The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom 2) by Annie Rains-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2025

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.

Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.

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REVIEW:THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE is the second instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult sweet romance series. This is ER nurse Mallory Blue, and construction worker / Christmas tree farmer Hollis Franklin.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Mallory and Hollis)using present day and journal memories from the past, THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE focuses on family secrets and history. Mallory Blue is an ER nurse who has found herself the director of the annual Christmas show, at the local community in the wake of her beloved grandmother’s failing health. The family owned theatre has seen better days, and her sister Maddie is hoping for a quick sale, and with the help of local construction worker Hollis Franklin, Mallory begins to focus on her grandmother’s dream but reading her grandmother Nan’s journal brings with it memories from the past, a life of loss and love Mallory knew nothing about.

The world building follows several paths, some intersecting, some diverting as the reader is pulled into the struggling dynamics of two families focusing on the past, without considering a change in direction for the younger generation.

The relationship between Mallory and Hollis is a frenemies to friends. There is some bad history between our story line couple but Hollis is determined to make amends for sins of the past. There are no $ex scenes, and limited physical contact.

THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE is a story of family and friendships, relationships,forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and charming; characters are desperate and lively; the romance is limited but sweet.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE FINDERS KEEPERS LIBRARY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.