The Secret Santa Project

Seasons of Alaska #8

by Carol Ross

A gift he wasn’t expecting…

A special Christmas wish

Working with his best friend’s sister isn't how Cricket Blackburn had planned to spend his holidays. He’d tried to forget about sweet, beautiful Hazel James for ten whole years and now she's back, closer to him than ever. They have a Christmas charity to run—certainly that will keep Cricket’s mind off what might have been. Perhaps if he tells Santa his secrets, his ultimate wish might come true.

From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Seasons of Alaska

Book 1: Mountains Apart
Book 2: A Case for Forgiveness
Book 3: If Not for a Bee
Book 4: A Family Like Hannah's
Book 5: Bachelor Remedy
Book 6: In the Doctor's Arms
Book 7: Catching Mr. Right
Book 8: The Secret Santa Project

Genres: Contemporary, Christmas

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 27, 2021

About the author

USA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT is the story of Hazel who is home for the holidays and is helping her Mom with the Operation Christmas Project. But when Cricket arrives, things get totally crazy! Hazel has had a crush on Cricket since she was a young girl and Cricket has feelings for her too, but refuses to betray the bro code he has with Hazel’s brother, Tag. He is very protective of his little sister. Hazel tells Cricket she is totally over her feelings for him and wants to remain “just friends”. Ha! You know how that’s going to go right? I fell in love, almost instantly with Hazel’s family and I’m sure you will too. They way they each have each other’s backs is amazing. I wish my brother and sisters were that way! Hazel’s family took Cricket in when he was younger when his Dad got into trouble with the law so he has always been around them. Hold on people, it’s going to be a very bumpy but funny ride!

THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT is the eighth book in the Seasons of Alaska series. That being said, you can easily read this one as a stand alone which is what I did. I can’t wait to go back and read the ones I missed and continue with this series. Carol Ross writes about characters that become real right before your eyes. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT is a heart tugging and wonderful tale and I loved it. I love how Cricket is very judgmental of Hazel but she proves him wrong over and over again. I soon found myself cheering for her every time I turned the page.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT. It is funny and heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Carol Ross does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be in Alaska preparing for Christmas with these wonderful and loving people! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Prism Book Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Ohhhhh I’ve been waiting for this story!!! Hazel & Cricket have been on my radar for a bit now, and especially after Catching Mr. Right. Their journey to happily-ever-after was everything I wanted it to be and more – swoony, sweet, tender, and passionate. And my goodness, the romantic tension was off the charts. Whew. I’m still fanning over some of their locked gazes (mostly courtesy of Cricket and his intense smolder).

Hazel and Cricket have a long history, and in fact Cricket’s history with the James family goes back even before Hazel was born. He didn’t come from a solid, loving, or close-knit family like Hazel did, and his interactions with the James clan became his family. Which adds all sort of tricky layers to his feelings for Hazel. The author does a great job of presenting these obstacles in a way that makes more & more sense as we learn more of Cricket’s background. This part of Cricket’s past also added further dimension to the story, and it leads to a very sweet moment at the end of the book – one that had me a little teary-eyed too.

In The Secret Santa Project we also get to see Cricket’s brother Lee, and he surprised me in every possible (good) way. I really loved his character and would love to see more of his story at some point in the future. He provided humor as well as heart, and readers will delight in watching how he adds to the story in many different aspects.

Bottom Line: I love Hazel and I love Cricket … and I love them even more together. The dialogue, the friendship, the deeper feelings, the spark-filled looks, and then the smokin’ hot kisses – all of it was just perfection. It may be August, but I can read Christmas stories any time of the year – and it helps take the edge off the 90+ degree heat here right now when I imagine I’m visiting the James family instead. Add in a secret Santa gift exchange, a Christmas donation drive, and the stunning Alaskan setting, and you’ve got a fabulous read from start to finish!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Carol Ross, for providing a complimentary review copy of the book through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.

I love Christmas. And, I love it ANY time of the year. So, if a book has SOME kind of Christmas going on – I’ll read it. This cover definitely makes me want to grab this, a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and snuggle on the couch. Of course, in 100° (F)+ heat – two of those things are NOT going to happen. But, the cover does put me in the Christmas mood.

This not the first book I’ve read by the author. I read her standalone, Second Chance for the Single Dad. And, I was previously introduced to this series when I read Catching Mr. Right. I absolutely LOVED that book. And, this book is definitely connected.

While this could be a standalone, readers would likely benefit from reading the previous books in the series.

This book features Cricket Blackburn (who made an appearance in the previous book) along with Hazel James – Seth and Iris’ triplet. Seth, Victoria, and Scarlett (Catching Mr. Right) visit Alaska, and the events of that book are referenced to, including an incident between Hazel and Cricket in this sweet (and sometimes frustrating) “friends to more” kind of romance that had a Hallmark movie vibe to it. I loved the origin of Cricket’s name – and I had to laugh as it was definitely unique (think Disney).

Other members of Hazel’s family, presumably from other novels, return or are mentioned.

I loved the fact that Cricket was a bit older than Hazel (10 years). It definitely made the “relationship” make sense as well as his attitude towards her.

There is a LOT going on in this book – Hazel’s mom’s charity, Cricket’s business, Cricket’s incarcerated father and brother, and an eventual slight mystery surrounding a theft.

I definitely enjoyed the slightly short chapters. This is a thing with me – I LOVE short chapters. I can keep reading and reading. Longer ones tend to become tedious and I don’t keep my attention span, sort of why as much as I enjoy the Heartwarming line, it isn’t a top favorite for me.

This begins, obviously after the events in Catching Mr. Right. Cricket is trying to get through to Hazel who wants to ignore him. And, like obviously before – he comes to “rescue” her. This is important as it refers to an incident outside of the book, and it becomes a theme later on in this book.

Try as she might, Hazel can’t “get over” Cricket despite thinking she is. And, he’s keeping her at arm’s length because of his “brotherly” connection to her. Everyone is giving off the wrong vibes here, and some family members can spot their perfection as a couple a mile away – or more. One thing that complicates Hazel’s plan is her mother’s secret Santa project along with Hazel working with Cricket and her brother Tag.

Cricket is lucky to draw Hazel as her Secret Santa, though it is comical (and not) that she thinks it is Kai, her guide from Utah who wants a change of pace from the Southwest (me too!). Poor Kai draws Cricket’s name and has NO idea what to get for him. Thankfully Hazel is there to help.

Cricket can’t really stand Kai, worse when he thinks he and Hazel are a “couple”. There is a HILARIOUS moment on page 105 when he thinks about locking Kai in a closet with his phone. Even though I knew what was going on, I still had to laugh and silently cheered for Cricket.

One thing is clear – Cricket isn’t over Hazel.

At around the 61% mark; Cricket’s brother Lee shows up. And, I really had a bad feeling about it. Of course, Lee says he is “reformed” (sure, right).

It isn’t long after that when Cricket and Hazel let the family know they’re a couple after deciding to let their feelings out. The whole family is okay with it – Tag isn’t and is quite vocal. And, it is a bit of an ugly moment. Of course, it is understandable given that Cricket is part of the family so a break-up could be disastrous. Worse because Tag and Cricket are business partners. Of course there is a cute quip about Cricket being the James’ sibling’s parents favorite kit.

And, something disastrous does happen when Hazel is tasked with a delivery of items for the Christmas charity.

I had a few suspects in mind – and I was definitely wrong. I liked that Ross kept it going up until almost the end, same as the “romance.” After chapter 18, I definitely couldn’t stop reading it.

As I said, there is a lot going on in the novel, and somehow rather than being cluttered – Ross makes it work and superbly connects everything in place.
Ross’ descriptive writing moves the story along without stagnating in one place.

She also walks the reader through something not typically found in a “romance” – visitations at a prison. This is a fairly interesting read and had I not been so busy, definitely a 2-day read.

In addition, Hazel’s job is one we see a lot if we’re online, but don’t think much of it offline – travel blogger. How many times have we turned online to research something and VIOLA! There is a travel blog. But, I also loved the reality of the dangers involved. Not that I loved it being dangerous – I loved the author including the reality aspect of it so as not to glamorize it.

I deeply loved the idea and concept of family in this book. They may fight, but make up and love each other, something that Cricket wasn’t used to.

In the beginning when Cricket is trying to get ahold of Hazel and she is exploring some caves in Utah, there is a mention of stalactites and stalagmites. Instantly upon reading that my heart fluttered to the Calico Mine Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm and the stalactite and stalagmite room. Despite being simulated, it is a GORGEOUS reproduction.

There was also a UNLV (Las Vegas) or UNR (Reno) reference in this book as well. It wasn’t made clear which university, but it was interesting to read since both have a decades old rivalry.

This is definitely a clean read with no offensive language or even “intimate” scenes without any Christian or faith-themed elements. Fans of author and those who’ve read the previous books won’t want to miss this book. Fans of clean and wholesome reads are sure to love it as well.

I definitely want to read the other books in the series. And, I can’t wait to read the author’s next book.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The James family is a large family and Cricket added to them makes it even bigger. Living in Alaska, life is different with the big snows and the tours, ski resorts and all things cold and snow. And being close the Christmas, add in the Operation Christmas Project and it makes for a fun Christmas read.

This is such a fun book to read. I love all of the snow and Christmas stuff. And I really like Cricket. He’s had such a difficult life and struggling to fit in, even though the James family treats him like their own. It’s Hazel he wants, and he’s waited ten years for her, and still life is not so sure with her. Carol Ross does another fantastic job in writing this one. It is so much going on here in the book, I kept wondering how Ross thought of so much to tell, so much to add to the story. It’s beautifully written and with a Family of characters with a few extras added in, you are sure to want to grab this one and read it during the Christmas Holiday season. This is one you don’t want to let slip by you. This one is Five Stars for me!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Farrah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5***
This is my first Harlequin Heartwarming romance; it was an enjoyable and fun read. Cricket and Hazel are well written characters, as are the other members of the James family and their friends. I also enjoyed the slightly screwball-esque romance found in this book; lots of misunderstandings, big feelings and a bit of a mystery. That being said, the second half of the book felt very rushed considering the leisurely pace of the beginning. My rating of 3.5 is based on how much I enjoyed the first part of the book and the overall feeling of romance, festive spirit and family ingrained in the book overall. I’m not sure I would read another Heartwarming because I prefer a little bit more of open door romances but if closed door romance is what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to enjoy two characters who will eventually find HEA without having to witness as a reader anything beyond first base.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about family, friendship and so much more. I’ll be honest I haven’t read all the books in this series. Only two I have missed. It’s ok if you have not read them all either.
Hazel James is a travel blogger, and right now off doing something for herself. When she gets a text message from a friend Cricket Blackburn a short message to say the least. She had feelings for him yes, but they were not reciprocated. While she’s dining she gets a surprise from Cricket showing up with her sister. She’s confused to say the least, but forgot her phone was off. He confirms he was worried as was her sister. What transpired next is interesting and pretty funny.

I highly recommended book. So much more to come.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, my first by Carol Ross.
There were many characters to keep track of, but it wasn't difficult. So, although this is eighth in the series, it works as a standalone.

The dialogue was great. That and the intertwined storylines kept up my interest.
I LOVED the relationships within the families and and between them.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other "Seasons of Alaska" books by this author and enjoyed this one as well. I remembered reading about Hazel in a pervious book so I was excited to read her own story.

I loved reading about Hazel and Cricket working together, along with their Secret Santa gifts and how they celebrated together as a family. I enjoyed reading about Crickets backstory with his own family and how Hazel's brothers and parents became his second home and family. All those past experiences shaped him to be the man and friend he was today.

I felt like Hazel and Crickets friendship especially towards the end was very realistic with real concerns about them blossoming into a relationship and what that could mean for their family, work and for each other.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters were easy to like and I absolutely loved that it was during the holiday season which included fun Christmas traditions. I liked reading more about Hazel‘s family who are mentioned in other Seasons of Alaska books. These books can be read as standalone books and not in series order.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Santa Project by Carol Ross is an addictive read. I love the tensions from both the hero and the heroine. The problem is they both like each other with the same intensity. However, somehow, Cricket made his woman crush think she does not matter to him in the romantic sense. That is the problem. He is also best friends with her brother since elementary school. Cricket goes crazy every time he is near Hazel. Hazel goes gooey whenever she sees him. She feels weak for liking a man who hates her so much. This causes the greatest moments ever. The characters were lovable. I want to lock them up until they confess their feelings. Yet, I knew they would eventually explode soon if they did not settle the situation. Sparks, fun banters, and a man who will do anything for the woman he loves is an irresistible read. It is easy to read this novel. Family and friendships also add to the charm of this Christmas novel. Carol Ross brought enough heat, spice, humor, and romance to the table. I love everything about this book. Looking for a heartfelt and engaging read, then this is my recommendation! The Secret Santa Project will always be my favorite. I cannot wait to read more by the talented Carol Ross.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Santa Project is the eighth book in the Seasons of Alaska series by Carol Ross. I have read a few books in the series but had no trouble reading this as a standalone. This was a clean romance that will warm your heart and help you get into the spirit of Christmas. I have really enjoyed getting to know the James family and Hazel and Cricket’s story was touching. I loved how the James family opened their home and heart to Cricket as a child when he needed it. They provided him with positive role models that helped shape his life and kept him from following the same path as his father. Cricket denied his feelings for Hazel for years because he was so worried about how their relationship would affect his relationship with the rest of the James family. Hazel and Cricket had never acknowledged their feelings, so Hazel was not aware of his fears. Their fears and lack of communication kept them apart for many years, so it was great to see them finally find their way to each other. This was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it and recommend it.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Seasons of Alaska series in which triplet Hazel James comes home for Christmas for a break in her travel journalist adventures that are, frankly, beginning to get her down. While renewing her connections to her large family, she also has to face how she feels about Cricket, the young man her family took in during his youth and whom Hazel has had a crush on for years.

During their assistance of Hazel's mother's Christmas charity activities, both Hazel and Cricket have to come to terms with their real feelings for each other, but if they admit how they feel, what is that going to do to the family's feelings about both parties? Especially oldest brother, Tag, who is so very protective of baby sister, Hazel? And who is the Secret Santa who seems to know exactly what Hazel likes? Cricket, too?

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Seasons of Alaska (Book #8)