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North Pole, Alaska #1
Blame it on Mistletoe
Welcome to North Pole, Alaska, where the Christmas Spirit lives all year long.
Lots of kids write letters to Santa. But those delivered to North Pole are actually answered by a group of dedicated volunteers who call themselves "the Elves."
JD Baxter’s letter to St. Nick asks for just one His father didn’t make it back from Afghanistan, and JD wants Daddy home again. Saints can do miracles, right? But since last year’s letter went astray, JD decides to stow away to North Pole and ask for his miracle in person.
In North Pole, he encounters a postmistress who looks exactly like Mrs. Claus, a man named Rudolph with a red nose and a herd of reindeer, as well as enough toys, candy and Christmas cheer to make anyone feel good. He just can't find St. Nick.
Abby Baxter has spent the year since her husband's death trying to hold on. When she discovers her son is missing, her entire world trembles— until her husband's best friend appears at her door, offering a steadying hand.
Frank Machado couldn’t save David Baxter’s life in combat. Worse, for years he's been secretly in love with David’s wife. Now that their son is missing, Frank is determined to see the child back in Abby’s arms.
But during their unpredictable, impulsive trip into the wilds to search for JD, the problem becomes staying out of those arms himself.
Sparks fly, hearts warm, love—and Christmas—are in the air. Should they Blame it on Mistletoe?
Lots of kids write letters to Santa. But those delivered to North Pole are actually answered by a group of dedicated volunteers who call themselves "the Elves."
JD Baxter’s letter to St. Nick asks for just one His father didn’t make it back from Afghanistan, and JD wants Daddy home again. Saints can do miracles, right? But since last year’s letter went astray, JD decides to stow away to North Pole and ask for his miracle in person.
In North Pole, he encounters a postmistress who looks exactly like Mrs. Claus, a man named Rudolph with a red nose and a herd of reindeer, as well as enough toys, candy and Christmas cheer to make anyone feel good. He just can't find St. Nick.
Abby Baxter has spent the year since her husband's death trying to hold on. When she discovers her son is missing, her entire world trembles— until her husband's best friend appears at her door, offering a steadying hand.
Frank Machado couldn’t save David Baxter’s life in combat. Worse, for years he's been secretly in love with David’s wife. Now that their son is missing, Frank is determined to see the child back in Abby’s arms.
But during their unpredictable, impulsive trip into the wilds to search for JD, the problem becomes staying out of those arms himself.
Sparks fly, hearts warm, love—and Christmas—are in the air. Should they Blame it on Mistletoe?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
557 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 11, 2022
A bit bittersweet because the woman lead and her son have lost their husband/father respectively. But of course it ends up happily as any good romance should, particularly a holiday romance. A sweet town too. I would be interested in reading more about this town. Quirky.
August 13, 2020
Five-year-old J.D. Baxter wants his deceased veteran daddy to come home again, so he sneaks on a neighbor's camper-trailer headed to the North Pole (North Pole, Alaska, as it happens), because he believes only Santa can grant him this miracle. At the same time, J.D.'s mom, Abby, meets Frank, her late husband's best friend. They head off in search of the missing J.D, and fall in love along the way.
This book suffers from two problems. One is "novella syndrome," where the book is rushed and almost incomplete due to the short length of the story. The second one is the need to slow the action down so the leads can fall in love. Abby and Frank have car trouble and get stuck overnight in a motel and have sex. While her five year old is missing. Unlikely to happen in real life.
Still, the characters are interesting, and Fox's ideas have a lot of potential. I may read other North Pole, Alaska stories.
This book suffers from two problems. One is "novella syndrome," where the book is rushed and almost incomplete due to the short length of the story. The second one is the need to slow the action down so the leads can fall in love. Abby and Frank have car trouble and get stuck overnight in a motel and have sex. While her five year old is missing. Unlikely to happen in real life.
Still, the characters are interesting, and Fox's ideas have a lot of potential. I may read other North Pole, Alaska stories.
December 23, 2021
It was cute and simple, but everything happened really fast.
December 18, 2017
Christmas romance. Even though I got this one for free, I was disappointed. It was a very cute idea. Little boy wants to see Santa about getting his dad back (military casualty) and takes off on his own. But, he doesn't speak or behave like a five year old, so that didn't make sense to me. Then, the panicking mom is aided in her search by her dead husband's best friend from the military. They've just met. Out of the blue, they get physical. While it wasn't graphic, there were some slightly crude lines, and then the widow claims that it was just a one time thing for her. I'd have liked this a lot better if it that hadn't been added to the story. It really takes away from what a Christmas story should be for me.
January 3, 2020
Well this was actually really sweet and cute. I love the story line and the characters. JD is just too cute and it's a believable idea. As a mother it would petrify me if this happened but it fit so well. I love the idea of the town of North pole. A great little xmas read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2019
This was a very cute and easy read. I love holiday reads and am looking forward to the next one!
This story is about a little boy who leaves his home in search of St. Nick. He travels to North Pole, Alaska. Where else would you find St. Nick? The people of North Pole are quite some characters themselves and made him want to stay there forever.
This story is about a little boy who leaves his home in search of St. Nick. He travels to North Pole, Alaska. Where else would you find St. Nick? The people of North Pole are quite some characters themselves and made him want to stay there forever.
November 24, 2020
A very cute little Christmas story!! JD is absolutely adorable! And now, I'm pretty sure I want to live in North Pole, Laska. ;)
October 12, 2015
Blame it on the Mistletoe is the story of what can happen when young JD Baxter sets off to find St. Nick in order to find out why his Christmas wish for his daddy to return home, wasn’t fulfilled. Abby Baxter has spent the last year coping with the loss of her husband and raising their young son. Frank Machado couldn’t save his best friend David Baxter’s life in Afghanistan, and even worse he’s been in love with Abby for years. Abby doesn’t want to fall in love with another marine and yet can’t seem to help it. Sparks begin to develop when Abby appears on Frank’s doorstep after JD disappears. As the pair head to the North Pole to find Abby’s missing child, love seems to find its way in and helps heal this wounded pair.
Even with an ending that felt a bit rushed, Blame it on the Mistletoe is a sweet and heartwarming romance that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. If you’re a fan of heart tugging small town romance with a warm HEA then Blame it on the Mistletoe is the book for you.
4 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Even with an ending that felt a bit rushed, Blame it on the Mistletoe is a sweet and heartwarming romance that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. If you’re a fan of heart tugging small town romance with a warm HEA then Blame it on the Mistletoe is the book for you.
4 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2016
Couldn't finish the book. Combinng the story of five-year old JD looking for Santa so he could deliver a miracle ressurrecting JD's father, a marine killed in Afghanistan, back to JD with JD's mom, Abby, hopping in the sack with her dead husbands best friend - whom she never met until after JD takes off for North Pole, Alaska - while they ate searching for JD was distasteful. Most of the story reads like a young readers fantasy story with adult material tossed in here and there. Gave it 1 star because the JD storyline was a great idea but the adult romance storyline seemed out of place and really screwed it up imho.
May 22, 2016
Cute story
A little boy stowed away in a neighbor's camper to go to find St. Nick. This is more of a novella than a complete book. More than half of the pages are previews of future books in the series. The characters are very likeable, but kind of unbelievable, like how a day or so after they arrive the sheriff decided to hire them. I think a longer book and fleshed out characters and situations would have resulted in a really good story. I felt kind of cheated when it ended.
A little boy stowed away in a neighbor's camper to go to find St. Nick. This is more of a novella than a complete book. More than half of the pages are previews of future books in the series. The characters are very likeable, but kind of unbelievable, like how a day or so after they arrive the sheriff decided to hire them. I think a longer book and fleshed out characters and situations would have resulted in a really good story. I felt kind of cheated when it ended.
April 30, 2016
A Lovely Story
A lovely story filled with a bit of heartache, a couple of wishes, and an abundance of love. It's a Christmas story with a set of wonderful characters and some fun animals that tug at your heart strings. Take the journey with Abby as she looks for her son and finds love and peace in the process.
A lovely story filled with a bit of heartache, a couple of wishes, and an abundance of love. It's a Christmas story with a set of wonderful characters and some fun animals that tug at your heart strings. Take the journey with Abby as she looks for her son and finds love and peace in the process.
December 2, 2020
I know it's becoming a more and more popular trope, but the widow ending up with her husband's best friend or brother storyline still doesn't sit well with me. I also found the forced narrative of the child pretty unrealistic. The concept of the story in general was a good one, but wasn't as well executed as it could've been.
March 3, 2016
Delightful is just one of the words that can be used to sum up this poignant novel.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 5, 2020
Too fast. Don't buy that mother with missing child was in any condition for sex with man she'd only known a few hours
Also, it's CANADA. Please do a go through and correct this very real country's name.
Also, it's CANADA. Please do a go through and correct this very real country's name.
December 5, 2021
I had trouble with JD saying and doing things that weren’t believable for a five year old. I also didn’t care for the narration sounding like a five year old even though it wasn’t from the character’s perspective.
I’m going to give the next book a shot…hopefully I like it better.
I’m going to give the next book a shot…hopefully I like it better.
June 3, 2022
Couldn’t get into it sorry
August 10, 2018
Blame it on Mistletoe - This is my first book by this author and I loved it. While it was sad that the wife and son lost their Marine to death, the book was filled with humor, joy and pleasant surprises. This well edited, well written and well thought out story keeps the reader immersed in the pages, which quickly end too soon. The characters are likable, realistic and don't have any of the stupid tendencies givens so freely with Indie writers.
There were a few kinks and twists in the story, but nothing mean, just caring and love. There was some sexual tension but not the-in-your-face-continuously type and no vulgar language. A story that can be read by all ages. This town of Christmas was magical for a mom and her son. 5*
Written in the Stars - I contacted the author and received this story, lucky me! There's a Prologue, which is funny and sets up the pace for the rest of the story, as well as the topics of two more books in this new series. This is a well written, well thought out story with some likable, caring characters that entertain continuously. I steady belly laughed my way through this humor filled, but with some drama - not hysterics, drama - story of a lost father, lost daughter, lost love, lost chance, etc.; it has it all, including romance and some magic.
Alaska is a wonderful character all on her own. I had a wonderful day reading both Blame it on Mistletoe and Written; sadly, I don't have any more Fox books in my library, sob. 5*
There were a few kinks and twists in the story, but nothing mean, just caring and love. There was some sexual tension but not the-in-your-face-continuously type and no vulgar language. A story that can be read by all ages. This town of Christmas was magical for a mom and her son. 5*
Written in the Stars - I contacted the author and received this story, lucky me! There's a Prologue, which is funny and sets up the pace for the rest of the story, as well as the topics of two more books in this new series. This is a well written, well thought out story with some likable, caring characters that entertain continuously. I steady belly laughed my way through this humor filled, but with some drama - not hysterics, drama - story of a lost father, lost daughter, lost love, lost chance, etc.; it has it all, including romance and some magic.
Alaska is a wonderful character all on her own. I had a wonderful day reading both Blame it on Mistletoe and Written; sadly, I don't have any more Fox books in my library, sob. 5*
December 17, 2023
This was a cute little Christmas story that fit a lot into its 113 pages.
I enjoyed the characters. There wasn't as much time for a slow burn romance, but that was good in its own way (even if some things about Frank were creepy as hell). The fast pace actually made it seem like less of a slow burn, and it did feel a little rushed. It was cute, but very creepy on Frank's part. Who lusts after their friend's wife that they've never met?
As for JD, I love when kids have a large role in adult novels. However, JD doesn't act like any five year old I know. He has the reasoning skills of at least a middle school, if not high school, student. It was very unsettling to read.
I may not have loved these newcomers to North Pole, but I did like Clara and Rudy. They were so cute in their acceptance of JD's situation and their willingness to help out strangers in the community.
Blame it on Mistletoe is the first novel in a setting series that I've read where I really want to know more about the side characters. It was also the first book in a long time where I read the excerpt to the next book. Now, I really do want to read more. That premise sounds so intriguing. I'm not sure if I'll get the next one right away, but I probably will. I definitely want to know more.
I enjoyed the characters. There wasn't as much time for a slow burn romance, but that was good in its own way (even if some things about Frank were creepy as hell). The fast pace actually made it seem like less of a slow burn, and it did feel a little rushed. It was cute, but very creepy on Frank's part. Who lusts after their friend's wife that they've never met?
As for JD, I love when kids have a large role in adult novels. However, JD doesn't act like any five year old I know. He has the reasoning skills of at least a middle school, if not high school, student. It was very unsettling to read.
I may not have loved these newcomers to North Pole, but I did like Clara and Rudy. They were so cute in their acceptance of JD's situation and their willingness to help out strangers in the community.
Blame it on Mistletoe is the first novel in a setting series that I've read where I really want to know more about the side characters. It was also the first book in a long time where I read the excerpt to the next book. Now, I really do want to read more. That premise sounds so intriguing. I'm not sure if I'll get the next one right away, but I probably will. I definitely want to know more.
November 8, 2020
The Christmas Wish of a five year old would take a miracle to become reality. Believing in St Nick, he might just get his wish, but not in the form that he expected.
JD lost his dad in the war, but he believes that St Nick can perform miracles. As he didn't get his wish last year, he decides to put his request in face to face. Here begins his adventure.
Abby, her mother is frantic on waking up and finding her son missing. She does what any mother would do. She calls in the authorities who take the appropriate actions to find JD. At the same time, Frank, his father's best friend turns up on the doorsteps. He decides to give a helping hand. The thing is that he has always loved Abby from a distance as her husband told him a lot about her. Could this meeting be fate? Will they find JD and become a family?
JD acts older than a five year old. Going to the North Pole on his own proves that he really believes in St Nick. He doesn't give up easily. The romance between Abby and Frank happens quickly. If anything most of the events are unrealistic, but it's a sweet Christmas tale taking place in the ideal setting.
JD lost his dad in the war, but he believes that St Nick can perform miracles. As he didn't get his wish last year, he decides to put his request in face to face. Here begins his adventure.
Abby, her mother is frantic on waking up and finding her son missing. She does what any mother would do. She calls in the authorities who take the appropriate actions to find JD. At the same time, Frank, his father's best friend turns up on the doorsteps. He decides to give a helping hand. The thing is that he has always loved Abby from a distance as her husband told him a lot about her. Could this meeting be fate? Will they find JD and become a family?
JD acts older than a five year old. Going to the North Pole on his own proves that he really believes in St Nick. He doesn't give up easily. The romance between Abby and Frank happens quickly. If anything most of the events are unrealistic, but it's a sweet Christmas tale taking place in the ideal setting.
never-finished
December 27, 2022I got this for free years ago, forgot what it was about. and always think at Christmas time, “I should read that.” Never have, finally did, shouldn’t have bothered. Stopped at 75%.
The perspective of the five year old is way old for a five year old (even if the words he says are childish enough. The thoughts he has just don’t seem like a five year old’s thoughts to me.) It’s dumb that there is a love scene/relationship when HER CHILD IS MISSING (sorry, but that’s too big of a thing for me to accept that they’d focus at all on a relationship when the boy is missing. Dumb.) The missing child and the dead husband’s best friend thing were both too big of plot points for me to be in the same book. Or at least he shouldn’t have been in love with her for years. It’s too weird. But maybe if he had been checking in on them because he promised his friend he would and then he happened to show up at the time JD went missing would have worked better for me. But to top it off, it’s not a clean romance. That’s game over for me with so many other parts I don’t like.
Definitely not for me and not a series I’d finish.
The perspective of the five year old is way old for a five year old (even if the words he says are childish enough. The thoughts he has just don’t seem like a five year old’s thoughts to me.) It’s dumb that there is a love scene/relationship when HER CHILD IS MISSING (sorry, but that’s too big of a thing for me to accept that they’d focus at all on a relationship when the boy is missing. Dumb.) The missing child and the dead husband’s best friend thing were both too big of plot points for me to be in the same book. Or at least he shouldn’t have been in love with her for years. It’s too weird. But maybe if he had been checking in on them because he promised his friend he would and then he happened to show up at the time JD went missing would have worked better for me. But to top it off, it’s not a clean romance. That’s game over for me with so many other parts I don’t like.
Definitely not for me and not a series I’d finish.
December 28, 2018
Cute but short read especially since it included the first chapters from each of the next eight books in the series. Liked the premise of North Pole, Alaska and it was amazing how JD could evade so many adults to get an answer from Saint as he called Santa Claus.
Nice flow to the story and I liked the characters of those who live in North Pole, Alaska but also Abby and Frank. Sadness to the story too with the death of Abby's husband, a Marine in Afghanistan, that she and JD are still dealing with. The descriptions of the town, the businesses and the people made me feel like I was there. The letters to Santa that lead off each book were a fun addition and highlighted what the story would be about.
Loved the inclusion of the other books that definitely left me wanting to read more. Got some answers to how some of their lives panned out though in those chapters so there are definitely spoilers.
Noelle Fox is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Nice flow to the story and I liked the characters of those who live in North Pole, Alaska but also Abby and Frank. Sadness to the story too with the death of Abby's husband, a Marine in Afghanistan, that she and JD are still dealing with. The descriptions of the town, the businesses and the people made me feel like I was there. The letters to Santa that lead off each book were a fun addition and highlighted what the story would be about.
Loved the inclusion of the other books that definitely left me wanting to read more. Got some answers to how some of their lives panned out though in those chapters so there are definitely spoilers.
Noelle Fox is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
July 22, 2017
J.D. Baxter stows-away to get to North Pole, Alaska, where he hopes to find St. Nicholas because he didn't get an answer to last year's Christmas Letter. What JD doesn't realize is that North Pole, Alaska is a place of good deeds and elves who try to help St. Nicholas but can't always fulfill the wishes of a child. The one and only wish that JD has asked is to have his dad come back from Afghanistan where he actually died. JD just knows that St. Nick can grant his wish because he is a Saint.
Frantic with worry JD's mom Abby heads out to find him along with her husband's best friend Frank Machado who suddenly appears on her doorstep. What JD and Abby don't know is that Frank is the answer to all their prayers.
A fun Christmas story even if the reader already knows how it will end.
Frantic with worry JD's mom Abby heads out to find him along with her husband's best friend Frank Machado who suddenly appears on her doorstep. What JD and Abby don't know is that Frank is the answer to all their prayers.
A fun Christmas story even if the reader already knows how it will end.
December 17, 2019
J.D. writes a letter to Santa - he decides to go to the North Pole in Alaska to find out why Saint Nick didn't get him what he wanted. J.D. is five years old and his Dad died last year. He went to Afghanistan and did not return. J.D. had asked Saint Nick to have his father knock on his door.
He finds out his neighbor's are going to the North Pole so he hides in their camper. Once he gets to the North Pole he talks to the lady at the Post Office who looks just like Ms. Claus. She calls an emergency meeting of the Elves.
A really good book. Very well written and I really enjoyed. There are more books in the series that I want to get. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. There is nothing more magical than the North Pole.
He finds out his neighbor's are going to the North Pole so he hides in their camper. Once he gets to the North Pole he talks to the lady at the Post Office who looks just like Ms. Claus. She calls an emergency meeting of the Elves.
A really good book. Very well written and I really enjoyed. There are more books in the series that I want to get. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. There is nothing more magical than the North Pole.
November 19, 2020
JD, his mom Abby and Frank
Five year old JD just wants one thing from Santa and he's asked for it for two years now! So he decides to make the trip to North Pole to ask Saint Nick personally. He only made one mistake, he forgot to let mom know! When Frank arrives at his best friend David's home he finds things in turmoil and Abby and several police officers. What happens next? Will Abby fund JD? Will Frank be able to do what he came to do? Read this awesome book by Noelle Fox to find out. 👍
Five year old JD just wants one thing from Santa and he's asked for it for two years now! So he decides to make the trip to North Pole to ask Saint Nick personally. He only made one mistake, he forgot to let mom know! When Frank arrives at his best friend David's home he finds things in turmoil and Abby and several police officers. What happens next? Will Abby fund JD? Will Frank be able to do what he came to do? Read this awesome book by Noelle Fox to find out. 👍
December 17, 2017
Good Christmas Story for Adults
This reads as something from the movies of "Home Alone" series. A 5-yr. old boy alone for several days in a town called North Pole finds enough clues to keep looking for just the reason he went to North Pole. Unrealistic but Christmastime is the best place to find a miracle. I received an ARC from the author and I voluntarily wrote this review.
This reads as something from the movies of "Home Alone" series. A 5-yr. old boy alone for several days in a town called North Pole finds enough clues to keep looking for just the reason he went to North Pole. Unrealistic but Christmastime is the best place to find a miracle. I received an ARC from the author and I voluntarily wrote this review.
December 31, 2017
This might be the best bittersweet story I’ve read.
I was taken into the mind of a 5 year old, who head to Alaska to ask St Nick in person for his own Christmas miracle and feel like I’ve made some new friends there.
His mother Abby who is devastated by her sons disappearance and his dead fathers best friend, Marine Frank are such good characters along with all the others I’ve met here.
This makes me want to go to North Pole so bad.
I was taken into the mind of a 5 year old, who head to Alaska to ask St Nick in person for his own Christmas miracle and feel like I’ve made some new friends there.
His mother Abby who is devastated by her sons disappearance and his dead fathers best friend, Marine Frank are such good characters along with all the others I’ve met here.
This makes me want to go to North Pole so bad.
September 1, 2020
Sweet surprise
I just happened to take a chance and read this book. I must say, I really enjoyed it. This is the first time I have heard of Noelle Fox. I must check out more of her books.
The character JD was so refreshing. Not only is he smart, but he listened and remembered what his mother told him and he followed everything she said and it kept him safe and thinking of his next step. I love good Christmas stories. I am so glad I came across this book. Great job Noelle Fox.
I just happened to take a chance and read this book. I must say, I really enjoyed it. This is the first time I have heard of Noelle Fox. I must check out more of her books.
The character JD was so refreshing. Not only is he smart, but he listened and remembered what his mother told him and he followed everything she said and it kept him safe and thinking of his next step. I love good Christmas stories. I am so glad I came across this book. Great job Noelle Fox.
December 8, 2020
Let me just say, never judge a book by its cover. :) The cover is beautiful and it is sweet but has nothing to do with the story. And there is a story. Even though this was a novella it packed a lot in. There was the magical belief in Santa so strong that a little boy believes it enough to run away and find out why his Santa letters were not answered. Of course, this creates the drama of finding him, and with some help, true magic is created. This is worth the read. I really enjoyed it.
January 4, 2022
This was a cute short Christmas story. I loved reading this book. A little boy thinking Saint Nick is a saint and that magic happens at the north pole sneaks away in his neighbors camper after hearing they are going to the North pole for Christmas. He wants Saint to bring his dad back. Which would be hard even for any Saint the boys father died in the war. But will he get his answer? Will his mother find him? Will Christmas be anything they expected? Find out in this delightful story.
November 24, 2022
Lovely
A great start to the North Pole series.
JD has a request for Santa and this year, he is going to make sure Santa receives it, by going to North Pole, Alaska to deliver it himself!
The mayhem that ensues after JD has the idea to deliver the letter himself, is entertaining and get his mom and Frank moving in the right direction. You get to meet some of the residents of North Pole and I am sure, they will be showing up in the series.
A great start to the North Pole series.
JD has a request for Santa and this year, he is going to make sure Santa receives it, by going to North Pole, Alaska to deliver it himself!
The mayhem that ensues after JD has the idea to deliver the letter himself, is entertaining and get his mom and Frank moving in the right direction. You get to meet some of the residents of North Pole and I am sure, they will be showing up in the series.
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