Goodness and Light

Blount offers a heartwarming story that spans half a lifetime before the book even really begins. The true meaning of serendipity shines through as Elena and Lucas grow closer. A great contemporary read!

Sweet and Emotional romance. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Goodness and Light is one of four new novella's from Tule Publishing's Christmas in New York series. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, however, this story ends with an epilogue that wraps up the entire series, so you may want to read it last. Goodness and Light is a highly emotional novella and I recommend keeping a box of tissues nearby.

This story is about two kids that shared a very special moment of camaraderie during the first 9/11 Remembrance event. Both Elena Larsen and Lucas Adair lost a parent on that tragic day, and as a result, their new normal continues to be immensely difficult to navigate. Now thirteen years later, they happen to meet again in New York City and end up spending lots of time together, which evolves into a full-fledged loving relationship. Lots of hiccups and revelations along the way though.

I enjoyed this novella as well as the entire series. I found Goodness and Light to be emotional and realistic, since the plot hits close to home. I liked Elena, but I found Lucas to be a very compelling character. His ability to live his life while providing good cheer, gives new meaning to the spirit of Christmas. I look forward to reading more from author Patty Blount.

A very very emotional romance, beautiful book be prepared to cry

Goodness and Light is an enjoyable festive novella, but You may need some tissues within reach as less than 10% in, I had a little cry.

Rewind 13 years to the 9/11 atrocities and a lanky teenage boy sees a girl broken at ground zero. Understanding her grief, he hands her a crystal snowflake as comfort, and disappears.

When Elena Larson reluctantly returns to Manhattan in 2014 to help her pregnant sister prepare for her new arrival, she meets Lucas Adair, a man who understands the grief and pain she lives with in every possible way. And friendship soon becomes more.

If I'm honest, Elena frustrated me with the way she treated those closest to her. Her loss and deep-set guilt is unimaginable, yet she meets the most patient, kind, exceptional man in Luke, with his own guilt-ridden past and she acts selfishly. Nevertheless, when she let her guard down she was likeable and I was rooting for them to find their HEA.

Last year I stood in the 9/11 Memorial Park and to see hope rise from something so devastating humbled me. For me, Patty Blount has portrayed this message in this novella perfectly.

A story of Love overcoming quilt. Not only do the books have good character development for the women, but also for the men in their lives. A Christmas story that is based on America's tragedy, and how love & understanding are able to triumph.

Sweet and Emotional romance. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Beautiful story of heartbreak and forgiveness. Lucas and Elena take us on a journey of regret, pain and redemption. Goodness and Light by Patty Blout is heartbreaking journey of two people finding the power of redemption, love and healing in each other.

This book can be read as a stand alone book. But I urge you all to read the 4 books of the "Christmas in New York" Series Starting with Jeannie Moon's "This Christmas" and finishing with Patty Blount's "Goodness and Light" As I said I have read the other three (3) books in this series, this book really touched me. It took hold of my heart and held it to the very last word! Luke and Elena, two people sharing the the same memories and devastation of September 11 2001. Two very young people a chance encounter years earlier at a Yearly Remembrance Event. Little do they know that many years later that event will play such important part in their lives. Trust, Forgiveness and Love all emotions dealt with but not in the way we as readers think will happen when we read a "Romance Novel". A perfect book book for the holiday season! This book is one I know I will read over and over again. Just a little request for the author, Kara needs her story. I feel another Holiday romance coming on next year :)

Four writer friends, love and laughter, families and festivities, Christmas and miracles……a magical Christmas In New York!!!!

Christmas In New York series is the compilation of four writer friends and their wonderful stories of lost love, second chances, friendships and relationships and the magical wishes of Christmas that gives four friends a future of love, trust and understanding.

This Christmas (Jake and Sabrina) – Jeannie Moon All I Want For Christmas (Cassandra and Sean) – Jennifer Gracen A Light In The Window (Jade and Ben) – Jolyse Barnett Goodness And Light (Elena and Lucas) – Patty Blount And they can all be read standalone!

Young minds can be so impressionable and susceptible to pain and guilt that can be carried into their adult years, and if that pain and guilt cannot be dissuaded somehow, it sure affects lives. Elena Larsen lost her mother to 9/11, thirteen years ago and hasn’t set foot in NY since then. But now with her sister Kara pregnant (hoping to see her HEA coming Christmas ;)), Elena lands in the city of pain to help Kara and stumbles into the charming Lucas Adair, little knowing that she has met him briefly before……precisely thirteen years ago.

Lucas Adair is also a victim of 9/11, where he had lost his mother. Riddled with guilt and pain, he goes down a path of jailed time. But with the help of a friend, and helping the needy, Lucas had the opportunity to get over his loss and guilt and make a better person of him. A chance meeting with Elena kindles his heart with feelings of hope and love, little realizing that he had met her briefly……..thirteen years ago at Ground Zero.

“Goodness and Light” is more than just a feel good, second chance at love story. It explores the pain and trauma of terrorism that had ripped families apart and had touched everyone that touched tragedy. It tells the story of two such beautiful people as fate reconnects them one more time, and this time to put to rest pain and guilt and build a future with goodness, light and love.

Patty Blount did a marvelous job of penning the characters of Lucas and Elena and this is my favorite of all the four stories. Looking forward to reading more from this dynamo of a writer.

www.alimalivzletlivz.com

This is a wonderfully moving story about two people who are connected by one horrific event. The events of 9/11 have altered both their lives and when they meet again years later this common bond is still a huge factor. I found this story very emotional and encompassing everything the holiday season should. Love, trust, and forgiveness.

I highly recommend this book for everyone's holiday reading list.

Four separate and standalone books about four women who are have been friends since they were children. Their mothers are sorority sisters. When they were born they formed their own sorority based on their friendship and without Greek letters.

First is Sabrina Gervais, a single mother to 9-year old Charlotte. Bree for short, she still pines of Jake Killen, her only lover and Charlotte’s father. Out of the blue, Jake comes back to Bree’s life. Charlotte wants her daddy; Bree wants her lover back but there is too much water that has passed under the bridge. Can Bree and Jake forgive each other for all their mistakes and their hurt to give Charlotte a family she had been wishing for every Christmas since she could remember? (This Christmas by Jeannie Moon)

Then there is Cassandra Baines, the quintessential New Yorker. On a fast track on her career, Cassie almost has everything except the man she loves; Sean McKinnon broke her heart seven years ago. Then she walks into his bar and all bets were off. The question, will their careers continue to pull them apart or are they willing to compromise this time? (All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen)

Next, we have Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel and her childhood best friend turned nemesis, Ben Stephens. They meet in upstate New York, in their hometown of Starling. But while Ben has found his own niche and on his way up his chosen career, Jade’s career is in the doldrums. With memories of teen angst and high school bullying, Jade has to find forgiveness in herself even before she can take the first step to Ben. Question is, will Ben even be there to meet Jade halfway?

And finally, we have Goodness and Light by Patty Blount, the most heartbreaking story! It follows Elena Larsen and Lucas Adair, two September 11 orphans. It’s been 13 years, but the events of that fateful day are as fresh as newly fallen snow in their memories. Their attraction to each other is palpable but will it develop into love that can heal their hearts?

All four books are easy reads, which you can actually finish in one sitting being novellas. Great storytelling using concise words; all four books are thoroughly enjoyable. Though they are solid stories as they are, their brevity is also their downfall. After reading each book, I wanted more. I want deeper background stories; I want more interaction among the hero and the heroines. And perhaps, that is my Christmas wish for this book!

All four books are Rated T and YA for teens and young adults. There are sex scenes but they are implied rather and not graphic.

This is something I haven’t done before. I’m saying the same thing at the beginning of each of this series reviews. I highly recommend reading all four of the stories. None is too long, but all fit together wonderfully.

Goodness and Light is part of the Christmas in New York series. In the past I have enjoyed the Montana series from this publisher. Then I found the Southern series, which is also very good. However, I love, love, love this series.

I would be hard press to say which of these novellas my favorite is. The entire series is a true delight. Five girlfriends who mothers were best friends so they feel more like family than friends. While each has a different author, all are well written.

Goodness and Light is the most emotionally touching of these Christmas in New York stories. It is not just a romance but also a beautiful and bittersweet story about loss, love, family and forgiving one’s self. What looks at first to be such a contrast between Lucas and Elena is not as the author peels back the layers of their grief, hurts and fears. They are more alike than different and both must come to terms with it. You will need a box of tissues handy with this read. Poignant, powerful read.

Last thought – Elena is right, Kara does need a happy-ever-after, too.

I really enjoyed this book. What every other review said is completely true. Definitely needed some tissues. The story though I felt was really unique and was entertaining to read. Was short, but still worth spending the time to read.

An emotional read of learning to trust and forgiveness. Elena and Lucas have something in common they both lost their mothers in 9/11. They were both young at the time with a lot of grief and guilt. Lucas has been able to move on with his volunteering as an outlet. Elena still holds on, and blames herself. It turns out they have a history with a crystal snowflake. Can Elena realize the only mistake she has made in life is not trusting the people who love you.
I highly recommend this book along with the other Christmas in New York books, this book ties up the other three books.

This is book 4 in the Christmas in New York series and was my second favorite of the four. As with the first three in the series, Ms. Blount is a writer with a good voice and the story is well paced. What I really liked about this series as a whole is that the 4 writers chosen to write the novellas have a style and voice that work well together making the series seamless. I would have to say that it is one of my favorite Christmas series. Kudos to all four writers.

Our two main characters in this novella are Elena and Lucas who both lost their mothers in the tower collapse of 911. Both of them carry guilt that their last spoken words with their moms had been the heat of the moment ugly words that can happen during teenage drama. The pain of never be able to say they were sorry can be quite a burden to carry and definitely has caused Elena to close herself off from those she loves. This is her journey in finding hope and love.

The characters in this story are fleshed out and feel so real you can feel their pain. This one touches on the grief of 911 and definitely has moments that for some of us may require Kleenex. The character of Al, Lucas’s friend and Kara, Elena’s sister are just the right supporting cast for the story. (Of course the characters in the first three novels get to make an appearance or two.)

I use Goodreads rating: 4 Stars is I really like it and recommend it to others. I received this as an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Goodness and Light is an emotional moving novel that lures readers in like no other. The story is about two young people who end up losing someone due to 9/11 attack. But fate has a funny way of bringing these two back together. Lucas is drawn to Elena in a way he can't ignore. As the stunning yet unforgettable plot unfolds, both Elena and Lucas end up feeling strong attraction towards each other. But just like our world, both characters go through obstacles fighting for their love.

I found this novel to be inspiring and addictive. I loved the strong characters that Patty Blount has created in her beautiful story. I can easily relate to both characters. I would recommend this book to every reader. It's a novel that one will always remember. Overall, I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars.

Guilt has a funny way of making life not so easy. As both Elana and Luke deal with life and then guilt they are brought together repeatedly and not sure why. While Elana is fighting it and Luke it running with it they both are forced to deal with things that they never saw coming. This book has such raw emotions throughout the whole book I had such a had time putting the book down to go to bed. This book hands down is my favorite book out of all of the Christmas in New York books. While you really don't need to read all the other books to find out what is going on I think that you should everything will make a lot more since and the relationship that the 5 girls have is amazing. The girls are really faced with a lot of heart and toughness in the book but the true definition of friendship is really put out the in this book and not just with the girls. All I have say is grab a box a tissues and get ready for an amazing book on forgiveness, love and just that feeling of finally coming home.

Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount

"Goodness and Light" by Patty Blount is the fourth and final book in the multi-authored "Christmas in New York" series. The series tells the tale of a group of girlfriends and the men they fall in love with. I read all four books in one day. Once I started with book one, I just couldn't help myself and had to find out what was in store for the other friends. ^.^ While each book can be read as a standalone, I do recommend that they be read in order because the stories are loosely connected.

Elena Larsen has never been able to fully deal with the pain of losing her mother when the World Trade Center was hit on September 11, 2001. Along with still mourning her loss, Elena carries with her the guilt of having gotten into a disagreement with her mother the night before that fateful day, believing that her mother died thinking Elena hated her and wished her dead. From that time on, Elena has stayed as far away from New York as she can.

Thirteen years ago, Lucas Adair lost his mother when the towers fell on September 11th and while he still misses her, he has tried to lead as good a life as possible, doing a great deal for others without expecting anything in return. He refuses to be thought of as a hero for doing what he does. The loss of his mother still affects him but he doesn't want to wallow in the darkness that once led him to physically attack someone else.

Elena and Lucas have experienced their respective losses and may appear to be handling each differently but Lucas knows what it's like to be burdened by guilt so he can identify with what Elena is still going through. There's a kinship that they both share but it isn't limited to just the loss of their respective mothers and the guilt they have experienced. Their paths have crossed before and it seems fate has been trying to tell them something from that time up to the present.

There are numerous signs in the story that Lucas interprets one way and Elena another, and I liked that there wasn't this automatic belief in any of the signs. There's a bit of skepticism on both their parts but more on Elena's than Lucas', and it takes a good while before she realizes that the signs mean something. Obviously, the trauma they have both gone through has affected them in similar ways but, as the years have passed, they've dealt with it rather differently.

Though Elena and Lucas are the stars of this story, it was good to get more insight on Elena's older sister Kara. Her story seems like an interesting one and she's obviously going through her own issues, what with facing the future as a single mom after her boyfriend leaves her once they found out about the pregnancy. Her relationship with Elena also provides a better perspective on what Elena and how different they are.

Of the four books in the "Christmas in New York" series, "Goodness and Light" is my favorite. The characters had depth and the story is both poignant but hopeful. The idea that these two met as young teenagers at the very spot where they both lost their mothers and then to meet again years later will make anyone want to believe in fate, signs, and Christmas miracles. ^.^ I'm giving book four in the series five stars. Talk about ending the series on a high! ♥

I have loved every book in this series but this one is my absolute favorite. I cried so much while reading this book but it helped me more than I can explain. I lost my grandpa last Christmas and I have been kicking myself for not going and seeing him the day he died. This book showed me the things I have thought were signs from him may really be signs from him. This book is a must read but keep the tissues handy.

Just finished Goodness and Light and I loved this book for so many reasons. There's the obvious romance with two characters whom I warned to straight away, but then under that there's grief, guilt, forgiveness and hope. This may sound twee, but this book encompasses all of these things and yet manages to be a darned good read as well. Both Elena and Lucas lost their mothers in the World Trade Centre attacks and both are deeply scarred as a result. Lucas has largely come to deal with his loss thanks to one amazingly supportive man but for Elena the guilt is a very heavy burden to bear. From the first it is clear to everybody that these two were meant for each other but the path to happiness is not smooth for either of them. I found this book not only an enjoyable read but thought provoking as well.

Elena Larsen hasn't been to New York since she was 13, that's when her Mom died in one of the Twin Towers on 9/11. She was always a handful to her parents. Rebellion was her nature. Lucas also lost his mother in the Twin Towers, however, being in New York makes him feel closer to her presence. In the first Rememberance at Ground Zero a year after the tradegy, Lucas sees the anguish of a young girl and offers her a snowflake ornament to give her strength. This book was so beautiful that I couldn't put it down. It is a story of second chances and believing that there can be happiness after such tradegy. It is a must read!

Goodness and Light was an inspirational and romantic story from beginning to end. A must read!

Wow very good book with a very powerful back story. Elena & Lucas are both living with the same kind of guilt except Lucas has learned how to live with it Elena hasn't. They both lost their mother on 9/11, they worked together in the same office but they didn't know it. 13 yrs ago Elena stood at the pit for a Christmas service contemplating her end, she couldn't handle the pain she carried from her last encounter with her mom the day before she died, when she's approached by a handsome boy who gives her a crystal snowflake & tells her that there still is good & light in the world then leaves. 13 yrs later she's back in New York for the 1st time since her mothers death to help her sister with the birth of her child & is run over by jerks on the sidewalk knocking her to the ground only to be helped up by a very handsome man. Later she goes to help out in her sister place for a fundraiser for SFG(9/11 families) only to run into the man who helped out on the street. They work together & finally become friends but Elena isn't sticking around so their is no reason to get to comfy with Lucas, but that doesn't work out because Lucas has his mind set on Elena even for a short time. They eventually tell their secrets to each other, realizing that they have a past which might get in the way & Elena runs when Lucas declares his love for her. Lucas can't accept that Elena doesn't believe that she's worth his love & decides to cut all ties with her even to the point of asking for his snowflake back, hurting Elena even further. Is there a chance that Elena can win Lucas back? Can Elena put aside her fears? This book had me crying within the first chapter & kept it up all the way through. I think the author did a wonderful job expressing the pain & guilt of the surviving children of these victims. Very moving story. Would definitely recommend it & the rest of the series as well.

This was a wonderful story and great addition to the Christmas in New York series. This was touching and lovely, full of holiday scenes and spirit. Can't wait to read more by this author!

This was a great, quick holiday read!

Oh my what a wonderful story.I thought this was beautifully written and it was so amazing. 100% awesome.

Elena returned to New York for the birth of her sister's baby. She left as a teenager, shortly after 9/11, and hasn't returned since. She lost her mother in the attacks, and it is simply too painful. Upon her arrival, she bumps into a hot stranger, Luke. Elena knows she is only going to be there for a few weeks, but Luke pursues her. Can she come to terms with the city that causes her so much pain?

This was another great story in the Christmas in New York quartet. It is book 4, but all can be read as stand-alones. This story is very heart-wrenching. Elena carries around so much guilt surrounding the death of her mother. Luke also lost his mother and dealt with similar issues. Both broken, they try to heal each other.

Let me start by saying this series was a holiday treat! All four books in the Christmas in New York series published by Tule Publishing thru their Holiday Books community of writers were fantastic. Each was unique yet held the same feel good holiday heart-warmth you want to read this time of year!
Every single one of these stories gives joyful and true meaning to the term Serendipity or happy accident/a pleasant surprise. In this story, we have a moment in time 13 years before that leads to a chance meet present day. Thirteen years before, two teens met on a bridge. The boy gave the girl an crystal snowflake ornament and off he went into the night ..... And now it is 13 years later and we have out story :)
WARNING: This is a tough read at times because the events of 9/11 are featured strongly in the story. For me, there was some serious sobbing going on at times but there were also some seriously sweet moments as well. Perfect combination for a holiday reading treat!
Elena and Lucas have some serious baggage to get thru/over/put behind, whatever you want to term it, they must get past it in order to make room for a future together. When Elena comes home for the first time in 13 years to help her sister with the birth of her baby, she doesnt have any plans of staying. New York holds zero fond moments for her and it is tough enough just to be there for a month. Now Lucas wouldnt live anywhere else even if you paid him (as the saying goes). When they meet for the 'first time', there is an instant connection. Might that be because they have met before ? ;)
I'm gonna warn you and say most of you may not like Elena at first .... but give her time, she'll warm up to ya! Now Lucas is a different story. From the beginning he is the most patient and kind man you could ask for. He himself has a guilt ridden past to get thru as well, put he's just not so selfish about it.
READ THIS STORY .... YOU WONT REGRET IT!
One last thing I'd like to add. Even tho all four of these stories could be read as stand alone novellas, I highly recommend you read them in order. And this story has an Epilogue that involves all the couples from previous books so it would help to 'get it' if you read this one last :)

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review!

3 - "I believe in people." Stars.

A poignant and thought provoking finale to the Christmas in new York series of novellas.

Elena and Lucas, are both dealing with feelings of guilt, and struggling with the grief and loss of loved ones in the September 11th attacks.

"Sometimes, we're afraid of the wrong things."

Thirteen years on and Elena's return to New York for the first time since that dreadful chapter in the cities history, brings to the forefront everything that she has worked so hard to keep supressed.

Another great series from Tule publishing, I hope we get more from the women in these stories at some point in the future.

"When one of us is hurt, all of us bleed."

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

The last in the Christmas in New York series which was given to me in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

Another cover that's similar to the rest in the series but with new images which look cute and heart warming but I don't think that the couple at the top are fitting for the couple in the story.

This was definitely saved the best until last as this book was amazing and the only thing I could say against it was that I wished it was longer just so I could get more. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride which kicked off from the moment I started it, I was crying by chapter two and towards the end I was in floods of tears. I like it when a book can make me feel emotions as I feel as though the author has taken me completely into the world that they had created. Out of all the books that I have read in this series this one is by far my favourite story as the romance part of the story was beautifully written but also there was more to the story as it was also about the way in which they where coping with grief. The use of signs was a great addition as I like to believe that there are signs out there we just need to know how to notice them. I loved the ending as it was so cute and heart warming and then the little epilogue at the end was a great way to end the series with hope that there is another one to come as I would love to see Kara get her Happy Ever After.

I adored the characters every single one of them. Elena was one of the girls that wasn't in many of the other books like the other girls so I was looking forward to get to know her. She had a lot of issues to deal with but apart from that I thought she was a great character. Lucas was amazing and like Elena thought I too thought he was too good to be true but the more we got know him the more that we find out why he is the way he is which did shock me but I still couldn't help but love him. I loved that we got to see more of the girls from the previous books but there was also more of Kara which was nice to see and we also got introduced to new characters and I loved them just as much as the main characters especially Al.

Overall this was an amazing story and I would highly recommend it. This is my first Patty Blount book that I have read and with her sensitive and beautiful story I know I will have to read more from her as this was an amazing book.

We will forever remember 9/11. This book brought back memories from that awful day. Elena and Lucas had a moment that day but haven't seen each other in years. Elena isn't planning on staying in NYC and Lucas isn't planning on ever leaving - can they make something of this "relationship" or is it better to go their own ways again? I loved this book. thank you for allowing me to read and review this story.

The books in tho series are about a central group of characters, but each is written by a different author. It was a nice way to be introduced to different authors, and I liked that each and a slightly different style. The characters were strong, and the story lines were interesting

Wow - a superb book, brilliantly written that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to other readers!

It tells the story of Elena who, as a teenager, lost her Mum in the Twin Tower 9/11 disaster. She's never got over her feelings of guilt and inadequacy after this and has only returned to New York now to help support her sister, who is about to give birth.

This heart wrenching story explores guilt felt by survivors and the relatives of victims. It is superbly told and had me in tears at some points. Characters, their angst, mixed emotions and reactions are portrayed and related in a way which makes them east to empathise and relate to. It is one of the best books I've read and I'll certainly be looking out for other books by this superb author.

Goodness and Light is book #4 in the Christmas in New York series and it was a great ending to the series.

In Goodness and Light both the hero and heroine are still trying to deal with losing their mother in 9/11.

Elena returns to New York City after thirteen years to help her big sister Kate prepare for the birth of her baby but being back in NYC bring back the guilt that she feels for the death of her mom.

Lucas also lost his mother on 9/11 and he feels guilty for her death since they had a big fight before she died but Lucas is trying to be a better person by volunteering and helping families that lost loved ones during 9/11.

Elana meet Lucas on her first day back in NYC and she feels a very strong connection to him and she's surprised to learn that her sister is working with him in a charity organization and since Kate is on bed rest Elana is helping Lucas organize a holiday party.

Both Lu7cas and Elana feel that they don't deserve to be happy but the more time they spend together it's easier for them to try and move forward and let go of all the guilt they feel.

Goodness and Light deal with a very sad subject and I think the author was able to balance the sad parts with happy moments.

This is the first fiction book I read that deal with 9/11 and I hope it won't be the last.

Thirteen years ago a young Elena Larsen met a boy she believed an angel who saved her from herself and gave a snowflake.

Lucas "Luke" Adair spends his time helping those in need; after he himself was saved by someone who saw the good in him.

Elena and Luke both lost their mother during the 9/11 attacks, while Elena has become consumed by sorrow, Luke has been trying to help those in need. A chance encounter between them has them wondering about the other, but when Kara sends her baby sister to take her place at the center she volunteers at, guess who Elena finds running the place.

Elena and Luke begin to spend a lot of time together and as their feelings grow, they realize that if they are able to overcome their issues they will have a future together.

You might be wondering about the boy she believed an angel, if you guessed it was Luke, then you were right. The story was sweet and moving; at times I hated Elena because Luke was such a great guy. I mean he was really great, like Prince Charming great and Elena kept pushing him away; as you read the story you come to realize what is burdening Elena and why she is the way she is. The story is really emotional, especially because there is a lot of portrayal as to how these two dealt with losing their mothers in a horrific even, but also it portrays how people were able to come together and help each other.

Rating 4 out of 5 Read@Book

A beautiful and sad story.. I enjoyed it and will look for more books by this author in the future.

From Tule Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for a review. One of a number of novellas set in New York around Christmas time, other stories reviewed include All I want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen, A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett and This Christmas by Jeannie Moon.

Fictional characters experiencing 9/11 is centered in reality and that many can relate to even if the didn’t lose anyone. For two children to lose a parent, especially when already feeling lost, is the premise of this story and whilst they were never in love when younger (a premise in the other stories) they still had a connection – Lucas giving an unknown girl a Christmas trinket from the mother he’d just lost in the hope that it prevented her from jumping.

A decade or so later, Elena returns to New York to her sister Kara, who is in the last month of her pregnancy. On the doorstep she meets Luke (Lucas), he of the stunning smile, and whilst attracted to him, refuses to see a future as she would be leaving after the child is born. Little does she know, but she needs to stand in for Kara (who has been signed off sick) as a volunteer for the local charity, and this throws her in the path of Luke time and again. Meanwhile, Luke’s friend has a thing for “signs” and it is a leap of faith for the Lucas and Elena to look for forgiveness in themselves, their dead parent, and those around them.

The main characters here both have their own issues to overcome – primarily over the loss of a parent in such traumatic circumstances. Neither are particularly open to new encounters after more than a decade of hurt. This seems the most real of the 4 novellas in the series, probably because of the “realness” of 9/11 as an actual event.

Of course there are obstacles to overcome, but this is a romance after all so I think you can be rest assured that things will work out just fine!

I shed tears while reading this story. This book revolves around the 9/11 attacks, and I was not expecting that, so my emotions were super high! I felt so connected to the characters, and I was so invested in this story. I find it so impressive that an author can manage that in so little pages. Bravo!