"Meddling with Mistletoe" by Liz Johnson

Whitney Garrett doesn't have a dream. But she's pretty good at cooking, so after a few "failure to launch" endeavors, she decides to go to culinary school. Her finances are proving an issue, but then her friend Aretha strikes a deal: Help my nephew fall in love with a visiting businesswoman and I'll cover the rest of your tuition.

How hard can it be to help two people fall in love?

Aretha's nephew Daniel is serious and studious. The holidays are not his favorite time of year, and his past heartbreak has made him guarded against all things romance. It's not his idea of a great time to spend December on Prince Edward Island helping his aunt close her business. But there's something endearing about his aunt's friend Whitney, and soon Daniel decides to brighten his own holiday by finding ways to make Whitney smile.

When Whitney realizes she's developing feelings for Daniel, will she decide to follow her heart or follow her desire to go to school? What will happen if she breaks her agreement with Aretha and can't make her school payment?

There was a lot to like about this book. A charming Prince Edward Island setting. Well-developed characters. Lots of references to pies and baking. The practical issues in the book made me shake my head, though, and I found a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief is required. I did love the way faith and the dreams of our heart were woven into the story. I really enjoyed seeing Whitney find her path, and I think this is a message a lot of readers can relate to.

If you're looking for a Hallmark-y holiday read, this short novel might be for you!

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.