Tis the season for....holiday reading? You betcha! I mean, so many do the whole "Christmas in July" bit, right? So why not extend that to books? Today's title on deck for review is coming to you later this year, but I'm ready to help you get it on your wish list PRONTO. Ready? Set? Read all about today's ebook of choice...
by
Daryl Wood Gerber
About the book...
Hope Lyons had to sell her bakery in Portland, so she moved back to Hope Valley with her two children and has been working as a waitress to get herself on track. When her children win KPRL’s Christmas vacation contest and Steve Waldren, the sports anchor, arrives to award the prize, Hope knows it will ultimately cost her money and turns it down. To save his own career, Steve must change her mind. Will they find their way to love? It might take a holiday miracle.
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It's a Contemporary Fiction with a dash of romance, but it's not like most I've read before. Our leading lady starts out with a good life...husband, two kids, and a pie business. They weren't rich, but they were...settled...and then their world turned upside down. Before you break your heart over a passing that didn't happen, let me burst your bubble. Her husband turns out to be a man with a vice he can't say no to that ends up running away when times turn tough, leaving her and the kids with nothing. She has enough smarts and a big enough heart to do what needs doing to take care of her family, but it's anything but "the most wonderful time of the year". This is the part I meant when I mentioned the difference.
Hope's hard times don't just visit like a relative you'd rather have closer, but more like an unwelcome neighbor that can't keep their nose out of your business. She struggles, but does so with so much grace that no one would ever know...until they inadvertantly do. When they unexpectedly win the vacation of a lifetime, then turn it down, those glossed over aspects of their life come to light. It's not something she's proud of, nor does she see it the way Brie and others have it framed, and I get that, but at the same time, she is most definitely an inspiration. Why? Because, she didn't give up when it would have been easier. She gave her kids the best she could, and turned every day into something special. She cut corners where necessary, but never to the detriment of her children. The dream come true moment was a tough situation to swallow, but she totally had a point. In reality, it wasn't EXACTLY what it seemed, and though a hard choice, she knew it was for the best. She was like a great big shout out for all the single mom's making it happen! Aside from Hope, we have the kids, the friends, the coworkers, Steve, and Brie...each memorable in their own way, each fully fleshed out to get to know and love (or not, in some cases!).
In the end, this is a definitely a title to put on your holiday reading list to get you in the spirit of the season, while reminding you to spread a little extra cheer. The holidays are not the same for everyone, but sharing a smile, a little kindness, a little joy doesn't cost a thing, and can make all the difference in someone's world.
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About the author...
Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, and the French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen Adams novels of suspense as well as standalone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, fairy garden, and read, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line!
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Special thanks to the author for the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or her other works, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is set to release NOVEMBER 13, 2023, so enjoy the anticipation (*giggle*), MARK YOUR CALENDAR, or pre order your copy today!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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