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Amelia Cook #1
Don't Wait For Me
Edwin Klein's iconic downtown toy store is hanging by a thread. The end is near, but he won't accept it. The store is all he has left of his wife and he can't let it go. Failure and loss have led him to a dark place.
After a chance encounter with a shoplifter, he stumbles upon the help of Amelia Cook, who is struggling with her own loss. Through one holiday season the two of them hatch a plan to save the store and in turn touch the lives of everyone they know.
What follows is a wonderful, but tragic tale of love, loss and new beginnings.
After a chance encounter with a shoplifter, he stumbles upon the help of Amelia Cook, who is struggling with her own loss. Through one holiday season the two of them hatch a plan to save the store and in turn touch the lives of everyone they know.
What follows is a wonderful, but tragic tale of love, loss and new beginnings.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2012
177 people are currently reading
1405 people want to read
About the author
Dan Kolbet
10 books48 followersDan Kolbet lives in Spokane, Washington, with his family. He is an independent author, former newspaper editor, and reporter. He is currently working on his next story.
Visit www.dankolbet.com to learn more and sign up for Dan’s newsletter. You can like his author page on Facebook www.facebook.com/DanKolbetBooks.
Follow Kolbet on Twitter @dankolbet. Find him on Instagram at dankolbet.
Visit www.dankolbet.com to learn more and sign up for Dan’s newsletter. You can like his author page on Facebook www.facebook.com/DanKolbetBooks.
Follow Kolbet on Twitter @dankolbet. Find him on Instagram at dankolbet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
October 31, 2012
Note From the Author: Don't Wait For Me is a love story, but not the typical boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-does-something-crazy-to-get-girl-back. Those stories have been told. I wanted to do something a little different.
The story centers on reluctant toy store owner, Edwin Klein. Edwin never wanted to own a toy store, but after the tragic passing of his wife, the store and all its problems become his alone. Amelia Cook just wants a real family so she can keep her children safe. Edwin and Amelia's story plays out over one holiday season. Their actions, together and alone, have dramatic implications for everyone they know.
I very much enjoyed writing this book and spending a few months with these characters. The reactions I've received from readers have been surprising and overwhelming. Never did I expect this little story to have such a profound emotional impact for readers. It feels wonderful that my readers have felt the same emotions I felt while writing the story.
I hope you enjoy it too.
The story centers on reluctant toy store owner, Edwin Klein. Edwin never wanted to own a toy store, but after the tragic passing of his wife, the store and all its problems become his alone. Amelia Cook just wants a real family so she can keep her children safe. Edwin and Amelia's story plays out over one holiday season. Their actions, together and alone, have dramatic implications for everyone they know.
I very much enjoyed writing this book and spending a few months with these characters. The reactions I've received from readers have been surprising and overwhelming. Never did I expect this little story to have such a profound emotional impact for readers. It feels wonderful that my readers have felt the same emotions I felt while writing the story.
I hope you enjoy it too.
January 19, 2018
Things in life happen for a reason and finding our personal happy ending may come in the most unlikely ways. Edwin didn’t set out to be a toy store owner, but now, it has become a lifeline to his past, a way to hold on to his wife who was taken too early. Times change and Edwin flounders, lost, alone and heartbroken. The little shop no longer is his lifeline, but an anchor that that is pulling him under, emotionally, mentally and financially.
It wasn’t until the quirky Amelia came into his life in a most unlikely way that the two of them will find a path to the light at the end of a dark tunnel and a path least expected.
The holiday season they met would become one of miracles shared in the most wonderful way.
DON’T WAIT FOR ME by Dan Kolbet is NOT your typical second chance romance, it is a tale of letting go of the past, learning to live, give and love life again. The beauty of this tale is in the simplicity of its message and how one man learns to see a glass half full, even at what could have been the worst of times.
Publisher: Alfe Publishing (December 8, 2013)
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Genre: Holidays | Romance
Print Length: 235 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
It wasn’t until the quirky Amelia came into his life in a most unlikely way that the two of them will find a path to the light at the end of a dark tunnel and a path least expected.
The holiday season they met would become one of miracles shared in the most wonderful way.
DON’T WAIT FOR ME by Dan Kolbet is NOT your typical second chance romance, it is a tale of letting go of the past, learning to live, give and love life again. The beauty of this tale is in the simplicity of its message and how one man learns to see a glass half full, even at what could have been the worst of times.
Publisher: Alfe Publishing (December 8, 2013)
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Genre: Holidays | Romance
Print Length: 235 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 11, 2013
Wow...
This book was not at all what I originally expected. When I read the book description, I pictured a holiday romance. I gathered that there was to be some sadness, that the characters had seen some tragedy in their (possibly quite recent) pasts. But I thought that this would be more of your typical holiday romance, in which the two characters would find love and happiness at the end.
But the author took a completely different tack with the story.
Basic review with no spoilers: Good book, well written, but not your typical holiday story. If you're looking for something that will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling and put you in the mood for hot chocolate and Christmas carols, this isn't the story you're looking for. It will bring out emotions, but not the ones you're hoping for.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:
Edwin owns a toy store that his wife's family owned for 40 years. His in-laws passed on years ago, and his wife died a year ago in a tragic accident. His love for her was so strong that he still misses her today, and has resorted to drinking much more often than he should in order to get through the day. The toy store is no longer just sinking, it's already drowned, he's just not ready to admit it.
Amelia is a single mother of 2, on her own after the children's father left her a year ago. She supported him and their family while he went to school, and then he walked away and found someone us. She's doing the best she can, but it's not easy, and when Edwin brings her son home, claiming that he tried to shoplift, she feels at a loss.
That little shoplifter brings together two people who need each other, who are looking for someone to motivate them, to challenge them, to care for them. While Edwin's toy store continues to fail, the apparent relationship between he and Amelia seems to blossom.
Which is why it's so shocking when Amelia's ex, Josh, shows up and everything changes. Amelia's son and his cousin go missing, and everyone in town sets out to look for them. Including Edwin who, by the way, has a heart condition. He finds the two boys, but at the expense of not just his health, but his life. Edwin dies, leaving everyone to grieve. Amelia and Josh end up married, and owning the toy store.
That ending shocked me. I actually cried, because it was so surprising to me. To be honest, I finished the book last night and I'm still struggling this morning to figure out if I liked that ending or not. I feel like I didn't like it, because it was so sad and tragic. This was set forth as a Christmas story - and for me, Christmas stories are supposed to have a happy ending. I read them for the cheery, happy feeling they give me. Edwin's death didn't give me that cheery, happy feeling, obviously. But, Amelia and Josh got together, finding love and giving their kids a stable, apparently happy home - and that would be a relatively cheery, happy ending. So, I'm conflicted.
I do think the story was very well written. There were a few minor errors with spelling, more like typos really - for example, you where it should have been you're or your. These were minor errors, and didn't really interfere with the story. The plot itself was well written. The characters were rather well developed. I think, had the author turned this into a longer story, it's possible it could have been even better.
This book was not at all what I originally expected. When I read the book description, I pictured a holiday romance. I gathered that there was to be some sadness, that the characters had seen some tragedy in their (possibly quite recent) pasts. But I thought that this would be more of your typical holiday romance, in which the two characters would find love and happiness at the end.
But the author took a completely different tack with the story.
Basic review with no spoilers: Good book, well written, but not your typical holiday story. If you're looking for something that will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling and put you in the mood for hot chocolate and Christmas carols, this isn't the story you're looking for. It will bring out emotions, but not the ones you're hoping for.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:
Edwin owns a toy store that his wife's family owned for 40 years. His in-laws passed on years ago, and his wife died a year ago in a tragic accident. His love for her was so strong that he still misses her today, and has resorted to drinking much more often than he should in order to get through the day. The toy store is no longer just sinking, it's already drowned, he's just not ready to admit it.
Amelia is a single mother of 2, on her own after the children's father left her a year ago. She supported him and their family while he went to school, and then he walked away and found someone us. She's doing the best she can, but it's not easy, and when Edwin brings her son home, claiming that he tried to shoplift, she feels at a loss.
That little shoplifter brings together two people who need each other, who are looking for someone to motivate them, to challenge them, to care for them. While Edwin's toy store continues to fail, the apparent relationship between he and Amelia seems to blossom.
Which is why it's so shocking when Amelia's ex, Josh, shows up and everything changes. Amelia's son and his cousin go missing, and everyone in town sets out to look for them. Including Edwin who, by the way, has a heart condition. He finds the two boys, but at the expense of not just his health, but his life. Edwin dies, leaving everyone to grieve. Amelia and Josh end up married, and owning the toy store.
That ending shocked me. I actually cried, because it was so surprising to me. To be honest, I finished the book last night and I'm still struggling this morning to figure out if I liked that ending or not. I feel like I didn't like it, because it was so sad and tragic. This was set forth as a Christmas story - and for me, Christmas stories are supposed to have a happy ending. I read them for the cheery, happy feeling they give me. Edwin's death didn't give me that cheery, happy feeling, obviously. But, Amelia and Josh got together, finding love and giving their kids a stable, apparently happy home - and that would be a relatively cheery, happy ending. So, I'm conflicted.
I do think the story was very well written. There were a few minor errors with spelling, more like typos really - for example, you where it should have been you're or your. These were minor errors, and didn't really interfere with the story. The plot itself was well written. The characters were rather well developed. I think, had the author turned this into a longer story, it's possible it could have been even better.
October 28, 2012
Having the pleasure of receiving a preview of this author's second novel, I am excited to say that he has taken a new direction in his writing that I absolutely love! This is a fast paced love story that made me laugh and cry. There were times in the story that I felt as if I were in the scene. The writing is believable and true to life it has the ability to suck you in, leaving you no option, but smiling. Fans of Nicolas Sparks or Jodi Picoult will be a fan of this author as well. I am hoping this author continues to write in this genre.
December 11, 2012
I came across Don’t Wait For Me while searching for something completely unrelated in Google. (I can’t even remember what I was searching for at this point.) My search brought me to Dan Kolbert’s blog, where I saw he was asking for readers to please review his book. Dan is an independent author, and word of mouth is where it’s at for the indies. So I grabbed up a copy on my nook and dug in.
Cover: The cover for Don’t Wait For Me is clean and crisp, not overdone, and it conveys the feel of the book quite well. I don’t know that it’s a cover that would beg me to pick it up, but it catches my eye.
The Book: Poor Edwin is having quite a bad run of things. His business, which he wants so badly to survive, is on its last leg; he’s being pressured to sell by some heartless, big-shot real estate investor; and he’s rapidly descending into alcoholism. Then he meets Amelia, a woman whose life, on the surface, looks even harder than his, but who is eternally upbeat and bright, and he finds things looking up for the first time in a year.
Edwin finds himself caring less about holding onto the store just for the sake of keeping it, and more about being happy for himself. Add in a bit of intrigue, some drama, and a lot of love, and you’ve got Don’t Wait For Me.
What I Loved: The relationship between Amelia and Edwin felt very natural to me. It happened very quickly, but it wasn’t built on just attraction or lust, but rather genuine compassion and service to each other. It was portrayed really well. I really enjoyed the whole story – the pacing was spot on, and all the characters were rich, even the secondary ones that are easy to neglect. Even Amelia’s ex, who I really wanted to dislike, was great. They all felt like *real* people, not just characters.
Also, this has nothing to do with the writing, but the book formatting was fabulous. This is one of my biggest pet peeves with indies: because of old self-publishing stigma, people often think anything that is independently published is destined to be crap. That’s not the case even a little bit for many titles, but when I see one with great writing but terrible formatting, I cringe, because I know someone will use that to bash all indie books. Don’t Wait For Me looked beautiful on my nook.
What Needed Work: There were some typos in the book, little editing things that should have been caught before print. Like with formatting, I cringe when I catch editing mistakes in indie books, not because it never happens (it happens a lot with indies, traditionally published books, every book – shoot, I’m an editor, and I will freely admit that I miss things, no matter how hard I try to), but because I know someone out there will use the typos as ammo. Luckily, there are very few problems with Don’t Wait For Me, and I don’t think anyone will be able to latch onto the few editing errors.
This is a personal preference all the way, but I had a hard time with the omniscient narration. I like my third person narration to be closer to a single character (not necessarily for the whole book, but each scene sticking with a single character). Cranium jumping throws me for a loop. Kolbet didn’t do it poorly; omniscient narration is tough to pull off, and he’s done quite well. It’s just my personal preference.
Recommended For: Fans of Nicholas Sparks will eat this one up. For real.
Cover: The cover for Don’t Wait For Me is clean and crisp, not overdone, and it conveys the feel of the book quite well. I don’t know that it’s a cover that would beg me to pick it up, but it catches my eye.
The Book: Poor Edwin is having quite a bad run of things. His business, which he wants so badly to survive, is on its last leg; he’s being pressured to sell by some heartless, big-shot real estate investor; and he’s rapidly descending into alcoholism. Then he meets Amelia, a woman whose life, on the surface, looks even harder than his, but who is eternally upbeat and bright, and he finds things looking up for the first time in a year.
Edwin finds himself caring less about holding onto the store just for the sake of keeping it, and more about being happy for himself. Add in a bit of intrigue, some drama, and a lot of love, and you’ve got Don’t Wait For Me.
What I Loved: The relationship between Amelia and Edwin felt very natural to me. It happened very quickly, but it wasn’t built on just attraction or lust, but rather genuine compassion and service to each other. It was portrayed really well. I really enjoyed the whole story – the pacing was spot on, and all the characters were rich, even the secondary ones that are easy to neglect. Even Amelia’s ex, who I really wanted to dislike, was great. They all felt like *real* people, not just characters.
Also, this has nothing to do with the writing, but the book formatting was fabulous. This is one of my biggest pet peeves with indies: because of old self-publishing stigma, people often think anything that is independently published is destined to be crap. That’s not the case even a little bit for many titles, but when I see one with great writing but terrible formatting, I cringe, because I know someone will use that to bash all indie books. Don’t Wait For Me looked beautiful on my nook.
What Needed Work: There were some typos in the book, little editing things that should have been caught before print. Like with formatting, I cringe when I catch editing mistakes in indie books, not because it never happens (it happens a lot with indies, traditionally published books, every book – shoot, I’m an editor, and I will freely admit that I miss things, no matter how hard I try to), but because I know someone out there will use the typos as ammo. Luckily, there are very few problems with Don’t Wait For Me, and I don’t think anyone will be able to latch onto the few editing errors.
This is a personal preference all the way, but I had a hard time with the omniscient narration. I like my third person narration to be closer to a single character (not necessarily for the whole book, but each scene sticking with a single character). Cranium jumping throws me for a loop. Kolbet didn’t do it poorly; omniscient narration is tough to pull off, and he’s done quite well. It’s just my personal preference.
Recommended For: Fans of Nicholas Sparks will eat this one up. For real.
December 4, 2012
I'd first like to note that this genre of book is not my usual cup of tea. I read it due to knowing the author... That being said, from the beginning the story drew me in, with the author's knack for detail, smooth integration between past and present and creating well rounded characters. I am an avid reader, with a pet peeve for author's who ignore these rules of writing. Thankfully, Dan Kolbet did not disappoint, showing his high level of skill in the art of story telling! Each emotion that Edwin or Amelia felt and worked through, I felt as well. The story was believable and raw with truth, while intertwined with bits of faith and Christmas spirit. At first glance, the story may come off as your typical sorrows to happily ever after ending; that is not the tale it tells. It is a story of love, loss, hope and finding peace within one's self - it is life and with life all bets are off. Add a little bit of mystery and criminal activity into the mix and it has the makings of a good, solid read that I finished in a mere 2 days.
My only conflict within the story is how the ending plays out. I understand the path the author was on to get his main character, Edwin, from point A to point Z... however I found points "s-w" to be drawn out and a tad bit insignifcant in the grand scheme of things (with the exception of introducing another key character), as far as the lead up to the "major" final scene is concerned. It left little time for the last few pieces of the puzzle to be put together. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good twist, but this was more of a tight squeeze ;). Edwin's journey overall, I felt to be complete, but his and Amelia's final connection, along with her future, not so much. It left me feeling a little unresolved, after being so connected through out the majority of the story. I'm sure many would disagree with me on that point though... :)
My only conflict within the story is how the ending plays out. I understand the path the author was on to get his main character, Edwin, from point A to point Z... however I found points "s-w" to be drawn out and a tad bit insignifcant in the grand scheme of things (with the exception of introducing another key character), as far as the lead up to the "major" final scene is concerned. It left little time for the last few pieces of the puzzle to be put together. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good twist, but this was more of a tight squeeze ;). Edwin's journey overall, I felt to be complete, but his and Amelia's final connection, along with her future, not so much. It left me feeling a little unresolved, after being so connected through out the majority of the story. I'm sure many would disagree with me on that point though... :)
November 2, 2014
I got the Kindle version of this off amazon for free one day. I don't usually have exceptionally high expectations for such free ebooks but this one certainly surprised me!
It was a very well written book with a good progressive plot. The romance aspect of it was rather minimal and that was fine with me because the rest of the book was so well developed. I can't really pinpoint what it was about the book but it really touched me. Perhaps the fact that I'm reading it near the Christmas season comes into play too haha!
I really enjoyed the book and how it is not really similar to any book I've ever read before.
It was a pretty quick read for me, I finished it in about a day and a half. It's definitely on my favourites list and I will sure to be looking out for future books by this author.
It was a very well written book with a good progressive plot. The romance aspect of it was rather minimal and that was fine with me because the rest of the book was so well developed. I can't really pinpoint what it was about the book but it really touched me. Perhaps the fact that I'm reading it near the Christmas season comes into play too haha!
I really enjoyed the book and how it is not really similar to any book I've ever read before.
It was a pretty quick read for me, I finished it in about a day and a half. It's definitely on my favourites list and I will sure to be looking out for future books by this author.
May 15, 2013
Love, love, love this book! Kolbet transported me to the middle of Spokane. I've never been there so I have no idea if it's a small town but that's how it felt. Just the type of place I grew up in, and the sort of place anyone can relate to.
The characters were all someone I know: the struggling small business owner battling secret demons; the single mom trying to do what's best for her kids; the devious villain who everyone despises. Each effortlessly fit together in this beautiful story.
I must admit, I'm saddened by parts of the story as well, but I won't give anything away! It was a poignant tale of love and loss, hope and renewal. A fantastic read that I couldn't put down!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were all someone I know: the struggling small business owner battling secret demons; the single mom trying to do what's best for her kids; the devious villain who everyone despises. Each effortlessly fit together in this beautiful story.
I must admit, I'm saddened by parts of the story as well, but I won't give anything away! It was a poignant tale of love and loss, hope and renewal. A fantastic read that I couldn't put down!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2013
I saw this book listed on a blog and thought I might like it, but I was wrong! I loved this book. The story of Edwin and Amelia sucked me in and I read it in just a couple of days...I stayed up late one of those nights to finish it. The story starts out with Amelia's son, Marcus, shoplifting a toy in Edwin's toy store, Mr. Z's. the book then goes onto show us the struggles both Edwin and Amelia are facing, and how they are drawn together. The book is not all sunshine and rainbows --- and in fact, much of it is quite sad. The ending really tugged at my heart strings in both happy and sad ways, and was quite unexpected. This is a very worthwhile read and would be a great pick for the Christmas season. I will be keeping an eye out for more of Mr. Kolbet's books in the future.
November 20, 2012
There are probably a lot of books out there that are based in the towns we live in, but having the pleasure to read one that is written by Dan Kolbet was inspring. The author keeps the book flowing with just enough to keep you reading and not wanting to put the book down. This is the second book I have read by Dan and he is a very talented young writer. The end was a surprise to me; not the turn I thought it would take. I won't spoil the book by telling details. Just read it; you won't be sorry.
December 8, 2012
Dan Kolbert's 'Don't Wait For Me' is a tragic but highly engaging tale of a man struggling with love, loss and his place in the world. I found the book a quick read but the story was amazingly told with just enough detail to really help the reader image the characters and settings. Which resulted in a direct hit to the feels as the book ended. I'd highly reccommend 'Don't Wait For Me' to anyone who loves a good read!
January 12, 2015
What a beautiful story. It is a fast, simple read that you can finish in an afternoon. It will bring out various emotions such as sadness, happiness, joy, love, heartache and a bit of suspense and loss.
It is about Edwin, who owns a struggling toy store. Circumstances keep going against him until a new family enters his life. His life begins to turn around however, obstacles keep arising for them to face together.
It is about Edwin, who owns a struggling toy store. Circumstances keep going against him until a new family enters his life. His life begins to turn around however, obstacles keep arising for them to face together.
November 19, 2012
This book will make you feel a strong mixture of emotions with every page you read! It is such a touching and emotional story that shows how important it is not to give up. Don't Wait For Me is great for anyone, even people who don't like a sappy love story. Edwin is the perfect example of a true hero!
June 23, 2013
This book had a lot of potential, as it was described as a Hallmark-type of movie, which I typically love. However, I was very disappointed with the direction this book took and the ending. What a let-down.
May 4, 2020
I did enjoy this light reading but I disliked the inconsistencies in the main character.
August 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It would definitely make a good Hallmark channel Christmas movie. :)
August 19, 2015
Like reading a sappy Hallmark movie.
January 31, 2021
I enjoyed most of this book because it was set in my hometown in Spokane, WA. I wish Mr. Z’s would have been a real place. I like how the author describes Spokane and I recognized a lot of the places even though I moved away several years ago.
Edwin Klein is a toy store owner and his store isn’t doing so well. He’s lost his wife about a year ago and he’s about to lose the store as well. One drunken night he meets Amelia again who inserts herself into his life. There is a point in the story where Pastor Isakson says that Amelia helped Edwin find peace, but I don’t see how she did. I mean he did find peace but I feel like he found that on his own, without her help.
Josh, Amelia’s ex, I really don’t like and I was disappointed how their relationship goes in the end of this story. I was really pulling for Edwin and was saddened by the end.
Edwin Klein is a toy store owner and his store isn’t doing so well. He’s lost his wife about a year ago and he’s about to lose the store as well. One drunken night he meets Amelia again who inserts herself into his life. There is a point in the story where Pastor Isakson says that Amelia helped Edwin find peace, but I don’t see how she did. I mean he did find peace but I feel like he found that on his own, without her help.
Josh, Amelia’s ex, I really don’t like and I was disappointed how their relationship goes in the end of this story. I was really pulling for Edwin and was saddened by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
This is an excellent study in grief. Edwin owns Mr. Z’s a toy store. The store is struggling to stay afloat in a strained economy. But Edwin is fighting a few other things too. Marcus an eleven year old boy shoplifts and that’s how Edwin meets Amelia. They work together to save the store but other people are working against them. It’s a good story. The ending caught me by surprise.
April 6, 2018
I felt like this book was all over the place. Is it about Edwin trying to hold onto the store that meant so much to his late wife? Is it about Amelia starting over after separating from the father of her child? Is it about both? It certainly can be, but I didn't feel anything was cohesive.
Also, I listed to the audiobook and the narration was very wooden sounding. It was hard to tell when scenes changed.
I think the premise of the book was pretty good, but the execution fell a little flat for me.
Also, I listed to the audiobook and the narration was very wooden sounding. It was hard to tell when scenes changed.
I think the premise of the book was pretty good, but the execution fell a little flat for me.
December 19, 2019
Christmas story
This was a wonderful Christmas story. It was very realistic, and it drawed you right in. A page turner for sure. Never boring, but it was a sad story which I could relate to every day life. Definitely a thumbs up.
This was a wonderful Christmas story. It was very realistic, and it drawed you right in. A page turner for sure. Never boring, but it was a sad story which I could relate to every day life. Definitely a thumbs up.
May 13, 2024
There were twists and turns throughout this story and some interesting characters as well as several terrible people. I enjoyed the story and setting, totally surprised at what happened near the end and had mixed feelings about it. But then the ending was good.
March 31, 2019
Great story
A few twists and turns. Keeps your attention throughout the story. Enjoyed reading this but a little surprised at the ending
A few twists and turns. Keeps your attention throughout the story. Enjoyed reading this but a little surprised at the ending
December 11, 2019
Great
Great story my whole family love it . It's perfect for the holiday season. Was not expecting the end .
Great story my whole family love it . It's perfect for the holiday season. Was not expecting the end .
March 9, 2020
Heartwarming!
Refreshing and kept my interest. Reminded me of old toy stores and of dime stores now gone. Great story! Enjoyed!
Refreshing and kept my interest. Reminded me of old toy stores and of dime stores now gone. Great story! Enjoyed!
April 27, 2020
Great. Read
This was a great read. It was whimsical and interesting with such a great moral to the story. The author has a great way with story telling
This was a great read. It was whimsical and interesting with such a great moral to the story. The author has a great way with story telling
June 14, 2020
Great read
Definitely recommend. has it all- elements of suspense, mystery, romance, family dynamics. Not over the top, just a good read.
Definitely recommend. has it all- elements of suspense, mystery, romance, family dynamics. Not over the top, just a good read.
August 2, 2020
A great read
I so enjoyed reading this book I finished it in one day. A great story with a few tear jerking moments . There are happy moments too. A great book.
I so enjoyed reading this book I finished it in one day. A great story with a few tear jerking moments . There are happy moments too. A great book.
February 21, 2021
Good characters, interesting story; not what you might expect. 4 & 1/2 stars
April 17, 2013
This book grew on me as I read it. Initially it seemed a melodramatic romance story with the stereotypical hero and heroine, the bad guys that you love to hate, and the typical ending that you imagine. But the author paints a depth in his main character that is surprising and a non-storybook ending that is uplifting. Edwin is trying to keep his deceased wife's toy store going to honor her memory and her family's business, something we often do to please those we love. He had given up his desire to work with horses and sought to honor this new family, but without Mary's enthusiasm and vision, he is simply going through the motions. He doesn't decorate for the holidays (Do men really think of that?), he doesn't engage with the customers, he doesn't keep up to date on toys or marketing. Thrown into the mix is the evil businessman, who sabotages the store to gain the property for development. Edwin marches Marcus home, a boy he's caught shoplifting toys to give to his little sister for Christmas and meets his mother Alicia whose husband has abandoned her to work elsewhere and whose children are in dire need of a male example. She manipulates to get herself hired and brings life back into the store. Edwin begins to see that he's not the only one who is hurting, and their working together to make the store successful gives both of them something to live for. Business never does take off, so Edwin decides to close the store and donate the toys to charity--his story goes viral and attracts the attention of an honest businessman who offers to help. Edwin visits Alicia at her sister's house for the holidays, and who should turn up but the long lost Josh, who realizes just how much his family does mean to him. But apparently Alicia has moved on. In the midst of a snowstorm, Alicia's son Marcus and cousin disappear and everyone goes to look for them. Edwin uses his life experiences to find them and saves Marcus's life by sacrificing his own. This wasn't the ending that I'd envisioned happening--Edwin and Alicia getting together, the son rescued, the father of the children getting his just reward for having abandoned his family, the toy store being miraculously. But this ending was much sweeter. As Edwin thought back of his wife throughout the story, I was reminded of the Russell Crowe character in Gladiator, who often thought of his wife and child and how he desired one day to join them again. It just seemed right that they should be reunited at the end and that this other couple would learn the value of family and carry on the tradition of the toy store, honoring the memories of all the characters who'd gone on before them.
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