She dreamed of a Christmas wedding. He was happy to oblige. But they weren’t expecting a trip home to change their beliefs.
Even though they’ve been living the American dream in Boston for more than ten years, Valerie and Ryan know the best place to celebrate their Christmas wedding is back home in Ireland. They were only supposed to spend a week in Dublin with their families, celebrate their special day, and go back to their lives in Boston. So when homesickness starts creeping into their hearts, they label it as just a little nostalgia caused by the festive season. Until an unexpected complication, only days before the wedding, makes Valerie and Ryan realize it’s time they decided where they really belong.
A sweet Christmas romance that will warm your heart all year long, A Christmas Melody is a short sequel to The Melody In Our Hearts, but can also be read as a standalone.
Valerie and Ryan are engaged, but have yet to tell their parents, who they’re going to visit for Christmas in Dublin. They’ve known each other since they were kids and were good friends since then, but that relationship grew into love when Ryan almost died. The two of them are married in Dublin to the joy of their family and friends. While there, they are reminded of how much family means and must decide whether their future is back home in Boston or in Dublin with their family. A Christmas Melody, by Roberta Capizzi, follows the story of Valerie and Ryan, from another of her books, The Melody in our Hearts. This particular story is written so that you needn’t have read the first book to enjoy this one, although the first is every bit as amazing. One of the most poignant and heartwarming moments in the book is when Valerie requests Ryan sing the song he wrote for her, but he instead surprises her with a new one. I literally cried. The ending was even better, although I don’t want to ruin it for future readers. This book is a perfect ending to Ryan and Valerie’s story, although I would love to see this couple’s journey continue on in words. Readers of romance will love this sweet story.
Coming in at the midpoint in this series, I was unnecessarily worried about backstories, as this takes Valerie and Ryan’s story to the next level. I will say that Capizzi provided a complex and emotional portrayal of these two characters, filling in moments needed to understand, but working forward as they head back to Dublin to share their happiness with their families.
Interestingly enough, the feared bad reactions were far less of an issue for me than the couple’s seeming fear of discussing what had become foremost in their minds as the end of their visit arrives: just where the rest of their lives would be based.
A wonderful mix of emotion, setting and some truly lovely sentiments, this story was packed with moments to get both your heart and spirit in the season. While it worked well on its own, I have rushed out to get the first in the series to learn more about this couple and their story. I’m sure readers who liked the first book will love this one.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This is the perfect follow up to The Melody in our Hearts and, I feel, finishes off the story of Ryan and Valerie perfectly. It can, however, be read as a standalone also.
In this story Ryan and Valerie are returning home to Ireland for their wedding. Neither have told their parents who they are marrying due to various reasons. So initially their return is tinged with doubt about whether the news will be received happily or not.
Planning to be back for only 7 days, events soon overtake them. Unbeknown to the other, both begin to have doubts about returning to their life in America. With both of them believing the other would disapprove, are Ryan and Valerie destined to leave their families yet again? Is there any chance they can get together and realise that the other feels the same?
As I said before, this is the perfect ending to a story which I loved and this is an author I cannot wait to read more from in the future.
I loved this story. It is a beautifully written insight into relationships as it continues Valerie and Ryan's story as they journey home to Ireland to share their new relationship with their families. After being friends for years, their relationship developed into something more. While they are home, they realise that while they are happy together, it is important that they be able to share their happiness with their families. Roberta Capizzi is a writer who takes the reader on an emotional journey with the characters. Her characters are beautifully written and developed and in a world of meet and fall in love instantly stories, she is a refreshing voice.
This story continues the love story between Ryan and Valerie as they come home to marry near family and friends. I have not read the other book and was still able to follow this story. I was pulled right in and enjoyed their sweet love story. I always enjoy a romance between best friends because they really know each other. This book is advertised as a clean romance and this book does stay very sweet and clean while still having sizzle. It does however refer to the two having lived together in Boston.
I love this book. And I recommend it to anyone who wants an enjoyable evening together with a book, immersed in another world but always present. It will seem to know the characters and wanting to be part of their lives. A Book for All and will entertain you to the last page. I had received from Instant freebie.
A wonderful romantic love story. This is the story of two long time friends who find love with each other and want to share with their families at Christmas. The emotions and love in the story keep you warm and interested though out the book. The characters are loveable and this makes it a wonderful Christmas read. I enjoyed the follow up story of this couple. Well written.
Couldn't stop smiling from beginning to end. I like the setting because I LOVE Ireland. And It was super romantic and super sweet. this is how a romance novel sequel should be written.
A short, sweet story of friendship, love, family, home and happy ever-after's. I really liked Valerie and Ryan as a couple and will now be going back to read their full story in The Melody in Our Hearts. I loved the setting of Ireland and the Christmas Eve wedding. If you're looking for a quick read in between novels this is a perfect choice.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this follow up..a bit more than the first book..I feel more connected to the characters..it was nice catching up with them..learning more about them and their lives ..and the other characters! Nice sweet love story!!