"One Enchanted Noël" by Melissa Tagg

Is there anything better than Maple Valley at Christmas? I don't think so 🙂. For the third consecutive Christmas, Melissa Tagg enchants with her Enchanted Christmas collection.

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Secrets, Sparks and Second Chances...a Heartwarming Holiday Romance 

Seb Pierce isn't exactly a cowboy, but after fifteen years on a ranch in Texas, he might as well be. And he'd do just about anything to keep the rancher who took him in so many years ago from losing his land...including returning to the wealthy roots he's long since abandoned. Seb agrees to work for his stern grandfather for one year in return for an early draw on his inheritance. But he never expected the agreement to land him in a quirky small town in Iowa at Christmas-time, renovating a dilapidated theater...and running into a woman he never thought he'd see again. She might not remember him, but he remembers her.

After too many years away from her hometown--and too many failures to count--Leigh Renwycke is finally back in Maple Valley and living the stable life she used to wish for. If only she could shake the old restlessness that used to get her into trouble. When Seb Pierce waltzes into her world and begs for her help planning the theater's holiday reopening, it could be the solution to her discontent. If she pulls it off, it might be enough to jumpstart a new career...and to prove once and for all that the new-and-improved Leigh is here to stay.

But between old secrets and new sparks, restoring a town treasure in time for Christmas may not be as easy as it seems...especially once Leigh learns the truth about Seb.

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One Enchanted Noël is the perfect conclusion to Melissa Tagg's Enchanted Christmas novella collection. If you haven't read One Enchanted Christmas and One Enchanted Eve, you can still completely enjoy One Enchanted Noël ... though I have to say, what are you waiting for? (Tagg has even made it super easy and cheap for you to catch up: the collection is available for both e-book and paperback, and it's free with Kindle Unlimited.)

One Enchanted Noël is Leigh Renwycke's story. Leigh, a former addict who turned her life around after hitting rock bottom, still lives with the shame of who she was while desperately desiring to be seen for who she is now—a capable, talented woman who has overcome her demons. Though some in Maple Valley are hesitant to give Leigh another chance, when Seb Pierce comes to town, he encourages Leigh's talents and helps her reach for her dreams ... which soon come to include Seb.

Sebastian Parker Pierce III might just be the most pretentious name for a hero ever, and it's funny because that's so not Seb. I loved Seb and understood his reluctance to confess his secret to Leigh, and the way the secret was revealed was perfect and unexpected.

Leigh and Seb have a sweet romance, complete with a hilarious "meet cute" in a run-down theater and a date at an ice maze. (Seriously, an ice maze? It's like Maple Valley was created in Hallmark land.) Though the novella takes place over just a few weeks, the romance didn't feel rushed at all, and the aftermath of their first kiss was simply adorable. (Because Seb is adorable. Amen.)

While I didn't love One Enchanted Noël quite as much as I loved the first two Enchanted Christmas novellas, it's still a wonderful story—perfect for a cold winter's night! 4 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of One Enchanted Christmas (5 stars) and One Enchanted Eve (5 stars) and the Walker Family books Three Little Words (5 stars), From the Start (5 stars), Like Never Before (5 stars) and All This Time (5 stars).

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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl. She writes romantic comedies in the banter-filled style of her favorite 1930s and 40s classic films. The second book in her popular Walker Family series, Like Never Before, was named by Publishers Weekly to their spring 2016 "Religion and Spirituality" Top 10 list. When she's not writing she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this novella from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”