The Mistletoe Mistress

When two childhood friends rekindle, will their secrets be the reason to tear them apart ... This is my first read by Mrs Maddison Michaels, and while novellas are rarely the best way to discover an author’s work, she succeeded with this one, it has everything to keep me turning the pages. Holly had to find a way to save herself and her sisters from an outrageous future, thus she masquerades as a widow as it allows herself to roam freely and provide shelter and food. Michael went back from war a broken man, not only because of the horrors he faced on the battle fields but also because of his own restlessness and the price his best friend paid. I loved to see them interact, and playing with one another. For once, it was not the wager which came between them, as instead of being angered, Holly chooses to use it as leverage to get what she wanted. They are far from perfect characters, their secrets by lies or deceit were the heavy burden they must bear and accept the cost of them. A lovely short and fast-paced read, 4.5 stars. I was granted an advance copy by the author but also owned my own from the collective anthology Once Upon a Christmas Wedding. Here is my true and unbiased opinion. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.