The Meaning in Mistletoe (A Poppy Creek Novel Book 4)

Kat has grown up at the women's shelter where her absentee mother often stayed, and Fern, the woman who runs it, really raised her. But the shelter may have to close, since several of their major donors have withdrawn their support. Her mom talked about a valuable brooch, and when Kat learns she has a half sister, Penny, in another town, she figures that maybe Penny will consent to selling the brooch and splitting the proceeds to save Hope Hideaway. Penny and Kat have to solve a series of riddles to find it, courtesy of Penny's dad, and they are helped by Jack, owner of the local diner. Lots of chemistry between Kat and Jack, although they are reluctant to admit it. While searching for the brooch, Kat experiences her first snowfall, helps Jack adopt a stray dog, and explores the idea of forgiveness. I enjoyed this Christmas romance (which reminded me of some of the novels by one of my favorite authors, Debbie Macomber) but wish the author hadn't included the epilogue, because it was just a hook to read the next book--my nemesis, the cliffhanger ending

This was a fun Christmas-time story about making amends with people who have hurt you before. This was the first book in the series that I've read. As a warning to others who have not read the previous books, there were a lot of important minor characters. I had trouble keeping them all straight. I think it would have been a lot easier if I had read the previous books. The book can be enjoyed without reading the previous books, but I do wish that I'd read the series from the beginning.This book is clean: no swearing, violence, or sexual content. It was a fun read, and despite not reading the previous books, I did enjoy it overall.

This is part of a series but they all stand alone with brief mentions of previous characters. The Victorian references and practices are a delight in this book. Kat travels to see a sister she never knew to find a brooch belonging to their mother. The back story of this separated family was done well. Penny, her sister, runs an antique shop with old clothing that sounds spectacular. There is a treasure hunt, romance with the local diner owner, and wonderful Christmas traditions to keep you reading. This was an enjoyable Christmas story filled with different ideas that is worth reading.

This was a romance that was clean and sweet, as in no sex. But it also had the feel of a coming of age story, maybe for both of the main characters. Both of them had problems left hanging over them from their parents that needed dealing with before they could properly move forward in an adult relationship. Both of them were letting the problems hurt the rest of their family. It took wanting to make it okay for others as well as themselves to get them to fix the problems. Recommended.

This is a redemption story. It begins with a woman raised in a women's shelter and her attempts to save the shelter. Along the way she reconnects with a half sister and falls in love with a man estranged from his wealthy family. Hope shelters are so very important in our society and I loved the way this story wrapped around the people whose lives have been changed as a result of the love and care.

Easy to follow stand-alone. The ending is a segue to the next book in the series. No editing errors, gratuitous violence or drag-you-down drama.Entertaining storyline of imperfect parents and how to get past it. Descriptive writing with realistic dialogue. Believable characters with distinct personalities.Recipes would be nice.No desire to re-read this story. I look forward to other works by this author.

Sweet story about two people learning from each other how to forgive a parent and one's self. It is about learning how to love and trust, even though neither ever thought that they could. The importance of extended family in a happy life is also emphasized. I highly recommend this book.

While it seemed to need a little something more…it was still a good read. The storyline moved fairly well; the characters were developed pretty good; the plot twists and turns were so-so; and the HEA could have arrived quicker. This one just seemed to drag just a bit. I wanted to skip a few chapters in the middle. 🫤 Its still worth your time, so give it a read!

Oh wow loved this story, now to get the next one. Think I have missed a few books in this series as this was the first one I found but will look out for the others too.

This was a good read. It was a pleasant tale of forgiveness and redemption. It was interesting meeting Kat, the sister Penny never knew she had.

If you a sucker for a love story, this is the book for you. All the poppy creek books are great, once I started reading I couldn’t put them down and look forward to the next one coming out 31st March

Loved every page. Full of love and hope just as Christmas should be. You won't be disappointed reading this book

I really enjoyed this sweet story. I started reading this story partway through the series. But I am hooked. I was drawn into the story right from the start. The mystery for Kat's reason for going to Poppy Creek , kept me turning the pages. I know that you will enjoy reading this story and feel the happily ever after for Kat and Jack.