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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading and realized who Zach was. What I do love is how he’s interconnected with the other family that I love and how they still see him as one of them. I love how they helped him grieve and move on. Autumn was a single mom of a 4 year old hiking in 35 lol. The things she said were hilarious but all she ever wanted was to see her mom smile again and find a new daddy lol. When she did the unthinkable Zach was at the right place at the right time. It started out as him just trying to help her out but then it turned to more. They bonded over the loss of a loved one but it was much more than that. And omg the funny moments with her daughter. His siblings were amazing and Autumn had a good relationship with her brother. I can’t wait to read more in Zach’s siblings because boy they are something but one thing is that they always have each other’s backs.
Until Next Time is the first book in the Against All Odds: The St. James Family series by Claudia Burgoa. I did not expect to love this book and characters as much as I did. Not only is this a sweet, heartwarming, and touching romance, but it also addresses how people grieve the loss of a loved one especially in the case of it being a partner.
Zach St. James lost his wife of six months, Callie Brassard, in a tragic accident. One would expect the loss of a partner to be traumatizing, but their relationship was toxic and it affected Zach deeply. Two years later, he is still broken and struggling with the loss. Zach is the owner of a successful chain of coffee shops and has made it his mission to help people to reduce his feelings of guilt.
One day he comes across a little girl’s wish to help her single mother be happy while visiting his sister-in-law for her podcast. This little girl’s mother, Autumn Wickerton, lost her partner in a tragic car accident. Six years after her death she’s still grieving and living for her daughter Matilda. Zach feels this strange connection to Matilda and wants to help both her and her mother. What he doesn’t expect is to heal his broken heart and find the family he didn’t know he wanted.
This book was so emotional and heartbreaking, yet cute. Reading about the losses both Zach and Autumn experienced was so sad, but the way their family came together was adorable. Matilda was the cutest seven-year-old girl and I absolutely adored her character. Each of the characters, their stories, personalities, and emotions were crafted with such care I couldn’t help, but fall in love with them. This book was an emotional rollercoaster of a read and it is written beautifully. This book was a phenomenal and truly memorable tale of love, family, grief, and healing.
Until Next Time is one of my favorite books by Claudia Burgoa and I devoured this in one sitting.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zach St. James lost his wife of six months, Callie Brassard, in a tragic accident. One would expect the loss of a partner to be traumatizing, but their relationship was toxic and it affected Zach deeply. Two years later, he is still broken and struggling with the loss. Zach is the owner of a successful chain of coffee shops and has made it his mission to help people to reduce his feelings of guilt.
One day he comes across a little girl’s wish to help her single mother be happy while visiting his sister-in-law for her podcast. This little girl’s mother, Autumn Wickerton, lost her partner in a tragic car accident. Six years after her death she’s still grieving and living for her daughter Matilda. Zach feels this strange connection to Matilda and wants to help both her and her mother. What he doesn’t expect is to heal his broken heart and find the family he didn’t know he wanted.
This book was so emotional and heartbreaking, yet cute. Reading about the losses both Zach and Autumn experienced was so sad, but the way their family came together was adorable. Matilda was the cutest seven-year-old girl and I absolutely adored her character. Each of the characters, their stories, personalities, and emotions were crafted with such care I couldn’t help, but fall in love with them. This book was an emotional rollercoaster of a read and it is written beautifully. This book was a phenomenal and truly memorable tale of love, family, grief, and healing.
Until Next Time is one of my favorite books by Claudia Burgoa and I devoured this in one sitting.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This is one of the sweetest stories I've ever read, and being my second book by [a:Claudia Y. Burgoa|7202946|Claudia Y. Burgoa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1535764387p2/7202946.jpg] I didn't quite know what to expect, especially since [b:Finally You|59231059|Finally You (Luna Harbor, #1)|Claudia Y. Burgoa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633560844l/59231059._SY75_.jpg|88732831] was so achingly beautiful, so I didn't expect Zach & Autumn to be just as touching, cute and tender, but much easier to read, and I was delighted to discover the versatility of this author to create different stories, although just as entertaining, and that always make it impossible for me to put down until I reach the end.
One of the things that took me by surprise about this book was discovering that both Zach and Autumn are widowers, although their situations are completely different, they both experience similar feelings: guilt, sadness and a great sense of loss and loneliness, along with many other things that make their relationship a bit complicated. But it's best to start at the beginning: Zach met Autumn several years ago as his best friend's little sister, but he grew apart from both of them when he went to college, and now fate and little Matilda have brought them together, in one of the most original, fun and chaotic ways I've ever read.
Zach immediately decides to look for Autumn and offer her his support, however, he didn't count on the immediate attraction he would feel towards her, how much he would want to be in her life as more than a friend, and how many obstacles both would have to face in order to be together. As I already said, the situation of these two was never easy, even so I loved reading every moment they spend together, even those full of tension and sadness, I loved that Autumn was the only person that really understands the situation Zach is going through, that they both trust each other so much to the point of telling their stories with their respective partners and knowing exactly what to say to make the other feel better,plus the unconditional support that Zach offers, and gives, to Autumn throughout the book was absolutely touching, and the relationship he creates with Matilda, always respecting the rules and wishes from his mom, it was the best.
But if I have to choose only one thing about this story, it is how well Claudia Y. Burgoa developed everything between Zach & Autumn, their traumas, past relationships and the path to healing in order to start a family: I LOVED that both of them are a great help and support so that the other can heal, but that at no time is that love they feel for each other what really heals their hearts, that made this book more real to me, and although it is a fictional story, I will always be grateful that it tries to give the correct message about mental health and seeking professional help.
This is one of the sweetest stories I've ever read, and being my second book by [a:Claudia Y. Burgoa|7202946|Claudia Y. Burgoa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1535764387p2/7202946.jpg] I didn't quite know what to expect, especially since [b:Finally You|59231059|Finally You (Luna Harbor, #1)|Claudia Y. Burgoa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633560844l/59231059._SY75_.jpg|88732831] was so achingly beautiful, so I didn't expect Zach & Autumn to be just as touching, cute and tender, but much easier to read, and I was delighted to discover the versatility of this author to create different stories, although just as entertaining, and that always make it impossible for me to put down until I reach the end.
One of the things that took me by surprise about this book was discovering that both Zach and Autumn are widowers, although their situations are completely different, they both experience similar feelings: guilt, sadness and a great sense of loss and loneliness, along with many other things that make their relationship a bit complicated. But it's best to start at the beginning: Zach met Autumn several years ago as his best friend's little sister, but he grew apart from both of them when he went to college, and now fate and little Matilda have brought them together, in one of the most original, fun and chaotic ways I've ever read.
Zach immediately decides to look for Autumn and offer her his support, however, he didn't count on the immediate attraction he would feel towards her, how much he would want to be in her life as more than a friend, and how many obstacles both would have to face in order to be together. As I already said, the situation of these two was never easy, even so I loved reading every moment they spend together, even those full of tension and sadness, I loved that Autumn was the only person that really understands the situation Zach is going through, that they both trust each other so much to the point of telling their stories with their respective partners and knowing exactly what to say to make the other feel better,plus the unconditional support that Zach offers, and gives, to Autumn throughout the book was absolutely touching, and the relationship he creates with Matilda, always respecting the rules and wishes from his mom, it was the best.
But if I have to choose only one thing about this story, it is how well Claudia Y. Burgoa developed everything between Zach & Autumn, their traumas, past relationships and the path to healing in order to start a family: I LOVED that both of them are a great help and support so that the other can heal, but that at no time is that love they feel for each other what really heals their hearts, that made this book more real to me, and although it is a fictional story, I will always be grateful that it tries to give the correct message about mental health and seeking professional help.
I am already in love with this new series and this family. I had so much fun reading this, but also felt all the emotions on this journey. It is heart-wrenching and beautifully written. It is fun and entertaining. It will leave you falling in love with these characters and wanting more. I absolutely adore Claudia Burgoa's writing and I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves next because I am so excited to read it.
This was not it for me. It felt like I was reading a man written by a man, who was trying to be written by a woman- but who was actually written by a woman.
Very Hallmark esk, which is not my favorite when reading romance.
SPOILER:
The trope fell flat for me, I really hate the premise of death and being traumatized to bring one character to another person not dealing with their trauma and calling it love. The two main characters needed therapy. ALSO, I hated that we only got the male perspective during the sex scene, and not the woman's perspective. Again, I honestly felt like I was reading a book written by a man. The girl gave manic pixie dream girl combined with a pick me girl. I IDK- a lot of people love it, but this book was not for me.
Very Hallmark esk, which is not my favorite when reading romance.
SPOILER:
The trope fell flat for me, I really hate the premise of death and being traumatized to bring one character to another person not dealing with their trauma and calling it love. The two main characters needed therapy. ALSO, I hated that we only got the male perspective during the sex scene, and not the woman's perspective. Again, I honestly felt like I was reading a book written by a man. The girl gave manic pixie dream girl combined with a pick me girl. I IDK- a lot of people love it, but this book was not for me.
Until Next Time
Against All Odds: The St. James Family, Book 1
By: Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Ava Erikson, Brooke Bloomingdale
This is such a feel good story! I love Autumn and Zach and their journey. Autumn is a single mom to the spunky Matilda. She is still grieving the death of her husband, working three jobs just to get by and has no time for herself. In comes Matilda, who emails the popular podcast, Life With Persy, looking for help to find a husband and father! Zach too has dealt with loss. The death of his wife left him devastated, with grief and guilt. Burying himself in business seemed the smart thing to do. Then he heard the podcast. And now our fun begins. Little did these two know, that not only do they know each other, but a little girl was the master of their fate. Secret rendezvous, guarded hearts and a puppy all play into this wonderful mix of love and laughter! A great start to this series!
Jason Clarke, Ava Erickson and Brooke Bloomingdale bring all the fun to life. Clarke is Zach, and he is just so good at finding the essence of his personality, dialing in and making him the grieving, overworked husband. Loved his transformation! Erickson works Autumn from the sorrowful widow to the passionate woman she is, giving her the all the feels, plus comes in with Matilda and all her brilliance! And Bloomingdale popping in as Persy with the podcast! Full of confidence and advice, she is amazing. This is a great listen!
Against All Odds: The St. James Family, Book 1
By: Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Ava Erikson, Brooke Bloomingdale
This is such a feel good story! I love Autumn and Zach and their journey. Autumn is a single mom to the spunky Matilda. She is still grieving the death of her husband, working three jobs just to get by and has no time for herself. In comes Matilda, who emails the popular podcast, Life With Persy, looking for help to find a husband and father! Zach too has dealt with loss. The death of his wife left him devastated, with grief and guilt. Burying himself in business seemed the smart thing to do. Then he heard the podcast. And now our fun begins. Little did these two know, that not only do they know each other, but a little girl was the master of their fate. Secret rendezvous, guarded hearts and a puppy all play into this wonderful mix of love and laughter! A great start to this series!
Jason Clarke, Ava Erickson and Brooke Bloomingdale bring all the fun to life. Clarke is Zach, and he is just so good at finding the essence of his personality, dialing in and making him the grieving, overworked husband. Loved his transformation! Erickson works Autumn from the sorrowful widow to the passionate woman she is, giving her the all the feels, plus comes in with Matilda and all her brilliance! And Bloomingdale popping in as Persy with the podcast! Full of confidence and advice, she is amazing. This is a great listen!
Once upon a time, a boy met a girl. He thought wonderful things about her. He offered her a crown and his forever. She took his crown and ruined his forever. Then the man was sad. But the sad man's story doesn't end here; it's only the beginning.
Until Next Time is the story of that man and his future, his princess (who is sassy, spunky, and entirely too knowing for her own good) and her amazing mom.
No need to click your heels. Claudia made sure to bring you home in the end- even if I wanted to stay with the St. James.
I can't help but fangirl over Persy, Nate, Ford, and Nyx though. If you pay attention, you'll have no trouble catching other friends/family featured in other Burgoa books. Don't blink though because Matilda will have you making cookies and breaking all the rules.
Good luck not spoiling her!
Until Next Time is the story of that man and his future, his princess (who is sassy, spunky, and entirely too knowing for her own good) and her amazing mom.
No need to click your heels. Claudia made sure to bring you home in the end- even if I wanted to stay with the St. James.
I can't help but fangirl over Persy, Nate, Ford, and Nyx though. If you pay attention, you'll have no trouble catching other friends/family featured in other Burgoa books. Don't blink though because Matilda will have you making cookies and breaking all the rules.
Good luck not spoiling her!
What an amazing start to a new series. Zach, Autumn & Matilda are amazing.
Burgoa has a way of tugging at the heartstrings from the very beginning of a story and this one has that in spades; especially with the sassy Matilda. I just love her.
And I always love how even with a new series and new characters, they are always linked and intertwined with her other characters and stories.
Burgoa has a way of tugging at the heartstrings from the very beginning of a story and this one has that in spades; especially with the sassy Matilda. I just love her.
And I always love how even with a new series and new characters, they are always linked and intertwined with her other characters and stories.
Until Next Time is the fourth book in the Against All Odds series by Claudia Burgoa. I read it as a stand-alone and I had no difficulties keeping up although the connections between all the side characters were a little confusing. The book was fast-paced, had a fun storyline, and was a book that left you smiling at the end. The characters were genuine, easy to connect with, and Matilda was so adorable. I loved watching Zach and Autumn’s slow-burning relationship grow from childhood acquaintances to lovers. They had so much in common such as the loss of spouses and were able to help each other with their grief. I recommend this book and I cannot wait for Burke’s book to come out next.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have been reading Claudia’s books for years and one of the things I have loved is the way she interweaves the characters of other series with those in the current. So, although this is the first in the St. James Family, it is the fourth of the Against All Odds series. The first book in the Against All Odds series had a You Got Mail feel with Persephone and Ford. (Two characters that I was so happy to see again in this book.) And similarly, Until Next Time, has a Sleepless in Seattle inspiration. I mean Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks set our expectations high, so they make great muses.
Immediately, we learn that Zachary St. James’ wife of six months, Calliope Brassard, has died. As a mode of coping, Zach becomes close with the Brassard family and throws himself into work. Meanwhile, Autumn Wickerton is trying to deal with her own grief of losing a significant other while going to school, working multiple jobs, and raising a daughter. I enjoyed how the first portion of the book gave us views of Zach and Autumn independently. In fact, the main characters do not even speak directly until chapter 10. If you know Sleepless in Seattle, you can probably roughly outline the rest of the book. Matilda, Autumn’s daughter, is a driving force in the plot and so adorable. I felt her character had a good balance of being strongly involved in the storyline without taking over the romance.
By introducing the main characters separately, the reader is provided with a good understanding of their personalities. This creates a more believable affect to their fast falling but cautious relationship. Autumn wants to keep it underwraps to protect her daughter, Matilda. In reality both Zach and Autumn are terrified of losing something they feel is underserved. But, ultimately what could tear them apart brings them together. I really appreciated that the predictable plot was not the one that Burgoa chose. The characters had to face and conquer their fears or risk losing everything that had become important to them. And I respect that the characters do finally realize that they need to deal with their individual traumas in therapy (everyone should) so they can move forward as a family.
Overall, this is a great story with a familiar feel. Even with the obvious parallels the story is original and sets up the anticipation for more of the St. James family. I am hoping we see more of Zach, Autumn, and Matilda in the coming books.
Immediately, we learn that Zachary St. James’ wife of six months, Calliope Brassard, has died. As a mode of coping, Zach becomes close with the Brassard family and throws himself into work. Meanwhile, Autumn Wickerton is trying to deal with her own grief of losing a significant other while going to school, working multiple jobs, and raising a daughter. I enjoyed how the first portion of the book gave us views of Zach and Autumn independently. In fact, the main characters do not even speak directly until chapter 10. If you know Sleepless in Seattle, you can probably roughly outline the rest of the book. Matilda, Autumn’s daughter, is a driving force in the plot and so adorable. I felt her character had a good balance of being strongly involved in the storyline without taking over the romance.
By introducing the main characters separately, the reader is provided with a good understanding of their personalities. This creates a more believable affect to their fast falling but cautious relationship. Autumn wants to keep it underwraps to protect her daughter, Matilda. In reality both Zach and Autumn are terrified of losing something they feel is underserved. But, ultimately what could tear them apart brings them together. I really appreciated that the predictable plot was not the one that Burgoa chose. The characters had to face and conquer their fears or risk losing everything that had become important to them. And I respect that the characters do finally realize that they need to deal with their individual traumas in therapy (everyone should) so they can move forward as a family.
Overall, this is a great story with a familiar feel. Even with the obvious parallels the story is original and sets up the anticipation for more of the St. James family. I am hoping we see more of Zach, Autumn, and Matilda in the coming books.