WHO NEEDS MISTLETOE?

In Estep’s romance novel, a young woman returns to her hometown after years away and finds herself falling for a childhood friend.

As she prepares to head to college from her home in Coeur-de-Lac, Wisconsin, Ivy Weaver finally works up the nerve to confess her feelings to her crush, Austin Underwood. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize that the Underwood boy standing with his back to her is Grant, Austin’s older brother and her longtime friend. When Grant turns around, revealing that Ivy has professed her feelings to the wrong brother, he bluntly tells her that she’d never stand a chance with Austin. (“If you didn’t live next door, he wouldn’t know who you are. You mean nothing to him, and you’re never going to mean anything to him.”) Then, after years spent jet-setting around the globe as a flight attendant and trying unsuccessfully to forget both Austin and Grant, Ivy is called home for one last Christmas to help her parents pack up their longtime home. Ivy’s grown more fashionable and sophisticated in the years she’s been away, and she’s ready for one more shot with Austin. To her delight, he asks her out almost immediately upon her return, but it turns out to be a disastrous date. Reconnecting with her old friend Grant becomes the highlight of her time back in town. Unbeknownst to Ivy, Grant’s been carrying a torch for her all these years, and he’s determined not to let this second chance slip away. The narrative’s point of view alternates between those of Ivy and Grant; the author renders both characters immensely likable as they muddle their way through their evolving feelings. This feel-good novel is entirely engrossing as it limns a supporting cast of lovably quirky family members, evocative Christmas traditions, and small-town charm. Full of fun details about life in Coeur-de-Lac, the book shines brightest when Ivy and Grant are alone together, engaging in witty banter and effortless flirtation; their chemistry jumps off the page. As the novel moves toward its inevitable conclusion, characters help each other accept important truths about themselves, leading to a satisfying emotional payoff.

A thoroughly enjoyable Christmas romance that highlights the importance of perspective.