Spitfire Reads

By: Angela Cassella 

Rating: 5

Spicy: 2

Arc Review

When hallmark meets Colonial Williamsburg but actually it is written perfectly…. That is what you are getting with The Thief Who Saved Christmas. Secretly I am a Hallmark fan but I just can’t bring myself to stream it because of how cheesy it has gotten. It’s the same plot over and over again. But throw that Hallmark thought out of your mind when you’re reading this book! This is the book you fantasize about reading while cuddling up on the couch with blankets, hot cocoa and the snow is coming down outside. Picture it….. Got it? Ok keep that! 

The Thief Who Saved Christmas is about a reformed bad boy that is doing what he can to change his life after meeting grandma. Grandma changes his outlook on life and holds him to a promise. Change and come back next year so I can see what you did with your life. But sadly, grandma didn’t make it to the following year. Grandma knew she didn’t have long. She left a note and that is where Ryan (the MMC) truly steps up his game to change his life. In Ryans eyes, he has a lot to loose. Well I mean he kinda already lost it but still, he’s trying to do better to get back what he lost. Grandma was the only person that ever believed in him. Yet grandma wasn’t his actual grandma. Grandma was a random lady he met that instantly had him feel like he was part of the family. 

Grandma was Annabelles actual grandma but she too truly believed in all of Annabelles skills. Annabelle is “different” as she has autism but that doesn’t stop her. Yes it does mean that she does different things to work through her struggles but that doesn’t stop her from trying to run the Bed and Breakfast her grandma left her after she passed. Annabelle breaks up with her long time boyfriend who, lets just say, wasn’t good for her.Yet before he leaves, the ex threatens to take the B&B from her. Why? Like sir, why did you need it? You have your own hotel chain, leave the B&B alone!!!! 

Ryan and Annabelle slowly fall in love with each other. Ok not slowly, Ryan fell hard and fast. Annabelle was a little more hesitant but either way, they fall in love. Their love was put to the test as they started finding signs that Annabelles ex was trying to take the B&B from her. He sent in a few undercover people to try and case the B&B. Thankfully Ryan’s shady background was able to help them catch the ex in the act. Sadly, Annabelle found out that it was more than just a nasty ex trying to take her down. 

The Thief Who Saved Christmas has a HEA ending and one that I was truly hoping to see! I won’t going to spoiling details as I really think this will be the perfect Holiday read for you! I really just wanted to decorate the house and have some hot cocoa while reading it! 

Author Angela Cassella did a beautiful job writing this book and this is coming from a person that is obsessed with Colonial Williamsburg. I go at least once a year to visit so reading all of the locations used, it was the best thing to read. She was accurate too! The Aromas coffee though… my favorite coffee shop!! Y’all gotta try that if you ever visit. I will say, while reading this, it did make me want to plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg closer to Christmas. I may actually do so! I need to get the feel of it now that I read this book! 

I loved how this book was written to feel like a Hallmark movie but I feel like Angela Cassella really took it in her own direction. Yes those vibes were there but she made it so it wasn’t the cringy side. I got to read about the cute love story but also watched as they paved their own way of being dreamy. The depiction of being able to move on and do what you know a loved one would want even though the passed…. Oooo that one got me. I fully know this feeling and it was explained perfectly. Showing growth even though it can be difficult for people. Also depicting someone with Autism in this form was beautiful. I felt like Annabelle was a strong person and with the right person beside her, she truly flourished. She just needed the correct tribe and everything took off for her. I feel thats exactly how it is. The right people come to support you and you can do anything! 

Everything about this book screamed at my Holiday loving self. It didn’t have much smut at all but I honestly was here for the plot anyway so I am ok with that! I needed the plot!!! So if you are ready for your next Christmas read, it’s time to add The Thief Who Saved Christmas to your list!