Review: Their Holiday Secret

Their Holiday Secret book cover on blue background

It's safe to say that I needed to read a book just like this one; I am incredibly grateful that I picked up Their Holiday Secret by Betsy St. Amant as it was exactly the palate cleanser I needed. Having read some of Betsy's previous books, I knew I would be in for a treat, yet this book still exceeded my expectations!

Book Synopsis

Can their pretend relationship turn into a true Christmas gift?

Preston Green will do anything for a fake girlfriend—even bid on one at a charity auction. Sweet and quirky baker Lulu Boyd is the perfect choice to stop his mother’s constant matchmaking. And it’s just for one holiday family dinner—until his father’s failing health makes ending their ruse impossible. Soon it feels all too real…but another secret might make this their last Christmas together.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What an incredibly charming book about a Christmastime romance! I loved that the author even mentioned all the elements of a perfect Christmas story in a cute, tongue-in-cheek way as part of the book. Beyond the picturesque setting of Tulip Mound, I would have to say that this book stands out based on its remarkable treatment of secrets. I've typically found the fake relationship trope to be a difficult one to tackle in Christian fiction; however, Betsy not only addresses the issues of deception and lying head-on, she brings it all back to what it means to have integrity as a Christian. Characters experience the consequences of their decisions and there are meaningful discussions about what secrets can do to people. Their Holiday Secret is probably one of the best stories I've read in bringing up ethical intentions and behaviours, and how God views them.

Along with strong messages about faith, prayer, and self-sacrificial love, the story between Lulu and Preston unfolds in such a realistic and heartwarming way. I love that their relationship is not in a vacuum and that you can see how they interact with both teenagers and family members in this book. One of the highlights is seeing the faith transmission that takes place and how these two adults make a serious impact on the next generation by living out their Christian walks. Furthermore, I also appreciate that while there's a hint of chemistry and attraction, it isn't drawn out and overemphasized. Instead, readers can catch a glimpse of why Lulu and Preston are so special based on how they act and treat others, making it even more wonderful to see how their relationship develops. This is a book that I don't want to keep a secret based on how well it's executed!

Book Summary

Format of book: 📖
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: Shadowing You - The Wright Heroes of Maine #10

For Camp CCR , hosted by the Clearly Christian Readathon , I thought I would make my way to the Rescue Ridge campsite for romantic suspense and thrillers (earning this lovely badge ), and read Shadowing You by Robin Patchen . Taking place in China, terrifying circumstances are ratcheted up several levels with vendettas and technology creating a nearly insurmountable setting for the main characters. This book certainly left me breathless, dreading what could come next in a series of death-defying actions. Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : marital dishonesty, violence, death Book Synopsis When the wife he believed dead calls from China, an ER doctor races to find her before her enemies silence her forever. Ethan Wright never recovered from the death of his first love. Six years ago, Mei Lin discovered evidence linking powerful officials to a human trafficking ring. Sh...

Review: Emotional Hoarding

The topic of home organization appeals to me where, in reflecting our orderly God and Creator, it is nice to be in a calming environment. This book takes that sense of physical space and translates it to our emotional space, helping us clear out the debris that may be taking us away from what God wants for us to experience. Emotional Hoarding by Laurie Davies is gentle without diminishing the pain that can accompany such a state of mind, making it a useful primer on a myriad of feelings that can have us staying down. Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : references to Brené Brown and Mark Batterson Book Synopsis We could live free, but cleaning house is hard. Emotional baggage is trendy. We might even joke about it. Yet, one of the early English definitions of luggage is anything of more weight than value. Let that sink in. When we collect, stack, and stockpile b...

Review: Still Judas - Dear Judas #2

I have been anticipating Still Judas by James Finke for some time after reading Dear Judas , a modern-day version of the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Coupled with a narrative that brings the epistolary content to life, Dear Judas is a series that merges a fictional couple with non-fiction truth in a unique way. This book picks up after Tommy Finch's life is changed, and it is ideal for Christians who are established in the faith and yet may be reticent to share their beliefs. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Real spiritual warfare unfolds quietly in offices, living rooms, hospital rooms, and everyday conversations where believers decide whether to speak or stay silent. Tommy Finch survived cardiac arrest, encountered the reality of eternity, and gave his life to Jesus. But after his conversion, he slipped into something dangerously comfortable. He attends church. He prays...