This review is also posted on my blog @ http://lbrychic.blogspot.com/2013/09/arc-review-christmas-on-4th-street-by.html


My Thoughts:


Noelle did something I've always thought about. She just up and moved to a small town to get a fresh start. Noelle, like alot of other women, wants a solid loving long term relationship. Gabriel has his own family issues of course and needs to decide if he wants to extend his military career. In a town that has festivals every other weekend, the town is always full of surprises. Love the interactions of the characters and the small town charm of Fool's Gold. Christmas on 4th Street is another knock it out of the park book in the Fool's Gold Series. Can't wait for the next one. ( )

Christmas on 4th Street
3 Stars

Army doctor, Gabriel Boylan arrives in Fool's Gold to spend time with his family for the holidays. Despite his rocky relationship with his father, Gabriel plans to make the most of his time in the quirky little town including helping out in sexy Noelle Perkins delightful Christmas store. As the two grow closer, Gabriel and Noelle must decide if there is more to their relationship than a short holiday fling.

This is the 2nd Christmas-themed book from this series that I've read and in both the chemistry between the leads is lacking and the intimate relationship is glossed over (unlike many of the other installments). Is the lack of detail in the sex scenes due to the Christmas theme?

Likewise, the 180-degree change in Gabriel's father and his attitude toward his son is sudden and unexplained. Again, is this supposed to be in line with the holiday season?

Regardless, Gabriel and Noelle's opposites-attract romance is very lackluster. While they are both appealing as individuals, they don't make sense as a couple as they have very different approaches to life.

Noelle character is lovely. She is determined to live life to the fullest and refuses to settle for anything less than true love and a partner in life. In this respect, Gabriel does not feel like the right match for her. Yes, he is unhappy with his chosen path, but this is not enough to explain why he would suddenly change his mind about making a commitment that he had so strongly eschewed.

To sum up, it seems that I need to avoid Christmas books as I am really not their target audience. ( )

Cheesy but surprisingly I enjoy it!

The plot isn't unique tho so if you are looking for something fresh, this book is not it. ( )

4.5 stars.

Christmas on 4th Street is a charming and very heartwarming addition to Susan Mallery's delightful Fool's Gold series. In this outing, relative newcomer to Fool's Gold Noelle Perkins is paired up with Gabriel Boylan, an Army doctor who is only in town for the holidays. What makes this romance so fascinating is the fact they both went through similar experiences, yet their outlook on life is completely opposite. Further complicating their relationship is the fact that Gabriel is not planning on remaining in Fool's Gold permanently. Will a little holiday magic bring this couple the happily ever after they so richly deserve?

Noelle has experienced more than her fair share of loss, but she embraces life to the fullest. Needing a life change, she moved to Fool's Gold to open her Christmas shop and the town and its inhabitants welcomed her with open arms. Now with a large group of friends providing emotional support and unconditional friendship, Noelle is eager to move on to the next stage in her life: falling in love and settling down.

Gabriel has avoided spending the holidays with his family for several years, but an injury finds him stateside while he recovers both physically and mentally. In Fool's Gold to reconnect with his twin brother Gideon, Gabriel is unpleasantly surprised to learn their parents will also be in town for Christmas. His relationship with his father remains contentious, so Gabriel offers to fill in at Noelle's shop over the holidays.

Gabriel and Noelle share an easygoing friendship, but they both resist giving into the passion that simmers between them. Gabriel is honest that he does not want a long term relationship and Noelle is not willing to settle for a quick fling. Agreeing to ignore their attraction, they enjoy working together and with mutual acquaintances, they also spend time together socially as well. The shift in their relationship from platonic to lovers is gradual and realistic, but their conflicting viewpoints on love quickly become a point of contention between them.

Christmas on 4th Street is a warm and inviting holiday story that old and new fans of the Fool's Gold series are sure to enjoy. Despite some series topics, it is mostly a light-hearted romance between two very engaging and likable characters. Susan Mallery fully captures the spirit of the season with a storyline that is very endearing, but it is the fantastic cast of characters and loving community that make it such an outstanding read. Another emotional filled and uplifting novel that I highly recommend.

A quick note to readers: this edition is a reprint and includes the bonus story Yours for Christmas. ( )

Cute bit of Christmas fluff. One of those romance series of stand-alone novels all set in a small town. There are (apparently) about a dozen books in addition to this one, and the author felt the need to introduce every starring duo from each of them (and their back stories) in this book, which became annoying enough that it dropped by rating by a full star. ( )