Home Sweet Holiday (Holiday Harbor) by Michele Paige Holmes

 

 

Nearly four years have passed since Anna Lawrence fled her hometown the same day her best friends broke her heart and she was left at the altar. She’s hardly looked back since, while forging a new and solitary life in Seattle. When duty calls her home, she reluctantly returns to take care of the family store while her parents are away.

Eli Steiner is visiting his late great-grandfather’s estate in Holiday, Alabama, for the first and last time—to see the place he’s inherited and meet the other benefactor of his great-grandfather’s will before turning everything over to her. When the woman he meets is both the same, and very different, from the one in his grandfather’s letters, Eli’s intrigue leads him to stay longer, to uncover the mystery of Anna Lawrence and possibly heal her heart. 

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This is the second book in the Holiday Harbor series.  I would recommend reading the books in order but I don't think you necessarily have to.

Michele Paige Holmes definitely fills her books with real life problems and real life emotions. This book isn't light, happy reading.  It's full of personal struggle, forgiveness and heavier emotional topics.  So if you are looking for a lighter, fluffier romantic story, this isn't it.  Also, this is a long book.  In my opinion, too long.  I think much of this book could have been condensed and still accomplished the emotion and end goal.  It took me a long time to get through it and I will admit to some skimming. 

I'm so glad that Anna got her story.  After reading the first book, my heart was broken for poor Anna.  I really, really wanted her to find healing and happiness so this book felt satisfying in that regard.  That healing sure didn't come easily or quickly for Anna but it did happen.  I really loved Anna's kindness.  She has a good heart that is willing to help people and that makes her so likeable. 

I love the small town of Holiday. The residents there really know each other and take care of each other.  Even though there are some typical small town quirks and annoyances, for the most part, the people of Holiday are good people and I really liked that feeling of community coming through the story.

Content:  mention of cheating, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.