Maid at Christmas: A Sweet Holiday Romance by Bell Renshaw -- Review

About the Book

Maid in Manhattan meets Safe Haven in this Hallmark Christmas-style series starter, Maid at Christmas, featuring sweet romance and a cozy holiday atmosphere with just a touch of tension.

She wants a fresh start. He's looking for purpose. Can Christmas at the Lockwood Lodge show them the future is brighter than the past?

When Sonora Jackson searches for a way out of New Orleans—and away from her ex-fiancé—she ends up exchanging beignets for a broom when she accepts a position in housekeeping at the Lockwood Lodge. The picturesque mountains of Vermont, and the luxury of the lodge at Christmastime, is exactly what she needs, but she didn’t bargain for the handsome, bookish man she meets there.

Graham Hastings needs a vacation more than he needs the worry over selling his company, but the two come hand in hand as he arrives in Vermont for an exclusive retreat for others just like billionaires. Focused on relaxing and recovering from yet another failed relationship, he’s not ready for the near-instant attraction he feels for Sonora. At least she’s like him—rich—and not likely to date him for his money.

Set against a snow-drenched backdrop of Vermont mountains and the quaint small town of Middlebrook with its own set of quirky characters, love blooms even as the truth separates. Can Sonora admit her status as a low-income maid and explain why she lied? Will Graham see past her profession to the heart of her feelings for him? And will he be able to keep her safe when her past comes calling?

Maid at Christmas is the first book in the Lockwood Lodge sweet romance series. This small town holiday romance features tropes like billionaire romance, age gap, and he falls first. There is a slight suspense thread included in this book, but it does not overshadow the cozy Christmas setting or aspect of sweet romance.

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About the Author

Emilie grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has a love for the outdoors that matches her love for the written word. She turned her passion for stories toward writing at an early age, finding entertainment and adventure in made-up worlds fed by the books her parents read to her as a child. Now, she's still getting lost in those worlds but they are of her own making.

​Emilie writes contemporary fiction in multiple genres with strong themes of romance and suspense and believes that--no matter what--love fights for what's right.

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Review

Author Bell Renshaw has written an absolutely charming holiday romance that readers will love.  This Hallmark film style story takes place at a small vacation lodge, Lockwood Lodge in Vermont.  This also gives the story a bit of a White Christmas movie feel, as well.  Readers will enjoy getting to know the characters, billionaire Graham Hastings and maid at the lodge Sonora Jackson and how they ended up where there. Renshaw’s story is a sweet rags to riches romance that takes place during the Christmas holiday season.  A light, quick, and easy read that is perfect for that cold night curled up in front of the fireplace.

Genre: contemporary, holiday, romance
Publisher: Pine Mountain Publishing
Publication date: October 15, 2024
Number of pages: 233

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.​