Christmas in Evergreen

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ!

NAIGLE, NANCY

CHRISTMAS IN EVERGREEN

A snowy small town.

A snow globe that grants wishes.

A love that's meant to be.

Evergreen, Vermont is about to be in the rearview mirror of Allie Shaw's vintage red pickup truck. It's hard to say goodbye to her small town and her veterinarian practice, but she's moving to Washington D.C., where her big-city-loving boyfriend lives.

Ever since Ryan Bellamy's wife died, he hardly knows how to celebrate Christmas. He's decided to take his daughter Zoe to Florida, and Evergreen  is just a quick stop on the way to the airport. While they're there, Zoe partakes in a local tradition, making a Christmas wish on the now globe at the town diner.

But neither Allie's nor Ryan's Christmas goes as planned. They've checked their wish lists twice, and they didn't say anything about meeting someone new...or about a fresh chance at love.

This magical, feel-good romance includes a free Hallmark recipe for Vermont Christmas Card Cookies.

My Review:

published in 2018

Ever since I read The Shell Collector by this author I've wanted to read more of her work and what better place to start then with one of her many Christmas novels? 

Christmas in Evergreen is a novelization of a Hallmark movie (which I haven't seen) so you get the small town charm and a few quirky characters that come along with that. As well as some Christmas magic! And a sweet romance. All combined with the kind of holiday flare that will have you humming Jingle Bells the rest of the month. :-)

Now, for those who are love triangle gun-shy like me, fear not, I bring tidings of great joy -- this is NOT that plot! I can't say more without spoiling some of the story, but it's handled very well and barely a ripple in the grand scheme of things. I was more alarmed about Allie leaving this charming town for the city! What was she thinking? How could she bring herself to go? Luckily fate transpires against her and we have a deliciously warm and inviting festive story.

Absolutely adore young Zoe and her enthusiasm for all things Christmas -- especially if it's happening in Evergreen. And this story is piled high with the best kinds of holiday traditions and activities. If it wasn't so atrociously hot out I'd try my hand at making those Vermont Christmas Card Cookies. (the perils of jumping on the Christmas in July bandwagon!)

I listened to the audible edition of Christmas in Evergreen, beautifully narrated by Kathleen McInerney. Her performance increased my 'reading' pleasure that much more!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- reader's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas in Evergreen, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 30 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Shell Collector

GIVEAWAY

NAIGLE, NANCY

THE SHELL COLLECTOR

From USA Today Bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Two years after her husband's death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he's convinced he's not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning -- alone -- through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk's Island. Spirted, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that's bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

My Review:

This one was a gobsmacker for me! I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is my very first Nancy Naigle book, so I went in without any preconceived ideas and was immediately swept into the story. Definitely an emotional read. I teared up in many places, and cried buckets twice. But I also laughed and swooned and just plain delighted in these characters and this quaint seaside town! I'd tag it as Women's Fiction with a solid romance thread. 

And while this story does deal with some heavy subject matter -- grief in all it's forms -- it's laced with so much hope and joy as well that it doesn't feel heavy.

"There is a difference between grief and suffering. You see, suffering is solitary, but you share your grief with good people. It's the way you release the pain and adjust to the loss." (p 164, Large Print Edition)

These are words of wisdom from octogenarian Maeve as she helps Amanda navigate the rough waters of her grief. So many beautiful truths like this to touch a reader's heart. 

And there's even a beautiful second chance love story when Amanda unexpectedly meets up with someone very dear from her past. The Shell Collector turned out to be just what I needed at just the right time -- an emotionally engaging, soul-stirring journey out of darkness into light.

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me authors

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Shell Collector, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 16  2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck