Reviewed by Sarina
![Holidays Are Where Your Heart Is (2018 Advent Calendar - Warmest Wishes) by [Baker, Bru]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51RyhiNJ8UL.jpg)
TITLE: Holidays Are Where Your Heart Is
SERIES: 2018 Advent Calendar – Warmest Wishes
AUTHOR: Bru Baker
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 42 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2018
BLURB:
Jared’s been all over the world as a traveling manny with Holiday Helpers, and the itch to put down roots is is starting to eclipse his wanderlust—especially since his current family is a handful.
After culinary school, Wes did some wandering of his own, exploring Central America before settling as a resort chef in his mother’s homeland of Costa Rica, a place he loves and plans to stay. If he’s learned one thing, it’s to be wary of flings with vacationers. Still, he can’t stand to watch two little Swiss kids lose their belief in Saint Nicholas, so he’ll lend a hand to the manny assisting the family. It won’t be easy to recreate a traditional European Christmas in a tropical paradise.
Between a snowball fight on a sunny beach and sledding down an active volcano, Jared and Wes discover some renewed holiday magic of their own. Can they make it last a lifetime?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar “Warmest Wishes.”
REVIEW:
This was a cute little read; I’ve really found myself enjoying stories that feature Mannies lately and this was no exception. Taking care of a pair of twins for Christmas while their parents are taking a working holiday in Costa Rica, Jared is stuck trying to find a way to bring the usual snow filled holiday traditions to the sun and sand. Making a connection with Wes, a chef at the resort they’re staying at, is just a bonus to the beautiful location.
The story itself was cute; I really enjoyed all the glimpses of Jared with the twins and I thought that the ideas presented in order to give them that Christmas feeling we’re great. I was especially impressed with the ‘snow’ as I’d never heard of that before! While the story primarily focused on Jared and his working with Lucas and Lia, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get much in the way of romance between Jared and Wes. I could see the potential between them but never really felt the connection that the writing implied. If I could’ve been privy to their initial meeting to jumpstart the attraction between them, maybe it would be different.
Regardless, I thought the overall story was sweet and there was a nice message in regards to the holiday and Saint Nicholas. If you’re looking for a nice, feel good read, I’d recommend giving this one a look.
RATING:
BUY LINKS:
Like this:
Like Loading...
Thanks for the review. Sounds like a nice story but I like a lot of romance in my Christmas stories.
I might check this one out.
Thanks for the review! I always love Bru Baker’s stories and this is no different, too!
Thank you for the review. It sounds like an interesting read.
I like the cognitive dissonance of a tropical Christmas!
I’ll give this one a go since I like the premise and mannies never get old 🙂
Christmas message story sounds good – I hope the children are per their age – it distracts me if they are too advanced ex or too babyish for their written age
A pretty cute story. Made me smile.