What's more enjoyable than Christmas in a small town? How about spending Christmas in Widow's Peak Creek? I've loved the two previous visits to this special place, but author Susanne Dietze places the 'star on the top of the tree' with this story that is centered around the Christmas holidays. Benton Hunt and Leah Dean inherit a lovely Victorian house, but it's more of a complication than a blessing, because they aren't a couple and never, ever intend to be a couple!

I absolutely loved this book! A Small-Town Christmas Challenge has memorable characters, the sweet promise of romance, and a beautiful benefit gala that gives you all of the joy associated with a small-town Christmas celebration. We get to catch up with some of the people from the previous books, and, as in all of these books, there is a compelling faith message. Dietze reminds us that we may think that we are in control of our lives, but God is the One who truly knows our future!

I received a copy of this book from the author, but was in no way obligated to post a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

It was lovely to return to Widow’s Peak Creek at Christmas time for a story about Leah and Benton who are given joint ownership of an old Victorian house and must plan and execute a gala event there. The Gingerbread Gala has been a high point of the holiday celebration in the town but was suspended when the homeowner went into a retirement home. Leah and Benton have been tasked with resurrecting the tradition. As they repair and spruce up the house and plan the gala, they grow closer.
Leah, a nurse and Benton, a pastor, have their share of obstacles. Leah needs a solution to the care of her grandmother and Benton is trying to serve his parishioners while also trying to live down past memories. Could the solutions come as they work to give the town a memorable Christmas? And could romance bloom in this cute Christmas tale?
Well plotted with relatable characters that you care about. A solid faith foundation that shows us that caring for family can be rewarding and reconciliation is important.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )

Susanne Dietze is a pro at writing charming and delightful small-town stories, and this one set in fictional Widow’s Peak Creek quickly got me into the Christmas holiday spirit. With realistically flawed and endearing characters that I was able to engage with and a wonderful inspirational message about letting God prevail in our lives, this story is easy to read and enjoy in an evening. Pastor Benton Hunt and nurse Leah Dean agree that they can’t get involved with each other, but when they’re thrown together to create a Gingerbread Gala at the house their friend Rowena has willed them, sparks begin.

This book is part of Dietze’s Widow Peak Creek series, but it can easily be read alone. It was fun to see some of the previous characters in the series pop up in this book. I recommend this book to those who enjoy warm and fuzzy, clean and wholesome Christmas stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own. ( )