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No Room in the Inn
My Granny leaves me two things when she passes away: her dilapidated old inn and a letter encouraging me to have a Hallmark-worthy Christmas here in Woodfield.
But I’ve seen enough Hallmark movies to know this isn’t one. Because the inns in Hallmark movies? They don’t have squatters. The heroines of Hallmark movies? They never burn their gingerbread cookies. And even though all Hallmark films are about the joy of family, I’d rather stick my head in a snowbank than reconcile with my parents. Nope; Granny’s last requests are going to have to go unfulfilled.
And the town Santa Claus, who's way younger and way more attractive than any Santa should be? He's going to have to stop his flirting. Otherwise, I'll never want to leave this place.
But I’ve seen enough Hallmark movies to know this isn’t one. Because the inns in Hallmark movies? They don’t have squatters. The heroines of Hallmark movies? They never burn their gingerbread cookies. And even though all Hallmark films are about the joy of family, I’d rather stick my head in a snowbank than reconcile with my parents. Nope; Granny’s last requests are going to have to go unfulfilled.
And the town Santa Claus, who's way younger and way more attractive than any Santa should be? He's going to have to stop his flirting. Otherwise, I'll never want to leave this place.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2020
62 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Gracie Ruth Mitchell
19 books832 followersGracie lives in a tiny town in Idaho, where she subsists on a diet of chocolate, romance novels, and kisses from her cute family. She may or may not have a cheesecake addiction, as well as an addiction to scribbling story ideas on whatever flat surfaces happen to be nearby. Clean romance, romantic comedy, and mystery rom coms are her passion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 20, 2025
This was nice but could've been funnier. 2.5 stars
Thought the small town was quiet and warm but on the other (Con) hand, many romcoms are like the Hallmark Channel; there's no need to mention the channel in every other chapter, like how the Female lead is always embarrassed by them.
Thought the small town was quiet and warm but on the other (Con) hand, many romcoms are like the Hallmark Channel; there's no need to mention the channel in every other chapter, like how the Female lead is always embarrassed by them.
December 17, 2020
4.5/5 Stars
No Room in the Inn is an adorable Christmas time read! I was hooked from the very beginning when the main character mentioned Elle Woods. The fantastic references did not stop there! From self-aware Hallmark references to Captain America, this story has many allusions to wonderful fandoms! It dealt with grief and growing pains and forgiveness so well. I loved how Nixon dealt with hardship. My favorite line has to be "... my God is a God of miracles." Talk about chills!
No Room in the Inn is available for FREE for just a few more hours. I would recommend this funny, swoon-worthy romance to any Hallmark fans out there!
No Room in the Inn is an adorable Christmas time read! I was hooked from the very beginning when the main character mentioned Elle Woods. The fantastic references did not stop there! From self-aware Hallmark references to Captain America, this story has many allusions to wonderful fandoms! It dealt with grief and growing pains and forgiveness so well. I loved how Nixon dealt with hardship. My favorite line has to be "... my God is a God of miracles." Talk about chills!
No Room in the Inn is available for FREE for just a few more hours. I would recommend this funny, swoon-worthy romance to any Hallmark fans out there!
December 29, 2020
There are several aspects to enjoy from this story. The friendship between Willow and Sarah is fun and genuine. I love how it pokes fun at Hallmark movie tropes, while also kind of employing those same tropes in the story. I wasn’t as keen on the characters as I’d have liked to have been over all. The romance didn’t quite ring true to me because at one moment, it focused on the physical, then the next, it tried to be deeper. It just moved too fast for my preference.
I would still like to read this author’s full length novel, as I did enjoy the writing style and might possibly like a more developed story better.
I would still like to read this author’s full length novel, as I did enjoy the writing style and might possibly like a more developed story better.
December 31, 2020
My full review can be read here: bit.ly/2X1F4wG
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. “𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦.”
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦.
Gracie has done it again! I fell in love with her first book, Eye of the Beholder, and I most DEFINITELY fell in love with this book as well!! And most of y'all probably know this, but I loveeee watching Hallmark movies...so I was very excited for the Hallmark "not Hallmark" aspect of the book's plot. Spoiler alert: it didn't disappoint. 😉
Nixon was as swoony as they come, and poor Willow was a perfect clumsy/awkward hot mess lol--one that I could totally relate to. I'm so happy we got to see both of their POVs; I feel like that really added to the story! And what a STORY. Obviously, the main plot is "cliche" but there were little twists and turns that kept things interesting/enjoyable. 👀🙌
As far as content goes: No language! There were some mild innuendo/suggestive comments, including a remark about not being a "one-night-stand kind of girl." Remarks about "fetishes" were also made. At one point, Willow mentally realizes that Nixon is going to see the bare skin of her back/the exposed portion of her lacy red bra. Willow's best friend's abusive ex is mentioned in a negative light, but there weren't any triggering details. Nixon was shirtless several different times (I personally was fine with those moments, but I know other readers may not feel the same way). Grief and resentment are two major feelings that are experienced in the story; and even though the book is considered Christian fiction, the "religious elements" weren't overbearing.
While the ending felt a bit rushed, I absolutely enjoyed this sweet (with a touch of spice 😉) Christmas story! Nixon and Willow's chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning...and I loved how they helped each other grow despite their differences/insecurities. I definitely recommend that you add this one to your TBR!!
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. “𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦.”
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦.
Gracie has done it again! I fell in love with her first book, Eye of the Beholder, and I most DEFINITELY fell in love with this book as well!! And most of y'all probably know this, but I loveeee watching Hallmark movies...so I was very excited for the Hallmark "not Hallmark" aspect of the book's plot. Spoiler alert: it didn't disappoint. 😉
Nixon was as swoony as they come, and poor Willow was a perfect clumsy/awkward hot mess lol--one that I could totally relate to. I'm so happy we got to see both of their POVs; I feel like that really added to the story! And what a STORY. Obviously, the main plot is "cliche" but there were little twists and turns that kept things interesting/enjoyable. 👀🙌
As far as content goes: No language! There were some mild innuendo/suggestive comments, including a remark about not being a "one-night-stand kind of girl." Remarks about "fetishes" were also made. At one point, Willow mentally realizes that Nixon is going to see the bare skin of her back/the exposed portion of her lacy red bra. Willow's best friend's abusive ex is mentioned in a negative light, but there weren't any triggering details. Nixon was shirtless several different times (I personally was fine with those moments, but I know other readers may not feel the same way). Grief and resentment are two major feelings that are experienced in the story; and even though the book is considered Christian fiction, the "religious elements" weren't overbearing.
While the ending felt a bit rushed, I absolutely enjoyed this sweet (with a touch of spice 😉) Christmas story! Nixon and Willow's chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning...and I loved how they helped each other grow despite their differences/insecurities. I definitely recommend that you add this one to your TBR!!
December 17, 2020
Swoony and adorable!
I absolutely loved Gracie Ruth Mitchell's first novel, so when I saw she had also written a Christmas novella, I had to read it. Willow and Nixon have crazy chemistry right from the start. It is absolutely wonderful as they each learn about forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas.
I absolutely loved Gracie Ruth Mitchell's first novel, so when I saw she had also written a Christmas novella, I had to read it. Willow and Nixon have crazy chemistry right from the start. It is absolutely wonderful as they each learn about forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas.
November 22, 2022
Sweet, short, & perfect for the season ❄️🤍
December 10, 2024
no room in the inn
3.5 ✨
To the month of October, which was spent in a writing frenzy. And to everyone out there who needs this book. You can do hard things, including forgiving yourself.
overview: for lovers of Hallmark movies and Santa suits 🤭
characters: Willow is hilarious and her anxiety-prone brain is so relatable; her awkwardness has me giggling. I liked her character development! I was also greatly surprised at her wisdom lol.
Nixon is confident and I love how he just would come out and say what he was thinking. He’s also very understanding and sweet.
romance: the situations Willow gets herself into with Nixon are ridiculous and hilarious but also swoon worthy lol. I appreciate how their relationship had mature development during the third act breakup. I enjoyed how they helped each other through their grief and forgiveness of the past.
✨ dislike to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ lots of winter activities
To my surprise, there's no smirk on his face, no grin. Instead he just gives me a small smile. Then he points at the nativity. "That's it," he says. "That's the meaning of Christmas. That's always been the meaning of Christmas. It's that simple."
"What do you need from me?" he says, his voice soft. I look over at him, surprised. "What do you mean?" He exhales roughly, running one hand over his hair. "I mean, what do you need? Do you want to talk? Do you want me to leave you alone? Do you want to go home, or to Sarah's, or someplace else? Is it okay to look at you, or should I look away when you cry?" He pauses, his eyes intent on mine, then says, "What I'm saying is, how can I help you mourn in comfort?"
"I don't have any sort of fancy speech. I just love you. I'll always love you.”
writing: faced paced, easy to read. Themes of Christmas, forgiveness, and healing.
atmosphere: laughing over burnt gingerbread and off-tune singing, a grandmothers warm smile, mistletoe kisses, and the reason for Christmas.
season: winter.
———
content: language (n/a). sexual (a couple innuendos, touches and kisses, some “noticing” but nothing vulgar, NO SPICE). other (some estranged family scenes, off page death of a close family member).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
3.5 ✨
To the month of October, which was spent in a writing frenzy. And to everyone out there who needs this book. You can do hard things, including forgiving yourself.
overview: for lovers of Hallmark movies and Santa suits 🤭
characters: Willow is hilarious and her anxiety-prone brain is so relatable; her awkwardness has me giggling. I liked her character development! I was also greatly surprised at her wisdom lol.
Nixon is confident and I love how he just would come out and say what he was thinking. He’s also very understanding and sweet.
romance: the situations Willow gets herself into with Nixon are ridiculous and hilarious but also swoon worthy lol. I appreciate how their relationship had mature development during the third act breakup. I enjoyed how they helped each other through their grief and forgiveness of the past.
✨ dislike to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ lots of winter activities
To my surprise, there's no smirk on his face, no grin. Instead he just gives me a small smile. Then he points at the nativity. "That's it," he says. "That's the meaning of Christmas. That's always been the meaning of Christmas. It's that simple."
"What do you need from me?" he says, his voice soft. I look over at him, surprised. "What do you mean?" He exhales roughly, running one hand over his hair. "I mean, what do you need? Do you want to talk? Do you want me to leave you alone? Do you want to go home, or to Sarah's, or someplace else? Is it okay to look at you, or should I look away when you cry?" He pauses, his eyes intent on mine, then says, "What I'm saying is, how can I help you mourn in comfort?"
"I don't have any sort of fancy speech. I just love you. I'll always love you.”
writing: faced paced, easy to read. Themes of Christmas, forgiveness, and healing.
atmosphere: laughing over burnt gingerbread and off-tune singing, a grandmothers warm smile, mistletoe kisses, and the reason for Christmas.
season: winter.
———
content: language (n/a). sexual (a couple innuendos, touches and kisses, some “noticing” but nothing vulgar, NO SPICE). other (some estranged family scenes, off page death of a close family member).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
January 8, 2022
I've been enjoying light RomComs lately and this was a fun one to read around Christmas.
I read this for something enjoyable and easy. That's just what it is. We get delightful witty banter between the love interest. Limited confrontations. And lots of swoony romantic moments that are also clean.
Willow and Dixon are a fantastic pair. They seem so different and the many times they meet in coincidental circumstances is just funny. I enjoyed how they try to not like each other and yet the romantic tension keeps mounting. Loved the mistletoe kiss.
The inn is such a picturesque setting. I loved the Christmas Eve dinner and all the fun town holiday festivities.
The running joke about living a Hallmark movie the wrong way was fun. And I liked how the climax played into that trope as well.
Appreciated the depth in this overall light story with Willow working to heal her relationship with her parents, grieving over loved ones, and how to turn to God when we feel guilt and anger.
Overall, a fun and lighthearted story!
I read this for something enjoyable and easy. That's just what it is. We get delightful witty banter between the love interest. Limited confrontations. And lots of swoony romantic moments that are also clean.
Willow and Dixon are a fantastic pair. They seem so different and the many times they meet in coincidental circumstances is just funny. I enjoyed how they try to not like each other and yet the romantic tension keeps mounting. Loved the mistletoe kiss.
The inn is such a picturesque setting. I loved the Christmas Eve dinner and all the fun town holiday festivities.
The running joke about living a Hallmark movie the wrong way was fun. And I liked how the climax played into that trope as well.
Appreciated the depth in this overall light story with Willow working to heal her relationship with her parents, grieving over loved ones, and how to turn to God when we feel guilt and anger.
Overall, a fun and lighthearted story!
November 26, 2021
Short Review: This one brings the Hallmark cuteness.
Long Review: This was a cute story. I enjoyed getting to know Willow. I love a sassy independent female lead character. I loved her relationship with her best friend and how they supported each other through out the book.
I wasn't so crazy about Nixon. Mostly, due to the way the story arc was handled and the unbelievable lack of communication. There should have been more effort at communication if they really had feelings for each other. That should have been flushed out more. It left his character feeling very one dimensional and silly. The term man child comes to mind.
That said, I did enjoy all the cheesy Hallmark vibes I got from this book. I recommend you add it to your holiday read list!
Long Review: This was a cute story. I enjoyed getting to know Willow. I love a sassy independent female lead character. I loved her relationship with her best friend and how they supported each other through out the book.
I wasn't so crazy about Nixon. Mostly, due to the way the story arc was handled and the unbelievable lack of communication. There should have been more effort at communication if they really had feelings for each other. That should have been flushed out more. It left his character feeling very one dimensional and silly. The term man child comes to mind.
That said, I did enjoy all the cheesy Hallmark vibes I got from this book. I recommend you add it to your holiday read list!
December 22, 2022
I really liked this Christmas romance. It poked fun at Hallmark movies, and how predictable they are all while following a predictable Hallmark movie storyline itself. It has some light faith elements that didn't feel out of place or forced at all.
December 1, 2020
3+ Stars
July 11, 2021
3.5 stars. A really cute Christmas themed novella!
December 26, 2021
Yet another adorable Christmas romance. This one was deliberately textbook Hallmark and it worked well.
December 21, 2024
cute! a bit too short for my liking but it was really good. and it was 100% a hallmark movie.
December 13, 2025
I originally read this back in 2021, before I used Goodreads or reviewed anything. I know I gave it 5⭐️, but I couldn’t remember a single detail. So I decided to reread it and see if it actually lived up to my nonexistent memories. It absolutely did.
This author is hit or miss for me, but when she hits—she really hits. This book is genuinely hilarious. I don’t laugh out loud at books often, but this one did repeatedly.
What makes it especially funny is that the book knows it’s a Hallmark movie. The main character is fully aware she’s living in one and constantly calls it out, which makes the whole setup clever instead of cheesy.
The thread of faith and forgiveness woven throughout the story is handled beautifully and with real care—present without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And Nixon. The way he loves is everything. In 2021, I would’ve said he was a book boyfriend I wanted. Now I can confidently say he’s a book boyfriend I have.
It’s a near-perfect holiday romance, and the holiday element is minimal, so even if seasonal reads aren’t usually your thing, this one still works.
This author is hit or miss for me, but when she hits—she really hits. This book is genuinely hilarious. I don’t laugh out loud at books often, but this one did repeatedly.
What makes it especially funny is that the book knows it’s a Hallmark movie. The main character is fully aware she’s living in one and constantly calls it out, which makes the whole setup clever instead of cheesy.
The thread of faith and forgiveness woven throughout the story is handled beautifully and with real care—present without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And Nixon. The way he loves is everything. In 2021, I would’ve said he was a book boyfriend I wanted. Now I can confidently say he’s a book boyfriend I have.
It’s a near-perfect holiday romance, and the holiday element is minimal, so even if seasonal reads aren’t usually your thing, this one still works.
December 11, 2021
Let's be clear... I do not read this genre of book. Ever. Ever ever. It's just not my thing. But I got my hands on a copy of it and thought, "Why not?" And you know what? I liked it. Not only that, I really enjoyed it. And I was really impressed by the writing in general. A lot of things just made me smile and I think it was really well done. And while this is still not my genre, I wouldn't hesitate to read a book by Gracie Ruth Mitchell again. She's got mad skills that can pierce the heart of even the most angsty, anti-romance curmudgeon.
December 1, 2020
My opinion on this book is complicated. A three star review is good, in all honesty. A little thing called inflation made new authors think they were failures if they got anything less than a five star review which is not true! For example, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice and the Count of Monte Cristo are five star books, but, to be frank, books that are basically a hallmark script do not compare to those great classics. I HAVE been guilty of giving some of those books five stars- I just can’t help it if I can read them with unfettered enjoyment.
Now for my actual review...
What I liked:
- I absolutely LOVE Mitchell’s style of writing present tense, alternating character perspective. Understanding the thought process of the characters really brought them to life
- The writing flows
- Nixon’s jealous moment at the Christmas party was adorable
-I already said this, but the characters were easy to imagine. They didn’t seem forced or too perfect or unrealistic
- the chemistry was on point
What I wasn’t super crazy about:
- It felt like the author was afraid of offending someone. I mean, girl! You wrote “Eye of the Beholder”- a completely enjoyable and honest story! It just kinda felt like she started writing for her readers instead of for herself on this book...(that sounds way cheesy but it’s true!)
- one or two crude sentences (I would still consider this a clean read! They were just not very classy comments...)
I still can’t really put my finger on how I feel about this book... while it was enjoyable, it just kind of fell flat somehow. I was expecting something more like her first book I guess.
I do hope this author keeps writing (but I hope she stops worrying what her readers think!!!) and I’m planning on buying her next book, so go out and get your copies, although if you want to experience unfettered enjoyment, for sure buy her first one!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: clean
Religion: a teensy bit
Language: none
8/10 would recommend:)
Now for my actual review...
What I liked:
- I absolutely LOVE Mitchell’s style of writing present tense, alternating character perspective. Understanding the thought process of the characters really brought them to life
- The writing flows
- Nixon’s jealous moment at the Christmas party was adorable
-I already said this, but the characters were easy to imagine. They didn’t seem forced or too perfect or unrealistic
- the chemistry was on point
What I wasn’t super crazy about:
- It felt like the author was afraid of offending someone. I mean, girl! You wrote “Eye of the Beholder”- a completely enjoyable and honest story! It just kinda felt like she started writing for her readers instead of for herself on this book...(that sounds way cheesy but it’s true!)
- one or two crude sentences (I would still consider this a clean read! They were just not very classy comments...)
I still can’t really put my finger on how I feel about this book... while it was enjoyable, it just kind of fell flat somehow. I was expecting something more like her first book I guess.
I do hope this author keeps writing (but I hope she stops worrying what her readers think!!!) and I’m planning on buying her next book, so go out and get your copies, although if you want to experience unfettered enjoyment, for sure buy her first one!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: clean
Religion: a teensy bit
Language: none
8/10 would recommend:)
December 10, 2020
▪️No Room in the Inn▪️
"What right do you have to hold on to something He's already forgiven?"
"No Room in the Inn" teaches an important lesson; watch too many Hallmarks and you'll end out living in one.
Willow just broke up with her big city boyfriend, when her grandmother dies and she has to go back to her small hometown in-you guessed it; Vermont.
Her grandmother left her the B&B and a last request, for a "Christmas miracle". Willow isn't sticking around though.
First on her to-do list is visiting her cat. Second, is selling the B&B. Only, there's someone living there and he's determined to convince her not to sell.
After just a couple of pages, I was sitting there like...What. The . Hallmark.
But then, this jem, “This all just seems familiar…? But it can’t be. Obviously none of this has ever happened before.”
And, “A Hallmark movie, I’m in a Hallmark movie!”
A realization that at least cracked the fourth wall.
To her credit, Willow is totally into this. She is ready to have the Hallmark of Hallmark Christmases. The problem is, the love interest already knows all about the meaning of Christmas and Willow, to be frank, is awful at Christmas. She keeps making a mess of all the potentially cutesy scenes in the, "Christmas activities montage". (And realizes maybe she’s the one who doesn’t quite know the meaning of Christmas lol.)
I wasn’t into the “Hot Santa,” parts and since it was a rather big element of the story, it put a bit of a damper on it for me, but otherwise, it was lovely!
I loved Willow and Nixon’s relationship, (ugh his name tho😂). Not only was it sweet, funny and full of easy banter, they also had a lot of more personal conversations that allowed their relationship to grow.
I was pleasantly surprised by the deeper themes of forgiveness and grace in this book, which was otherwise, a romantic comedy for all intents and purposes.
3.75/5😉
"What right do you have to hold on to something He's already forgiven?"
"No Room in the Inn" teaches an important lesson; watch too many Hallmarks and you'll end out living in one.
Willow just broke up with her big city boyfriend, when her grandmother dies and she has to go back to her small hometown in-you guessed it; Vermont.
Her grandmother left her the B&B and a last request, for a "Christmas miracle". Willow isn't sticking around though.
First on her to-do list is visiting her cat. Second, is selling the B&B. Only, there's someone living there and he's determined to convince her not to sell.
After just a couple of pages, I was sitting there like...What. The . Hallmark.
But then, this jem, “This all just seems familiar…? But it can’t be. Obviously none of this has ever happened before.”
And, “A Hallmark movie, I’m in a Hallmark movie!”
A realization that at least cracked the fourth wall.
To her credit, Willow is totally into this. She is ready to have the Hallmark of Hallmark Christmases. The problem is, the love interest already knows all about the meaning of Christmas and Willow, to be frank, is awful at Christmas. She keeps making a mess of all the potentially cutesy scenes in the, "Christmas activities montage". (And realizes maybe she’s the one who doesn’t quite know the meaning of Christmas lol.)
I wasn’t into the “Hot Santa,” parts and since it was a rather big element of the story, it put a bit of a damper on it for me, but otherwise, it was lovely!
I loved Willow and Nixon’s relationship, (ugh his name tho😂). Not only was it sweet, funny and full of easy banter, they also had a lot of more personal conversations that allowed their relationship to grow.
I was pleasantly surprised by the deeper themes of forgiveness and grace in this book, which was otherwise, a romantic comedy for all intents and purposes.
3.75/5😉
November 20, 2022
“So like I said this morning, I just figured you were probably the crotchety town Scrooge. You would be grumpy all the time, but ultimately your heart would soften as you fell in love with me and learned the true meaning of Christmas.”
There’s one ringing second of silence before I realize what I’ve said.
“In the movie,” I added hastily. “Fall in love with me in the movie. Not in real life.”
Nixon cocks one eyebrow, looking amused. “Nice to see you’re planning our future-”
“I’m not!” I say.
Note to self: Do not kiss the girl you're trying not to fall for.
I'll say it again for the people in the back, or for the people who are just really dumb, like me: Do not kiss the girl you're trying not to fall for.
Because then you might realize that it's too late; you're already falling.
Hard.
My Granny leaves me two things when she passes away: her dilapidated old inn and a letter encouraging me to have a Hallmark-worthy Christmas here in Woodfield.
But I’ve seen enough Hallmark movies to know this isn’t one. Because the inns in Hallmark movies? They don’t have squatters. The heroines of Hallmark movies? They never burn their gingerbread cookies. And even though all Hallmark films are about the joy of family, I’d rather stick my head in a snowbank than reconcile with my parents. Nope; Granny’s last requests are going to have to go unfulfilled.
And the town Santa Claus, who’s way younger and way more attractive than any Santa should be? He’s going to have to stop his flirting. Otherwise, I’ll never want to leave this place.
I enjoyed this Christmas novel. But at times it seemed like Willow was immature. And I don’t recall if the author ever said how old Nixon was, but to me, he didn’t seem so young. I loved the Legally Blonde references. And I love the Hallmark vibes. 3.5 stars.
There’s one ringing second of silence before I realize what I’ve said.
“In the movie,” I added hastily. “Fall in love with me in the movie. Not in real life.”
Nixon cocks one eyebrow, looking amused. “Nice to see you’re planning our future-”
“I’m not!” I say.
Note to self: Do not kiss the girl you're trying not to fall for.
I'll say it again for the people in the back, or for the people who are just really dumb, like me: Do not kiss the girl you're trying not to fall for.
Because then you might realize that it's too late; you're already falling.
Hard.
My Granny leaves me two things when she passes away: her dilapidated old inn and a letter encouraging me to have a Hallmark-worthy Christmas here in Woodfield.
But I’ve seen enough Hallmark movies to know this isn’t one. Because the inns in Hallmark movies? They don’t have squatters. The heroines of Hallmark movies? They never burn their gingerbread cookies. And even though all Hallmark films are about the joy of family, I’d rather stick my head in a snowbank than reconcile with my parents. Nope; Granny’s last requests are going to have to go unfulfilled.
And the town Santa Claus, who’s way younger and way more attractive than any Santa should be? He’s going to have to stop his flirting. Otherwise, I’ll never want to leave this place.
I enjoyed this Christmas novel. But at times it seemed like Willow was immature. And I don’t recall if the author ever said how old Nixon was, but to me, he didn’t seem so young. I loved the Legally Blonde references. And I love the Hallmark vibes. 3.5 stars.
December 10, 2020
Do you enjoy laughing until you cry? Do you enjoy relating way too much to a character from the clumsy moments that occur? Do you laugh reading the phrase “Hot Santa”…. cause y’all this Santa is a HOTTY!! Welp then I know what you are picking up to read right now!!!
Synopsis:
When things go bad….. they get worse. Willow, a newly dumped and graduated architect, just found out from her hippy mother, that her Granny just passed away. Low and behold, Granny left her the bed and breakfast in her will with a very odd note to go along with it. So she returns to her freezing cold small town of Woodfield for the funeral, and meets “Hot Santa”, while literally stuck in an ugly sweater dress in a parade dressing room. As the story unfolds, the embarrassing moments continue, the past is revisited, and “Hot Santa” isn’t just hot…. he is kind, helpful, supportive, and oh so sexy!
This is hands down my favorite contemporary clean RomCom of all time! I have never laughed this hard reading a book ever! This book has literally everything…. it has the true meaning of christmas, forgiveness, steamy flirtation, and hilarious relatable moments that I know every single one of you have experienced. If you pick up one book this christmas season or any season truly, then this is the book you will pick up! If you don’t go and get this book, I will likely be very disappointed in you! Cause y’all everyone needs to read it…. I don’t care if you don’t love this genre, I know you like to laugh and this 100% will make you do that!
Thank you to Gracie Ruth Mitchell for an ARC of this book for our Christmas Week of Books!
Synopsis:
When things go bad….. they get worse. Willow, a newly dumped and graduated architect, just found out from her hippy mother, that her Granny just passed away. Low and behold, Granny left her the bed and breakfast in her will with a very odd note to go along with it. So she returns to her freezing cold small town of Woodfield for the funeral, and meets “Hot Santa”, while literally stuck in an ugly sweater dress in a parade dressing room. As the story unfolds, the embarrassing moments continue, the past is revisited, and “Hot Santa” isn’t just hot…. he is kind, helpful, supportive, and oh so sexy!
This is hands down my favorite contemporary clean RomCom of all time! I have never laughed this hard reading a book ever! This book has literally everything…. it has the true meaning of christmas, forgiveness, steamy flirtation, and hilarious relatable moments that I know every single one of you have experienced. If you pick up one book this christmas season or any season truly, then this is the book you will pick up! If you don’t go and get this book, I will likely be very disappointed in you! Cause y’all everyone needs to read it…. I don’t care if you don’t love this genre, I know you like to laugh and this 100% will make you do that!
Thank you to Gracie Ruth Mitchell for an ARC of this book for our Christmas Week of Books!
January 4, 2021
This was the first book I read from this author. I liked the beginning of the book and was immediately drawn into the story. I loved the relationship between Sarah and Willow. It was so refreshing to see the beautiful supportive friendship.
However, I wasn't a big fan of the romance. It didn't feel believable to me. I felt like something was missing. We get a lot from Willow's perspective but not much from Nixon's perspective and I felt there wasn't much depth to his character. Their relationship came across to me as quite shallow and the story did feel a bit rushed to me.
That being said the highlight of the book for me was the lesson about forgiveness Nixon learnt from Willow. We are indeed not greater than God and if God can forgive all our sins, then truly who are we to hold grudges against others and against ourselves?
Even though I wasn't a massive fan of this book, it's just my opinion and may work for someone else so I'll definitely say give it a try. I'm looking forward to reading the author's novel "Eye of the beholder." ☺️
However, I wasn't a big fan of the romance. It didn't feel believable to me. I felt like something was missing. We get a lot from Willow's perspective but not much from Nixon's perspective and I felt there wasn't much depth to his character. Their relationship came across to me as quite shallow and the story did feel a bit rushed to me.
That being said the highlight of the book for me was the lesson about forgiveness Nixon learnt from Willow. We are indeed not greater than God and if God can forgive all our sins, then truly who are we to hold grudges against others and against ourselves?
Even though I wasn't a massive fan of this book, it's just my opinion and may work for someone else so I'll definitely say give it a try. I'm looking forward to reading the author's novel "Eye of the beholder." ☺️
December 12, 2021
Willow + Nixon = A Hallmark Christmas?
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told by both Willow and Nixon’s (but mainly Willow’s) points of view
– there is an insinuation about someone needing a person to warm their bed (there and gone again very few sentences thing)
Review:
I loved so much about this book! But especially the Hallmark Christmas activities Willow and Nixon partake in (mainly because they all don’t quite hit the mark for Hallmark 😂).
Willow’s grandmother, affectionately known as Granny by many, just passed away and left Willow her inn and a note to go with it. And the note gives Willow the impression that her Granny wants her to have a Hallmark worthy Christmas.
Reconciliation with her parents, caring for a moody, grinchy guy, enjoying time in her Christmas obsessed town…the works. But not everything seems to line up for the Christmas Granny wanted for her, starting with the fact that Willow is not keen on spending time with her parents. And then the guy isn’t all that grinchy. In fact, he’s downright jolly. 🎅 Maybe she can still have her Hallmark moments during her fun Christmas activities…she’ll just need to drag Nixon (the jolly guy) along for the ride.
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told by both Willow and Nixon’s (but mainly Willow’s) points of view
– there is an insinuation about someone needing a person to warm their bed (there and gone again very few sentences thing)
Review:
I loved so much about this book! But especially the Hallmark Christmas activities Willow and Nixon partake in (mainly because they all don’t quite hit the mark for Hallmark 😂).
Willow’s grandmother, affectionately known as Granny by many, just passed away and left Willow her inn and a note to go with it. And the note gives Willow the impression that her Granny wants her to have a Hallmark worthy Christmas.
Reconciliation with her parents, caring for a moody, grinchy guy, enjoying time in her Christmas obsessed town…the works. But not everything seems to line up for the Christmas Granny wanted for her, starting with the fact that Willow is not keen on spending time with her parents. And then the guy isn’t all that grinchy. In fact, he’s downright jolly. 🎅 Maybe she can still have her Hallmark moments during her fun Christmas activities…she’ll just need to drag Nixon (the jolly guy) along for the ride.
January 3, 2021
Witty, sweet, nice, quick Christmas read
I think the plot of the book was great & I liked how the story flowed. I loved the best friend Sarah. She's a side character that definitely deserves her own happily ever after book. Nixon was fabulous as well. He was pretty funny. I thought the banter between him & Willow was pretty good. I thought it nice the story was a had it's fun moments but also a few moments that reminded us of the spirit of Christmas. Like The Charlie Brown Christmas special! Not in the story but just in that a few scenes we read of the reason for Christmas. I liked how the epilogue gave us a nice little conclusion. Only thing I didn't like so much was the issue between Willow & her parents didn't feel resolved to me. Yes, forgiveness is important but her parents were pretty horrible in what they did. I'd want to stay away too.
I think the plot of the book was great & I liked how the story flowed. I loved the best friend Sarah. She's a side character that definitely deserves her own happily ever after book. Nixon was fabulous as well. He was pretty funny. I thought the banter between him & Willow was pretty good. I thought it nice the story was a had it's fun moments but also a few moments that reminded us of the spirit of Christmas. Like The Charlie Brown Christmas special! Not in the story but just in that a few scenes we read of the reason for Christmas. I liked how the epilogue gave us a nice little conclusion. Only thing I didn't like so much was the issue between Willow & her parents didn't feel resolved to me. Yes, forgiveness is important but her parents were pretty horrible in what they did. I'd want to stay away too.
December 19, 2020
Willow has inherited two things from her granny: a bed and breakfast in need of repair and the makings of a Hallmark worthy Christmas complete with the chance to help someone learn the true meaning of Christmas. But is Nixon, the sexy Santa Claus actor staying at the bed and breakfast, who she’s meant to teach? Or does she have something to learn about the meaning of the season?
I loved this rom com! It was lighthearted and hilarious, while also teaching some important lessons about the meaning of Christmas. I loved the characters, especially Willow’s feisty best friend, Sarah. Willow made the story a delight from her penchant for mishap to her hilarious internal ramblings. If you’re looking for a humorous, fun Christmas read, this book is for you!
I loved this rom com! It was lighthearted and hilarious, while also teaching some important lessons about the meaning of Christmas. I loved the characters, especially Willow’s feisty best friend, Sarah. Willow made the story a delight from her penchant for mishap to her hilarious internal ramblings. If you’re looking for a humorous, fun Christmas read, this book is for you!
December 7, 2021
Honestly enjoyed reading this, it got a hearty laugh out loud from me....until it turned into a "Have you heard about our lord and savior Jesus Christ" type novel. After that happened, I kind of lost interest in the remainder of the book as I'm not religious and don't enjoy consuming "Christian content". That being said, if you don't do enjoy a good rom com and don't mind religious "are you saved??" story lines, I can't deny this was a cute story, and it's definitely worth the read.
Unfortunately, the final "conflict" was SO frustrating. I hate romcoms with conflict that could be resolved with literally one sentence of communication between the main characters. It felt immature and hard to believe that two responsible adults who were previously so communicative, vulnerable and honest with each other would let their relationship blow up over an assumption that could have been cleared up with a quick question.
Unfortunately, the final "conflict" was SO frustrating. I hate romcoms with conflict that could be resolved with literally one sentence of communication between the main characters. It felt immature and hard to believe that two responsible adults who were previously so communicative, vulnerable and honest with each other would let their relationship blow up over an assumption that could have been cleared up with a quick question.
December 13, 2020
No Room in the Inn by Gracie Ruth Mitchell was awesome! A Christmas RomCom with deep characters. I’m normally not a very Hallmarky person (insert yourself *gasps* here), but I loved this book! Definitely a reread in my future!
Nixon and Willow are such fun characters and they both grow as individuals throughout the book. I loved the little bit of heavy topic done in a tasteful and meaningful way! Nixon is incredible on how he helps a Willow with her grief and I think everyone can learn from how he helps! Sarah and Willow have a great friendship and it made me keep wanting to call up my bestie and chat!
Nixon and Willow are such fun characters and they both grow as individuals throughout the book. I loved the little bit of heavy topic done in a tasteful and meaningful way! Nixon is incredible on how he helps a Willow with her grief and I think everyone can learn from how he helps! Sarah and Willow have a great friendship and it made me keep wanting to call up my bestie and chat!
December 3, 2020
Loved it!
This book was adorable! I loved the characters and the storyline and everything about it! I actually had to take a break when I was in the middle of the story because I was holding my sleeping daughter; I had to hold back laughter at least three times so I wouldn’t wake her up! This book made me laugh so much, and it also made me smile often because of the romance. If you are a fan of sweet romantic comedies, this one is a great fit! I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
This book was adorable! I loved the characters and the storyline and everything about it! I actually had to take a break when I was in the middle of the story because I was holding my sleeping daughter; I had to hold back laughter at least three times so I wouldn’t wake her up! This book made me laugh so much, and it also made me smile often because of the romance. If you are a fan of sweet romantic comedies, this one is a great fit! I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
December 29, 2020
I didn’t really care for this story. I was a bit bored and I didn’t feel like the relationship between the main characters was really developed enough and the reason that Willow hadn’t been home in seven years was not quite good enough to make her not look like an immature person holding a grudge. I also don’t understand why she wouldn’t have seen or spoken with her grandmother. Or picked up her cat that she loved so much. I just didn’t connect with the story. I gave it three ⭐️ because it was still fairly well written and it wasn’t bad, I just didn’t enjoy it.
December 28, 2021
Ok, and the award for my favorite Christmas romantic comedy this year goes to this one! Not that I’m handing out awards, but I read a lot of great Christmas books this year and in this category No Room in the Inn was my favorite!
I laughed out loud several times through the book. I found myself enjoying both main characters, I’m looking at you hot Santa, and their chemistry was fantastic🔥😍 The addition of the Hallmark tropes all gone awry was hilarious. I loved the moment it brought it back to the the true meaning of Christmas. Highly recommend this one!
I laughed out loud several times through the book. I found myself enjoying both main characters, I’m looking at you hot Santa, and their chemistry was fantastic🔥😍 The addition of the Hallmark tropes all gone awry was hilarious. I loved the moment it brought it back to the the true meaning of Christmas. Highly recommend this one!
April 17, 2022
Cute storyline. I really liked the characters in this book, especially Nixon. However, my main complaint is that I wish we had more chapters in Nixon’s point of view. I don’t really get what the point of having any chapters in his POV was when there weren’t many and when we didn’t really learn anything new about him. Additionally, I do wish that we could’ve seen Willow and Nixon in an actual relationship instead of ending the book right as they got together. I think this could’ve easily been done by making the epilogue longer. All in all, a good and short read.
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