 Love in Bloom: Book 2
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
This heartwarming small-town holiday love story about hope and healing from USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains is perfect for fans of Susan Mallery and Jenny Hale!
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.
Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.
Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.
As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.
The Christmas Keepsake is the second book in the Love in Bloom series by Annie Rains. It was nice to return to the small town of Bloom and the characters we’ve met before.
Mallory and her grandmother, Nan, are the main protagonists in this delightful holiday romance. Nan is living in a memory care facility, and we’re reliving essential moments in her life with the Christmas ornaments she passed along to Mallory, along with her journal, which reveals the history of each one. It was nice to see so many older characters with a story to tell.
Set at Christmas, there’s an incredible sense of the Season, with memories and reminiscing throughout. There are a variety of stories being told, and they are woven together nicely. There are layers to the story and the characters. Many surprises and unexpected moments are conveyed, but hints of some of the larger and most important details are also provided. Twists and turns, as well as vivid descriptions, are highlighted throughout. Several happy endings and a possible happily ever after wrap up the storyline. While there was some closure, I wish there were an epilogue to give a few more details.
The Christmas Keepsake is filled with all things Christmas, emphasizing the importance of family, memories, and, especially, keepsakes. Grab a hot chocolate and sit by the fire as you immerse yourself in this tale of love.
Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author of small-town contemporary stories full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about becoming an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and creating happily ever afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her family or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Annie also enjoys spending time with her three attention-hungry and mischievous rescues, which inspire the lovable pets in her books.
