A model who lost the limelight. A hockey star benched from the game. Will a small-town Christmas celebration reveal a most unexpected gift?
Going “Holly” Wood isn’t what America’s sweetheart, Krista Ankrom, had in mind when she made her annual Christmas trip to Holly Pointe, Vermont. Frustrated after losing another job to a younger rival, and fearing she’s walked her last runway, she’s hoping the happy site of her childhood Christmas pasts will be the perfect hideaway. But when asked to team up with NHL superstar Dustin Bellamy to save the town’s weeklong holiday celebration, how could she say no?
Dustin Bellamy is devastated that his days on the ice could be over. Needing distraction after suffering a career-ending injury, he agrees to be the celebrity host for his hometown’s Christmas celebration. But when his beautiful co-star—and former high school sweetheart, Krista Ankrom--shines a light into his bleak world, he worries his jingling emotions will distract him from his next professional move.
Beneath a sky of softly falling show and twinkling lights aglow, will Krista and Dustin share a yuletide fling? Or will the magic of the season bring them the real thing?
Cindy Kirk’s Home for the Holly Days is a heartfelt novel of second chances. Dustin Bellamy and Krista Ankrom’s families next door to rented cabins each other during the Holly Point holiday season for many years. Dustin and Krista are given a second chance to explore their feelings towards each other. Their story takes place during the town’s annual Holly Days festival where all things Christmas are celebrated!
After losing an important account, Krista and her friend Desz Presley decide to escape the glitz and glamour of New Your City to spend Christmas in Holly Pointe, Vermont. Krista describes Holly Pointe to Desz as “A picture postcard of how life can be.” Krista understands that she needs to make a career pivot and a visit to Holly Pointe will give her the time and space to plan her next step.
Dustin Bellamy has spent 20 years pursuing an NHL career. He lives and breathes hockey; he can’t imagine life without competing. An injury has forced him to sit out the season and may have ended his career. He’s returned to Holly Pointe to regroup and come up with a plan.
Loved that Dustin and Krista decided to work together to help promote the Happy Holly Days festival. Loved the interaction between the fans and Dustin and Krista and that the couple enjoyed working together. They realized that their presence drew people to the festival and that helped the crafters and artisans sells their work. Loved that the couple embraced the holiday spirit and enjoyed the winter activities.
The romance between Krista and Dustin is perfectly paced. Cindy Kirk creates characters that engage and intrigue me. As the Holly Days ambassadors, Krista and Dustin are trending on social media. But, that’s on the surface; as behind the scenes they are falling in love while dealing with huge career path decision. Krista and Dustin approach their career pivot differently; Krista thought process is logical while Dustin’s approach is emotional. Dustin offered support to Krista when he was having a hard time deciding on his future; he was torn and is being influenced by others. Cindy Kirk does not shy away from conflict between her characters—this added a lot of emotion to the story line. Loved the secondary character of Desz as she immersed herself in the Holly Days celebration and offered friendship and support to Krista. I hope to read her story soon!
The town of Holly Pointe embodies the true Christmas spirit- the sense of a community coming together to bring joy and the Christmas spirit to all. I adored this novel and can’t wait for the next Holly Pointe book from Cindy Kirk.
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased on Amazn
Check out my reviews the Holly Pointe series:
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