Review: A Christmas for Holly by RJ Scott (Wishing Tree, Vermont #2)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

RJ Scott takes readers back to the town of Wishing Tree in Vermont with the second book in her Wishing Tree, Vermont series. A Christmas for Holly is the story of Paul Hollister and Lucas Haynes, both thirty-three and both best friends of Kai Buchanan, whose story plays out in The Wishing Tree, book one in the Wishing Tree, Vermont series, where he's paired with Bailey Haynes, youngest among the Haynes brothers. Holly and Lucas have known each other for years, but there was no way that Lucas could have ever imagined an intoxicated Holly kissing him during Kai and Bailey's wedding reception only to then be threatened should Lucas decide to let people know what happened. Nearly a year later, Holly has since retired from hockey, the former captain and star player of the Albany Harriers more tarnished than shining bright. He decides to head to Wishing Tree for some peace and reflection and to be closer to Kai and Bailey. But being in town also means that Holly's path will cross with Lucas's, and he knows he has to make amends. As frustrated as Lucas may be with Holly, he can't help but notice how different this Holly is from the one he's always known. And then the two men are stuck in each other's company when a snowstorm hits. Could this mend their friendship or could it be an opening to even more for them?

When I think of Christmas romance reads, I often prefer them to be more lighthearted fare. However, that need for angst never really goes away, and I got my fix courtesy of RJ Scott's newest addition to the Wishing Tree, Vermont series. Holly and Lucas's story had angst, but don't mistake that for meaning that it was melodramatic. I appreciated the manner in which the author tackled Holly's mental health struggles and highlighted that while Holly had a strong support system, he also had to accept the proffered help and put in the work. I also applaud the fact that Lucas wasn't portrayed as someone who could do no wrong. He made assumptions with regards to Holly and seeing how he was during that first visit to the cabin. These were two flawed men, and seeing how far they both came by the end of the story did my heart a whole lot of good. There was no miraculous cure for Holly's mental health issues; instead, we get a realistic yet hopeful view of things, and with the holiday season upon us, love and hope are two of the best gifts. A Christmas for Holly, which can be read as a standalone, receives four stars.

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Read my reviews for the Wishing Tree, Vermont series:


The Wishing Tree (book one) - four stars - My Review

A Christmas for Holly (book two) - four stars - My Review (posted above)

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Release Date: 18 December 2024

Date Read: 15 December 2024

Learn more about RJ Scott.

Pre-order A Christmas for Holly on Amazon | Apple Books | B&N | Kobo.

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