Published: October 11, 2021

Bookouture

This title is available for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England, and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary, and marketing manager.

Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019, has had eight books published with Bookouture, and is working on her next which is due in 2022.

“Because sometimes keeping people at arm’s length was safer and much easier to do…”

Belle is highly compassionate and caring and is always willing to go the extra mile for anyone. She is often known to stretch herself thin to accommodate and help others. She will take on any project, volunteer her time to anyone who needs help. Jack is an ambitious, hardworking lawyer. He is skeptical about most people, assuming they are scheming and looking for a way to take advantage. So when he finds out his Nan has allowed a stranger to move into her home after having a minor accident and fracturing her ankle, Jack feels he has no choice but to make sure his Nan is protected. The last thing he expected was Belle.

This was an adorable story about bravery, forgiveness, and asking for what you want.

I loved the characters, and they were all so charming. Their personalities were so much fun, and it was so easy to visualize the situations. I have to say, and Bob may be my favorite character.

I loved Belle. She had such a pure heart, but she was so weighed down with inner turmoil, and it was so fantastic watching that get worked out.

Jack was brooding and yet so charismatic. Despite his demons, he sorts himself out and realizes the power of perspective.

Edina was such a fun character. I loved how full of life she was and her Christmas list. She will steal your heart.

I enjoyed the themes of this novel and how appropriate they were for this book and Christmastime. The arc of the story was so well done and so lovely.

The last chapter of this book is so wonderful. This was the absolute best Christmas read I’ve had this year. I am happy I picked up this book.