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Small-Town Sweethearts #4
The Scrooge of Loon Lake
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
…with the grumpiest man in town!
The love of his life left him. The navy discharged him. So former lieutenant Des Gallagher sees no reason to celebrate Christmas—now or ever.
Yet when Natalie Pierce shows up on his doorstep, a bright light enters his gloomy existence. As Des shapes her—and her little son’s—world for the better, she wonders if a scrooge could turn into the perfect Santa…
…with the grumpiest man in town!
The love of his life left him. The navy discharged him. So former lieutenant Des Gallagher sees no reason to celebrate Christmas—now or ever.
Yet when Natalie Pierce shows up on his doorstep, a bright light enters his gloomy existence. As Des shapes her—and her little son’s—world for the better, she wonders if a scrooge could turn into the perfect Santa…
- GenresRomance
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2019
29 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 9, 2019
Okay, so this is the first book I've read in this series but I'm pretty sure I could guess who the other couples are just by reading this one and I will admit I want to read the others now. The writing is great. Flows perfectly, just enough detail to paint a picture but not enough to slow down this short little romance. The characters are great, loved the banter! So all in all this book is great.
Now, let's get to what really got to me in this story. Sam. My daughter is non-verbal because of autism. We are working towards getting her a tablet just like Sam sometimes uses. So it really hit home with me. Sam getting upset because he can't express himself, how protective Natalie is of her son. I get it. All of it. I never thought I'd say something like this but I cared more about how Natalie and Des interacted with Sam. It just broke my heart in the best way possible to read this bit of stuff in the book.
Bottom line: I loved this little romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.
Now, let's get to what really got to me in this story. Sam. My daughter is non-verbal because of autism. We are working towards getting her a tablet just like Sam sometimes uses. So it really hit home with me. Sam getting upset because he can't express himself, how protective Natalie is of her son. I get it. All of it. I never thought I'd say something like this but I cared more about how Natalie and Des interacted with Sam. It just broke my heart in the best way possible to read this bit of stuff in the book.
Bottom line: I loved this little romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.
September 5, 2019
Glass worker and injured veteran Lt. 'Des' Gallagher liked the solitary life he led, actively discouraging those interested in a relationship.
Young widow and mother Natalie Pierce ignores his growling attitude to request his talented hands to supply ornaments for an auction to raise money for a hippotherapy program her son attended. Despite his flat turn down, she kept visiting with her son and little gifts, allowing the spark he felt to grow. The young family is from Nashville and Des helps her cope with the winters that are Vermont. They help each other out with different things.
Des comes to adore Sam, her son.....and Natalie
It's a sweet romance between two people who have much personal pain, but persevere at overcoming it to make a new life. It ends up that their new life together is a perfect fit. The characters are differing and caring, crafting a close community.
I requested a NetGalley ARC and offer my opinion freely.
Young widow and mother Natalie Pierce ignores his growling attitude to request his talented hands to supply ornaments for an auction to raise money for a hippotherapy program her son attended. Despite his flat turn down, she kept visiting with her son and little gifts, allowing the spark he felt to grow. The young family is from Nashville and Des helps her cope with the winters that are Vermont. They help each other out with different things.
Des comes to adore Sam, her son.....and Natalie
It's a sweet romance between two people who have much personal pain, but persevere at overcoming it to make a new life. It ends up that their new life together is a perfect fit. The characters are differing and caring, crafting a close community.
I requested a NetGalley ARC and offer my opinion freely.
December 3, 2019
The Scrooge of Loon Lake
by Carrie Nichols
Harlequin Special Edition
Romance
Pub Date 15 Oct 2019
Length: 224 pages
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year……with the grumpiest man in town!The love of his life left him. The navy discharged him. So former lieutenant Des Gallagher sees no reason to celebrate Christmas—now or ever.Yet when Natalie Pierce shows up on his doorstep, a bright light enters his gloomy existence. As Des shapes her—and her little son’s—world for the better, she wonders if a scrooge could turn into the perfect Santa
🎅🎄MY REVIEW 🎅🎄
A very well written story that holds your interest. This is a very sweet romance. There are a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are not all sweet at first but before long Natalie and her son have Des all sweetened up.The plot is simple, but good. Anytime there is kids involved it is bound to get interesting. This is the perfect Christmas romance. It could easy see it being turned into a Hallmark or lifetime movie. I love all the characters. They make such an interesting, family. I smiled and laughed a lot while reading this story. I
It was a quick easy read and I was able to finish it in a little over an hour. I recommend it. I enjoyed this story very much and I am eager to read other books by this author . Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. If you would like to follow my reviews please do so at my facebook page Joyce Stewart Reviews or my facebook reading group Stewart's Book Reviews Book Club.
♥️About the Author♥️
Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers. Her stories contain heart, home, and humor.
#TheScroogeOfLoonLake #NetGalley
by Carrie Nichols
Harlequin Special Edition
Romance
Pub Date 15 Oct 2019
Length: 224 pages
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year……with the grumpiest man in town!The love of his life left him. The navy discharged him. So former lieutenant Des Gallagher sees no reason to celebrate Christmas—now or ever.Yet when Natalie Pierce shows up on his doorstep, a bright light enters his gloomy existence. As Des shapes her—and her little son’s—world for the better, she wonders if a scrooge could turn into the perfect Santa
🎅🎄MY REVIEW 🎅🎄
A very well written story that holds your interest. This is a very sweet romance. There are a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are not all sweet at first but before long Natalie and her son have Des all sweetened up.The plot is simple, but good. Anytime there is kids involved it is bound to get interesting. This is the perfect Christmas romance. It could easy see it being turned into a Hallmark or lifetime movie. I love all the characters. They make such an interesting, family. I smiled and laughed a lot while reading this story. I
It was a quick easy read and I was able to finish it in a little over an hour. I recommend it. I enjoyed this story very much and I am eager to read other books by this author . Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. If you would like to follow my reviews please do so at my facebook page Joyce Stewart Reviews or my facebook reading group Stewart's Book Reviews Book Club.
♥️About the Author♥️
Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers. Her stories contain heart, home, and humor.
#TheScroogeOfLoonLake #NetGalley
October 4, 2019
Loon Lake is a small town but it is so big in Christmas spirit. They have a lovely tree lighting ceremony for Christmas as well as a big Christmas carnival.
Desmond "Des" Gallagher is a particularly grumpy, Grinchy Scrooge. No Christmas for him! Nothing to do with Christmas for him! Until.... Natalie Pierce and her five-year-old son, Sam stepped into Des' barn where he crafted his glass masterpieces. Natalie's son was severely injured in an accident that killed Sam's father, Natalie's husband. Sam has a brain injury and cannot speak and had to learn how to walk again. Due to his balance issues part of his therapy is hippotherapy, horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative therapy. Unfortunately the local hippotherapy program is struggling financially so Natalie is planning an auction to raise money for the program. She is hoping Des will create and donate some glass ornaments for the auction. She brings Des a plate of Christmas bark as a treat to help sweeten him up to say yes. Mr. grouchy Scrooge turns her down and sparks her stubborn determination to change his "no" to a "yes." One point in her favor is that Des finds himself atttracted to Natalie. How long can he hold out?
The Scrooge of Loon Lake by Carrie Nichols is the fourth book in her Small-Town Sweethearts series. This is a well-written, emotional, yet joyous story. The characters are all very likeable, even Mr. Scrooge. The two main characters Natalie and Des grow as the story unfolds, especially Des. Natalie's son Sam adds much to the enjoyment of the story as he is a very loveable character. I really liked how Natalie's love allowed Des to open his heart to love again. The road to their HEA was a little bumpy but that just added to the enjoyment of the story.
Desmond "Des" Gallagher is a particularly grumpy, Grinchy Scrooge. No Christmas for him! Nothing to do with Christmas for him! Until.... Natalie Pierce and her five-year-old son, Sam stepped into Des' barn where he crafted his glass masterpieces. Natalie's son was severely injured in an accident that killed Sam's father, Natalie's husband. Sam has a brain injury and cannot speak and had to learn how to walk again. Due to his balance issues part of his therapy is hippotherapy, horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative therapy. Unfortunately the local hippotherapy program is struggling financially so Natalie is planning an auction to raise money for the program. She is hoping Des will create and donate some glass ornaments for the auction. She brings Des a plate of Christmas bark as a treat to help sweeten him up to say yes. Mr. grouchy Scrooge turns her down and sparks her stubborn determination to change his "no" to a "yes." One point in her favor is that Des finds himself atttracted to Natalie. How long can he hold out?
The Scrooge of Loon Lake by Carrie Nichols is the fourth book in her Small-Town Sweethearts series. This is a well-written, emotional, yet joyous story. The characters are all very likeable, even Mr. Scrooge. The two main characters Natalie and Des grow as the story unfolds, especially Des. Natalie's son Sam adds much to the enjoyment of the story as he is a very loveable character. I really liked how Natalie's love allowed Des to open his heart to love again. The road to their HEA was a little bumpy but that just added to the enjoyment of the story.
October 19, 2019
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Harlequin Special Edition so when I got this ARC it felt like picking up an old favorite. Des Gallagher is the kind of grumpy hero who’s really just a caring and soft dude who’s been battered by life and initially thinks staying away from love, relationships and connections will be safer and less painful. Of course Natalie Pierce and her small son show up to show Des how wrong he is and how much having a family matters to him!
I’m not always a fan of Christmas centered romance because sometimes it’s a bit too preachy for my taste but Carrie Nichols does a nice job of making Christmas about the love that people have for each other whether platonic or romantic and what they (Des) will do to forge bonds and open up their hearts to love and community.
If you like single moms finding love and grumpy heroes becoming the awesome partners/fathers they’re hiding behind some attitude, you’ll enjoy this book. Also if small town romances that aren’t filled with crazy judgmental people is your catnip get this book and enjoy a sweet romance!!
I’m not always a fan of Christmas centered romance because sometimes it’s a bit too preachy for my taste but Carrie Nichols does a nice job of making Christmas about the love that people have for each other whether platonic or romantic and what they (Des) will do to forge bonds and open up their hearts to love and community.
If you like single moms finding love and grumpy heroes becoming the awesome partners/fathers they’re hiding behind some attitude, you’ll enjoy this book. Also if small town romances that aren’t filled with crazy judgmental people is your catnip get this book and enjoy a sweet romance!!
April 17, 2023
Thank you Carrie for this sweet book I got from one of your giveaways. Carrie moved to loon lake with her five year old son to get a fresh start. She meets the town Scrooge. Somehow Carrie and her son break the ice around his heart and love is finally prevails. Love the happy ending and love this book would recommend and I will find others to read in this series
November 4, 2019
A lonely hermit and a bubbly warm widowed mum. Her son has speech issues following the accident that killed her husband. Very tender romance.
December 30, 2024
(Realistic rating: gosh, if it hadn't been for the incredibly dumb and forced romantic conflict, this truly could have been at least a very soft four stars! There's a lot to love about the characters and the development and the actual dynamic of the relationship, but unfortunately... as I said, the romantic conflict is incredibly dumb and forced. So it's very much 3 stars, 3.5 at best!)
Seriously, what is with all of these dudes acting intensely relationshippy with women and then being like WHOA, HEY, WHY DO I KEEP THINKING ABOUT THIS WOMAN IN A RELATIONSHIPPY WAY/WHY IS SHE SAYING SHE LOVES ME/WHY ALL OF A SUDDEN DOES SHE THINK WE'RE NOT CASUAL or whatever?? Is this really how men behave?? It reads INCREDIBLY unrealistic and makes me think way less of them as heroes because they clearly want to have their cake and eat it too, but have something terrible going on in their brains that stops them from actually defining the relationship or committing to a label that literally just describes what they're already doing. It drives me up the wall!! I understood it more in His Unexpected Twins because it was more mutual, so at least both of them were driving me nuts, ha-- but here, where Des is CLEARLY fulfilling a partner role for Natalie and a father role for Sam but then loses his damn mind at the mere suggestion that that's what he's doing, it's incomprehensible and stupid. And I hate it! In case that wasn't obvious!!
It frustrates me especially much because there's a lot here that's really good! A lot of Des and Natalie's backstories feel full and real and honest, and their personalities are both really three-dimensional and realistic and well suited for one another; it makes sense that they'd get along and like each other, why Des would appeal to Natalie and why Natalie would get through Des's shell. I like the way they are together and the way Des is with Sam -- I like Sam as a character! His disability is treated really realistically and his inability to speak stops him from feeling like a twee caricature. The initial connection feels a tad too quick and convenient, but really, other than the ending, the rest of the story is lovely. It just... dissolves quickly into a series of forced romance novel cliches, and it's frustrating when so much of the rest of it is fresh and fun and feels real. Sigh!
Seriously, what is with all of these dudes acting intensely relationshippy with women and then being like WHOA, HEY, WHY DO I KEEP THINKING ABOUT THIS WOMAN IN A RELATIONSHIPPY WAY/WHY IS SHE SAYING SHE LOVES ME/WHY ALL OF A SUDDEN DOES SHE THINK WE'RE NOT CASUAL or whatever?? Is this really how men behave?? It reads INCREDIBLY unrealistic and makes me think way less of them as heroes because they clearly want to have their cake and eat it too, but have something terrible going on in their brains that stops them from actually defining the relationship or committing to a label that literally just describes what they're already doing. It drives me up the wall!! I understood it more in His Unexpected Twins because it was more mutual, so at least both of them were driving me nuts, ha-- but here, where Des is CLEARLY fulfilling a partner role for Natalie and a father role for Sam but then loses his damn mind at the mere suggestion that that's what he's doing, it's incomprehensible and stupid. And I hate it! In case that wasn't obvious!!
It frustrates me especially much because there's a lot here that's really good! A lot of Des and Natalie's backstories feel full and real and honest, and their personalities are both really three-dimensional and realistic and well suited for one another; it makes sense that they'd get along and like each other, why Des would appeal to Natalie and why Natalie would get through Des's shell. I like the way they are together and the way Des is with Sam -- I like Sam as a character! His disability is treated really realistically and his inability to speak stops him from feeling like a twee caricature. The initial connection feels a tad too quick and convenient, but really, other than the ending, the rest of the story is lovely. It just... dissolves quickly into a series of forced romance novel cliches, and it's frustrating when so much of the rest of it is fresh and fun and feels real. Sigh!
December 11, 2019
Desmond “Des” Gallagher is a glass artist living in a small town in Vermont. He does amazing work with stained or blown glass. So amazing that his work catches the eye of Natalie Pierce who goes on the hunt for the recluse in order to convince him to donate some of his work to the horse therapy place she’s trying to save. She and her son, Sam, find the curmudgeon on a remote farm where he has his studio. Through a series of incidents, they manage to pull him out of his solitude and join the community.
What I liked: everything. Sam is mute from an accident; Natalie is a widow; Des is a wounded warrior whose girlfriend dropped him when he got hurt. What’s not to like? I especially loved the kitten, Shadow. Especially when she interrupts an intense moment between Des and Natalie. So cute. And I really liked the end!
What I didn’t like: If anything at all, the proposal seemed a little rushed, but I still liked it.
Recommendation: Read this book! It’s so sweet and a perfect Christmas read.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
What I liked: everything. Sam is mute from an accident; Natalie is a widow; Des is a wounded warrior whose girlfriend dropped him when he got hurt. What’s not to like? I especially loved the kitten, Shadow. Especially when she interrupts an intense moment between Des and Natalie. So cute. And I really liked the end!
What I didn’t like: If anything at all, the proposal seemed a little rushed, but I still liked it.
Recommendation: Read this book! It’s so sweet and a perfect Christmas read.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 28, 2019
I absolutely adored this gem of a novel. I was drawn in from the very first sentence, and captivated by every single moment of this heartwarming romance. Author Nichols paints such realistic scenes and shapes incredibly dynamic characters. You’ll find yourself rooting for Des and Natalie to find the happiness they both deserve with one another. This is a treat of a story you must not miss out on, in my humble opinion.
dnf
January 8, 2022Sappy. I just kept thinking that on every page, until I gave up on page 88. It wasn't just a little bit, but all over every page. Plus instant attraction and too-forward actions spoiled things. They just met and all they do is think about each other, and not in realistic dialogue. Definitely not my kind of book - though I loved the title. :)
December 8, 2020
This book was really cute. I felt that the ending was too rushed and the romance was also rushed. I understand it’s a short book, but the insta-love was too fast and it bothered me. However, I loved the characters and the romance was good until almost the end of the book. I still enjoyed this book and would like to read the other books in this series.
July 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet romance with the right amount of heat thrown in. A single mom who lost her husband and a man down on love due to a past relationship are the main characters in this story. Can he dare to let himself love again? I like that there are therapy horses in this story. I am an animal lover so that always draws my interest. Definitely worth reading.
December 26, 2019
This is one of the better opposites attract books I've read in a while. Des and Natalie could not be any more different. Add in Sam with his TBI and the issues from that and it is sure to warm your heart!
Read
November 1, 2019Categories
Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Small-Town Sweethearts (Book #4)
Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Small-Town Sweethearts (Book #4)
February 12, 2022
Des has my heart
I thought Brody was my favorite, but Des had to prove me wrong. Little Sam is such a treasure. Nat is pretty amazing mom. Really love the Loon Lake families
I thought Brody was my favorite, but Des had to prove me wrong. Little Sam is such a treasure. Nat is pretty amazing mom. Really love the Loon Lake families
December 24, 2022
3.5 stars
October 31, 2019
I have enjoyed the stories in this series and this one did not disappoint.
We are back in a small town in Vermont where Natalie, a young widow, and her son Sam, have moved to start a new life . Lt. Des Gallagher, is the local “grouchy hermit”. The three of them have suffered losses, and are afraid to love. But while one is willing to give love a try, the other doesn’t believe in love .
Watching Natalie, Des and Sam interact was sweet and touching. But what happens when feelings are revealed?
The author delves with some real life issues while creating her story. Such as the trauma of the death of a spouse, the effects of TBI, traumatic brain injury as well as how our childhood experiences do in fact affect us as adults.
The plot is engaging, and the characters perfect in their imperfections.
Another winner by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
We are back in a small town in Vermont where Natalie, a young widow, and her son Sam, have moved to start a new life . Lt. Des Gallagher, is the local “grouchy hermit”. The three of them have suffered losses, and are afraid to love. But while one is willing to give love a try, the other doesn’t believe in love .
Watching Natalie, Des and Sam interact was sweet and touching. But what happens when feelings are revealed?
The author delves with some real life issues while creating her story. Such as the trauma of the death of a spouse, the effects of TBI, traumatic brain injury as well as how our childhood experiences do in fact affect us as adults.
The plot is engaging, and the characters perfect in their imperfections.
Another winner by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 6, 2019
Des is a bit rough around the edges bitter and hardened he feels its better just being alone until Natalie Piece and her son somehow makes their way into his life. Now this scrooge seems to be softening up towards the small family and everyone around.
This was a cute little romance. I enjoyed seeing Natalie kinda barge her way into Des's life I mean everyone in town knows that he's not much a people person and yet can tolerate Natalie and her son. He just fit so nicely into their dynamic and even if he was still gruff Natalie brought out a sweet side to him. This was such a sweet romance with a couple holiday themes going on to making this the perfect book to read about this time while the holiday seasons are just about beginning. It doesn't scream christmas book, but it a nice little holiday events going on that I enjoyed reading. TBH this book is a good way to get yourself into the holiday spirit I know it got me excited for this upcoming season. Highly recommend!
This was a cute little romance. I enjoyed seeing Natalie kinda barge her way into Des's life I mean everyone in town knows that he's not much a people person and yet can tolerate Natalie and her son. He just fit so nicely into their dynamic and even if he was still gruff Natalie brought out a sweet side to him. This was such a sweet romance with a couple holiday themes going on to making this the perfect book to read about this time while the holiday seasons are just about beginning. It doesn't scream christmas book, but it a nice little holiday events going on that I enjoyed reading. TBH this book is a good way to get yourself into the holiday spirit I know it got me excited for this upcoming season. Highly recommend!
January 2, 2021
Life had not been going very well for Des, making him a grumpy man who didn't want anything to do with people. So he was deliberately nasty to everyone, hoping they would leave him alone.
Natalie was a young widow who was organizing an auction to raise money for a horse-related therapy program her son attended. When she asked Des, a talented glassworker, to make some ornaments for the auction, he gruffly said no. Expecting that to be the end of it, he was surprised when she kept dropping in with treats for him. He began helping them out in various ways, like how to handle Vermont winters and snow.
I liked that the characters had had difficult life experiences to get over but persevered. In different ways. It was good to see Natalie and Des grow, especially Des. I loved the change in him after he got to know Natalie and her son. Natalie's young son added a lot to the enjoyment of the story.
I liked this story but the errors on the cover irritated me.
Natalie was a young widow who was organizing an auction to raise money for a horse-related therapy program her son attended. When she asked Des, a talented glassworker, to make some ornaments for the auction, he gruffly said no. Expecting that to be the end of it, he was surprised when she kept dropping in with treats for him. He began helping them out in various ways, like how to handle Vermont winters and snow.
I liked that the characters had had difficult life experiences to get over but persevered. In different ways. It was good to see Natalie and Des grow, especially Des. I loved the change in him after he got to know Natalie and her son. Natalie's young son added a lot to the enjoyment of the story.
I liked this story but the errors on the cover irritated me.
December 2, 2019
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. Of course I had to jump into reading this book, a holiday romance in a small town with a grinchy, gruff main character, sign me up! I really enjoyed the slight twists on some of the common romance tropes. I did find thought that Des, our male main character, wasn't quite grumpy enough for me, he was a bit too easy to break. I did really enjoy his interactions with Sam though, and I guarantee it will give you those heart swelling emotions you are looking for in a holiday romance book. I did enjoy Natalie, she is such a caring mother and is so upbeat and full of Christmas cheer. This was definitely a heartwarming holiday romance, I just want more!
December 29, 2019
This is book 4 in the Small Town Sweethearts series by Harlequin Special Editions. Former military man, Dan was discharged after an accident left him with a limp. He lives outside of town as a recluse artist that works in glass. Natalie is new to Loon Lake and is working on a fund raiser for a horse farm that gives therapy to her son. She wants Dan to donate Christmas ornaments to the auction. As they get to know each other they both get a Christmas miracle. This is a typical Harlequin romance with a happy ending. A quick and easy read for the busy holiday season. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2020
Another birthday gift (that I picked out). I loved this story, I guess you can say its true the way to a mans heart is through great baking! Another great book that had me almost crying, it was so well written you almost forget it's fiction.
YES, I recommend this product.
YES, I recommend this product.
March 1, 2021
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews