happy, even when he wasn’t sure he deserved her light.
And Poppy! I loved her so much.😭 She’s lost and lonely and just trying to find her way. She doesn’t think she belongs and feels undeserving of love. But she has so much light inside her.
These characters both deserve everything! They were so sweet, and helped each other grow and find confidence and worth in themselves.
“‘I don’t mean he can fix all of my broken parts, but being loved and loving someone can be healing in its own way.’”
I have never read a cuter book. It was sweet, wholesome, and had the coziest winter vibes. I can’t recommend it enough.😭🫶🏼
“‘You chase away my-my-my darkness. It’s blinding how beautiful you are.’”
“She was all the light and warmth he needed.”
This was literally one of the sweetest most wholesome books I’ve ever read in my entire life.😭🥰 The warm fuzzies it gave me! I love Poppy and Rafe with my whole heart, and they both deserve the entire world!😭
“Her smile was brighter than the sunshine on snow.”
After her (not-so-glamorous) life in Paris implodes, Poppy finds herself desperate and alone, moving back to her childhood hometown to find answers about her past. But her surprise visit on the doorstep of her cousin’s farm means there’s no room for her in the main house, and the only place she can stay is in Rafe, the engineer’s, little cottage. To make matters worse, she accidentally ends up moving into his actual house, mistaking it for the cottage, and Rafe gets the surprise of his life when he comes home to find a random woman in his bed. But being the incredibly kind man he is, Rafe lets Poppy stay with him. As the two learn to cohabitate, they get to know each other and can’t help it when sparks fly. The two grow closer and closer, a match made in heaven. But between their messed up pasts and a new opportunity for Poppy to go back to Paris, will the two of them be able to find a way to stay together?
“‘You take such good care of me.’”
Rafe is absolutely one of my new favorite book boyfriends. He was the sweetest, most wholesome man I’ve ever read about. And he has the freaking cutest stutter ever!! Rafe has such a hard time with words and expressing himself. But he tries so hard for Poppy. He tries with his words, but he also shows he cares for her in other ways. He would bend over backwards just to make her smile. Anything to make her happy, even when he wasn’t sure he deserved her light.
And Poppy! I loved her so much.😭 She’s lost and lonely and just trying to find her way. She doesn’t think she belongs and feels undeserving of love. But she has so much light inside her.
These characters both deserve everything! They were so sweet, and helped each other grow and find confidence and worth in themselves.
“‘I don’t mean he can fix all of my broken parts, but being loved and loving someone can be healing in its own way.’”
I have never read a cuter book. It was sweet, wholesome, and had the coziest winter vibes. I can’t recommend it enough.😭🫶🏼
“‘You chase away my-my-my darkness. It’s blinding how beautiful you are.’”
November 21, 2023
Universal
Poppy's escaping her life in Paris, to Graciella, landing on her cousin's doorstep. She's seeking some rest, some comfort, and warmth, and gets all of that and then some when she mistakes Rafe's home for the cottage she's supposed to be staying in. This holiday is going to truly be magical for these two beautiful souls.
Rafe's used to never asking for help. He prefers to be solitary, easier that way so he doesn't have to deal with his slight stutter. But when a beautiful Poppy mistakenly falls asleep in his home, his words get even more stuck around her. But she doesn't judge or make fun, nope. Her warmth open smile is just one of the many things about her he's finding himself increasingly drawn to. He wants to care for her more than he's ever cared for anyone, so his love language of acts of service is even more on display with Poppy. But it all might be for naught when she has the chance to go back to Paris for an amazing design job.
Oh God, my heart! This is the most heartwarming, sweetest story, couple ever! Rafe is quite simply, the chef's kiss of male leads. He may find his words stuck in his throat, but the way he loves, the way he cares, for his people, is just so beautiful, he's just so beautiful. His only equal in that beautiful soul, is Poppy. I felt so for her, the way her life had imploded, what she found out about her father, but with the fighter's true heart, she soldiered on, and found herself with the most beautiful man, and love, that she truly deserved. I may have shed a few tears for all Poppy and Rafe had been through, but I was smiling so big with every note Rafe left, with every smile Poppy gave him, the way they found their soulmate in each other. I'm going to remember this beautiful couple for a very long time.
ARC provided by 1852 Media for an honest review.
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November 26, 2023
This is book three in My Graciella series and it is Poppy and Rafe’s story. When Poppy’s job gets too much for her to handle and she needs to get away she decides to go to her childhood home in Graceiella only to find that there is no place for her to stay due t a wedding and that is how she ends up staying in Rafe’s guest cottage. Rafe is an engineer and when his mom dies he drives to Graceiella which is his home town so that he can grieve properly on his own but when he gets there Poppy is in his bed instead of the guest cottage throwing Rafe for a bit of a loop. The attraction and chemistry between Rafe and Hope is instant and strong but with Rafe being quiet, alone and finds it difficult to say how he feels and Poppy having her job in Paris will they be able to try and communicate so that they can get the happiness and future that they both want and deserve while making their home in Graceiella or will there securities and trust keep them apart, well you will just have to read this book to find out what the outcome will be for Rafe and Poppy in the end. This series just gets better and better with each book that is written and I can’t wait to read more.
November 22, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was another wonderful book in this series. I couldn't put this book down. The love story of Poppy and Rafe is so beautiful. They steal my heart as I read the pages. They pull on the heartstrings for sure. They both are a little adrift, but what they find together this holiday season is something so special. This is the perfect book to get into the holiday spirit. These two characters take you on the journey right along with them. Rafe is so adorably awkward at times, but it just endears me to him. He knows it is the little things that matter the most. He shows his love through actions. To me that is more important than words. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters in the series pop in. I mean it is not too far of a stretch since Poppy is their cousin. I can't recommend this book enough. It is one the will be having your romantic heart happy sighing.
This was another wonderful book in this series. I couldn't put this book down. The love story of Poppy and Rafe is so beautiful. They steal my heart as I read the pages. They pull on the heartstrings for sure. They both are a little adrift, but what they find together this holiday season is something so special. This is the perfect book to get into the holiday spirit. These two characters take you on the journey right along with them. Rafe is so adorably awkward at times, but it just endears me to him. He knows it is the little things that matter the most. He shows his love through actions. To me that is more important than words. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters in the series pop in. I mean it is not too far of a stretch since Poppy is their cousin. I can't recommend this book enough. It is one the will be having your romantic heart happy sighing.
November 20, 2023
This is the third book in this amazing series, and this is Rafe and Poppy’s story.
Poppy flees from her stressful fashion career, and unhinged boss, and heads home to her family. Poppy finds that there is a winter wedding being help, and there is nowhere to stay except for Rafe’s guest cottage. Rage is a quiet engineer, and he arrives home to find Poppy asleep in his bed, having mistaken his home for the cottage.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, insecurities, romance, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining, steamy, a heartfelt addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Poppy flees from her stressful fashion career, and unhinged boss, and heads home to her family. Poppy finds that there is a winter wedding being help, and there is nowhere to stay except for Rafe’s guest cottage. Rage is a quiet engineer, and he arrives home to find Poppy asleep in his bed, having mistaken his home for the cottage.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, insecurities, romance, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining, steamy, a heartfelt addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 21, 2023
Winter Wonderland Love is wonderful read. I really enjoyed this one. Poppy returns to the one place she always felt safe and surrounds herself with family she has not seen in years. You feel for her as everything she thought was true at the time wasn't. Rafe is a man of little spoken words but he knows how to really express himself in the written word and in his woodworking. I love how Poppy and Rafe slowly break down each other's walls and grow closer. The chemistry is a beautiful build that will take your heart. This gives you all the wonderful family Christmas feels to just love on. I love Poppy and Rafe together so much. You need to read this today.
November 30, 2023
Poppy comes home from a rough time in Paris, to get centered and find direction among family. When she finds a wedding taking over the area, they send her to Rafe's next door. Rafe comes home after losing his mother to find Poppy sleeping in his bed. Because of a blizzard, they must stay together and soon the sparks are flying and emotions are taking off. The characters and storyline are beautifully written, with heartfelt moments and entertaining situations. Perfect romance for a feel good holiday break. I was easily wrapped up in the characters and was thrilled with the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2023
This book has all the feels...
This was a really wonderful Christmas read! This family, along with Rafe and Poppy, make this read amazing. The chemistry is there, and I had tears for some of it as this book just touches your heart. I loved watching them fall in love and figure things out about themselves and what was missing. This was a great book, I recommend. This can be a stand alone, I haven't read the others in the series, but I want to now.
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
This was a really wonderful Christmas read! This family, along with Rafe and Poppy, make this read amazing. The chemistry is there, and I had tears for some of it as this book just touches your heart. I loved watching them fall in love and figure things out about themselves and what was missing. This was a great book, I recommend. This can be a stand alone, I haven't read the others in the series, but I want to now.
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 30, 2023
This book was a perfect palate cleanser. A little touch of classic Hallmark Romance with some definite spice (yes please thank you more) and a true romantic storyline that you can get into. I found myself pulled away to Google recipes mentioned which is a wonderful testament to how engrossing the story and characters became. Definitely worth a read! You do not need to have read the first books in the series, this one can stand alone. Now that I have though, I might just go back for the others!
December 18, 2023
Winter Wonderland Love is a contemporary romance between Rafe, an engineer, and Poppy, who is in the Paris fashion industry, who each return to Graciela for.different reasons. Poppy has returned for a job stress respite by attending a family wedding, and Rafe who is mourning the lose of his deceased mother. They end up in the same house by accident and weather conditions cause close proximity leading to steamy attraction.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2023
I just love Sara Ohlin´s books. Her plots are relatable, we all know life is not always about sunshine and rainbows, but you always get a positive perspective when the negative occurances seem overwhelming. Poppy and Rafe are such wonderful characters, both having their own issues but I likes how they supported each other and I cheered for them to find their well deserved HEA together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2023
Great read!
When Poppy arrives in Graciella to regroup after leaving Paris and her dream job, she lands right in the middle of her extended family getting ready for a wedding, and a baby.
When Rafe returns home after his mother’s passing, he is shocked to find Poppy accidentally sleeping in his bed. After a strange meeting, the two had sparks flying all over the place!
They are amazing together!
Poppy gets the chance to return to Paris. Will she take a chance on love?
When Poppy arrives in Graciella to regroup after leaving Paris and her dream job, she lands right in the middle of her extended family getting ready for a wedding, and a baby.
When Rafe returns home after his mother’s passing, he is shocked to find Poppy accidentally sleeping in his bed. After a strange meeting, the two had sparks flying all over the place!
They are amazing together!
Poppy gets the chance to return to Paris. Will she take a chance on love?
November 27, 2023
I really loved this story. Every one of the characters in it is amazing. The MCs, Rafe and Poppy, are hard not to love, with poignant backstories and likable personalities. They have amazing chemistry together, not to mention some hot scenes in the book. The book was well written and a page-turner. Just wonderful!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2023
Winter Wonderland Love is an amazing Christmas romance! I loved Poppy and Rafe together! They had great chemistry and made a great couple. Although they both have their own issues I loved how they supported each other. I was rooting for them to get their own hea! Winter Wonderland Love is the perfect Christmas romance!
November 25, 2023
This is a well written small town romance with strong characters in Poppy and Rafe. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes beautifully, delivering a heartwarming Christmas themed romance. It's a cute story and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 29, 2023
Winter Wonderland Love (Book 3 of My Graciella) by Sara Ohlin. Good contemporary holiday romance with small town feels and love to spread all around. Poppy and Rafe being their story filled with mild drama, easy banter, undeniable chemistry, and sweet HEA alive. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2023
Absolutely amazing book that made me feel everything! A romance that is sweet, fun, adorable, emotional and without wild drama. I was in reader Heaven. Everything you want in a holiday book. It’s romantic, festive, and heart-warming in all the best ways. I loved this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2023
I loved this read, it gave me warm fuzzies!! So lovely, couldn't put it down. Was a sweet read, highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
This is a great small town romance for Christmas.. I liked it a lot.. It is sweet, steamy, and so romantic.. Absolutely loved Rafe!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.5)/5
This was a sweet, steamy and fun read. I really enjoyed it! The story touched on some darker things in their separate pasts, but overall it was light, warm and pleasant, like a warm cup of coffee on a snowy day. A comfort book if you will! I flew through it in one day.
Also, while it’s book three in a series, it absolutely can be read as a standalone. I’m unfamiliar with the series and I did not feel that hindered my enjoyment at all.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
This was a sweet, steamy and fun read. I really enjoyed it! The story touched on some darker things in their separate pasts, but overall it was light, warm and pleasant, like a warm cup of coffee on a snowy day. A comfort book if you will! I flew through it in one day.
Also, while it’s book three in a series, it absolutely can be read as a standalone. I’m unfamiliar with the series and I did not feel that hindered my enjoyment at all.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
November 19, 2023
Romance at it's most endearing. Ohlin tackles some of life's heaviest issues without ever losing sight of the emotions behind them. Winter Wonderland speaks to the heart.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed Rafe and Poppy’s book. I thought it was an engaging read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 16, 2023
Wow!!! This book was the sweetest thing in a while. I fell in love with everything about this book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews