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Seasons of the Heart #1
Christmas on Mimosa Lane
Anna DeStefano presents a touching Christmas story about love, loss, and healing—and the joys of coming home.
A childhood spent on the streets leaves Mallory Phillips longing for a normal life and a perfect Christmas. Now an elementary school nurse in Chandlerville, Georgia, Mallory’s dream to blend into the picturesque community isn’t working out. She’s once more living a loner’s existence. Then an emotionally fragile seven-year-old appears in her living room in the middle of the night, and Mallory’s isolated world is turned upside down.
This is Polly Lombard’s first Christmas without her mother, and she won’t utter a word to anyone—except Mallory. She believes Mallory holds the key to helping her father overcome his sadness. Despite Pete Lombard’s lingering grief over his wife’s death and concern for his daughter, his resistance to their mysterious neighbor crumbles as he spends more time with Mallory and falls for her amazing heart. But when her past returns haunt her, is Mallory strong enough to keep the Lombard family in her life? And can the spirit of Christmas heal these broken souls and bring them all the joyous, loving holiday they deserve?
A childhood spent on the streets leaves Mallory Phillips longing for a normal life and a perfect Christmas. Now an elementary school nurse in Chandlerville, Georgia, Mallory’s dream to blend into the picturesque community isn’t working out. She’s once more living a loner’s existence. Then an emotionally fragile seven-year-old appears in her living room in the middle of the night, and Mallory’s isolated world is turned upside down.
This is Polly Lombard’s first Christmas without her mother, and she won’t utter a word to anyone—except Mallory. She believes Mallory holds the key to helping her father overcome his sadness. Despite Pete Lombard’s lingering grief over his wife’s death and concern for his daughter, his resistance to their mysterious neighbor crumbles as he spends more time with Mallory and falls for her amazing heart. But when her past returns haunt her, is Mallory strong enough to keep the Lombard family in her life? And can the spirit of Christmas heal these broken souls and bring them all the joyous, loving holiday they deserve?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
215 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Anna DeStefano
42 books273 followersAnna DeStefano brings to life heart-warming, emotion-packed stories about community, family and second chances. Her award-winning, nationally bestselling small town romances spotlight family, friendships and the forgiveness that nurtures her characters’ dreams…as they explore the issues all contemporary families face.
Anna’s imagination is forever inspired by our ability to claim an unlimited and exciting future—by honestly confronting and bravely overcoming the setbacks of the past.
She’s the author of more than twenty-seven books, including the Echoes of the Heart and the Mimosa Lane novels that are set in Chandlerville, Georgia, and her Atlanta Heroes series.
Look for her other titles featuring the reader-favorite Dixon family: Here in My Heart, Let me Love You Again, His Darling Bride, and Book 3 of the Seasons of the Heart series, Love on Mimosa Lane.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Anna’s lived in the South her entire life. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes.
A wife and mother, she currently writes in a charming northeast suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, not all that different from her characters’ beloved Chandlerville.
She is also a workshop, masterclass and keynote speaker, a writing coach, and a freelance editor.
Get to know Anna at annawrites.com/blog and the Anna DeStefano: Author page on Facebook, where she shares her inspirations, her challenges, a healthy dose of honest optimism, and tidbits about upcoming projects.
Anna’s imagination is forever inspired by our ability to claim an unlimited and exciting future—by honestly confronting and bravely overcoming the setbacks of the past.
She’s the author of more than twenty-seven books, including the Echoes of the Heart and the Mimosa Lane novels that are set in Chandlerville, Georgia, and her Atlanta Heroes series.
Look for her other titles featuring the reader-favorite Dixon family: Here in My Heart, Let me Love You Again, His Darling Bride, and Book 3 of the Seasons of the Heart series, Love on Mimosa Lane.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Anna’s lived in the South her entire life. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes.
A wife and mother, she currently writes in a charming northeast suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, not all that different from her characters’ beloved Chandlerville.
She is also a workshop, masterclass and keynote speaker, a writing coach, and a freelance editor.
Get to know Anna at annawrites.com/blog and the Anna DeStefano: Author page on Facebook, where she shares her inspirations, her challenges, a healthy dose of honest optimism, and tidbits about upcoming projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 26, 2012
This had the potential to be the perfect Christmas romance. I love Christmas romances that are filled with redemption, new beginnings, and hope. This book contains all of those three ideals, but unfortunately they didn't outweigh the "heaviness" and sadness of this book.
At first glance, this book appears to be about Pete, a widowed father, and Polly, his hurting and withdrawn little girl. It is obvious that these two need a Christmas miracle. We are then introduced to Mallory Phillips, a former social worker, and currently the elementary school nurse where Polly attends school. She is also Pete and Polly's neighbor. The opening chapters show a distraught Polly seeking Mallory out to find peace. If the story could've just surrounded Polly's hurt and brokenness and Mallory's role in helping her heal, I may have been able to handle it. Unfortunately, there is so much sadness and brokenness in this book that no one gets a break.
Quickly, through the use of flashbacks, we learn that Mallory has a ton of hurt and brokenness in her own life. Heavy topics of homelessness, lack of healthcare, abuse, mental illness, and neglect are explored. This book quickly deteriorates as the amount suffering that the characters experience becomes overwhelming. I love a little bit of angst, but this book would've been far better served to either focus on Mallory's past pain OR Polly and Pete Lombard's pain. This book tackles both and suffers because of it.
At first glance, this book appears to be about Pete, a widowed father, and Polly, his hurting and withdrawn little girl. It is obvious that these two need a Christmas miracle. We are then introduced to Mallory Phillips, a former social worker, and currently the elementary school nurse where Polly attends school. She is also Pete and Polly's neighbor. The opening chapters show a distraught Polly seeking Mallory out to find peace. If the story could've just surrounded Polly's hurt and brokenness and Mallory's role in helping her heal, I may have been able to handle it. Unfortunately, there is so much sadness and brokenness in this book that no one gets a break.
Quickly, through the use of flashbacks, we learn that Mallory has a ton of hurt and brokenness in her own life. Heavy topics of homelessness, lack of healthcare, abuse, mental illness, and neglect are explored. This book quickly deteriorates as the amount suffering that the characters experience becomes overwhelming. I love a little bit of angst, but this book would've been far better served to either focus on Mallory's past pain OR Polly and Pete Lombard's pain. This book tackles both and suffers because of it.
January 4, 2015
School Nurse/Social Worker Mallory Phillips moves to the quiet town of Chandlerville, Georgia where she, basically, wants to be alone. She puts up a beautiful Christmas tree, as she never had one of her own when she was growing up, but imagine her surprise when she discovers she’s not alone. A 7 year old girl, Polly, has found her way into Mallory’s home in the middle of the night. A young girl who is staying within her own cocoon and not talking to anyone, except her new friend Mallory.
Polly’s story touches Mallory’s heart like nothing she ever expected. Polly’s mother has passed away and her father, Pete, is trying as hard as he can to make things right. However, as far as Polly is concerned, nothing will ever be the same again without her mother. Since Mallory never knew her mother, Polly feels safe with her. She doesn’t have to pretend to be okay. At the same time, Mallory is fighting her own demons after her mother walked away from her when she was just a child.
Pete is at a loss how to deal with his daughter and finds himself drawn to Mallory, but she’s keeping her own heartbreak hidden. He’s determined to bring a bit of happiness to both Polly and Mallory and maybe even find some of his own.
This is a touching, heartwarming story which is perfect for this time of the year. It will grab onto your heart and not want to let go. It’s the first in a series and the next one looks to be just as much of an emotional ride as this one. These are sweet, loving characters who readers will want to have their “happily-ever-after”.
Polly’s story touches Mallory’s heart like nothing she ever expected. Polly’s mother has passed away and her father, Pete, is trying as hard as he can to make things right. However, as far as Polly is concerned, nothing will ever be the same again without her mother. Since Mallory never knew her mother, Polly feels safe with her. She doesn’t have to pretend to be okay. At the same time, Mallory is fighting her own demons after her mother walked away from her when she was just a child.
Pete is at a loss how to deal with his daughter and finds himself drawn to Mallory, but she’s keeping her own heartbreak hidden. He’s determined to bring a bit of happiness to both Polly and Mallory and maybe even find some of his own.
This is a touching, heartwarming story which is perfect for this time of the year. It will grab onto your heart and not want to let go. It’s the first in a series and the next one looks to be just as much of an emotional ride as this one. These are sweet, loving characters who readers will want to have their “happily-ever-after”.
February 11, 2023
Simply lovely, at times heartbreaking, warm, a beautiful love story.
I’ve read many books, but never have I cried until reading Christmas on Mimosa Lane. Well done, Anna DeStefano! A truly beautiful love story.
I’ve read many books, but never have I cried until reading Christmas on Mimosa Lane. Well done, Anna DeStefano! A truly beautiful love story.
December 7, 2018
A few parts were interesting, but mostly it was repetitive and boring.
December 29, 2018
A wonderful heart warming story, it was a lovely romance but had a really good story line to it as well. all the characters were going threw tradgody and there were really sad parts of the book as well as good ones to. This book was wonderful and brought tears to my eyes as I was reading. although simple and an easy read I was unable to put it down.
December 16, 2021
Good enjoyable book. Inspirational, hopeful. I will be reading more f this author.
November 5, 2012
This is the third or maybe fourth book I have read this holiday season that surrounds Christmas and I am certainly not complaining. I am sure that I will be reading many more! I was very drawn in by the cover of this book simply because who wouldn’t want to wake up to this on Christmas morning? It looks almost like the sun is breaking through the clouds on the cover as well. This book also surrounds the feeling of Christmas and truly captures that loving and giving spirit that most people experience throughout the holiday season.
This story follows a few different families that are living on Mimosa Lane, what a quaint street name! Each of them is feeling lonely or missing someone or some feeling this Christmas season. They are all trying to enjoy a Merry Christmas, but certain circumstances in their lives have left them empty in some way, shape, or form. I loved the way that Anna DeStefano connects each of the families on the lane and allows their stories to intertwine as well. I felt like I had moved onto Mimosa Lane myself and was part of this tight knit neighborhood.
My favorite story on the lane was the story of Pete, Mallory, and Polly. Pete and Polly have just lost their wife and mother recently and Polly, still in Elementary School, is having an extremely hard time coping. Just the thought of a small girl without her mother made me tear up while reading because I could never imagine life without my own mother, and I am a grown woman. Polly was such a loving and sweet little girl who was drawn to Mallory, their new next door neighbor, and her beautifully lit Christmas tree. Polly would often sneak out of their house and Mallory would find her lurking around her backyard or right in her living room! I thought it was the sweetest relationship and story that was developed between Polly and Mallory and it really put me in the mood to do something nice for someone in need.
All of the mini stories that make up life on Mimosa Lane are equally heart wrenching and a beautiful Christmas light shines through them all. Anyone who could use a touching pick me up should pick up this book! Sometimes we all need to have a good cry, especially when it is a fabulous book!
***Thank you to Anna DeStefano and her publicist, Susan, at Montlake Romance for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
This story follows a few different families that are living on Mimosa Lane, what a quaint street name! Each of them is feeling lonely or missing someone or some feeling this Christmas season. They are all trying to enjoy a Merry Christmas, but certain circumstances in their lives have left them empty in some way, shape, or form. I loved the way that Anna DeStefano connects each of the families on the lane and allows their stories to intertwine as well. I felt like I had moved onto Mimosa Lane myself and was part of this tight knit neighborhood.
My favorite story on the lane was the story of Pete, Mallory, and Polly. Pete and Polly have just lost their wife and mother recently and Polly, still in Elementary School, is having an extremely hard time coping. Just the thought of a small girl without her mother made me tear up while reading because I could never imagine life without my own mother, and I am a grown woman. Polly was such a loving and sweet little girl who was drawn to Mallory, their new next door neighbor, and her beautifully lit Christmas tree. Polly would often sneak out of their house and Mallory would find her lurking around her backyard or right in her living room! I thought it was the sweetest relationship and story that was developed between Polly and Mallory and it really put me in the mood to do something nice for someone in need.
All of the mini stories that make up life on Mimosa Lane are equally heart wrenching and a beautiful Christmas light shines through them all. Anyone who could use a touching pick me up should pick up this book! Sometimes we all need to have a good cry, especially when it is a fabulous book!
***Thank you to Anna DeStefano and her publicist, Susan, at Montlake Romance for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
December 12, 2012
It was one of the saddest books I read for Christmas and I loved it. Heart wrenching yet beautifully written. I loved the different point of views written because then you could see the hurt and feelings that each of them were dealiing with during this holiday season. Pete and Polly were dealing with their first Christmas without Emma, and Mallory was having her first Christmas in her reboot start on Mimosa Lane. My heart ached for Mallory's past and trying so hard to move forward. I'm glad what she was able to do with Polly. Ending was quite touching. Mallory is a work in progress but i'm sure that Pete and Polly will help her along the way.
I was drawn in by the beautiful book cover but that has nothing to do with the story that unfolded. Looking forwarded to reading the next installment next summer with Sam's story.
I was drawn in by the beautiful book cover but that has nothing to do with the story that unfolded. Looking forwarded to reading the next installment next summer with Sam's story.
December 20, 2012
Sometimes there is nothing like a good, emptying cry during the holidays, especially when you are full of emotions that just kind of need to be drained away. Too much? Anyways, y’all, Christmas On Mimosa Lane by Anna DeStefano definitely fits the bill for a heartfelt, emotional Christmas read. If you love small town southern settings, closely knit neighborhoods and your characters tragic, then you will definitely enjoy Christmas On Mimosa Lane.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
January 12, 2013
This book walked all over my heart. I normally read Christmas books for that feel-good, happy emotional read. This one was so sad … Polly broke my heart. I know that the author plans a sequel, but if the ending had been different, I probably would have rated it differently. It was my first read by Anna DeStefano and I probably won’t be reading any more. Just wasn’t my thing.
December 31, 2014
Excellent Book real eye opener
I liked the book a whole lot, I have never read any of her books before. It is full of a lot of truth on how we tend to deny the things that are important to us and makes you see how people live in different types of society
I liked the book a whole lot, I have never read any of her books before. It is full of a lot of truth on how we tend to deny the things that are important to us and makes you see how people live in different types of society
January 4, 2018
Absorbing
I was interested in getting to know the main characters in this book. They were vividly portrayed and the interactions between the characters was really interesting. But some of this book chest didn't seem plausible to me. The book centers around foit characters. Who are dealing with the devastating loss to their family. which happened about six months earlier. Another was the teacher in New York City, near the World Trade Center. She was with her students on 9/11 when the Trade Center towers came down. The trauma left deep scars witch have not yet been resolved. The fourth is the main character. From age 6 to age 12, she traveled with her mentally ill mother as they went from town to town to prevent being found. This happened many years ago but left deep wounds that have never really healed. What I found challenging was that the same answer to healing those different wounds from those different times was the same, and that this answer almost immediately restored balance to all their lives. Maybe that has really happened but it seemed very unlikely to me. Still this was a good story, well written, well structured, with well drawn characters.
I was interested in getting to know the main characters in this book. They were vividly portrayed and the interactions between the characters was really interesting. But some of this book chest didn't seem plausible to me. The book centers around foit characters. Who are dealing with the devastating loss to their family. which happened about six months earlier. Another was the teacher in New York City, near the World Trade Center. She was with her students on 9/11 when the Trade Center towers came down. The trauma left deep scars witch have not yet been resolved. The fourth is the main character. From age 6 to age 12, she traveled with her mentally ill mother as they went from town to town to prevent being found. This happened many years ago but left deep wounds that have never really healed. What I found challenging was that the same answer to healing those different wounds from those different times was the same, and that this answer almost immediately restored balance to all their lives. Maybe that has really happened but it seemed very unlikely to me. Still this was a good story, well written, well structured, with well drawn characters.
February 28, 2018
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.
I love reading seasonal books, especially those at Christmas time. This book was great book, for that because of the amazing Christmas tree used throughout the story.
This was a unique story for me as I haven't read one on a trauma child in a very long time. I completely loved the idea that even though one doesn't mean to become important to another person they can just worm themselves into a heart.
A school nurse doesn't mean to get involved in the affairs of one of her students. However, her heart goes out to the small one. She desires to help her but meets a brick wall from the father. This book turns into a healing book for all three main characters involved.
Nice, sweet book; one I will be reading during another holiday season.
I love reading seasonal books, especially those at Christmas time. This book was great book, for that because of the amazing Christmas tree used throughout the story.
This was a unique story for me as I haven't read one on a trauma child in a very long time. I completely loved the idea that even though one doesn't mean to become important to another person they can just worm themselves into a heart.
A school nurse doesn't mean to get involved in the affairs of one of her students. However, her heart goes out to the small one. She desires to help her but meets a brick wall from the father. This book turns into a healing book for all three main characters involved.
Nice, sweet book; one I will be reading during another holiday season.
September 16, 2021
I quit reading this at page 113. I normally finish all books even when they’re slow, but not this time. I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t like this book. It’s unbalanced to me. There aren’t enough details about the main characters to make them seem human enough. Something in the descriptions felt like I was reading about a case study and not fictional characters. The little touches of daily life aren’t there, while there is overanalyzed details on other situations that don’t need it. I thought I’d recommend this for book club but, I definitely changed my mind.
February 20, 2022
So many good things to say, I am having a hard time to find where to start.
1. The novel - Absolutely excellent. The introduction of each of the characters. The different themes going on. Some surprises around the corner. 3 sub titles are well described. It was nice to read a book with very light profanity. And yes it made me go for a Kleenex a couple of time.
2. The Author, Anna DeSefano - As I was reading chapter 4, I was seeing tail signs that this novel was written by someone whom is highly educated and in the field of Psychology or Social Services or some form of Trama Therapy. When I went to read about Anna. Yep! I was right. It is so well written.
I also enjoyed reflecting with the Author on the deep thoughts/feeling question-ere at the end.
Most definitely in the future I will be reading Book #2. This one will hit home with 9-11.
Thank you Anna.
1. The novel - Absolutely excellent. The introduction of each of the characters. The different themes going on. Some surprises around the corner. 3 sub titles are well described. It was nice to read a book with very light profanity. And yes it made me go for a Kleenex a couple of time.
2. The Author, Anna DeSefano - As I was reading chapter 4, I was seeing tail signs that this novel was written by someone whom is highly educated and in the field of Psychology or Social Services or some form of Trama Therapy. When I went to read about Anna. Yep! I was right. It is so well written.
I also enjoyed reflecting with the Author on the deep thoughts/feeling question-ere at the end.
Most definitely in the future I will be reading Book #2. This one will hit home with 9-11.
Thank you Anna.
November 29, 2018
Christmas
Merry Christmas. This was a beautiful book. Yes I would love to live on Mimosa Lane. The characters where great and the storyline was really amazing. The experience I had reading this was very helpful. Thanks
Merry Christmas. This was a beautiful book. Yes I would love to live on Mimosa Lane. The characters where great and the storyline was really amazing. The experience I had reading this was very helpful. Thanks
December 19, 2025
I wasnt expecting that
This story came of nowhere. Its deep and heartfelt and emotional and sweet. It touches on some tough topics. Its not what I thiught i was getting myself into but it was a good book.
This story came of nowhere. Its deep and heartfelt and emotional and sweet. It touches on some tough topics. Its not what I thiught i was getting myself into but it was a good book.
July 29, 2017
Loved it
A powerful story of loss and love, and how the past can make you stronger and cage you at the same time. I loved this book.
A powerful story of loss and love, and how the past can make you stronger and cage you at the same time. I loved this book.
October 14, 2020
Enthralling
I had no idea this book would take me on a journey of pain love trust couldn’t stop reading it
I had no idea this book would take me on a journey of pain love trust couldn’t stop reading it
December 31, 2025
Tedious and slow. The story repeats the same few facts over and over with an abundance of adjectives. It was painful to finish.
December 31, 2022
If you're looking for light-hearted holiday romance - this is NOT it!
Way, way, way too heavy and depressing for a holiday romance. I did not enjoy the heavy subject matter. There was sadness and intensely emotional subject matter presented from every angle in the story. Not for me, sorry!
Way, way, way too heavy and depressing for a holiday romance. I did not enjoy the heavy subject matter. There was sadness and intensely emotional subject matter presented from every angle in the story. Not for me, sorry!
December 3, 2012
The holidays are a time of heightened emotions--happiness and grief are intertwined for those of us who have lost loved ones. The memories can be overwhelming, often as dreaded as they are treasured. Everyone has to grieve in their own way, and they should be allowed to find their own level of emotional acceptance. Then there are those people who have great loving hearts, but did not have happy childhoods, and never experienced a real "family Christmas". Sentimental holiday music, lights and decorations everywhere, and there's no escaping the shopping blitz. Author Anna DeStefano's "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" is a poignant, emotion-charged, and ultimately very rewarding holiday romance, but it is also a reminder that life is for the living. Mallory Phillips is a seeker, searching for the idealized community and home life that she has never known. She thought she would find it on Mimosa Lane in the charming community of Chandlerville, Georgia. Working as a school nurse, she still feels something is missing from her life. She still feels alone. The only visitor to her home is a little girl from her neighborhood who comes to look at Mallory's Christmas Tree through her window. Polly and her father, Pete Lombard are grieving the loss of Polly's mother, and this Christmas season is very difficult. One evening, Polly ventures inside Mallory's house, triggering a chain of events which will change the course of all their lives. Pete is angry, frustrated, and just as scared as his little girl. Everything he took for granted, including his peace of mind, was taken away when his wife died from cancer. He's not sure of much of anything, and he resents Mallory's very frank assessment of his parenting skills. However, they soon begin to work together to make life better for Polly, and a fragile contentment settles around the three of them. Seeds of hope are planted, and the growing relationship between Pete and Mallory starts to bloom. When Mallory's painful past catches up with her, can she hold on to her newly-formed dreams of future happiness? Will Pete and Polly become the family she has ached for all of her life? "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" is highly recommended--especially for people like me who carry the spirit of Christmas in their heart all year long.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
February 17, 2013
2.5 Stars
I am not sure how I feel about this book. The storytelling and the writing were done wonderfully; I was fully invested in the story and its characters. But on the other hand, it was so flipping depressing! I feel the need to warn readers not to buy a house on Mimosa Lane, everyone living there is miserable!
We have the main character, Mallory, and her misery has deep roots in a childhood spent on the streets. The other main characters are Polly and her dad, Pete. Their misery is based on the recent and tragic loss of their mother/wife. Then you have two neighbors, one who is nosy and not content in her life, feeling a little lonely and neglected, and another neighbor suffering from PTSD and miserable about the events of 9/11. You see the pattern here? I just wanted to throw anti-depressants in everyone’s drinking water.
I like stories about people overcoming past traumas and finding their happily ever after, I am just not sure that I buy all that the author was selling here. From the synopsis I assumed Mallory and Pete were going to be a couple by the close of the book. Yay! What I didn’t know was how recent his wife had passed away. This was the love of his life; he and his daughter are barely functioning through every day because their grief is so raw and strong. But along comes Mallory and he’s ready to fall in love? Huh? Had the author made the passing of the wife not so recent, I would have been happier with the turn out. But as it is, I didn’t really get it – I don’t think Pete, or his daughter would be so open to that relationship so soon.
Mallory is a social worker and she gives great advice to everyone, she’s a veritable travelling therapist. But when it comes to her own life, she is the opposite. If anyone is in need of therapy it is her. Basically I felt like the people who should be hung up on the past (Polly and Pete) weren’t, and those who should be moving on (Mallory and PTSD neighbor) weren’t.
I don’t enjoy feeling bad or sad, and I don’t enjoy books that made me feel that way. While the story is well told, it’s still too depressing for this reader to love it.
Cherise Everhard, February 2013
Book provided by and reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
I am not sure how I feel about this book. The storytelling and the writing were done wonderfully; I was fully invested in the story and its characters. But on the other hand, it was so flipping depressing! I feel the need to warn readers not to buy a house on Mimosa Lane, everyone living there is miserable!
We have the main character, Mallory, and her misery has deep roots in a childhood spent on the streets. The other main characters are Polly and her dad, Pete. Their misery is based on the recent and tragic loss of their mother/wife. Then you have two neighbors, one who is nosy and not content in her life, feeling a little lonely and neglected, and another neighbor suffering from PTSD and miserable about the events of 9/11. You see the pattern here? I just wanted to throw anti-depressants in everyone’s drinking water.
I like stories about people overcoming past traumas and finding their happily ever after, I am just not sure that I buy all that the author was selling here. From the synopsis I assumed Mallory and Pete were going to be a couple by the close of the book. Yay! What I didn’t know was how recent his wife had passed away. This was the love of his life; he and his daughter are barely functioning through every day because their grief is so raw and strong. But along comes Mallory and he’s ready to fall in love? Huh? Had the author made the passing of the wife not so recent, I would have been happier with the turn out. But as it is, I didn’t really get it – I don’t think Pete, or his daughter would be so open to that relationship so soon.
Mallory is a social worker and she gives great advice to everyone, she’s a veritable travelling therapist. But when it comes to her own life, she is the opposite. If anyone is in need of therapy it is her. Basically I felt like the people who should be hung up on the past (Polly and Pete) weren’t, and those who should be moving on (Mallory and PTSD neighbor) weren’t.
I don’t enjoy feeling bad or sad, and I don’t enjoy books that made me feel that way. While the story is well told, it’s still too depressing for this reader to love it.
Cherise Everhard, February 2013
Book provided by and reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
January 8, 2013
Did you get those "oh, this is going to be good and where is that box of tissues?" kind of chills when you read the back cover copy? I did, so I grabbed my pink- and gray-striped afghan and settled in for a touching read. The book was even more stirring than I imagined. The perfect houses on Mimosa Lane harbor more than their share of heartrending imperfections — the once tightly knit neighborhood is slowly unraveling. The characters and their struggles are all so real and relatable that I'm still worried about them.
With Mallory and Polly, DeStefano presents a wrenching and effective juxtaposition—the child laboring to cope with her mother's death seeks salvation from the woman who can't come to terms with her own loss. But Mallory ends up helping Polly more than she can ever anticipate, and in doing so helps herself. She gives the little girl a "safe place" to store her mother's memories until the child is ready to reflect on them—which is a lovely parallel for the safety Mallory doesn't yet realize she's found on Mimosa Lane.
But there's so much more than angst within these pages! The sexual tension between Mallory and Pete burns hot enough to melt the snow off of every roof in the neighborhood, and the humor tucked here and there is entertaining and timely. In the snippet below Mallory calls Pete after finding his daughter in her living room in the middle of the night — she can't help wondering why he doesn't know the little girl is missing:
"Excuse me?" Pete mumbled. "It's nearly one in the morning. Who is this?"
There was rustling on his end of the call, and Mallory imagined him sitting up, all sleepy and sprawling and mussed. Brown, unruly hair the same shade of mink as his daughter's. Brown, emotional eyes. Dark stubble that he let grow along his chin and jaw each weekend. Did he sleep in the nude?
"This is your conscience speaking," she said, irritated with her wayward thoughts.
Christmas on Mimosa Lane celebrates the resilience of not only the holiday spirit, but the human spirit as well. You won't regret being part of that celebration.
With Mallory and Polly, DeStefano presents a wrenching and effective juxtaposition—the child laboring to cope with her mother's death seeks salvation from the woman who can't come to terms with her own loss. But Mallory ends up helping Polly more than she can ever anticipate, and in doing so helps herself. She gives the little girl a "safe place" to store her mother's memories until the child is ready to reflect on them—which is a lovely parallel for the safety Mallory doesn't yet realize she's found on Mimosa Lane.
But there's so much more than angst within these pages! The sexual tension between Mallory and Pete burns hot enough to melt the snow off of every roof in the neighborhood, and the humor tucked here and there is entertaining and timely. In the snippet below Mallory calls Pete after finding his daughter in her living room in the middle of the night — she can't help wondering why he doesn't know the little girl is missing:
"Excuse me?" Pete mumbled. "It's nearly one in the morning. Who is this?"
There was rustling on his end of the call, and Mallory imagined him sitting up, all sleepy and sprawling and mussed. Brown, unruly hair the same shade of mink as his daughter's. Brown, emotional eyes. Dark stubble that he let grow along his chin and jaw each weekend. Did he sleep in the nude?
"This is your conscience speaking," she said, irritated with her wayward thoughts.
Christmas on Mimosa Lane celebrates the resilience of not only the holiday spirit, but the human spirit as well. You won't regret being part of that celebration.
November 19, 2015
(Sigh) I have been having feed issues between my blog and Goodreads for months, so I am manually posting blog posts for now.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and overall I felt like it was a good story. A word of caution, however. If you are looking for a light, fluffy story for the holiday season, this may not be for you. I will only briefly outline the plot as many other reviewers have done so in depth.
The story is told from multiple points of view: the heroine, Mallory, Peter Lombard, Polly Lombard, and a neighbor. This is a somewhat unusual structure for a romance of this length, but works due to the plot line.
Peter Lombard has been recently bereaved of his beloved wife and is struggling with his own emotional issues, as well as those of his six year old daughter, Polly. When Mallory, a new standoffish neighbor, moves next door, she puts up a festive Christmas tree. The tree draws Peter’s emotionally distraught child to her house, and serves as the catalyst for Mallory to become involved in Peter and Polly’s lives.
Mallory is dealing with her own emotional issues as a result of having been homeless as a child and living with a mother battling mental disease and alcoholism. Peter doesn’t want anyone interfering with his attempts to reconnect with this daughter, and Mallory doesn’t want to become emotionally attached to anyone, yet that is exactly what transpires.
The tale deals with issues of grief and guilt, combined with love lost and love found again. The emotional baggage which is intertwined with these emotions is also explored. I enjoyed the story, but did find it strained credibility to some degree that Peter became involved with Mallory so soon after his wife’s passing. I thought that perhaps there should have been a lengthier grieving process, though there is foundation laid in the story to explain that.
To me, the story’s ending is bittersweet, though, based on other reviews, most readers seem to feel it is happy. If you want to read a tale which takes some weighty topics and manages to make you feel good, then this is a book you might want to try.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and overall I felt like it was a good story. A word of caution, however. If you are looking for a light, fluffy story for the holiday season, this may not be for you. I will only briefly outline the plot as many other reviewers have done so in depth.
The story is told from multiple points of view: the heroine, Mallory, Peter Lombard, Polly Lombard, and a neighbor. This is a somewhat unusual structure for a romance of this length, but works due to the plot line.
Peter Lombard has been recently bereaved of his beloved wife and is struggling with his own emotional issues, as well as those of his six year old daughter, Polly. When Mallory, a new standoffish neighbor, moves next door, she puts up a festive Christmas tree. The tree draws Peter’s emotionally distraught child to her house, and serves as the catalyst for Mallory to become involved in Peter and Polly’s lives.
Mallory is dealing with her own emotional issues as a result of having been homeless as a child and living with a mother battling mental disease and alcoholism. Peter doesn’t want anyone interfering with his attempts to reconnect with this daughter, and Mallory doesn’t want to become emotionally attached to anyone, yet that is exactly what transpires.
The tale deals with issues of grief and guilt, combined with love lost and love found again. The emotional baggage which is intertwined with these emotions is also explored. I enjoyed the story, but did find it strained credibility to some degree that Peter became involved with Mallory so soon after his wife’s passing. I thought that perhaps there should have been a lengthier grieving process, though there is foundation laid in the story to explain that.
To me, the story’s ending is bittersweet, though, based on other reviews, most readers seem to feel it is happy. If you want to read a tale which takes some weighty topics and manages to make you feel good, then this is a book you might want to try.
November 21, 2012
Given the title Christmas on Mimosa Lane, the cover and the blurb this sounded just like a warm, festive tale. And it is.
Eventually. After it put my emotions through the wringer!
This is actually a story of overcoming heartache in form or another with the season as the catalyst that drives the characters. There is Peter Lombard and his daughter, Polly who are both still grieving at the loss of wife and mother, Emma to cancer. Thanksgiving was pretty much a disaster and Christmas doesn't look like it's going to be all that much better.
On the other hand, Mallory Phillips, their new next door neighbour appears to be all set for the holiday with biggest and brightest tree of them all. And yet this former child of the streets where she lived with her mother also has major misgivings about the season. Her upbringing has meant that as much as she wants to be included she is also very guarded and will panic.
This is certainly not a case of people meeting and a magic balm being placed on all concerned relieving them of their hurts. Even until the last page, it wasn't certain if there was going to be a HEA. It's a story of gentle healing and even with the heaviest of losses; with the right care administered people at their lowest point can recover.
Perhaps this is a short review but this is not my usual sort of fare. There's no 'big bad' here. There did look to be a character who may have been unlikeable but that was just a case of a caring community being too much too soon but once this was recognised, it was understood. As I've stated this is a gentle, warm tale about the loss of mothers, grief and healing.
Definitely not a light and twee story but thoroughly recommended. Another major plus point is the new ability to borrow books as a member of Amazon Prime.
Eventually. After it put my emotions through the wringer!
This is actually a story of overcoming heartache in form or another with the season as the catalyst that drives the characters. There is Peter Lombard and his daughter, Polly who are both still grieving at the loss of wife and mother, Emma to cancer. Thanksgiving was pretty much a disaster and Christmas doesn't look like it's going to be all that much better.
On the other hand, Mallory Phillips, their new next door neighbour appears to be all set for the holiday with biggest and brightest tree of them all. And yet this former child of the streets where she lived with her mother also has major misgivings about the season. Her upbringing has meant that as much as she wants to be included she is also very guarded and will panic.
This is certainly not a case of people meeting and a magic balm being placed on all concerned relieving them of their hurts. Even until the last page, it wasn't certain if there was going to be a HEA. It's a story of gentle healing and even with the heaviest of losses; with the right care administered people at their lowest point can recover.
Perhaps this is a short review but this is not my usual sort of fare. There's no 'big bad' here. There did look to be a character who may have been unlikeable but that was just a case of a caring community being too much too soon but once this was recognised, it was understood. As I've stated this is a gentle, warm tale about the loss of mothers, grief and healing.
Definitely not a light and twee story but thoroughly recommended. Another major plus point is the new ability to borrow books as a member of Amazon Prime.
December 12, 2013
Generally, I have no interest in reading romance novels. However, I find myself trying some of them at Christmas time simply because I'm looking for books which in one way or another celebrate the season.
If you are going to read a romance, then "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" by Anna DeStefano, is well worth trying. As the book begins, we meet seven year old Polly who keeps finding her way into the apartment of her neighbor, Mallory Philips. Polly is a recent orphan and Mallory initially has some definite concerns about whether her father is doing right by her. over time though, her feelings change which, of course, we know they will from the moment they meet.
What makes this book stand out is the exceptional writing and the well conceived, complex characters. You will come to care about these people not because they are perfect (they certainly are not), but because they are all too human. You'll fall in love with the folks on Mimosa Lane and will long for another visit. And you'll come away believing that, although people have their weaknesses and imperfections, they are pretty darn good after all, at least for the most part.
There's no strong language in this one and there is only one sex scene (which I could have done without.) So it's pretty safe reading even if that sort of thing isn't your cup of tea.
If you are going to read a romance, then "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" by Anna DeStefano, is well worth trying. As the book begins, we meet seven year old Polly who keeps finding her way into the apartment of her neighbor, Mallory Philips. Polly is a recent orphan and Mallory initially has some definite concerns about whether her father is doing right by her. over time though, her feelings change which, of course, we know they will from the moment they meet.
What makes this book stand out is the exceptional writing and the well conceived, complex characters. You will come to care about these people not because they are perfect (they certainly are not), but because they are all too human. You'll fall in love with the folks on Mimosa Lane and will long for another visit. And you'll come away believing that, although people have their weaknesses and imperfections, they are pretty darn good after all, at least for the most part.
There's no strong language in this one and there is only one sex scene (which I could have done without.) So it's pretty safe reading even if that sort of thing isn't your cup of tea.
September 9, 2023
I won Christmas on Mimosa Lane from Goodreads first reads.The book is mainly about Mallory, Pete, and Polly. Mallory recently moved to Mimosa Lane to have a fresh start and escape her past. Pete's wife and Polly's mom, Emma, died from cancer six months ago, and both of them are having a hard time coping with their loss. They become acquainted, and Mallory tries to help them through their problems (she was a social worker before her position as a school nurse). Eventually they get attached to each other and Mallory reveals her past.
The entire novel deals with internal conflict with next to no external problems. The mood is very heavy and depressing most of the time. This book did a pretty good job of portraying the feelings and emotions of people suffering from various traumas and losses. However, this shouldn't be read for people looking for entertainment or some light romance. It's an incredibly sad story with very few elements to bring it up. I enjoyed parts of it but overall there's too much unnecessary drama and predictability, specially at the end, for me to give it more than 3 stars.
The entire novel deals with internal conflict with next to no external problems. The mood is very heavy and depressing most of the time. This book did a pretty good job of portraying the feelings and emotions of people suffering from various traumas and losses. However, this shouldn't be read for people looking for entertainment or some light romance. It's an incredibly sad story with very few elements to bring it up. I enjoyed parts of it but overall there's too much unnecessary drama and predictability, specially at the end, for me to give it more than 3 stars.
November 28, 2012
After a childhood on the streets with her bipolar, alcoholic mother, Mallory Phillips learned never to trust in love. Now she found a community to call home, but she can't settle into the cozy town. When Polly Lombard sneaks into her house late one night, Mallory finds herself connecting to the young girl who just lost her mother to cancer. She's also finding herself bonding to Polly's grieving father, Pete. But can this family and the community give Mallory the one thing she always wished for... A perfect Christmas?
This is my first book by DeStefano, but it will not be my last. This story, written with heart and clever psychological depth, had me weeping one second and smiling the next. Most impressive was that the book was broken into three sections to adapt to phases of healing. This wasn't a rushed love story with a Christmas angle. Nothing felt out of place or unrealistic. And every character jumped off the page. From the secondary characters to the town itself, this was an engrossing read. This is an author to keep your eye out for, and stock up on Kleenex.
This is my first book by DeStefano, but it will not be my last. This story, written with heart and clever psychological depth, had me weeping one second and smiling the next. Most impressive was that the book was broken into three sections to adapt to phases of healing. This wasn't a rushed love story with a Christmas angle. Nothing felt out of place or unrealistic. And every character jumped off the page. From the secondary characters to the town itself, this was an engrossing read. This is an author to keep your eye out for, and stock up on Kleenex.
January 16, 2013
Mallory awakens to find Polly, the lil girl from next door hiding behind her Christmas tree, she is immediately taken with the lil girl and realizes the pain she is in. Polly’s mother had died 6 months earlier, and the child had withdrawn into herself.
The problem with such a close knit community is everyone knows everyone, and people are treating Polly like glass, and constantly reminding her of her loss. The major issue for Polly is, her father, he has also withdrawn and doesn’t seem to know how to reach his daughter and resents Mallory, whom Polly seems intent on drawing into their lives.
The big issue here is that Mallory is in pain herself because of her dysfunctional childhood, something that she won’t share with anyone believing it would diminish her in everyone’s view of her. However, Mallory is the only one who understands Polly and is able to reach her, and through Polly, she is able to reach her father. Who can reach Mallory? Will Mallory have a second chance? Will her irregular upbringing be cause for her to miss out on having a new life for herself?
The problem with such a close knit community is everyone knows everyone, and people are treating Polly like glass, and constantly reminding her of her loss. The major issue for Polly is, her father, he has also withdrawn and doesn’t seem to know how to reach his daughter and resents Mallory, whom Polly seems intent on drawing into their lives.
The big issue here is that Mallory is in pain herself because of her dysfunctional childhood, something that she won’t share with anyone believing it would diminish her in everyone’s view of her. However, Mallory is the only one who understands Polly and is able to reach her, and through Polly, she is able to reach her father. Who can reach Mallory? Will Mallory have a second chance? Will her irregular upbringing be cause for her to miss out on having a new life for herself?
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