Deck the Hearts

By: Rachelle Ayala

Narrated by: Kate Marcin

Length: 1 hr and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Opposites attract and sparks fly in the delightful small town of Christmas Creek.

Holly Jolly lives for Christmas. It's the only time of the year, as far as she's concerned.

Gordon Gills doesn't need a reason to hate the holiday season. He doesn't see the point.

Gordon returns to the mansion he inherited and finds Holly making a mess with her Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, his great-aunt's will stipulates that he must make merry every Christmas if he wants to keep his inheritance.

Holly is determined to infect the grouchy Gordon with every dose of Christmas cheer she can muster and show him what Christmas is really about.

Will Gordon prevail and turn Holly into a Grinch, or will a sprinkling of Christmas magic show Gordon that there's no fighting love, especially when it's wrapped up in a gorgeous redheaded package of jolly holly?

©2016 Rachelle Ayala (P)2017 Rachelle Ayala Publishing, LLC

LOVED it!

I was really in the mood for a good holiday romance and this one hit the spot. Short and a very sweet romance - I loved this story!!! Narration was perfect!!! Highly recommend!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Sweet Christmas Romance

This is a short listen but a very enjoyable one. Holly loves Christmas and enjoys celebrating. On the other hand, Gordon hates Christmas and is like the Grinch. Although the story is fairly short, the story moves in a good pace and is not rushed or incomplete.

Narration was well done and brought the story to life.

This story was laidback and fun. The author did a great job weaving this fun tale with likable characters. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Rachelle Ayala.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Short and Sweet

This was a really sweet short story, coming in just under 2 hours. I really liked that it was a complete story though. It didn't feel rushed or incomplete. And, though the story was fairly light, no major rollercoasters, it had substance. It also had really nice messages subtly woven into it. I also had never heard of Christmas Creek, CA, so that was a fun new fact. The characters were likable, and even some of the more sillier scenes were the fun silly that made you smile. And, Holly Jolly?! I loved the names. This was a well written nugget of fun.

Kate Marcin did a great job on the narration as well. Her voice was nice and pleasant to listen to, and she gave the characters life. I didn't feel read to. Overall, when you're in the mood to just to relax and be entertained, this is a good book to enjoy.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A cute Christmas story

If you are looking for a quick, sweet Christmas story, this is the one for you.
It’s a story about two individuals whose view of Christmas is on the opposite sides of the spectrum.
While Holly Jolly is Christmas personified, Gordon Gills hates it. He views it as a commercial venture and would rather it didn’t exist. Oh, no !
They meet when Gordon inherits his aunt’s mansion. The mansion that Holly lovingly decorates . But the inheritance has a glitch, grouchy Gordon has to have a very merry Christmas.
Will Holly be able to show Gordon that Christmas is really a time of happiness and merriment, or will Gordon miss the opportunity not only to embrace the holiday but also find love?
Once again, the narration by Kate Marcin brings the story to life.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Deck the Hearts

Such a cute quick listen that gives you the true meaning of Christmas. These two are polar opposites in the beginning but soon find out they are perfect together.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Christmas sweet

Although I am a fan of Christmas romances this almost went over the edge a few times. Then I reminded myself to just enjoy the ride and go with it. 🎄😊

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A great Christmas story...

When Gordon arrives at the mansion he just inherited, he is more than shocked when he walks in to find Holly Jolly there. He 's upset that she is filling it with decorations for the holiday that he’d rather see be outlawed, Christmas. As they try to figure out what is going on, they both rub each other the wrong way. To be able to keep the mansion, Gordon needs to allow the traditional decorating to continue. But if he could have his way, he’d be more than happy to shut it down. Gordon believes that everyone is doing all of this just to keep the town alive. He thinks Holly has been using him. Will Holly be able to show Gordon the true meaning of Christmas? Will she be able to prove how she really feels? This story was really good. It was enjoyable to listen to, and you definitely shouldn't miss it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun story

This is a fun story to get you in the Christmas spirit. It pairs up a fun loving girl not afraid to share her heart and a lonely man not looking for a relationship, or so he thinks. He also is a man that can ruin her town. He didn't plan on Holly and her town to find a place in his heart. I received this complimentary audio and giving a voluntary review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An enjoyable read anytime!

Although this is a Christmas story, it is so light, sweet, humorous, cute, fun, cheerful, etc., that it’ll cheer you up and bring a smile to your face no matter the time of the year. I loved the character names, including Rudolph the dog, and the chapter titles were great. I absolutely loved everything about it and, the narration was excellent. I received a review copy at my request and voluntarily reviewed.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A lovely entertaining Christmas novella!

I loved this story! How can you not love something with a character named Holly Jolly? Holly was a wonderful character. She's busy decorating a local mansion for Christmas when Gordon (Grinch) walks through the door and knocks her off the ladder...and on top of him. Holly's goal in life is to spread happiness and Christmas cheer. Gordon's is to sell the house and revert the town from Christmas Creek back to the town originally named after his ancestor. He doesn't DO Christmas!
This novella had great character development and the plot flowed gorgeously. It left you feeling that you had actually been to Christmas Creek. There's a twist in the story that adds even more, but the real question is whether or not Holly will show Gordon the truth behind Christmas as she knows it and win him over. If not, is Christmas Creek gone forever?
The narrator of the audio book, Kate March, did an incredible job.
I was given this book. The opinions are my own.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Short, Sweet Listen

This is a short sweet, fun story to listen to.

The characters ware well developed for such a short story and I really enjoyed Holly and Gordon.

Kate Marcin did a great job narrating and bringing them to life.

This may be a short listen, but it's definitely worth it and I will be re-listening to it again soon.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Short, Sweet, full of Christmas Cheer and Magic!

Looking for a book to catapult you into Christmas spirit?

This sweet, bite size nugget may be it. It is a romance about the heart of Chtistmas, beyond the superficial commercial wrapping. It is also about finding home and the person you want to share it with. Throw in a little magic, plenty of tinsel, an incognito elf and a little family history and you have this delightful, feel-good story set in a town dedicated to the season to be jolly. Makes me curious about the other books in the series.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Highly entertaining

Would you listen to Deck the Hearts again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, a delicious Christmas story. It is sweet, it is so great for the festivities at Christmas.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed Holly character. Was a joy to hear her come alive, Holly is all Christmas she loves this season.

What does Kate Marcin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Kate Marcin, was awesome. She made the characters come alive, also great for the story just a joy to listen to her. Very delightful voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did sit and listen to this in one sitting. It's a short story. But will definitely be listening to it again, maybe nearer Christmas.😉

Any additional comments?

Wonderful story, very well written.enjoy this modern day, Christmas book.
Highly recommend. You will be glad you did listen to it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fa la la la la!

Christmas Creek is the town I would love to live in! Rachelle Ayala has given us the most heart warming Christmas story. Holly, an "elf" and Gordon, the "grinch" find themselves attracted to each other, despite the fact that Gordon can change the future of their whole town. Gordon hates Christmas, and it's up to Holly to change his view. Will she be able to do it? With love on their side, a grandmother with an wonderful Christmas story, 5 helpful siblings and Gordon's crazy father, this story will sure to bring a smile to your face, a little angst and lots of holiday spirit! Love the "Deck the Halls" chapter titles, it's a seamless introduction to each one. This is a beautiful listen.

Kate Marcin performs this story with her warm voice. I love the tones and emotions she uses, making you feel comfortable while listening. Her narration is perfect and hope she continues with this holiday series.