"Meddling with Mistletoe" is a sweet romance in more ways than one. The female love interest is a baker after all. While there aren't any deep spiritual themes developed here—there's a quick bit about God not making man to be alone—this was one of the best developed easy-read holiday romances I've read. The story is very slice-of-life, with the only real drama revolving around the "big reveal" that Whitney has made a deal to help Aretha in exchange for tuition funds. We know about the deal from the start, so what follows is predictable. Still, author Liz Johnson crafts a lovely story wherein we enjoy watching Whitney fall in love with the man who she is supposed to be setting up with another woman. What's truly sweet is the way in which Whitney helps Daniel, the male lead, leave his painful past behind and smile again, while he reminds Whitney of her own unrealized strengths. Of course, it's a Christmas novel, so there's snow, sledding, decorations, and more involved. Readers are sure to find it all very delightful and merry.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
