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A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber
4.0
There are some authors we gravitate to over and over again. You know, the ones that give you exactly what you’re expecting in a book. For me, Debbie Macomber is one of those authors.
In A Walk Along the Beach, Macomber returns us to Oceanside and to the Lakey sisters. Willa, the older sister, runs the coffee and bakery shop in town while Harper teaches yoga classes. Their mother died several years ago and the girl’s father could not cope - neglecting his children while wrapped in his own grief. Willa took over becoming mother to Harper and their brother Lucas trying to normalize their lives as much as possible.
Willa and Harper are very different from one another but have a strong relationship and, in fact, share an apartment. Willa nursed Harper through leukaemia three years before, and tends to constantly worry about her family. Harper, on the other hand, knows how to celebrate life, and takes every opportunity that comes her way. She’s constantly telling Willa not to worry about her and to get on with her life. So Willa refocuses and starts a romance with Sean O’Malley, a local photographer.
Life and love aren’t always easy, and the sisters have much to contend with. This book evokes many emotions, so have the tissues ready. It is beautifully written, and the characters are very relatable. It embraces the notion of living each moment to its fullest, and to enjoy the love we have around us. This is sure to be another Macomber bestseller.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was narrated by Sandy Rustin and Roger Wayne who both delivered great performances. The narration was clear and articulate and casted perfectly mixing the sweetness of Sandy’s voice with the charming voice of Roger. My only suggestion would be to keep the characters voices as cast and not have a male voice trying to narrate female speech when the couple are in conversation together.
In A Walk Along the Beach, Macomber returns us to Oceanside and to the Lakey sisters. Willa, the older sister, runs the coffee and bakery shop in town while Harper teaches yoga classes. Their mother died several years ago and the girl’s father could not cope - neglecting his children while wrapped in his own grief. Willa took over becoming mother to Harper and their brother Lucas trying to normalize their lives as much as possible.
Willa and Harper are very different from one another but have a strong relationship and, in fact, share an apartment. Willa nursed Harper through leukaemia three years before, and tends to constantly worry about her family. Harper, on the other hand, knows how to celebrate life, and takes every opportunity that comes her way. She’s constantly telling Willa not to worry about her and to get on with her life. So Willa refocuses and starts a romance with Sean O’Malley, a local photographer.
Life and love aren’t always easy, and the sisters have much to contend with. This book evokes many emotions, so have the tissues ready. It is beautifully written, and the characters are very relatable. It embraces the notion of living each moment to its fullest, and to enjoy the love we have around us. This is sure to be another Macomber bestseller.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was narrated by Sandy Rustin and Roger Wayne who both delivered great performances. The narration was clear and articulate and casted perfectly mixing the sweetness of Sandy’s voice with the charming voice of Roger. My only suggestion would be to keep the characters voices as cast and not have a male voice trying to narrate female speech when the couple are in conversation together.
The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell
4.0
In my latest thriller read, Tabitha is reintroduced to Connor when he enters the restaurant she is working in. She has never forgotten the romance they shared as teens and still feels the physical attraction to him. But she knows he’s married to Nina, twenty years Connor’s senior and a very wealthy woman. There’s evidence of that in many of the magazines and newspapers she reads. When he requests to see her after her shift, she can’t help herself and agrees. The two begin an affair, and meet frequently. He tells her that she is the true love of his life, but that the pre-marital contract between he and his wife precludes him from leaving the marriage at this time. Then Nina is found dead in her own pool, the night of a large party at their estate. Tabitha has crashed the party to speak with Connor who isn’t returning her calls. There is a lot of mystery behind Nina’s death. Did Nina commit suicide as the medical examiner suggests, or was she actually murdered?
This book has a lot going on and I felt compelled to read what was going to happen next. The story is primarily told from Tabitha’s point of view, with occasional flashes to the past from Nina. The suspense of this book lies in Tabitha’s ability to determine who she could trust and who she couldn’t. The book emphasizes the power of money and with it the loss of morality. It is full of twists and misconceptions. The character development and flow of the book were both very good, and I felt satisfied with the ending.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was narrated by Dylan Moore who gives a very good performance. Her voice is crisp, articulate and well-paced. I did not feel as though her performance enhanced or took anything away from the book, and would certainly not hesitate to listen to her performance in another audiobook.
This book has a lot going on and I felt compelled to read what was going to happen next. The story is primarily told from Tabitha’s point of view, with occasional flashes to the past from Nina. The suspense of this book lies in Tabitha’s ability to determine who she could trust and who she couldn’t. The book emphasizes the power of money and with it the loss of morality. It is full of twists and misconceptions. The character development and flow of the book were both very good, and I felt satisfied with the ending.
I listened to the audiobook edition of the book which was narrated by Dylan Moore who gives a very good performance. Her voice is crisp, articulate and well-paced. I did not feel as though her performance enhanced or took anything away from the book, and would certainly not hesitate to listen to her performance in another audiobook.
In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk
4.0
While I enjoy other genres of books, romantic-comedy is the one that allows me to relax the most. Lindsey Kelk is skilled in writing this type of book, and I always look forward to the antics of her female protagonists. For fans of the author’s “I Heart” series, you will not be disappointed in her newest book.
Ros is a likeable, quirky young woman who has happily returned home to England after three years away working in the U.S. She misses her friends and family and wants to pick up her life where she left it before the move abroad. She soon learns, however, that after three years away not everything will be the same as the way she left it. Her parents, recent empty-nesters, have rekindled their passion for one another and have relegated Ros into a shed/bedroom in their backyard - not exactly the former bedroom she left behind. But where she lives is only temporary and she’s desperate to see her friends again. So Ros sends a group message to all her contacts. She hadn’t intentionally sent this message to Patrick, a former boyfriend who dumped her, but when he messages her back she agrees to meet him again. Will Ros be able to return to the life she had before?
I was thoroughly entertained throughout the book, which is full of OMG/LOL moments. One of the things I love most about the author, is her quirky, likeable and interesting characters and this book has plenty of those (including a rich, teenaged gamer who wears animal masks to conceal his identity). The story is engaging and flows logically. I appreciated the diversity of the characters, as well as the personal growth of Ros as the story unfolds.
I highly recommend this book to those that appreciate great romantic-comedy.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Ros is a likeable, quirky young woman who has happily returned home to England after three years away working in the U.S. She misses her friends and family and wants to pick up her life where she left it before the move abroad. She soon learns, however, that after three years away not everything will be the same as the way she left it. Her parents, recent empty-nesters, have rekindled their passion for one another and have relegated Ros into a shed/bedroom in their backyard - not exactly the former bedroom she left behind. But where she lives is only temporary and she’s desperate to see her friends again. So Ros sends a group message to all her contacts. She hadn’t intentionally sent this message to Patrick, a former boyfriend who dumped her, but when he messages her back she agrees to meet him again. Will Ros be able to return to the life she had before?
I was thoroughly entertained throughout the book, which is full of OMG/LOL moments. One of the things I love most about the author, is her quirky, likeable and interesting characters and this book has plenty of those (including a rich, teenaged gamer who wears animal masks to conceal his identity). The story is engaging and flows logically. I appreciated the diversity of the characters, as well as the personal growth of Ros as the story unfolds.
I highly recommend this book to those that appreciate great romantic-comedy.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler
4.0
Have you ever heard of a Christmas Camp? It’s a total immersion into the holiday season for guests enrolled in the “camp” (it’s usually a warm inviting Inn). Having written two previous books in the Christmas camp series, Karen Schaler brings us to a new holiday destination full of all the Christmas joy we’ve come to expect.
Riley Reynolds is a journalist turned romance writer. She’s had success with several books already and has quite a fan base. Unfortunately, her last romance novel was lacking the romance - likely indicative of a challenged love life. Now she is faced with a task of writing a Christmas novel: a very difficult challenge given that she has not celebrated the holiday since she was eight years due to the death of her father. As a publicity stunt, Riley has been instructed to host a Christmas Camp at the Inn run by her publicist’s friend Luke who needs the media attention in order to sell the Inn. The guests of the camp are there because they are fans of her books. Riley reluctantly agrees - she really has no choice since her publisher demands it. What she doesn’t know is that three of her longer term boyfriends will also be there, each trying to charm Riley back into their lives. Will Riley find the inspiration for her new book at Christmas Camp?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of Christmas goodness with all the hot chocolate, cookies, and romance one comes to expect from a holiday book. Riley’s character is well-developed and it’s wonderful to watch her grow from a woman trying to ignore the holiday due to personal loss, to someone embracing it and ready to make new memories. I loved all the Christmas activities and the fact the author highlights green initiatives and community good will in this book. As one would expect, the book is somewhat predictable but I’m perfectly fine with this. In this world full of chaos, at least I can count on the predictability of a great holiday book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hawktale Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. Christmas Ever After publishes on September 29.
Riley Reynolds is a journalist turned romance writer. She’s had success with several books already and has quite a fan base. Unfortunately, her last romance novel was lacking the romance - likely indicative of a challenged love life. Now she is faced with a task of writing a Christmas novel: a very difficult challenge given that she has not celebrated the holiday since she was eight years due to the death of her father. As a publicity stunt, Riley has been instructed to host a Christmas Camp at the Inn run by her publicist’s friend Luke who needs the media attention in order to sell the Inn. The guests of the camp are there because they are fans of her books. Riley reluctantly agrees - she really has no choice since her publisher demands it. What she doesn’t know is that three of her longer term boyfriends will also be there, each trying to charm Riley back into their lives. Will Riley find the inspiration for her new book at Christmas Camp?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of Christmas goodness with all the hot chocolate, cookies, and romance one comes to expect from a holiday book. Riley’s character is well-developed and it’s wonderful to watch her grow from a woman trying to ignore the holiday due to personal loss, to someone embracing it and ready to make new memories. I loved all the Christmas activities and the fact the author highlights green initiatives and community good will in this book. As one would expect, the book is somewhat predictable but I’m perfectly fine with this. In this world full of chaos, at least I can count on the predictability of a great holiday book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hawktale Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. Christmas Ever After publishes on September 29.
The Last Charm by Nikki Moore, Ella Allbright
4.0
The Last Charm is one of my favourite romance stories of 2020. It is heart-warming, emotional and memorable: the kind of read that will have you thinking about Leila and Jake for a long time afterwards.
The story surrounds Leila’s charm bracelet, which was given to her by her mother prior to leaving Leila and her father. On the heart is a single charm. By the time Leila loses the bracelet years later, it is full of unique and beautiful charms. Each charm represents a special time in the romance between Leila and Jake: a story she has to tell the stranger who has found the bracelet in order to have it returned. The story is told in a series of memories starting when Leila is 13 until she is 30.
I respect that this romance does not happen immediately. Both Jake and Leila have a dysfunctional parent which impacts their identities and self-respect. As a result, each of them has personal growth to experience before they can commit to one another. These issues are presented with impact, and sensitivity.
I absolutely love the theme of the book for its originality and sentimentality. I appreciated learning about the story behind each of the charms. These characters are well developed and likeable. In summary, I found the story to be very engaging and I had a hard time putting it down.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Sarah Lambie who does a fantastic job as bringing Leila’s voice to the story. I found her voice to be youthful, sweet and joyous in all the right places. Her articulation and cadence made this book a joy to read. If you are a fan of audiobooks, I would definitely recommend this version of the book which enhances an already wonderful story.
Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins Audio UK and One More Chapter for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
The story surrounds Leila’s charm bracelet, which was given to her by her mother prior to leaving Leila and her father. On the heart is a single charm. By the time Leila loses the bracelet years later, it is full of unique and beautiful charms. Each charm represents a special time in the romance between Leila and Jake: a story she has to tell the stranger who has found the bracelet in order to have it returned. The story is told in a series of memories starting when Leila is 13 until she is 30.
I respect that this romance does not happen immediately. Both Jake and Leila have a dysfunctional parent which impacts their identities and self-respect. As a result, each of them has personal growth to experience before they can commit to one another. These issues are presented with impact, and sensitivity.
I absolutely love the theme of the book for its originality and sentimentality. I appreciated learning about the story behind each of the charms. These characters are well developed and likeable. In summary, I found the story to be very engaging and I had a hard time putting it down.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Sarah Lambie who does a fantastic job as bringing Leila’s voice to the story. I found her voice to be youthful, sweet and joyous in all the right places. Her articulation and cadence made this book a joy to read. If you are a fan of audiobooks, I would definitely recommend this version of the book which enhances an already wonderful story.
Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins Audio UK and One More Chapter for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Royal by Danielle Steel
4.0
The book begins in the summer of 1943 when the Royal family sends their youngest daughter, Charlotte, to live in the country with a noble family for the remainder of her seventeenth year. Her true identity was concealed from all but the Earl and Countess she was staying with, including their son Henry and another young female boarder Lucy. She begins a love affair with Henry who is waiting for his eighteenth birthday to enlist and fight in the war. Sadly, this love is short-lived as numerous tragedies occur and baby Annie is left orphaned. Lucy, who lost both her parents, has fallen in love with the baby and decides she will raise her as her own. Lucy marries, has twin sons, and life goes on. She does not disclose to anyone for twenty years who Annie actually is. Finally, on her deathbed, Lucy tells her husband the secret of Annie’s identity. He is told of a series of letters which confirms this and where they have been hidden. How will Annie and the Royal family react to this news? Will Annie be accepted as one of their own?
I enjoyed this fast-paced book which encompasses the story of three unique women. The character development was good and the women were all likeable. I appreciated the similarities between Charlotte and Annie, including a love of horses. I disagreed with Lucy raising Annie as her own, and wonder if she would have ever told Annie had she not gotten sick. I also feel that there were parts of the story that were unbelievable, including a physician not noticing that a woman who claims she’s already had one baby was indeed having her first (there are physical changes which are tell tale signs). Having said that, it was an entertaining read and I would recommend it to fans of this genre.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
I enjoyed this fast-paced book which encompasses the story of three unique women. The character development was good and the women were all likeable. I appreciated the similarities between Charlotte and Annie, including a love of horses. I disagreed with Lucy raising Annie as her own, and wonder if she would have ever told Annie had she not gotten sick. I also feel that there were parts of the story that were unbelievable, including a physician not noticing that a woman who claims she’s already had one baby was indeed having her first (there are physical changes which are tell tale signs). Having said that, it was an entertaining read and I would recommend it to fans of this genre.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
4.0
The Paradise trilogy concludes with Troubles in Paradise, set in the beautiful Caribbean. Although I can’t travel now, I have fond memories of a vacation in Caribbean islands in 2018 and can still feel the island vibe written about in this series.
This book wraps up a lot of loose ends that were left at the end of the second book. For those of you who haven’t read the series, the story surrounds Irene Steele and her two grown sons, Baker and Cash, who learn that their husband and father Russ was killed in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. The circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious and so the three remaining members of the family travel to the Caribbean in hopes of learning more. What they didn’t expect to learn was that Russ had a second family living in St. John.
I was satisfied with the conclusion of the series whose theme shines as one symbolic of rebuilding a life after is it torn apart. We learn that all the family has now settled in St John and are moving on with their lives. The character development was very good, particularly considering the large cast of characters. The book kept my interest, but I didn’t engage with the story as much as I have come to expect with books from this author. I very much preferred her Winter series and was happy to see the return of Margaret Quinn from that series make an appearance in this book. It’s such a clever, unexpected treat for fans of Elin Hilderbrand’s books.
I borrowed the audiobook version of the book from my local library. I loved the narration of the series by Erin Bennett, who is one of my favourite performers. Her voice lends itself authentically to a varied character list representing both women and men across several decades. I really felt her performance enhanced this book, and would highly recommend this version for those readers who enjoy audiobooks.
This book wraps up a lot of loose ends that were left at the end of the second book. For those of you who haven’t read the series, the story surrounds Irene Steele and her two grown sons, Baker and Cash, who learn that their husband and father Russ was killed in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. The circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious and so the three remaining members of the family travel to the Caribbean in hopes of learning more. What they didn’t expect to learn was that Russ had a second family living in St. John.
I was satisfied with the conclusion of the series whose theme shines as one symbolic of rebuilding a life after is it torn apart. We learn that all the family has now settled in St John and are moving on with their lives. The character development was very good, particularly considering the large cast of characters. The book kept my interest, but I didn’t engage with the story as much as I have come to expect with books from this author. I very much preferred her Winter series and was happy to see the return of Margaret Quinn from that series make an appearance in this book. It’s such a clever, unexpected treat for fans of Elin Hilderbrand’s books.
I borrowed the audiobook version of the book from my local library. I loved the narration of the series by Erin Bennett, who is one of my favourite performers. Her voice lends itself authentically to a varied character list representing both women and men across several decades. I really felt her performance enhanced this book, and would highly recommend this version for those readers who enjoy audiobooks.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
4.0
I love romantic comedies as well as Christmas stories so when these two are combined together it makes for a fun, cozy read. It’s set in the sleepy town of Blexford England and centres around Kate Turner, a 34 year old designer who has all but given up on love.
Kate has a circle of friends, but the romantic prospects in Blexford are far and few. Matt is a friend from school who she had once shared and kiss with. Matt owns the Pear Street Cafe and Kate has a side job where she bakes for the cafe. Laura is a mother of two who remains great friends with Kate after many years and only wishes the best for her. Indeed, she’s sad to see Kate without someone special in her life, and so signs her up with a dating agency which proffers twelve dates with twelve men in the days leading up to Christmas. Although apprehensive at first, Kate decides she has nothing to lose and it might be fun to meet new people before the holidays.
The story continues with Kate attending each of the dates which include an escape room, a gingerbread house contest and salsa dancing. These dates are absolutely hilarious and full of banter and Christmas fun. Matt, who is dating another woman, is anxious that Kate is placing herself in unsafe situations. She assures him these singles have all been vetted for safety. What she later learns is that the agency is on the look out for those men who are using the dates as opportunities for a quick way to bed their dates. The question is, can Kate avoid these men and find true love during these twelve dates? Or will she realize that sometimes love is where you least expect it.
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Jenny Bayliss and look forward to reading more of her work. I appreciate her writing style, with shows great character development infused with humour. I enjoyed the scenes where Kate is sketching and colouring for new fabric patterns and would not be surprised to learn the author has a connection to this art form. The book flows well and I appreciated experiencing the dates through Kate’s eyes. I’m a big fan of rom-com banter and this book has it in droves. Blexford as a setting is perfect for that small town Christmas charm and reflects a community of friends supporting one another.
I listened to the audiobook version which I played at my usual 1.25x and found it was perfect for easy listening. The book is narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden who has a lovely, articulate quality to her voice. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those who enjoy this format.
Kate has a circle of friends, but the romantic prospects in Blexford are far and few. Matt is a friend from school who she had once shared and kiss with. Matt owns the Pear Street Cafe and Kate has a side job where she bakes for the cafe. Laura is a mother of two who remains great friends with Kate after many years and only wishes the best for her. Indeed, she’s sad to see Kate without someone special in her life, and so signs her up with a dating agency which proffers twelve dates with twelve men in the days leading up to Christmas. Although apprehensive at first, Kate decides she has nothing to lose and it might be fun to meet new people before the holidays.
The story continues with Kate attending each of the dates which include an escape room, a gingerbread house contest and salsa dancing. These dates are absolutely hilarious and full of banter and Christmas fun. Matt, who is dating another woman, is anxious that Kate is placing herself in unsafe situations. She assures him these singles have all been vetted for safety. What she later learns is that the agency is on the look out for those men who are using the dates as opportunities for a quick way to bed their dates. The question is, can Kate avoid these men and find true love during these twelve dates? Or will she realize that sometimes love is where you least expect it.
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Jenny Bayliss and look forward to reading more of her work. I appreciate her writing style, with shows great character development infused with humour. I enjoyed the scenes where Kate is sketching and colouring for new fabric patterns and would not be surprised to learn the author has a connection to this art form. The book flows well and I appreciated experiencing the dates through Kate’s eyes. I’m a big fan of rom-com banter and this book has it in droves. Blexford as a setting is perfect for that small town Christmas charm and reflects a community of friends supporting one another.
I listened to the audiobook version which I played at my usual 1.25x and found it was perfect for easy listening. The book is narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden who has a lovely, articulate quality to her voice. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those who enjoy this format.
Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery
4.0
Happily This Christmas tells the story of Wynn Beauchene, a 34 year old graphic designer and single mother to her 14 year old son Hunter. She has noticed her next door neighbour, Garrick a police officer who lives alone, particularly when he’s shirtless while cutting his lawn. When Garrick approaches her for help to get his home ready for his pregnant daughter Jo Lynn, Wynn seizes the opportunity to get to know this good-looking and thoughtful man.
Jo Lynn, however, is not the friendliest of houseguests. Now married to a deployed serviceman and a baby due in a few weeks, Jo Lynn was asked to leave her mother’s home and spend some time with her father. Once very close, the two have been estranged for several years.
It’s approaching Christmas in Happily Inc. Will the spirit of the season heal old wounds, and foster a romance between Wynn and Garrick?
This book is charming and oozing in community holiday spirit. While some might consider this book a romance, this only played a part of the story. This book is more a discussion on relationships and the importance of communication in maintaining them. It’s also about honesty and forgiveness . There are some very sweet side stories which I really enjoyed. The characters were well developed and the book flowed easily. This book is the sixth instalment in the Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc series but can certainly be read as a standalone. For those that have read earlier books in the series, you will appreciate the return of some of your favourite characters. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy a cozy, holiday read.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Tanya Eby who is one of my favourite narrators. She has a special ability to give characters, male or female, an authentic voice. I also appreciate her crisp, articulate speech and her ability to provide the quick wit banter between characters - one of the reasons I appreciate Susan Mallery’s books. I listened to this book at my usual 1.25x speed and found this to be the perfect speed for easy listening. For those that appreciate audiobooks, I’d choose this version over a printed format.
Jo Lynn, however, is not the friendliest of houseguests. Now married to a deployed serviceman and a baby due in a few weeks, Jo Lynn was asked to leave her mother’s home and spend some time with her father. Once very close, the two have been estranged for several years.
It’s approaching Christmas in Happily Inc. Will the spirit of the season heal old wounds, and foster a romance between Wynn and Garrick?
This book is charming and oozing in community holiday spirit. While some might consider this book a romance, this only played a part of the story. This book is more a discussion on relationships and the importance of communication in maintaining them. It’s also about honesty and forgiveness . There are some very sweet side stories which I really enjoyed. The characters were well developed and the book flowed easily. This book is the sixth instalment in the Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc series but can certainly be read as a standalone. For those that have read earlier books in the series, you will appreciate the return of some of your favourite characters. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy a cozy, holiday read.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Tanya Eby who is one of my favourite narrators. She has a special ability to give characters, male or female, an authentic voice. I also appreciate her crisp, articulate speech and her ability to provide the quick wit banter between characters - one of the reasons I appreciate Susan Mallery’s books. I listened to this book at my usual 1.25x speed and found this to be the perfect speed for easy listening. For those that appreciate audiobooks, I’d choose this version over a printed format.
Christmas Wishes by Sue Moorcroft
4.0
Hannah is a shopkeeper in Stockholm and lives with her boyfriend. She takes pride in the shop although it hasn’t been doing as well as she has hoped. When her brother Rob’s friend Nico stops by her shop, the two become reacquainted quickly. Nico is now a single father of eight year old Josie from his former marriage. Hannah enjoys Nico’s company and looks forward to seeing him again at Rob’s upcoming wedding in her hometown of Middledip.
Nico thoroughly enjoys his life as a single father, but between work and Josie he hasn’t much time for anything else. When he brings Josie to see her mother for an overnight stay, it’s very evident that he cannot leave her here. In fact, he cannot leave Josie’s two year old half-sister Maria there either. Suddenly his life has become much more complicated.
At the wedding, Hannah and Nico spend some time together dancing and talking and Hannah realizes that the relationship with her boyfriend has lost its magic. When Hannah returns from the wedding, she is surprised to learn that she has lost her shop, her home and her boyfriend. She returns to Middledip to care for her Nana and to start repairing her life. Hannah and Nico develop a strong friendship and romance, but will it be strong enough to overcome so many obstacles?
This is a beautiful story perfect for the Christmas season. I really appreciated how this book felt as though I was observing a real story. I loved these children and the sweet element they bring to the story. I appreciated the therapeutic relationship between Hannah and Nico and the spirit of giving and helping others. There was a key message in this enchanting story - one that speaks of keeping yourself healthy first and understanding the limitations when helping others. The author provides great character development of the protagonists and I felt I really knew and liked the characters. The story is engaging, and a joy to read.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Julia Woodwind. I really enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be crisp and articulate. I particularly enjoyed her portrayal of Maria and her charming “My Dad”! I listened to this book at 1.5x speed which is slightly faster than my normal speed of 1.25x. I would definitely recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.
Nico thoroughly enjoys his life as a single father, but between work and Josie he hasn’t much time for anything else. When he brings Josie to see her mother for an overnight stay, it’s very evident that he cannot leave her here. In fact, he cannot leave Josie’s two year old half-sister Maria there either. Suddenly his life has become much more complicated.
At the wedding, Hannah and Nico spend some time together dancing and talking and Hannah realizes that the relationship with her boyfriend has lost its magic. When Hannah returns from the wedding, she is surprised to learn that she has lost her shop, her home and her boyfriend. She returns to Middledip to care for her Nana and to start repairing her life. Hannah and Nico develop a strong friendship and romance, but will it be strong enough to overcome so many obstacles?
This is a beautiful story perfect for the Christmas season. I really appreciated how this book felt as though I was observing a real story. I loved these children and the sweet element they bring to the story. I appreciated the therapeutic relationship between Hannah and Nico and the spirit of giving and helping others. There was a key message in this enchanting story - one that speaks of keeping yourself healthy first and understanding the limitations when helping others. The author provides great character development of the protagonists and I felt I really knew and liked the characters. The story is engaging, and a joy to read.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Julia Woodwind. I really enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be crisp and articulate. I particularly enjoyed her portrayal of Maria and her charming “My Dad”! I listened to this book at 1.5x speed which is slightly faster than my normal speed of 1.25x. I would definitely recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.