The best holiday gifts aren’t always under the tree . . .
Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she received her very early inheritance: her mother’s Christmas novelty store.
Now she has to put her life on hold to deal with the shop, while her parents settle into their busy sunny Florida retirement.
But Holly’s childhood pal, Sean, is determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever . . .
Titles in the Hamilton Christmas series include: Unleashed – Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells – Naughty But Nice
Lock, Stock & Jungle Bells was originally published in the Kissing Santa Claus anthology.
Title: Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells
Series: Hamilton Christmas #2
Author: Donna Kauffman
Genre: Christmas Contemporary Romance
Published: September 25, 2018
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4.5 stars
As Holly returns home from her job in the United Kingdom she has some decisions to make. In a surprising move her parents have given her an early inheritance of her mother’s Christmas shop since they are now off to retirement in sunny Florida. It might have been a great opportunity except for one fact… Holly hates the Christmas season with a passion. Being born on Christmas Eve, her name, Holly Berry, and constantly being watched by every single Santa in mom’s shop… well, enough was enough. Now it’s up to Holly to decide to sell or continue in her mother’s footsteps.
The first person to welcome Holly home was a former classmate, and if she’s honest a former crush, Sean, who runs a restaurant across the street from the shop. Unknown to Holly, Sean had a crush on her back then as well. In her case, she was to shy to try to catch his eye… for Sean she was too smart to ever possibly care about an ordinary guy like him. Youth… the years we waste, and the silly things we think. But now Sean is older, wiser and still holding onto feelings for Holly – so it’s his plan to change her mind about Christmas or leaving ever again.
I enjoyed Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells so much. Full of holiday cheer, a mystery to get tot he bottom of and two people who have always been right for each other get the second chance at love they so richly deserve. If you’re following the series then another discovery is made that plays into the ongoing thread – and we’ll meet up with some familiar faces as well.
I liked Sean, and came to like Holly as she grew to let go of the past and embrace the future. If you love a good Christmas Romance with a touch of mystery and a simple, easy second chance feel then you’ll want to pick up Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells. It’s a fast, enjoyable read that will definitely put you in the Christmas mood.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Available for the Kindle
