Book Review:

A Heartwarming Tale of Healing, Hope, and Holiday Magic

Introduction

Fern Michaels, a prolific and beloved author of women’s fiction and romance, delivers another heartwarming narrative in her holiday novel, Spirit of the Season. Known for her gift of weaving engaging stories filled with family, friendship, and second chances, Michaels invites us into the charming world of Joy Preston, a woman at a crossroads, seeking comfort and clarity after the loss of her beloved grandmother. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the Christmas season in the picturesque town of Spruce River, North Carolina, this novel is a celebration of healing, community, and the transformative power of love—both new and remembered.

Plot Overview

At the center of Spirit of the Season is Joy Preston, a determined and successful business owner who runs a thriving nail polish firm in Colorado. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her grandmother passes away and leaves her the family’s historic B & B, the Heart and Soul, located in Spruce River. Nana’s will states that Joy must run the B & B for six months or it will be sold to the state. Although Joy’s memories of the town are fond, she hasn’t visited in years. The prospect of returning is daunting, especially as she navigates the grief of her loss and the pressures of her career.

Nevertheless, Joy feels compelled to honor her grandmother’s legacy by hosting the B & B’s annual holiday celebration, a cherished event that she made the highlight of Spruce River’s festive season. As Joy immerses herself in preparations, she’s quickly drawn into the close-knit community’s traditions, finding solace and unexpected delight in the company of the B & B’s staff and the townspeople.

Among the charming cast of locals is Will Drake, a lawyer, whose practical wisdom and gentle humor are both a comfort and a challenge to Joy’s independent spirit. As Joy and Will collaborate along with Joy’s mother Elizabeth and Nana’s close friend and associate Lizzie, to prepare the B & B and ensure the holiday festivities live up to Nana’s high standards, their partnership deepens, and sparks of romance begin to fly.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Spirit of the Season is its setting. Michaels paints Spruce River with loving brushstrokes: snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights, and the warm glow of the Heart and Soul B & B create a festive atmosphere that leaps off the page. The B & B itself is almost a character in its own right, filled with history and cherished memories. Along with the competition with the other local B & B’s for the yearly contests of the Ginger Bread House (a homemade gingerbread house replica of the B & B, and the contest of the best overall B & B for the holiday decorations.

The romance between Joy and Will is tender and realistic, rooted in friendship and mutual support. Michaels avoids melodrama, instead focusing on the slow build of trust and affection. Their relationship underscores the message that love, in all its forms, is a vital part of healing and growth.

I highly recommend this book as an easy reading book to curl up on the couch with.