Rating: 4.5🌈
Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee is the third book I’ve read in the multi-author Christmas Falls series and it’s my favorite one so far.
A best friends to lovers story, here the best friend from childhood is returning to Christmas Falls after a long separation and with an adorable daughter in tow.
Trevor’s cold family life that he and his young daughter, Holly, are leaving behind is sharply contrasted with the warmth and joyful welcome that awaits them at the familiar bookstore run by Trey and his heart warming family. Cee makes that bookstore, Season’s Readings, with its fun kids story times run by Eddie, hustling crowds of book loving people, and general air of welcoming spirit a place of reality for the reader. It grounds us and all the characters immediately.
It’s a place where the men can start their own journey back together as Trevor’s adorable little Holly adjusts to her new home, stealing hearts and scenes left and right.
Through Holly, the reader gets to view Christmas Falls as we should see it! Christmas Falls parades, the magical world of the town spreads out before Trevor and Holly as she sees it for the first time and Trevor remembers why he loves it so and needed to return. And Trey, see his town again and appreciates how special it is again.
This entire story is just a reminder of the importance of the community and spirit of the holiday season, whether it’s a large town celebration or a family coming together, home again in heart and place. Such a joy to read in every aspect.
If I had a quibble, it was the quick resolution for the manner Trevor was treated, and his daughter was treated by his parents . There was a later disclosure about her behavior but it did nothing to assuage the lack of full support from his father or the lack of apologies from either for what was really long term damaging behavior. If this was going to be an important element, then it needs just as thorough and satisfying ending.
Otherwise, a fantastic holiday story, with beautifully rendered scenes and great characters. I love it.
Christmas Falls:
✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison
◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James
✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee
◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox
◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall
◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox
◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn
“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”
Buy Link:
Blurb:
Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.
As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.
Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.
And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.
With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
• Publisher: (December 1, 2023)
• Publication date: December 1, 2023
• Print length: 188 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 