A FIREFIGHTER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT is the first story in Vivian Arend's Holidays in Heart Falls series, which is a spin-off of her Heart Falls series. Some characters from previous books show up in this story, but A FIREFIGHTER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT works as a standalone romance. Firefighter Brad Ford is totally smitten by single mom Hanna Lane. I love stories in which the earnest hero puts everything into wooing the woman he's fallen for, and A FIREFIGHTER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT is a perfect example of what makes that kind of story so scrumptious. Hanna is kind of a hard sell when it comes to love since she was burned by it when she was younger. In the end, it all comes down to trust, and Brad's ability to convince Hanna that he's serious about his feelings for her.

This is largely a book about family. Hanna's expulsion and coldness from her own family still influence how she makes choices about relationships now. Part of the reason Hanna falls for Brad is because of the way he treats family and the importance he places on it. Even though Brad's father and brother have a somewhat cantankerous relationship, Brad tries to find ways to draw them back together and fix the friction between them. Brad represents security and stability wrapped in an attractive package, and with a kind heart at his center. Brad's father is a great supporting character and plays an entertaining and not so subtle cupid.

A FIREFIGHTER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT has a swoon-worthy firefighter hottie and tons of Christmas cheer. Vivian Arend does a good job of drawing out the sexual tension and keeping the reader interested in Brad and Hanna's evolving relationship. Brad's thoughtful gift to Hanna at the end of the book reflects how much he deeply cares about her. I look forward to reading Vivian Arend's next book.

Book Summary

All Bradley Ford wants this holiday season is a date or three with sweet Hanna Lane. He’s the new fire chief, recently returned to Heart Falls to help his father after an accident. And while he wasn’t expecting to find someone like Hanna so soon, Brad’s certain that Hanna—and her adorable daughter, Crissy—are perfect for him and his plans to settle down.

Hanna’s been taking care of herself since she became a single mom at sixteen. The only pure, honest love she trusts is her little girl’s, but for the first time in eight years, her libido flares to life. Something about Brad draws her like a moth to a flame—which is always a bad idea for the moth.

When a fire leaves Hanna and Crissy homeless, Brad offers them shelter at his family’s homestead. Crissy insists they’ve moved in with Santa. Hanna’s not sure how she keeps ending up under the mistletoe with Brad. And Brad? He’s hoping for the best Christmas gift of all…