Book Review of 'A Hero's Christmas Kiss' by Virginia'dele Smith

Hello Bookworms!

While I am not married to a military man myself, there are moments that I wonder if my husband should've been a soldier. He has all of the markings of a good military man, and every time I read a novel like the one I'm featuring today, I think about my amazing husband and just how blessed I am. Here's to all the good men out there that know how to treat a woman.🤍

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Wholesome and Cozy, Small-Town Christian Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Hero's Christmas Kiss by Virginia'dele Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Hero's Christmas Kiss
Series: Military Kisses
Author: Virginia'dele Smith
Publisher: Books are Ubiquitous, LLC
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Genre: Wholesome and Cozy, Small-Town Christian Romance

Caroling, coffee, and complications. A broken hero and the sweet girl next door…

She just might be the miracle this soldier deserves. But can she fulfill her dreams without losing the guarded military man who’s captured her heart?

Emilie Fielding longs for love — and to own her own business someday. Despite fears that she’s wasting time waiting for her prince to come while working for her Scrooge-like boss, the optimistic barista tackles Christmas preparations for the coffee shop with unbridled holiday joy. And when she stumbles hanging mistletoe, she surprises herself as well as her handsome rescuer with a merry peck on his cheek, right before he’s cajoled into lending her a hand.

Garrett Banks yearns to belong. Learning to live with lingering injuries and struggling with feelings of vulnerability, the Marine discovers a humorous group of senior busybodies and the vibrant young woman who catches his attention while visiting a treasured small town. Tasked with helping to check off her yuletide to-do list, his honed defenses and well-constructed walls begin to crumble.

Even though Emilie’s innate connection with him deepens, she wrestles with the growing need to leave her beloved home to secure her future. And while Garrett hopes to stay by her side, he fears the only way forward is to let her go.

Do they have the courage this Christmas to unwrap the gift of forever?

A Hero's Christmas Kiss is the charming eighth book in the Green Hills romance series and part of the Military Kisses Sweet Romance multi-author project. If you like swoon-worthy characters, fairytale towns that help people heal, and a cozy cup of holiday cheer, then you’ll adore Virginia'dele Smith’s jolly read.

My Review

I kicked off my Thanksgiving holiday with A Hero's Christmas Kiss, and it was a great way to ring in the festive season. I appreciated the imagery that came along with this charming Christmas tale and could see Brew’s and all of its eccentric inhabitants day in and day out, sipping coffee and biding time from open to close. It’s a charming picture that often left a smile on my face. The characters are flawed and believable, and all the small-town holiday charm was in full force.

As someone who struggles with debilitating chronic illness, my heart hurt as I could empathize with Garrett. For someone to see you with sympathy and not pity is something that’s very rare, which is why I was elated when Emilie gives him this gift, accepts him flaws and all, and there is a shared moment full of tenderness and vulnerability. Just as Garrett feels a rush of emotions, so did I.

The ending was pretty sweet, but the part I enjoyed the most was when Garrett and Emilie first met and seeing that first attraction. I was utterly charmed by the pair. They have this spark that simmers just below the surface, and I enjoyed the sweet, slow burn between them. This is such a sweet, wholesome Christmas story that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining and was the best way to start the holidays.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Ashli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, a writer, a quilter, and an entrepreneur. Her passion is sharing love stories, books, quilts, yoga, recipes, her faith, and her favorite ways to create a lovely life.

Ashli writes wholesome and cozy romance under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith.

These three cherished grandmothers taught Ashli to love without judgment, always putting family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.

Get to know Ashli by subscribing to her newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive A Hero's Christmas Kiss Book Bundle including autographed hardcover edition; commemorative postcard, bookmark, sticker, and magnet; plus a $25 Starbucks gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!