Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: The Mistletoe Effect
AUTHOR: Cate Ashwood
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 116 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2016
BLURB:
Although Christmas is his favorite time of year, all is not merry and bright for Danny Ellis. After being laid off and facing eviction, he’s eager to make a fresh start. When a friend mentions an opportunity in Sin City, he packs up and heads west. Unfortunately, plans run awry when his truck breaks down a little more than halfway there and he’s stranded in the cold with no money, nowhere to stay, and no way to get to Vegas.
‘Tis the season, but not for Merrick Holland, who loves being a part of the community in the small town of Rowley Bridge. Christmas has been a little tainted since his father died three years ago, and when people start to deck the halls, he withdraws. When Merrick finds a man asleep inside his bakery one morning, rather than call the police, Merrick makes him a cup of coffee, and after hearing his story offers him a job and a place to stay.
The two men strike up an unlikely friendship, but with Christmas only three weeks away, could a little holiday magic bring them together?
REVIEW:
Every once in a while you need a sweet little something that makes you feel good. Whether it’s a yummy cookie or a romantic Christmas novella that fills the need, this was one of those sweet treats!
Danny Ellis has had a pretty hard life. His mom has passed away and now there are no jobs to keep him employed in his hometown. So Danny ventures out, with his last few dollars in his pocket, to meet up with an old friend in Vegas. He has a job offer at one of the casinos there to keep him going. On the way his old pickup truck breaks down in the quaint town of Rowley Bridge. He is stuck in the snow with no money and no hope. When he discovers that the door to the bakery he is stuck behind is unlocked he breaks his vow to always be lawful. Next he discovers a box of gingerbread cookies, his favorites, and decides a life of “crime” has taken over his usually lawful self. With his belly full, something that hasn’t been the norm in quite some time, he drifts off to sleep in the cozy, warm bakery. Next thing he knows he is abruptly awoken by a man, a rather handsome man, with a baseball bat in hand. “The Mistletoe Effect” is the story of how a man, who was down on his luck, was given a helping hand by a man who needed to have the Christmas spirit rekindled within him again.
I was warmed by the loving spirit of this quaint, small town. There is something to be said for small town life. Yes, at times it can be a bit frustrating, with everyone knowing, and in, your personal business. But having life-long townspeople, that have your back and best interests at heart, is something that you just don’t experience in the big city. And small town Christmas celebrations can be filled with such warmth and joy. Rowley Bridge is just one of those wonderful, caring towns.
Both Danny and Merrick have sad back stories. All alone in the world is a tough life to live. From the strange way these men met they form a trusting friendship even though they know they are on a very short timeline. I truly loved how Danny brought the joy of Christmas back to Merrick. And I enjoyed how Merrick learned to trust Danny and his youthful joy. But what I loved the most about Merrick was his gift of selfless giving. He never expected anything in return. Kelsey, Merrick’s other employee at his bakery, was a real treat and her encouragement was heartwarming.
You couldn’t help but to cheer for these two men. They just clicked from the moment they met and you knew you were in for a warm, sweet ride. This was a fun little Christmas story that will warm your heart on a cold winter’s night.
RATING: 
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