I was drawn in from the first page. This is a lovely and touching novel that centers around Christmas and is full of miracles.

The latest from Alward’s Darling, VT series is this Christmas novella, which features one of my favorite characters from the series.

In the last year, George's life has drastically changed. The formerly homeless veteran now has a job he likes, a family in the residents of Darling, and for the first time in years, a home. But while his present is good, he's still haunted by the past. Amy is looking for closure for her family after her brother's death, but the serious man she finds working in Vermont doesn’t resemble the man she remembers from years before.
I liked George from the first time he was introduced and was excited to learn more about him. His story proved to be the perfect feel good, holiday novella. I laughed and cried as I cheered George on. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, it was him.

If you’re new to Darling, have no fear! You can enjoy George’s story without missing a beat, but I recommend journeying back to the beginning of the Darling series.

Looking for a little holiday cheer? Grab Deck the Halls! It will make your world merry and bright :) 

This is the second Donna Alward book I have tried to read this year and the second one that was a total failure, although considering its short length, I did manage to finish this one. To make things worse, I was actually really looking forward to reading this, mostly because the Netgalley page for it compared it to It’s a Wonderful Life, which is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Aside from the hero’s name being George and the heroine staying in Bedford Cottage this book had nothing in common with the Capra Christmas Classic.
The biggest issue this book has is that it is boring. I wasn’t intersted in anything that happened to either George or Amy. I didn’t care if he dealt with his PTSD or if he ever got over his survivor’s guilt. I didn’t care about her divorce or her need for answers regarding her brother’s death. The last time I read something this boring it was the summer of 1999 and I’d been assigned A Separate Peace by my 8th Grade teacher. I’m honestly not sure why I finished reading it.
Why was it so boring? The characters had no chemistry whatsoever. We’re led to believe that George and Amy had explosive chemistry and shared a soul-rocking kiss 15 years earlier when they first met, but from what we’re presented, I don’t see it. There was seriously no ‘there’ there. The one good thing about this book is that I now know not to request another one of her books.
1.5 Stars

This book gets 5 stars from me because once I started reading it, I just could not put it down. I have read the other 3 books in this series, but I am not sure it is necessary to read them before you can enjoy this one. the book centers on George, a man who was homeless in his recent past, an Iraq war veteran. George is building a new life for himself when someone from his past tracks him down and finds him just before Christmas, wanting answers George does not want to share.

Both George and Amy have issues they are dealing with, and I like that the story does not gloss over them, nor are they made light. While Darling, VT is a small town that seems to good to be true, Donna Alward creates likeable characters with depth and flaws and I like revisiting the main characters from the previous stories.

Even with all of the heavy topics that weigh on the main characters, the book is hopeful, uplifting, and a great Christmas read.

This book covers a hard topic of PTSD. I was not sure whether I would like it or not, when I started. The author did a good job writing this story. I found it to be a nice heartwarming story for the holidays! I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Deck the Halls by Donna Alward is a novella that is part of her wonderful Darling, VT series. Each book in this series is sweet heartwarming romances, and Deck the Halls continues this trend. I loved this book, and the couple that we fell in love with from the start.

George, whom we met in the first book of this series, is a homeless veteran, who has PTSD. Laurel and Aiden (the first book couple) befriended him and helped him slowly restart his life. In Deck the Halls, George is our hero, starting to find a life working for Laurel, at the Garden Center; living in a small apartment, and slowly allowing himself to make friends. The past though still haunts him, which he never talks about.

Amy Merck, our heroine, comes to Darling looking for George to find closure on the death of her twin brother, who was George’s best friend and died in the Middle East. When George sees Amy, he is shocked and immediately closes up, refusing to discuss anything with the past. When he tells her to leave, Amy sees he is not the same person. The next day she returns, apologizing for not respecting his wishes. She convinces him to go to lunch just to talk to each other, even if he can’t discuss what happened to change him so drastically.
What follows is a slow built romance that was very touching. Amy herself had her own issues, having been divorced, but she was simply wonderful trying to slowly get George to open up and try to tell her what happened. Slowly George will begin to trust Amy, and tell her how her brother died. He blamed himself, but she knows from his descriptions that he was not at fault. Amy was a fantastic heroine, as she did everything in her power to show George how much everyone in Darling cares about him, and to give their relationship a chance, as well as fight those demons that was destroying his life.

Donna Alward once again, gives us a wonderful story, with a fantastic couple, wonderful secondary characters, and showing us the terrible scars of PTSD. Deck the Halls was a touching and heartwarming story, with a beautiful Christmas themed background.

This was a different read for me. I felt at times this book repeated itself. But overall I found this an okay quick read.

Full Review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 10/21/17 at
https://readersedyn.blogspot.com/2017/09/arc-review-deck-halls-by-donna-alward.html

Amy Merck has been searching – searching for closure regarding her brother’s death; searching for a way to cope with the blows life hands out; searching for a way to lessen her parent’s grief; searching for George Reilly. Having finally found George, she realizes she isn’t going to just get the answers she is looking for without building some trust – a difficult feat given the circumstances George has dealt with over the past few years. She never imagined the guilt of her brother’s death had weighed so heavily on him – or that he blames himself. Pair that with likely PTSD and a reluctance to muddle through the past, Amy might not ever be able to find the closure she desperately seeks. But an unexpected turn of events has Amy wondering if there could ever be a future for the two of them. They had liked one another once upon a time, but trying to get that back might be futile.

George Reilly has not had an easy life since returning from active duty. He ended up homeless after drinking his money away and has had to rally back – literally picking himself up from the streets. Help from some new friends in a new town has brought about a change in him and he started wanting to live again – at least as much as one can live when carrying around the guilt of responsibility for his best friend’s death. He had promised Amy and her family that he would keep Ian safe, but failed them all. Amy’s unexpected arrival threatens the tight rein George keeps on his simple existence. The past – revelations she wants him to confide in her – could be a point he cannot come back from. No one ever got comfort from regurgitating the past and he’s going to try like hell not to go there. But Amy has also kindled something within him that he had thought long gone. Maybe, instead of his demise, she could be his salvation.

I really enjoyed my time spent with this book! Deck the Halls dealt with a bit more serious topics than I am used to, but also topics that are very current and real in these times. While addressing serious issues, the author was able to successfully craft a balance between the negative and positive so that a dark shadow was not cast over the entire story. I felt like Amy and George were people I would know, or could easily meet one day. Their characters were very real and raw. Also enjoyed were the secondary characters who, from what I gather, have stories of their own in the quaint little town of Darling, Vermont. While not the kind of HEA I am accustomed to, the story remained a sweet romantic novel. Ms Alward was careful to remain true to the characters and allow them time to get to know one another even in the midst of their growing attraction. A few tame romantic scenes are all you will have to contend with between these pages – and I thank Ms. Alward for that. I believed that this was a positive and forward-moving decision that lent credibility to these characters and their truths. Set around the Christmas season, this story of second chances; belief in human kindness; and the determination to rise about life’s punches is sure to please any reader who picks this story up. Get in to your season feel goods, or read it any time of year. Either way, you will not be disappointed with this heart-felt, romantic, holiday gift.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.

Adorable and sweet Christmas Story. Touches on the hard topics very nicely. I would definitely like to read the other stories in this book world and a eye to more by this author! I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review.

I have really enjoyed this series. she put so much emotion in her books. Looking forward to the next book in this series

FINAL DECISION: I loved this story. It was sweet and mature and full of heart. There is still more for George and Amy and I hope we see more of them or I will be mad that we didn't get an epilogue!

THE STORY: George Reilly has spent a year rebuilding his life after years of homelessness. Just when he has a job he values and friends in the town of Darling, VT, someone from his past reemerges. Amy Merck has come to George because the death of her brother has left her with questions and she wants George's help. During the Christmas season George and Amy rediscover hope and begin mending hearts that have been bruised and damaged.

OPINION: I made the mistake of starting this novella late at night. I usually can read a little of these stories and then pick them up the next day. Not this one. Despite the fact that this story isn't a suspense or a mystery or a great angsty drama, I was compelled to read every page before I slept.

The characters had such heart and depth for such a short story. I loved everything about it except for one minor quibble.

I thought this novella was incredibly brave for having a hero with PTSD who was also homeless for a long period of time. The story doesn't flinch from these aspects of George's reality. The shame, the fear, the daily struggles and the small successes. I loved the depth to this character who feels real and someone I would be happy to know.

Amy is a good match for George as she demonstrates that life and pain happens to everyone. She has different problems from George, but they have left scars on her as well.

The interactions between George and Amy are sweet, but not the sugary kind. These two are gentle and kind and good people. The entire story has great heart and I just felt so good about how things developed.

My only complaint is that the length of this novella means that the story is left going in the right direction, but not a complete happy ending. I hope that we see more of Amy and George in the future or I might grow more annoyed that we didn't get an epilogue or glimpse at the future outcome.

The heat of this novella is definitely on the sweet side.

WORTH MENTIONING: Kissing Bridge.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  DECK THE HALLS is book 3.5 in the Darling, VT series. This is a novella about a secondary character and can be read totally on its own, but fans of the series will be pleased with this revisit to Darling.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Review to be posted on October 3rd 2017

George had just started a new chapter in his life when the past comes roaring back. No longer homeless and unemployed, George is not prepared to come face-to-face with Amy, his friend's twin sister. Amy needs answers about her brother's death and although she doesn't want to cause George more pain, she is determined to get them. Old attraction still burns but both Amy and George have changed drastically since they last met. I loved George from the other Darling, VT books and I am so happy he got his own story. This was so nicely written, many serious subjects were touched on with care. A really great Christmas story.

I want to give three cheers to Donna Alward for telling George's story. He is older, was homeless, and has never forgiven himself for the death of his best friend in Iraq. He has been a side character in the first Darling, VT stories and started on the road to recovery when he takes a job sweeping up and watering plants at the Ladybug Garden Center. Now he is full time, has an apartment and even owns a truck. He is thrown back in time when Amy, the older sister of his brother-in-arms, finds him just before Christmas. She wants to know about her brother's last days but realizes that she must take it easy and give George the space he needs before he can tell his story. George is not your usual main characters and his story does not follow the usual path to an HEA. Instead George finds a path to accepting that he was not the cause of his friends death and he and Amy are looking forward not back. Both decide to see what happens as they celebrate Christmas with Amy's family.

"Deck the Halls"
By Donna Alward
McMillan


Contemporary Fiction -- Release Date: October 3, 2017


ReaderToReader.com review for NetGalley download

PTSD often is a casualty of war, and no one knows that better than George Reilly. So shattered by his tours of duty and the loss of his best friend, Ian Merck he became homeless for a time. Lucky for him, he ended up in Darling, Vermont where folks believe in helping others. Laurel Gallagher owner of the Ladybug Garden Center sees his potential and gives him a job.

His employment along with Laurel's help and that of the Veteran's Services, he now resides in a small apartment and is gaining self-respect and confidence. Then Amy, Ian's twin sister shows up fifteen years after Ian's death looking for closure. George blames himself for Ian getting killed and even after all this time he is still withdrawn and focused on his guilt. He dreads seeing Amy, remembering the times he spent with Ian, her, and their family and how they treated him in a kind and loving manner, something he never had growing up.

Back then there was a spark of something between them, and her presence reignites it, though George believes he is unworthy of her. Amy, carrying a history of her own pain is determined to learn how her brother died and why George never came to their home afterward.

Aghast upon observing George's contemptuousness and how he's aged, Amy senses the hurt he carries within him. She does not give up on him, and before long, he discloses the truth about what happened in the Middle East. Soon Amy finds herself falling in love with him.

A delightful tale of absolution and compassion, "Deck the Halls" illustrates how both George and Amy find a path to the happiness they never thought possible.

Donna Alward is a new-to-me author but this blurb had me at Its A Wonderful Life, my all-time favorite Christmas classic movie.

I though the writing was good and the story kept me interested throughout. I appreciate that the author portrayed PTSD and survivors guilt in a true and honest manner but somehow managed to not let it drag the story down.

Overall this was a heartwarming read that has convinced me to pick up something else from the author sometime very soon.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

George is a familiar character from other Darling books, and it’s finally his turn for a happy ever after. After struggling for years with his demons from letting his best friend, Ian, down while on a military operation, George has a good job and friends who believe in him. Amy Merck, Ian’s twin sister, has finally tracked down George so she can get some answers about what happened to her brother. Seeing her causes George to struggle again with his past. Can Amy and George work through their issues to finally get their happily ever after?

Homeless veteran George Reilly finally starts getting his life together after landing in Darling, Vermont. Kind souls who understood him helped him get on his feet, gave him a job and helped him get an apartment.
Trying hard to push back the haunting war memories, the guilt of watching his best friend die, he avoided Ian's family and at first tried to drink himself to self medicate the PTSD.
He was slowly overcoming the memories until Amy, Ian's sister showed up at his job for answers and made him understand Ian's death was not on him, that the family didn't forgive him...because there was nothing to forgive.
Amy was battling her own demons, her inability to have children and her husband's affair and subsequent divorce destroyed her self esteem.
Together they helped each other battle their demons for their HEA.
This is a sweet and heart warming tale appropriate to the season to help us all remember that just because our vets are home...it doesn't mean they are okay...some still need extra help.
I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley and was delighted in the well written tale.

A modern story dealing with loss (different kinds), trust and PTSD. This was just okay for me. It felt a little repetitious at times, but I did like the basic moral of learning how to let things go and stop beating yourself up about things.

**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.**

This book is a slow burn, never quite reaches a boiling hot romance but it is just a slow simmer of desire. You can tell the characters want tp be with each other but if only they wold stop thinking and start feeling and listening to their hearts desires and that they are both good enough for each other. They are two parts of a half and need each other to fill the voids of past hurts. I love how he shows that he is sorry in this book. It is really sweet and you catch a glimpse into his heart and how big it truly is. It is a good Christmas story.

I loved this holiday trip to Darling, Vermont. It uses the best attributes of small town romance as a lens for examining the social issues of homelessness and PTSD among soldiers returning from recent wars. It is thoughtful, not flashy or fluffy, but the author doesn't allow the serious subject matter to draw the story down into a depressing spiral.
George has just recently begun rebuilding his life and isn't prepared for a ghost from his past to show up in Darling. Amy came to Darling for answers about her brother's death and isn't prepared to abandon the cottage she booked for the holidays because her presence makes George uncomfortable. Local celebrations sprinkle them with Christmas spirit and give opportunities for two lonely souls to connect. I think it's a great addition to your Christmas reading or to your Darling, VT collection.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.