One Enchanted Noël by Melissa Tagg

Synopsis:

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.

My Review: 4 Stars

Leigh's life is the most stable it's ever been. She's the assistant manager for The Red Door, she's living in an adorable townhome with her daughter, Winnie and she's been drug-free for 4 years now. But she's restless. And being restless has always gotten her in trouble in the past. She's come too far to fall back into old habits. She needs to prove to everyone, including herself, that she is strong enough to stand on her own two feet without anyone's help. 

Seb has been estranged from his grandfather for years. He couldn't handle his grandfather controlling every aspect of his life. He boarded a Greyhound bus years ago and never looked back. That is until Thad, the man who has been more of a father to him than his grandfather ever was, needed help saving his land. One phone call to his grandfather asking for financial help has Seb travelling all over the U.S. renovating old debilitated theaters and restoring them to their former glory. He has one final theater before he can claim his early inheritance and return home to the ranch in Texas. 

But one look at Leigh has him wondering if he was sent to this small, quirky town to renovate the theater or to make up for the one regret he has in his life. He knows he should tell her that they have met before but he just can't. He's drawn to her in a way that he's never been drawn to anyone before. He can't risk her finding out and losing the chance at a possible future together. 

The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. But what happens when the past comes back to haunt them? Will the secret Seb's been keeping from Leigh tear them apart? Or can she find it in herself to not only forgive him for keeping it from her but also forgive herself for her past mistakes? Can Seb help her to realize that she is no longer weak and helpless? Can he help her to see the strong, beautiful woman he sees who has overcome her past and is better because of it?  

I'm sad to see this series end! I have definitely enjoyed my time in Maple Valley, IA. It was such a fun getaway. I fell in love with the setting and the people. I wish I could say that I absolutely loved Leigh's book but sadly I just liked it. For me, Leigh's happily ever after felt more like a hopefully ever after. There were things that happened throughout the book that I feel didn't get resolved. With this being the ending of the series, I would've loved to see more closure. An epilogue of where the family is, say a year from now, would've been perfect in my opinion.

But don't let my thoughts or personal preferences discourage you from reading this series. It really is a fun series and I have enjoyed reading it! It has helped put me in the Christmas spirit. The love that this family has for each other, the sacrifices they are willing to make, the forgiveness they so freely give are only a few reasons why I will definitely be rereading this series again and again.  

Ms. Tagg definitely knows how to suck me in and keep my attention throughout each book of hers I have read. As I said before, I will definitely be checking out more of her books. 

And of course we can't forget my casting!