ARC Review: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

About the Book:

Title: The Santa Suit

Author: Mary Kay Andrews

Page Length: 224

Publication Date: Sept. 28, 2021

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Synopsis: When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn’t bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it’s a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it’s from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy’s quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

LINKS:     Goodreads    |      Amazon    |     Book Depository

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.

---

My Review:

The Santa Suit is a lovely, heart-warming story about Ivy Perkins, a recent divorcee who moves to an old farmhouse to start over. A feel-good holiday read, the story is filled with wonderful characters, small-town charm, and a sweet romance. I love Mary Kay Andrews’ books and read this endearing story in one sitting.

The characters are great, and I loved learning more about them and their connections to each other. Ivy is a relatable and interesting protagonist with a lot on her plate. Because she bought The Four Roses farmhouse sight unseen, Ivy didn’t realize how many issues her new home had, and as her to-do list grows, it seems as if nothing can go right. On top of that, she has lost her creative mojo, and she is struggling to find inspiration. Starting over is so difficult, especially when everything that can go wrong does, but Ivy’s strength and resilience, as well as the support of new friends, help her through it.

Ivy’s new friends are fantastic, and one friend, in particular, is most helpful. Aaron is the real estate agent who sold her the farmhouse, and he often helps Ivy with repairs and other house-related issues. I like how their relationship grows throughout the story and how kind and helpful Aaron is. He is a good man and a great match for Ivy.

I also love the small-town charm throughout the book. It’s the type of place where everyone seems to know everyone else, and the holiday atmosphere makes it even more charming. Fun community activities and helpful, friendly citizens make Ivy feel at home. Also, as Ivy explores The Four Roses, she learns even more about the town. When Ivy finds a letter in a beautiful Santa suit she finds in her house, she is intrigued and feels compelled to find out more. This part of the story is lovely and connects Ivy even more to the old farmhouse and the town. I feel like Ivy not only learns a ton about the townspeople and the previous owners of her farmhouse, she also learns a lot about herself and what is important to her. In this new environment, Ivy has a chance to redefine her life, and she does just that.

This is a light, quick, and slightly magical story with wonderful characters and positive messages. A story about starting over, finding oneself, and opening up your heart to life, The Santa Suit is an uplifting and heart-warming holiday read. Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press and Mary Kay Andrews for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

---

https://media.giphy.com/media/IzRWsOco0Zp7woExht/giphy.gif

Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The romance!

• The small-town charm.

• The wonderful characters.

Favorite Line:

Christmas hadn’t just arrived at Four Roses Farm. It had been here all along, waiting for her to discover it.

Recommendations:

Want to read more by Mary Kay Andrews? Check out my reviews of some of her other books!