Holly & Heartbeats

Working for Love Book 6

Fiction - Holiday
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 12/16/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite

Holly & Heartbeats by Amber W. Lynne is a heartwarming story about a second chance at love. Dr. Jessica Louis doesn’t want to spend Christmas in her lonely apartment, so she reserves a week at the Holly House Inn, up on a mountain range. All she wants is to relax, alone, without the constant demands on her time and energy that come with her job at a busy clinic. She meets Graham Harper, the inn-keeper, and his two 8-year-old twin daughters, and all her holiday plans crumble. Clara and Noelle steal her heart from the moment she meets them. Graham, who had lost his wife years ago, comes across first as a grumpy, even unfriendly host, but can’t help being attracted to the young doctor who seems loving, playful, and competent, when a massive snowstorm brings down their power, and they have to improvise. This draws them a lot closer, and a quiet but firm understanding develops between them. When her week-long vacation ends, they both know that unavoidable decisions must be made.

I very much enjoyed this story because it resonated with me on a personal level. I used to be a single father with two young children, so I was the perfect reader to judge if the characters were believable. I was very impressed with the characters, both beautifully portrayed and lovingly described. It is a slow read; nothing dramatic or exciting happens. The pacing, however, is perfect, so the reader has time to immerse him or herself in the masterfully created magic. I was impressed with the literary style, often almost poetic in its descriptions, and the incredible details made me feel as if I were present, watching the scenes as they unfolded. I very highly recommend Holly & Heartbeats by Amber W. Lynne to readers who crave well-written and believable love stories, just in time for the holiday season.

Angelique Papayannopoulos

Holly and Heartbeats is an irresistible holiday romance by Amber W. Lynne. Jessica Louis is work-obsessed and tired of spending the holidays alone. She discovers a potential retreat at the charming Holly House Inn, offering a temporary escape from her concerns and providing a serene and pleasant break amidst the forest and snow. Graham Harper, the owner of the inn, is a single father of twin girls, Clara and Noelle. After his wife's death, Graham keeps to himself and appears sullen, focusing solely on running the inn efficiently and raising his two young girls. However, the spirit of Christmas has a special gift for Jess, Graham, and the twins. New connections, hot cocoa, comforting food, and dazzling fun activities usher in new beginnings and love. Magic intervenes when you least expect it!

Amber W. Lynne's Holly and Heartbeats is a sweet romantic novel that is perfect for Christmas. Written in an easy-to-read style, the author’s warm and engaging storytelling holds your attention. The character development is impressive here because it feels genuine, and as a reader, you become invested in them and can't help but be smitten with the twins. Though the novel is a typical love story, the narrative immerses you in the falling-in-love scenario and engaging activities, artwork, and glitter throughout. The descriptions are equally beautiful, and one can't help fantasizing about romance, snow, and family. In addition to the themes of love, family, and holiday enchantment, the Christmas spirit is also well conveyed. Two mouthwatering recipes mentioned are included as a bonus at the end. Fans of holiday romances will appreciate this lighthearted read.

Doreen Chombu

Holly and Heartbeats by Amber W. Lynne is a heartwarming Christmas romance that follows Dr. Jessica Louis, an ambitious woman longing to find an escape for the holidays. After closing her clinic over the festive season, Jessica decides to find a place to rest and reflect. Her ex, Jackson, is now expecting a baby with his wife, Molly, and although she is happy for them, she feels lonely. She discovers The Holly House Inn and decides to give it a try. What attracts her is its simplicity and warmth, but what she finds is Graham, a grumpy, widowed innkeeper, and his energetic young twin daughters, Clara and Noelle. Over the holidays, she makes memories with them, and they become her everything. Jessica soon realizes the possibilities of love and happiness and starts dreading the thought of returning home.

Holly and Heartbeats is a beautiful story about family and love during Christmas. It has all the holiday cheer and favorites like marshmallows, steaming cocoa, making snow angels, and an unexpected blizzard. The story is well-paced and told from Jessica's and Graham’s points of view. Amber W. Lynne makes readers feel the characters' emotions that grow throughout the story, and their fears of overstepping the line. The stars of the book are Clara and Noelle, who just cannot seem to keep still. The girls are always up to something and see a kindred spirit in Jessica. This book also touches on grief and trying to continue the legacy of our lost loved ones. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend adding it to your Christmas reading list. It will fill you with warmth and remind you of the healing power of love.