Book Reviews

Book Blurb

After a devastating breakup leaves him questioning everything about love and relationships, Elliott Morgan wants nothing more than to spend the holidays hiding in his Newark apartment. But his well-meaning friends have other plans, whisking him away to the charming snow-covered town of Williamsville for a week-long Christmas getaway.

Elementary school teacher Gar Dawson has spent years pouring his heart into Williamsville's holiday celebrations, creating handmade Christmas sweaters and volunteering for every festive event. But beneath his cheerful exterior, he's been quietly aching with loneliness since losing his sister—until a grumpy stranger from New Jersey literally crashes into his life.

Elliott expects small-town holiday cheer to be his personal nightmare. Gar expects another lonely Christmas despite being surrounded by his caring community. Neither expects the spark that ignites when Elliott's sarcasm meets Gar's genuine warmth, or how quickly stolen kisses under twinkling lights begin to heal their wounded hearts.

As Elliott finds himself reluctantly drawn into Williamsville's festive celebrations—from crafting ornaments to manning Christmas games—both men begin to hope again. But when Elliott discovers that Gar has been keeping a secret, old wounds threaten to destroy the fragile trust they've built.

With only days left until Elliott leaves town, both must decide whether to retreat behind familiar walls or take the biggest risk of all—believing that some Christmas wishes really do come true.

Set against the backdrop of a town that treats every holiday like magic, this heartwarming standalone grumpy/sunshine romance explores second chances, the courage to be vulnerable, and the transformative power of found family.

 

Book Review

“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.” ~  Richard Bach

 

Elliott, from ‘Whispered Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses' by Hank Edward, expects to spend Christmas alone, still hurting from his recent breakup. His friends, however, have a different plan. They take him to Williamsville, a town known for its joyful holiday celebrations. If Christmas magic is real, it’s found in Williamsville. Surrounded by lights and festive cheer, Elliott sees something unexpected: another chance at love.

 

Three years have passed since Gar lost his sister, yet the ache lingers, leaving him quietly adrift. He pours his heart into organizing every holiday, hoping to fill the emptiness. The town adores its charming, compassionate schoolteacher, grateful for his generosity and encouragement. Still, they sense his loneliness and wish for someone special to bring light back into his life.

 

Elliott is skeptical at first, wondering how he is going to survive all this frivolity he is in no mood for, but as he gets to know the people around him, he can’t help but be in the joyful atmosphere surrounding him. With some encouragement from the residents, he begins participating in some activities and, to his surprise, realizes he enjoys them.

 

Elliott and Gar don’t have the best first meeting; Elliott accidentally bumps into Gar at a bar when Gar steps back toward him. Afterwards, they talk and discover that Elliott is a tourist visiting for the holidays and that Gar is a local elementary school teacher. Whether or not they realized it at the time, they have formed a connection.

 

Over the week, Gar and Elliott keep running into each other, sometimes by chance and sometimes because they want to. As they spend more time together, they grow closer, aided by their friends and the townspeople. Everyone is busy getting ready for the main event, the Christmas Fair. One of the special attractions is the Wishing Tree, which has a spot inside where people can share their wishes and secrets.

 

Elliott shares his thoughts at the Wishing Tree, not knowing that Gar is listening. He admits that he wishes to find someone who will love him. When Gar hears this, he decides to try to make Elliott’s wish come true.

 

‘Whispered Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses’ is an endearing addition to the ‘Williamsville Inn’ series. Hank has, once again, used the town's charm to create a happy ending for two deserving men. Thanks, Hank, for making the season a little brighter for Elliot and Gar.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 258 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	10-November-2025
Price	$5.99 ebook, $15.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Whispered-Wishes-Mistletoe-Kisses-Williamsville-ebook/dp/B0FVYK3SPJ