Wrapped with a Beau: small town charm, a grumpy-sunshine holiday romance

368 pages G.P. Putnam’s Sons publisher September 26,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In its heyday, Piney Peaks and its beloved Christmas house were made famous by Sleighbells under Starlight, a romantic holiday movie. Fifty years later, the small town is ready for a new love story.

As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure the long-hoped-for sequel to Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already gotten permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.

City boy Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it’s not any easier when he’s distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the irresistible charm of neighbor Elisha. He has no plans to put down roots or fall in love…even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater.

There’s no question the two are opposites in every way. Ves is undeniably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn’t do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.

MY THOUGHTS

Wrapped with a Beau was a festive Christmas book. While the storyline was predictable, I thought it was a light read great for this busy time of year.

Piney Peaks, home of the Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie and the festive holiday house it was filmed at. The home’s owner has passed away and neighbor Elisha has been the self-appointed home carer.

Early one morning when she sees what she thinks is a break in at the house she knows she needs to investigate. Dressed in her pajamas and wielding a huge plastic candy cane she is ready to take care of that burglar.

A meet cute, it turns out that the owner’s great nephew is in town to quickly fix up the holiday house and sell it after the festive season. In this grumpy to sunshine story, Ves Hollins, city boy from New York may find Elisha Rowe attractive but he’s here to sell his great aunt’s home and can’t wait to leave. He has no plans on helping Elisha with the Christmas movie sequel and certainly no interest in staying any longer than possible.

It was heartwarming seeing how Elisha’s family took to Ves, welcoming him and even joking around like he was one of the family.
With personalities so different can she sway him to her way of thinking, that life can be shiny and bright in this small town?

Wonderful, light holiday read.

Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lillie Vale is the author of books for both teens and adults, including Wrapped with a Beau, The Decoy Girlfriend, Beauty and the Besharam, The Shaadi Set-Up and Small Town Hearts, an American Library Association’s 2020 Rainbow Books List selection. She writes about secrets and yearning, complicated and ambitious girls who know what they want, the places we call home and people we find our way back to, and the magic we make. Born in Mumbai, she grew up in Mississippi, Texas, and North Dakota, and now lives in an Indiana college town. Find her on Twitter @LillieLabyrinth and Instagram @labyrinthspine, or visit her website lillielabyrinth.com.

I hope you are enjoying your day and staying warm. Thanks for stopping in today.