The heart is like a lock. There is only one key -- a special key that can fully open it. Open it to possibilities that seemed beyond your ken. This newest Jill Shalvis book is a total joy to read. Heart candy one would say, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE is about finding that key.

The person who holds that key could very well be the solution to so many of your issues. Issues that caused you to flee from home in search of something, perhaps. Or maybe just running from something uncomfortable. Unsettling in the least.

All we can hope for is that we grow out of those issues. But what happens when the guy who broke your heart shows up at your pet store -- cat carrier in hand -- looking for a favor. Well that's one of Willa's problems. The guy can go scratch -- but a pet in need is a whole other story.

Keane was trying to do the right thing. Taking care of his great aunt's cat while she was recovering was the right thing -- especially for a relative that he had deep feelings for. Petunia the cat was giving him a run for his money -- so he started calling her Pita (you can guess). Strangely enough Petunia put on an entirely different face for Willa. So naturally Keane thinks he has a great solution for his problem.

Ah but Willa isn't about to fall under Keane's spell again. Sure she loves Petunia even though she doesn't usually board pets. This wasn't about the cat. And annoyingly Keane didn't seem to have any idea that he actually knows Willa.

Jill Shalvis manages once again to capture our heart while she cagily uses the magic of animals to create a lovely scenario filled with love and passion. Do not let yourself be misled with the title THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE. This is not your usual Christmas fare -- reminder this is a work by Jill Shalvis. So while the timing is the holiday season THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE is timeless. Anyone whose heart is affected with the love of their pet will find themselves laughing and sighing. This is vintage Jill Shalvis and her fans are sure to love it. THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE is that we ultimately have to say goodbye to some new friends. But here's to meeting them again sometime soon.