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yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
For a Christmas novella that barely crosses the hundred-page threshold, this was a truly lovely romance with an original premise and two fully realized main characters. Retired navy captain Phillip Dalton is now settling into life at home with his wife of 20+ years and his grown children, though he's more at sea on land than he ever was at sea. His devoted wife, Annalise, is adjusting to a life with her husband present after years of raising their children on her own, with only infrequent visits to ground their family life together. I didn't realize how much I would love seeing two main characters navigate life with grown children as much as I did, but the through-line of Beth's impending marriage evidenced all of the tender hopes and long-nurtured affection Phillip and Annalise have shared despite their separation. What was once a marriage of convenience becomes a chance at a love match, and it is so beautifully done that I was misty-eyed by the end. I loved this Christmas novella and highly recommend it to historical romance readers desperate for more mature characters navigating marriage and parenthood.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
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