Tag Archives: Enni Amanda

Book Review: The Holiday Grump by Enni Amanda

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The Holiday Grump by Enni Amanda

A Romance Novel published by Lumi Publishing (11/21/25)

Summary: Christmas brings together two broken hearts

“Maybe home wasn’t a place you decorated. Perhaps it was this feeling. Being known. Being expected.” (Kindle 43%).

Runaway bride Noelle has been hiding out for the last year. Grumpy bookseller Fredrik doesn’t think he’ll ever find love again. One meet-cute later, and Noelle happens to be running the pop-up shop next to Fredrik’s bookstore. They agree on friendship because Noelle will be gone after the holiday season, and Fredrik is, well, a grump after all. But when the snow falls and the walls come down, even the grumpiest hearts can melt.

Keywords:

Slow-Burn, Contemporary, Hideaway Harbor, Christmas, Broken Heart, Opposites Attract, Runaway Bride, Grumpy/Sunshine

My Review:

Noelle is the epitome of sunshine, while Fredrik is her opposite. I loved the way Noelle is a free-spirited, talk-her-mind, unpretentious person. There is a great deal of characterization and life in Noelle. “She simply spoke without thinking, the words bursting out of her like an uncontrollable sneeze.” (Kindle 14%).

Fredrik is thought of as a grump, but he’s so much more. He is depressed. He is thoughtful. He is always thinking about others. He is also set in his ways. He can’t help but notice and want to protect and help Noelle. She is somehow both independent and helpless.

They both have baggage, and I loved every scene with them together because their push-pull banter is witty and on point while their chemistry simmers from the get-go. Their meet-cute and developing relationship is delightfully awkward, and while both are keeping secrets, they must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make a go of things. “We led very different lives that somehow fit together perfectly.” (Kindle 78%).

I loved reading further into the world of Hideaway Harbor, and this book was a perfectly crafted and entertaining Holiday read about found family, healing, and second chances.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Lumi Publishing on 11/21/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: Nest or Invest by Enni Amanda

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Nest or Invest by Enni Amanda

A Romance Novel published by Lumi Publishing (01/25/21)

Summary: When love is not part of the plan, but opposites attract

“A man didn’t need to be a self-important jerk to have presence, or courage.” (Kindle 56%).

Shasa is a single mum fighting to preserve her neighborhood and keep a roof over her head. Mac is the real estate developer whose next big project threatens to bulldoze everything she stands for. 

Keywords:

Contemporary, Opposites Attract, Real Estate, New Zealand, Underdog, Acting, Romance, Affordable Housing, Single Parent, Eco-Warrior, Business 

My Review:

Shasa’s and Mac’s collision feels inevitable. They are both under tension (both internal and external). She’s all heart and stubborn ideals, while he’s all business and bottom lines. The way their dynamic evolves is what makes this book interesting. There’s chemistry beneath their arguments, and I loved watching the gradual shift from tension to understanding. The author did an excellent job giving both characters real depth, showing how their motivations are shaped by love and loss rather than simple good vs. evil.

The community aspect might be my favorite part, especially with the setting of New Zealand. The story captures the sense of belonging that comes with small-town life and the power of people banding together to protect what matters (even though some of them are only there for the snacks). Shasa’s devotion to her daughter and neighbors feels authentic, and the author paints her as strong yet vulnerable in a way that’s easy to root for. Mac’s transformation is largely reflected in our perceptions of him, as he has always been a good guy, but in a pinch, he has made some questionable decisions. Though I enjoyed the scenes where he interacts with Shasa’s daughter, I found it a bit unrealistic how comfortable he was with physical affection toward someone else’s child, especially given how cautious people tend to be about that today.

While the romance is sweet and emotionally satisfying, it sometimes leans more tender than sizzling. I found myself wishing for a bit more spark in their banter or physical tension earlier on. Some of the pacing dragged in the middle, especially in the community planning sections, which occasionally felt more procedural than personal. A few side characters were charming but underused, and I wanted more of their humor and heart to balance the heavier moments.

Overall, the book delivers a well-written, grounded love story with charm and purpose. It’s not just about two people finding each other. It’s about redefining success, love, and what it means to build a home. 

This novel was published by Lumi Publishing on 01/25/2021 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.0

Links for more information

Goodreads