N R. (Moonpie) reviewed on 9/19/2018 + 1170 more book reviews

Hooray! A new Christmas book from Melody Carlson! It has become a holiday tradition for me! I love them! Each one stirs up Christmas nostalgia and those warm feelings the season brings.
Wendy is struggling financially after her husband's death and trying to keep her life has she has known it afloat, not only for her but for her son Jackson. She can't see past putting one foot in front of another and maintaining her job. She gets word she has inherited her grandparent's beach cottage in Maine. Wendy sees it as a way to pay off her bills by fixing it up and selling it in the 3 weeks they are there. This will enable them to be home by Christmas.
As she enters the little town that held so many happy childhood memories her emotions are in turmoil. Her 12 year old son has other plans. He wants a fresh start in a new place, as he has been miserable since his Dad's death. The town isn't as small and dead as it used to be. It has grown with new people and businesses.
With each reminiscence, she wards off the tugs at her heart to love the town, house and people. She has blinders on envisioning their life in Ohio as the only way they can live. Jackson barrels ahead embracing every experience and moment, and appears to think they are moving there. Wendy, not wanting to burst his bubble, makes it harder on herself by not telling him the truth. His enthusiasm and joy draws her in.
When we are adults and suffer tragedy, we cling to what is familiar, unable to realize new opportunities in front of us. Children's eyes and hearts are clear to comprehend and embrace the joyfulness of new beginnings. I saw this in Wendy and Jackson. I can relate as after my husband died I too wanted to cling to what I had known, changes were frightening and sometimes still are. I have grown to realize that I cannot continue to in the life I had because a vital part of it is no longer there.
Thank you Ms. Carlson for another wonderful and touching book to warm my heart!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

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