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pattyfgd's review
4.0
Christmas is coming, so what better way to start getting into holiday spirit than with a book? This short by Samantha Jacobey has such a wonderful message. Candice is a young mother of a special needs son. She has had a difficult childhood and now wants no help from anyone. Gary, a fireman, has taken an interest in Candice and won't let her aloofness discourage him. This push pull romance is sweet and full of happy, warm feelings. Candice is a difficult one, full of anguish and distrust. Her unconditional love of her son is beautiful and her relationship with her mom is one I really admire after all they have been through. Gary is a great character, and I think there is more depth to him than we get to see in this installment of the series. He is passionate with helping others and his persistence is welcomed as we get to know this couple. Narrated by Vanessa Hensley-Mayes, the story is well told and I have to see where the go next!
shellysbookcorner's review
2.0
Candy has gotten the short end of the stick ever since her father was killed in the line of duty. Her mother became an alcoholic and she got pregnant at 15 and her son has special needs. Because of these events she's sworn off men. We have Gary who just turned the big 30 and wants to settle down. You guessed it with Candy. Candy and Gary got off to a very rocky start and I didn't like her at all. She was very rude, bitchy and nasty to Gary. She even accused him of setting her apartment on fire since he was a fireman and this would be a way for them to date. Um, you need to get over yourself sweetie. After that part I wanted to check out but I kept on truckin'! I really liked Gary but it was hard for me to connect to the story when you can't stand the heroine. I wanted to love this story since it was a Christmas themed story but it didn't put me in the holiday spirit and there wasn't a lot of romance either. The narrator in this book was also a huge turnoff for me as well. I wanted this book to work for me and sadly it just didn't.
*audio copy was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
*audio copy was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
becsa's review against another edition
4.0
Candice Parker's life hasn't been too easy lately. She lives with her mom and her son, Dakota, who has learning difficulties. She has absolutely no interest in dating, especially with someone in what she deems a dangerous profession.
Gary Ford works for the fire department close to where Candice works nights at the Quickie-Mart. He constantly goes in to see her and asks for dates, to which he is constantly turned down.
Yet Gary doesn't give up on Candice, no matter what she throws at him. Will he finally give up or will she see Gary for all that he can give her?
I enjoyed this story and the importance of loving someone for who they are, and not what their job is. Candace was scared to let anyone get close to her which was going to lead her to have a break down without any help. I think women want to do everything as much as we can so we don't look needy but sometimes we need to rely on others, whether it be friends or a spouse.
Gary Ford works for the fire department close to where Candice works nights at the Quickie-Mart. He constantly goes in to see her and asks for dates, to which he is constantly turned down.
Yet Gary doesn't give up on Candice, no matter what she throws at him. Will he finally give up or will she see Gary for all that he can give her?
I enjoyed this story and the importance of loving someone for who they are, and not what their job is. Candace was scared to let anyone get close to her which was going to lead her to have a break down without any help. I think women want to do everything as much as we can so we don't look needy but sometimes we need to rely on others, whether it be friends or a spouse.
katie_83's review
4.0
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
What a lovely book!! I feel all festive now! This is such a heartwarming story, I was hooked from the very beginning right until the end - in fact I couldn't put it down. It's been a long time since I've wanted two characters to end up together so much!
It was really well written and a proper contemporary romance story - I could easily imagine this being made into a festive film. The language that the author used made it so easy for me to imagine what the characters were doing, where they were etc.
The story is about Candice (Candy), a young Mom, who's father was killed whilst on duty as a police officer, therefore putting her off dating any man with a public service job and Gary, a fireman, who for 6 months has been trying to get a date with Candy but is failing miserably. It's the run up to Christmas and when tragedy strikes things go from bad to worse for Candy - can Gary convince her to take a chance on him even though his job represents everything she's afraid of?
Gary is such a lovely character! He is a true gentleman (Oh and fireman! What more could anyone ask for?!?) and he really does care for Candy and wants to be with her.
Candy is a fiery character and although she can be quite rude at times to Gary I guess because of her background she is only trying to protect her son and ultimately her heart.
If you are looking for a heartwarming, Christmas romance story then I highly recommend you read Christmas Candy by Samantha Jacobey.
I give this book 4 stars.
What a lovely book!! I feel all festive now! This is such a heartwarming story, I was hooked from the very beginning right until the end - in fact I couldn't put it down. It's been a long time since I've wanted two characters to end up together so much!
It was really well written and a proper contemporary romance story - I could easily imagine this being made into a festive film. The language that the author used made it so easy for me to imagine what the characters were doing, where they were etc.
The story is about Candice (Candy), a young Mom, who's father was killed whilst on duty as a police officer, therefore putting her off dating any man with a public service job and Gary, a fireman, who for 6 months has been trying to get a date with Candy but is failing miserably. It's the run up to Christmas and when tragedy strikes things go from bad to worse for Candy - can Gary convince her to take a chance on him even though his job represents everything she's afraid of?
Gary is such a lovely character! He is a true gentleman (Oh and fireman! What more could anyone ask for?!?) and he really does care for Candy and wants to be with her.
Candy is a fiery character and although she can be quite rude at times to Gary I guess because of her background she is only trying to protect her son and ultimately her heart.
If you are looking for a heartwarming, Christmas romance story then I highly recommend you read Christmas Candy by Samantha Jacobey.
I give this book 4 stars.
elylibrarysec's review against another edition
4.0
What made the experience of listening to Christmas Candy the most enjoyable?
I don't know if the author planned it but I fell in love with Candy's son Dax. He doesn't have much of an appearance but he is the one that helps to bring Candace and Gary together. The story had me wishing that Dax was sitting next to me the next time I listened to this story.
What did you like best about this story?
There were times that I got frustrated with Candace because she kept finding ways to put up barriers that made it hard for Gary. But I loved the fact that Gary didn't give up.
What about Vanessa Hensley-Mayes’s performance did you like?
She brought Candy's character to life.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I loved this author's story and definitely wanted to listen to this in one sitting. And once it was over I wanted to listen to it again.
Any additional comments?
The only issue I had with Ms. Hensley-Mayes's performance was when she did the character of Gary. She doesn't have the type of voice that lends well to a male character. Candace is a good example of someone who needs to stop making assumptions about people. If not for the author, I could see Gary giving up on Candy and finding someone who has no issue excepting him for who he is. This is one of those books where it would be great to have a copy of the book and the audio version.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Audiobook/Reader Copy of this book.
I don't know if the author planned it but I fell in love with Candy's son Dax. He doesn't have much of an appearance but he is the one that helps to bring Candace and Gary together. The story had me wishing that Dax was sitting next to me the next time I listened to this story.
What did you like best about this story?
There were times that I got frustrated with Candace because she kept finding ways to put up barriers that made it hard for Gary. But I loved the fact that Gary didn't give up.
What about Vanessa Hensley-Mayes’s performance did you like?
She brought Candy's character to life.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I loved this author's story and definitely wanted to listen to this in one sitting. And once it was over I wanted to listen to it again.
Any additional comments?
The only issue I had with Ms. Hensley-Mayes's performance was when she did the character of Gary. She doesn't have the type of voice that lends well to a male character. Candace is a good example of someone who needs to stop making assumptions about people. If not for the author, I could see Gary giving up on Candy and finding someone who has no issue excepting him for who he is. This is one of those books where it would be great to have a copy of the book and the audio version.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Audiobook/Reader Copy of this book.
emmybird86's review
4.0
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This was such a cute Christmas romance. I was annoyed at Candy at first but as I found out her story I understood her better. Gary is so sweet. I cannot wait for more.
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