Perfect for fans of Anita Hughes and Jenny Colgan, the mistletoe is hanging and the Christmas lights twinkling in Fortune’s Cove—but there are holiday secrets lurking in the far shadows.
Annie Hamilton is a single mother of two and veterinarian whose family is on the verge of falling apart. Her husband has passed away, her teenage son is finding trouble at every turn, and she’s desperately struggling to keep it all together. When she decides to leave the city for Fortune’s Cove in a last-ditch search for peace and togetherness, she’s welcomed by her late husband’s best friend, Matt—a friend who swore he’d always be there for them.
Surrounded by majestic ocean, the island’s famous red sand dunes, and a glowing holiday spirit, Annie and her family are embraced by a warm community more than willing to welcome them. As she joins Matt's veterinary practice and her son begins to stabilize, Annie feels hopeful for the future, beginning to realize that true family is all about love and not just about blood. Annie could never have imagined that a thousand hundred miles from the city could feel the closest to home that she’s ever been. But this cozy enclave harbors a trove of secrets that could undo the life of a vulnerable young woman.
When the past threatens the family Annie is rebuilding, she finds the courage to fiercely protect all of them—and discovers just how far she’ll go to save her family and herself.
Victoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
Newly widowed Annie and her two children move halfway across Canada to escape their sadness and her toxic sister, Valerie. Over on their new island, best friend Matt has decorated a dream home for the three. Yes, Matt is best friends with Annie and her former husband. Yes, it's very predictable. Yes, I enjoyed myself. The only thing I have against this easy read is the toxic female characters. I obviously hated Valerie, but Matt's mom, and his "ex" (I'm using this term very loosely) Jessica could use some work.
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a feel-good story. Though it had some family drama, it still felt cozy and full of Christmas. I would recommend and would read more by this author.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.
I received a free copy of, Christmas in Fortune's Cove, by Victoria James, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Veterinarian and single mom Annie is not doing so well, widowed and a bit adrift, she decides to move to Fortune Cove. Fortune's Cove is a delightful town, especially at Christmas. This book made me so happy, such a sweet story.
Annie Hamilton's passed away four years earlier, and she is now a single mother of two. Her teenage son, Adam, is acting out and getting into trouble, causing the family to begin falling apart. Annie is a talented veterinarian and she is offered a job by Matt, her husband's best friend and a the owner of a veterinary practice in Fortune's Cove a small community on Prince Edward Island. She decides that this would give them a new start and accepts. Her son is angry and she promises him that if things don't work out by Christmas, they will return to Toronto. As the holidays approach, Annie and her kids are welcomed into the community and festive events. Her son is happy and enjoying the new life, but someone from her past and Matt's tries to sabotage her new happiness. The story unfolds over the six weeks leading up to Christmas.
Christmas in Fortune's Cove is a sweet, family Christmas story that is a bit predictable, but nevertheless, enjoyable. I liked Annie and Matt, and felt the chemistry that was there right from the beginning. Matt had been a classmate of Annie's back in University and there were feelings then, but she ended up with Cam and they were happy together. When he died, Matt was there for the family and told them he would be there whenever they needed him. Matt's family was wonderful and I would love to know them. Lila, his grandmother was a classy, confident lady and I would love to be more like her. The setting on Prince Edward Island was perfect, as I am always looking for books set in Canada. The turnaround in Adam was remarkable and a bit quick, but it worked out in the end. There were a couple of characters that were nasty and even toxic, but I will let you find out who they are and what they do. There is festive events, family time, fun, healing and some romance to round out this story. If you enjoy a festive romance with Christmas Magic, then you will enjoy this one.
Moving to a charming small town at Christmas is practically a Hallmark prerequisite, but Christmas in Fortune’s Cove manages to bring fresh heart to the setup. Annie Hamilton, widowed veterinarian and exhausted single mom, ditches big-city stress for a fresh start on Prince Edward Island. Her late husband's best friend, Matt, is already there, ready to fulfill his promise of looking out for Annie and her kids. Cue the will-they-won't-they tension, emotional baggage, and a Christmas season practically begging for some mistletoe-induced realizations.
The star of this book? The setting. Fortune’s Cove is the kind of place that makes you want to pack up your life and run away to a seaside cottage immediately. The town’s holiday charm is chef’s kiss, and it plays a major role in healing Annie and her struggling kids. The romance has its slow-burn moments (because, you know, trauma), but Matt is solid book boyfriend material—patient, kind, and the sort of guy who makes you believe in second chances. There’s a little family drama, a lot of heartfelt moments, and just enough snow-dusted magic to make it all work.
A solid four-star holiday read that delivers small-town Christmas charm, heartfelt family dynamics, and a romance that feels well-earned. While it stands alone just fine, it’s the kind of book that makes you want to check out more from Victoria James. If you’re into cozy holiday reads that balance emotion with warmth—and make you crave cookies and a cabin getaway—this one’s for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming Christmas story of love, family, new beginnings and second chances with a feel-good ending.
Annie Hamilton has had a rough four years since her beloved husband died. In order to maintain their lifestyle for her two children, she had to work long hours as a veterinarian; but it came at a price – her fourteen-year-old son has been acting out and becoming increasingly aloof. Annie, determined to save her family, moves from the city to Fortune’s Cove on Prince Edward Island. The story unfolds over the next six weeks leading up to Christmas as the family is welcomed into the new community and all it has to offer.
There is just enough conflict among family members and coworkers to keep things interesting without becoming melodramatic. I found the main characters engaging and believable. However, Annie’s sister was hard to embrace – she fit the description of any number of character disorders and was truly an undermining influence throughout Annie’s entire life with emotional and physical abuse.
Overall, this is a gratifying novel and worthwhile read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Since her husband passed away four years ago Annie Hamilton has been struggling. Trying to be everything to everyone is exhausting and she just can’t do it anymore. When her son Adam falls in with the wrong crowd, Annie decides maybe a change of scenery is what they all need. Her late husband’s best friend Matt offers her the perfect opportunity to join his veterinary practice in the small town of Fortune’s Cove on Prince Edward Island. They quickly settle in, gaining friends and finding their place in their new home. Just as Annie thinks they may have all found the peace they needed, gossip and rumors from her past threaten to destroy it. She has to find the courage to fight to keep it.
Fortune’s Cove was warm and welcoming to Annie and her kids. Matt was willing to support her them as they settled in, becoming the friend and mentor Adam needs. The conflict created by a person from Annie’s past packs an emotional punch, but it leads to Annie finding an inner strength which also serves he well in her relationship with Matt. This is a feel good story that proves that family is not about blood, but about love, support and acceptance. Grab a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, as this story is perfect for the season.
Annie Hamilton has been a single mom for four years now, following the unexpected death of her husband. In those four years, her life has been a struggle just to maintain a semblance of a happy life for her kids. She is failing. Her son is in trouble at school, and her older sister derides her at every turn rather than helping her. As a last ditch effort, she moves across Canada to Prince Edward Island, to work part time as a veterinarian for an old friend from college. He assures her that his whole family will welcome her and her kids. On the long road trip there, her son has a meltdown and threatens to runaway. They strike a bargain to wait until Christmas, and if he is not happy there, they will return to their former home. This novel touches on many aspects. The unexpected death of a husband and father, the troubling actions of a preteen son, the toxic effect of a demanding and hateful sibling, and heavy weight of responsibility that falls on the lone adult all figure into this story. The novel is well-written, with good character development as the two main protagonists deal with their growing feelings for each other. With just the right amount of romance, this feel-good Christmas tale is perfect for any time.
This was such a lovely story. Annie was leaving Toronto to make a new start for her kids. Her husband died 4 years ago, Her sister was only happy tearing her down and her son was starting to get in with the wrong crowd. She was going to go to small town in Canada where her and her husband's friend worked. She only had to work as a vet 3 days a week and would be at home more for her kids. Her oldest child Adam (he was 14) was really struggling and her sister told him he could stay with her if he didn't want to go. That broke Annie's heart. She made a deal with him to go back after Christmas if he was still unhappy. It took a little time, but both kids really fit in and were making friends. Matt was such a good friend and his feelings for her were really growing. He did alot with her kids and they all got along great. Annie was finally ready to move on and love again. It was sweet how their relationship grew. Matt's grandmother was great and so was his sister. A very good story that is well worth your time
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Christmas in Fortune’s Cove is a lovely study in friendship, loss, and what can happen in a toxic sibling relationship. Author Victoria James has once again spun a tale that will capture her audience.
Veterinarian, and widow, Annie Hamilton has made the decision to move her son Adam, daughter Maddie, and herself a thousand miles from Toronto to Prince Edward Island. Her good friend from college Matt Williams, also a veterinarian, has offered her a position at his clinic and his sister has offered Annie a brand new ocean front home to rent. Not only will this help Annie get her struggling family back on solid footing but also offers an escape from her overbearing older sister Valerie. But Valerie does not allow distance to thwart her need to belittle and damage her sister.
This becomes a major theme in this well plotted, expertly told story. I very much enjoyed the story of Annie and Matt, of the adjustments made by Adam and Mattie, and the message that when a door is shut, a window is opened. This was a good holiday read and I do recommend it!
Christmas in Fortune's Cove is a heartwarming women’s life fiction/romance by Victoria James. Widow Annie Hamilton has a troubled teenage son, a new home and a community that will support her through thick and thin when she moves to Fortune’s Cove. She also has her late husband’s best friend Mat to work with and maybe find a second chance at love.
You can count on Victoria James to give you characters to love, drama but not too much and a touching storyline to keep you reading. I found myself pulling for Annie and son as they make a new life in Fortune’s Cove. A bit of mystery added to the story but not overly full of secrets to be revealed. Christmas in Fortune's Cove is an entertaining story that will have you looking forward to the Christmas Season.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
📚Book Review 📚 Christmas In Fortune’s Cove by VictoriaJames Pub Date 10/10/23
Annie is a veterinarian widowed mother of two who moves to Fortune’s Cove for a few reasons. Her husband’s and her best friend, Matt who has a veterinary practice, has asked her to work there, Annie’s sister is very toxic, and her son is hanging around the wrong crowd at school.
Annie finds friends that feel like family in Matt’s grandmother and sister. At the office there’s tension between the receptionist and Annie.
Matt is very good with Annie’s kids. She and he become closer and Annie discovers that she doesn’t need to take abuse from her sister just because they’re family.
A good book about friendship that turns into more, women friendships, relationships with children in a scenic landscape.
Thank you @netgalley @alcovepress and @vicjames101 for an electronic book ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Victoria James her stories are always sugary sweet. And (same as sweets) very addictive. Every now and then you just need to read some of her sugary stuff. So, Christmas in Fortune's Cove was no exception. Of course, with Annie being a widow and Matt being her husbands best friend, gave the story a little extra drama. And certainly Annie's sister was a very interesting character throughout the book. In all a very Christmassy story, which even reads well in summer. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Christmas in Fortune's Cove, is a second chance and best friend romance novel. I love to read both kinds so to have them together in one book was wonderful. Annie is lucky to have such a great friend in Matt who is there for her and her kids when it counts. Matt is lucky that he is getting a second chance at finding love with Annie. Sad how it came about though. I loved reading this book. Made me want to bake some Christmas sugar cookies.
This is a great holiday story that has tons of emotions running through it. The main character is trying to make a better life for herself and moving away from a toxic relationship. She is looking out for her family in the best way she knows how. You feel for her and find yourself cheering her on to find her happiness and re-establish strong relationships with her children. I liked all of the characters in this book but hated one. A great book that was well worth reading!
Annie and her children , Adam and Maddie were leaving their family home and moving to Fortune's Cove so Annie could join Matt, who was their father's best friend., Vet Practice. Their father had died several years ago and Matt promised to take care of them. Annie is leaving her abusive sister Valerie. They start out on a Rocky trip but a VERY GOOD READ as to how it ends up.
Annie was looking for a new life for herself and her children. Fortune Cove is where she lands. This book was a pleasant easy read and gave me the second chance story for her and her children. The story did not have any surprises and a plot that was predictable. Thank you NetGalley, Victoria James and Alcove Press for the copy of Christmas in Fortune's Cove. This is my personal review.
This is a good book. The two main characters are Annie and Matt. Annie is a widower, mother and a veterinarian. Matt is a veterinarian. They have known each other since college. There is an attraction. Annie moves to Matt’s hometown with her children. He has gotten her a job at his veterinary. They start dating. They each have issues but together they work then out and fall in love.
Overall a good romance. Pretty typical plot line, but still enjoyable. I thought the characters were good, though some portions, those related to Valerie, were pretty hard to believe.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
3.5 More or less a standard Christmas holiday romance but I did like the emphasis on being your own person regardless of the pressures to be what others want or need for themselves. And loved the setting. Free ebook from the library.
First Christmas love story, not romantic, that didn't make me cringe. It was about Annie, a widow with 2 children, & a toxic sister, that made a big change in her life. It has a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Annie Hamilton, a single mother, moves with her troubled teenage son Adam to Fortune's Cove on Prince Edward Island for a fresh start, accepting a job at a veterinary practice owned by Matt, her late husband's best friend. Promising Adam they'll return to Toronto if things don't improve by Christmas, Annie immerses herself in the welcoming community. As the holidays approach, the family finds joy in festive events, but shadows from Annie's and Matt's pasts threaten their newfound happiness. "Christmas in Fortune's Cove" unfolds over six weeks, blending predictability with enjoyable moments. The chemistry between Annie and Matt, with a history traced back to university, adds a sweet touch. Set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island, the story encompasses family, healing, and festive romance, showcasing the magic of Christmas.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Alcove Press and Victoria James for the E ARC of this book. We meet Anne, she is a widower mother and works as a Veterinarian in Toronto. Her family is falling apart. Her teenage son is getting in trouble and her interfering sister is driving her mad. So she makes a brave decision, she is going to move her family to Prince Edward Island and work for her dead husbands best friend Matt in his practice. Matt is delighted that Anne and her family have moved closer. He and his family make them feel welcome. Anne and her children all start to find their feet in their new community, make friends but there is someone who is not happy that Anne and her family are there and does her best to spoil the new life they are building. Can Anne stand up for herself, her family and the possible new man in her life? I really enjoyed this story. Anne is a great character and I loved the growth she went through in the book. Both her children are so fun, especially her daughter who loves Anne of Green Gables. Matt’s Grandmother was probably my favourite character, she was supportive, made Anne feel like she could cope and gave her advice and tips without being overbearing. This is a good book to read over the festive season. So grab a copy when it is published and enjoy.
This book was cute, Hallmark movie like, but there were quite a few typos throughout the book. If it was just one or two that would have been understandable, but it was quite a few.