Veena’s review of Christmas on 4th Street ( A Fools Gold Romance) by Susan Mallery
Contemporary Romance novella ebook published by HQN 24 Sep 13
I love these contemporary romances, so I automatically snap up anything that has to do with this series and Susan Mallery’s name associated with it. We’re back in Fool’s Gold again, and, even though it’s only been a few months, it’s Christmas. The town clearly moves to a different calendar than we do. This time it’s Noelle Perkins and the wonderful year-round Christmas store that are the featured attractions. Of course, there’s a strong, silent ex-Army type who needs the love of a good woman, along with the beauty and warmth of this small town in California to help him heal. What else can anyone need to celebrate Christmas Fool’s Gold style?
Noelle Perkins has been a secondary character in many of the recent Fool’s Gold romances as the new gal in town as she makes friends and settles down. Her Christmas store that we helped her find and remodel is now open for business as the Christmas Attic, and I, for one, wish I could shop there because it definitely sounds delightful. It looks like love might have passed her by as her friends are all finding their happily ever after.
Gabriel Boylan, recently wounded and on leave from the Army, arrives to spend the holiday with his recently married brother Gideon (Two of a Kind). He’s horrified to find that his parents are also planning on spending Christmas in Fool’s Gold. Ready to escape, even if he has to spend a lonely holiday on some army base, he runs into Noelle and finds her working as an assistant in her store to help her deal with the Christmas shoppers.
Gabriel is wounded in heart, mind, and body. He’s at a crossroads and his choices are very difficult. It doesn’t help that his drill sergeant father is trying to browbeat him into what he feels his choice should be. Working with Noelle and watching her joy in helping her customers find just the right gift or ornament is like a balm to his psyche.
Noelle herself has bittersweet memories. She also has gone through her own life-altering challenges and losses. Fool’s Gold has helped her find her strong inner core and a sense of peace. Can these two wounded souls heal each other and find the love the bards talk about? This is a slow, sweet meeting and loving of two damaged people who find their forever.
If you have the time and can make it here, definitely plan on spending the holiday season in Fool’s Gold.
Grade: B
Summary:
There’s nowhere better to spend the holidays than with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery in the town of Fool’s Gold, where love is always waiting to be unwrapped…
Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.
Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.
Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….
Other books in this series:
