Finding Christmas

This is an absolutely fantastic story filled with so much emotion you will need a tissue or two. Never fear though, they are happy tears. Its a story of a woman returning home after a terrifying injury in the military. With a touch of PTSD, a new prosthesis, and an overprotective family, Maggie Benson isn't sure she will ever feel whole again. Yet with the love and support of her family, friends, and a wonderful man by the name of Will Fitzgerald, she slowly finds herself feeling more confident everyday and dare she say happy??

This is a wonderful story of bravery, hope, and love. The perfect pick me up after the stress filled days during the holidays. I definitely recommend this one for everyone's must read list.

Mary Margaret "Maggie" Benson was always one who strove to the best at what she did from the time she was little. So when she got the chance to go to college and become a Navy Officer she took it. It all seemed to be perfect - flying planes, great shipmates, a boyfriend, and a career that was going strong. Then it all came crashing down, literally when the plane she was flying on a routine patrol was shot, damaged slightly at first before a fire broke out causing her to have to eject. The next thing she remembers is waking up weeks later, 2 days before Christmas in a hospital, her body severely burned. The following Christmas Maggie was in the hospital again this time because of a leg amputation due to an infection. So after much deliberation she decided to come home as she realized she had pushed her family away enough. Christmas had always been her favorite time of year before and she was slowly overcoming her fears. Now it was time to put the big girl panties on and deal with the stares that people would have and the questions they would ask. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine not only would she find Christmas again but also true love from a man who understood what she was feeling and going through far more than anyone else could.

Will Fitzgerald (know as the "pantry-dropper" among a certain group of ladies) was a former NBA star had his own career crash when he was seriously injured one night while playing around with friends. He lost the dream of playing pro basketball for years as well as his wife. But there is a saying - as one door closes, another one opens. Well Will had found it by becoming a teacher and basketball coach at the high school in Holly Point as well coaching paralympians. When he heard Maggie was back in town, Will hoped he would get the chance to talk to her as he knew he might know some of what she was dealing with on a first hand basis. What he did not expect though was to become overwhelmed by her beauty and this desire to hold on to her, protecting her from the negatives that seemed to come up from no where.

Maggie has so many demons on her mind that she needs to work through and Will is more than willing to give her whatever she needs to do that. The question now is can Maggie see that Will is her new lifeline and is not going anywhere? Is Will willing to take the chance at love and maybe marriage again? Can these two unique souls find love in time for the magic of Christmas.

Jeannie Moon is an incredible author, whose books are ones that you never want to put down until you have reached the end. And then you are actually mad because they have. She is able to take people in all walks of life and intertwine them so they pull at your heart strings, making you cry and give a shout of joy when it comes to the magically ending. This is one that does all this and more, especially those who have been touched in their lives by ones in the military.

(I have received an advanced copy for my honest review)

This book was simply stunning. It is a story of amazing courage, bravery, and love with a little Christmas magic thrown in. I cannot find the words to truly express how much I loved Will and Maggie. They were both amazing characters in their own right. The only downside is that there wasn't more!

Maggie Benson is finally home from serving her country in the Middle East. Everyone calls her a hero. Her town even wants her in the Christmas parade. But Maggie doesn't feel like a hero and wishes everyone would stop calling her one. Coming to terms with losing part of her leg and the burn scars has been very difficult.

After former pro basketball player Will Fitzgerald suffered a career ending injury and came to teach at Holly Point, he was the topic of speculation and gossip. So he knew how Maggie felt and refuses to let her go through what he went through.

With Will's help, Maggie learns to trust and love again.

My heart went out to Maggie and all that she had to endure. I couldn't imagine going through what she did. Will was a wonderful match for her and I was inspired by both of their strengths. The author did a fabulous job with this book. She got everything just right and really made this book come to life.

Maggie, a disable vet has returned home for the holidays. The last few Christmas have not been very good in her book. She meets Will, who will show her the magic of Christmas again. Maggie is a very strong and determined person, who will not let her disability hold her back now. Will is so kind, caring and passionate with Maggie, he shows her what true love is. He helps her believe in love and the magic of Christmas.

I highly recommend this story to read this holiday season. I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.

a quick well written read

A beautiful Christmas story about finding love when all hope is basically lost. Overcoming so many emotions and trials brings these two so much pain and heartache but also the joys of hope and love. 

Maggie has been through what would have killed most people. And returning home for the holidays she finally let's her family back in instead of pushing them away. But she's lost. Doesn't know where she fits anymore and she fears she may never know. 

Will knows what it is like to lose everything in one split second. One minute doing what you're made to do and the next complete disaster. So when he meets Maggie he is instantly drawn to her. Not as the town hero or disabled veteran, but as a woman. Strong and sexy and driving him crazy. With the two past Christmases bringing about horrible memories for her, Will knows just what he has to do for her, help her find Christmas and the magic of it all.

With their out of this world attraction, Maggie must make a choice and overcome her fears. But c I uld Will ever really want someone like her? Can she trust her own feelings for him or let him go for his own good? Will must prove to Maggie he is in this for the long haul. 

I so want to visit Holly Point at Christmas. For a Christmas nut like me it sounds like the perfect place to be at Christmas. Maggie what a character with everything she has gone through she has found an inner strength to fight though it's tough for her some days. She has come home for the holidays trying to find her way after serious injury costing part of her leg. She find an unexpected bonus of Will when comes into her life. Will has a huge heart and it's exactly the missing piece in Maggie's life. Maggie wants nothing to do with relationships because she feels she isn't worthy, but slowly Will breaks down her walls. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Will goes to comfort Maggie on Thanksgiving night. It's such a sweet moment the truly defines the essence of Will's character. It's a bumpy road for these two, but with the magic of the season nothing is impossible.

4.5 stars

Finding Christmas was a beautiful and heartwarming read.

From the first page I was hooked, loved Maggie and Will.
Maggie's story touched my heart, she'd been through so much. I admired her strength and determination to get her life back.
Will was the perfect man for Maggie, he made her feel beautiful, scars and all. Will had a beautiful compassionate heart and fell in love with Maggie unconditionally. I loved seeing them together, they were fun, sweet and they truly were perfect for each other.

I'm a huge fan of Jeannie Monn's writing and once again she's given her readers a beautifully written romance that will touch your heart and leave you feeling happy and full of love.

Thank you to Tule Publishing via NetGalley for the advance copy.

**I received this book as an ARC from Tule Publishing via NetGalley. In return I will give an honest review**
Wow!! Such a good Christmas read. 4.5 stars 🌟
This is a story full of strength, love, heart break, and family. This book had so many things going right for it. First off a very well written book with excellent character development. Maggie was at a low in life and suffering from PTSD she decided to come back home in hopes that family and Christmas spirit would help find herself. Will had a tough break but had made his way out of it and helping others. When they find I each other it is something magical. I absolutely love Maggie's family. What great parents she has and those crazy siblings of hers. And let me say Maggie is such a strong woman I adore her. Will, oh what can I say, is perfect!!!
The only reason I couldn't give this a full 5 stars is that when they hit a rough patch it felt like it was all rushed and though it broke my heart I didn't feel like they were as broke as I was. And then like all love stories the end was so rushed. I want more!!! If you want a book about beating the odds and finding love when you thought all was lost this is the book for you

Finding Christmas by Jeannie Moon is a moving and poignant holiday novella. This story is about Maggie Benson, a popular small-town girl that not only graduated college with honors, she also completed ROTC training to become a navy fighter pilot. Maggie was fearless and excelled in her job responsibilities, when a nearly fatal crash changed her life forever. After two years of rehabbing while distancing herself from her loving family, Maggie returns home to Holly Point to begin her new life. Her family and friends are overjoyed to have her back, especially in time for the holidays. However, Maggie desperately needs the magic of the season to help her make untroubled Christmas memories.

Will Fitzgerald was a star NBA player until an injury took him out of the game. Now he is settled in Holly Point, where he teaches math and coaches the high school basketball team. He has spent the last five years finding his new normal and he seems to be quite content. When Maggie walks into his life, his understanding of happiness changes, because there is something about her that is very attractive, besides her curves, kindness and outgoing personality. They hit it off immediately and within a very short-time, love is in the air.

I enjoyed this book, however the plot was fairly predictable. Maggie's aches and pains had me sobbing, while her zest for life kept me smiling. Maggie and Will are inspiring characters, and together, their inspiration meter is off the charts. They are also a hot couple, both in and out of the bedroom. I loved how the shore-town community incorporated their own unique traditions into the holiday season. Overall, this is a touching holiday novella with a wonderful happily ever after.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

She wishes she had died? Yeesh.

Well his ex sounds crazy. Lucky break for him that she dumped him.

Blech Ethan. Grow up!

Aw, poor Cass can't be that bad.

Good for you, girl, you put him in his place, the chauvinistic drunk.

Oh, burn!

If his wife couldn't support him, she didn't deserve him.

Omigod, are her aunt and Nora serious right now? She should take off her leg and slap them with it.

That was a funny comeback.

I love you Danny!

I don't wear jeans.

What's with her parents? He is not dating Matt, he's dating her.

Jeez, were the doctors trying to ruin Christmas for her?!

I wish her family would stop treating her like she's mentally challenged.

Finally her father stepped up.

I'll tell you what's wrong with a fake tree, buster!

Ever see the movie "Rust and Bone"?

Bravery comes in many forms. There is the determination to sign up to defend our country. Then there is the absolute courage it takes to walk into battle when others run the other way. And perhaps most heartbreaking is the bravery of a wounded veteran facing life in a far different way than they ever imagined. That look. The stares. The overly happy attitude around you. The sadness in the eyes of those that care about you but can do nothing to fix this. It takes another type of bravery to face, accept and live this new life, to carve something out of it that is uniquely yours. Never forget that being brave is a decision, but one that often comes with a cost.

Maggie is home. Not quite the way she had envisioned but she’d finally gotten brave enough to come back home to her loving family and the small town she grew up in. Now she’s not sure how to fit in. She’s not the person she once was and even though her crazy family loves her and wants to help – she’s not really certain that they can. She had hoped the special Christmas spirit of Holly Point would help her deal and perhaps start healing those demons that aren’t as visible as her leg.

Will knew what it was to have a career ending injury. Something that wiped out the dreams you had once believed in to leave you floundering until you made another dream come true. When Will met Maggie it was with the hope that he could help her as he had faced something similar. He didn’t expect the attraction or the desire to protect this woman from the world.

Maggie and Will’s romance is filled with tears and laughter, rough spots and healing, but most of all the love that two people found in the least likely place. Finding Christmas is a heartwarming, touching story of bravery, overcoming adversity and how the love of the right person can help the healing stick. If you adore a truly emotional, heart touching love story than this one is exactly what you need on your Christmas reading list.

*I received an e-ARC of Finding Christmas from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Loved it! I always enjoy the Holiday books from Tule and Jeannie Moon.
Reviewed on blog (link below)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2MNWIWZO47H0H/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1440027131

An honest review thanks to Netgalley...

Ummm... wow, this is the first book I read from Jeannie Moon, and I immediately fell in love, I read this book in two hours flat, unable to put it down. I fell in love with Maggie and Will so fast, they were perfect for each other, the chemistry and connection between them was amazing. More than that I loved all of the secondary characters, and there were a lot of them. This book is a quick read for sure but you won't want to put it down once you start. I have a feeling I am going to be reading a lot more of Jeannie Moon's books for now on.

Jeannie Moon doesn't disappoint with this Christmas novella that tugs at your heartstrings. Despite its length, there is excellent character development of both Maggie, the ex navy fighter pilot now an amputee and suffering from PTSD as a result of a crash, and Will, a former NBA player rebuilding his life in Holly Point after a career-ending injury. Finding Christmas is definitely a must-read. It's romantic, humorous, touching...and the characters are real and believable.

I loved returning to Holly Point – a town featured in last year’s Christmas in New York series - and revisiting characters we know from other stories. The twist of having Maggie, the heroine, as the returning wounded veteran with PTSD was well done and honored the many women serving our country, especially those who have been wounded in action. Maggie is wounded both physically and emotionally and returns home where the support of her family and close friends provides an anchor, but how challenging (and somehow also comforting) it must be also to return to the bedroom in which you grew up after those experiences. Maggie meets her young brother’s basketball coach Will, a former NBA player whose career and eventually his marriage were derailed by injury. While his wounds aren’t as obvious as Maggie’s, they still affect his him and allow him some insight and empathy into what Maggie is experiencing. He also provides a safe place for her, though she is not always willing to accept it as she works through her anger and grief. Maggie’s brother provides sweet opposition to the relationship – he is high school and this is his coach and his sister for goodness’ sake! – however, he comes around as well when he sees what his sister needs and that Will adores her. With her family, friends and the town behind them and their romance, Will sets out to win Maggie while Maggie tries to figure out how to show him that she trusts him.

I loved this book and how the writer was able to put details and have the couple have such chemistry all in one. i would recommend this book

If you’re looking for a very moving Christmas romance to read, look no further, this one is an amazing, poignant, festive novella that is also so heart warming.

The Benson family are stalwart members of the Holly Point community. They have three daughters and a son, all of whom have been closely involved with any community endeavours for many years, though Mary Margaret (Maggie) had left to become a high achieving navy pilot. Unfortunately she was involved in a serious incident where her plane was hit and then caught fire before crashing into the sea. She was severely burnt and infection in her foot resulted in her having it amputated. It has taken over two years of treatment, including lots of physical therapy, to help her recover. A war veteran, she’s returning to her loving family home for the first time, still not fully recovered physically or mentally from the traumatic events. She certainly doesn’t see herself as the hero the town wishes her to welcome her as . . . .

Will Fitzgerald was a star basketball player until a freak accident severely damaged his back. He lost his wife and his job as a result of this and is now a caring teacher at the local high school, coaching Maggie’s brother and the other members of their team. When he first actually meets Maggie, he knows much of what she’s gone through because Matt has discussed it with him. He thinks she’s amazing and the attraction between them is cautious but powerful. As Maggie copes with the transition back to being at home, her injuries and suffering from PTSD, Will is the one who seems to be able to help her pick up the pieces and make sense of living again. Can they both find joy in the festive season this year? Dare they take a chance on love?

This is a story that takes the reader on a total rollercoaster emotional ride. The feelings of Maggie are fundamental to the whole story and they are portrayed in such a moving manner the reader finds it easy to empathise with her and, at times, feel like protecting her whilst shaking some sense into the insensitive folks she encounters.Will is such a warm, caring gentleman you just can’t help hoping things will work out for the two of them. He helps her to realise that real beauty is from the inside and nothing to do with the so visible scars. It is a journey to a new reality necessitated by life threatening drama, but a journey that doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning all the old attitudes and fight, needing support without pity or totally losing independence, either physically or mentally.

It was great to reconnect with some of the characters from the earlier Christmas in New York novels but you don’t need to have read them to thoroughly enjoy this superb novella which I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Moon pens an original, heartwarming story with memorable characters who are against type and it works SO well. I cannot wait for the next book in the series-it is a winner!

Tule Publishing has released a many holiday books this season. It would be easy to overlook one since there are so many from which to choose. In spite of this it would be a real shame to not read Finding Christmas by Jeannie Moon. This captivating book is a realistic look at life from a wounded warrior perspective. Maggie’s struggles to recover and find her place in the civilian world is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. It was easy to get lost in the story.

Will and Maggie were such likable characters that I couldn’t help but want to give them a push in each other’s direction. Since Will had also watch one dream die, no one in Holly Point understood what Maggie was going through quite like he did. How he had revised his life impressed me. Not all former professional have managed to do so in such a positive way. Maggie has just as much strength of character so I knew she would fair well. I don’t think anyone could read their story without cheering this couple on.

It is a story of learning to survive and thrive. The fact that they really meet during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons serves to bring an extra sparkle to an already impressive story. I have read many holiday stories this year but none more inspiring then this one.

Sweet and cute. Perfect for a winters day

I enjoyed so much about this book. It has a touch of Christmas magic, true, but it also deals with loss, recovery, family and love. It’s like a big ol’ hug of fiction and I loved reading it.

Maggie is a woman who’s been through a lot – losing her leg and her career and all confidence in any hope of a future for herself – but she’s not beaten yet. I loved her strength and her determination, and I also liked her ability to cry, to know that things aren’t going to be the same. Sure, she has a the odd wallow, but she’s also capable of picking herself up, dusting herself off and moving forward again. She’s great.

As for Will – I adored him. He’s good and kind and sweet and understanding and awesome. The way he sees and treats Maggie is wonderful, but considering how he is with kids and teenagers and pretty much everyone he meets, I wasn’t surprised.

So why not five stars? Well, this story has such a great, steady build up that I found the ending a bit of a disappointing rush. Maggie has a moment, all is sad, then… well, it just felt a bit off for me. I would also have liked to have known more about Will’s own struggle with his injury and how he built a life for himself, while maybe hearing Maggie planning for the future. I know she’s got enough going on just coming to terms with her injury and returning home, but there’s very little looking ahead done. It might also have been nice for more of a balance to have been struck with her family and friends, they’re either firmly against things or suddenly all for them. Some middle ground would have been nice.

So it’s not perfect. Instead it’s a lovely, warm, thoughtful read that takes care and time to make Maggie’s issues real and life altering, without robbing her of hope or strength. It has a hero that is worth falling for and a romance that was as touching as it was heart-warming. If you’re looking for a moving, beautiful romance this Christmas, then this is definitely worth a look.

My 4.5 star review:

I loved returning to the town of Holly Point and author Jeannie Moon offers up another spectacular, moving and magical story in Finding Christmas. There is always something special when two people meet and connect on a deep level from the start and this couple did just that; perhaps it was because they’d both suffered a career ending injury or maybe they were just destined to be together. While one hoped to find someone to settle down with, the other was convinced that part of life was over; it just took the right person to make all their dreams come true.

I am not going to lie Maggie Benson’s life has not been easy. As a Navy aviator having her plane struck by a missile and ejecting out of the cockpit because of fire Maggie’s life was forever changed. Bad enough she suffered burns on a good portion of her body but losing her foot and part of her leg due to infection just added insult to injury and led her down a very dark place. Maggie has come home to her family two years after the accident and one year after the amputation trying to figure out what is next in her life; what she doesn’t expect is to meet a man who seems as crazy about her and she is about him.

Will Fitzgerald is the best kind of man. From the moment they meet he treats Maggie like a woman, not like an invalid. As time goes on and he gets to know Maggie he respects her wit, her intelligence and her willingness to share her trauma with him. I loved that Will didn’t baby Maggie, but he was there for her when she needed him. He never sugar coated anything but gave her his strength and stood by her side and most of all he made her feel desirable and sexy.

Maggie’s large and overbearing family are of course concerned about her as are her friends, but not only does Maggie make them understand she’s strong enough to make her own decisions, Will lets them know he will be there for her through everything. As they explore a relationship their feelings run deep quickly, but Maggie’s fears and her PTSD keep rearing their ugly heads.

It was very easy to love this novella and watch as Maggie found happiness and a reason to enjoy the Christmas season again with Will by her side. While there were moments of doubt and some emotional struggles, there was way more moments of sheer joy and so much love.

A beautifully told story of loss, healing, hope and love all set in a small idyllic town with a holiday background made Finding Christmas another amazing offering from author Jeannie Moon and a story not to be missed.

Why did I pick this one up? The shorter answer would be why I wouldn’t pick it up and I can’t think of one reason not to. A fast becoming favorite author, holiday setting, and a tender-hearted love story between two people who find healing in each other.

The story is loosely connected to other stories by the author, but is indeed a standalone.

It opens with former Navy Aviator, Maggie Benson, coming home. Maggie was shot down in the war and had a long period of recovery from burns and then the loss of her lower leg due to infection. She wanted to give up, but is now shakily trying to put some semblance of her life together by going home and finally letting her family’s strength support her. Going home is scary and hard after her dreams of being a pilot are gone, but there is someone who may give her hope of a new dream if she can let go of her disappointments and fears of inadequacy to accept the gift she wishes for.

Former NBA player and now local high school coach and teacher, Will Fitzpatrick, knows a thing or two about having to pick up the pieces of a life shattered by injury and loss. He is drawn to Maggie’s beauty and spirit. He can see beyond the scars and the prosthetics, but can he convince Maggie to believe that he does? Will knows what he wants for Christmas.

The story moves along quickly as novellas do, but it was full of heartwarming small town goodness and a hopeful romance set against the holidays on Long Island. It was a perfect holiday read and a great feel-good story. The author did a wonderful job of showing what it is like for a person recovering from horrific injuries and living with PTSD to heal and re-integrate into civilian life. I had such admiration for Maggie- and all the real life folks who have similar tough personal battles still to fight. Will is a great guy. He’s middle aged and after two failed attempts with women who couldn’t see the treasure he was, he is still hopeful of finding love, marriage, and a family. It was refreshing to read about a hero who wasn’t hung-up on commitments. This is good because Maggie is so newly dealing with her own issues that she has enough hang-ups for both of them.

Sweet, tender, and mildly passionate holiday contemporary romance that I would recommend for a great heart-warming holiday read.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Another sweet and heartwarming story in the Christmas in New York collection!

I don't think I've read anything bad by Jeannie Moon and this story was no exception. This is a story of healing, growth, and hope. It's filled with emotion and love and you just might catch yourself tearing up a little. Perfect holiday read :)

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley

Beautifully penned and perfect for the holidays, Jeannie Moon presents another sweet, romantic story of loss, hope and love that hits home right where it matters. Finding Christmas will delight readers from beginning to end. Don't miss it.

This was a wonderful story. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't put it down much. I finished it in just a couple hours.

After two years of hospitals and rehabilitation Maggie Benson returns home to Holly Point to reunite with her family right before the holidays. She’s struggled to overcome her emotional and physical scars since being shot down during a routine mission in which her plane caught on fire and she had to bail out. During her recovery from the burns Maggie’s foot and leg became infected and she had to have her leg amputated at which time she pushed everyone away to fight through the recovery on her own.

After returning home Maggie struggles with just who she is and what she will do with her life now. After a chance meeting with Will Fitzgerald who is a teacher at the local school and her younger brother’s coach Maggie finds that Will is going to be alone for Thanksgiving and invites him to spend the holiday with her family. Will is immediately taken by Maggie’s strength and what she has been through and wants to get to know her better but Maggie doesn’t trust that any man will ever see her as a woman and not just run from her scars.

What a beautiful and touching story that is definitely one to have the tissues handy while reading. The journey that Maggie has been on and continues to struggle with is one that most certainly should touch anyone’s heart. The issues in this novella are completely real, dealing with PTSD and injuries are struggles that many face daily which makes this book all the more heartwarming and emotional to read. Maggie is one strong woman but even with her strength she still continues to struggle to overcome how she sees herself and how she is treated by others.

This is also one that is a beautiful Christmas romance with all the settings, activities and a close family involved in a small town holiday which makes it all the more special. As part of series this read fine as a standalone novella.

Overall, easily a novella that I’d highly recommend to read, just have your tissues ready as it’s an emotional ride.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finding Christmas is, of course, a Christmas love story but this book has so much more going for it.
Maggie Benson is a recovering veteran, carrying severe burn scars, an amputated foot and a healthy dose of PTSD. She's stayed away from home for two years after the plane crash that ended her career as a navy pilot. This is partly because of the need for hospital treatment for her burns and partly because she's a little afraid of facing her community. She doesn't want to be pitied and she's scared of being rejected because of her scars. She's also beautiful, proud, determined and strong.
Will Fitzgerald coaches Maggie's 17 year old brother Matt, a talented basketball player. Will's career as a professional basketball player ended around 14 years earlier when a freak accident caused brain and spinal injuries. Since then he's rebuilt his life, learning along the way that there are more important things in life than being a sporting hero. For Will and Maggie the attraction is strong and instant, but she's got to overcome an overprotective family and her own self doubts.
This book has all those tender moments that romance readers expect, but it's deeper than just a light romance. Jeannie Moon has treated a couple of difficult topics very sensitively in her portrayal of Maggie. War veterans are so often young, bright, fit and talented people and when their perfectly honed bodies are damaged there are so many doubts to be faced not only by the injured veterans but also by their families, friends and communities. It's tough! Add to that the associated depression, all too often cases of post traumatic stress disorder and society's lack of understanding about the condition and how it affects the sufferer and you can see that there's plenty of food for thought. I think Jeannie Moon did a great job in provoking a bit of thought around these topics.
Finally I loved the setting. Snow by the seaside sounds idyllic to me particularly when you add in Christmas lights and a boat parade. I was hooked. The only down side was the intermittent lapses of grammar and tense. I like my books scrupulously edited and when I find myself correcting sentences it does detract a little from the story. Still, that's a minor issue and really this was a very enjoyable book from start to finish.

Finding Christmas is a story that is moving and introspective. From a very young age Maggie has always been a go getter. She thrives on the thrill of learning new things and experience new adventures. That is what motivated her to leave her home town and became a naval pilot. After Maggie returns home broken both mentally and physically for a fresh start is when the real adventure begins. As Maggie begins to heal she reconnects with old friends and finds new ones. Meeting Will becomes her wake up call. Will gives her the exact push she needs to see her injury in a new light. Overcoming it is hard but can prove to be a blessing. Finding is an inspirational story of perseverance and taking a chance on something new.

I love settling down with a heartwarming festive romance and Jeannie Moon brings her reader just that in Finding Christmas.

"She'd come home hoping Holly Point would give her a miracle."

I had so many feels whilst reading this book, I smiled and welled up and I couldn't have asked for much more. Maggie is not your usual heroine, in her words she's a disabled, disfigured vet, with a touch of PTSD; she has insecurities and vulnerabilities that are completely understandable and her determination is inspiring. Will was the perfect hero. He respects Maggie's boundaries, is patient, passionate and supportive and he quite simply made me sigh happily.

"Sometimes knowing you aren't alone can change everything."

I adored this couple and their journey; it was a delight to read. And, whilst this can easily be read as a standalone, it was lovely to see the characters from Tule's Christmas in New York featuring throughout. I very much hope that Jeannie Moon brings us Grace and Claire's stories.

I enjoyed the Christmas in New York series last year, and I am delighted to see continues in it, this time around.
This story got deep and emotional for me from the start. The struggles, both physical and mental, Maggie has had, while recovering from the fire and its consequences, are devastating. She is so tough, strong, and humble. Yet the author doesn't shy away to show her moments of utter despair, with the change her life had to face. How she gets stronger, in all the possible ways, as the story continues, is beautiful to read. Maggie's tale is a love letter to all the veterans, injured in the war. Her struggle is real, the pain unimaginable, and her bravery to admit all the lows and highs while recovering, well, I was in tears. For anyone having to face a life altering physical problems, it is so easy to relate to the effort both Maggie and Will had to go through in their lives. Not all in the town take Maggie back with open arms. There's a couple of scenes that were so realistic, and true, in the pure raw way some people wound others with their words, that I needed to take deep breaths.
The way Maggie and Will connect, was magic. The support they have for each other, adoration, admiration, passion, love, care, and consideration, it left me speechless. It is adorable, the battle to learn to trust the new feelings, is raw. And the will to fight for, what they have, and the possibilities for the relationship, is amazing. Needless to say, this story touched me more than many others, over the past year. The fact that I'm still in tears, just writing this review, should tell you how deep it went. It is amazing story of survival, the love and support of friends and family, and finding a new purpose, the strength to trust again, after it seems life has kicked you into the curve. If you are going to read just one book over the holidays, consider this being it.
~ Five Spoons!

When I saw this book title, it reminded me of the song "Where are you Christmas?" by Faith Hill. A song that has become one of my favorite holiday tunes. So I took a look at the blurb and that totally hooked me in. It's not often that we get a wounded female military hero. I had to request this as one of my holiday reads.

I don't think it's being too spoilery to say that Maggie suffers from some PTSD, especially as the author mentions it in the acknowledgements. But she also is an amputee, and unfortunately, we are seeing more and more of our women soldiers coming back from serving with this challenge. I thought that Maggie, and her afflictions were handled brilliantly. We see that it's not just Maggie who has to adjust to her new normal, but her family and friends as well.

Will was an amazing guy who quickly won my heart. It's easy to forget in the search for the next great bad boy biker billionaire alpha male, that there is a reason most of us choose the nice guy in real life. I am so glad that Will was that nice guy.

Maggie and Will's romance stretches from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holiday. I know what your thinking, 6 weeks? That's not very long. But when you count the fact that the holiday season can add plenty of stress to a relationship, especially in a small town, it seemed like just the right amount of time. This was a perfect Christmas love story and I gave it 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you for sharing this title on NetGalley. NetGalley has become an important tool for helping me find new materials for our library. I loved how this author addressed some issues that amputees often deal with when beginning and renewing relationships as the learn to battle PTSD in their daily lives. This sweet little live story will touch many hearts and readers.

4 Conquering All the Demons Stars
* * * *
I have read quite a few books which touch on the subject of PTSD, amputation and depression all caused by war. This Christmas tale was an impressive read in the way it approached all of the above but from a female Navy Pilot's experience. The care and truth infused in this book was solid and really brought home all of the trauma these warriors go through.

It also gave the perspective of families wanting to do anything to help but not knowing exactly how. The added complications of rehab, of emotional loss of limbs and the feeling of not being able to ever have someone want them was all there but presented so well. I commend Ms. Moon.

This is a love story which has so much heart but also smarts in tackling all of these issues without cliches or perfect answers. We have romance for sure... but more we have a guide to think of should we ever come across a friend or loved one who may have experienced any type of critical life-changing event. Very well done.

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even though the cover itself doesn't have Christmas elements to make it look like it's a Christmas novel, the colour is Christmassy as well as having Christmas in the title to let us know. I do love that it's romantic looking as that is in keeping with the book.

To be honest I never read the synopsis I requested this one because of the author as I have always enjoyed her books plus I always like to read a Christmas book around Christmas time. So when I read that the main character was an amputee I wasn't sure what I was going to get with the book as I like light hearted books at Christmas so I didn't want to be depressed but thankfully it wasn't too depressing, yes there was depressing moments but all in all it wasn't too bad. I loved that it was about an amputee and how she was coping with it as it's different to anything that I have ever read plus its good that authors aren't afraid to tackle difficult issues. It was a very sweet book and I loved the relationship between Maggie and Will however I do feel as though it was a little rushed as everything happened within the space of a month which for me isn't realistic but I didn't mind too much as it was a short book so I kind went in with my eyes open in that sense. The ending was left a bit too open for my liking as there was a few unanswered questions that I would loved to have known.

I loved the two main characters but I wasn't such a fan of the secondary characters as they felt like they where a bit selfish but there was a couple of secondary characters that I had met in previous series so it was nice to see them again. Maggie is one of the strongest characters that I have ever read as she had such a difficult time especially trying to cope with being an amputee, there was times when she didn't cope very well but for the most part I forgot about her disability. For me Will is the most caring male character ever and I loved everything about him as well as the things he did for Maggie.

Overall another great Christmas book from Jeannie Moon.

A touching story of a wounded veteran who finds love. I especially loved that the Vet was a woman! Such a fabulous story!!

From Tule Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for a review. This book is one in a series of book set in/around New York in the Christmas period (many of which I have reviewed before This Christmas by Jeannie Moon, Goodness and Light by Patty Blount and A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett).

Maggie returns home for the first time in several years, and two years after a Plane crash left her with skin burns over much of her body and having had part of one of her legs amputated. She has a prosthetic leg which allows her to get around, but it doesn't make things any easier as she is still coming to terms with not knowing her place in life anymore....she can no longer be a pilot, so where can she go now?

Will is a coach at the local school where Maggie comes in contact with him. He previously was a talented basketball player, until an accident broke his back and derailed his own plans for the future. They begin seeing each other....don't know if they would actually call it dating....and Will, who is further along in finding his role in life, is there to pick up the pieces when Maggie is confronted with various things in her life and has to decide where to go next.

There is a light smattering in the sex department, but it's relatively clean overall.

As Moon states in her introduction, she spent some time working with the mental health teams dealing with PTSD and recovering from life-changing injuries, and it's good to see that a main character to be a woman, a soldier, a pilot, suffering from injuries sustained doing a job she loved and was good at, now trying to balance her needs against being a sister, a daughter a friends and a lover - it's a bold choice, and one that Moon pulls off well. As with the other books, they're not huge, but still manages to cover enough ground to make it a slightly challenging/thought provoking read.

Recommended for people who want a decent romance, with a little bit of Christmas theme running through, whilst changing the game a little

"Finding Christmas" by Jeannie Moon takes place in a little town called Holly Point. Holly Point sounds like a wonderful place to be, especially at Christmas time. This is the story of former Navy Pilot, Maggie Benson and former NBA player and now local high school coach and teacher, Will Fitzpatrick.

Maggie has returned home after two long years of recovery from a horrible crash. She not only has her physical, but emotional scars to deal with too. Maggie has always been fearless and active. Now, she is not sure what life holds for her.

Will understands that your plans for life can change in a heartbeat. He is very attracted to her when they first meet. Maggie is attracted to Will but feels that she has too many scars, physical and emotional to burden Will with. Will Maggie and Will give them a chance at true love?

The author did a great job of incorporating awareness of the sacrifice that our military people go through in order to keep our country safe without losing the focus on the romance in the story. I liked that the vet was a woman instead of a man.

This is a great story to read during the holidays, wintertime, or anytime. "Finding Christmas" will definitely get you in the mood for romance. Steamy scenes, humor, difficulties that life throws at you, friendships, and family are all woven into this wonderful story. I really enjoyed this book and I also loved the cover. Curl up, get some tissues (for happy and sad moments), fireplace going, cup of coffee or hot tea, and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas romance! I look forward to reading other books by Jeannie Moon.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Tule Publishing for an honest review.
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Maggie Benson was a fighter pilot in the navy until her plane was hit by a missile, completely altering the course of her life. She's been away from her family and the small town she grew up in for two years, recovering from her injuries. Coming home is a challenge of its own but her family and community are happy to have her back. Facing the future is daunting until Maggie meets handsome and charming Will Fitzgerald, a local coach and former NBA player who also had a career cut short by an injury. In him, she finds someone who understands what she faces and a relationship that might give her the future she hadn't dared hope for. This isn't a long book (147 pages) but it's substantive, moving, sweet and sexy. Besides being a wonderful love story, it's an insightful look at the difficulties returning war veterans sometimes face.

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Jeannie Moon takes us back to Holly Point for another great holiday read.. A female hero, and a she is an injured war vet Emotional, story that will have you holding a tissue in one hand and the book in the other! You just can't stop reading this story!!

A stunning well written Christmas Romance, i loved the whole book it had me from the very first page to the last.

Jeannie Moon is a very talented author i cannot wait too read more her work.

Finding Christmas was a romantic, beautiful and thought provoking read. When I picked this book up, I though it would be a quick Christmas romance, but it is a lot more. This story deals with the aftermath of a tragic military accident. It touches on PTSD, amputation, depression, the desire to give up, the love of families and the strength that love can give to someone suffering.

When Mary Margaret Benson (Maggie) is burned in an accident that caused her plane to crash, she goes into a depression. When she starts to head from that, she contracts a serious infection that causes her leg to be amputated. She wants to give up, she is disfigured, no one will lover her are the thoughts going through her mind. She tells her family to leave and not come back. She is ready to give up, but something pulls her back and she decides to go home and "Find Christmas."

The author builds a loving community for Maggie, but does not sugar coat what she is going through. She deals with some ugly comments from others and has to develop courage from within if she wants to build a new life for herself. Her family is by her side, they are strong and loving, but can only do so much. When she meets Will, the local basketball coach and teacher, something cracks open in her and she wants to give this relationship a chance. I admired this character as I read about what she went through, her thoughts and desires for the future, as well as her fears. I do not want to give the story away, but suffice it to say that the author does a good job of making this novella a full story of Christmas Magic and Love. I will definitely look for more books by this author.