The Christmas Kiss
(Back to Bluestone River #2)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pagesBy Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
December 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Will working together
…lead to together forever?
Recently divorced, Parker Davis needs to focus on his new job so he can provide a stable home for his daughter in time for the Christmas holidays. The problem is, he’s frequently at odds with his boss. He and Emma O’Connell approach everything differently. Yet he finds her intriguing, and Bluestone River festivities keep pushing them together—often enough that two people at odds could find themselves evenly matched in love!
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We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Welcome back to Bluestone River, a prairie town in Northern Illinois. I had great fun writing Emma O’Connell’s story, especially after Parker Davis comes to town. . .
"The Christmas Kiss By Virginia McCullough is another romantic adventure that takes two people on a wonderful journey. They have to find a way to work together and to learn that maybe they both have someone else out there for them. They just had to look. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it all the romance readers out there."
"Virginia McCullough has a knack for bringing small towns to life on the pages of her novels – with characters you easily care about and plots that reflect both the realities of life and the wonder of romance. The writing style is smooth and engaging, and the romance moves along at a realistic pace . . . I liked the protagonists being a little older than 20s and early 30s – it added an extra dose of wisdom to their personalities which in turn resulted in less of (and shorter-lasting, less earth-shattering) the typical misunderstandings that we so often see in romance novels. Another great read for the season – or anytime of year, for that matter!"
Parker had to laugh at himself. As much as he’d tried, he couldn’t stop looking at Emma, not from the first glimpse of her approaching him. Maybe it was the sassy way she’d twirled her cane that intrigued him. Straight dark hair set off large brown eyes that lit up in fun, but turned serious when something subtle shifted her mood. She was taller than average. Her body was curvy and strong—easy to picture her as that girl jock she brought up.
He bet Emma was a good dancer. He closed his eyes and there he was, holding her close and slow dancing on the pier. Now why had that occurred to him? He didn’t know her. Not even a little bit. He gave the railing a little bump with his palm, as if that could knock her image out of his brain.
"This book has a lot of build-up to the romance/relationship and plenty of talking to really bring you into their relationship. This was a sweet and clean romance that builds really well over time. The Christmas setting also really shines through with the build-up over the season and plenty of Christmasy scenes. I loved this older/mature romance of two people who know what they want out of life and a partner. This was a fun, Christmas-time romance read overall."
"I liked seeing Parkers daughter Nicole blossom during the story, along with Parker and Emmas friendship. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more books about Bluestone River!"
"This was another sweet Christmas read that features a couple who are older and more mature as they are in their late 30's and early 40's. It was refreshing to read about that age and the author does a good job of showing their maturity in their lives. . . . This was a cute holiday read that brought this family together."
". . . I adored visiting this community and its residents again. The added Bluestone Holiday celebrations added to the charm of the book. The romance, while fairly fast, progresses in a believable manner."
"If you enjoy family-oriented stories, it you believe in second chances, if you are thrilled with first kisses and new beginnings, you will want to read The Christmas Kiss. This is my first book by Virginia McCullough and she has convinced me that Bluestone River is a special place -- I hope to have a chance to go back!"
"The Christmas Kiss is sweet and fun and full of holiday cheer, a nice addition to the Back to Bluestone River series. . . . I enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to more of Bluestone River once again."
"I am giving The Christmas Kiss five plus stars. Readers who enjoy heartwarming and clean romance will not want to miss this one. I look forward to the next addition to the Back to Bluestone River series."
"I love a friends-to-more story, especially when it takes place at Christmastime! In The Christmas Kiss, Emma and Parker initially seem like an unlikely pair, but they both have good hearts and care about others. . . . I enjoyed this rich, full-bodied cup of Christmas love."
"I can't stress how much I loved this book! . . . This is a delightful book that will be sure to put you in the Christmas cheer!
I highly recommend this book."
"I really enjoyed this one. I'm glad to be visiting Bluestone River again. I love the small town feel of the book. I really loved Emma. . . . This book has plenty of heart and feels."
"Ms. McCullough wrote a book that I desperately needed with only two weeks left in school. It showed me some things that I would have never thought about, characters that I grew to love and an ending that was beautiful. Not to mention the birds in it and I learned a lot from Parker when it came to the care that wounded birds need."
"I really like the Bluestone River community and enjoyed being back for a visit. The scenes and details of this little place makes me feel at home. And with the Christmas decorations and festivities, it is just when you want to be for a part of your Christmas Season. I encourage you to check out this book. You are sure to have hours of entertainment, enjoyment and Holiday pleasure as you read The Christmas Kiss."
"One of the best parts of the story is getting to catch-up with Ruby and Mike as [they're] excepting their first child now. McCullough cleverly put their lives in the life of Emma and Parker - showing how tight-knit Bluestone River is. . . . McCullough has already charmed me into loving this series. . ."
"A delightful holiday romance! . . . I recommend this book to anyone enjoying a small town romance with a close knit group of family and friends playing a key part in the story line. Sweet interactions, a whimsical setting and a romance sure to please."
"I like that it is a slow burn kind of a relationship between the two of them, especially considering their frequent opposing viewpoints. Then again, the ones that start out at odds often lead to a more intense attachment, right? And I like having romances with "older people," (though we're not old at this age!) for a bit of a change. Add in all of the holiday feels and you have another winner in this series."
"Get ready for that warm, fuzzy, Christmasy love feeling folks because this book fairly oozes with it! That's right. This second installment in the Bluestone River series brings Parker and Emma together at this perfect time of the year and it is nothing less than yummy. . . . Ms. McCullough truly deserves a huge round of applause for providing us with one of the most wonderful reads of the Season."
"The attraction between the two is immediate and apparent, but doesn’t rush through. It is a slow and natural progression with how they work together to bring the sanctuary to life. . . . If you enjoy a clean romance without Christian references – these books fit that description. This one was a “curl up on the couch, cup of cocoa, warm blanket, cloudy day” read. Cozy and beautiful."
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
Welcome back to Bluestone River, a prairie town in Northern Illinois. I had great fun writing Emma O’Connell’s story, especially after Parker Davis comes to town. . .
Baroness' Book Trove - Review
"The Christmas Kiss By Virginia McCullough is another romantic adventure that takes two people on a wonderful journey. They have to find a way to work together and to learn that maybe they both have someone else out there for them. They just had to look. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it all the romance readers out there."
Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
"Virginia McCullough has a knack for bringing small towns to life on the pages of her novels – with characters you easily care about and plots that reflect both the realities of life and the wonder of romance. The writing style is smooth and engaging, and the romance moves along at a realistic pace . . . I liked the protagonists being a little older than 20s and early 30s – it added an extra dose of wisdom to their personalities which in turn resulted in less of (and shorter-lasting, less earth-shattering) the typical misunderstandings that we so often see in romance novels. Another great read for the season – or anytime of year, for that matter!"
Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
Parker had to laugh at himself. As much as he’d tried, he couldn’t stop looking at Emma, not from the first glimpse of her approaching him. Maybe it was the sassy way she’d twirled her cane that intrigued him. Straight dark hair set off large brown eyes that lit up in fun, but turned serious when something subtle shifted her mood. She was taller than average. Her body was curvy and strong—easy to picture her as that girl jock she brought up.
He bet Emma was a good dancer. He closed his eyes and there he was, holding her close and slow dancing on the pier. Now why had that occurred to him? He didn’t know her. Not even a little bit. He gave the railing a little bump with his palm, as if that could knock her image out of his brain.
onemused - Review
"This book has a lot of build-up to the romance/relationship and plenty of talking to really bring you into their relationship. This was a sweet and clean romance that builds really well over time. The Christmas setting also really shines through with the build-up over the season and plenty of Christmasy scenes. I loved this older/mature romance of two people who know what they want out of life and a partner. This was a fun, Christmas-time romance read overall."
EmpowerMoms - Review
"I liked seeing Parkers daughter Nicole blossom during the story, along with Parker and Emmas friendship. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more books about Bluestone River!"
Pause for Tales - Review
"This was another sweet Christmas read that features a couple who are older and more mature as they are in their late 30's and early 40's. It was refreshing to read about that age and the author does a good job of showing their maturity in their lives. . . . This was a cute holiday read that brought this family together."
Remembrancy - Review
". . . I adored visiting this community and its residents again. The added Bluestone Holiday celebrations added to the charm of the book. The romance, while fairly fast, progresses in a believable manner."
Older & Smarter? - Review
"If you enjoy family-oriented stories, it you believe in second chances, if you are thrilled with first kisses and new beginnings, you will want to read The Christmas Kiss. This is my first book by Virginia McCullough and she has convinced me that Bluestone River is a special place -- I hope to have a chance to go back!"
Hallie Reads - Review
"The Christmas Kiss is sweet and fun and full of holiday cheer, a nice addition to the Back to Bluestone River series. . . . I enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to more of Bluestone River once again."
Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
"I am giving The Christmas Kiss five plus stars. Readers who enjoy heartwarming and clean romance will not want to miss this one. I look forward to the next addition to the Back to Bluestone River series."
Cover Lover Book Review - Review
"I love a friends-to-more story, especially when it takes place at Christmastime! In The Christmas Kiss, Emma and Parker initially seem like an unlikely pair, but they both have good hearts and care about others. . . . I enjoyed this rich, full-bodied cup of Christmas love."
Red Headed Book Lady - Review
"I can't stress how much I loved this book! . . . This is a delightful book that will be sure to put you in the Christmas cheer!
I highly recommend this book."
Nicole's Book Musings - Review
"I really enjoyed this one. I'm glad to be visiting Bluestone River again. I love the small town feel of the book. I really loved Emma. . . . This book has plenty of heart and feels."
Harlie's Books - Review
"Ms. McCullough wrote a book that I desperately needed with only two weeks left in school. It showed me some things that I would have never thought about, characters that I grew to love and an ending that was beautiful. Not to mention the birds in it and I learned a lot from Parker when it came to the care that wounded birds need."
SPLASHES of Joy - Review
"I really like the Bluestone River community and enjoyed being back for a visit. The scenes and details of this little place makes me feel at home. And with the Christmas decorations and festivities, it is just when you want to be for a part of your Christmas Season. I encourage you to check out this book. You are sure to have hours of entertainment, enjoyment and Holiday pleasure as you read The Christmas Kiss."
Jorie Loves A Story - Review
"One of the best parts of the story is getting to catch-up with Ruby and Mike as [they're] excepting their first child now. McCullough cleverly put their lives in the life of Emma and Parker - showing how tight-knit Bluestone River is. . . . McCullough has already charmed me into loving this series. . ."
Thoughts of a Blonde - Review
"A delightful holiday romance! . . . I recommend this book to anyone enjoying a small town romance with a close knit group of family and friends playing a key part in the story line. Sweet interactions, a whimsical setting and a romance sure to please."
Andi's Book Reviews - Review
"I like that it is a slow burn kind of a relationship between the two of them, especially considering their frequent opposing viewpoints. Then again, the ones that start out at odds often lead to a more intense attachment, right? And I like having romances with "older people," (though we're not old at this age!) for a bit of a change. Add in all of the holiday feels and you have another winner in this series."
Liberty's Literary Loves - Review
"Get ready for that warm, fuzzy, Christmasy love feeling folks because this book fairly oozes with it! That's right. This second installment in the Bluestone River series brings Parker and Emma together at this perfect time of the year and it is nothing less than yummy. . . . Ms. McCullough truly deserves a huge round of applause for providing us with one of the most wonderful reads of the Season."
Reading Excursions - Review
"The attraction between the two is immediate and apparent, but doesn’t rush through. It is a slow and natural progression with how they work together to bring the sanctuary to life. . . . If you enjoy a clean romance without Christian references – these books fit that description. This one was a “curl up on the couch, cup of cocoa, warm blanket, cloudy day” read. Cozy and beautiful."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...
Other Books in the Series
A Family for Jason
(Back to Bluestone River #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pagesBy Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming
She’s not home for keeps
Unless he proves first love is forever
Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?
About the Author
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.
Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.
Tour Giveaway
- Open internationally for those who are eligible
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FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
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