October 27, 2026 by Delacorte Romance
Copy provided by the publisher
Paisley Morgan was an award-winning aspiring singer/songwriter until a disastrous performance and comments by members of the band Six String Justice went viral on social media. Now, she won't perform in public, has deferred her admission to Tennessee State University, and is working at her family's Hidden Acres Christmas Tree Farm. There is also a reindeer rescue, as well as an inn and recording studio aimed at attracting musical artists for long term stays. Kash Murray is a member of Six String Justice, and also writes songs. When the group decides to let him go, he finds himself owing his record label, Exit 12S Records, several songs. Since he has writer's block, this is a problem. Since Paisley has also run afoul of her contract, their mutual agent, Barry, comes up with a solution. The company pays for Kash to stay at the Hideaway Inn and work with Paisley to come up with six songs by the new year. Since Paisley hasn't been checking her phone, she doesn't know that Kash has separated from the band when he arrives, and remembers his rude comments. He doesn't seem to remember the encounter at all. The two fight a bit, but after Paisley hears Kash practicing and offers him some improvements to his song, they fall into an uneasy partnership that is anything but smooth. They are attracted to each other, but continue to fight it. At Thanksgiving, Paisley sings for the guests of the inn with her sister Halley, but she still is uncomfortable. After Kash reads her lyric notebook, he realizes the connection with Six String Justice, and apologizes. The two put together a song entitled "Worth the Wait" and do a demo recording that Kash accidentally sends to Barry. Barry wants Paisley to perform, but she is still reluctant. Will the two be able to write together, have a relationship, and live happily ever after?
Strengths: Back in the 1950s and 60s, there were a lot of books for teenagers that had main characters who were eighteen or older. Some of these were "career romances" and are some of my favorites! Paisley is thinking about a career, but dealing with some traumatic issues, and while she is figuring things out, she is assisting with the family business, working in the gift shop, and even taking care of the reindeer. Lots of freedom, but also lots of questions about the trajectory of her life. Kash is just a bit older; we see his grandfather picking him up for Thanksgiving and supporting him, so he also has a bit of a set back in achieving his goals. While they don't get along for most of the book, they don't hate each other too vehemently, and there are some nice moments of collaboration. The details of trying for a singing career are good, and the ending is, in fact happy. Since the characters are older, and since modern Young Adult books sometimes have eyeball scorching content, I was on the edge of my seat for most of this, but the most that when on was a kiss or two. Whew!
Weaknesses: I will never understand the appeal of the "enemies to lovers" trope. If I hate someone, I will hate that person forever! The holiday appeal of this will overcome any resistance readers might have. I also wanted to slap Paisley just a tiny bit for letting a few comments completely derail her career.
What I really think: This is a perfect holiday romance for strong middle school readers who think middle grade titles are too babyish. Fans of Kasie West and Sarah Dessen will enjoy this holiday romp, as will fans of Calonita's The Taylors series.
Strengths: Back in the 1950s and 60s, there were a lot of books for teenagers that had main characters who were eighteen or older. Some of these were "career romances" and are some of my favorites! Paisley is thinking about a career, but dealing with some traumatic issues, and while she is figuring things out, she is assisting with the family business, working in the gift shop, and even taking care of the reindeer. Lots of freedom, but also lots of questions about the trajectory of her life. Kash is just a bit older; we see his grandfather picking him up for Thanksgiving and supporting him, so he also has a bit of a set back in achieving his goals. While they don't get along for most of the book, they don't hate each other too vehemently, and there are some nice moments of collaboration. The details of trying for a singing career are good, and the ending is, in fact happy. Since the characters are older, and since modern Young Adult books sometimes have eyeball scorching content, I was on the edge of my seat for most of this, but the most that when on was a kiss or two. Whew!
Weaknesses: I will never understand the appeal of the "enemies to lovers" trope. If I hate someone, I will hate that person forever! The holiday appeal of this will overcome any resistance readers might have. I also wanted to slap Paisley just a tiny bit for letting a few comments completely derail her career.
What I really think: This is a perfect holiday romance for strong middle school readers who think middle grade titles are too babyish. Fans of Kasie West and Sarah Dessen will enjoy this holiday romp, as will fans of Calonita's The Taylors series.
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