Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
I loved this friends-to-lovers story. Fiona sold her interior design business in Manhattan and returned to Blueberry Cove to get back to her design roots. In the previous book, Sea Glass Sunrise, she was involved in planning her brother Logan's wedding to Alex and had a front-row seat to sister Hannah's romance with Calder. Now Hannah wants Fiona to plan her Christmas wedding, which is only seven weeks away. This is on top of setting up her new business. The last thing she needs is for her schoolgirl crush, Ben, to reappear in Blueberry Cove. Ben, her brother's best friend, only had eyes for her sister Hannah back then.
Ben has a successful landscaping business in Rhode Island, but when his father's health issues force an early retirement, Ben comes back to run the family Christmas tree farm for the holidays. One of his first stops is to see Logan and his wife, Alex, where he also runs into Fiona. He always thought of her as Logan's bratty little sister, who he teased unmercifully. He still refers to her by the nickname "Fireplug Fi," a name she understandably hates.
The first meeting between Fiona and Ben was funny and sad. Poor Fiona was tangled up in her coat and scarf, and who came to her rescue but Ben? She's already embarrassed, then he calls her by that horrible name, making it even worse. Having been in the same predicament with a coat and scarf, I laughed in empathy with Fiona, but I also ached for her mortification at Ben's comments. I wanted to shake Ben for being unconsciously cruel. He gets quite the wake-up call a few days later when he runs into her at the local antique store and is rendered nearly speechless by the sight of Fiona in a clingy sweater. Suddenly "Fireplug Fi" has become a beautiful and sexy woman and his reaction flummoxes him.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Ben and Fiona. It gets off to a rocky start when he overhears her complaining about the nickname to her other sister, Kerry. He's horrified to realize how much he hurt her and rightly ashamed of himself. While Fiona wants to pretend that none of it happened and ignore Ben, he wants to find a way to make amends. Fiona's brother Logan gets involved by forcing Ben to set up his Cove tree lot next door to Fiona's new shop. Thrown into frequent proximity, there is no denying the sparks that flare between them.
I loved their interactions. Because they've known each other for so long, they have plenty of ammunition for teasing each other. Fiona is quick-witted and gets in some good zingers on Ben, while he has an amusing way of flirting with her. They have more in common than expected, including facing significant life changes. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow, but neither is sure where it will go. Ben's business is in Rhode Island, and Fiona is just settling into Blueberry Cove and has no intention of returning to a city.
I loved seeing how deeply involved they became in each other's lives. I loved Ben's invitation to Fiona to come to his business's holiday party in Portland. Their trip on the train was intense, and I loved seeing how well Fiona fit in with his coworkers. There was also a terrific scene that involved Ben's ex-girlfriend, who clearly didn't want to let him go. Fiona dealt with her brilliantly. Ben has always been part of Fiona's family, and his involvement becomes even more important when a family member has a medical crisis. His caring and support are critical, not just for Fiona but for the whole family. But as Christmas draws closer, Fiona and Ben wonder what the future holds in store for them. The ending was fantastic as Ben finds the perfect way to manage both of his businesses and get the girl.
Once again, family relationships are a huge part of this series. Fiona's siblings play essential roles in the romance between our main characters, as they have no problem butting into each other's business. Their love and loyalty to each other are never in doubt, but it doesn't stop them from relentless teasing and interference when deemed necessary. Wedding planning is a source of stress and hilarity, while Uncle Gus's illness reminds them of life's fragility. I loved Ben's closeness with his parents and his desire to do what is right for everyone. His conversations with his mom are great - especially the one at the end of the book. I liked seeing more of Fiona's sister, Kerry. Something is up with her, and I can't wait to read her book.
Ben has a successful landscaping business in Rhode Island, but when his father's health issues force an early retirement, Ben comes back to run the family Christmas tree farm for the holidays. One of his first stops is to see Logan and his wife, Alex, where he also runs into Fiona. He always thought of her as Logan's bratty little sister, who he teased unmercifully. He still refers to her by the nickname "Fireplug Fi," a name she understandably hates.
The first meeting between Fiona and Ben was funny and sad. Poor Fiona was tangled up in her coat and scarf, and who came to her rescue but Ben? She's already embarrassed, then he calls her by that horrible name, making it even worse. Having been in the same predicament with a coat and scarf, I laughed in empathy with Fiona, but I also ached for her mortification at Ben's comments. I wanted to shake Ben for being unconsciously cruel. He gets quite the wake-up call a few days later when he runs into her at the local antique store and is rendered nearly speechless by the sight of Fiona in a clingy sweater. Suddenly "Fireplug Fi" has become a beautiful and sexy woman and his reaction flummoxes him.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Ben and Fiona. It gets off to a rocky start when he overhears her complaining about the nickname to her other sister, Kerry. He's horrified to realize how much he hurt her and rightly ashamed of himself. While Fiona wants to pretend that none of it happened and ignore Ben, he wants to find a way to make amends. Fiona's brother Logan gets involved by forcing Ben to set up his Cove tree lot next door to Fiona's new shop. Thrown into frequent proximity, there is no denying the sparks that flare between them.
I loved their interactions. Because they've known each other for so long, they have plenty of ammunition for teasing each other. Fiona is quick-witted and gets in some good zingers on Ben, while he has an amusing way of flirting with her. They have more in common than expected, including facing significant life changes. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow, but neither is sure where it will go. Ben's business is in Rhode Island, and Fiona is just settling into Blueberry Cove and has no intention of returning to a city.
I loved seeing how deeply involved they became in each other's lives. I loved Ben's invitation to Fiona to come to his business's holiday party in Portland. Their trip on the train was intense, and I loved seeing how well Fiona fit in with his coworkers. There was also a terrific scene that involved Ben's ex-girlfriend, who clearly didn't want to let him go. Fiona dealt with her brilliantly. Ben has always been part of Fiona's family, and his involvement becomes even more important when a family member has a medical crisis. His caring and support are critical, not just for Fiona but for the whole family. But as Christmas draws closer, Fiona and Ben wonder what the future holds in store for them. The ending was fantastic as Ben finds the perfect way to manage both of his businesses and get the girl.
Once again, family relationships are a huge part of this series. Fiona's siblings play essential roles in the romance between our main characters, as they have no problem butting into each other's business. Their love and loyalty to each other are never in doubt, but it doesn't stop them from relentless teasing and interference when deemed necessary. Wedding planning is a source of stress and hilarity, while Uncle Gus's illness reminds them of life's fragility. I loved Ben's closeness with his parents and his desire to do what is right for everyone. His conversations with his mom are great - especially the one at the end of the book. I liked seeing more of Fiona's sister, Kerry. Something is up with her, and I can't wait to read her book.
