Day 11 of 25 Days of Christmas Reviews: This Christmas by Katlyn Duncan

This Christmas by Katlyn Duncan

Published: November 18, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

This year, if Hadley wrote her dream Christmas list, it would go something like this:

1. Spend every waking – and sleeping – moment with her incredibly gorgeous boyfriend, Will.

2. Figure out what’s been bugging him lately. Yes, going away to college has been tough…but it’s time they reconnected.

3. Enjoy a sparkling Christmas in New York City, gazing at the Rockefeller tree, going ice skating, and drinking steaming mugs of cocoa in Central Park.

So, driving off to spend Christmas in a rustic cabin in the woods wasn’t exactly the plan. But when it comes to her irresistible, and at times, impossible boyfriend, nothing’s ever that simple. And as fantasies of an icy Times Square are replaced by a clumsily decorated tree, making snowmen and the warmth of a log fire, Hadley feels herself falling in love all over again.

Except does Will have something to tell her that could change Hadley’s happily-ever-after Christmas dreams into a not-so-winter wonderland after all?

My Thoughts

*This is a festive sequel to This Summer; it definitely can be read as a standalone.

We catch up with Will and Hadley who are trying to reconnect after spending time apart with Hadley’s busy college schedule. They had plans of an NYC festive filled Christmas taking in all the sights but plans change and they decide on a cabin that belongs to Will’s stepdad. While Hadley loves the cozy small town fill of it, Will has been less than in the Christmas spirit. Nothing it seems that Hadley does can make him happy, making her Christmas less than bright she wanted this time with Will to be magical even choosing him over her family to spend the holidays with. She knows that Will never had many Christmas memories growing up so she takes it upon herself to make this one special.

I loved these characters from This Summer so I was so happy when I saw there was a Christmas novella. However I must admit I was a little mad at Will in the beginning. I was like where's my Will that I fell in love with? This guy was all sour and gloomy I didn’t like him one bit! But as the story went on I totally understood why he was the way he was. Can’t expect someone who never had a very merry Christmas in his life to be full of jolly now can you? This is why I’ve loved this couple from the start. They balance each other out so well you can’t help but fall them, they bring out the best of each other. They are always trying to help the other before themselves. This is one read that is bound to break the shells of the meanest Scrooges out there.

Review: How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie by Gina Henning

How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie [Home for the Holidays #1] by Gina Henning

Published: November 7, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

Lauren Hauser is home for the holidays, and she’s been given a challenge: preparing her grandmother’s pecan pie. The problem? Lauren’s not famed for her baking skills. In fact, while her sister would win Star Baker every week, and her mom at least knows a sieve from a spatula, Lauren’s bakes have always been more dangerous than delicious!

Still, no Thanksgiving would be complete without dessert…which is why Lauren finds herself searching for pecans on Thanksgiving Eve. Stumbling into a gorgeous stranger laden down with bags of pecans seems like a holiday miracle…but despite Jack’s kissable lips he’s frostier than a snow cone…and out of sight before she can say ‘Macy’s Parade’!

As the clock counts down to Thanksgiving dinner, Lauren is running out of time. And without her grandmother’s perfect pecan pie it won’t be a very Happy Thanksgiving! What Lauren needs is a knight in shining armor. And it might just be that the magic of Thanksgiving will find her one after all.

My Thoughts

I was so psyched when I saw this read. There are few reads on Thanksgiving while there are tons on Christmas so this was a sight for sore eyes I was so happy when I was approved for it. This is the cutest read I’ve read in a long time, it focuses on Lauren who comes home for Thanksgiving and is set on a mission by her grandmother to bake the famous family pecan pie for Thanksgiving. While she heads out of town to get the pecans that can only be from a certain place it’s one disaster after another. Not enough pecans, her car breaks down and she is stuck in a storm. That’s when Jack appears, the perfect guy but the wrong time. However sometimes fate doesn’t understand time when its right its right. Will Lauren allow herself to just go with the flow and let nature take its course? Hopefully in the end Lauren will have something else to be thankful for.

I truly enjoyed this story on so many levels and for so many reasons.  For starters I think everyone can relate to the holidays with the family. Crazy relatives all stuck together for days which you know it will end in disaster at some point. Everyone’s always asking questions about your love life and not minding their own business, nothing screams DRAMA like the holidays. But in the end no matter what craziness happens family is family and they will always have your back. Besides the family aspect I love the whole interaction with Jack. I like how the romance was slowly built up and not force, with in my eyes made him so much more attractive. Although this is a short read about 100 pages or so you will never feel short changed at all, it’s definitely one that needs to be added to your holiday reads. Oh and by the way the next book in the series How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake will be out in early December…I can’t wait!

Mini Review: Dear Lizzie by Annie Lyons

Dear Lizzie by Annie Lyons

Published: July 8, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Format: E-Arc via Goodreads

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

Two sisters. Twelve letters. 

One year that changes everything.

 Lizzie and Bea Harris were always very close. They were sisters and nothing could tear them apart. Until Bea dies at the age of thirty-five, leaving her sister twelve letters and a mission that will change Lizzie’s life forever. Alone for the first time Lizzie is left trying to pull together the pieces of a life she has for so long ignored. With Bea’s list of last requests, Lizzie has a chance to finally find a place for herself in the world - out from under the shadow of her sister.

My Thoughts

This one is definitely all about the "feels". I dare you to read this and not experience the emotional rollercoaster that this wonderful read takes you on. I’m a true believer of signs and that everything happens for a reason so maybe this is why I took so deeply to this book.

Annie Lyons writes with such feelings and depth that you feel everything that Lizzie is going through. And although Lizzie experiences a range of emotions I loved how through these letters Bea helps Lizzie find herself. With Bea’s help Lizzie discovers who she is and what she truly wants in her life. Their bond as sisters and even more as friends truly gives this read its heart. You truly feel as if you know and love Bea as much as Lizzie does. I highly encourage everyone to pick this one up. If you love a book that gives you the “feels” look no further than this one.

Book Blitz + Giveaway!!: This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

Expected Publication: July 9, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

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Summary from Goodreads:

Before college, before responsibilities, Hadley Beauman and best friend Lily are determined to have a summer to remember. There will be all the usual dramas - ex-boyfriends who don't seem to know what 'ex' means, pesky younger brothers with unrequited crushes, but what Hadley didn't anticipate was the out-of-the-blue return of the seriously hot boy-next-door, Will Carson. The boy who broke her heart when he skipped town two years ago.

Will may have shot up a foot and filled out (oh yes), but inside he carries the weight of guilt - for leaving, for coming back... Now he's just passing through to tie up loose ends but it's clear the old chemistry still crackles between him and Hadley. Trouble is, it's built on two years of lies...

This summer might just be the best time of their lives, but is Hadley ready for everything to change - again?

Excerpt: Will & Hadley’s reunion

I enter the hallway, making a point to relax my shoulders. Lily still knows how to push my buttons. I make my way to Mr. Beauman’s office and just before I knock, I hear Hadley’s voice. It’s wrong but I lean closer to the door, listening.

“A little warning would have been nice, Dad.”

Mr. Beauman says something, but I can’t make it out.

“Well,” Hadley continues, “don’t expect him to stick around longer than he chooses.”

Her form nears the door and I don’t have a chance to move just as the door flings open.

A version of the sixteen year old girl I left two years ago stands in front of me. I was right, her braces are gone.

“Hey,” I say.

“Hi,” she says with a shake of her head.

We stand frozen in place for a few seconds before Mr. Beauman speaks. “You all set?”

Hadley jolts and steps aside.

I brush past her. Her scent follows me. Strawberries. I place the application and waiver down on Mr. Beauman’s desk.

“Great,” he says. “I’ll see you in a few.”

I turn to the door and she’s still there, her lips parted. I open my hand, signaling for her to go down the hallway first. I struggle to keep my eyes on hers, fighting the urge to move across every inch of her body. She turns and scurries down the hall in front of me, granting my wish. She’s grown into her curves since I saw her last. Her long legs carry her quickly.

She stops at the double doors leading to the front part of the office and turns around. “Did you hear—I didn’t mean—”

“I heard you,” I say, watching her face crumble. “But you’re right. I need to get back.”

“To Texas?”

My teeth grind together. Aunt Mabel did give Mr. Beauman a version of the truth, but I can't help but wonder what Hadley knows. “Yes.”

She nibbles on her lower lip. She nods twice before freeing her lip. My gaze drops to her mouth. She leans against the door and opens it. I hold it for her, my arm grazing her shoulder.

She offers a polite smile. “Then I guess we should make the best of it while you’re here.”

I lean closer. “Sounds good to me.”

She turns around, entering the room.

“Who left last minute to open up the position?” I ask, not wanting to stop talking to her.

“My—” She shakes her head, strands of her hair falling across her face. She pushes them back behind her ear. “Carter Daniels.”

I clench my jaw. “I just saw him.”

“He’s on the pool staff now apparently,” she mumbles.

People mull around the room, eating off paper plates. Hadley halts, staring at the back of the room. Carter and about a dozen people I don’t recognize have gathered around the table. My hands fist at my sides, looking for any excuse to knock him out.

“I’ll be right back.”

About the Author

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / FB

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Review: This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

This Summer by Katlyn Duncan 

Expected Publication: July 9, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Before college, before responsibilities, Hadley Beauman and best friend Lily are determined to have a summer to remember. There will be all the usual dramas - ex-boyfriends who don't seem to know what 'ex' means, pesky younger brothers with unrequited crushes, but what Hadley didn't anticipate was the out-of-the-blue return of the seriously hot boy-next-door, Will Carson. The boy who broke her heart when he skipped town two years ago.

Will may have shot up a foot and filled out (oh yes), but inside he carries the weight of guilt - for leaving, for coming back... Now he's just passing through to tie up loose ends but it's clear the old chemistry still crackles between him and Hadley. Trouble is, it's built on two years of lies...

This summer might just be the best time of their lives, but is Hadley ready for everything to change - again?

My Thoughts

First off I love Will! He is sweet and mysterious two things I find irresistible. Hadley has recently decided to breakup with her boyfriend Carter since she is moving out of state for college. Hadley and her best friend Lily decide this will be their summer of fun and just to hang out together…no boys. It all sounds good until Will comes back into town after nearly two years since he left without a word.

Hadley and Will have been friends and neighbors since they were kids. When Will comes back to help out at the summer camp her dad runs she is shocked but wants to know why he left without telling her. As much as they both try to stay away from one another they can’t deny the feelings are still there. While they still care for one another they both have their reasons for why they don’t want to go down that road again. Hadley simply because she doesn’t want to be hurt again and Will he doesn’t want Hadley to know the real personal reason why he left. Needless to say they both fall for each other again but decide not to tell anyone until they are sure of that will happen as far as the future goes.

Of course things can never go as planned. A girl from Will’s new hometown in Texas comes to stalk find him and Hadley is hurt and feels like a fool. Will tries to explain but she is not having it. She goes looking for Lily and instead finds her and her ex Carter making out. Personally I didn’t care for Lily, plus she broke the girl code…you NEVER mess with an ex!

After some misunderstandings everything comes out and Will goes back to Texas to help his aunt on the ranch. He’s an honest to god good guy; though I feel he takes care of everyone but himself. Back in Texas he is told he needs to live his life and to do what makes him happy. You know where this is going…right? I won’t totally spoil the ending but it is SUPER cute maybe a little cheesy ...but definitely in a good way. 

Review: This Fragile Life by Kate Hewitt

This Fragile Life by Kate Hewitt
Source: via NetGalley
Published: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Carina UK
Rating 5/5
Amazon/Goodreads/NetGalley

Synopsis

You love your best friend. You trust her with your life. But could you give her the most precious gift of all? Alex’s life is a mess. She’s barely holding down a job, only just affording her apartment, and can’t remember when she was last in a relationship. An unexpected pregnancy is the last thing she needs. Martha’s life is on track. She’s got the high-flying career, the gorgeous home and the loving husband. But one big thing is missing. Five rounds of IVF and still no baby. The solution seems simple. Alex knows that Martha can give her child everything that she can’t provide. But Martha’s world may not be as perfect as it seems, and letting go isn’t as easy as Alex expected it to be. Now they face a decision that could shatter their friendship forever. Provocative. Emotional. Affecting.

My Thoughts

Talk about heart-wrenching! This is a beautifully written story of love, hope and faith. It tests the true meaning of friendship, a story that will truly break your heart.

A story of two lifelong friends who couldn’t be any different yet they are more alike that either one could imagine. Alex’s life isn’t ready for children when she finds herself pregnant after a one night stand with her recently married ex. While having lunch with her friend Martha she finds out her last chance at IVF didn’t take. Martha later asks Alex if she could adopt her baby when she finds out Alex isn’t sure she can afford to have the baby. All the while Alex is struggling with the agreement she made. While the days past she finds herself growing more and more attached to the baby yet she knows she can’t break her friend’s heart and back out. Later it is determined that the baby has a genetic disorder and will not make it past a few months after birth. Martha decides she can’t take care of a sick baby and backs out of the adoption. Alex decides against abortion and realizes that she loves this baby too much to not have it no matter the grim outlook.

The aftermath of Martha and Alex’s decisions are ones that rocks their respective worlds to their cores. Martha’s marriage is tested like never before and Alex realizes that life is too precious no matter how short lived it may turn out to be.

This book is one of those that stays with you way beyond the last page. It shows you that life is indeed fragile and that if you’re lucky enough to experience love of any kind consider yourself truly blessed. This is a story that will bring you to tears but one that you will be happy you read.