THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is the second book in Jenn McKinlay’s “Happily Ever After” series. Although this is part of a series, I believe THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER also works well as a standalone novel. At the opening of this story, it’s very apparent that Joaquin aka Quino Solis is wild about Savannah Wilson and is desperate to figure out how to win her for the long-term. I like a charming, sincere hero pursuing the heroine and who thinks about the future. Quino is exactly that kind of guy. Despite Savannah’s frequent rebuffs, she and Quino are often thrown together since they are both friends of another couple – Maisy and Ryder. Their determination to help Maisy’s independent romance-themed bookstore succeed ends up aiding in a romance blooming between the pair.

Having this story told from alternating perspectives gives readers a better understanding of why Savannah is so determined to resist Quino’s charms, and it also shows Quino’s hidden depths. It’s a little bit frustrating when Savannah keeps throwing down roadblocks in her developing relationship with Quino, but Jenn McKinlay gives a good explanation for why she is the way she is. Likewise, at first Quino is nothing short of perfect – charming, fun, sweet, caring, and a superfan when it comes to Christmas. However, as the story progresses and family stress weighs on him, Quino proves to be just as flawed as anybody else and a more realistic hero. Savannah’s friend Maisy and Quino’s friend Ryder help break the tension in this book, and act as much-needed sources of support and as sounding boards for the two main characters.

THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is festive and fun with a little sweet and sexy thrown in for good measure. Lanie and Luke had an interesting dynamic in THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER, and I hope to read more about them in future “Happily Ever After” stories. I look forward to reading the next “Happily Ever After” book by Jenn McKinlay.