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Hometown #4

Christmas in Smithville

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Gloria hasn’t had an easy life, she’s learned her lessons the hard way. She may have dressed flashy and dated a lot, but that’s in the past. Now she’s determined to change her reputation, and working along side the women in town as they prepare for the Christmas Pageant will give her a chance to prove she’s not a flirt. Small towns never forget, but will Smithville give her a second chance?

Ned, the county Deputy, has his own secrets to keep. He’s heard the gossip about Gloria, but he sees all the kind things she does for the folks of Smithville. The upcoming Christmas Pageant will give him the opportunity to finally spend time with her, especially with his friends throwing them together, but can he overcome his frustrating stutter and talk to her, face to face?

Fall in love with Ned and Gloria as all your favorite Smithville characters prepare for the Christmas Pageant, and get swept up into the most romantic Christmas Eve celebration ever!

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

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About the author

Kirsten Fullmer

14 books2,207 followers
Kirsten is a writer with a love of art and design. She worked in the engineering field, taught college, and consulted free lance. Due to health problems, she retired in 2012 to travel with her husband. They live and work full time in a 40' travel trailer with their little dog Bingo. Besides writing romance novels, she enjoys selling art on Etsy and spoiling their four grandchildren.

As a writer, Kirsten's goal is to create strong female characters who face challenging, painful, and sometimes comical situations. She believes that the best way to deal with struggle is through friendship and women helping women. She knows good stories are based on interesting and relatable characters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book142 followers
November 27, 2018
Gloria is a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, she is also unlucky in love. She lives in the small town of Smithville, where everyone knows everyone and your social life is ripe gossip.

Gloria has dated most of the men in town and the local women have started to resent her. She has dated most of their husbands before they committed. Now she feels she shouldn’t dress nicely or go on any more dates. She feels her chance to find love has passed. She has low self-esteem and doesn’t want people to notice her.

Ned is the local Deputy Sheriff. He finds Gloria in a state of sadness. Luckily it’s dark and he feels free to speak but his words don’t go down the way he hoped. Ned has a stutter and doesn’t feel he is good enough for someone as beautiful as Gloria. Ned is the local good boy and most people look up to him.

These two form a sweet friendship in a time when they both need somebody. Christmas in Smithville is part of the Hometown series. It can easily be read as a standalone, however, these books are available in Kindle Unlimited. The town is small and the people love to medal. This is a sweet traditional Christmas tale.

4 stars out of 5. I received an ARC as part of the blog tour, however, I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,481 reviews99 followers
December 22, 2017
“A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.” Edmond Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac

I would like to thank the publisher for this ARC [advanced reader copy] provided via Netgalley.

Book 1: Hometown Girl at Heart: Tara and Justin
Book 2: Hometown Girl After All: Julia and Chad
Book 3: Hometown Girl Forever: Lizzie and Elliot

After I started reading this… I discovered it was part 4 of the Hometown Series. That explained my feelings of “what the heck is going on” and solved my question of ‘did I miss a book somewhere?’ Yeah, I did, three in fact. Having said that, in all fairness, it held fairly strong as a stand-a-lone. I just didn’t have the foundation and backstory to the many characters and friends of our main couple. However, the author did an excellent job in providing enough clues that I could enjoy the story and not worry about how these people became friends or how their relationships came about.

I enjoyed the story; I liked the supporting characters and I was instantly drawn into the budding friendship and romance between our main couple. It had the feel of Cyrano de Bergerac in that our hero [Ned Knight] hid his identity so he could communicate with his lady interest. He spoke to her from the shadows, and sent her poetry… unsigned. The poor man was self-conscious about the defect in his speech… he stuttered when nervous. He felt that his speech imperfection disgusted women and he would not woo her because of it. Little did he know that women were drawn to his physical appearance and that negated any notice of his speech patterns. Poor man.

Gloria, on the other hand, was dealing with her own set of problems. She felt the distrust and jealously from some of the women in the community as she tried to overcome the gossip regarding her shady past. She had determined to prove she had changed and declared that ‘she could do things without attracting male attention.’ Well, that may be a bit harder than she anticipated, short of no contact with men.

Will our couple overcome their reluctance to step out and conquer their fears? Or will fear prevent their finding a lasting love?

Rating: Clean. This story had so many references to other popular stories. It had the feel of ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ ‘Cinderella’ and her fairy godmother, Cyrano, and any of the miracle stories where good triumphs over evil or a pack of snarky women. Yeah, this was a feel-good Christmas story with a surprise ending that you will not believe. There were subtle clues, but I missed them completely. I had sort of an idea but this author took it to the extreme. Wow!! Just wow!!
Profile Image for book_withquotes.
1,171 reviews90 followers
November 23, 2022


Gloria is anxious to improve her reputation, but the majority of the local ladies still view her as a tramp. She may have worn a little flash and dated just about every man in town, but that was then. Will she be given another opportunity by Smithville now that she wants to start over? Ned is the Sheriff’s Deputy and is aware of all the rumors, but he also observes Gloria’s selfless deeds for the Smithville residents. It appears like he will have the chance to spend time with her during the approaching Christmas Pageant, but can he get over his annoying stammer and speak to her directly?

The Hometown series includes Christmas in Smithville. I liked the tale and the supporting characters, and I was sucked into the developing friendship and romance of our main pair right away. Yes, this was a heartwarming Christmas tale with an unbelievable twist at the end. There were hints here and there, but I entirely missed them. I had a rough notion, but the author went beyond. I adore the way residents of this little community look out for one another. This enchanting story was full of loved ones, friends, and Christmas cheer. This endearing tale will warm your heart and make you feel good.

The plot was unique and intriguing. I adore the characters and how the author alternates between the two protagonists’ points of view. Nothing beats a tiny town around the holidays. The characters are skillfully developed by the author as the narrative evolves into a contemporary Cinderella Tale. A little village with the ideal setting and charming people. It was a lovely, enjoyable, and short read. This is a nice tale about how doing what is right and standing by your convictions will get you through life. Additionally, it is a Christmas story, making it ideal for this season.
705 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2019
Small town and so very heartfelt.

So the memory isn't the greatest, but this book was my favorite - which is saying something because there were spots in each of the four books that brought me to tears. I love how the people in this little town take care of each other. I did feel like this ending was a little abrupt - would love to find out more about what happens to those in the town. I suppose if I can't read it, I can imagine it. Totally recommend this book and the others.
1,059 reviews
November 10, 2020
This enchanting narrative was filled with friends, family,and plenty of Christmas joy. Both Gloria and Ned felt like they could become a better version of themselves and therefore, feel more comfortable with the folks in their community. How great was it that they should both become interested in each other? This charming story will give the warm fuzzies and touch your heart. Good Read!!!!
Profile Image for Clint Austill.
55 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
An Excellent Christmas Love Story

This is a very enjoyable read with great relatable chatacters. Well written and the story itself just puts you in the Holiday mood. Highly recommend this book for your Holiday reading....A MUST READ 😀😀👍👍
178 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2019
Lovely

I enjoy reading uplifting, romantic novels. This fit the bill and made me think about it even when I wasn't actually reading it.😀
931 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2019
Interesting

This book was a good book & interesting. The storyline was different & interestin The characters kept you interested & it had a surprised ending.The story shows we can misjudge someone & make their life so miserable..
2,231 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2020
Once again this author has out done herself!

Loved each of this series, once you start reading one, you can't put it down! It was so awesome to see Gloria win with Ned! What a cute ending!
Profile Image for Debbie Lesley.
410 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2021
There was something about this book, characters or setting, maybe both, that drew me quickly into it. Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else---think Gilmore Girls---and everyone's business. This is part of a series and I had not read the earlier books but that did not seem to matter.

Centered around Gloria, a young-ish woman who has returned to Smithville to live with her grandfather. Previously, Gloria had earned a bad reputation as she dated anyone and everyone. Some of the women in town cannot seem to forgive her, which is something seen all the time. How hard it can be to allow someone to be accepted as they mature and learn how to do things better. What is the saying: As you know better, you do better. The same goes for learning to accept people for what they have become.

Gloria works hard to be accepted and her true self shows as she uses her many talents to assist with the town's Christmas Eve pageant. The people who truly know her work to protect her as she is able to show her true personality as a loving, caring, talented person.

We also get to know the shy young deputy with the stutter who is convinced people in the town cannot like him because of his speech problem. Gloria befriends him after he finds her crying on a porch one evening...not a spoiler as it happens in the first couple pages.

So, a sweet little story of how sticking to your guns and doing what you know is right will help you get through life. Also, it is a Christmas story so perfect for this time of the year.
Profile Image for Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm).
561 reviews48 followers
December 3, 2022
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
💕 love clean romances
🎄 enjoy holiday reads
🏠 live in a small town
📖 like quick reads

• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄

Ned and Gloria are secretly attracted to each other, but neither knows how to come right out and say it.

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Ned, the local town deputy, has always had his eyes on Gloria, a cute redhead with a smattering of freckles across her face. Gloria also feels the same about Ned, with his adorable stutter and sweet disposition. But neither will approach the other. Ned is too nervous, and Gloria doesn’t appreciate the dirty looks she gets from the other women in town when she talks to any of the men. When Ned and Gloria get asked to help out with the local Christmas pageant to raise funds for a new community center, it ends up bringing them closer together as they work side by side. But Gloria is receiving messages from a secret lover. Will Gloria have to choose between what she knows and what might be?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a cute romance full of small town charm. If you’ve read Kirsten’s other books, you’ll recognize a lot of her characters in this novel. Ned and Gloria are both gorgeous and kind, but both are holding such deep insecurities that affect how they see themselves. I like how they move closer to seeing their true selves as the story goes on. Both gain more confidence thanks to all of their wonderful friends. I was definitely taken aback by the secret Ned is hiding from anyone. That was probably my favorite scene! This book is also great for people who enjoy short reads and sweet holiday romances!
Profile Image for Read with Pitties.
379 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! We have the small town of smithville And it’s Christmas time and everyone in the town is Getting ready for a Christmas pageant to raise money for a community centre. Gloria is our FMC and she is a beautiful red head who came to town when her parents died and lives with her grandfather. If you ever lived in a small town (I have!) you know that they usually don’t take well to newcomers especially beautiful ones like Gloria and Gloria has been treated to extreme ridicule by some of the women. When Gloria got to town, she was given lots of attention by the town men but none never worked out and of course the women treated Gloria awful and had her self Esteem so low that she was nervous of even being seen with a man in the town, and got rid of her all clothes and started wearing baggy plain ones hoping no men will pay her attention. But there is one man who’s attention she does get, and that is from the sweet deputy with the sweetest stutter named Ned. He sees Gloria crying and can’t help but fall for her, but when Ned try’s to talk to her it doesn’t go well and she is so worked up about having anyone seeing her with a man she tries to distance her self from him but as they work together on the pageant and the help of the others in the town they start to see what is between them. This had a beautiful hallmark, retro feel in it and had great character development and relationships. The ending was the best part and I loved it so much! Thank you to the publisher and author for this book!
Profile Image for Laura.
478 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2018
Small town America with characters that have real struggles makes this an interesting, albeit light read.

Smithville is set in somewhat rural Pennsylvania, less than an hour from the big city. Gloria is the gal who struggles to be accepted by the members of the community. Her boss and a few women have welcomed her with open arms while others are downright nasty to her.

She's volunteered to help with the upcoming Christmas pageant. Mutual friends notice a 'connection' or chemistry between her and Ned, the Sherrif's Deputy. So, they do their best to push them together.

In typical holiday romance style, Gloria and Ned become completely smitten with each other. However, can they move past their hang-ups and actually have a real relationship?

Overall, this is a cute holiday time romance which makes for a great winter night read.

Note ~ I received an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
565 reviews
November 24, 2020
Gloria and Ned

Gloria just wants to fit in, only the women of Smithville won't let her forget her past and move on. Especially Nadine! It's not like Gloria has done anything to the women! The only problem is she thinks she has to prove herself. So she makes a pact with herself and she promises she won't flirt or even talk to a man while working on the annual Christmas pageant with her friends. However, she keeps being thrown together with the deputy Ned. He's really nice and everything, but,she can't allow anyone (Nadine) to see her talking to him even if it is about the pageant. Then she starts getting notes and they make her feel better. What happens next? Who keeps sending her the notes? What happens with Nadine? To find out the answers to these questions and more, read this great story by Kristen Fullmer.
Profile Image for Preethi Joseph.
269 reviews22 followers
January 2, 2023
I have never been someone who reads themed / seasonal books ! Halloween , Christmas etc etc . Given the mood reader I am . For the first time this year I decided to read a Christmas themed book in
Christmas in Smithville by Kirsten Fullmer is a small town romance . I absolutely adored reading this book .

This is the story of Ned, Deputy Sheriff of Smithville who stammers when he speaks and Gloria , with a dark past who is organising the Christmas Pageant in the town. Gloria wants to prove that she is not what the other ladies think she is , that her past is behind her . The book was a sweet read

Among heavy themed tome sized books this book was so refreshing. I literally flew threw it. I have always been a sucker for small town stories and this was one was further sprinkled with christmas vibes and it was wholesome ! I could not have asked for a better read this season.
Profile Image for Carole Mckee.
320 reviews7 followers
December 25, 2018
Wonderful Christmas Story

First, I have to say that I was delighted to learn that this story takes place in Southwestern Pennsylvania, where I am from. And it's a small town romance--my favorite type of story. Gloria, who really has done nothing wrong, and has contributed to the community, is the victim of ugly gossip. But she has good friends who believe in her and stand by her, including deputy sheriff Ned. She has worked hard to prepare costumes for the Christmas pageant and avoid anything that could be considered flirting, to keep the gossipers at bay. It's Christmas eve before she realizes it. Feeling lonely and lost, all she wants to do is go home and go to bed. But here comes her Christmas surprise. Loved the story.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,591 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2018
This was a really fun cute holiday read.I really liked Gloria she had not had it easy and has a reputation for being a bit easy but is convinced to prove to the small town she has changed, but they just won't see past her past reputation.Ned is the Deputy of her small town and has seen the change in Gloria and is looking forward to getting to know the new her better.A really cute read just perfect for a lazy afternoon
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
26 reviews
November 8, 2019
Just read this book and it got me so excited for Christmas! I love the characters and the way the author switches between the perspectives of the two protagonists. Nothing like a small town at Christmas.

I've read all of Fullmer's books and I just love them! She is so great at providing the romance I crave in a book, but also presenting it in a very realistic way. I often find myself laughing out loud because of how much I can relate.
267 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2018
I loved Gloria and Ned's story. Their story just wanted to make you swoon. Just like in all of the previous books, the people of Smithville did not disappoint either. This was a sweet, fun, quick read. Hometown Girl Again is the fifth and final book in series, and I really hate to see this series end. :-(
Profile Image for Jacki.
1,044 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2018
4.5☆
Cute and fun
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Hometown
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from Kirsten Fullmer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
27 reviews
December 31, 2018
A thoughtful story

This is a thoroughly insightful tale about love in a Christmas setting. The author develops the characters gracefully as the story blossoms into a modern-day Cinderella tale.
771 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2021
I LOVED it. I rarely give out 5 stars but I felt this one deserved it Gloria is such a caring, giving person but because of her past a lot of the town’s women look down their noses at her. Ned, oh Ned....what can I say about him. This story has got me into the Christmas spirit.
17 reviews
February 16, 2022
Christmas romance with a surprise

It was a lovely story, charming and creative, with well-written characters and enough tension to draw you toward the conclusion with curiosity and pleasure!
206 reviews
February 14, 2019
Christmas in Smithville (Hometown series book 4)

I am in love with this series. The innocence and pure love, of friendship s. Peace, love, not all around Christmastime.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
774 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2019
Gloria

This is a good story with some twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were fun and interesting.
Profile Image for Syl.
147 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2019
Sweet

Lovely sweet story that almost had me in tears a few times. I enjoyed this feel-good book. A few typos didn’t put me off!
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
1,801 reviews68 followers
June 28, 2020
It was a very cute book and I was curious about Gloria's story. I was very glad for her and how it all turn out. Ned was such a cutey, Gosh, I loved him, they were perfect for each other
40 reviews
December 5, 2020
Charming

Such a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story. A small town with the perfect backdrop of lovely characters. I wouldn't mind living there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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