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.

A Holiday Affair (Holiday Harbor Book 1) by Michele Paige Holmes

Welcome to Holiday, Alabama—population 765. In Holiday everyone knows their neighbors—and their business—a Mr. Roger’s look alike leads the local congregation Sunday mornings, and Annabelle, Breanna, and Carson have been best friends for over two decades.

On the eve of Anna and Carson’s wedding, Bree shares a secret and she and Carson embark on a journey that will break hearts and rock the town, where the biggest news is usually the size of the trout pulled from the harbor.

But the force of the river running through Holiday is nothing compared to that of its citizens, whether they’re holding a grudge, or standing behind someone. With both hearts and lives on the line, Breanna and Carson’s love story becomes a true Holiday affair.

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Right up front I should say that this book may not be for everyone.  It all revolves around an affair between two people that hurt many people.  It could be a possible trigger for the many people who have suffered in a similar way.  I think most of us have either directly or indirectly experienced or seen the painful after effects of affairs.  This book in no way makes light of those feelings or the consequences of those actions.  I thought it was tastefully done.  The pages within this book are filled with emotion and struggles of all kinds.  I was completely invested in these characters and their journey.

This is a Christian book- forgiveness, repentance and God are spoken of often.  Carson's father is a preacher and he brings a steady, loving, gentle voice to the situations.

I wasn't sure I would like this book going into it and while the subject matter is difficult, the journey is a good one and the emotions are fleshed out well.  It drew me in and made me care.  There are always multiple sides to every story and I'm looking forward to the next book where Anna's story unfolds.

Content:  mention of an affair with no details, situations between a married couple, some innuendo, kissing

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