A review by ellelainey
Mending Noel by Charlie Cochet

5.0

Book – Mending Noel (North Pole City Tales #1)
Author – Charlie Cochet
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 64
Cover – Nice, but not really on par with the others in the series
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Holiday, Fantasy, Christmas


This was a lovely Christmassy story, filled with heart-warming sweetness and hope.

Easily suitable for the YA/NA market, because there's no 18+ material, the story focused on the emotions, while adding a sprinkle of Christmas to almost every aspect, without feeling overdone or exaggerated.

From the Rein Deer Squadron, Jack Frost, the Mouse King, Mayor Kringle, the AAD (Abominable Administrative Department), Mayo Kringle's Construction Firm, Claus College, Sugar Plum Fairies and Elves, there was a little bit of Christmas everywhere, in the sweetest way! I loved that the exclamations were all holiday-related and appropriate – Pixie dust, Holy Holly. Together, the gentle but constant dedication to the holiday season made the world of North Pole City seem more authentic.

As main characters, I really hated Noel to begin with, until he got his own POV about the midway point of the story. Then it all became clear. He and Tim were lovely, sweet and charming in all the right ways. Great characters to read in terms of POV and their personalities being bright enough to shine through the pages and make them seem real.

The additional characters – and romance! – of Rudy and Jack was brilliantly done. Not only did their story pave the way for Tim and Noel's future and their relationship, but it was the warmth that was needed, even when Noel was still a little frosty. Both big, strong characters and in the Rein Deer Squadron, it was nice to see their gentle side when with each other and the impact that their situation had on the rest of the Rein Deers.

~

Favourite Quote

“Just keep this in mind – the bitter cold that comes from your own heart can never compare to the warmth of having someone you love in your arms. It's time to be brave, Noel.”

“He led Tim in a sweeping waltz, noticing how Tim pressed his lips together whenever Noel turned him. Pretending not to have noticed, Noel picked up his pace just a little ad pulled away enough to spin Tim, who let out a snicker. Twirling him back, Noel grinned broadly. “You laughed.”
“I didn't want to,” Tim said with a pout.”