Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Mistletoe and Whine
SERIES: Anna Martin’s Christmas Short Stories
AUTHOR: Anna Martin
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 52 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2023
BLURB:
Jack Daly owns a toy shop nestled away down one of Bath’s cobbled streets, and he has big plans: in the new year, he’s going to expand to include a book shop. So when a seasonal pop-up shop selling children’s books opens on the other side of the street, he’s livid — is he about to lose everything he’s worked so hard for?
Oliver Rowe would much prefer to be writing books than selling them, but since writer’s block hit he doesn’t have much choice. With his agent breathing down his neck and inspiration at an all time low, all he can do is daydream about the grumpy toy shop owner who won’t stop scowling at him.
REVIEW:
Jack enjoys the holiday season. His toy shop does very well and he participates in the local business community. He supports the local Christmas charity with a toy collection for the local children’s hospital. What he is NOT a fan of is the pop-up bookstore across the way from his shop.
Oliver is a successful children’s book author and illustrator. But he’s had a bad case of writer’s block and he’s months late on delivering his next book. He’s not got much time left and he’s taken the temporary six week job of the bookstore popup to pay the bills and maybe give his some inspiration? But really he’s got too many ideas, but nothing solid and he just can’t get started. Maybe something about a grumpy toy store owner? He’s certainly noticed the scowls of the man across the street.
With a meddling best friend and some unintended comradery, Jack and Oliver actually spend time together and talk to each other. Turns out both have made some assumptions 😉 But maybe the spirit of the season will provide some things Jack and Oliver have been wanting after all.
Well this was simply adorable. Jack and Oliver are strangers, but Jack is not at all happy about Oliver’s presence – well not Oliver really, but what he represents to Jack with the competition across the street from his business. Oliver is wrapped up in his own problems and just sees a grumpy shop owner. When they actually talk to each other and Jack has learned more about Oliver, things begin to change. Jack does the unexpected and Oliver is touched. This is a delightful introduction to a what could be – a beginning of what looks to be a holiday romance for two men who haven’t had much luck at love. I adore short stories that leave me with a smile and warm feeling and this was certainly one of those. Just a delightful amuse bouche! Recommended.
RATING: 
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