Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

• Title:  Christmas on 4th Street
• Series:  Fool’s Gold  #12.5
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  September 2013 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush. 

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing. 

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….  (publisher)

My take:  It’s been too long since my last visit to Fool’s Gold, CA. I need to go back and catch up in this series because while reading this latest installment I was reminded how much I enjoy Susan Mallery’s novels.

Christmas on 4th Street is filled with likable characters who are in the midst of the build up to Christmas. That’s a big deal in this small town known for big celebrations. What makes this Christmas extra special is the added surprise to the upcoming annual Dance of the Winter King.

What makes the book special are the two main characters: Noelle, an optimistic, funny and smart (not to mention beautiful) young woman and Gabriel, a handsome army doctor on leave and visiting his brother in Fool’s Gold. He’s seen the worst of war and thinks happiness is fleeting. Can Noelle convince him to take a leap of faith and believe he can find joy not only in this season but every day?

Like I said, I’m a bit behind in the series but that didn’t impede my enjoyment of this book. Mallery filled in with pertinent information on characters from previous books and she also hinted about a few people moving to town. Nice to know the series will continue!

If you’re a fan of Christmas romances, Susan Mallery, or the Fool’s Gold series you’ll want to add Christmas on 4th Street to your list of books to read this season. If you’re like me, it will put you in a Christmas decorating mood!