What do you think?
Rate this book
The Season of Second Chances
For fans of holiday novels and Christmas collections, a new Christmas collection full of joy, love and the miracle of second chances.
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris
Jenna Matthews has made a career of decluttering other people’s lives. After a childhood marked by her mother’s hoarding, it feels satisfying to sort and evaluate possessions. Some items, however, defy simple categories—like the shoebox of WWII memorabilia she finds in an elderly client’s home. Nestled alongside a Bronze Star is a photograph of a blushing army nurse and an adoring young serviceman. Estelle Porter, the box’s owner, becomes curiously tightlipped at Jenna’s discovery. Even Estelle’s grandson, Reece, knows nothing about this secret in her past. But as Jenna delves deeper, she pieces together Estelle’s heartrending story—one that paves new, unexpected paths for many.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood
Christmas Eve in New York City is a portrait in holiday cheer. Yet Alex, a young ballerina who’s just been ousted from her ballet company, is contemplating a bittersweet homecoming—until she crosses paths with a stranger. At eighty, Simone’s memory is rapidly failing, but something has led her back to the place where she began her career as a professional violinist. Different as they may be, both women understand the nature of ambition and self-doubt, joy, and regret. And in a moment of grace, in a place where journeys begin, each will be reminded of what matters most . . .
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris
Jenna Matthews has made a career of decluttering other people’s lives. After a childhood marked by her mother’s hoarding, it feels satisfying to sort and evaluate possessions. Some items, however, defy simple categories—like the shoebox of WWII memorabilia she finds in an elderly client’s home. Nestled alongside a Bronze Star is a photograph of a blushing army nurse and an adoring young serviceman. Estelle Porter, the box’s owner, becomes curiously tightlipped at Jenna’s discovery. Even Estelle’s grandson, Reece, knows nothing about this secret in her past. But as Jenna delves deeper, she pieces together Estelle’s heartrending story—one that paves new, unexpected paths for many.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood
Christmas Eve in New York City is a portrait in holiday cheer. Yet Alex, a young ballerina who’s just been ousted from her ballet company, is contemplating a bittersweet homecoming—until she crosses paths with a stranger. At eighty, Simone’s memory is rapidly failing, but something has led her back to the place where she began her career as a professional violinist. Different as they may be, both women understand the nature of ambition and self-doubt, joy, and regret. And in a moment of grace, in a place where journeys begin, each will be reminded of what matters most . . .
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1786 people want to read
About the author
Kristina McMorris
16 books2,949 followersKRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of two novellas and seven historical novels, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and, most recently, the instant international bestseller The Ways We Hide, selected as Target’s top-five reads of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national literary awards, she previously hosted weekly TV shows for Warner Bros. and an ABC affiliate, beginning at age nine with an Emmy Award-winning program, and owned a wedding-and-event-planning company until she had far surpassed her limit of "Y.M.C.A." and chicken dances. Kristina splits her time between San Diego and Portland, Oregon, where she’s the proud mom of two teenage boys who recently stripped her of her longstanding boast of being “tall for an Asian.” For more, visit KristinaMcMorris.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 21, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This book contains two Christmas novellas by prolific female writers of historical fiction. I loved McMorris's Sold On a Monday and I have read everything that T. (Tammy) Greenwood has ever written so it's no surprise to me that I enjoyed her story a lot more. I can't round up because the stories really aren't about Christmas, they just happen to take place around the holidays and the first story was such a non-starter.
The Christmas Collector: 3 Stars
This story didn't stick with me much, in fact, I had to go back and read the synopsis to remind myself what it was about, that's never a good sign. Jenna cleans out homes for a living, as in she prepares them for estate sales. While working for Estella and her family Jenna uncovers some secrets and then proceeds to fall for Estella's grandson and vice versa. Yeah, this didn't do much for me with the exception that it is based on the author's own grandparents.
Gifted: 4 Stars
This one is about a mother-daughter relationship between ballet dancer Alex as she tries to live up to her mother's expectations. We also have Sophia, an aging woman, who was once an accomplished violinist, who put her career ahead of her daughter. Alex and Sophia's lives collide in a beautiful way at the end of this story. Alex learns she has to do what's best for herself while Sophia learns she wasn't such a terrible mother after all. I got more out of this story because I was a working mom and I quit dance as a kid (after winning a gold medal for tap) so I could go on to play ice hockey. Greenwood too used her own family as inspiration as her daughter is a professional ballerina. She has a novel coming in February of next year called The Still Point . It's about ballet dancers and I am really looking forward to it.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This book contains two Christmas novellas by prolific female writers of historical fiction. I loved McMorris's Sold On a Monday and I have read everything that T. (Tammy) Greenwood has ever written so it's no surprise to me that I enjoyed her story a lot more. I can't round up because the stories really aren't about Christmas, they just happen to take place around the holidays and the first story was such a non-starter.
The Christmas Collector: 3 Stars
This story didn't stick with me much, in fact, I had to go back and read the synopsis to remind myself what it was about, that's never a good sign. Jenna cleans out homes for a living, as in she prepares them for estate sales. While working for Estella and her family Jenna uncovers some secrets and then proceeds to fall for Estella's grandson and vice versa. Yeah, this didn't do much for me with the exception that it is based on the author's own grandparents.
Gifted: 4 Stars
This one is about a mother-daughter relationship between ballet dancer Alex as she tries to live up to her mother's expectations. We also have Sophia, an aging woman, who was once an accomplished violinist, who put her career ahead of her daughter. Alex and Sophia's lives collide in a beautiful way at the end of this story. Alex learns she has to do what's best for herself while Sophia learns she wasn't such a terrible mother after all. I got more out of this story because I was a working mom and I quit dance as a kid (after winning a gold medal for tap) so I could go on to play ice hockey. Greenwood too used her own family as inspiration as her daughter is a professional ballerina. She has a novel coming in February of next year called The Still Point . It's about ballet dancers and I am really looking forward to it.
December 19, 2023
The Season of Second Chances gives us two feel-good novellas set during the Christmas season.
The first story is The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris. I really enjoyed the way this one explored our attachment to material things and the uniquely personal reasons why we collect or save them.
The second story is Gifted by T. Greenwood, which beautifully delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
These stories are completely different but equally poignant.
*Thanks to BiblioLifestyle and Kensington Books for the free copy.*
The first story is The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris. I really enjoyed the way this one explored our attachment to material things and the uniquely personal reasons why we collect or save them.
The second story is Gifted by T. Greenwood, which beautifully delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
These stories are completely different but equally poignant.
*Thanks to BiblioLifestyle and Kensington Books for the free copy.*
July 24, 2023
The Season of Second Chances is a compilation of two Christmas novellas from talented authors Kristina McMorris and Gifted by T. Greenwood. If you’ve read these authors’ other works, you know that they both excel at emotional family stories. This collection brings us two beautiful holiday stories with a historical fiction flair.
The novellas are totally different and yet perfectly paired. Both stories resonate with themes of love, forgiveness, and finding your heart’s desire. Complex mother-daughter relationships are beautifully depicted throughout. McMorris shines with her focus on WWII history and the Women’s Army Corps. T. Greenwood brings her lyrical and moving prose to a musical story about maternal expectations. Both stories are compelling in their own right, but together, they create the perfect heartfelt holiday read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
The novellas are totally different and yet perfectly paired. Both stories resonate with themes of love, forgiveness, and finding your heart’s desire. Complex mother-daughter relationships are beautifully depicted throughout. McMorris shines with her focus on WWII history and the Women’s Army Corps. T. Greenwood brings her lyrical and moving prose to a musical story about maternal expectations. Both stories are compelling in their own right, but together, they create the perfect heartfelt holiday read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
August 27, 2023
This book consists of two wonderful short stories during the Christmas season about life giving us a second chance.
"The Christmas Collector"
We meet Jenna Matthews, while working decluttering homes for estate sales she comes across a shoebox of her client Estelle Porter. Inside holds her past WWII memories. In the process of trying to find out what to do with this box Jenna learns that Estelle's family knows nothing about this past during the war. We will discover that there is a little romance from the past & in the present that makes love & hope for new beginnings and second chances beautiful. I truly love the way Kristina McMorris expresses her thoughts into words. 💗
This is my eighth book 📖 by this wonderful author which I've had the pleasure of reading and enjoying. This novella helped bring about 💌 Letters from Home, a book I love & recommend. Her latest The Ways We Hide is also amazing & a must read.
"The Gift"
This is my first T. Greenwood reading, and I loved the way she made the last sentence in each chapter a tease, making it into a page turner. The characters are so well written. I loved the way her two main story characters Alex & Sofia come together.
In Alex story her life has been consumed by becoming a ballerina 🩰. At nineteen she becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of is this what she truly wants for herself. In the Sofia story she has had a very memorable life filled with sadness, hardship, and loss. At the age of 80 she now has Alzheimer's and tries to hold on to an important memory of a special time that revists her again. She was a professional violinist and now she must go out and bring together her past with the present. I just loved it. I look forward to reading more works of Tammy Greenwood.
Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Books
for the arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.
#TheSeasonofSecondChances
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#KristinaMcMorris
#TGreenwood
"The Christmas Collector"
We meet Jenna Matthews, while working decluttering homes for estate sales she comes across a shoebox of her client Estelle Porter. Inside holds her past WWII memories. In the process of trying to find out what to do with this box Jenna learns that Estelle's family knows nothing about this past during the war. We will discover that there is a little romance from the past & in the present that makes love & hope for new beginnings and second chances beautiful. I truly love the way Kristina McMorris expresses her thoughts into words. 💗
This is my eighth book 📖 by this wonderful author which I've had the pleasure of reading and enjoying. This novella helped bring about 💌 Letters from Home, a book I love & recommend. Her latest The Ways We Hide is also amazing & a must read.
"The Gift"
This is my first T. Greenwood reading, and I loved the way she made the last sentence in each chapter a tease, making it into a page turner. The characters are so well written. I loved the way her two main story characters Alex & Sofia come together.
In Alex story her life has been consumed by becoming a ballerina 🩰. At nineteen she becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of is this what she truly wants for herself. In the Sofia story she has had a very memorable life filled with sadness, hardship, and loss. At the age of 80 she now has Alzheimer's and tries to hold on to an important memory of a special time that revists her again. She was a professional violinist and now she must go out and bring together her past with the present. I just loved it. I look forward to reading more works of Tammy Greenwood.
Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Books
for the arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.
#TheSeasonofSecondChances
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#KristinaMcMorris
#TGreenwood
December 16, 2024
First off, I love that there are two Novelas in this book. I really enjoyed the shorter chapters as well. The characters were all relatable and I liked that there wasn’t a lot of drama. Having more than one romance in each story was a nice touch. I enjoyed both authors stories.
December 31, 2024
This book has two short stories in it - the first reminded me of a PG version of The Women and The Winter Garden combined- was very good. The second story was even better than the first and brought me to tears.
November 30, 2023
Goodreads, for the love of god please give us the ability to do half-star ratings.
With that being said, I rate this collection 3.5 stars - rounded down.
Overall, I think The Christmas Collector carried this collection. Absolutely no fault to .Gifted, it was also a good book and T. Greenwood is obviously a well-respected author. It just didn't have the flow that The Christmas Collector did.
I do think this collection as a whole is worth a read. Both stories are very heartwarming and can be that pick me up a lot of us need in the holiday season. With that being said, even though these two stories are technically in the same book, they are completely different novellas by different authors and deserve their own moment. Below will be my individual review for each novella. I will link the standalone version of The Christmas Collector. Upon some research, it seems that for the time being the only way to get Gifted is to purchase the collection. However, I doubt you will disappointed by the collection if you choose to purchase it.
The Christmas Collector
When I think of a Christmas book from now on The Christmas Collector will come to mind. This book reads like a Hallmark movie in the best possible way. As someone who had to help my grandmother move out of her longtime home about 2 years ago and then lost her a year ago some elements of the story really hit home. Estelle's relationship with her grandson has a lot of similarities to what my grandma and I were like. The reminder of that was something I needed this holiday season. The rest of the characters in this book are written so well, that you can't help but love all of them. The characters mixed with such a heartwarming plot actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. The Christmas Collector is a story you can easily get invested in!
There are only a couple of things that kept this book from a full five stars for me. Firstly, there were some spots where the plot got muddied. Some things happened in the book that I think needed more attention as they greatly affected the plot. There were a few "wait, what?" moments for me throughout the book regarding the plot. Secondly, the ending got a tad cheesy. I rarely ever say this, but I think McMorris could have left it a little less wrapped up. It was just too good.
I would define The Christmas Collector as a holiday romantic historical fiction novella. If you are not interested in the other book in this collection I recommend picking up this title solo. It is a read you won't regret!
Gifted
Gifted is a heartwarming story following two people who could not be in any more different places in life and how they are handling adversity. The first person is Simone, and while the story is told from her daughter's perspective it is Simone who is truly highlighted in this storyline. The second is a ballet dancer named Alex. I personally relate to Alex a lot during this book. When I was younger an immense amount of pressure was put on me revolving around sports. What I ate, how I acted, and how my time was spent all had to relate back to softball. That element of the story really hit home for me, and I'm sure will to other people with a similar experience as well.
As for the story itself, I did like the plot a lot more than I thought I would. Neither storyline sounded up my alley from the synopsis, but I did enjoy it! That being said apart from relatable chapters with Alex and some heartwarming touches the book as a whole was pretty dull. The ending also droned on for me. Greenwood really could have cut or combined the last few chapters. The ending could have been sweet, short, and heartwarming as I'm sure she intended. Instead, I felt myself pushing to get to the finish line.
Unless the synopsis sounds up your alley I would personally skip this read. However, if you want something short and sweet to round out a holiday reading list this could be a decent option. There are some other books by T. Greenwood that look very intriguing and I'm excited to check those out!
Many thanks to Goodreads, the publisher, and both authors for offering this book in a giveaway! All thoughts above are my own and it was a privilege to read this collection.
Check out more of my reviews and book content at https://lesbooknook.blogspot.com/
With that being said, I rate this collection 3.5 stars - rounded down.
Overall, I think The Christmas Collector carried this collection. Absolutely no fault to .Gifted, it was also a good book and T. Greenwood is obviously a well-respected author. It just didn't have the flow that The Christmas Collector did.
I do think this collection as a whole is worth a read. Both stories are very heartwarming and can be that pick me up a lot of us need in the holiday season. With that being said, even though these two stories are technically in the same book, they are completely different novellas by different authors and deserve their own moment. Below will be my individual review for each novella. I will link the standalone version of The Christmas Collector. Upon some research, it seems that for the time being the only way to get Gifted is to purchase the collection. However, I doubt you will disappointed by the collection if you choose to purchase it.
The Christmas Collector
"As if transformed by a wand, the old, worn items surrounding Jenna became anything but “junk.” "
When I think of a Christmas book from now on The Christmas Collector will come to mind. This book reads like a Hallmark movie in the best possible way. As someone who had to help my grandmother move out of her longtime home about 2 years ago and then lost her a year ago some elements of the story really hit home. Estelle's relationship with her grandson has a lot of similarities to what my grandma and I were like. The reminder of that was something I needed this holiday season. The rest of the characters in this book are written so well, that you can't help but love all of them. The characters mixed with such a heartwarming plot actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. The Christmas Collector is a story you can easily get invested in!
There are only a couple of things that kept this book from a full five stars for me. Firstly, there were some spots where the plot got muddied. Some things happened in the book that I think needed more attention as they greatly affected the plot. There were a few "wait, what?" moments for me throughout the book regarding the plot. Secondly, the ending got a tad cheesy. I rarely ever say this, but I think McMorris could have left it a little less wrapped up. It was just too good.
I would define The Christmas Collector as a holiday romantic historical fiction novella. If you are not interested in the other book in this collection I recommend picking up this title solo. It is a read you won't regret!
Gifted
"A gift is not to be squandered."
Gifted is a heartwarming story following two people who could not be in any more different places in life and how they are handling adversity. The first person is Simone, and while the story is told from her daughter's perspective it is Simone who is truly highlighted in this storyline. The second is a ballet dancer named Alex. I personally relate to Alex a lot during this book. When I was younger an immense amount of pressure was put on me revolving around sports. What I ate, how I acted, and how my time was spent all had to relate back to softball. That element of the story really hit home for me, and I'm sure will to other people with a similar experience as well.
As for the story itself, I did like the plot a lot more than I thought I would. Neither storyline sounded up my alley from the synopsis, but I did enjoy it! That being said apart from relatable chapters with Alex and some heartwarming touches the book as a whole was pretty dull. The ending also droned on for me. Greenwood really could have cut or combined the last few chapters. The ending could have been sweet, short, and heartwarming as I'm sure she intended. Instead, I felt myself pushing to get to the finish line.
Unless the synopsis sounds up your alley I would personally skip this read. However, if you want something short and sweet to round out a holiday reading list this could be a decent option. There are some other books by T. Greenwood that look very intriguing and I'm excited to check those out!
Many thanks to Goodreads, the publisher, and both authors for offering this book in a giveaway! All thoughts above are my own and it was a privilege to read this collection.
Check out more of my reviews and book content at https://lesbooknook.blogspot.com/
August 22, 2023
Two favorite powerhouse bestselling authors, T. Greenwood (Tammy) and Kristina McMorris, come together for a beautiful holiday Christmas collection, THE SEASON OF SECOND CHANCES —two heart-stirring stories of joy, love, forgiveness, family, motherhood, ambition, art, memory, miracles, and second chances.
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris
We meet Jenna, who works for an estate sale company. She is to clear out the estate of Estelle Porter. In the process, she discovers a secret. Estelle has hidden her achievements from her family. Jenna finds WWII memorabilia, a photo of an army nurse, a medal, and a young serviceman. We also meet Reece, the grandson, and the family. In the process of Estelle's story, Jeanna finds a little romance for herself.
As always, McMorris (historical queen) brings her characters to life from past to present in this beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, family, and memories. I enjoyed the note from the author and her personal experience. Many people in this era keep things private about their past; however, they always have fascinating stories.
Check out Kristina's The Ways We Hide narrated by Cassandra Campbell. A riveting tale of a woman whose recruitment to British intelligence during WWII leads to a harrowing journey of love, betrayal, and a deadly game of chance.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood is a fascinating story of two families— mothers and daughters. Set in New York on Christmas Eve, how will these two women's paths connect? Told from POV: Sofia, Alex, and past—Simone
We meet Sofia, single, a birth doula who cares for her mother, Simone. An accomplished violinist traveling the world and now has Alzheimer's. She and her husband had a beautiful romantic story-life, and he has since passed. Due to her career as a famous musician, she was gone often traveling and not always there for her daughter.
Next, we meet Alex, a nineteen-year-old ballerina who is unhappy and no longer passionate about dancing like her roommate. However, her mom lives through her as her dancing career was cut short by marriage and motherhood. This was her dream. Something happens at the last performance on stage, forcing Alex to second-guess her life as a dancer. She knows her mother will be devastated.
Simone goes missing on Christmas Eve, and she and Alex meet by chance leading us to an emotionally poignant scene when the two unlikely characters meet for a moving breathtaking performance finale. Two different artists at different places in their lives collaborate to create a moment of grace. Both women struggle with ambition, self-doubt, joy, and regret.
I loved this story! Trust me; it will move you and bring tears to your eyes. My favorite Christmas story this year! I adore T. Greenwood, a huge long-time fan, having read all her books. As in her previous work, the author shines regarding stories of art, ambition, mothers, and daughters. This magical story will warm your heart if you love New York at Christmas. I enjoyed the note from the author.
Tammy is the mother of a professional ballet dancer, and I am looking forward to reading her upcoming novel, The Still Point coming Feb 20, 2024, about a pre-professional ballet conservatory and the mothers of the dancers who train there. I have the ARC and cannot to read!
Both stories were endearing; however, I resonated more with GIFTED, a favorite. Thank you, Tammy, for telling this story!
Thanks to Kensington Books for an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Blog review posted@
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 22, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
Aug 2023 Must-Read Books
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris
We meet Jenna, who works for an estate sale company. She is to clear out the estate of Estelle Porter. In the process, she discovers a secret. Estelle has hidden her achievements from her family. Jenna finds WWII memorabilia, a photo of an army nurse, a medal, and a young serviceman. We also meet Reece, the grandson, and the family. In the process of Estelle's story, Jeanna finds a little romance for herself.
As always, McMorris (historical queen) brings her characters to life from past to present in this beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, family, and memories. I enjoyed the note from the author and her personal experience. Many people in this era keep things private about their past; however, they always have fascinating stories.
Check out Kristina's The Ways We Hide narrated by Cassandra Campbell. A riveting tale of a woman whose recruitment to British intelligence during WWII leads to a harrowing journey of love, betrayal, and a deadly game of chance.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood is a fascinating story of two families— mothers and daughters. Set in New York on Christmas Eve, how will these two women's paths connect? Told from POV: Sofia, Alex, and past—Simone
We meet Sofia, single, a birth doula who cares for her mother, Simone. An accomplished violinist traveling the world and now has Alzheimer's. She and her husband had a beautiful romantic story-life, and he has since passed. Due to her career as a famous musician, she was gone often traveling and not always there for her daughter.
Next, we meet Alex, a nineteen-year-old ballerina who is unhappy and no longer passionate about dancing like her roommate. However, her mom lives through her as her dancing career was cut short by marriage and motherhood. This was her dream. Something happens at the last performance on stage, forcing Alex to second-guess her life as a dancer. She knows her mother will be devastated.
Simone goes missing on Christmas Eve, and she and Alex meet by chance leading us to an emotionally poignant scene when the two unlikely characters meet for a moving breathtaking performance finale. Two different artists at different places in their lives collaborate to create a moment of grace. Both women struggle with ambition, self-doubt, joy, and regret.
I loved this story! Trust me; it will move you and bring tears to your eyes. My favorite Christmas story this year! I adore T. Greenwood, a huge long-time fan, having read all her books. As in her previous work, the author shines regarding stories of art, ambition, mothers, and daughters. This magical story will warm your heart if you love New York at Christmas. I enjoyed the note from the author.
Tammy is the mother of a professional ballet dancer, and I am looking forward to reading her upcoming novel, The Still Point coming Feb 20, 2024, about a pre-professional ballet conservatory and the mothers of the dancers who train there. I have the ARC and cannot to read!
Both stories were endearing; however, I resonated more with GIFTED, a favorite. Thank you, Tammy, for telling this story!
Thanks to Kensington Books for an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Blog review posted@
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 22, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
Aug 2023 Must-Read Books
November 3, 2023
The Season Of Second Chances is a quick holiday collection with two short stories written by Kristina McMorris and Tammy Greenwood. This was such an emotional story, even heart breaking at times. If you have read other works by these two authors, you know they excel at writing emotional family stories and yet they brought us another one. Christmas stories aren't always going to be snowy and happy, sometimes they are going to be heart breaking and full of emotional damage. Both of these novellas are completely different, yet they are paired with the holiday theme. I absolutely adored both of these stories even though they brought tears to my eyes. The cover caught my attention, but at the same time it doesn't do the stories justice. Just by looking at the cover, I didn't think this book would make me shed tears, but as I kept reading, I kept shedding tears throughout the entire book. Both stories deal with love, forgiveness, and finding your heart's desire during the hardest times. Despite how different both of these stories are from each other, they both make for a heart felt holiday read. If you're looking for an emotional Christmas story, then look no further than The Season Of Second Chances. I can't recommend this book enough if you are looking for a holiday read that will make you shed tears.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris- Jenna Matthews has made a career out of decluttering other people's lives. After a childhood marked by her mother's hoarding, it feels satisfying for Jenna to sort and evaluate other people's possessions. Jenna likes to sort people's possessions in certain categories, like the shoe box of WWII memorabilia she finds in an elderly clients home. Jenna finds so many possessions in this client's home that she feels like it can create a new unexpected path for many involved by these hidden secrets that have just been discovered thanks to Jenna.
Gifted by Tammy Greenwood- Christmas Even in New York City is always a portrait in holiday cheer, from the snowy grounds, to all the glittering Christmas lights and decorations. Yet Alex, who is a young ballerina has just been ousted from her ballet company. After Alex gets ousted, she's planning a bittersweet homecoming. That is until Alex crosses paths with a complete stranger. At eighty years old, Simone's memory is rapidly failing, she just can't seem to remember anything, but something has led Simone back to the place where she began her career as a professional violinist. Different as both women may be, Simone and Alex both understand the nature of ambition, self doubt, joy and regret.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris- Jenna Matthews has made a career out of decluttering other people's lives. After a childhood marked by her mother's hoarding, it feels satisfying for Jenna to sort and evaluate other people's possessions. Jenna likes to sort people's possessions in certain categories, like the shoe box of WWII memorabilia she finds in an elderly clients home. Jenna finds so many possessions in this client's home that she feels like it can create a new unexpected path for many involved by these hidden secrets that have just been discovered thanks to Jenna.
Gifted by Tammy Greenwood- Christmas Even in New York City is always a portrait in holiday cheer, from the snowy grounds, to all the glittering Christmas lights and decorations. Yet Alex, who is a young ballerina has just been ousted from her ballet company. After Alex gets ousted, she's planning a bittersweet homecoming. That is until Alex crosses paths with a complete stranger. At eighty years old, Simone's memory is rapidly failing, she just can't seem to remember anything, but something has led Simone back to the place where she began her career as a professional violinist. Different as both women may be, Simone and Alex both understand the nature of ambition, self doubt, joy and regret.
December 16, 2023
This dual novella was an absolute home run for me and had me grabbing my tissue box. Here is a bit about each of the stories inside:
The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris
The mix of comfort and uncertainty formed a tangle of thoughts. A collection of feelings.
Jenna is in the estate sale business. She helps folks clear up their clutter and her boss to find valuable items to help increase their bottom line. It all seems like a win for both sides of the equation until Jenna discovers a shoebox with WW II memorabilia and the Mrs. Porter the owner disavows the items inside and meets her enigmatic grandson Reece. This storyline connects with another book I am listening to: The Women in which a young nurse back from Vietnam hears repeatedly that "there were no women in Vietnam." I have loved Kristina McMorris since reading Sold on a Monday and her personal note at the end of this novella reminded me to read her first book Letters from Home which is based on WW II letters that her Grandma Jean shared with her.
Gifted by Tammy Greenwood
This was her gift. And, one last time, she wanted to share it.
This second story is set in NYC. An adult daughter searches for her mother on Christmas Eve while a young ballerina searches for her path forward. Both have connections to The Nutcracker. I am listening to "The Waltz of the Snowflakes" while writing this review. Whatever you do, do not read the Author's Note before reading this novella. It will ruin it! Now I want to read the book Tammy Greenwood has coming out in February entitled The Still Point.
The fact that I am looking forward to reading more from these authors says so much about how much I enjoyed this double helping of wonderful holiday stories.
The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris
The mix of comfort and uncertainty formed a tangle of thoughts. A collection of feelings.
Jenna is in the estate sale business. She helps folks clear up their clutter and her boss to find valuable items to help increase their bottom line. It all seems like a win for both sides of the equation until Jenna discovers a shoebox with WW II memorabilia and the Mrs. Porter the owner disavows the items inside and meets her enigmatic grandson Reece. This storyline connects with another book I am listening to: The Women in which a young nurse back from Vietnam hears repeatedly that "there were no women in Vietnam." I have loved Kristina McMorris since reading Sold on a Monday and her personal note at the end of this novella reminded me to read her first book Letters from Home which is based on WW II letters that her Grandma Jean shared with her.
Gifted by Tammy Greenwood
This was her gift. And, one last time, she wanted to share it.
This second story is set in NYC. An adult daughter searches for her mother on Christmas Eve while a young ballerina searches for her path forward. Both have connections to The Nutcracker. I am listening to "The Waltz of the Snowflakes" while writing this review. Whatever you do, do not read the Author's Note before reading this novella. It will ruin it! Now I want to read the book Tammy Greenwood has coming out in February entitled The Still Point.
The fact that I am looking forward to reading more from these authors says so much about how much I enjoyed this double helping of wonderful holiday stories.
December 19, 2023
The Season of Second Chances is a short anthology with two stories set at Christmas. Both of these stories have themes of Mothers and Daughters, reconciliation and second chances. Although not what I usually think of as Christmas stories, I loved the themes and how they relate to Christmas. THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris is the first. Jenna Matthews' mother became a hoarder after her husband left her. Jenna has helped her remain on an even keel, and her job, as a professional declutterer for a company that deals with estates, has her working, even on the Thanksgiving holiday. Her most recent client has moved in with her son after a health scare. Jenna's company is helping to empty out a huge Victorian home so it can be sold. What she finds, as well as meeting the woman and her grandson has Jenna reevaluating her life. I liked where this story went. Jenna and her mom are not estranged, but have a tense relationship. There is a side story involving Estelle’s grandson, Reece, and his relationship with his girlfriend as well as his father. Estelle, has a secret she has been keeping from her family. All this meshes together well, with Jenna in the middle. I enjoyed the themes of family and reconciliation, as well as the respect given to women who served their county in the past.
The second story, GIFTED by T. Greenwood is also a story of relationships, but this one having to do with a mother pushing her daughter to fulfill her dream that was unfulfilled due to things in her life. There is a second story about a woman whose mother has dementia. She is caring for her mom, Simone, and although she loves her, she has always felt that her mom didn't love her as much as her career. When she leaves the house, because the door is left unlocked, Sophia is frantic that her mom is lost in New York City. I liked the this story a bit better than the first but they were both wonderful. The theme of parents pushing their children is a common one, and often ends in heartbreak and alienation, that is what Allie is afraid of if she quits ballet and goes home. When these two storylines came together, I loved it. This is one of those stories where I will be thinking about those characters for a long time to come. If you have ever seen The Nutcracker Ballet, it will make you want to see it again with new eyes. I enjoyed this book more than I had anticipated.
The second story, GIFTED by T. Greenwood is also a story of relationships, but this one having to do with a mother pushing her daughter to fulfill her dream that was unfulfilled due to things in her life. There is a second story about a woman whose mother has dementia. She is caring for her mom, Simone, and although she loves her, she has always felt that her mom didn't love her as much as her career. When she leaves the house, because the door is left unlocked, Sophia is frantic that her mom is lost in New York City. I liked the this story a bit better than the first but they were both wonderful. The theme of parents pushing their children is a common one, and often ends in heartbreak and alienation, that is what Allie is afraid of if she quits ballet and goes home. When these two storylines came together, I loved it. This is one of those stories where I will be thinking about those characters for a long time to come. If you have ever seen The Nutcracker Ballet, it will make you want to see it again with new eyes. I enjoyed this book more than I had anticipated.
October 4, 2024
I do not usually choose novellas and in the case of The Season of Second Chances, my thought was that this is a novel written by Kristina McMorris and T. Greenwood as a joint effort. I had read two works of historical by McMorris and consider her a very good author. It was on the basis of my appreciation for her work that I selected this book. I was unfamiliar with the work of T. Greenwood.
The Christmas Collector is McMorris’ contribution. It is the story of Jenna, a woman who inventories and prices goods in preparation for estate sales. In performing her job she has to confront her widowed mother’s addiction as a recovering hoarder and her fears that she too will become a hoarder. One of Jenna’s clients needs to move in with her adult children as she is loosing her ability physically to live alone. Her grandson Reece is initially resistant to that idea. Reece and Jenna are drawn together over a mystery box that holds secrets of his grandmother’s past. Sadly, this book is the perfect example of an excellent plot idea with multiple threads but not enough time or room in a novella to flesh out the characters.
Greenwood’s contribution, Gifted, is that rare novella that has an appropriately limited number of characters. The author jumps in with chapters that alternate between two storylines, and each time the reader finishes one chapter, the next chapter will demand attention. Each storyline equally clamors to be continued. Alex, a talented ballet dancer, is 19 years old and has given up her life to advance in ballet, pleasing her mother who because of an early pregnancy had to abandon her own career goals. Sofia is a 54 year old birth doula. She loves her mother, but she never had a close relationship with Simone who as an itinerant classical violinist spent much time traveling. When Sofia’s father dies, she finds that Simone has Alzheimer’s and needs Sofia to care for her. In her panic to locate her mother who goes missing on Christmas Eve, Sofia learns that they had a closer relationship than Sofia ever imagined. The author does a beautiful job of tying these two stories together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Christmas Collector is McMorris’ contribution. It is the story of Jenna, a woman who inventories and prices goods in preparation for estate sales. In performing her job she has to confront her widowed mother’s addiction as a recovering hoarder and her fears that she too will become a hoarder. One of Jenna’s clients needs to move in with her adult children as she is loosing her ability physically to live alone. Her grandson Reece is initially resistant to that idea. Reece and Jenna are drawn together over a mystery box that holds secrets of his grandmother’s past. Sadly, this book is the perfect example of an excellent plot idea with multiple threads but not enough time or room in a novella to flesh out the characters.
Greenwood’s contribution, Gifted, is that rare novella that has an appropriately limited number of characters. The author jumps in with chapters that alternate between two storylines, and each time the reader finishes one chapter, the next chapter will demand attention. Each storyline equally clamors to be continued. Alex, a talented ballet dancer, is 19 years old and has given up her life to advance in ballet, pleasing her mother who because of an early pregnancy had to abandon her own career goals. Sofia is a 54 year old birth doula. She loves her mother, but she never had a close relationship with Simone who as an itinerant classical violinist spent much time traveling. When Sofia’s father dies, she finds that Simone has Alzheimer’s and needs Sofia to care for her. In her panic to locate her mother who goes missing on Christmas Eve, Sofia learns that they had a closer relationship than Sofia ever imagined. The author does a beautiful job of tying these two stories together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 17, 2023
This book consists of two wonderful short stories during the Christmas season about life giving us a second chance.
The Christmas Collector
We meet Jenna Matthews, while working decluttering homes for estate sales she comes across a shoebox of her client Estelle Porter. Inside holds her past WWII memories. In the process of trying to find out what to do with this box Jenna learns that Estelle's family knows nothing about this past during the war. We will discover that there is a little romance from the past & in the present that makes love & hope for new beginnings and second chances beautiful. I truly love the way Kristina McMorris expresses her thoughts into words. 💗
This is my eighth book 📖 by this wonderful author which I've had the pleasure of reading and enjoying. This novella helped bring about 💌 Letters from Home, a book I love & recommend. Her latest The Ways We Hide is also amazing & a must read.
The Gift
This is my first T. Greenwood reading, and I loved the way she made the last sentence in each chapter a tease, making it into a page turner. The characters are so well written. I loved the way her two main story characters Alex & Sofia come together.
In Alex story her life has been consumed by becoming a ballerina 🩰. At nineteen she becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of is this what she truly wants for herself. In the Sofia story she has had a very memorable life filled with sadness, hardship, and loss. At the age of 80 she now has Alzheimer's and tries to hold on to an important memory of a special time that revists her again. She was a professional violinist and now she must go out and bring together her past with the present. I just loved it. I look forward to reading more works of Tammy Greenwood.
Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Books
for the arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.
#TheSeasonofSecondChances
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#KristinaMcMorris
#TGreenwood
The Christmas Collector
We meet Jenna Matthews, while working decluttering homes for estate sales she comes across a shoebox of her client Estelle Porter. Inside holds her past WWII memories. In the process of trying to find out what to do with this box Jenna learns that Estelle's family knows nothing about this past during the war. We will discover that there is a little romance from the past & in the present that makes love & hope for new beginnings and second chances beautiful. I truly love the way Kristina McMorris expresses her thoughts into words. 💗
This is my eighth book 📖 by this wonderful author which I've had the pleasure of reading and enjoying. This novella helped bring about 💌 Letters from Home, a book I love & recommend. Her latest The Ways We Hide is also amazing & a must read.
The Gift
This is my first T. Greenwood reading, and I loved the way she made the last sentence in each chapter a tease, making it into a page turner. The characters are so well written. I loved the way her two main story characters Alex & Sofia come together.
In Alex story her life has been consumed by becoming a ballerina 🩰. At nineteen she becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of is this what she truly wants for herself. In the Sofia story she has had a very memorable life filled with sadness, hardship, and loss. At the age of 80 she now has Alzheimer's and tries to hold on to an important memory of a special time that revists her again. She was a professional violinist and now she must go out and bring together her past with the present. I just loved it. I look forward to reading more works of Tammy Greenwood.
Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Books
for the arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.
#TheSeasonofSecondChances
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#KristinaMcMorris
#TGreenwood
July 31, 2023
This book had two stories, completely unrelated, but both very enjoyable reads.
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR was about Jenna, who worked for a company clearing houses and arranging estate sales. She was working for an elderly lady who was moving in with her son and his wife and selling her large and hard to manage house. But the grandson, Reece, thought she was being pushed out by his Dad and was a bit cranky about it, to his Dad and Jenna. But a secret was revealed about his grandma whilst the house was being emptied, and eventually everything worked out. A really enjoyable story with a slight mystery and a nice romance.
GIFTED was about a woman, Sofia, who was caring for her Mother, Simone, who has Alzheimers. Simone used to be a very talented musician who travelled the world, and Sofia was mainly looked after by her Father, who has now passed away, so their relationship isn't the closest. And there is also Alex, a talented ballerina, but who is grappling with the feeling that she has been pushed to be where she is by her Mother, and does she really want to do this anymore? Then Simone goes missing one Christmas Eve and Sofia, and the police, start searching New York for her. Simone and Alex eventually meet each other, and there's a really lovely ending.
Both these stories are mainly about family and getting older, and I wouldn't really call them Christmas stories, even though they're set at Christmas, they could be read any time of the year. But both stories were very enjoyable.
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR was about Jenna, who worked for a company clearing houses and arranging estate sales. She was working for an elderly lady who was moving in with her son and his wife and selling her large and hard to manage house. But the grandson, Reece, thought she was being pushed out by his Dad and was a bit cranky about it, to his Dad and Jenna. But a secret was revealed about his grandma whilst the house was being emptied, and eventually everything worked out. A really enjoyable story with a slight mystery and a nice romance.
GIFTED was about a woman, Sofia, who was caring for her Mother, Simone, who has Alzheimers. Simone used to be a very talented musician who travelled the world, and Sofia was mainly looked after by her Father, who has now passed away, so their relationship isn't the closest. And there is also Alex, a talented ballerina, but who is grappling with the feeling that she has been pushed to be where she is by her Mother, and does she really want to do this anymore? Then Simone goes missing one Christmas Eve and Sofia, and the police, start searching New York for her. Simone and Alex eventually meet each other, and there's a really lovely ending.
Both these stories are mainly about family and getting older, and I wouldn't really call them Christmas stories, even though they're set at Christmas, they could be read any time of the year. But both stories were very enjoyable.
August 19, 2023
It's been a hot summer here in Florida so the chance to think about cooler weather and the holidays was a welcome reprieve.
The Season of Second Chances is actually two novellas, quite different from each other, yet similar in the fact that they both focus on the importance of family.
In THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris, we're introduced to Jenna, who works for an estate sale company. She's tasked with clearing out the house of Estelle Porter, who has secret that Jenna uncovers. Estelle's story is sad as she felt the need to hide her achievements, yet sweet because once her family learns the truth, they're proud of her. And yes, there's some romance thrown in for good measure.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood is the story of Sofia, who cares for her mother, Simone, who has Alzheimers. We are also introduced to Alex, a ballerina, who is struggling with the decision to move forward with her dancing as she feels this is more her mom's dream than her own. Simone was a famous musician who traveled the world, putting a strain on her relationship with Sofia. The story ties together both Alex and Sofia's struggles with their moms. When Simone goes missing on Christmas Eve, Alex finds her and their talents mesh to create a beautiful ending for the book.
Though both books are set during Christmas, I wouldn't say the book is a Christmas story, yet the stories are heartwarming, nonetheless.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for gifting me an advance copy of this book.
#NetGalley #TheSeasonofSecondChances
The Season of Second Chances is actually two novellas, quite different from each other, yet similar in the fact that they both focus on the importance of family.
In THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris, we're introduced to Jenna, who works for an estate sale company. She's tasked with clearing out the house of Estelle Porter, who has secret that Jenna uncovers. Estelle's story is sad as she felt the need to hide her achievements, yet sweet because once her family learns the truth, they're proud of her. And yes, there's some romance thrown in for good measure.
GIFTED by T. Greenwood is the story of Sofia, who cares for her mother, Simone, who has Alzheimers. We are also introduced to Alex, a ballerina, who is struggling with the decision to move forward with her dancing as she feels this is more her mom's dream than her own. Simone was a famous musician who traveled the world, putting a strain on her relationship with Sofia. The story ties together both Alex and Sofia's struggles with their moms. When Simone goes missing on Christmas Eve, Alex finds her and their talents mesh to create a beautiful ending for the book.
Though both books are set during Christmas, I wouldn't say the book is a Christmas story, yet the stories are heartwarming, nonetheless.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for gifting me an advance copy of this book.
#NetGalley #TheSeasonofSecondChances
July 7, 2023
****Publishing August 22, 2023*****
This is a book that includes two Christmas Novella’s. The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris and Gifted by Tammy Greenwood. Two very different, well-told and heartfelt stories. Perfect to give as a gift!
The Christmas Collector has historical aspects and shows the importance of family history! This story highlights the journey of going through a loved one’s belongings! Sometimes the greatest gifts come from your own family! This story was inspired by Kristina McMorris’s own grandparents.
Gifted examines the burnout that can occur with a professional ballet dancer,Alex, and the implications of it. Also, it explores the implications of a violinist, Sophia, having to abandon her family to pursue her dreams. In addition, this story also examines the implications of caring for a mother with dementia.
But when Sophia, now in her 80’s and is suffering from dementia, leaves home to play her violin at the Grand Central Terminal, Alex sees this and feels compelled to dance. Alex and Sophia took comfort in each other for the short time performing.
A great book club pick as these Novella’s would lead to many great discussions!
Thanks to Kensington Books (Kensington), I was provided an ARC of The Season of Second Chances by Kristina McMorris; Tammy Greenwood via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book that includes two Christmas Novella’s. The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris and Gifted by Tammy Greenwood. Two very different, well-told and heartfelt stories. Perfect to give as a gift!
The Christmas Collector has historical aspects and shows the importance of family history! This story highlights the journey of going through a loved one’s belongings! Sometimes the greatest gifts come from your own family! This story was inspired by Kristina McMorris’s own grandparents.
Gifted examines the burnout that can occur with a professional ballet dancer,Alex, and the implications of it. Also, it explores the implications of a violinist, Sophia, having to abandon her family to pursue her dreams. In addition, this story also examines the implications of caring for a mother with dementia.
But when Sophia, now in her 80’s and is suffering from dementia, leaves home to play her violin at the Grand Central Terminal, Alex sees this and feels compelled to dance. Alex and Sophia took comfort in each other for the short time performing.
A great book club pick as these Novella’s would lead to many great discussions!
Thanks to Kensington Books (Kensington), I was provided an ARC of The Season of Second Chances by Kristina McMorris; Tammy Greenwood via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2023
The Season of Second Chances contains The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris and Gifted by T. Greenwood. I admit that I have a penchant for stories featuring the holidays and the magic that happens during that time of year. I have mixed feelings about The Season of Second Chances. The Christmas Collector had potential. It is told from Jenna and Reece’s point of view. I did find the story easy to read, but I did not feel that the characters were developed. There are repetitive details. I liked the grandmother’s story. I did feel that the romance portion was rushed. It is a nice story, but I did not feel the spirit of the season. Gifted by T. Greenwood is a story that I found depressing. The characters are developed and realistic. Neither Alex nor Sofia have had the best maternal relationships. I like how the Nutcracker ties into the story. There is a special scene at Union Station that I thought was sweet. A theme that resonates through both stories is finding your heart’s desire. I felt that the stories lacked joy, especially Gifted. Holiday stories should make you smile and put you in the mood for the holidays. Neither of the stories fulfilled those goals for me.
September 1, 2023
Two short holiday stories, one book.
In the first story, Jenna is an estate salesperson. She has always felt she was doing people a service, helping them to separate the contents of their lives into 3 bins: donate, sell or trash. Of course, she also has the opportunity to sort through those contents, finding hidden gems (sometimes literally) and making a nice profit off the sales. When her latest client's grandson confronts her and questions her motives, she is forced to rethink her career decisions and their impact on others.
Alex, Sofia and Simone are the main characters in the second story, each at a turning point of her own. Alex is a young ballerina who is starting to question whether the goal she worked for since she was a child is really her dream, or is it just what her mother wants her to do? Simone is suffering dementia, and her daughter Sofia is her caregiver with a separate career of her own. When Simone leaves her home in the middle of the night, Sofia is distraught trying to find her. A silver alert brings Alex to realize who Simone is, and maybe make her choices more clear.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
In the first story, Jenna is an estate salesperson. She has always felt she was doing people a service, helping them to separate the contents of their lives into 3 bins: donate, sell or trash. Of course, she also has the opportunity to sort through those contents, finding hidden gems (sometimes literally) and making a nice profit off the sales. When her latest client's grandson confronts her and questions her motives, she is forced to rethink her career decisions and their impact on others.
Alex, Sofia and Simone are the main characters in the second story, each at a turning point of her own. Alex is a young ballerina who is starting to question whether the goal she worked for since she was a child is really her dream, or is it just what her mother wants her to do? Simone is suffering dementia, and her daughter Sofia is her caregiver with a separate career of her own. When Simone leaves her home in the middle of the night, Sofia is distraught trying to find her. A silver alert brings Alex to realize who Simone is, and maybe make her choices more clear.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
December 4, 2023
two wonderful stories for the holiday season
In Kristina’s story, Jenna is an estate appraiser of family antiques. It’s a great job for her as she doesn’t like to hold on to collectibles , like her mother who has a lot.
While helping a family whose mother is moving into the son’s home, she finds a personal treasure in a box that leads to her a journey with the woman’s family and some realizations with her own.
In Tammy’s story, there are three women who are all lost in some way. Sofia, has felt she never had a close relationship with her mother who has traveled a lot for a job as a classical violinist. Her mother who is now very physically close to her, is emotionally not so as she developed Alzheimer’s, so it’s difficult to develop that relationship they never had. The mother Simone is lost in her own world with Alzheimer’s.
Then there is a third character, Alex, a young woman who feels lost because she can’t figure out what direction she wants to take with her life, continue being a ballerina or take another direction all together. The three women’s stories tie together in an unexpected way.
Both of these stories had memorable characters and touching moments with their families. Great stories for the holidays. Highly recommended
In Kristina’s story, Jenna is an estate appraiser of family antiques. It’s a great job for her as she doesn’t like to hold on to collectibles , like her mother who has a lot.
While helping a family whose mother is moving into the son’s home, she finds a personal treasure in a box that leads to her a journey with the woman’s family and some realizations with her own.
In Tammy’s story, there are three women who are all lost in some way. Sofia, has felt she never had a close relationship with her mother who has traveled a lot for a job as a classical violinist. Her mother who is now very physically close to her, is emotionally not so as she developed Alzheimer’s, so it’s difficult to develop that relationship they never had. The mother Simone is lost in her own world with Alzheimer’s.
Then there is a third character, Alex, a young woman who feels lost because she can’t figure out what direction she wants to take with her life, continue being a ballerina or take another direction all together. The three women’s stories tie together in an unexpected way.
Both of these stories had memorable characters and touching moments with their families. Great stories for the holidays. Highly recommended
August 16, 2023
There were two stories in this book.
The Christmas Collector dealt with the stuff we all collect during our lives. The endless crockery, linen, furniture is one. The mementoes like photographs, certificates, souvenirs with no sentiment for anyone other than the owner is the other. Jenna is a person who deals with all the stuff that is a persons home or estate. Dealing with it sensitively is her forte and in this story secrets unraveled of memories long gone is very evocative.
The second story is Gifted by T Greenwood. Alex is a gifted ballerina wHo just froze during a performance and is now analysing her feelings about her dance, her talent and her life. She realises that driven by her mothers ambition and dreams she has pushed herself to do better, reach an excellence that she is no longer enchanted with. Simone also gifted is eighty and living with senile dementia. How the two meet, unexpectedly is moving. It is a catalyst for Alex to decide how she goes forward.
Both stories deal with forgiveness, love and looking forward to new beginnings.
The Christmas Collector dealt with the stuff we all collect during our lives. The endless crockery, linen, furniture is one. The mementoes like photographs, certificates, souvenirs with no sentiment for anyone other than the owner is the other. Jenna is a person who deals with all the stuff that is a persons home or estate. Dealing with it sensitively is her forte and in this story secrets unraveled of memories long gone is very evocative.
The second story is Gifted by T Greenwood. Alex is a gifted ballerina wHo just froze during a performance and is now analysing her feelings about her dance, her talent and her life. She realises that driven by her mothers ambition and dreams she has pushed herself to do better, reach an excellence that she is no longer enchanted with. Simone also gifted is eighty and living with senile dementia. How the two meet, unexpectedly is moving. It is a catalyst for Alex to decide how she goes forward.
Both stories deal with forgiveness, love and looking forward to new beginnings.
December 30, 2025
This wonderful Christmas book is two stories, beginning with The Christmas Collector, by one of my favorite authors Kristina McMorris. The story revolves around a woman who helps people declutter their lives of their too many possessions, especially is they are moving and need to downsize. Along the way, she seems to be getting burned out as she finds items that are obviously important to one person. She begins to look for the mystery surrounding those pictures and memorabilia.
The second story is Gifted by Tammy Greenwood, a new to me author. I was very impressed by her writing and how she wove a tale of a woman suffering from Alzheimer's and how her daughter is having trouble understanding the toll the disease is taking on her mother. Tammy came up with such a touching story. I may have to look into some of her other writings.
The second story is Gifted by Tammy Greenwood, a new to me author. I was very impressed by her writing and how she wove a tale of a woman suffering from Alzheimer's and how her daughter is having trouble understanding the toll the disease is taking on her mother. Tammy came up with such a touching story. I may have to look into some of her other writings.
July 17, 2023
The two novellas in this collection promise second chances to the reader and the main characters. I admit, I'm a sucker for the magic of the holidays and new beginnings. But somehow, this book hit hard with the melancholy - and light on the joy. The hardest thing, I think, was the off-handed treatment and disregard for infant RSV. Honestly, RSV can be deadly to infants, and my own son nearly succumbed. To brush it off as "Everything's okay; they think she might have RSV," is just irresponsible. And this happens while the main character's elderly mom is missing, and grieving her father's death a year ago. The first story has magical mistletoe, and the second has a magical violin. It's ... a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
Thank you to the authors, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has two novellas by two different authors, which could feel random. However, they harmonize well due to the overarching themes of love, hope, and what a second chance can look like. I loved that both stories centered an old(er) woman, and explored the effects of memories on them and those near to them - even if their loved ones were not always aware of the past that had created those memories. Both stories give a hopeful perspective looking forward, without becoming saccharine. Lovely short reads.
This book has two novellas by two different authors, which could feel random. However, they harmonize well due to the overarching themes of love, hope, and what a second chance can look like. I loved that both stories centered an old(er) woman, and explored the effects of memories on them and those near to them - even if their loved ones were not always aware of the past that had created those memories. Both stories give a hopeful perspective looking forward, without becoming saccharine. Lovely short reads.
January 4, 2024
This book has two wonderful Christmas stories. The Christmas Collector by Ms. McMorris is about Jenna working as a home down-sizer. She is helping Stella getting her house ready to sell and move in with her son and his wife. Stella's grandson is against the move thinking his parents are rain roading her. He soon discovers that Stella can't live alone and helps is sorry he gave Jenna such a hard time.
Book 2, Gifted by T. Greenwood is the story of an 80 year old woman with dementia and a young ballerina who has just been fired from the production of the Nutcracker. The books is narrated by 3 women whose lives meet and intertwine. A beautiful Christmas story.
Book 2, Gifted by T. Greenwood is the story of an 80 year old woman with dementia and a young ballerina who has just been fired from the production of the Nutcracker. The books is narrated by 3 women whose lives meet and intertwine. A beautiful Christmas story.
March 19, 2024
Two enjoyable novellas in one book. I was easily caught up in the lives of the characters and their struggles. Likeable characters, interesting stories, well-written. Some of the scenes had me remembering good times with my own parents. Sometimes it's the moments that matter most, more than how we might perceive the whole history.
(It was actually the paperback edition that I read, not the Kindle edition, but I find it hard to locate and save the correct edition in Goodreads. Not sure why it even matters, but I usually select the book based on the cover shown, and in this case, the cover exactly matches my paperback edition.)
(It was actually the paperback edition that I read, not the Kindle edition, but I find it hard to locate and save the correct edition in Goodreads. Not sure why it even matters, but I usually select the book based on the cover shown, and in this case, the cover exactly matches my paperback edition.)
August 20, 2023
The Season of Second Chances is two stories by two different authors, but both carry the same message of hope and promise. The first is about a woman who sells other people’s belongings for them. But then she discovers a picture from someone’s past and realizes that sometimes, life is in the “things”. The other story is about an elderly woman with dementia and a young ballerina trying to figure out life. When the two meet, they make something beautiful. These were very sweet stories and I really enjoyed them! Thanks #NetGalley and the publisher. .
July 2, 2023
This book contains two Christmas novellas. While they were each different in their own way, they both had a historical fiction aspect and dealt with mother-daughter relationships. I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and charming and kept me interested throughout.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a good Christmas read and I will be looking for more by both of these authors.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a good Christmas read and I will be looking for more by both of these authors.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2023
Both of these novellas are about love, forgiveness and the importance of memories as we age. In both stories the central characters are two women, one old and one young. Although there is romance in the first story, it’s almost incidental to the relationships between the women and their families. The Christmas setting feels very appropriate for the theme of family reconciliation. Although I enjoyed both novellas, the first one resonated more with me.
November 7, 2023
I won this book through Goodreads and got a bonus when I found that it was a collection of 2 stories. I loved both of them. The first story, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECOTOR, was so sweet, with a little bit of WWII history. I loved how Jenna sees her relationship with her mother differently after meeting Estelle Porter and discovering her past. The second story, GIFTED, was just as sweet with an unexpected ending. Loved the ending so much but I don't want to give it away. This is an easy, feel good read I highly recommend.
December 16, 2023
First off this is two different stories. Each only about 100 pages so they’re very short. The first one was a cute idea but it was just so confusing at the start and then so much happened at once and right after it ended abruptly. I just wasn’t a fan of it. The second one wasn’t that good either. First off it was sad. But I just don’t understand the ending. There’s really no ended I feel like the story isn’t over and the start was just so long that it doesn’t seem like it’s over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews