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Hometown Holiday Heartstrings #3
The Miracle of Mistletoe
One kiss, two wounded hearts, and the Christmas that rekindled their vows.
Marcy Delaney might not think she’s the sharpest set of shears in the salon, but she makes up for it with her people skills. As her town’s chatty hairstylist, she doesn’t consider anyone a stranger—except her university-educated husband who’s rarely home. Her conclusion? He’s bored with her lack of wit, and she can’t blame him.
Colt Delaney has never fit in. Not in the big city where he grew up. And certainly not in the tiny town his wife won’t leave. Now he’s stuck there, too, unless he’s traveling for work. And when he is home, Marcy doesn’t seem to want anything to do with him. It’s no surprise, though. Rejection has been his closest friend since childhood.
This Christmas the secrets they hold may break the final thread of their marriage and the faith they once held dear—until one simple kiss beneath the mistletoe reminds them of all the reasons they fell in love in the first place.
Content warning: contains flashback scenes of child abuse and emotional trauma.
Each story in the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings series can be enjoyed as a standalone, although characters are introduced in earlier books and may reappear in subsequent novels.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2020
89 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 26, 2020
This was one of the most depressing books I've ever read, and it just went on and on and on.
Marcy and Colt have been married about four years and have grown so far apart it appears there is no saving their marriage. Things seem to go from bad to worse with one misunderstanding after another, after another, after another... It got to the point where every chapter was more heartbreaking than the one before.
And it may be God-like to turn the other cheek when it came to Tyler but at some point that man needed to have a come to Jesus moment. How he could be permitted to DJ at Tony's wedding after his horrific treatment of Marcy is beyond me. He should have been dealt with in some fashion.
And how in the world can Colt be living with the kind of back pain that is constantly an issue throughout this book yet he seems perfectly fine to work out in his basement lifting all kinds of weights, etc.
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
Marcy and Colt have been married about four years and have grown so far apart it appears there is no saving their marriage. Things seem to go from bad to worse with one misunderstanding after another, after another, after another... It got to the point where every chapter was more heartbreaking than the one before.
And it may be God-like to turn the other cheek when it came to Tyler but at some point that man needed to have a come to Jesus moment. How he could be permitted to DJ at Tony's wedding after his horrific treatment of Marcy is beyond me. He should have been dealt with in some fashion.
And how in the world can Colt be living with the kind of back pain that is constantly an issue throughout this book yet he seems perfectly fine to work out in his basement lifting all kinds of weights, etc.
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
July 7, 2022
I was drawn to this book because you don't often read about romances where the couple is already married and working to stay that way. Although the end result was very satisfying, I felt like the author could have written the struggles of the characters better. It felt like the two main characters were still in junior high rather than adults dealing with all adult struggles. By this point, Marcy's friends would have known her better than they did...Colt was a bit more believable in that guy's are often quieter about deeper things. It had a lot of high points and moments, for sure, and I was so happy they finally shared their pasts with each other.
December 31, 2021
The Miracle of Mistletoe
Wow! I throughly enjoyed this book. Nit your typical romance, but a needed one. Many people get married and think love is all they need, but communication is key to any relationship. This book shows what can happen without talking with your spouse. This is the first time I have this author, but looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Good clean romance.
Wow! I throughly enjoyed this book. Nit your typical romance, but a needed one. Many people get married and think love is all they need, but communication is key to any relationship. This book shows what can happen without talking with your spouse. This is the first time I have this author, but looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Good clean romance.
December 23, 2020
Loved this book!
It's disability- inclusive. Honors faith but doesn't shove it down the reader's throat. It's sweet, romantic, and quietly sexy as it leaves much to the imagination.
And gosh...that cover!!
Oh, and I love the growth arc of both the main characters. So good. Can't wait to catch up on the rest of the series.
This book was a dream to read!
It's disability- inclusive. Honors faith but doesn't shove it down the reader's throat. It's sweet, romantic, and quietly sexy as it leaves much to the imagination.
And gosh...that cover!!
Oh, and I love the growth arc of both the main characters. So good. Can't wait to catch up on the rest of the series.
This book was a dream to read!
December 19, 2020
This story was beautifully written. It showed the ups and downs in a relationship. It showed how keeping secrets from your spouse can put your marriage at risk. The most important thing is realizing you need Good in your life and trusting Him.
February 22, 2024
Another book with this author's superb sense of place, which happens to be near the place where I live. This story explores the situation of a small town woman who's gone away, found someone to marry, brought the person home, and found that he's miserable in the fictional small town. Even between local families who might be considered peers, marriage can bring the unenviable situation of being "treated like an in-law." One way people deal with it is by not notifying relatives when someone they otherwise seem to respect has *become* an in-law. In this book Colt is miserable partly because he lives with chronic pain, partly because he's unnecessarily insecure, and partly because he's let self-consciousness keep him from seeming friendly to the people he wants as friends.
His wife, Marcy, loves him but she too is dealing with unnecessary insecurity. Marcy is dyslexic; she still has trouble reading. Like many dyslexics she's very intelligent, and uses her intelligence to conceal her dyslexia.
Because Marcy's concealed her dyslexia from Colt, she can't just tell him that an old school friend is making her unhappy by reminding her how hard a time she had in school. Colt fails just to tell Marcy, too, when his long-lost sister finds him and starts sending photos and text messages. Seeing each other looking anxious and not getting a full, frank explanation, each starts to worry that the other is cheating on their marriage, when cheating is the last thing on their minds.
But this is a Christian romance. Because both Colt and Marcy seriously pray for God's help and guidance (and believe they get it), because they actively work at correcting their faults and working through the difficulties in their marriage, they do not go into one of those down-spirals where couples soon decide they're "stuck in a passionless marriage" and want a divorce. They practice love for each other as a discipline, and fall in love with each other all over again.
Their being already married gives the Christian romance genre a little more room for what is currently called "steam." Readers are spared the details, online readers don't have to process words that attract gross-outs to browsers, but we are told how Colt aggravates his chronic back pain and feels that it was worth it. The result manages to be both sweet (on the surface) and steamy (when you think about it). Personally I prefer this treatment of marital bliss to the more explicit kind.
His wife, Marcy, loves him but she too is dealing with unnecessary insecurity. Marcy is dyslexic; she still has trouble reading. Like many dyslexics she's very intelligent, and uses her intelligence to conceal her dyslexia.
Because Marcy's concealed her dyslexia from Colt, she can't just tell him that an old school friend is making her unhappy by reminding her how hard a time she had in school. Colt fails just to tell Marcy, too, when his long-lost sister finds him and starts sending photos and text messages. Seeing each other looking anxious and not getting a full, frank explanation, each starts to worry that the other is cheating on their marriage, when cheating is the last thing on their minds.
But this is a Christian romance. Because both Colt and Marcy seriously pray for God's help and guidance (and believe they get it), because they actively work at correcting their faults and working through the difficulties in their marriage, they do not go into one of those down-spirals where couples soon decide they're "stuck in a passionless marriage" and want a divorce. They practice love for each other as a discipline, and fall in love with each other all over again.
Their being already married gives the Christian romance genre a little more room for what is currently called "steam." Readers are spared the details, online readers don't have to process words that attract gross-outs to browsers, but we are told how Colt aggravates his chronic back pain and feels that it was worth it. The result manages to be both sweet (on the surface) and steamy (when you think about it). Personally I prefer this treatment of marital bliss to the more explicit kind.
January 8, 2021
❄️❄️ONE INTENSE ADVENTURE❄️❄️
Blasted blitzen! Emily hit the motherload with this tumultuous tilt-a-whirl, delivering up some harsh facts, brutal lessons and relentless drive, holding steady from start to finish, jetting this bad boy to staggering heights. Sparks fly as captivating drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, heart-rending misgivings, miscommunication, false assumptions, electrifying suspense and intense situations ensue, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never imagined, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Escapades and serendipity descend in a flurry of missteps and mishaps, obscured boundaries and shattered barriers solidify as restrictions are relaxed and exploited, kicking this bad boy into the eye of the storm, booting it into a frenzy with astonishing impacts, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such ease and adoration, baring boundless emotions and infinite affections, binding them together beautifully. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Emily, thanks for sharing this amazing delight with us.
Blasted blitzen! Emily hit the motherload with this tumultuous tilt-a-whirl, delivering up some harsh facts, brutal lessons and relentless drive, holding steady from start to finish, jetting this bad boy to staggering heights. Sparks fly as captivating drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, heart-rending misgivings, miscommunication, false assumptions, electrifying suspense and intense situations ensue, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never imagined, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Escapades and serendipity descend in a flurry of missteps and mishaps, obscured boundaries and shattered barriers solidify as restrictions are relaxed and exploited, kicking this bad boy into the eye of the storm, booting it into a frenzy with astonishing impacts, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such ease and adoration, baring boundless emotions and infinite affections, binding them together beautifully. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Emily, thanks for sharing this amazing delight with us.
January 5, 2026
LOVED Colt and Marcy's story!! Colt and Marcy have been married almost four years, and their marriage is in trouble. Marcy's thinking that Colt knows she's not smart, and that he's looking for someone else. After all, her ex boyfriend always told her she was stupid. Colt was raised in foster care, and feels that if his own mother didn't want him, let her boyfriends hurt him and his siblings, then why would Marcy love him? Colt knows God loves him and accepts him as he is, but he's sure Marcy and her family don't accept him. When Marcy and Colt kiss under the mistletoe at her parents' house, all of the old feelings come back in full force. Colt knows he'll never love anyone but Marcy, and Marcy feels the same. When they both open up to each other, and tell their deepest, darkest secrets, they realize that they truly love each other. That is, until Marcy reads an email, and then she's sure Colt is cheating on her. Will Colt be able to get Marcy to listen to him long enough for him to explain, or will she end everything over a misunderstanding? Love how things work out, and that Colt sees that things he thought he perceived were all filtered through the wrong lenses, and that he truly has a home with Marcy. Love that Marcy finally figures out that Colt loves her as she is, and that no else sees her the way her ex did, and especially not Colt. Marcy learns that she has to see herself through God's eyes, and find her identity in Him, not in what others say about her.
December 17, 2020
Marcy and Colt rushed into their marriage without really understanding the lasting impact of each other’s pasts or being able to talk about the hard stuff. Colt has never felt he belonged and when life got hard, he retreated into silence. Add to that the long absences travelling for his work job, all created more pressure on their marriage, to the point it will take a miracle for their marriage to survive. Marcy has let her Christian walk slide, and is intimidated by Colt’s university education believing he despises her for being ‘dumb’ and Colt thinks she doesn’t love him anymore, so they are drifting further and further apart - made worse as they misinterpret the other’s actions and feelings. As the reader, we can see the reasons why they are acting as they do and you can’t help but hurt for them both and desperately want them to sort things out.
I found this a well written Christian book with real depth of characters that dealt with the serious issues of child abuse and emotional trauma with sensitivity, yet was still a really good enjoyable read. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I found this a well written Christian book with real depth of characters that dealt with the serious issues of child abuse and emotional trauma with sensitivity, yet was still a really good enjoyable read. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
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June 13, 2021This was such a beautifullly written story by a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was a uniquely written story in that it wasn't a typical romance story where the hero and heroine meet and have some struggles along the way, but eventually end up with their HEA. This story shows us the ups and downs of a relationship, after the HEA, and portrays how secrets can really jeopardize a relationship. It was such an emotional and inspirational story and the characters had such great personalities and depth and I couldn't help but fall in love with them and found myself rooting for them the entire time. The story also dealt with some difficult topics and the author handled them with great care and sensitivity. This was a powerful story showing us how misunderstandings and miscommunications can really jeopardize a relationship. And how faith plays an important role in healing and mending as well. A really beautiful story, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 15, 2020
Marcy and Colt are so great together but now they are drifting apart. It always amazes me when couples who have been together awhile haven't shared things from their past or things that really have or do hurt them. Past hurts so affect our present and our future if we let them. I really liked that they were Christians and sought the only One who can truly heal and forgive us. Tony was such an amazing big brother. There are times in this book that Marcy made me say you go girl. Loved the ending. Mistletoe is definitely now one of my favorite things about the holidays.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2020
It was such fun returning to a series that I have enjoyed reading and to the wonderful characters. Marcy and Colt struggled in their marriage because of work, life, and lack of communication but they still loved each other.
I really liked how much Colt's faith played in this book and how he came to realize his identity with God was more important than the color of his skin. I also admired the courage he had to face his past, overcome it, and share it with his wife and others.
I liked that Marcy finally sought help through God and her faith and that opened her door and made her stronger. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I really liked how much Colt's faith played in this book and how he came to realize his identity with God was more important than the color of his skin. I also admired the courage he had to face his past, overcome it, and share it with his wife and others.
I liked that Marcy finally sought help through God and her faith and that opened her door and made her stronger. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
January 9, 2022
Can this marriage be saved?
At first I didn’t think I would like this book. A married couple who hardly communicated with each other. But I was soon so wrapped up in the story I didn’t want to put it down. I loved how Colt was finally able to address his past and his horrible experiences, to forgive others and himself, and to show his wife his true self, and to love others. I loved that Marcy was determined to do what she needed to even though it was such a struggle as she grew to accept her inability to do some things and to find ways to adapt. If you love a Christian book with characters you can learn to love you should enjoy The Miracle of Mistletoe.
At first I didn’t think I would like this book. A married couple who hardly communicated with each other. But I was soon so wrapped up in the story I didn’t want to put it down. I loved how Colt was finally able to address his past and his horrible experiences, to forgive others and himself, and to show his wife his true self, and to love others. I loved that Marcy was determined to do what she needed to even though it was such a struggle as she grew to accept her inability to do some things and to find ways to adapt. If you love a Christian book with characters you can learn to love you should enjoy The Miracle of Mistletoe.
December 26, 2020
This was a powerful story of love and not just romantic love. Self-love and how we need to accept ourselves as well as our friends and partners. It's also a very good story of how communication or the lack thereof impacts all of our relationships and can hurt us as we make assumptions based on what's not said as much as we do on what's said. I loved Marcy and Colt. I wanted to wring their necks some of the time but still enjoyed their journey. Very good series!
I received a free copy of this book voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book voluntarily chose to review it.
December 13, 2021
Well done story. The writing, storyline, and editing were all great. The main characters were both in need of 'adulting.' I am amazed that this marriage lasted and was eventually healed with all of the misunderstandings, secrets, misconceptions, biases, etc wedging the two apart.
Despite his horrific history, it was difficult for me to warm up to the H. His self pity, martydom, and deflection became tedious. So why the 4 stars? The writing was solid and the idiot did start to emotionally heal.
Despite his horrific history, it was difficult for me to warm up to the H. His self pity, martydom, and deflection became tedious. So why the 4 stars? The writing was solid and the idiot did start to emotionally heal.
January 4, 2022
Understanding family
This story touch on so many aspects of life. Cole was of mixed race which bother him so much, feeling he didn't belong in either race. The terrible abusive childhood of Cole and siblings with Cole having permanent back problems.
Marcy being dyslexic and feeling she was not smart. They worked through all the struggles and have a wonderful daughter to love.
The author is extremely good at touching all the bases and pulling together a wonderful book.
I very much enjoyed this book.
This story touch on so many aspects of life. Cole was of mixed race which bother him so much, feeling he didn't belong in either race. The terrible abusive childhood of Cole and siblings with Cole having permanent back problems.
Marcy being dyslexic and feeling she was not smart. They worked through all the struggles and have a wonderful daughter to love.
The author is extremely good at touching all the bases and pulling together a wonderful book.
I very much enjoyed this book.
December 26, 2020
I read this today! Couldn’t put it down. Great character development, storyline and weaving of everything together. Plot surprises were terrific! There were highs and lows, with twists and turns, but thankfully ended on a positive word. Especially enjoyed the emphasis on scripture, our sinfulness and need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Thank you so much for allowing me a chance to preview this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2021
I really enjoy reading books about married couples. Especially when they are fighting to work through miscommunication and misunderstandings. This is a sweet story about learning to find a way to stay together. That is what marriage is. As a part of a series, it might be better to read them in order. But I actually read this one first and still read all of the other ones. I am not sure on the exact date I completed this one, but it was in December 2020.
September 2, 2025
What an emotional story!
The trigger warning has kept me from reading this one until I remembered that I trust this author.
The main characters have both been through traumatic experiences. They are both successful adults, but inside they are still insecure. Though they dearly love each other and their families, they close off a lot of themselves for protection until events force them to open up or lose each other.
The trigger warning has kept me from reading this one until I remembered that I trust this author.
The main characters have both been through traumatic experiences. They are both successful adults, but inside they are still insecure. Though they dearly love each other and their families, they close off a lot of themselves for protection until events force them to open up or lose each other.
December 22, 2020
This book is a great Christmas story, but mostly, it's full of good reminders for all of us. Both Colt and Marcy were so hindered by other people's assumed perceptions of them that they couldn't freely love each other. A "perfect" couple is one that trusts the Lord with all their hearts and accepts each other in their strengths and weaknesses. very, very well done!
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December 24, 2020The story is an enjoyable and beautifully written Christmas love story read. . The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is about how secrets can put a gap in a relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2020
What a wonderful story! Marcy and Colt are such a perfect match, but have so many past hurts that keep them reluctant to trust. This book will keep you turning the pages from start to finish. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a clean read with a happy ending. I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review of a book I enjoyed reading!
December 28, 2020
Couldn’t put this one down. I just had to find out if Marcy and Colt would be able to work out their problems, and just how they would do so. Great storyline with wonderful characters that you can really get into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a new author for me, and I loved this book. This Christian inspired Christmas family romance with its real life troubles has alot to offer any reader. I could relate to the characters well and enjoyed reading about their faith and real life struggles. Definitely recommend.
December 31, 2020
What a touching story!! It shows what the power of forgiveness can do and what clear communication can do for a marriage. It such a raw story- grab a tissue box and be ready to have your heart touched in some many ways. Emily has done it again, and I must say this one is one of my favorites. Do yourself a favor and read it!
January 2, 2022
Loved his book. It was so hard to put down.
Marcy and Colt rushed into their marriage without thinking of each others past. Colt had a job that he had to travel and it put pressure on their marriage.
Marcy's ex- boyfriend had always told her that she was dumb.
I felt sorry for Colt and Marcy and what they were going through. But in the end it works out.
I recommend this book.
Marcy and Colt rushed into their marriage without thinking of each others past. Colt had a job that he had to travel and it put pressure on their marriage.
Marcy's ex- boyfriend had always told her that she was dumb.
I felt sorry for Colt and Marcy and what they were going through. But in the end it works out.
I recommend this book.
January 13, 2022
Communication with your spouse is vital for a healthy relationship.
A very good story. Sometimes dealing with a painful past can destroy a person as well as a relationship. It's very important to be able to talk to loved ones in order to get to know them. This story portrays that very well.
A very good story. Sometimes dealing with a painful past can destroy a person as well as a relationship. It's very important to be able to talk to loved ones in order to get to know them. This story portrays that very well.
July 26, 2024
A recommended read
This was such a sweet story. It was amazing reading how the characters dealt with their past dramas in like, worked through all of their personal junk with the help of family and friends, and came out with a stronger marriage and commitment to each other and to God.
This was such a sweet story. It was amazing reading how the characters dealt with their past dramas in like, worked through all of their personal junk with the help of family and friends, and came out with a stronger marriage and commitment to each other and to God.
September 21, 2024
Great Christmas read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From beginning to end it draws you in, wanting to know what’s going to happen next. The characters are complex, the storyline is so well crafted and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
I can’t wait to read her other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From beginning to end it draws you in, wanting to know what’s going to happen next. The characters are complex, the storyline is so well crafted and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
I can’t wait to read her other books.
December 29, 2025
Miracle of mistletoe
This story started as a very heartbreaking moments as Colt and Marcy struggled with their communication in their marriage. They both had trauma from the past, but a they became honest with each other, a beautiful love story followed. A sweet story with so much emotion.
This story started as a very heartbreaking moments as Colt and Marcy struggled with their communication in their marriage. They both had trauma from the past, but a they became honest with each other, a beautiful love story followed. A sweet story with so much emotion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews