Nickolas Jacobsen lost his mother six months ago due to a long illness. With the season of Christmas in the air, he isn't interested in doing any Christmas decorations or even cooking any turkey. He's not even interested in his next door neighbors' daughter continuing to ask him over for any meals. All Nick wishes is to be left alone, in his home, with his art and craft gallery, to do his work. With his gallery downstairs and his upstairs turned into his home, he never really has to leave his workplace. Since his mother's decease, Nick enjoys his solitude, until one little accident connects him with Joy Heatherfield. Joy was on her way to visit a friend, when she had a little mishap that landed her at Nick's home. He suggests she stay there and soon realizes that it was Joy who had purchased a painting from him once. When Nick goes to check on her vehicle, he discovers it's a bit worse than she thought. She should indeed stay with him until the repairs are made. Joy accepts his invitation. She is a substitute teacher but only because it was her mother's choice. She would rather be writing children's books. The more time they spend getting to know about the other, they instantly feel an attraction. Is it because it's the holidays and Joy is able to comfort him since losing his mother, or is it an everlasting love? Only time will tell as they find themselves faced with obstacles that could tear them apart.

I must say that I enjoyed Golden Christmas. The acquaintance of Nick meeting Joy during the holiday season was warm and inviting. This reader could share in his loss of his mother and the difficulty of trying to get into the festive season. The way the couple slowly connects is beautifully written. Indeed, Joy was a breath of fresh air. I love the invigorating players and the story they tell; even though they only meet for a weekend, it brings sunshine to the pages. The secondary characters add just the right amount of mixture to the storyline to make it quite interesting. Kate Hofman incorporates a tender love story that not only is welcoming and warming during the holiday season, but any time of the year. She always has a way of expressing a story, allowing it to make an interaction with the reader.

Reviewed by: Linda L.