Deck the Hearts

A Christmas Creek Romance, Book 1

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

Cute Christmas Story!

This was a cute, short christmas romance. It is sure to bring holiday cheers to the reader. It was nice to see jolly Holly change grinch Gordon's mind about christmas.

This audiobook was provided to me by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchanged for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

A book that Fa la la la la right into the heart

Where does Deck the Hearts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a really good audiobook that is one of the top once when it comes to shorter audiobooks. The story is very nice and it is told beautifully. A perfect short Christmas novella to listen to, and it will get you into Christmas mood.

What did you like best about this story?

There is nothing not to love about the story. The story is very well written and it capture the reader. The narrator Katie Marcin is great and makes the story come to life and make the characters even more life like and feel even more real. I love that it is about Christmas and so into Christmas, Christmas here isnt just something that is when the story is told. The books simply is Christmas.

Which character – as performed by Kate Marcin – was your favorite?

I just simply love Holly and how she is and the life she is living. She is so real and I can see part of her in myself. She loves Christmas, she loves what she is doing and she does so much for so many people and sometimes forget herself. I love her and that she isnt perfect.

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

Yes. It is short, only approx 2 hours so that made it a perfect one sitting listening. Also the story itself and how it is told makes it impossible to stop listen to it. Even if it was longer, I would still listen to it in one sitting because it is so good, and you want to know how it all will work out but at the same time you dont want the story to end. You want it to continue but the story is perfect.

Any additional comments?

A short novell that turned into a great audiobook. This is a book I will read and listen to over and over again and it always brings out the Christmas feeling. I love this story so much and I would so love to move to Christmas Creek. Once again Rachelle Ayala has made a excellent story with great places, great character and enough love and story to keep you entertained.

The narrator Katie Marcin made the story even more perfect in the way she preformed it and she really did make everything come to life, in a new dimension.

Scrooge meets Eliza Doolittle ...

A sweet twist on the Grinch scenario. Gordon bottles up his anger and resentment along with loneliness and pain to the point where his bitterness overshadows everything that has importance in his life. Holly is the optimist that turns his life upside down and pulls him kicking and screaming into the magical season of hope, charity and faith. Maybe even love. I am not normally a fan of stories with Grinch or Scrooge like characters but there was something so compelling about Gordon that I couldn't look away. Deck the Hearts exposes what an open heart and open mind can do for the soul and the difference one action can make in the lives of others. At first reading I was a believer at first listen, Ms. Marcin reminded me why, I'm a Rachelle Ayala fan.

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.

A sweet Christmas romance

Christmas Creek is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday. Holly Jolly is the perfect bubbly Christmas elf. Gordon Gill, the newcomer to town, is a grinch. Can the 2 come together and will the Christmas spirit win out?

Rachelle Ayala spins another marvelous tale and Kate Marcin delivers a wonderful performance.

Short & Sweet Christmas story

I found the story short and sweet. Being that the story was short, it moved very quickly which could come across as unbelievable. Overall it was a good story, with good narration.

Sweet Christmas Story!

Holly Jolly is in charge of the town Christmas party taking place at Gordon Gills large house. Gordon is from out of town and hates Christmas, but has decided to visit Christmas Creek at Christmas time, putting a big damper on Holly's Christmas party planning. Gordon decides he can make Holly hate Christmas with his grumpiness and Holly is sure that if Gordon gets enough holiday spirit thrown at him he will love the holiday as much as she does.

Neither of their plans work out quite the way they wanted, but in a small town things have a way of working out for the best anyway.

Kate Marcin is a perfect match for this audio book and truly brings it to life. Great story, plot and narrator all the way around, highly recommended!

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

Contains language and intimate scenes

They should put a disclaimer on these things. I'm trying to avoid stories with foul language and lovemaking scenes. I mistakenly thought because it's a Christmas romance it was a clean one. One conversation about the true meaning of Christmas doesn't make it a Christian story.

Sweet

This is a sweet, light, romantic book. The story is well written with interesting characters and a unique storyline. I enjoyed the idea of a town all working together for the success of the Christmas Festival and the town itself. Kate Marcin does a nice job of narrating. I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

Deck The Hearts

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deck the Hearts?

There are many memorable moments. The one that really stands out for me, is when Holly and Gordon go to visit her Grandmother and tell her a story.

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

Kate makes the characters seem to come alive. I enjoyed reading the book and also enjoyed the narration. She reads with so much emotion and does the characters really well.I never got bored and was able to be fully immersed in the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Right from the beginning the story caught my attention. It starts out being humorous and then becomes heartwarming and touching. I laughed out loud several times. From the names of the characters alone, I knew this was going to be a "magical" story!

Any additional comments?

Rachelle Ayala gives us a story that has us feeling many emotions. From humor to touching romance, this story can turn the biggest Grinch into someone with Christmas spirit. It's a sweet story to just sit back and relax and escape the rush of the season or anytime you just want to escape from life's stress.