“The Christmas Promise” (Harlequin Heartwarming) by Janice Carter
I was hoping for a more lighthearted fun holiday story which is what I can typically expect from Harlequin Heartwarming stories. I read from beginning to end hoping the story line would get better. Overall it was OK but not something I would want to read again.
The entire book was spent rehashing an accident that happened almost 20 years ago and how Ella felt wronged by the town and that she expected apologies from her old friends Ben and Grace when she went eventually went back to visit. As we read further into the story we find out more of what happened during that tragic night many years ago. I just wish that the story and characters revolved around other things and not just about a tragedy that took place so long ago.
It’s unfortunate that although it was an awful thing that happened, it seemed that several people were not able to find closure, forgiveness, or peace to move on with their life. Which is not a very good way to live in my opinion.
The last couple chapters were better and more in the Christmas spirit. If you have read other books by this author, you may enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
The Christmas season…
Is perfect for new beginnings
After a tragedy seventeen years ago, author Ella Jacobs never wanted to come back to Lighthouse Cove. Not to the whispered rumors, the judgment or even to Ben Winters, the boy she loved. Now she’s returned in time for Christmas—and some much-needed closure. But old flames burn bright. Can Ella find her way back to Ben…or will the secrets of their past extinguish their love for good?
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About the Author
Writing has been a passion for Janice Carter from a young age but her ‘second’ career after teaching didn’t officially start until she took a romance writing course at a local community college. The story she began then became her debut novel, a Harlequin Intrigue. Janice says she’s been very lucky to do what she enjoys most–writing about the connections between people and their families; in other words, how we find love and romance.
Title: Cast the First Stone
Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.
Madysen Powell has always been a forgiving person, but when her supposedly dead father shows up in Nome, Alaska, her gift for forgiveness is tested. With the recent loss of her mother, she searches for answers, leaning on Granny Beaufort, a neighbor in town, who listens with a kind heart. Still, Madysen is restless and dreams of performing her music around the world. The arrival of a traveling show could prove just the chance she needs, and the manager promises more than she ever dreamed.
Tracie Peterson (
Fitness, Family & Book blogger. Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Active Aging and Silver Sneakers Coach. Walking Coach. Certified Nutrition Coach. Teaching fitness classes for all levels of fitness and ages since 2015. ✨Empower & Inspire✨
