Ellie vs the New Year's Kiss

A Sweet Small-Town Romance (Seasons of Sugar Creek (The Fletcher Family), Book 5)

By: River Ford

Narrated by: Connie Shabshab

Ellie

I came home to Sugar Creek bruised but not broken. Music school in Boston was supposed to be my dream, but somewhere along the way, I stopped hearing my own voice. Between the pressure, the silence I kept about my ex, and the expectations I’ve piled onto myself, I’m unraveling. This summer is meant to be a quiet reset—until I’m paired with Owen Harper for the town scavenger hunt. Now, the boy I barely noticed in high school sees me in ways no one else ever has.

Owen

I never planned on staying in Sugar Creek. I had an offer from a gaming studio and a future lined up… until my mom got sick. Now I split my days between caring for her and working at the local game shop, quietly building something I never thought I’d share. Then Ellie Fletcher walks back into town with her guarded smile and that spark I haven’t felt in years. Creating something with her—for the game, for the town, for ourselves—feels like a glimpse of everything I thought I lost.

Ellie vs The New Year’s Kiss is a slow-burn romance about two people rebuilding from the inside out. It’s about finding your voice, choosing your future, and deciding whether love is something that holds you back—or helps you become who you were meant to be.

©2025 Charity Bradford (P)2025 Charity Bradford

A gentle, slow-burn love story

Ellie vs. the New Year’s Kiss was such a sweet, feel-good read and a lovely addition to the Seasons of Sugar Creek series. Ellie’s journey of coming home to heal, both emotionally and creatively, felt honest and relatable, and I loved watching her slowly rediscover her confidence and her music.

Owen is one of those quiet, steady heroes you can’t help but adore. His long-held feelings for Ellie and his patience as their connection grows made this slow-burn romance especially satisfying. Their relationship unfolds naturally over time, and the emotional growth on both sides makes the payoff feel truly earned.

This story has that cozy small-town charm that Sugar Creek does so well. There are moments that made me smile, a few that tugged at my heart, and an overall warmth that makes you want to linger in the story a little longer.

I listened to the audiobook, and Connie Shabshab did a wonderful job with the narration, her performance really brought the characters to life. I also loved the recap at the end with Mrs. Fletcher catching you up on everyone; it was such a fun and comforting touch.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, tender romance that left me smiling. I’ve loved this entire series, and this book was a perfect, cozy addition that wraps things up beautifully.

Delightful!

The Seasons of Sugar Creek is a wonderful, heartwarming series and Ellie Vs The New Year's Kiss is a tremendous addition. Ellie Fletcher is home for the summer to get away from her verbally abusive boyfriend and to recharge. Owen Harper is back to take care of his mother as she's fighting cancer. Owen and Ellie have mutually crushed on each other, but their own words haven't been used. As they grow closer, it's so nice to see them reawaken the feelings they had for each other. By the time the summer's over, do they go back to their old lives, or do they create a new life together?The narration is very well-done by Connie Shabshab. Her dynamic, well-modulated voice, varied intonation and inflection gave each character a unique voice and personality. She kept the pace steady and it was a joy to listen to her bring the story to life. 

A summer of growth.

A very sweet small town romance. I really enjoyed Ellie and Owen' story. He's loved her since High school. She comes back home to heal from a toxic relationship. It took a while but these two find their HEA. I especially liked their historic treasure hunt. Rhyming clever clues.

I received a complimentary Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narration was done very well. She didn't try to perform the various characters, but she presented the book with understanding and feels. 5 stars for her as well.

She gets back to herself...

He’s been in love with her since they were kids—she has no idea. They’re thrown together (intentionally), but she’s shut off—just out of an emotionally abüsive relationship. If only she’d realize she *is* worthy and …

Written in alternating, first-person POV.
Present tense.


This was a random listen for me, having acquired a code on StoryOrigin. I think the bright cover caught my eye—It did pique my interest right away, thanks to likable leads and a toxic boyfriend I loved to loathe.

‘Coming home’.
Small town.
RPG design & plotting.
Scheming middle-aged women.
Match-making.
Friends-to-lovers.
Second chances.
She’s a musician.


Overall:
A beautiful story about a young woman (early 20s? ish?) who needs to find herself again, after leaving an abüs!ve relationship, and doing exactly that, with the right support system in place. If only it were always this easy in real life.

Super cute, and super sweet.

4 stars.



🎧 Audio:
This is a good, professional production, with smooth overall sound quality. I think it’s about as good as can be with a single narrator. Good voice acting for the most part as well. 4 stars.

Loved it

I really loved this one, the premise and the characters. I have not read any others in the series yet but it was fine it can stand alone. I very much enjoyed the dynamics and relationships in this story. I only wish there was a little better closure with Jordan, I just felt a little something missing there. Narration was great.