"Mistletoe Menagerie" by Janine Rosche

[reviewsbyerin]

 


Sage Matthews is running away from her grief—and running straight to the zoo. In desperate need to rekindle the Christmas magic she shared with her mom, all Sage wants is to ride the zoo train on Christmas Eve. Can running away end up bringing healing to her hurting heart?

After growing up in foster care, Luke Tennison has a heart to minister to kids in a similar situation. As the director of the zoo, he's planned a special Christmas morning surprise for some local kids, and plans to stay all night on Christmas Eve getting things set up. When he runs into his childhood friend Sage, utterly distraught over her first holiday without her mom, he invites her to share in his preparations.

One magical Christmas Eve night, a zoo full of animals who want to steal the show, and two hearts reconnecting on a deeper level than ever before—there's a lot to enjoy about this novella! The theme of grief—both fresh and further along in the healing process—makes this also kind of heavy for a holiday story. However, that's the way it can be for many, many people. And this story offers hope and joy, showing that they can come even when hearts are burdened.

I loved the zoo setting, and the interaction with the animals gave it a unique twist. I look forward to reading more from this author!

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