Coming Home for Christmas: A Holiday Romance

I wasn't sure about this one at first. I definitely wasn't sure about Elizabeth, and it all felt a little depressing for a holiday romance. Nevertheless, the author pulled me in with the rich characters. Reservations or not, I wanted to know the answers, I wanted to understand why things happened the way they did and what would happen between Luke and Elizabeth. I won't go into details because almost anything more than what I've said will give spoilers, so I'll just say that it may not have started out with a holiday feel, but this one will certainly warm your heart as things play out. The characters are well-drawn and each one adds something to the charming town of Haven Point. It's impossible not to love Luke with his big heart and generous nature, and it was heartwarming to see that rub off on others throughout the story. Coming Home for Christmas is part of the Haven Point series, but it easily stands on its own, and now that I've read about these wonderful characters, I will be adding the earlier books to my to be read pile.

This is a book that defines the "spirit of Christmas" for me. It is one of those books that IMPACTS a reader long after you have read it. I will remember this story and the characters for many years to come. You hear about postpartum depression but you don't really know the depths that a woman can sink to and what she is capable of thinking, feeling and doing when it hits. We tend to think that she can control her thoughts and actions and just "get over it". Sadly, that is not always true. In this story, the author confronts postpartum depression head on and shows how deeply it can effect some women. I hope that doesn't scare off any readers because this book is amazing! The characters are realistic, loving, tender, yet also, angry and frustrated! Seven years ago Elizabeth suffered from postpartum depression and rather than hurt her baby, she walked away from her family without telling them but then other things happened to her and they've had no idea where she was. She has suffered physically and mentally a great deal. Her husband, Luke, finally gets a tip that leads him to her and justifiably he's angry, thinking she just walked away willingly. When the whole story comes out, everyone, including the reader will be touched immeasurably. The harsh words and anger were hard to read at times but that is realistic! That's what would happen in real life. However, Elizabeth is an amazing person and I loved how she stood up to it all and did what she could to repair the relationship with Luke and her children. A MUST READ!!!!

This was one of the sweetest second chance romances that I have read. Sonia/Elizabeth is given a second chance to be with her husband and two children. After missing for seven years, Luke finally confronts his missing wife and drags her back to their hometown to clear his name for her murder. Upon seeing her, he realizes that he has seen her disguised around town at different functions that their children were in and this just adds to his bewilderment and anger. It isn't until Elizabeth tells her story to the acting DA that Luke begins to realize just exactly what all his estranged wife has been thru since her disappearance and he begins to question his feelings. Elizabeth is so surprised to see Luke on her doorstep, but once she realizes just what is at stake, she is willing to do anything to keep Luke out of jail. Although she knows in her head that her disappearance affected people, it isn't until she is actually confronted by her husband, children and former friends that she realizes just how deep that hurt runs. This book was a wonderful telling of how two lost, hurting and misguided souls learn to embrace the spirit of forgiveness, not only for themselves, but for each other. It is also touching to read about Elizabeth and trying to reconnect with her two children. I definitely recommend this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.