Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe (Holliday, Oregon # 1) by Wendy Warren is, more than a 
second chance romantic story, about healing the wounds of the past. Eden is a 36-year-old woman who had to face a tragic event at the age of fifteen that not only changed her life, but her entire family still suffers from that. Despite this, and after years of being convinced that love and marriage aren’t for her — Eden is divorced — she decides to open her heart one more time. As she seeks to attract her “perfect” man, her new landlord drives her crazy with his demands (ridiculous in Eden’s opinion) for a healthy coexistence as neighbors.
Gideon, the landlord in question, is the new doctor in Holliday, a town with a population of 7,453, who wants to keep his distance from everyone —his patients included. Demons from the past force him to live as a hermit for his self protection. However, he suddenly finds himself becoming more involved with Holliday’s people… and with Eden. Can they overcome obstacles and find happiness?
Both Eden and Gideon are very alike and different at the same time. They suffered a lot in the past; the scars on their hearts make them cautious to some extent and they’re afraid of risking their hearts again.
“Life happened and for better or worse, it left its mark.”
Likewise, they cannot be more opposite in their way of facing life. Eden doesn’t want to continue licking her wounds and is willing to take the next step towards her dreams. She yearns for the complete package: a man who loves her with her imperfections (physical and emotional), the house with its white fence, the children and even the cat. Gideon, for his part, prefers to keep secrets from him and spend the rest of his life alone. How can two hurting souls unite? Through friendship, small details and unexpected events.
The story has a decent writing, although it fails by having certain emptiness in key moments. However, the greatest strength of the book is the creation of the characters. With well-defined personalities and styles, both the main and secondary characters have a particular message and shine on their own, apart from the fact that we see some that will be part of this series, which is always an asset. Likewise, Jewish traditions are showed in an efficient and unpretentious manner.
A story that begins a series which has great potential to be great, this book is easy to read. A small detail to mention? This story must have had a nice epilogue. Eden and Gideon deserved it.
Book Info:
Publication: November 30, 2021 | Harlequin Special Edition | Holliday, Oregon #1
Is she the one
who can bring new love into his darkened heart?
As a new landlord, Dr. Gideon Bowen is more irritating than ingratiating. Eden Berman should probably consider moving. But in the spirit of the holidays—and curiosity about Gideon and his enigmatic past—Eden offers her friendship instead. As their relationship ignites, it’s clear that Gideon is more mensch than menace. With each candle of Hanukkah burning brighter, can Eden light his way to love?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Holliday, Oregon
Book 1: Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe
