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Hearts of Woolsey #3

A Desert Rivalry

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This year’s library Christmas celebration will be one for the books.

Alexander Adams, Woolsey’s only librarian, needs to take a few days off work for back surgery. But leaving the library in the hands of another, regardless of her qualifications, is not something he’s about to take lightly. He goes by the book in more ways than one, and he expects the same of anyone else.

April Gardner has returned home with her service dog, Frank, and she is the perfect person to fill in at the library. However, this transition will be anything but smooth. April is the complete opposite of Alexander, including her plans for the library’s annual Christmas celebration.

But when the residents of Woolsey notice April’s ideas are the much-needed facelift for the library, they decide maybe it’s time to replace Alexander. Yet, April is not looking to take his job. She has bigger dreams than the small town can offer and wants to help Alexander if only he would stop being such a bah humbug.

Can these two work together and put on a library Christmas celebration to remember?

250 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

Savannah Hendricks

30 books369 followers
READING IS BETTER WITH A DOG

Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of Savannah's books are donated to dog rescue organizations. Additionally, in memory of Mac, 5% of the proceeds from the sale of THE ALBUM will be donated to AKC Canine Health Foundation on a semi-annual basis to support canine epilepsy research.

Savannah is a short & sarcastic, award-winning author & social worker. She DOESN'T use AI or other technology to create her stories, she writes them from scratch.

Request a personalized autograph: http://savannahhendricks.com/

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5 stars
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7 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Blackburn.
46 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2023
I am so in love with this series, and the people in Woolsey, Arizona. We've seen summer and fall, now we welcome winter to the small desert town. This small town romance is one of the biggest HEA stories I've had the pleasure of reading. Spend Christmas in the library of Woolsey and welcome April back to town. See if she can sprinkle Scrooge Alexander with Christmas spirit, and help him to see that change is a good thing.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this series deserves a spot on Hallmark!

Thank you, Savannah, for showing us the beautiful seasons of Arizona!
Profile Image for Robin.
648 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2022
This is book #3 of The Hearts of Woolsey series.
I have loved every one of Savannah's books and this one is no exception. Although this is book #3, you don't need to read priors to follow. Same town and lots of same people in all of them but easily read as stand-alone. (But I bet you go back and read priors if havent read them...) This is not just a holiday story but so much more, friendship, small town comraderie, and how trying new things can change you for the good.
Thank you to Savannah Hendricks for this e-arc and chance to read and review before release. This review is my honest opinion. READ IT!
Profile Image for Savannah Hendricks.
Author 30 books369 followers
Read
November 1, 2022
Well, it's Christmas time in the desert...it's possible, believe me. Grab your Santa hat, a light jacket and mittens, and come join the library's annual Christmas celebration in Woolsey this holiday season. This is the final book in the 3-book series and was my most favorite to write and also my favorite of the series. It's full of Christmas nostalgia, desert life, and humor. I hope you'll give it a read.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,044 reviews64 followers
November 2, 2022
Welcome back to Woolsey.

This was a wonderful read by Savannah Hendricks. I have to say this was my favorite book in the series.. a rivalry about a librarian. And his library..
Book 3. A must read....

Alexander,
He's the only librarian in woolsey.
Doesn't believe There's anyone for the job except him. Been doing it since his mother passed. It's his Passion it's his life the library. his whole world.
And nothing should change. Everything is done his way... But soon an old High schoolfriend, Comes to town. Things soon change. Alexander has a surgery coming up and things are starting to change for him..


April,
Back in Woolsey’s While back in woolsey her parents are retired . And away on a trip.she has no idea what she'll do.. But then an opportunity becomes available.. Helping out the library.. Only some don't want help... But sometimes things aren't always what people want... making things more interesting... April is only looking out for the best interest of the entire town of woolsey..


Some of the fun parts for me in this book were, The scorpion, While April was reading her book that was a little bit spooky for her but I thought way cool.
I love that this book has centered around to Christmas. Christmas being my favorite holiday..🎄

absolutely wonderful read definitely enjoyed it.. And I would give this book more than 5 Stars if it was allowed it was that good..
Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
565 reviews29 followers
November 1, 2022
A Desert Rivalry is Savannah Hendricks latest addition to her A Hearts of Wolsey Series. This is a wonderful series, all three books can be read as a stand-alone but I have read them all! It is set in a small town with all that goes with it!! The characters are fabulous and you will love them all. This is a well written story and series! Ms. Hendricks will pull you into the story and make you feel like you are there with them all. This charming story brings about friendships, romance and adds in all the Christmas spirit you want! A fast paced read that will warm you heart! If you are looking for a beautiful story to start your Christmas readings then I highly recommend this one and the first two in the series. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you Savannah Hendricks and Grand Bayou Press for an advanced copy of this wonderful story in exchange for my honest opinions.
#adesertrivalry #savannahhendricks #grandbayoupress
#aheartsofwoolseynovels #arc
Profile Image for Janet.
404 reviews27 followers
May 7, 2023
Loved the themed Library Christmas! Christmas in the desert 🌵! I was wondering if Alexander (Alex) and April were going to pull it off, loved the humor. I really liked Elizabeth!
Profile Image for Janeal.
161 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2025
i just love alll of woolsey. such a wonderful book
Profile Image for Carol Werner Harris.
619 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2022
A Desert Rivalry by: Savannah Hendricks to be published 11/1/2022

Another 5 Star story about the town of Woolsey and its loving resident's.

The stories focus is around the Library Christmas celebration.

Alexander has been the only librarian for decades. He needs to take a few days off for surgery, therefore needing to find a replacement to cover his position at the library. April and her service dog, Frank have just returned to town for a short visit. Alexander and April went to school together decades ago. Alexander had a crush on April but he was definitely out of her league then and now!

The town thinks April would be the perfect fill in at the library, Alexander disagrees but he reluctantly gives in as it's only for a day or maybe two.

Once April gets in the library she sees that many face lifts need done, it is outdated. She also has lots of plans to make this years Christmas celebration one to be remembered. The town resident's are all for April's way of thinking and are wanting to replace Alexander's position! Can Alexander work together with April to welcome change, to gain the town's resident's trust in him? He can't afford to loose his job?

I found this 3rd and final book in "The Hearts of Woolsey series" to be very enjoyable and entertaining. The first book, "A Desert Restoration" was about a couple that loved each other but could not have a child and therefore decided to divorce. The towns people loved that couple so much they refused to let that couple give up. Could they save their marriage? All the characters in the book are charming, likable and I felt like I was right there with them.

The second book, "A Desert Romance" starts 2 years after book 1. Aurora , one of the towns residents husbands dies at an early age leaving her alone to raise their two daughters. Again, the town's resident's are right there helping each other in their time of need. Can Aurora find love again or do you only have the love of your life once?

I highly recommend all 3 books in the series, but they can be read alone as one. The same fun loving characters are in each book and possible an additional one added each time!

Thank you Savannah Hendricks for the opportunity to read the E-ARC before the publish date of 11/1/2022. As always, I have enjoyed this along with all of your books.

Profile Image for Sam.
638 reviews35 followers
December 25, 2022
The third and final book in The Hearts of Woolsey series and I absolutely adored it! I love Savannah’s writing style, the way her characters are described and the overall messages in her stories.

Alexander, head Librarian has to take off some time from the library because of back surgery. April, fresh with her Library Science degree is there to help out. Alexander is scared though, he’s afraid she will try to take his job and the towns residents are wanting her to take the job. They desire change and newness and Alexander is just not up to change. People can change though, especially when love slides through the door with classic Christmas movies.

Without a doubt, this is a five star read; a must read to add to your collection. I recommend all three books in the series. They all have something special to warm your heart and give you a great reading experience. Savannah just knows how to draw her readers in and keep them entertained. I also love how she incorporates little details they are reminiscent of herself. Go grab the series off Amazon and share with all your girlfriends!
51 reviews
December 9, 2022
I loved this book set around Christmas and a library! Woolsey's librarian, Alexander, needs time off from work for back surgery so April who has temporarily returned to her home town along with her service dog steps up to fill in. Alexander is very old school in running the library while April has many new ideas to update not only the library but the Christmas celebration which also makes the Woolsey residents happy. Will Alexander be able to keep his job, or will the town give it to April? Does April even want to stay in Woolsey? Does Alexander accept her help? And what about their old feelings from high school?
Profile Image for Linda.
703 reviews38 followers
November 16, 2022
I’m sad that this series is over but honored to of read it. This series is funny, romantic and entertaining. This last book was about a small town Scrooge named Alexander who was the town librarian and was definitely set in his ways. Along came April, an old schoolmate who was helping him at a library while recovering from back surgery. What happened next surprised the whole town. If you like uplifting clean romance novels, get your hands on this series.
Profile Image for Sharon Marie.
19 reviews
October 7, 2022
I devoured this story. What a charming and quick read, perfect for Christmas. I will sure miss the town of Woolsey and the people there. Maybe the author will add more to the series at some point. I hope so because I loved how romantic and emotional it was, even without any sex. A clean read is hard to do and still make it interesting and lovely.
Profile Image for Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile.
2,171 reviews133 followers
October 3, 2023
Adorable librarian romance? Check. The magic and miracles of Christmas? Check. Gorgeous desert scenery? Check. A sweet bulldog named Frank? Check.

This clean love story is the perfect read for the holidays or anytime at all! Visit small town Arizona one more time and welcome the joy of Christmas to your heart.
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
956 reviews17 followers
December 28, 2022
I absolutely loved Alex & April's sweet, grumpy, funny, swoony story!!
Profile Image for JoAnna McGarvie.
84 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2023
Welcome back to Woolsey!! In the Christmas season! So good to be back amongst favorite characters and the warmth of togetherness!
4 reviews
February 16, 2023
Predictable much?

All of her stories are way too predictable. Certainly an easy read.actually kind of boring. I won't be reading this romance author again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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