I have not read this author before. The title of this book caught my eye (on the sale shelf at the library) and the back cover blurb sounded interesting, so it came home with me.

In many ways, it reminds me of one of the Hallmark movies:
*Journalist Vera Sterling loses her big city job just before returning home for her sister's wedding.
*The small town charms Vera and the realization that a house special to her in her childhood is up for sale seals the deal--in short order, she returns to Addison and takes up residence.
*Vera meets Derek Cooper, co-owner of Addison's hardware store.
*Vera's sister dreams of baking for a living, but works as a paralegal.
*In her barn, Vera finds stored items from her childhood memories of the place that end up sparking an idea for her new career.

I would have rated it higher if there hadn't been a scene intimating that Vera and Derek slept together. ( )

This one is a tough one to rate. I loved the Christmas story itself, the way that like was tied into similarities of a weather forecast, the feel good conclusion, and the amazing originality of the story line itself. The romance was a stumbling block for me. The male love interest is a jerk. Ya, he is dealing with some serious grief issues, but I am far less sympathetic in my fictional characters than I am in real life, and I just wanted the guy to get a better grip and stop using it as an excuse for being an ass. There were times that this "pull yourself up by the boot strap" girl was even wanting him to seek professional help.
Thankfully there is so much more to the story than the romance, although it is tied in throughout. ( )

I have just recently found author, Joanne DeMaio as really enjoyed (Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans) and n Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes, she did not disappoint, taking you to the small New England town of Addison Cove, CT for a heartwarming white Christmas.

Vera loses her boyfriend and her job as a journalist at a Boston newspaper and decides to return home for her sister Brooke’s wedding. While there, she finds an Old Dutch colonial home for sale with an old Christmas barn which took her back to her childhood.

She decides to buy the property and begins restoring the house and barn and discovered the prior owner’s letter and lots of Christmas treasures. She takes on some freelance jobs and is enjoying this quaint little town and all it has to offer.

While she is shopping for supplies at the local hardware store she meets Derek, a quiet man who has lost his daughter Abby from an ice covered drowning in a pond around Christmas time. Each year in memory of his daughter, holds an annual Deck the Boat light show.

Between Brooke’s love for baking and Derek and Vera’s growing love there is much in store this Christmas and the holidays approach. Combined with a snow storm, healing, unexpected love, and brining an old business back to life – the Christmas spirit greets this small quaint town.
A wonderful sweet and magical story of snowflakes and coffee cakes, a story of Christmas, joy and romance, and starting over.

It reminds me of the quaint Christmas Barn I loved so much in NC (which is now a vet). We all can reminiscent a little and recall fond memories of Christmas. The author sets the stage for some magic making you want to visit and be a part of this town. (I look forward to Whole Latte Life)-this is an author you will want to follow!
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I loved the authors previous two books so it didn’t surprise me that I also loved this book. The characters have felt so real in each one. They had a broad range of emotions, and you can imagine yourself having the same feelings that they have in each situation they find themselves in.

Vera was in limbo as she’d recently lost her job in the big city. She goes back home for her sister’s wedding and on her way out of town see’s that an old house and barn that was a big part of her childhood, is for sale. Before long she decides to buy the place and return to her cozy little hometown. I didn’t blame her, I would love to live in a place like Addison Cove. Everyone knew everyone else and for the most part were friendly, caring people. The cove itself sounded like a place I would spend as much time as possible…with a book and camera, reading and taking photos of the boats.

The book took place during the Christmas season, and every scene was described so vividly that it was like watching a movie. I could see the transformation of the Christmas Barn (the antics of Jingles the cat was a great addition) and loved the scenes where it was snowing.

The relationship between Vera and Derek kept me guessing, I couldn’t wait to find out if they would end up together or not. I felt they were good for each other, especially that Vera was good for Derek as she helped him through the feelings he still had from the tragedy he went through years before.

I loved that Vera was so close to her parents and sister, it gave the book a comfortable feeling.

This was a really good book and I think anyone would enjoy this fun, quick read. ( )

Vera returns to her New England hometown for her sister’s winter wedding. However, since her career as a big city reporter has ended she is considering staying in the quaint town. It is decided when she comes across an old country house and barn. There are many things to be repaired in the badly neglected property. Undeterred, Vera uses her severance pay to buy the old run down place.

Vera obviously has a lot of repairs to deal with. She meets Derek at the hardware store, who quickly becomes her helper and friend. Their friendship grows as she relies on his knowledge and expertise.

During the renovation of the barn Vera discovers a secret. As the story unfolds, so does a secret and its importance to many in the town. Not only will it affect the town and its people, but also Derek.

This is Joanne DeMaio’s third book. Her novels are as warm and sweet as the titles imply. She does not disappoint. They are a treat. ( )