Christmas on Maplewood Mountain by Elizabeth Bromke {Review}

Christmas on Maplewood Mountain by Elizabeth Bromke

Kindle Edition, 200 pages

Published November 17th 2018 by Sarah Bromke 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

It’s December, and Mary Delaney has little to show for her tenth year at Wood Smoke Lodge. Her business has been steadily dwindling. Her relationship prospects, too. But, her sister, Anna, has an idea that just might change Mary’s luck. Unfortunately, their own sisterhood might be working against them. Worst of all, it’s all coming to a head during the holidays, making Mary feel lonelier than ever.

Meanwhile, Kurt Cutler is living the high life in the tech world. Fresh on the heels of wild success in the uncharted world of cryptocurrency, he looks for a way to ensure his young company doesn’t lose its grip. When his right-hand woman suggests a get-away at her sister’s snowy mountain retreat, he jumps on the opportunity to unplug and unwind.

If Mary’s sister, Anna, can back off, Mary has every chance of enjoying the magic of the holidays. But when Mary and Kurt have to choose between love and their own priorities, what will win?

Find out if a wintry weekend can become more for people from two opposite worlds in Elizabeth Bromke’s cozy romance, Christmas on Maplewood Mountain.

My Review: 4 Stars

Mary lives a very simple life, running a sporadically booked B&B in the middle of nowhere Arizona. Her sister, Anna, comes up with a brilliant idea for her company's retreat to be held there. That's all Mary needs to gain a new breath of life in her mundane world. Anna's boss, Kurt, takes an immediately liking to Mary and is completely fascinated with her.

In a classic case of love at first sight and opposites attract, Mary's and Kurt's worlds collide. There is a great romantic tension that smolders, leaving an incredible urgency for that first kiss to happen, while being isolated and unplugged from the world. And I loved seeing the exactness and excitement of the retreat events.

If I could choose only one word to describe this story, it would be quaint. Yes, quaint, and it's mainly because of the characters. Don't get me wrong--I adored that aspect of the story. Mary has such an old-fashioned and methodical way of doing things, yet her inner (and outer) beauty shines through in all she does. She captures the joy in the simple things in life. Kurt is an enigma, as his company thrives because of his driven nature, yet he is able to slow down to enjoy life. He has values and priorities set in an family-oriented way and is a great and compassionate leader. Mary and Anna have a semi-confusing relationship and I wanted more resolution on where they truly stood with each other. 

And that ending? I need more! I'm desperately hoping for another installment.

Content: mild, sweet romance