You Make It Feel Like Christmas - by Toni Shiloh

Starr is returning home to her family in Washington, D.C., for the holidays. She isn't telling them she doesn't have a job. While there, she must face the wedding of her sister to her former boyfriend. Her ex dropped her as soon as she introduced him to her sister. The two of them went out on their first date on the same day he broke up with Starr. Now they are getting married on Christmas Eve, and her sister expects Starr to be in it! After Starr gets home, she starts spending time with Waylon, the long-time friend of her brother. Earlier that year, Waylon's mother passed away, and he is running the shop she left him. Starr volunteers to give him some pointers about his store, and since implementing them, his shop is back in the black money-wise. During their time together, Starr and Waylon discover they want to be more than friends. However, Starr is planning to return to New York City, hopefully, with a new job. A long-distance relationship is not something either one of them wants. But things might change after Waylon has a chance to sell his mom's business. Would he take a chance on the two of them, and move where Starr lives? Does Starr want to change careers and focus on the one thing she has wanted to do for years? This book has lots of twists that make the tale exciting, and keep the pages turning. The characters make you really like some and detest others. It is a fun story, made even better since it is set during Christmas, and includes festive things to do in the capital. Faith is important in the character's lives, and adds another dimension to this clean story. This five-star book will appeal to fans of romances, Christmastime stories, or well-written tales. Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

It’s not described as a Christian romance novel at anytime, but if you are not interested in a faith based romance, this isn’t the one for you.

This book was sooooo cute! I could not put it down. I’m all for a holiday romance. The family gave The Huxtables vibes and it was squeaky clean, just kisses. The perfect cozy read. I love all the cheesy goodness when it comes to my romance reads and this book delivered. I also appreciated how it naturally incorporated the characters’ Christian faith in the dialogue. It never felt forced into the plot. This is my first Toni Shiloh book but it definitely will not be my last. Her writing reminded me so much of my favorite author Kim Cash Tate’s style and I can definitely see myself binge reading her books. 5/5 stars for me! It is holiday themed but I think it would be enjoyable any season.

Toni Shiloh is one of my go-authors when I'm longing for enjoyable contemporary romance. Her characters are relatable and the situations are realistic, but she always adds a little extra punch! This book is no exception because it's almost Christmas and Starr Lewis is carrying a lot of anxiety. How can a gal be truly happy when she's lost her job and she has to watch her sister marry the man she thought was hers? How will she survive the next few weeks? Shiloh is a master of witty, fun dialogue sprinkled with thought-provoking nuggets of faith but she also knows how to turn friendship into swoon-worthy romance. Starr and Waylon Emmerson have long known each other but there's a different connection when she returns home for Thanksgiving. Watching their relationship evolve is pure joy and I loved that this story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy a holiday romance? You Make It Feel Like Christmas is a delightful story and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Reading the latest Toni Shiloh Christmas story made me feel like I was in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie in all the best ways. I loved the holiday theme, and the feel of Waylon’s Christmas store. I enjoyed the different Christmas events that Starr and her family participated in - it really conveyed the full holiday vibe. Most of all, I adored Waylon and Starr. I loved watching their friendship grow into more. In true Toni Shiloh style, the importance of faith and prayer also came through in how they each pursued answers for major life decisions as well as in their relationship with one another. That is one of the things I also know I am going to get when I read one of her books and this was all the more special because of the Christmas theme. I received an early copy for review. The comments and opinions expressed are my own.

This is a fantabulous Christmas story that will give you all the feels! This was a reread for me, as I originally read this one when it was published under the title I’ll Be Home and I really enjoyed that first read, but I loved this brand new expanded edition even more! I loved Starr, and I definitely found myself relating to her, especially her love of writing! And Waylon is just a doll, I love him so much! I just adore the Lewis family, they are some of my favorites of Toni Shiloh’s characters, they’re just so much fun and they never fail to crack me up! You Make it Feel Like Christmas is a beautiful romance filled with the authentic faith readers expect from a Toni Shiloh book! This story will give readers all the cozy vibes and leave them longing for a cuddly blanket, a mug of hot chocolate, and a beautiful Christmas tree to gaze upon! I absolutely loved this story and most highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

"Praying is easy, but I've always found listening to be the hard part." What a fantastic Christmas book! I love how Toni Shiloh works a little magic (whether it be with royalty, celebrities, or a Christmas store, in this case) into all of her books, kneads them well with lovable characters and a fun plot, and seasons them liberally with down-to-earth faith lessons. And this newest offering, which is actually a revamp of her previously released I'll Be Home, does not disappoint. Starr and Waylon's banter is super fun and their relationship is cozy yet exciting and deliciously swoony. Starr is quite lovable as the baby of five siblings but she does have troubles and issues she must work through. Her path to forgiveness and sisterly love is a difficult one, but so rewarding. I loved Waylon's corny sense of humor, his devoted care of his mom's treasured store, and his gentle tenderness for Starr. Older-brother's-best-friend trope fits perfectly into this Christmas themed story and it was a fast, easy, and fun read. The five Lewis siblings and their crazy antics reminded me of my four children when they're all home so this book struck an extra special chord with me. Whether you read Christmas-themed books all year long or like saving them for the season, you will totally enjoy this book and fall in love with Starr and Waylon. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishing via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.