Review: The Grump Who Stole Christmas by S. Doyle (Kringle Family Christmas #1)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Grey's Promotions.

The Grump Who Stole Christmas is the first book in the multi-author Kringle Family Christmas holiday trilogy. Penned by S. Doyle, this is my introduction to this author's writing, and it turned out to be a fun one. Readers are introduced to the Kringles--family patriarch Chris and his three children, Kristen, Ethan, and Matt--and the siblings' struggle to come together and to help their father after he breaks his leg and to revive the family-owned Kringle Inn. Fortunately, the Christmas Tree Farm appears to be doing well, thanks to the new manager, Paul Bunyan, erm, McCleer. Kristen--don't call her Kris!--is intrigued by the hot arborist who drives a Tesla, and if Paul's honest with himself, he's just as drawn to the citified Kay-Kay. But Paul's done with the hustle and bustle of the city, and Kristen's due to return to that very life. Can they have a future beyond the holidays?

This book did well as a series starter, giving readers a basic idea of the recurring cast of characters and the dynamics within the family plus a standalone romance between the main characters. I think it was interesting to have Kristen who was originally from this small town of Salt Springs, Colorado with a successful career in Manhattan, New York and Paul leaving the corporate life and family legacy he was no longer feeling fulfilled with for a somewhat simpler life as the main characters because the latter gives the former some much needed perspective. Another thing that piqued my interest was the Kringle family as a fractured unit. I'm definitely curious as to what awaits Ethan--and the hint as to what his story is about has me eager to read it--and Matt--who I'm not much of a fan of, but we shall see. Overall, S. Doyle's The Grump Who Stole Christmas is a four-starred read.

Release Date: 01 November 2021

Date Read: 30 November 2021

Learn more about S. Doyle.

Purchase The Grump Who Stole Christmas on Amazon.

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