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Monday, November 9, 2015

Christmas in Mustang Creek - Review

Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller (Brides of Bliss County #4)
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: NetGalley
Description:  Charlotte Morgan grew up at Mustang Creek, Wyoming, and couldn't wait to escape to the big city.  But life in New York isn't as fabulous as she'd like to admit, she's lonely, doing a job she doesn't love and dating to many frogs she meets online.
There was one potential prince, Jaxon Locke, a veterinarian with definite possibilities but his move to Idaho to fill in at his dad's vet practice ended things just as they were getting interesting.  What Charlotte doesn't know is that he misses her, more than he expected.
Now an aunt who needs Charlotte's help, a new job for Jax, and a magical house guest named Mrs. Klozz all combine for a magical Christmas and a new beginning.

Genre: Romance/Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book: I have been wanting to try Linda Lael Miller's books for ages and this Christmas story in The Brides of Bliss County series seemed a perfect place to start.

My Impression:  This book requires a mug of hot chocolate, comfy close and a big fluffy blanket.  A snowy day and a roaring fire is also recommended though not required as the book will make you feel like you have these things.
This is like the very best of a Hallmark movie.  Mustang Creek is beautiful and charming and full of lovely people and delightful shops.  Charlotte's family home is a beautiful Victorian filled with all kinds of treasures.  Jax is just the nicest guy.  He's smart, he has a sense of humor and he loves animals not to mention the fact that he's not bad looking.  I was worried that his ending up in Charlotte's home town would come across as creepy or needy but it didn't.  He's totally upfront and honest but at the same time doesn't have any expectations.  It's hard not to like him - especially when you see him at work!
I didn't warm to Charlotte quite as much.  She's nice but so wish-y wash-y that I wanted to shake her sometimes.  She has this idea of what Jax wants but it's not really based on anything other than her own preconceptions. It feels kind of like she's just spinning her wheels which makes sense given her situation in the book but I wanted her to make a decision a little faster.  While I didn't dislike her I think my lack of connection to her kept me from really being swept up in the story.
Than there's the side characters - Charlotte's friends, Jax's business partner, Aunt Geneva, and the fabulous Mrs. Klozz.  These are all people I want to see more of.  I was worried that Mrs. Klozz would be over used and her magic would seem a bit heavy handed but it was absolutely perfect.  My main Christmas wish would be for her to come cook for me for a day!

So get yourself a cup of hot chocolate, curl up all warm and cozy, and spend an evening in Mustang Creek.  You won't regret it!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Definitely!  I'm looking forward to going back and reading the earlier books in the Brides of Bliss County series.

Would I Recommend this Book?: Yes.  If you like a sweet Christmas romance with just a little heat this is a great one.  Plus, there's puppies!

18 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to try Linda Lael Miller's books too. I'm glad you enjoyed this. It does sound like a perfect Holiday read, even if Charlotte was a bit frustrating.

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    1. This was my first experience with Miller but I really enjoyed it. She did great with really setting a scene.

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  2. Oh my, all the things dear to my heart. Cowboys, Wyoming, hot chocolate, puppies and did I mention Cowboys?!

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    1. This was a fun one! I just want Mrs. Klozz to come stay with me for awhile!

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  3. I've been wanting to read this author too. Hopefully this season. :-) I've watched a couple Hallmark holiday movies over the past week--I'm not a huge fan of them, but they hit the spot. I am looking forward to diving into the Christmas romances sitting in my TBR pile.

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    1. I'm not a huge fan of Hallmark movies either but every once in awhile they're such fun and this felt like one of those times

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  4. Oh a Hallmark movie in a book? I'm in. Sometimes these cozy books are perfect, especially with the cold weather and holidays coming up. Great review!

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    1. It really felt like that! Not perfect but fun and sweet with just a touch of magic.

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  5. I haven't read this author for years. Because of you, I've added the firsts in each of her series to my TBR.

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    1. Mind hope you still enjoy her! This was my first book by Miller but I enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to reading more.

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  6. I liked this one for all the same reasons - and had the same frustration with Charlotte. Good review!

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    1. I did want Charlotte toke up her mind! But I loved Jac and this was such fun!

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  7. Sounds like a cute read and puppies make it better. :)

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  8. I've read 2 Miller books and they didn't wow me but this one sounds good though Charlotte being wishy washy would get on my nerves.

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  9. I read this one too and enjoyed it, you're right a warm fire and hot chocolate and this one goes down great as a Christmas read.

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