Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Whispered Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses
SERIES: Williamsville Inn
AUTHOR: Hank Edwards
PUBLISHER: Mitten Ginger Media
LENGTH: 258 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2025
BLURB:
After a devastating breakup leaves him questioning everything about love and relationships, Elliott Morgan wants nothing more than to spend the holidays hiding in his Newark apartment. But his well-meaning friends have other plans, whisking him away to the charming snow-covered town of Williamsville for a week-long Christmas getaway.
Elementary school teacher Gar Dawson has spent years pouring his heart into Williamsville’s holiday celebrations, creating handmade Christmas sweaters and volunteering for every festive event. But beneath his cheerful exterior, he’s been quietly aching with loneliness since losing his sister—until a grumpy stranger from New Jersey literally crashes into his life.
Elliott expects small-town holiday cheer to be his personal nightmare. Gar expects another lonely Christmas despite being surrounded by his caring community. Neither expects the spark that ignites when Elliott’s sarcasm meets Gar’s genuine warmth, or how quickly stolen kisses under twinkling lights begin to heal their wounded hearts.
As Elliott finds himself reluctantly drawn into Williamsville’s festive celebrations—from crafting ornaments to manning Christmas games—both men begin to hope again. But when Elliott discovers that Gar has been keeping a secret, old wounds threaten to destroy the fragile trust they’ve built.
With only days left until Elliott leaves town, both must decide whether to retreat behind familiar walls or take the biggest risk of all—believing that some Christmas wishes really do come true.
Set against the backdrop of a town that treats every holiday like magic, this heartwarming standalone grumpy/sunshine romance explores second chances, the courage to be vulnerable, and the transformative power of found family.
REVIEW:
Oh what a lovely holiday story 🙂 I have so enjoyed these different stories centered around various holidays in Williamsville and the local inn. This is the third book in this multiauthor series that I’ve read that are written by Hank Edwards. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of second chances for two men who are facing a lonely holiday season.
While Gar, a local elementary school teacher and all around good guy has always tried to put a happy face on his situation, Elliott, a children’s book illustrator, is a bit of a grumpy Gus – not that he doesn’t have good reason. It’s just that Elliott is definitely a glass half-empty guy. His friends Marcus, Zach and Luna, dubbed the “Trio of Mischief”, are trying to do a nice things for him and take him away from the holidays trying to cajole him out of the funk he’s been in since the breakup with his cheating ex months before. Gar’s friends Bill and Irene and even the mayor are in cahoots to do their utmost to see Gar happy again after his own loss. Their first meeting sets the stage and then they keep running into each other 🙂
Gar and Elliott end up spending a lot of time together. There is ice skating, walks, snowball fights, crafts and more 😉 But there is also a small secret that could lead to a conflict. And it does. But luckily there are plenty of folks who conspire to not let this be the end to something great that is just getting started.
I really loved these two guys. They each have been through it. But they are both ready to move on with their lives – even if it takes some time and convincing to make them see the light. This a very romantic story that has plenty of this author’s trademark humor, heat and heart. If you’re ready of a wonderful holiday romance where love prevails, this is your book. Highly recommended.
RATING: 
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