Коледа край фара

by Jenny Hale, Джени Хейл, Мариана Христова (Translator)

Мия се завръща в крайбрежното градче Уинстед Кейп, за да прекара коледните празници с майка си и сестра си. Но този път е с натежало сърце, защото обичната ѝ баба вече не е сред живите. Тя им е оставила историческия фар на нос Уинстед, принадлежал на семейството им от поколения, но и огромна ипотека, която не могат да изплащат. Пристъпвайки в него, Мия сякаш се връща назад във времето, към най-свидните спомени от детството си. Тя е разделена със съпруга си Майло, но решават да го запазят в тайна, за да не помрачат празничното настроение на близките си. Двамата се заемат с организирането на традиционното фирмено коледно парти, което всички очакват с нетърпение. Мия решава то да се състои във фара на баба ѝ, за да привлече потенциални купувачи.

За продажбата тя се среща с брокера Уил. Привлекателният мъж умее да цени малките неща и да се радва на живота, нo зад красивите му сини очи сякаш се крие дълбока тъга. И точно когато двамата се сближават, се появява Майло, който е осъзнал грешката си и я моли за втори шанс...

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.

Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor

See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: A tiny gasp from across the room pricked Mia's consciousness, but her eyes felt as though they were cemented shut so she couldn't view the source. She took in a long steady breath, the faint spice of it calming, the sounds around her becoming clear. The coastal wind howled outside, rattling the latch on the screen door of the lighthouse the way it always had, and her mother's faint whisper floated over her, too quiet to decipher. She wriggled comfortably, only then feeling a foreign hand under her own. Trying to swallow, she was aware of her dry mouth.

The end of the evening came back to her in snippets - talking with Will on the sofa, him making her giggle with a little joke about the snow angels despite the fact that she could hardly keep her eyes open, and then laying her head back on the sofa just to rest for a second . . . Oh, no. She'd asked Will to the Christmas party. Thank goodness he'd declined. What had she been thinking? All she needed was to have to try to balance entertaining Will with being a fake wife to Milo for everyone's benefit. And right now she was -

Her eyes flew open and she froze. Will's relaxed lips breathing quietly against her, as he slept. She was suddenly aware of the gentle rise and fall of his breathing, his hand on his chest, her fingers over his. It was intoxicating while simultaneously mortifying.

Carefully she engaged her core muscles and kept them tight to lift herself up and away from his body without having to push off of him. Their legs were intertwined, so she put a hand on the back of the sofa to steady the first leg as she hoisted it off him, planting one foot on the floor. With one leg to go, she hovered over him and his eyes flicked open, meeting hers. The lips that had been slack with sleep turned upward just slightly as he took her in.

'Morning,' he said.

Riley coughed conspicuously from the kitchen, and Mia knew they were probably being watched. Will heard it too and his smile spread wider.

But while Mia grinned back, internally she was scolding herself for letting this happen. She'd just spent the night draped across the real estate agent. Have mercy.

ABOUT 'A LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS': When her beloved grandmother passes away, Mia Broadhurst returns to the snow-covered seaside village of Winsted Cape, where Grandma Ruth ran the lighthouse overlooking the golden beach.

This will be Mia’s first Christmas without her, and she can’t bear to part with the lighthouse that has been in their family for generations. As she steps into it, childhood memories rush back to her. She can almost hear them playing tag on the steps… But her life is back in New York, dedicated to a busy PR firm, and she has no choice but to sell.

With the snow falling, turning the grounds into a winter wonderland, Mia works with real estate agent Will Thacker. As they restore the historical building, she tries not notice how handsome he is. After all, she’s only home for Christmas… And Will’s deep blue eyes, as stormy as the Atlantic Ocean, tells her he has his own heartbreak to contend with.

Warmed by a crackling fire, Mia packs up Grandma Ruth’s belongings with the help of her mother and sister. But waiting for them is a black-and-white photograph with a faded inscription. The mysterious message is the key to a family secret that has been hidden for decades––one that changes everything.

When Mia finds out the truth, will it save the precious lighthouse and show Mia where her heart belongs? Or will it tear her from Winsted Cape––and Will––for ever?

MY THOUGHTS: I was so excited to finally be approved for an ARC of a Jenny Hale book, and every atom of that excitement was justified. There is a little bit of everything in A Lighthouse Christmas - family drama, mystery, romance.

It's pretty clear from the outset just where the author is taking us, but the journey to get there is fun and heartwarming. There are plenty of complications along the way to keep the reader interested, but I am not going to give any of those away.

The setting is beautiful - a windswept lighthouse and winter snow. The characters are so well depicted that I felt I could just walk right into their lives with them. Three heartbroken women mourning the loss of a much loved mother and grandmother, one of the women also facing the demise of her marriage. One handsome real estate agent, also in mourning. His sister, owner of the failing local bakery, and her gorgeous little son, Felix. I just wanted to hug all these characters. But of course, there must always be a fly in the ointment, and that is where our mystery characters come in. They turn the whole situation upside down and disrupt all the carefully laid plans.

The descriptions of the Christmas decorations were magical and inspirational. I would love to have seen the barn in its full glory. And the food . . . I just had to make a batch of snickerdoodles to nibble on while I read. Jenny Hale, if my work trousers don't fit tomorrow, I'm blaming you!

A Lighthouse Christmas is a delightful and enjoyable read. Jenny Hale is on my 'read everything by this author that I can find' list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#ALighthouseChristmas #NetGalley

I: @jhaleauthor @bookouture

T: @jhaleauthor @Bookouture

#christmasread #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mystery #romance

THE AUTHOR: Jenny Hale is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award Winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies. Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Lighthouse Christmas by Jenny Hale for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lighthouse Christmas by Jenny Hale is a contemporary romance that of course has a Christmastime holiday setting. The story is one that is also much more than just ‘romance’ as it deals with family, loss and discovering past secrets.

Mia Broadhurst grew up celebrating all of her Christmases in the snow covered seaside village of Winsted Cape. However this year Mia’s return is to the old lighthouse in Winsted Cape that has been in her family for years is bittersweet with the passing of her grandmother which has brought about her return to all those memories.

Mia, her mother and sister have inherited the lighthouse but also all of the debt with the women coming to the conclusion that they must sell the property. As the family wades through the memories in the lighthouse they make arrangements with real estate agent Will Thacker to part with the lighthouse while they grieve and heal from their loss.

I have read quite a few of Jenny Hale’s book in the past so I knew going into A Lighthouse Christmas that I would be in for wonderful writing and a story that pulled me right in and of course that is what I found. I felt as if I were immediately transported to the lovely town and went right into the lighthouse with them. With a strong emphasis on family the pages kept turning as I flew through this latest read and will definitely come back for more from this author in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Ралица Генчева · Rating 4 out of 5]

В началото книгата ми се стори предвидима, но след това не само успя да ме изненади, ами и ме стопли и донесе познатия коледен дух:) Имаше семейни тайни (с намигване към другия ми любим автор на коледни книги Карън Суон), имаше чистата човешка потребност да помагаш и да бъдеш нужен, щипка любов и домашен уют:)

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas novel! Great characters, heartwarming story. Loved it!

[Terri Wino · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start this review by saying that I was a big fan of several of this author's early Christmas themed books, even though they required overlooking some plot gaps or suspending belief to go with the flow of the story. They were feel-good books that had interesting characters and fun plots that got you in the mood for the holiday season.

The premise of this book was fine and the characters were likeable enough, but I just can't keep rolling my eyes and turning the page when things make no sense or couldn't possibly happen in the time span of the book. I'm to believe there's a major snowstorm, but the next day the exterior of a building is being painted? Or a kitchen is being remodeled, but nothing needs removed from the cupboards because it won't be in the contractor's way? Reading this author's books really makes me wonder if she's ever been involved in a home improvement or repair project, because there's always some element of it in her books with absolutely no basis in reality of the time or finances required to do something.

That aside, it just felt like a lot of nothing happened in this book. For me, there was no anticipation of a romantic relationship between Mia and Will. Not much happened between them other than constantly shopping for food, going to the bakery for food, sampling food....you get the idea.

These books have become like the Hallmark channel movies. While I enjoy those cheesy movies, you can only watch so many that have the same recycled plots and terrible actors before you just start avoiding the channel altogether. Sadly, I think it's time for this reader to start avoiding this author's books.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Happy Publication Date**

*************

4 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming, hopeful, and happy ever after.

Mia goes back to Winstead Cape when her Grandma Ruth passes away. The old lady managed a historic lighthouse that has been in the family for generations.

Alice, Mia’s mother, discovers the debt left behind by Grandma Ruth. With her finances balanced on the edge and Riley, Mia’s younger sister holding a small job at the hospital, they have no option but to sell the lighthouse.

Mia has to be the strong one and take care of the renovations and arrangements. The nearing Christmas, her broken marriage, the pressure of working with her soon-to-be ex-husband threaten to overwhelm her. Yet, she steps in to take care of things. Her mother and sister step up, and they work together as a unit.

Will is the real estate Mia hired to sell the lighthouse. He has troubles of his own and some of his sister Kate’s to deal with. Yet, when Mia and Will meet and work together, they find solace and peace together.

But things get complicated soon enough. The secrets from Grandma Ruth’s past come out in the open. Mia’s life suddenly is at crossroads, and she’s trying to find her true self.

Can Christmas in the lighthouse save the place and fix things for everyone?

The book is as beautiful as Christmas books should be. It’s more of women’s fiction, and there isn’t any romance, per se. What we do get is people getting to each other and discovering themselves in the process.

The characters are well-etched and come alive on the paper/ screen (for ebooks). The hints to the secret are easy to guess. Nothing gets dragged beyond a point, either.

I love how Will is a smart and sensible guy with a good heart. He is confident, compassionate, and ready to help. Mia’s got a good head and a good heart, both of that make her a lovely person.

There’s enough angst and doubt to add some drama though everything is resolved easily. The imagery of the setting, food, and winter season was beautiful. The writing is easy and smooth. A couple of characters and themes are predictable, but that’s the comfort of reading this genre.

To sum up, A Lighthouse Christmas is a warm story about family, relationships, and listening to what the heart wants.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#ALighthouseChristmas #NetGalley

P.S: Felix was such an adorable kid! Loved his character in the book.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Hales books you are going to enjoy this sweet romance. I loved that it was about a lighthouse. And I love the small families Hale always writes about. I recommend this read.

[Симона · Rating 4 out of 5]

Нямах особени очаквания към тази книга, защото предишни на Джени Хейл са ме разочаровали и честно казано страница след страница се борех със собствените си предубеждения, докато накрая абсолютно не се доверих на сюжета и се влюбих предколедно в книгата.

Много комплексно разписани, събитията вътре бяха интригуващи и добре заплетени. Имаше семейна драма и мистерии до самия финал, които ме правиха нетърпелива за развръзката. Финалът беше предвидим, но пък е точно, какъвто се очаква от подобен романс.

Догодина определено доста по-развълнувано бих посегнала към авторката :)

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saddened by the loss of her grandmother, Mia has the unenviable task of restoring the lighthouse that belonged to her family for generations in order to prepare for its sale. This lighthouse is one of the precious memories Mia has of her grandmother. Once the restoration and sale are complete, Mia intends on returning to her life in New York.

All while the work begins to take place, Mia is packing up her grandmother's things, and finds herself saddled with emotions. Finding and old photo amongst her grandmother's belongings brings out Mia's curious side. There is an inscription that alludes to a family secret. Meanwhile, Mia cannot get the last words she heard out of her grandmother's mouth, albeit in whispers, which were, "Tell your sister, hope is where you find it. If you'll look." Mia cannot help but wonder what the inscription means when matched with her grandmother's words.

Mia takes all of the photos and begins to look for deeper meaning. They are like pieces of a puzzle, and this puzzle alludes to a family secret held like a vice for many years. Mia hopes getting to the bottom of things will answer many questions, but more importantly, save the lighthouse.

Mia is not alone in her search for answers. Her sister Riley is there for the journey. There is also Will Thacker, the real estate agent. Despite her sadness and search for answers, Mia finds herself drawn to Will, especially as they find themselves spending a lot of time together. Only there for the holidays - and to deal with the lighthouse - Mia is afraid to act on her attraction to him.

What a lovely story! Part history, part romance, and part holiday. It is a warm story throughout. As the secret that was hidden starts to reveal itself, a strong sense of family is also part of this entertaining read by Jenny Hale. She writes delightful stories, a couple of which have been turned into Hallmark movies. I can easily see this one becoming one such story. Also, lighthouses are my favorite thing, and to have it as the centerpiece of this story truly warmed my heart.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read although I did find it quite upsetting at times as it dealt with the death of a grandmother and the granddaughters had to go through their nan’s belongings and give them to charity. This was what I found hard as it brought back memories of me doing exactly the same after my mum passed away. Other than that I enjoyed the descriptions of the snow and the characters very much. I guessed the ending very early but, it didn’t matter as it was such a gentle book to read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Nicole A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Мале, мале, мале, мале, толкова много споменавания на "сила" и "независими жени", заедно с това как главната героиня е "родена да води", плюс това как характера на всички жени в книгата са само тези празни приказки, направо ми избиха феминизма от тялото. Уж били много силни и такива, обаче главната героиня и сестра ѝ само вардят майка си от реалността, за да не я връхлетят емоциите.

А оформлението на книгата е абсолютен ужас - евала на "Хермес". От генерираната от изкуствен интелект снимка на корицата, до лошата работа на преводача (може и авторката да е виновна, знам ли аз). Прекрасни изречения като "каза той с усмивка и ѝ се усмихна" имаше поне веднъж на глава.

Прозата беше доста неестествена на места, сякаш героите не знаят как да говорят. Имаше една такава нотка на "не знам какво правя" през цялото време, най-вече с повтарянето на едно и също петдесет и шест пъти в секунда.

Хареса ми обаче туиста - жалко, че се случи 60 страници преди края на книгата. Беше очевидно, че няма да има катастрофални последици. Буквално толкова голям проблем им се отвори и решението беше "сплотеността на семейството".

А любовния интерес какъв характер имаше... Не, сериозно, къде е характера на човека? Защото аз все още го търся. Единствената причина да го харесва главата героиня е, защото той не спори. Не изразява мнение. Няма емоции, освен тъга и щастие. Няма нищо като цяло. Юху, найс, прекрасно, страхотно.

[Eti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Имаше потенциал, но уви - беше убит още в самото начало. Ако историята на семейството беше главната, а не безумно скучните душевни терзания на главната героиня (която забравих как се казва, сори)... Нещата може би щяха да са по-добре... Но. Понеже е най-важно да има влюбен хепи-енд - нà една звезда.

[Моника Василева · Rating 3 out of 5]

Приятна коледна история с типично романтичен и предвидим сюжет.
За първи път чета книга на Джени Хейл, но стилът й ми допадна и вероятно ще продължа с нейните книги през следващите години.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karin - per RFS
.
“Dì a tua sorella: la speranza è dove la trovi. Se la cerchi.”



Tra il profumo speziato di un tè caldo e soffici panini alla cannella nasce Sotto le stelle di Natale; un libro che sa di vita vissuta nei ricordi legati a Ruth, non solo una nonna ma anche una forza della natura che negli anni ha regalato coraggio alle donne della famiglia Carter.

Quando viene a mancare, in seguito a una malattia incurabile, la figlia Alice e le due nipoti Mia e Riley dovranno rialzarsi dal buco nero in cui sono precipitate e ritrovare se stesse in un cumulo di debiti; dulcis in fundo proprio nel periodo natalizio.

Un universo tutto al femminile in cui ogni figura, quella di Mia in primis, mostra quanto potere vi è in ognuno di noi e che di fronte a ogni problema vi è una soluzione soprattutto con una famiglia alle spalle.

Mia è una PR e organizzatrice di eventi che da qualche anno ha lasciato la sua città natale per trasferirsi a New York. Una moglie, sebbene in procinto di divorziare proprio dal proprietario della società di marketing per cui lavora, e una professionista di successo. È un porto sicuro per la madre, rimasta vedova quando lei era solo una bambina, e per Riley, la sua dolce sorellina. Quando la nonna muore, Mia torna a Winsted Cape per vendere il faro di nonna Ruth: troppi debiti da saldare e per quanto il cuore si spezzi non vi sono altre soluzioni… e poi la sua famiglia ha bisogno di lei.



“Sai cosa diceva di solito nonna Ruth, vero?”

“Cosa?”

“Le barche in arrivo avrebbero perso la rotta al buio, così procedevano lentamente fino a quando non vedevano il faro di Winsted Cape che permetteva loro di orientarsi. Quindi continua a nuotare al buio finché non vedrai la luce, e te la caverai. Non esiste buio senza luce”.



Mia affida la vendita del faro a Will Thacker, il quale gestirà con lei i lavori di ristrutturazione. Will è un uomo pratico e premuroso, non solo con la giovane ma con tutte le donne Carter. Trascina dietro di sé un passato doloroso e un futuro incerto, un po’ come Mia, e questo permette ai due di avvicinarsi come anime, amici e compagni. Arriva il momento di svuotare i cassetti: fotografie dai sapori antichi riemergono in superficie e i segreti di Ruth, ancora sfuocati, si affacciano all’orizzonte. Chi sono Abigail e Mildred?

I problemi non finiranno qui… Ahimè, a Mia non ne va dritta una in questo periodo.

Una festa di Natale da organizzare e un piccolo Felix da rendere felice aumenteranno il ritmo narrativo con colpi di scena e conflitti avvincenti. Non vi svelo altro perché voglio lasciare a tutti voi lettori il gusto di assaporare la magia piano piano.

Ho letteralmente adorato Sotto le stelle di Natale e il pathos che sprigiona a ogni singola pagina, mi sono rivista negli occhi della protagonista e ho sentito lo stesso peso di responsabilità sulle spalle, la sua confusione di fronte alla direzione da prendere, l’entusiasmo dei preparativi in un clima natalizio in cui il profumo di cannella e di dolci mi riempiva il cuore. Ho pianto e ho riso con lei.

La fragilità e la forza che sprigionano i nostri protagonisti in situazioni diverse li rendono veri e permettono al lettore di empatizzare e immedesimarsi con loro e, nonostante la storia sia narrata in terza persona, non avrei potuto percepire i sentimenti e le emozioni in modo migliore.

Ho vissuto questo bellissimo romanzo come una coccola, avvolta da una coperta calda, accovacciata tra le morbide pieghe di un divano e credo che possa davvero essere un bellissimo dono di Natale per ognuno di noi.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, enjoyable and uplifting small-town wholesome holiday romance with great chemistry of characters and the the fuzzy feels of a Hallmark story. Really put me in the holiday spirit!

[Tahera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything that I enjoy reading in a Christmas romance novel--family secrets and reunions, characters that are relatable, lovable and inspiring, a new chance at finding love, Christmas miracles, a cozy atmosphere and a big fat Christmas party to end it all on a happy ending! A perfect plot worthy for a Hallmark Christmas movie. And the setting is a Lighthouse! I have always been intrigued by lighthouses and it was fun to read a Christmas romance situated around one. By the time the lighthouse and its connecting barn were transformed into all its Christmas glory, I just wanted to go live there.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Jenny Hale for the e-Arc of the book. This is my first book by Jenny Hale and I can see why she is so popular.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dragged quite a bit for me and there’s this little issue of tax law. Apparently our heroine doesn’t know you can’t just take any business or piece of property and call it a charity and ask people to donate money to keep it afloat. But setting aside the grand holiday party where she is bilking the wealthy guests with fraudulent claims about “charities”, I would probably read another book by this author. Maybe…

[Ралица Нейчева · Rating 5 out of 5]

Много харесвам книги, свързани с борбени жени, които намират решение във всяка ситуация! Възхищавам им с�� истински, а съчетано с коледната магия и семейството..печели абсолютно сърцето ми.💜

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am yet to find a book by Jenny Hale that I don't like! This was no exception. Set at Christmas and in a lighthouse this is jam packed with magical charm and delightful festive cheer.
Revolving around loss, family , friendships and relationships there is so much going on I was gripped from the very beginning and
Struggled to tear myself away.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BooksbyFederica ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cercavo un romance leggero e scorrevole in stile natalizio. La prima parte del libro non mi ha fatto impazzire, lo trovavo lento e anche un pochino forzato. Invece da metà in poi la storia ha preso il via ed è stato più scorrevole e piacevole da leggere. La storia è nel complesso molto gradevole.

[Judith Spence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmmm

Something that has been in your family since 1870 and you take out a home equity loan? Nuh uh. Nope. Legally speaking, giving a child up for adoption makes that child the legal progeny of the adoptive parent. You are no longer the legal parent. Just as an adoptive child cannot be cut our of inheritance bc they are adopted, each child is entitled to an equal share of the estate. You can’t leave everything to one child and disinherit the others. At least not in Oklahoma and I would hazard a guess that Virginia has similar laws. This book was so weighed down by the memory of ‘Grandma’ yet Mia had lived in New York for years and obviously didn’t visit much. Frankly if I had been as close to my mother/grandmother as these people supposedly were, I would be really ticked off to be left out of the will completely. TBH I just couldn’t read it anymore so I skipped the middle and read the ending. I just can’t get past the fact that if ‘Grandma’ was that great of a person she wouldn’t have treated her children equally. Ok I need to stop. Just no.

[Daphnee]

DNF at 37%, lots of descriptions and talking but nothing really going on.. not for me unfortunately :(

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a magical book from start to finish! Jenny Hale’s books always draw you in from page one. I read this in one day, it was so good! The story and location made me want to curl up in that lighthouse and stay.
I loved it!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Silvia Devitofrancesco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Mia Broadhurst ha lasciato New York per tornare a Winsted Cape, dove era solita trascorrere le vacanze assieme a nonna Ruth, scomparsa da qualche mese. Assieme alla madre Alice e alla sorella Riley, Mia ha un difficile compito da svolgere: vendere il faro di famiglia poiché la famiglia non può permettersi di pagare i debiti che si sono accumulati nel tempo. Alle tre donne non resta che affidarsi a Will Thacker, aitante agente immobiliare, che le guiderà alla ricerca dell’acquirente perfetto.

“Di’ a tua sorella: la speranza è dove la trovi. Se la cerchi.”

Tre donne che devono prendere in mano le redini della famiglia. È questa l’essenza del romanzo. Alice, Mia e Riley devono mettere da parte il dolore e pensare in termini pratici, scegliendo ciò che per la famiglia possa considerarsi il meglio. Sono tre personaggi femminili tenaci, determinate, che sanno trovare nell’affetto reciproco la forza per andare avanti, accomunate da un forte senso della famiglia.

In particolare Mia è quella che più di tutte sta vivendo un periodo nel quale le difficoltà sembrano costituire il tessuto dominante. Non solo deve lottare contro il senso di vuoto che la perdita della nonna ha causato, ma deve affrontare la fine del suo matrimonio con la conseguente ripercussione sull’ambito lavorativo considerato che lavora come pr assieme al marito.

Il rapporto con Will è destinato ben presto a superare la barriera della formalità ed è piacevole notare come pian piano Mia diventa parte della famiglia dell’uomo, anch’egli con un grande dolore che lo ha profondamente segnato.

A mio parere, il romanzo è carente dal punto di vista della trama poiché non si susseguono moltissimi eventi, anzi il tutto si svolge in maniera piuttosto lenta e per assistere a una sorta di colpo di scena bisogna attendere la metà dell’opera.

Lo stile della prosa è semplice e scorrevole, l’atmosfera natalizia non manca, ma, come dicevo, il ritmo lento e la poca azione incidono sul coinvolgimento del lettore che appare assai altalenante.

Un romanzo, secondo me, con un’ottima idea di fondo, che, tuttavia, non riesce a raggiungere il risultato che meriterebbe.

[The Librarian's Granddaughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia returns to her hometown to spend the holidays with her mother and sister. What she doesn't tell them is that she and her husband, Milo, are about to divorce. Meanwhile, with the help of the realtor Will, she sets about selling the lighthouse and the house next to it, where her grandmother lived for many years. Something happens between Mia and Will, but that's when Milo decides to fight for her.

The story did not disappoint. I expected an interesting love thread, deep family relationships and the festive spirit of Christmas. I received them and I am satisfied. Here we have a stronger female character than in other books by the author and I was pleasantly surprised. Mia tries to take care of everyone, but turns her back on herself. Back in her hometown, she will change her mind and we see a gradation of her image. Will also carries his scars from the past, but slowly we see how he too is changing. The love story was well presented without being rushed.

I also liked the relationships in the family and felt the warm feelings of the women. I liked the side story with the mysterious woman a little more. I wasn't sure I understood the late grandmother's motives, but I admit it was an unexpected turn.

I have a strange obsession with lighthouses. I always liked them a lot and when I was on my first brigade in the US I managed to get on one of those tall red lights that we see in the movies. Perhaps, this was the first thing that attracted me to the cover(Bulgarian edition), which is very beautiful. I recommend the book, which is perfect for the holiday spirit of the season!

[Katie K. | purelykatiek · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to say about this story. 3 star ratings are always the hardest reviews to write for me.
I really started off this story enjoying the plotline and the emotional impact of what it feels like to lose a grandparent. The author did a great job showing how grief can strike at the oddest of times, and even more so when you are around the holidays with all the traditions and memories that cannot be replicated. The mystery behind the story of the lighthouse was also unique in that it kept me wondering what else the would uncover about grandma's past.
However; this book is one that you need to just read for enjoyment and not look too hard at the plotholes, because there are several. I could go on a rant but then I fear we would encounter spoiler territory.
This story has so many plots/subplots/backstory situations that in 240 pages I did feel like this was a situation where LESS would have been MORE. The romance in this didn't feel as romantic because the characters had so much other things going on and were constantly running around. It almost felt like a sitcom where the scene ends and they just move onto the next thing with a laugh track as the resolution instead of actually solving the problem.
Overall this story and premise were decent enough to keep me entertained and for a shorter book its an easy one to whip through in a day around the holidays.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books]

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, here's my honest review:

Memories of happy times spent on the sea shore
Time with a much love Grandmother and so much more.
Letting go of things is never easy to do
But when it is a special family home this is especially true.

Mia Broadhurst returns to help sort everything out
But there are memories everywhere she turns about.
With divorce looming and life choices being put to the test
She's having difficulties sorting out what will be for the best.

This is a story of grieving for people and the past,
Of loves that are lost and hopes that are dashed,
But don't take it to be a sad story, the opposite is true
It is also about family, romance and second chances, too.

Such a moving story, filled with contrasts great and small,
And the family lighthouse at the centre of it all.
Can the keep it in the family or will they have to sell?
You need to read the story for yourself for I'm not going to tell!

[Maria Ivanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Много сладка книга! Не очаквах да ми хареса толкова! Сюжетът е увлекателен и се чете много лесно. Носи уют и оставя приятно чувство след финала. Изключително подходящо четиво за периода около Коледа!

[Suzanne Zulauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read a Jenny Hale novel, you know it will be heartwarming. A Lighthouse Christmas is no exception! A story about second chances at love, Hope, and family, this story draws you in and makes you feel like you are experiencing the magic at Cape Winsted from the very first page. Great read!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mia goes back home after the loss of her favorite person, her grandma, and she is left to tend to her assets which included a lighthouse that had been in the family for many, many years. Once she gets everything tending to, she plans to return to Nee York and deal with her failing marriage.
While packing up her grandma’s things, she finds picture and items that hint at family secrets. Once she digs into her grandma’s past, she finds there’s much more about her than she knew. Especially when she finds an inscription that says “Hope is where you find it.” As she delves deeper and puts the puzzle together, she starts to find her answers but also finds that the lighthouse is in debt and needs saving in order to keep it in the family. The realtor that she works for helps her to see what she is missing in her marriage as well.
There’s something for everyone in the story-family drama, romance, history and an overall sense of warmth and heart. And of course, a lighthouse!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.