The Christmas Cookie House: A Sweet Holiday Romance Novel - Perfect for Cozy Winter Reading & Christmas Gift Ideas (Christmas House Romances)

4.5*It's story time with Julie and her rambling thoughts! When the author first wrote this book last year and did the cover reveal in her newsletter, I kept looking at the cover thinking something was familiar. I knew that house! But you know, what are the chances of actually knowing the house or the people on a book cover. Right?! But I kept staring at the house and kept thinking it is random but I know that house. Well after my stare down with the cover I started to read through the author's newsletter and guess what?! I was right! I did completely know that house. I kinda giggled and patted myself on the back for actually recognizing and remembering it. I loved that house (still do). I lived kinda by it for years and would drive past it quite regularly. When I was in college and people would ask me what kind of house was my dream house...if you guessed this house, you're completely right! I never went inside of it but dreamed about what it was like. Then from the author's newsletter I discovered I could take a virtual tour of the house. Woohoooo!!! Ok, I might be a touch excited about it but imagine my excitement when I had access to seeing the inside of my dream house. It was so cool! Even though I don't own it or live close by it anymore, I had (in a small sense) a little bit of my dream come true of seeing the inside of the house.And then the author wrote a story about the house. It was like awesomeness all around! If you haven't read any books by Jennifer Griffith, I will tell you why I enjoy her books and keep coming back to them. Her humor, wit, goofiness, silliness, joy and love of life are written all over the pages of her books. This one was no exception. I smiled throughout the whole book and just truly enjoyed my time reading this story. Leela is my kinda gal. She's just go straight ahead and making things up as she goes. And boy, oh boy, does she have some doozy moments happen from her just jumping straight in. Her heart is great and in the right place but gives us readers a few mishaps to laugh at and hopefully avoid when we're trying to solve some problems in our community (and life).Leela and Jay have a cute meet-cute (lol). And of course some little, itty-bitty, teensy-weensy, absolutely minor misunderstandings. Oopsy! Hold on tight readers because these minor misunderstandings don't quite get resolved right away and keep us yelling at the pages of our books to Leela and Jay to just fix it now. Tell them now! But of course that can't happen because then we'd not have any angst or struggle that needed to be fixed in the book.I loved the Christmas time setting and the Layton mansion setting. All of it together with the cookies and festivities had me enjoying this fun and lighthearted Christmas story. A couple hour read for those who are able to sit and enjoy it in one sitting. I hope you enjoy it. Snuggle up with your cozy blanket and a steaming hot mug of cocoa with a candy cane to stir it with and dive into this cute a charming Christmas story! Oh and great news...there are a couple more books in this series coming out. Woohoooo!!!! *Happy Christmas Dance Commencing*Content: CleanHappy Reading!!!