Hardworking Isabelle Cook has a serious problem. Her family farm, site of Tilikum’s Christmas Village, is in trouble. Big trouble. And worst of all? The man trying to buy it is none other than the grumpiest, grinchiest man of them all—Elias Stoneheart.

That’s a big nope. She’s not letting him get involved. Not with his heart made of coal.

Elias Stoneheart is in the business of making money, not friends. Especially when his boss is promising a long-awaited promotion. All he has to do is convince one struggling family to sell their farm.

The problem? It’s Cook Family Farm. And Isabelle Cook is his ex.

He might have history with Isabelle, but this is just business. A Christmas-loving farm girl is not going to come between him and his ambition.

And Christmas? He hates it. Christmas Village needs to go.

But as Elias spends time in the small town, holiday spirit—and Isabelle—get under his skin. And she might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Review

This book felt like a cozy, Hallmark movie. There was a second chance romance. An adorable kid. A slightly tragic past which turned someone into a grump during the holidays. A loving, supportive family who has a small-town business which is struggling, and the previously mentioned grump wants to buy it. It had all the ingredients, and it was enjoyable.

This book warmed my heart, and I enjoyed watching everything play out. Clearly, the grump—Elias, would not end up buying their farm. That aspect was predictable. Obviously. Despite that though, Elias and Isabelle had this emotional history, and I was tapped in to see how it would play out between them.

This book is related to the other series that Claire Kingsley had written – the Bailey Brothers series. Before reading, I wasn’t aware of that, so there were some situations, references, and plot lines that flew over my head. It might be better to read those before this one to get the full reading experience.

Final Thoughts

How the Grump Saved Christmas is a story set in a cozy small town with interesting characters that get you in the spirit for the holiday season.

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