This is a charming book. It did start to get me into the Christmas spirit. Although, I did not fully envelop the holidays like I wanted to with this book. I was looking for a Hallmark movie. Yet, I will say that I did like the characters in this book. As far as little children go in stories, Sofia was sweet but she made me sad at the same time. The fact that she had lost her Christmas spirit was sad. She was still young enough to believe but after the death of her mother; her father felt like the truth was the best for Sofia. So she really had no stake in the game when it came to Santa. By the end of the story, Sofia did have her faith restored. However, when I am reading a holiday story, I want it to be cheerful and not sad. I will hand it to Iona that she did do her best to help Sofia.

Speaking of Iona. She had an cheerful and inviting personality. She is the type of person that I would hang out with. Mads was not bad. He just came off as stiff in the beginning and therefore, he was the last one that I warmed up to. Regarding romance between Iona and Mads; it may have been there but I didn't really feel it. Well not the way that I hoped to. I wanted to see the sparks fly and I didn't really get that from Iona and Mads. Yet, if readers are looking for a charming book without a lot of romance and a quick read, then they may consider checking this book out. ( )

Iona has poured her heart & soul into the marketing & publicity for the Candied Apple Cafe, the business she owns with two friends. The cafe & the friends are developing a reputation & gained me the interest in investors wanting to help them "make it big". When Iona meets Mads Eriksson, the attraction that sizzles between them makes Iona realize she's concentrated on the business to the exclusion of everything else.

Mads & his daughter Sofia are just trying to make it through the first Christmas season after the death of his wife & her mother. Mads met Iona when he was pitching an idea to bring the Candied Apple Cafe into his exclusive resorts. Both are attracted to Iona & the way she makes them feel. Mads feels it's too soon for him to move on & is fighting it.

Christmas at the Candied Apple Cafe is not a typical sweet Christmas story. There is a feeling of hope, joy & faith but there is also feelings of depression, despair & grief. It's a story meant to tug on your heart & get you involved in the story. Iona & Mads have to decide what is more important to them & what they can live with or without. Sofia is a spot of joy. I loved watching her come back to life. She is an integral part of the story. The interactions between Sofia & Iona are sweet & intense. An enjoyable emotional read. ( )