Tommy & Merry and the Twelve Days of Christmas

The Costa Brothers #1

by Ellie Hall

No matter which way you slice it, pizza and pie are delicious, but love is complicated.

Merry
My lifelong dream is to open a pie shop in my hometown. But because I’m flat broke, to defray the liability, the leasing agent insists I go into business with what’s sure to be a pimply pizza boy.

Problem 1: He’s more like an Italian Stallion. Problem 2: That tossing action really builds the biceps. Is it hot in here? I’ll blame it on the oven. Problem 3: I knew Tommy in college and he still bakes my buns.

Tommy
To reunite my family, I’m opening a pizza place. The catch is I have to share the space with a pie baker. Not going to happen. As a former fireman, I’m all about teamwork, but I’m not sharing the dough.

Problem 1: Back in college, as a joke, we made a marriage pact. Problem 2: Like a pair of responsible adults, we agreed not to mix business and pleasure. Problem 3: Ten years later, Merry is still a cutie pie.

Merry
With a flurry of orders, twelve families in need, and a pie thief on the loose, it’s hard to know if we can crust each other. Trust. That was supposed to be trust each other. I’ve got pie (and Tommy) on my mind...and heart.

Tommy
Actually, those are the least of our problems. With only twelve days until Christmas, we have to prove to the building owner that we’re the best business for the spot or risk losing it to a chain coffee shop...and with all the pressure and stress, we also risk losing each other.

This is book 1 in the Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series, following six single, stubborn, and loyal brothers as they find their happily ever afters. They’re clean and wholesome romance, faith-friendly, stand alone stories but are best enjoyed together.

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance, Fiction, Second Chance Romance, Clean Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2022

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

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The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

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Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

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Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

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The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

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The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

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Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

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On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the introduction to the Costa family, and I’m looking forward to reading about the other brothers.

Tommy was a strong character! He was sweet, loyal, and he cared deeply about people (especially his family).

I wish I could’ve like Merry. Honestly, she made me sad. The fact that she constantly took the horrible words of 2 people to heart and completely threw away the words of love from the people who ACTUALLY knew her was hard to read since it was pretty much the entirety of the book. She was a very big self saboteur and it made the ending a little lack luster for me.

Neither of the characters read like they were in their late 30s at all to me.

I have a hard time with the “best friends” trope sometimes because you’re telling me that you didn’t speak to your best friend at all after the “incident” that made you “stop being friends”. And you’re going to take the word of some girl who’s terrible to you over your best friend… it just doesn’t seem realistic to me.

Overall it was a sweet family story, and I’m interested to read the other brother’s books.
2.5/5 stars

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when old college friends with a secret marriage pact meet up after 10 years and decide to go into business together? Enjoyed this delightful, sweet Christmas romance. It was funny, cute, and honestly made me hungry with all the mentions of delicious pizza and pies.

All Merilee wants for Christmas from Santa is a man. She gets more than she bargained for when she meets her old crush Tommy Costa at her old roommate’s wedding reception. She’s finally decided to open the pie restaurant she’s always dreamed of and who should be vying for the same lease is Tommy. They decide to go into business together but when the old marriage pact they made years ago makes an appearance, Merry must decide if she’s willing to risk her heart and her business on a chance at love.

Tommy Costa has to find a way to keep his retired parents busy instead of giving money to scammers. He decides to rally his brothers and sister and open a pizza shop in a little small town in Montana. When the girl he loved in college just happens to live there and they desire the same space for their businesses, he can’t wait to show her that business and love can work. But can he convince Merry?

Funny, handsome, sweet, ex-firefighter Tommy Costa is such a lovable guy. I enjoyed his Italian family, especially all his quirky brothers and sister. Merry’s cute, funny and a bit self-conscious. I desperately wanted her to believe in Tommy’s love and not be afraid to follow her heart. It was fun watching this second chance romance blossom. The food references made me hungry for both pie and pizza. Along with the sweet romance, is a plot to sabotage the restaurant as well as a long ago conflict with Cassie, Merry’s old roommate.

It’s a fun, cute romcom perfect to enjoy for the Christmas season. I recommend to clean romance and romcom fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author but also purchased a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and freely given.

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Podría abordar nuestro romance, nuestra historia de amor, como una receta de pastel. Si la proporción de harina y mantequilla no es la adecuada, puede ser demasiado pastoso, duro o no lo suficientemente escamoso. La masa de pastel caliente puede hacer que la corteza se rompa. Olvida la sal y el resultado es insípido. No hay suficiente azúcar, la masa no se tuesta bien. Luego, cuando se trata de los rellenos, pueden tambalearse, derramarse, reventar o caerse. Ya sea que agregue azúcar, especias o sal a la receta, todo debe estar en equilibrio. Lo mismo con las cosas entre Tommy y yo.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




✨Tommy and Merry and the Twelve Days of Christmas de Ellie Hall serie The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance libro 1🎄

Argumento:

🎀No importa de qué manera lo cortes, la pizza y el pastel son deliciosos, pero el amor es complicado.

Merry

Mi sueño de toda la vida es abrir una pastelería en mi ciudad natal. Pero debido a que estoy completamente arruinada, para pagar la responsabilidad, el agente de arrendamiento insiste en que haga negocios con lo que seguramente será un pizzero lleno de granos.

Problema 1: se parece más a un semental italiano. Problema 2: Esa acción de lanzar realmente construye los bíceps. ¿Hace calor aquí? Le echaré la culpa al horno. Problema 3: Conocí a Tommy en la universidad y todavía me hace panecillos.

Tommy

Para reunir a mi familia, voy a abrir una pizzería. El problema es que tengo que compartir el espacio con un pastelero. No va a pasar. Como exbombero, me interesa el trabajo en equipo, pero no estoy compartiendo la masa.

Problema 1: En la universidad, como broma, hicimos un pacto de matrimonio. Problema 2: Como un par de adultos responsables, acordamos no mezclar negocios y placer. Problema 3: Diez años después, Merry sigue siendo una monada.

Merry

Con una ráfaga de pedidos, doce familias necesitadas y un ladrón de pasteles suelto, es difícil saber si podemos hacernos una costra. Confianza. Se suponía que eso era confiar el uno en el otro. Tengo pastel (y Tommy) en mi mente... y corazón.

Tommy

En realidad, esos son el menor de nuestros problemas. Con solo doce días hasta Navidad, tenemos que demostrarle al propietario del edificio que somos el mejor negocio para el lugar o arriesgarnos a perderlo ante una cadena de cafeterías... y con toda la presión y el estrés, también corremos el riesgo de perder cada otro.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️ Tenía mucha curiosidad por los hermanos italianos Costa y no quería dejar pasar la posiblidad de leer esta serie aunque la temporada navideña ya pasó.

Tommy and Merry and the Twelve Days es el primer libro de la serie The Costa Brothers. Un romance de amigos a amantes con delicioso sabor a pizza y pasteles en un pueblo pequeño donde la navidad es todo un evento.

La historia me pareció linda con algo de drama y suspense. Sentí la vibra navideña aquí! Hawk Ridge Hollow es un lugar que me encantaría ver en navidad.

Me gustaron todos los personajes. Sobretodo la familia Costa. Era bien italiana y eso se transmitió. Era ruidosa y se unían todos cuando uno de ellos los necesitaba. Los hermanos me intrigaron y no puedo esperar a leer sus propias historias.

Pero la comida fue un protagonista más. La madre de Tommy tenía sus recetas secretas y la abuela de Merry le heredó su pasión por hornear pasteles. Se nombraron tantas exquisiteces que se me hizo agua la boca. No dudaría en pedir la pizza Gio y el Razzle dazzle merry berry buttermilk pie!

Me encantó el detalle de hacer doce platos de navidad para lugares que más lo necesitaban. Eso hablaba del gran corazón de Tommy y Merry.

Tomaso era un amor de héroe. Un ex bombero y su historia de baja en su trabajo fue triste. No estaba seguro qué pasó con Merry cuando dejó de hablarle en la universidad pero él seguía amándola. Esperaba volver a verla y arreglar las cosas. Me gustó su actitud. Fue de frente con lo que sentía por ella por eso me enojaba que Merry lo alejara con la excusa de no mezclar el trabajo con lo personal.

Merry primero me pareció algo débil. Después de diez años dejaba que su amiga la llamara ratón de casa y que la trate de una manera poco amable? Lo peor es que la separó de Tommy! Cassie se suponía que era una amiga? Yo habría cortado toda relación con ella de ser Merry! Luego ella me pareció frustrante con el tema deTommy, que no confiara en su amor y no se arriesgara me sacaba de quicio. En parte la entendía, sus miedos y que tenía una personalidad introvertida pero le dio largas al pobre Tomaso aún después de que él le aclarara sus sentimientos por ella!

Me gusta más calor en el romance y este fue por el lado ligero pero me gustó de todas formas. Al final todo se resuelve bien. Merry pierde el temor y da un salto de fe con Tommy y finalmente tienen su HEA.

En general esta fue una lectura toda dulzura, entretenida, cálida y festiva. La portada es preciosa!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As best friends in college, Merilee Ketchum and Tommy Costa promised to marry each other if they were both still single when they turned 30. Unfortunately, they grew apart after Merry walked in on Tommy making out with her roommate, and she dropped out of school shortly thereafter to care for her sick grandmother. More than a decade later, Tommy and Merry run into each other while attending a mutual friend's wedding and Tommy quickly realizes that his old college crush on Merry is still there. He reminds her of their pact, but Merry, still hurt over what happened with her college roommate, rebuffs him. They meet again by chance the next day when they each schedule a meeting with the owner of a vacant pizza shop in Merry's hometown of Hawk Ridge Hollow, Montana, where Tommy has recently relocated. Merry hopes to lease the space to open a pie shop, while Tommy is hoping to open a pizza shop with his family. The owner of the building decides that the two of them should go into business together and tells them that if they refuse, he'll lease the space to a national chain instead. They reluctantly agree to the plan, but things become even more complicated when Tommy's parents arrive and Merry impulsively volunteers to act as his fake fiancee. As they work together to get their newly combined business off the ground, can Tommy convince Merry to give their romantic relationship a chance, too?

Tommy and Merry were ridiculously cute together and I enjoyed their story tremendously. I particularly loved that he held onto his copy of the marriage pact for so many years! It was a great way to demonstrate that he'd never really stopped thinking about her in the time they were apart, and that he didn't take their unexpected second chance for granted. Their banter was a lot of fun, and I also appreciated the way that Merry came into her own by the end of the story. She was a lot better about standing up for herself (in her own sweet way, of course) and she'd also found a home for herself with Tommy's big, welcoming Italian family.

I would recommend this story for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy, and look forward to continuing the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sweet book will leave you wanting to sing Christmas carols and bake pie, while eating real Italian pizza.

Merry was just the sweetest and I felt for her from the beginning. She's always been walked over because she is always trying to make others happy. When she finally stands up for herself, I loved how she did so in a sweet and kind way, without being nasty and vengeful about it.

She and Tommy were adorable together. I enjoyed the banter between all the Costa siblings. They were a loud and fun group.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review and feedback.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely second chance best friends romance. I loved the humor and nostalgia and the large Italian family and the Christmas setting. Obviously I loved a whole lot. It was wonderful to return to this small town. Back when I read Frankie’s book I reeeeeally wanted her brothers to all get books also. I’m excited to have them all to read now.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ginny Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

What a wonderful romance story. It had all the key elements, a renowned love, small town, a little bit of suspense, and a whole lot of sweetness…

[Reading in Brussels]

Read if you love sweet, small-town, Christmassy romances!
Unfortunately due to my mood-ass ways, I was unable to finish it, but I enjoyed the parts that I read!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I had a crush on Tommy. I was mistaken before. The crush is bigger than the Hawk Ridge Hollow mountain range. And, apparently, it didn't go away."
Merry and Tommy were the best of friends in college, even making a pact to marry each other if they weren't married by 30. However, when Merry caught Tommy kissing her roommate, it destroyed the beginnings of their relationship. Ten years later, Merry runs into Tommy, who has moved to her hometown. When they each have an idea for a business in town, and both want the same space, the landlord gives them an order: to join forces and create a business together. It's not long before the marriage pact re-enters the scene, and Merry and Tommy are both hoping they can find a way to move forward and make good on their pact.
This was such a sweet story. I loved Merry and Tommy! Merry is a wonderful baker who struggles with insecurity. Tommy is a retired firefighter who is trying to find his new place. It was wonderful to see how they had grown and changed since college, and to see how their journey unfolded. Tommy's family was so fun, and I look forward to the next installment in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Drea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Costa Family

Reader’s Notes:

– this is the first book of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Merry and Tommy’s points of view

Review:

I really enjoyed this sweet romance 🥺😍. I loved being able to relate to Merry comparing herself to another girl. I loved Merry’s Christmas spirit and her wish. I loved Tommy’s personality and how he pulled Merry out of her shell to be herself again. I loved the Costa family (and that we get the rest of the brothers finding love in this series!) and how accepting they were of Merry. Some of the scenes I really liked in this story included: a baking/cooking lesson, family get togethers, sibling ribbing, and a stakeout.

Merry wants to open a pie shop and is directed towards the only open storefront in her small town by one of her well-meaning buyers. She was just looking to decide if it’s the right fit for her. But instead of getting time to consider, the owner throws her for a loop. He insists that she go into business with the other person who wants to rent the place or neither of them can have it at all. And she has to decide before they all leave their meeting. It’s not even like her shop would sell the same things as the other renter, he’d sell pizza. The only thing in common would be in name: pie. How can Merry decide on such short notice? Especially when the other renter would be her college best friend and crush who she hasn’t talked to in forever?

Tommy needs something to keep his parents out of trouble (read: something that keeps them from sending their life savings to someone claiming to be a Liegerian prince) and will bring the family together. After some thought, the oldest Costa convinces most of his siblings to join him in creating and running their own pizza place. That is, once they secure a building. When he arrives to see the only available shopfront, Tommy is surprised to find Merry there. Merry had been his best friend and someone he hoped to keep in his life, so much so that he created a marriage pact with her all that time ago. When the owner of the shopfront tells them to rent the place together or they can‘t have it, Tommy has more than one reason to want Merry to say yes.

Can Merry and Tommy have their pies and eat them too? Or will something or someone keep them apart like they did back in college?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new Series takes off with fun flirty romantic comedy. It''s a return to Hawk Ridge There are six unmarried Costa brothers and their parents are tired of waiting to see them married. There is also a sister Frankie who was already introduced in one of the Hawk Ridge Hollow (Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow).
What I like about this story is that the chapters alternate with H & h points of view.

In this story- the brothers join together to bring their parents from NYC to Hawk Ridge Hollow. Their parents have fallen prey to some schemes where people asked them for money. Tommy is the oldest son and was a firefighter until he injured his lungs and had to leave that job. He decides to open a pizzeria and wants each of his brothers to help out in the new restaurant. Coming to Hawk Ridge Hollow, Tommy was hoping to see Merry after a ten year separation. They had been best friends in college and just when he wanted to take the relationship to a deeper place, she had to leave college to take care of her grandmother. Tommy and Merry had made a marriage pact as a joke back in college but he still had a copy of it and more than anything he wanted the pact to become a reality. First he has to clear up a misunderstanding that Merry saw with him and her roommate.

Merry had returned to Hawk Ridge Hollow to take care of her grandmother. She has always wanted to fulfill her grandmother's dream to open a pie shop. Merry has all of her grandmother's famous recipes and feels this is the time to make that dream happen. When she goes to see a property for rent- she discovers that Tommy is also interested in leasing it. The owner has another interested party, a chain coffee shop, but he convinces them to lease the shop together and offer pizza and pie.

They have until Christmas to not only get the shop up and running but now his parents think they will be getting married by Christmas. Will these two be able to work together and reveal their feelings for one another?

I'm looking forward to all of the stories in this Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! It’s only slightly longer than a novella, but it was so much fun. I love the banter between siblings, and I cannot wait for the next books!
Merry hasn’t seen her college best friend( and secret love) in years, but now, they’re running a business together. She’s always dreamed of opening up a pie bakery, but how is she supposed to work with the man she’s in love with? Tommy Costa feels lost after he’s forced to resign from being a firefighter. But one thing he always knows how to do is rally his siblings. When his parents need help, he jumps to the challenge and starts a pizza and pie shop with his former and maybe current crush. Can Tommy control his feelings about Merry and does he even want to?
Merry is so relatable! I loved her awkwardness, and I totally understood her as she tried to step out of her comfort zone. She’s been hurt a lot over the years, and I love how Tommy protects her and helps her. He combats all her negative self-talk and helps her see how wonderful she is.
Tommy is so cute! I love his siblings and all their awesome banter. They felt really real! I also appreciated how he didn’t beat around the bush. He realized that he was in love with Merry, and he was mature enough to admit it and fight for her.
Tommy and Merry’s relationship was pretty fast, but it made sense because they had known and loved each other in college. I think I would have liked to see them talk about how they’ve changed since college. But this is shorter than a regular novel, so I understand why it wasn’t added as much.
This was a sweet and funny romcom! Some of the resolutions felt a little forced, but I generally give romcoms a little more grace. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loves hilarious siblings stories and adorable romances!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Seeing Santa makes me happy. People can argue that the guy in the red suit is fake or whatever. However, I choose to believe in the generosity of people. Kindness and goodness along with the possibility for miracles, especially at this time of year.”

Merry: My lifelong dream is to open a pie shop in my hometown. But because I’m flat broke, to defray the lability, the leasing agent insists I go into business with what’s sure to be a pimply pizza boy.
Problem 1: He’s more like an Italian Stallion.
Problem 2: That’s tossing acting really builds the biceps. Is it hot in here? I’ll blame it on the oven.
Problem 3: I knew Tommy in college and he still bakes my buns.
Tommy: To reunite my family, ‘m opening a pizza place. The catch is I have to share the space with a pie baker.
Problem 1: Back in college, as a joke, we made a marriage pact.
Problem 2: Like a pair of responsible adults, we agreed not to mix business and pleasure.
Problem 3: Ten years later, Merry is still a cutie pie.
Merry: With a flurry of orders, twelve families in need, and a pie thief on the loose, it’s hard to know if we can crust each other. Trust. That was supposed to be rust each. I’ve got pie (and Tommy) on my mind…and heart.
Tommy: Actually, those are the least of our problems. With only twelve days until Christmas, we have to prove to the building owner, that we’re the best business for the spot or risk losing it to a chain coffee shop—and with all the pressure and stress, we also risk losing each other.

This was a sweet book. Tommy and Merry were adorable. The banter between Tommy and his siblings was great. But, I was missing something while reading the book. To me, it was just an okay read. 3 stars.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry
 My lifelong dream is to open a pie shop in my hometown. But because I’m flat broke, to defray the liability, the leasing agent insists I go into business with what’s sure to be a pimply pizza boy.

 Problem 1: He’s more like an Italian Stallion. Problem 2: That tossing action really builds the biceps. Is it hot in here? I’ll blame it on the oven. Problem 3: I knew Tommy in college and he still bakes my buns.

 Tommy
 To reunite my family, I’m opening a pizza place. The catch is I have to share the space with a pie baker. Not going to happen. As a former fireman, I’m all about teamwork, but I’m not sharing the dough.

 Problem 1: Back in college, as a joke, we made a marriage pact. Problem 2: Like a pair of responsible adults, we agreed not to mix business and pleasure. Problem 3: Ten years later, Merry is still a cutie pie.

 Merry
 With a flurry of orders, twelve families in need, and a pie thief on the loose, it’s hard to know if we can crust each other. Trust. That was supposed to be trust each other. I’ve got pie (and Tommy) on my mind...and heart.

 Tommy
 Actually, those are the least of our problems. With only twelve days until Christmas, we have to prove to the building owner that we’re the best business for the spot or risk losing it to a chain coffee shop...and with all the pressure and stress, we also risk losing each other.
A really enjoyable Christmas romantic comedy that I totally recommend it’s the perfect Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Readwithtaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry’s dream was always to open a bakery. Tommy decides to open a pizzeria for his family. Location secured? Check. Just a small tiny problem. They both end up having to share the desired space. Mmm .. a pie and pizza place. Could work right?!

I’ve never knew about this Christmas in July movement. Pardon me, as it seems I’ve been living under a rock. I love it. It’s better to be ready early than late.

What a great start to this series. The foundation for so have been laid and executed amazingly building major curiosity to the next books. This one had the perfect balance of romance, pining, mouth watery pies, family, and swoonworthy heartwarming moments. The chemistry was undeniable for sure between Merry and Tommy and it played out so naturally. Didn’t hurt he fell earlier!

This was such a sweet read that I devoured quickly. The book was an utter delight to read. A guaranteed good feel read to get you in the spirit early on. I adored the crazy family dynamics and how each had their own different personality. Merry with her introvertness and self doubts and Tommy making sure to be there to support her through his words and actions.

I’ve always loved reading series following family members. It’s a 6 Costa brothers series so 5 more books to look forward to. Hell yes! Personally I can’t wait to get to know more about grumpy Bruno and evasive mysterious Paulo.

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC. Make sure to check it out.

[Arantxa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5✨
*Nivel de inglés alto! Mucho vocabulario técnico y nada sencillo.

Es una historia ligera y bonita. Y ojalá hubiese sido un libro más largo, porque habría disfrutado leyendo más escenas detalladas de cómo se sientan las bases de la amistad entre Merry y Tommy, cómo eran ellos en la universidad y cómo han cambiado con el tiempo hasta ser los adultos del presente en el que se desarrolla todo. Me habría encantado leer mucho más sobre ellos.

"I made the pact to marry you by the time we turned thirty because I thought we had two more years at college together, during which I intended to propose. The pact said we'd get married by thirty, not at thirty. I thought the whole thing was just part of our slow burn romance. (...) Merry, I chose you... I still do".

Y es increíble lo bien relatada que está la toxicidad abusiva que rodeaba a Merry de joven, y cómo todo su desarrollo personal se vio influenciado por los comentarios nocivos de Cassie y Nadine durante su veintena. Y da escalofríos ver lo asentadas que siguen estando sus voces en su cabeza aun siendo ya adulta.

Cuando lees traumas de este tipo tan bien descritos que los sientes casi como propios, el libro sube de nivel.

Me ha gustado mucho, aunque me ha resultado todo bastante precipitado por lo cortito que ha sido. De verdad, me habría encantado que hubiese tenido 100 páginas más.

"He dropped to one knee and said "I'm hoping you'll become Mrs. Costa". (...) "I want this to be a Marry Christmas, Merry".

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I read: Tommy and Merry and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Ellie Hall

Why I picked it up: My mom recommended the series back in January, and it was one of the first ones I downloaded on Kindle Unlimited – but it’s taken me months to read it.

How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited in a day – someone mentioned that it was 6 months to Christmas, so I thought why not start a Christmas series!

What it’s about: Tommy and Merry knew each other in college and even made a pact to get married if they were still single at 30 – now at 35 or so, they’re still single, want to open a restaurant, but they haven’t seen each other in years. She bakes pies, he thinks pizza is a great new venture – can they make it work together?

What I liked: I love the set up for a series about the Costa brothers in a small town in Montana. I’m going to read this series straight through I think!

What I disliked: They get married (sorry, but seriously, you knew it was coming) within a month or something ridiculous (then it happens again with the next one). Not just fast relationships, but super fast marriages, which feels a little much especially since you knew it was going to be a series.

Genre: Christmas, chaste love story, small town, family.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s sweet!

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Genre: Clean Romance
Read it if you like
🍕Dual POVs
🥧 Marriage Pact
🍕 College friends to lovers
🥧 Friendships
🍕 Family
🥧 Pies and Pizzas
🎄Christmas
🥧HEA

Favourite Moments
🍕 They meet again after so long.
🥧 They both work together and run the pizza & pie shop
🍕 Him knocking at the middle of the night to check on her (read it then you will know)
🥧 Fake to his parents that they are a couple and getting married (can’t spoil it)
🍕 Love that there is a little mystery going on
🥧 The “blob “ situation (can’t spoil it)
🍕 She teach him how to make pizza.
(lots more)

Swoony Moments
🍕 He cares for her and make sure she is okay. (can’t spoil it)
🍕 He is always there to catch her
🍕 Him cares for his family.

Synopsis:
Tommy
A former fireman and the eldest of the Costa family. To reunite his family, he is opening a pizza place despite of not knowing how to make a pizza. And he still remembers the marriage pact that he made with Merry.

Merry
She loves baking pie and her dream is to open a shop to sell pie. And she had a crush on Tommy during college.

Two meet again during a mutual friend wedding. And meet again because they had an eye of the shop. The owner of the shop will rent out to them on one condition is them working together to open a pizza & pie place but to their horror they didn’t realise that there was competition which was a chain coffee shop and even worse somebody had been stealing their pies. Risks, pressure and stress are accumulating will they ever make their shop are success?

Review:
This story is so sweet and warm. Hehe… love that the family come together and do things together though some of the brothers kind of reluctant but they what their minds are set is that in everything family comes first. Tommy is the oldest responsible brother. He cares for his family. He meets his college best friend in a mutual friend’s wedding whom he made a marriage pact because of some misunderstandings they haven’t met for a long time. Merry was always looked down by her friend Cassie and she misunderstand that Tommy and Cassie were a thing during college. Both of them realised that they still like each other. And like that the fact they agree to open a shop together which they will sell pizzas and pies. And love the scene that they do baking together and also love that because of the pressure that his mother and Merry step in to help him(can’t spoil it). And the moments of them together and them opening up to each other and clarifying the misunderstandings about the times in college. And the funniest is they name the pizza and pies after their family names. Haha…so cuteeeee….and also love that there is a pie thief in the midst of the story. This book made me laugh, swoon and feel warm. Oh yeah another one is I like the fact that Merry wrote a letter to Santa and put pies for him to share it with Mrs.Claus.
P.S As I read this, it made me want to eat pizza and pie. And I always want an older brother hahaa… so I kind of envy Frankie.


I enjoyed reading Tommy and Merry’s story. Can’t wait to read her 2nd book which is Bruno & Gloria’s love story. They met through the dating app. It’s going to be a fun story to read.

You can purchase Ellie Hall’s other series and stories from Amazon and it is also available on KU.

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry’s lifelong dream is to open a pie shop in her hometown. She finally musters the courage to do so, but only to find herself involved with Tommy, her college crush and former best friend. The leasing agent of the place she’s trying to get insists Tommy and her start their business together otherwise they won’t get the place. Tommy is trying to reunite all the family by opening a pizza place, but he didn’t plan on having to share the space with the girl he once made a marriage pact with. They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but there sure is temptation to do so.

This was such a cute story. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, I don’t see how you will not enjoy this book cause it has all the vibes! I think it’s a perfect read to get in the Christmas spirit. I love series that revolve around a whole family. I feel like this kind of series are the best because once you’ve discovered every character in its own book, you can enjoy seeing them in the others and it feels a little like seeing old friends. I will admit that this book made me want to bake! I just wanted the smell of something fresh out of the oven while reading this! If you love small town romance that are sweet and funny, then go get this book to be ready for your Christmas readings!

Thanks to the author for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable. Reunited best friends and secret mutual pining... I'm in love. I was completely hooked by the fun characters and their swoon-worthy romance. A delightful beginning to this new series!

Tommy and Merry were best friends in college, but a misunderstanding made them drift apart. Reunited over a decade later at a wedding, they’re in the same town vying for the same commercial space for their respective pizza and pie companies. I loved Tommy and Merry. They were so sweet together, and secret mutual pining made it so fun to root for them to be together. From their hilarious banter to their amazing chemistry and their beautiful, heartfelt love...it was just an all around great read.

Ellie Hall has quickly become one of my go to authors for a charming, sweet and funny romcom. I loved the introduction of Tommy’s family and his single brothers. I’m so excited for the rest of this series and can't wait to return to this world again.

[Chelsea Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute holiday romance! I just want to live in the little mountain town of Hawk Ridge Hollow, MT!

I absolutely loved Merilee and Tommy together, and their journey opening their pizza/pie shop. There were so many funny and sweet moments throughout this book that made me want to keep reading 🥰. Especially one scene where Tommy comes across something at Merilee’s house that she didn’t want him to see 😂😂. It did feel a little monotonous with Merilee dwelling and constantly mentioning an incident that happened when they were in college, but the overall cuteness and the vibes of this book really helped my liking of it. In the beginning Merilee is bound and determined that they couldn’t be in a relationship and risk their business, but Tommy has other plans and I was just behind them and rooting for them the whole time.

I would absolutely love to read the rest of the books in this little series that follows Tommy, and his brothers! I’ll definitely be picking them up!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read and great start to a new series!
A charming tale of working to obtain a dream passed on to you from your family and finding fulfillment and love along the way. Merilee, Merry, was raised by her grandmother who had the dream of opening a pie shop. Unfortunately, when she took in Merry and her sister that dream was put on hold, never to be fulfilled. But grandma’s love of baking pies lived in Merry. As Merry begins to pursue her and her grandmother’s dream, twists turns and obstacles appear in her way. Tommy, a handsome competitor and newcomer to the community, a moldy storefront, and an unknown force working to stop Tommy and Merry working together to fulfill their dreams. A fun read with great characters that leaves you wanting the next book. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Aaron Farrelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Christmas magic and holiday romance, Tommy & Merry's journey to love was an utter joy to read. With loveable characters, fun siblings, and a little bit of love, there's nothing you'll not like about this charming Christmas rom-com! 😍 I'd highly recommend this if you love big fun family dynamics, holiday charm, Christmas In July, quick reads and book series that focuses on each sibling and their love story 👀😍❄️🎄

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tommy & Merry And The Twelve Days Of Christmas is book 1 in the Costa Brothers Cosy Christmas Comfort Romance Series, and to say I'm excited for the rest of the Costa brothers stories would be an understatement! 😍💖

Thank you so much to Ellie for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kisses only. I had to suspend my belief that:
a. A family would decide to create a pizza shop when they had no experience or know how in the pizza business
b. Put said plan in motion the day after coming up with it
c. The shop owners would be able to get a business ready in like 3 weeks
d. People would go for these pizzas (since the dude just learned how to make pizza)
e. Someone could make 2 dozen pies from a home kitchen in one day (perhaps it is possible but that’d mean cooking like 4 pies at once for 6 hours)
f. The justice system could catch a perpetrator so quickly

Tommy and Merry’s story is from their college days which is about 15 years before the book takes place yet they still have a crush on each other. Does that mean that neither of them changed at all in over a decade?

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

College best friends, Merry and Tommy, haven’t seen each other since they had a falling out years ago, but when they meet at a college friends wedding, fate or Santa seems to throw them together. Can Merry let herself love someone again? Can Tommy convince Merry to keep the marriage pact?

Ellie Hall’s writing is as advertised—“sweet, marshmallow fluffy”. It was the perfect Christmas in July read. Cozy, quick with some swooney moments. Even though it’s a short book, you still get depth to the characters. I loved the baking scene and all the scenes with the Costas family.

This book releases on July 15th. Thank you to the author for the eARC. All the opinions are my own.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry and Tommy were best friends until her college roommate's actions ruined their relationship. Merry should have talked to Tommy instead of ghosting him. They meet again at that girl's wedding. I was surprised Merry wouldn't want to associate with this belittling self-centered woman who just made her feel bad about herself. Although it sounds delicious, I thought they were nuts to go into business together with a new pizza and pie shop especially when Tommy didn't know much about making pizza. But she also brings up with marriage pact to pacify his parents who want their sons to be married. There were a lot of silly puns, but all that yummy sounding food made my mouth water.

[Kate (bookishkenyannerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sending me the ARC of this book. It releases tomorrow, July 15th 🥳

Merry and Tommy had undeniable chemistry right off the bat. I loved how adorably awkward she is and Tommy making it his life's mission to bring her out of her shell.

I'd already read about the Hawkins brothers so it was nice to see some familiar characters featured in this story. I also fell in love with the Costa family and their interactions with each other.

I loved this story. It gave me all the feels you'd expect from a Hallmark Christmas movie. Can't wait to read about grouchy Bruno 😂

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merilee wants to open a bakery to sell her pies. Tommy wants a pizza parlor. A potential landlord forces them to share the space. They were BFFs in college, but a misunderstanding separated them. Their marriage pact (and the lease) will bring them back together. This is the first book in the author's new series - six Italian brothers are under pressure from their parents to find a good woman and settle down. I love his family, and how they accept Merilee, giving her the family she no longer has. It's a feel-good story set around the run-up to Christmas, a sweet and clean romance from a favorite author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is a second chance closed door romance following our main characters tommy and merry who were best friends in college, who made a pact to marry if there both single by 30, until she walked in on him making out with her roommate which leads to them drifting apart only to be reunited years later at a meeting to rent out the same building which leads them to have to work together in the end. I really enjoyed the chemistry that radiated off these characters especially in the beginning and their incredible banter. Lastly I loved the growth in not only their relationship but also them as people #reviewcopy