Liz Westmoreland drives to Antler Creek because Angels Rest, the bed and breakfast inn once owned by her late grandparents, is for sale. Matt Hardy is an architect who grew up in town and he bids on the inn, but Liz beats him to the hammer fall. CHRISTMAS ANGELS describes how a lady from Charlotte, North Carolina, who is a project manager has to readjust to mountain life and smalltown friendship.

The now sadly dilapidated inn can’t be opened without extensive renovation. Matt is not a building contractor, but he gives Liz plenty of pointers and sound advice. Like replacing the structural load-bearing wall that has been removed – yikes! Whoever did that without looking at the plans? I always enjoy reading about small enterprise, new beginnings, and practical restoration. Another enterprise in town is a small candlemaking business, turning out soy candles for Christmas markets. Winter is definitely on the way, with flurries of hail, which will add to rebuilding time. Liz hit town in time for Thanksgiving, but she’s not with family and Matt can’t help inviting her to dinner.

I had a good time with this positive-thinking tale. If you enjoy artisan arts and crafts – from Double Wedding Ring quilts to handblown glass and walnut furniture – you’ll revel in the details. The pine-scented trees and Carolina wrens seem to approve. All the hard work requires good solid home cooking and coffee in the diner. The town is glad that the inn won’t be bulldozed. . . but Matt can’t help wondering if Liz will get bored and go back to the big city. Maybe she will. After all, here in the mountains, winter is long and snowfall is heavy.

Nancy Naigle has already written quite a list of books with Christmas themes among her back catalogue. I previously enjoyed Mint Juleps And Justice by her, set in the more fast-paced state of Kentucky. The culture clash of smalltown folks and busy city life creates a rewarding atmosphere, and she fills the adventures and romances with detail which bring the settings and good people to life. CHRISTMAS ANGELS is a lighter read suited to relaxing over the holiday period; I found it appropriate for any age group, although there aren’t many young people featured so teens would probably prefer a YA tale. Adults with jobs, responsibilities, and mortgages will enjoy getting their teeth into the excitement of purchasing, renovating – and then what? Wait and see.

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