Christmas Angels

August 26, 2019
Heartwarming but forgettable, Naigle’s inspirational, TV movie–like Christmas story is a pleasant way to spend a chilly fall day. Liz Westmoreland keeps a foothold in Charlotte, N.C., while developing a thriving career launching retail stores worldwide. She secretly longs to reopen her grandparent’s B and B, the site of her fondest memories, so when the building comes up for auction, she impulsively buys it—sight unseen—and drives two hours west into the mountains to see what awaits her in Antler Creek. Overwhelmed by the renovations required, Liz finds a friend in Matt Hardy, an Antler Creek local who had already estimated the cost of repairing the inn in hopes of buying it himself. Matt fondly remembers Liz from her teen years and decides to act as her general contractor to help her achieve her dream. In Naigle’s idyllic town, all the neighbors pitch in to help Liz and celebrate the Christmas season with hot chocolate and prayer. Matt and Liz don’t generate heart-pounding chemistry, but their sweet relationship is satisfying, particularly when Matt’s dog is added to the mix. This placid contemporary will please undemanding fans of holiday romances.

October 1, 2019

Liz Westmoreland has been hoping to operate a small inn one day, just as her grandparents did when she was younger. When that very inn suddenly goes up for auction in Antler Creek, Liz jumps at the chance to buy it, sight unseen. The property, however, has fallen into disrepair over the years, and Liz wonders if she's made a huge mistake. Enter Matt Hardy, who had his own dreams for the inn, and after losing the auction, he and the rest of Antler Creek just hope it won't be destroyed. When Liz contacts him to help with a building inspection, Matt remembers the crush he had on her as a kid. As they evaluate how to return the house to its former glory, including the spectacular Christmas display, both have doubts about whether the project will succeed. When angels from Liz's grandmother's collection suddenly start appearing in mysterious places, Liz is convinced it's a sign to stay. VERDICT Libraries looking for holiday romances that are sweet rather than passionate will want to snag this title for their collections.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Before Liz Westmoreland was a successful project manager, she was a kid who enjoyed spending time at her grandparents' inn, Angels Rest, in the small town of Antler's Creek. The inn was sold, but now it's up for auction and, sight unseen, Liz spontaneously makes the winning bid. When she arrives, she finds the place is in need of massive repairs. Matt Hardy grew up in Antler's Creek and also has fond childhood memories of Angel's Rest. When he learns that he was outbid by none other than his childhood crush who hopes to restore the place, he jumps in to help. Liz has a policy to not date people she works with, but with the Christmas spirit in the air, it's hard not to fall in love. Naigle's low-conflict romance is bright with abundant holiday cheer and good-hearted community members, and, like a dash of HGTV with a large dose of Hallmark, it's delightfully entertaining.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)