Review: Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Title: Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 12.5
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

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 it. That’s why she’s opening 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 sugarplums, thanks to his drill sergeant father. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from an 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….

This edition is a reprint and includes the bonus story, Yours for Christmas (reviewed HERE).

The Review:

Christmas on 4th Street is a charming and very heartwarming addition to Susan Mallery’s delightful Fool’s Gold series. In this outing, relative newcomer to Fool’s Gold Noelle Perkins is paired up with Gabriel Boylan, an Army doctor who is only in town for the holidays. What makes this romance so fascinating is the fact they both went through similar experiences, yet their outlook on life is completely opposite. Further complicating their relationship is the fact that Gabriel is not planning on remaining in Fool’s Gold permanently. Will a little holiday magic bring this couple the happily ever after they so richly deserve?

Noelle has experienced more than her fair share of loss, but she embraces life to the fullest. Needing a life change, she moved to Fool’s Gold to open her Christmas shop and the town and its inhabitants welcomed her with open arms. Now with a large group of friends providing emotional support and unconditional friendship, Noelle is eager to move on to the next stage in her life: falling in love and settling down.

Gabriel has avoided spending the holidays with his family for several years, but an injury finds him stateside while he recovers both physically and mentally. In Fool’s Gold to reconnect with his twin brother Gideon, Gabriel is unpleasantly surprised to learn their parents will also be in town for Christmas. His relationship with his father remains contentious, so Gabriel offers to fill in at Noelle’s shop over the holidays.

Gabriel and Noelle share an easygoing friendship, but they both resist giving into the passion that simmers between them. Gabriel is honest that he does not want a long term relationship and Noelle is not willing to settle for a quick fling. Agreeing to ignore their attraction, they enjoy working together and with mutual acquaintances, they also spend time together socially as well.   The shift in their relationship from platonic to lovers is gradual and realistic, but their conflicting viewpoints on love quickly become a point of contention between them.

Christmas on 4th Street is a warm and inviting holiday story that old and new fans of the Fool’s Gold series are sure to enjoy. Despite some series topics, it is mostly a light-hearted romance between two very engaging and likable characters. Susan Mallery fully captures the spirit of the season with a storyline that is very endearing, but it is the fantastic cast of characters and loving community that make it such an outstanding read. Another emotional filled and uplifting novel that I highly recommend.

A quick note to readers: this edition is a reprint and includes the bonus story Yours for Christmas.