Happily This Christmas (Happily Inc, 6)

I thoroughly enjoy a book which has characters from previous stories in them and Susan Mallery never disappoints. Her characters are all believable, likeable characters who could be my neighbours or people I meet in the street. I can't wait for the next book to be out.

While I wasn't looking for anything complicated and love the happy ever after kind of love story every once in a while, the characters in this story had (almost?) no trouble at all, nothing - which doesn't make a good story, it's basically a dream with no ups and downs, quite boring. Now, the book itself is not all bad necessarily because of that. I really liked the characters, strong Wynn who raised an honest, way to noble son Hunter, and Garrick trying to make his own (not-so-)adult daughter Joylin feel comfortable in his home while she is moody and emotional due to her pregnancy. But every possible disaster, problem or trouble - Hunter's lie on an application, why joylin thought her dad didn't love her, why Wynn doesn't allow herself to get attached (she does so very quickly anyways, despite claiming she doesn't), even an unexpected wedding to organize, and the final misunderstanding of wanting kids. - Everything is cleared up within the next millisecond, everyone is supportive, all is happy and works out right away. I've read much better books from this author, this was nothing more than 'okay'. If you like to read an everything is fine novel over Christmas, go ahead with this one, but if you want some excitement and tension in a story, this isn't for you.

Chief Garrick of Happily Inc PD, former single teenage dad, was helping his now pregnant 21 year old daughter, newly wed to a deployed marine, Joylyn to stay with him until his first grandchild was born. Garrick and Joylyn had an amazing father/daughter relationship until his DEA undercover assignment in her early teens, then their bond shattered as she repeatedly pushed him away for unknown reasons. Joylyn left her marine family, to live with her Mom and her new family with three noisy young sons and step-dad, but that arrangement was stressful for all. So her move to live with Dad was not her choice, but once there, Wynn and the Out of The Box Wedding team, and Hunter, Wynn's son, got her grumpy defense wall was broken down, and she revealed to her dad the reason for her teenage rebukes. Yes his ex wife lied to her about his not wanting her while he was being tortured in Mexico. Their communication path opened, and they became best buds again to the point of being her birthing coach. Lovely HEA when Wynn stated what she wants in her developing relationship with Garrick. Great characters, dialogue, and a plot about communication. Loved this novel! 💕 12/27/20- 01/01/21 COVID-19 CAShInPl

Small-town charm prevails in Happily Inc! Wynn is a successful single mother to a teenage boy named Hunter. Her life is fulfilled in every aspect, except the love department. Garrick is her next door neighbor, a police officer, and single. He seeks Wynn’s help to get his house ready for when his pregnant daughter arrives. This book has a little bit of drama, a lotta romance, and is dripping in Christmas traditions. My only qualm about this one is how rushed the ending was. I, perhaps, just wanted to stay in Happily Inc for a little bit longer.

Wynn, a single Mom, has a bit of a crush on her neighbor Garrick. While trying to see how she can get to know him better, she answers her door to find Garrick hoping to get her help. Garrick needs some decorating help before his married, pregnant daughter arrives while her husband is deployed. A leather sofa and a giant tv won’t look too cozy. Slowly these two hesitant souls learn to help each other with parenting difficulties. Loved how relaxed yet competent Garrick is and the wisdom of Wynn as they cope. These are two characters you want as friends and this heartwarming story will have to be read again closer to Christmas.