Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen {Review}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen

Paperback, 368 pages

Published September 8th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given

 

     

 

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity? One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

 

My Review: 5 Stars 

 

There's nothing sweeter than a Hallmark-y Christmas romance that embraces the lives of two scarred characters. While Mark's scars are both physical and emotional, Riley's are inner and they each have issues to overcome and work through. Their journey in helping each other finalize their individual healing is heartwarming.

 

Jensen does a great job of drawing the reader into this small town. It was easy to visualize the setting and the quirky residents, and I especially enjoyed the simplicity of life in Miracle Creek. Most of the characters are loyal, watching out for each other, which can make them seem nosy at times, but the camaraderie felt make me want to have something like this in my own life. For me, this place is reminiscent of times gone by, and while there are complex issues to deal with, Miracle Creek felt removed from modern concerns.

 

Mark and Riley are solid and likable characters and I adored how gradual even their friendship was. There are many journeys to be taken within these pages and I hope to see more of Miracle Creek in the future.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger (burns)