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mick's review
This was okay but it all wrapped up a little too perfectly, which I guess is fine for a holiday novel.
melaniesreads's review
5.0
There’s something quite magical about a well told Christmas story and this is no exception. Like Santa it delivers just what you want with romance and a happy ever after, but what sets this apart is the historical aspect.
With Meg inheriting her father’s rundown apartment building full of elderly residents. It also comes with fascinating stories of a speakeasy, Al Capone and even Ernest Hemingway. This money pit could be saved by it’s historical significance. Meg just had to prove it.
Then there is THE dress! Which also has a story all of it’s own, which is imparted to Meg along with the dress from long time resident Ellie. A sad tale of what should have been the best night of her life quickly turning into the worst. A story of class and wealth and how sometimes love isn’t enough to cross that divide. Will the dress hold more luck for Meg and will the hunky handyman Logan mend more than the building?
Meg was an easy character to like, she’s full of gumption and determination for someone who has known great loss. However, it is the relationships she strikes up that were the real star. I loved her meaningful conversations with Ellie and I thought the texts between her and Logan offered a nice sweet humour. Especially when Meg was trying to win over a very grouchy resident with a cupcake in Operation Sylvie after upsetting her from the moment they met.
It even has a baddie or three with her supposed best friend Cass, ex boyfriend Drake and an ex boss who makes Miranda from Devil wears Prada seem like a pussycat. There really is everything packed into this enchanting book and I loved it.
With Meg inheriting her father’s rundown apartment building full of elderly residents. It also comes with fascinating stories of a speakeasy, Al Capone and even Ernest Hemingway. This money pit could be saved by it’s historical significance. Meg just had to prove it.
Then there is THE dress! Which also has a story all of it’s own, which is imparted to Meg along with the dress from long time resident Ellie. A sad tale of what should have been the best night of her life quickly turning into the worst. A story of class and wealth and how sometimes love isn’t enough to cross that divide. Will the dress hold more luck for Meg and will the hunky handyman Logan mend more than the building?
Meg was an easy character to like, she’s full of gumption and determination for someone who has known great loss. However, it is the relationships she strikes up that were the real star. I loved her meaningful conversations with Ellie and I thought the texts between her and Logan offered a nice sweet humour. Especially when Meg was trying to win over a very grouchy resident with a cupcake in Operation Sylvie after upsetting her from the moment they met.
It even has a baddie or three with her supposed best friend Cass, ex boyfriend Drake and an ex boss who makes Miranda from Devil wears Prada seem like a pussycat. There really is everything packed into this enchanting book and I loved it.
jvaisman's review
4.0
Light hearted and cute. Not the strongest writing style and definitely predictable but I could overlook it because it was a quick read.
talonvictoria's review
4.0
An absolutely beautiful, timeless, and charming Christmas story. Someone put it on the Hallmark channel already.
emileereadsbooks's review
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Meg finds herself back in her hometown of Chicago after her father passes away having given up her aspiring career in fashion to manage the apartment building her father owned. Full of elderly and eclectic tenants, Meg is thrown into the deep end when she realizes what state the building is in. Throw in a very attractive handyman and some awkward encounters and things become a bit bonkers. But she connects with Ellie, a longtime resident, who is preparing to reluctantly move into a nursing home, and is gifted a dress that is the symbol of the best and worst night of Ellie's life. The dress is a catalyst for inspiration, change, and maybe a little Christmas magic. Perhaps these ladies will both get the happy endings they so desire.
For some reason when reading this summary I was under the impression this was a dual timeline historical fiction/contemporary novel. It is not. It is fully a contemporary novel. It was cute. A fun Christmas-y romance that wasn't too romance heavy. The worst part of this book is it overuses the idea of ovaries being overloaded with attraction. Like, does anyone actually feel that sensation? I think not.
baleypetersen's review
3.0
Maybe 3.5 stars if I'm being generous? And that's really only because of the cute white kitten. The thing is, I like the story. Most of it anyway - it's all gets a little too unbelievable, even with my suspension of disbelief at full volume.
But the writing! Ugh, how is this an example of a NYT bestselling writer?!? Was this book even proofread? What editor signed off on this? The sentences are clunky and the syntax is all wrong. I was literally line editing the entire time. If it weren't for the recovered speakeasy, I don't know that I would have read past the first 100 pages.
But the writing! Ugh, how is this an example of a NYT bestselling writer?!? Was this book even proofread? What editor signed off on this? The sentences are clunky and the syntax is all wrong. I was literally line editing the entire time. If it weren't for the recovered speakeasy, I don't know that I would have read past the first 100 pages.
chaptersofvicki's review
5.0
I loved this book it was so sweet, such a feel good Christmas read.
We follow Meg as she returns to her hometown of Chicago, she is a bit down on life after leaving a job and her life in New York.
I loved Meg and Ellie’s friendship, although they were of different ages.
The only thing I didn’t really like about the book was the best friend dating her recent ex.
If you love a good happy read that will leave you with a smile on your face this is a book for you.
It was my first read by the author and I will definitely read more in the future.
We follow Meg as she returns to her hometown of Chicago, she is a bit down on life after leaving a job and her life in New York.
I loved Meg and Ellie’s friendship, although they were of different ages.
The only thing I didn’t really like about the book was the best friend dating her recent ex.
If you love a good happy read that will leave you with a smile on your face this is a book for you.
It was my first read by the author and I will definitely read more in the future.
melmo2610's review
5.0
This was an adorable story! It completely charmed me and was a perfect Christmas read. Loved this one!