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New York Romance #3
A Gift to Remember
Darcy Archer works in a small bookstore on Manhattan's Upper West Side. A dreamer who secretly wishes for true love similar to that in her beloved novels, Darcy refuses to settle for anything less than the perfect man. One day, when cycling to work, Darcy crashes into a sharply dressed man walking his dog. He is knocked unconscious and rushed to the hospital, but his dog gets left behind. Wracked with guilt over the accident, Darcy resolves to care for the dog and reunite him with his owner. But the dog is not the only thing that's been left behind and when she finds a small beautifully wrapped package, suspiciously shaped like a book, she becomes curious. She decides to try and figure out all she can about this man, and make the delivery herself.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
280 people are currently reading
2829 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Hill
129 books1,274 followersMelissa Hill is a USA Today bestselling author living in Ireland’s beautiful County Wicklow. Her page-turning contemporary novels of family, friendship and romance are published worldwide and have been translated into twenty-six languages.
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
February 7, 2017
Lijepa priča o dvoje simpatičnih osoba čiji se životi isprepliću na jednan neobičan način u predblagdansko vrijeme :) posebno mi se dopalo to što glavna junakinja radi u knjižari, što svako poglavlje počinje nekim citatom o knjigama i čitanju i što se kroz čitav roman provlače upravo knjige i spominju neka, svima poznata, djela svjetske književnosti :) kao i u Nešto iz Tiffanija, i u ovoj je knjizi rasplet prilično neočekivan :)
December 12, 2018
Who can resist a story with a main character who loves books and set in a bookshop? Not me. Darcy not only works with books she lives them, carrying on fantasies based on characters like Mr Darcy, after whom she was named by her book loving mother. Unlike many New Yorkers, she cycles most everywhere and enjoys it. Until the day she crashes into a man walking a dog, who had tried to beat the flashing red light. He is knocked out. Darcy is left with the dog, a Husky and a gift wrapped package. The time is not long before Christmas. Burdened with guilt for her part in the accident Darcy tries to help by taking care of the dog until the owner is out of hospital. The trouble is the owner has amnesia. Darcy tries to help him remember. But will she end up doing more harm than good?
I rarely read Christmas themed stories, but this was just the sort of light hearted read I needed after a couple of disappointing books. Darcy is a likeable character if a bit fanciful and day dreamy. But she has a kind heart. The man she bowled over, Aidan Harris, seems to be everything a man of her dreams should be. And Bailey the Husky is a real character.
The story was easy to slip into and to keep reading. Yes, it is a little bit schmaltzy but is also a charming, engaging read. I loved the way each chapter started with a bookish quote. Darcy’s aunt Katherine, who raised Darcy from the time she was twelve when her parents died, is an interesting character, even if she is obsessed at times with trying to match make Darcy. So is Joshua, Darcy’s sidekick at the bookshop. While trying to sort out Aidan’s problems and get his life back on track, Darcy finds out some surprising things about her neighbour Grace Henley. Perhaps people may not always be what they first seem.
I rarely read Christmas themed stories, but this was just the sort of light hearted read I needed after a couple of disappointing books. Darcy is a likeable character if a bit fanciful and day dreamy. But she has a kind heart. The man she bowled over, Aidan Harris, seems to be everything a man of her dreams should be. And Bailey the Husky is a real character.
The story was easy to slip into and to keep reading. Yes, it is a little bit schmaltzy but is also a charming, engaging read. I loved the way each chapter started with a bookish quote. Darcy’s aunt Katherine, who raised Darcy from the time she was twelve when her parents died, is an interesting character, even if she is obsessed at times with trying to match make Darcy. So is Joshua, Darcy’s sidekick at the bookshop. While trying to sort out Aidan’s problems and get his life back on track, Darcy finds out some surprising things about her neighbour Grace Henley. Perhaps people may not always be what they first seem.
December 11, 2013
This book was impressively bad. Everything was over explained (she said about 50 billion things related to how much she liked books), so many grammar mistakes, and it was set in New York and written from a New Yorker's perspective but the author seemed to be British because of certain ways of spelling and phrases. Not that people can't write about a culture not their own, but in this case it caused disconnect. To top it off, I thought it had a very corny storyline! Perhaps chic lit is just not my thing, but I would not recommend it. I only finished it because I was reading for a book club and it wasn't that long.
December 22, 2014
"Anyone who says that money can't buy happiness has clearly never been inside a bookstore."
This book was one of the most delightful and wonderful books I have ever read! I picked it up expecting another sappy holiday romance, but I got so so so much more than I bargained for! It was part romance, part mystery, part love letter to New York City, and part exhuberent praising of all books. Seriously. If you are a person who loved books (which of course you are, you're here on goodreads!) than you will appreciate this book so much, just as I did.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish! It was just about perfect! :)
There was simply no better feeling in the world than a customer returning to the store full of praise for a book she'd suggested for them and trusting her again to choose another.
This book was one of the most delightful and wonderful books I have ever read! I picked it up expecting another sappy holiday romance, but I got so so so much more than I bargained for! It was part romance, part mystery, part love letter to New York City, and part exhuberent praising of all books. Seriously. If you are a person who loved books (which of course you are, you're here on goodreads!) than you will appreciate this book so much, just as I did.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish! It was just about perfect! :)
There was simply no better feeling in the world than a customer returning to the store full of praise for a book she'd suggested for them and trusting her again to choose another.
January 5, 2015
A Gift to Remember is a holiday-themed chick lit novel written by author Melissa Hill. This standalone story kept me in the Christmas spirit while offering some humor, mystery, and light romance. I enjoyed meeting a number of characters, and there is a twist that surprised me quite a bit. I loved how descriptive the setting of NYC was- this is a favorite vacation spot of mine and these references instantly transported me there. I also very much enjoyed that each chapter is broken up by a quote about books. I LOVE BOOKS!!!...and so do you if you're on this website!
Despite these many positives, I have to admit that my investment in this story ebbed and flowed at times. I can't really put my finger on what it was that kept my interest from being consistent, but whatever it was it unfortunately affected my reading experience just a bit. Overall, I liked it though so I rated it 3 stars. I would recommend A Gift to Remember to fans of Christmas novels or fans of the chick lit genre in general. Personally, I would be interested in checking out another story from this author. Enjoy!
My favorite quote:
"'With some stories, you really can't rush things,' she told him, 'and it's often best just to set back and enjoy the journey for what it is.'"
Despite these many positives, I have to admit that my investment in this story ebbed and flowed at times. I can't really put my finger on what it was that kept my interest from being consistent, but whatever it was it unfortunately affected my reading experience just a bit. Overall, I liked it though so I rated it 3 stars. I would recommend A Gift to Remember to fans of Christmas novels or fans of the chick lit genre in general. Personally, I would be interested in checking out another story from this author. Enjoy!
My favorite quote:
"'With some stories, you really can't rush things,' she told him, 'and it's often best just to set back and enjoy the journey for what it is.'"
January 17, 2015
I want to try another of Hill's books as she seems to have lots of satisfied readers, but I found this book mediocre at best. Here is the basic plot: lonely bookish woman (Darcy) runs down an attractive man while on her bicycle. He is whisked to the hospital and she is left at the scene with his dog, whom everyone has forgotten. He has amnesia, so she runs around the city of NY piecing together clues about his life and falling in love with him without spending time with him.
It just didn't seem plausible and Darcy seemed a bit too obsessed, her life a bit too empty for this to feel like truly fun reading.
It just didn't seem plausible and Darcy seemed a bit too obsessed, her life a bit too empty for this to feel like truly fun reading.
November 10, 2018
Darcy is a loveable character and she's even more likeable as she's a bookworm. I love how even Katherine (her aunt) knows of her high expectations of men from the hero's in her favourite books. One day Darcy's life changes when riding her bike knocking over a man (Aidan) and being left with his dog (well at the time she thought his dog). I love how when Aidan wakes up Darcy is just honest with she was the cyclist who knocked him over, I wish more characters were so honest. Aidan is quite a mystery for much of the book and only nearer the end did I start guessing the parts involving his family. The ending is lovely a very warm read.
December 17, 2015
This is definitely one of my fav books of the year.
The main character works in a book store in Manhattan and the story revolves around love, mystery and how the fictional lives you read about compare to the real world around you. It's all about finding your own perfect story.
This story is funny, dramatic, heart-warming and heartbreaking...everything you are looking for with a Christmas vibe, perfect for chilly winter nights.
Everything from the characters to the cover to the quotes at the beginning of the chapters is perfect.
If you are looking for a cute, funny, gripping book to tide you over this Christmas, get this one ASAP.
It is simply wonderful.
The main character works in a book store in Manhattan and the story revolves around love, mystery and how the fictional lives you read about compare to the real world around you. It's all about finding your own perfect story.
This story is funny, dramatic, heart-warming and heartbreaking...everything you are looking for with a Christmas vibe, perfect for chilly winter nights.
Everything from the characters to the cover to the quotes at the beginning of the chapters is perfect.
If you are looking for a cute, funny, gripping book to tide you over this Christmas, get this one ASAP.
It is simply wonderful.
August 9, 2014
There are sometimes when you read a book and are introduced to a character when you really really wish that you were that person. Darcy Archer is Melissa Hill's wonderfully created heroine and I want her life! Darcy works in Chaucers; an independent bookstore in Manhattan, New York. Darcy loves books, she loves them with a passion and spends most of her life surrounded by them, or immersed in them.
"Darcy was indeed too fond of books - a condition known as 'bibliolatry'. She always had at least one book on the go close by, and felt almost naked without a novel on her person. Darcy had been enveloped in a story every single day of her life for as long as she could remember, and tended to use every opportunity - waiting in line, eating, occasionally even while brushing her teeth - to indulge in her greatest pleasure.'
A Gift to Remember is warm, funny and the perfect escapist read. There is plenty about the plot in the synopsis above; but basically Darcy knocks a guy out by running him down on her bicycle. This guy is Aiden, but he's lost his memory and hasn't a clue about anything to do with his life before the accident. Aiden had two clues on him when the accident happened; a beautifully packaged parcel and a husky dog called Bailey. Darcy is consumed with guilt, and not only takes on the care of Bailey whilst Aiden is in hospital, but does her best to track down his friends and family.
The next few days are a bit of a roller-coaster ride for Darcy, as she finds herself associating with the New York elite, and making friends with her grumpy old lady neighbour. Darcy learns so much about herself, she realises that actually, the old lady next door is a real treasure and is lonely, not grumpy; she learns that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that Jimmy Choo shoes make a mighty fine dog chew!
Melissa Hill is really talented in creating characters that the reader will fall in love with. Darcy's colleagues at Chaucers, her neighbours, the mysterious Aiden and of course the wonderful Bailey the husky dog. The winter streets of New York play an enormous part in this story too, and the city is a character itself.
I enjoyed A Gift to Remember so much, I especially loved the literary quotes at the head of each chapter that so captured the contents of the pages to come.
"Darcy was indeed too fond of books - a condition known as 'bibliolatry'. She always had at least one book on the go close by, and felt almost naked without a novel on her person. Darcy had been enveloped in a story every single day of her life for as long as she could remember, and tended to use every opportunity - waiting in line, eating, occasionally even while brushing her teeth - to indulge in her greatest pleasure.'
A Gift to Remember is warm, funny and the perfect escapist read. There is plenty about the plot in the synopsis above; but basically Darcy knocks a guy out by running him down on her bicycle. This guy is Aiden, but he's lost his memory and hasn't a clue about anything to do with his life before the accident. Aiden had two clues on him when the accident happened; a beautifully packaged parcel and a husky dog called Bailey. Darcy is consumed with guilt, and not only takes on the care of Bailey whilst Aiden is in hospital, but does her best to track down his friends and family.
The next few days are a bit of a roller-coaster ride for Darcy, as she finds herself associating with the New York elite, and making friends with her grumpy old lady neighbour. Darcy learns so much about herself, she realises that actually, the old lady next door is a real treasure and is lonely, not grumpy; she learns that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that Jimmy Choo shoes make a mighty fine dog chew!
Melissa Hill is really talented in creating characters that the reader will fall in love with. Darcy's colleagues at Chaucers, her neighbours, the mysterious Aiden and of course the wonderful Bailey the husky dog. The winter streets of New York play an enormous part in this story too, and the city is a character itself.
I enjoyed A Gift to Remember so much, I especially loved the literary quotes at the head of each chapter that so captured the contents of the pages to come.
June 28, 2014
A Gift to Remember is a Christmassy themed book and I thought, picking this up in June may not be a great idea, as I enjoy reading Christmas books at Christmas time! Saying this, other than the odd comment around Christmas Eve coming close and snow on the ground, no other Christmas references were made and at times I completely forgot when the story was set. It was magical and wonderful but this can come across at any time you read it.
Darcy works in a bookshop and being a book addict, this job for her is her dream, yes she went to university and got a degree and could easily do a job that matches her skill set, but she doesn’t want that. She wants to be surrounded by books day in, day out. After a few days working in the shop, she realises that perhaps it was not all hearts and flowers that she imagined but loves the job anyway. At times I wished we had more time in the book shop with Darcy, I could picture myself in there browsing the shelves and sitting in a comfy chair with a book.
One day on the way to work Darcy crashes into a man on her bike, he hits the ground and has to be taken to hospital, a dog – Bailey is left by the side of the road. Darcy feels terrible about the whole accident and the least she can do is take his dog to look after him and try to get him back to his owner. Darcy makes this her mission as after all she is responsible for this terrible episode.
Darcy is a lovely character and I felt I could connect to her straight away. I loved her personality and felt and carried the guilt along with her, I wanted Darcy to help Aiden as much as she possibly could and discover the mystery surrounding him. Also I fell in love with Bailey, the Husky and I now want one of my own! Such a cute dog and so well behaved!!
This book surprised me in many ways, I did not find it predicable at all and I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and wanted Darcy to discover the truth. I feel that the mystery element could have been developed more as; as soon as it was discovered I quickly worked out the ending. I thought the mystery element bought something different to this chick lit that many don’t have and I enjoyed that.
The only negative thing I would say about the story is that about half way through we began to have Aiden’s side of the story which I did enjoy, but this isn’t clear until you have read a paragraph or so and I found this a little confusing when it started. As soon as I worked out what was happening then I was looking out for the change in the character. I felt this could have been something easy to correct, either put the characters name on the top of that chapter or write it in italics or something. This is just my opinion and like I said as soon as I worked out this was happening, I just then looked out for the change.
Another thing I would have liked to have seen was the date or day of the events, time is used in the story a lot, ‘in three days’ etc, I just think it would have been nice to have had say, 22nd December, written on the day it was meant to be. This to me would have made it a smoother read. There was one point very close to the end that it was mentioned 27th December was in three days time… this I feel could have been helpful to the reader; again though this is purely my own opinion.
Overall I did enjoy the story a lot especially considering I didn’t think I would enjoy it being June. I would say if you are looking for a ‘strong’ Christmassy themed book then this one is not for you as there is not as much festivity in it and I had expected there to be. However this is a brilliant read for any time of year, which has been injected with a little magic.
The story is written beautifully and it is clear that Hill researched the setting well, this comes across in the writing and I was able to feel like I was in New York along with Darcy and Aiden. After reading this book (which is my first by Hill, although I do have another sitting on my shelf to be read!) I would definitely pick up more books by her as her writing style is so smooth, easy and enjoyable to read.
I would like to thank the publishers for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review, and also to Melissa for signing my copy.
Darcy works in a bookshop and being a book addict, this job for her is her dream, yes she went to university and got a degree and could easily do a job that matches her skill set, but she doesn’t want that. She wants to be surrounded by books day in, day out. After a few days working in the shop, she realises that perhaps it was not all hearts and flowers that she imagined but loves the job anyway. At times I wished we had more time in the book shop with Darcy, I could picture myself in there browsing the shelves and sitting in a comfy chair with a book.
One day on the way to work Darcy crashes into a man on her bike, he hits the ground and has to be taken to hospital, a dog – Bailey is left by the side of the road. Darcy feels terrible about the whole accident and the least she can do is take his dog to look after him and try to get him back to his owner. Darcy makes this her mission as after all she is responsible for this terrible episode.
Darcy is a lovely character and I felt I could connect to her straight away. I loved her personality and felt and carried the guilt along with her, I wanted Darcy to help Aiden as much as she possibly could and discover the mystery surrounding him. Also I fell in love with Bailey, the Husky and I now want one of my own! Such a cute dog and so well behaved!!
This book surprised me in many ways, I did not find it predicable at all and I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and wanted Darcy to discover the truth. I feel that the mystery element could have been developed more as; as soon as it was discovered I quickly worked out the ending. I thought the mystery element bought something different to this chick lit that many don’t have and I enjoyed that.
The only negative thing I would say about the story is that about half way through we began to have Aiden’s side of the story which I did enjoy, but this isn’t clear until you have read a paragraph or so and I found this a little confusing when it started. As soon as I worked out what was happening then I was looking out for the change in the character. I felt this could have been something easy to correct, either put the characters name on the top of that chapter or write it in italics or something. This is just my opinion and like I said as soon as I worked out this was happening, I just then looked out for the change.
Another thing I would have liked to have seen was the date or day of the events, time is used in the story a lot, ‘in three days’ etc, I just think it would have been nice to have had say, 22nd December, written on the day it was meant to be. This to me would have made it a smoother read. There was one point very close to the end that it was mentioned 27th December was in three days time… this I feel could have been helpful to the reader; again though this is purely my own opinion.
Overall I did enjoy the story a lot especially considering I didn’t think I would enjoy it being June. I would say if you are looking for a ‘strong’ Christmassy themed book then this one is not for you as there is not as much festivity in it and I had expected there to be. However this is a brilliant read for any time of year, which has been injected with a little magic.
The story is written beautifully and it is clear that Hill researched the setting well, this comes across in the writing and I was able to feel like I was in New York along with Darcy and Aiden. After reading this book (which is my first by Hill, although I do have another sitting on my shelf to be read!) I would definitely pick up more books by her as her writing style is so smooth, easy and enjoyable to read.
I would like to thank the publishers for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review, and also to Melissa for signing my copy.
November 10, 2014
This book is like the perfect hot chocolate. It looks wonderful on the outside and those first couple of sips hit the spot. But then it cools off and you find yourself with a cup of lukewarm cocoa where all the chocolate has settled into the bottom of the cup.
At the first introduction to the main character, you are pretty excited to find a quirky bookish person who has the spirit of the independent bookstore that she works for. About a third of the way into this book, the story starts to lose steam and I found myself losing interest. Part of that was the lack of spark between the main characters.
Unfortunately, this book could have been set at any time of year; it was only when snow was mentioned that you remembered this was supposed to be a holiday book, which is what I was really hoping for.
At the first introduction to the main character, you are pretty excited to find a quirky bookish person who has the spirit of the independent bookstore that she works for. About a third of the way into this book, the story starts to lose steam and I found myself losing interest. Part of that was the lack of spark between the main characters.
Unfortunately, this book could have been set at any time of year; it was only when snow was mentioned that you remembered this was supposed to be a holiday book, which is what I was really hoping for.
December 14, 2014
More a 2.5 for me, a predictable storyline and mostly one dimensional characters.
January 5, 2022
Great book to warm you for this holiday season. Now I can't wait to see the movie and see the characters come to life 🥰
April 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Annabelle Tudor
Duration: 9 hrs, 54 min. 1.25x Speed
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Annabelle Tudor
Duration: 9 hrs, 54 min. 1.25x Speed
January 3, 2015
My Review:
This is a sweet holiday story very reminiscent of the movie, While You Were Sleeping. In the story, it's Christmastime in NYC. Darcy is a bibliophile who works in a little Indie bookstore and is pretty happy with her life and her bike. She rides to work every day on it. But then she runs into Aidan and his dog and her world is turned upside down. Suddenly she's in charge of the care of a very well-trained, but large Husky dog. She's trying to piece together Aidan's life and why no one has come looking for him. (He is left from the accident with amnesia.)
The whole book is a huge mystery. Who is Aidan really? And is he someone that could actually be the perfect guy for Darcy like it seems?
As a book person, I loved this story. Darcy is a huge reader and not too surprising with her name, is a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. The book is filled with incredible books (the library featured in the story made me drool) and tons of literary mentions and tidbits to keep any book person happy.
But the best thing about this story was Darcy's tenacity with trying to help Aidan. She didn't know him before the accident and is desperately trying to track down someone who did. There has to be someone out there missing him, right? It's the holidays. No one should be alone.
But that's truly what this story is about...two (or even three if you count Darcy's neighbor who gets caught up in helping with the dog) lonely people who find kindred souls from this accident. It's truly a sweet, heart-warming story that was perfect for me as a holiday read. A lot of holiday books are over the top with the schmaltz...this one was not that way at all. It was wonderfully entertaining with so many twists at the end that I never saw coming. I love that! The author did an incredible job weaving the story and I definitely was kept guessing. I need to add her to my holiday read list every year!
This is a sweet holiday story very reminiscent of the movie, While You Were Sleeping. In the story, it's Christmastime in NYC. Darcy is a bibliophile who works in a little Indie bookstore and is pretty happy with her life and her bike. She rides to work every day on it. But then she runs into Aidan and his dog and her world is turned upside down. Suddenly she's in charge of the care of a very well-trained, but large Husky dog. She's trying to piece together Aidan's life and why no one has come looking for him. (He is left from the accident with amnesia.)
The whole book is a huge mystery. Who is Aidan really? And is he someone that could actually be the perfect guy for Darcy like it seems?
As a book person, I loved this story. Darcy is a huge reader and not too surprising with her name, is a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. The book is filled with incredible books (the library featured in the story made me drool) and tons of literary mentions and tidbits to keep any book person happy.
But the best thing about this story was Darcy's tenacity with trying to help Aidan. She didn't know him before the accident and is desperately trying to track down someone who did. There has to be someone out there missing him, right? It's the holidays. No one should be alone.
But that's truly what this story is about...two (or even three if you count Darcy's neighbor who gets caught up in helping with the dog) lonely people who find kindred souls from this accident. It's truly a sweet, heart-warming story that was perfect for me as a holiday read. A lot of holiday books are over the top with the schmaltz...this one was not that way at all. It was wonderfully entertaining with so many twists at the end that I never saw coming. I love that! The author did an incredible job weaving the story and I definitely was kept guessing. I need to add her to my holiday read list every year!
September 7, 2014
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Let me introduce you to Darcy Archer, a charming bookworm, boss in a bookstore. Darcy was a great character to follow, being that she is a booklover, but I also admired her independency and her own style. She did her own thing and didn’t bother what other think about her.
One day, just before Christmas she crashes into a man walking his dog. He is brought into hospital, leaving Darcy with his dog and that’s where their story started. Darcy took care of the dog and help Aiden (he lost his memory in the accident) get his memory back. She goes back to his house and tries to find out more, spinning a whole web of mysteries and not even that seemed to help Aiden, we only find out towards the end, why that was the chase.
I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and I think it was really cute of Darcy to help him. It seemed like she was falling for him more and more, without even knowing him properly.
Aiden’s dog Bailey added a sweet touch to the story as well.
And then of course New York and especially New York around Christmas time, so magical and sparkly.
Half way through the story we get to read about Aiden’s side as well, of what happened before the accident. It was a bit confusing at first, but it helped to see another side to the story.
Each chapter started with a fitting quote, which I really liked and it always had a connection to the story.
The epilogue was just what I hoped for and it was very interesting finding out who Aiden really was.
Melissa’s writing is beautiful and smooth and this story is a great addition to all of her books.
Let me introduce you to Darcy Archer, a charming bookworm, boss in a bookstore. Darcy was a great character to follow, being that she is a booklover, but I also admired her independency and her own style. She did her own thing and didn’t bother what other think about her.
One day, just before Christmas she crashes into a man walking his dog. He is brought into hospital, leaving Darcy with his dog and that’s where their story started. Darcy took care of the dog and help Aiden (he lost his memory in the accident) get his memory back. She goes back to his house and tries to find out more, spinning a whole web of mysteries and not even that seemed to help Aiden, we only find out towards the end, why that was the chase.
I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and I think it was really cute of Darcy to help him. It seemed like she was falling for him more and more, without even knowing him properly.
Aiden’s dog Bailey added a sweet touch to the story as well.
And then of course New York and especially New York around Christmas time, so magical and sparkly.
Half way through the story we get to read about Aiden’s side as well, of what happened before the accident. It was a bit confusing at first, but it helped to see another side to the story.
Each chapter started with a fitting quote, which I really liked and it always had a connection to the story.
The epilogue was just what I hoped for and it was very interesting finding out who Aiden really was.
Melissa’s writing is beautiful and smooth and this story is a great addition to all of her books.
June 13, 2017
The slow start wasn't promising but later the pace got much better. The story was kind of repetitive (kind of like author's other novel, Something from Tiffany's) but then again (just like SfT) it ended with an interesting twist. I can put its flaws aside because overall this book was charming and festive and fun!
December 21, 2018
Klasičan chick lit, ipak jedna divna i topla priča idealna za opuštanje u ovom prazničnom periodu.
April 5, 2017
Read full review on mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2017...
Now, would you look at that cover guy's! Isn't it elegant, with the swirly read writing of the author's name; it has a shimmering effect which really makes it stand out and gives the cover some prettiness.
As soon as I read the blurb of this book; because hey it involves a bookstore and who doesn't like a bookstore setting?!?! So this another factor in my decision to pick this book up! This the first book I have read by Melissa Hill and I have to say I'm totally sold on her writing, there's something quite blissful about it!! This story has a classic falling in love and romance, wildly misunderstanding's with a bit of guilt over an accident, unlikely friendships are formed, family that only want to do the best for their loved one's, Oh and there's a cute dog too!
In A Gift To Remember we meet Darcy Archer, who is the manager of a small bookstore in Manhattan. I being a book worm myself I immediately felt a connection with her and then when I read on I know I love the characters loving and caring nature. Darcy wakes up one morning to find she is terribly late for work, it snowing outside and she rides her bycycal to work. On the way Darcy is in her own little world, thinking about her love story's that she read the night before and without being able to stop to miss the walking man and his dog; missing the dog but knocking down the man; who is out cold! Darcy cant belive what she has done, she does the formality's with the police and finds her self left at the accident seen with the man's dog and a beautiful rapped gift, and not knowing which hospital they took him to.
Darcy is racked with gilt over the accident and makes it her mission to find him, so she could say how sorry she was and to give his dog and present back. When she does find him she finds out his name is Aidan Harris only he can't remember who he is or where he lives or which whom he lives with. Darcy's gilt fuels her to find out who this man is and he seemed happy to have some help, as he his mobile was broken in the accident; so unable to ring family and loved one's to help fill in the gaps. I love these two; willing him not to have a partner because these two were perfect for each other.
Melissa Hill writing in this book is on the button because she adds turns in the book I never saw coming, so found my self feeling confused as Darcy as to why nobody was not worried about Aidan. This confusion doesn't last to long as Melissa fills in those gaps and then it all makes perfect sense! A another thing I like that Melissa added in to the beginning of most of the chapters there is quote from books and are relevant to the chapter in some way!
The plot to this book is exceptional in my opinion and had me gripped to find out more, I mean 'Do Darcy and Aidan have a chance to be together?' , ' Is Kathrine holding back?' , and ' Is everything Darcy is finding out truly about Aidan?' but all this is make clear when you get to the ending. So I can only say that is some writing style you've got there Melissa and I'm looking forward to reading a lot more of your books!!!
I think it's quite safe to say to have nothing but love for this unique and beautifully crafted story!!! and I highly recommend it to you fellow readers!!!!!!!
Now, would you look at that cover guy's! Isn't it elegant, with the swirly read writing of the author's name; it has a shimmering effect which really makes it stand out and gives the cover some prettiness.
As soon as I read the blurb of this book; because hey it involves a bookstore and who doesn't like a bookstore setting?!?! So this another factor in my decision to pick this book up! This the first book I have read by Melissa Hill and I have to say I'm totally sold on her writing, there's something quite blissful about it!! This story has a classic falling in love and romance, wildly misunderstanding's with a bit of guilt over an accident, unlikely friendships are formed, family that only want to do the best for their loved one's, Oh and there's a cute dog too!
In A Gift To Remember we meet Darcy Archer, who is the manager of a small bookstore in Manhattan. I being a book worm myself I immediately felt a connection with her and then when I read on I know I love the characters loving and caring nature. Darcy wakes up one morning to find she is terribly late for work, it snowing outside and she rides her bycycal to work. On the way Darcy is in her own little world, thinking about her love story's that she read the night before and without being able to stop to miss the walking man and his dog; missing the dog but knocking down the man; who is out cold! Darcy cant belive what she has done, she does the formality's with the police and finds her self left at the accident seen with the man's dog and a beautiful rapped gift, and not knowing which hospital they took him to.
Darcy is racked with gilt over the accident and makes it her mission to find him, so she could say how sorry she was and to give his dog and present back. When she does find him she finds out his name is Aidan Harris only he can't remember who he is or where he lives or which whom he lives with. Darcy's gilt fuels her to find out who this man is and he seemed happy to have some help, as he his mobile was broken in the accident; so unable to ring family and loved one's to help fill in the gaps. I love these two; willing him not to have a partner because these two were perfect for each other.
Melissa Hill writing in this book is on the button because she adds turns in the book I never saw coming, so found my self feeling confused as Darcy as to why nobody was not worried about Aidan. This confusion doesn't last to long as Melissa fills in those gaps and then it all makes perfect sense! A another thing I like that Melissa added in to the beginning of most of the chapters there is quote from books and are relevant to the chapter in some way!
The plot to this book is exceptional in my opinion and had me gripped to find out more, I mean 'Do Darcy and Aidan have a chance to be together?' , ' Is Kathrine holding back?' , and ' Is everything Darcy is finding out truly about Aidan?' but all this is make clear when you get to the ending. So I can only say that is some writing style you've got there Melissa and I'm looking forward to reading a lot more of your books!!!
I think it's quite safe to say to have nothing but love for this unique and beautifully crafted story!!! and I highly recommend it to you fellow readers!!!!!!!
December 6, 2016
I debated between one and two stars for this. I ended up with one because even though [they end up together] I was still frustrated and angry by at least 90% of the book. The plot was, I guess, good from a rom-com standpoint, but the characters were SO flat, and the amnesia thing has been done to death. The editing of this book was horrible. There were a bunch of typos, and not even things like "favourite" with the European spelling, but actual typos and poor grammar. Is it a European style to use single instead of double quotation marks? That bugged me so much to the point of distraction. And Aiden was soooo grateful to Darcy for taking care of his dog and he felt he owed her things. Seriously? You find out that someone knocked you out cold after a bike accident, ruined your clothing, basically dog-napped your dog, and left you with amnesia and you're THANKING her? You're not even the slightest bit angry?
And don't even get me started with Darcy and her ridiculous appreciation of only classic literature, and her moral high ground of considering someone to be "one of the good ones" if he recycles. Because you know, if you don't recycle you're evil, obviously. This book tried to be so stereotypically New York, American that it was nauseating. The author is from Ireland. I get it. If I tried to write a book set in Ireland it would be all Shamrocks and green beer, but know your strengths. Write something authentic instead.
Also, I don't really care what the author's political views are, yet I know them now: Republicans are horrible because they don't care about gays. Because not only did we have an effeminate straight male character who seemed sort of like a token and mockery throughout the novel, we also had to throw in a gay character whose sexual orientation was irrelevant to the plot other than we had to make it known that his father switched political parties when the son came out of the closet and how "refreshing" it was to find a man "who put the love of his family above money." Because all republicans are also money hungry and cold hearted. (If you can't tell, I'm sick of being politically saturated as of late).
I was really hoping to love this because it was a book about books set at Christmas with a love story weaved in as well, but it was just a mess. I would not read again, I would not recommend, and this book will be getting donated to half price.
And don't even get me started with Darcy and her ridiculous appreciation of only classic literature, and her moral high ground of considering someone to be "one of the good ones" if he recycles. Because you know, if you don't recycle you're evil, obviously. This book tried to be so stereotypically New York, American that it was nauseating. The author is from Ireland. I get it. If I tried to write a book set in Ireland it would be all Shamrocks and green beer, but know your strengths. Write something authentic instead.
Also, I don't really care what the author's political views are, yet I know them now: Republicans are horrible because they don't care about gays. Because not only did we have an effeminate straight male character who seemed sort of like a token and mockery throughout the novel, we also had to throw in a gay character whose sexual orientation was irrelevant to the plot other than we had to make it known that his father switched political parties when the son came out of the closet and how "refreshing" it was to find a man "who put the love of his family above money." Because all republicans are also money hungry and cold hearted. (If you can't tell, I'm sick of being politically saturated as of late).
I was really hoping to love this because it was a book about books set at Christmas with a love story weaved in as well, but it was just a mess. I would not read again, I would not recommend, and this book will be getting donated to half price.
August 21, 2015
This book kept me guessing in every chapter! Just who was the man that Darcy accidentally crashed into? I enjoyed reading this book as I felt like I was in New York and a part of the story, which I had just returned from a vacation a couple months prior to reading this book. Darcy is a stand-up lady for caring for a stranger's dog and not knowing if the owner will be OK or not. This book confirmed that I should work in a bookstore just for the fact that I want to share my love for books with people and the small town feeling that bookstores can bring. The story did end how I thought it would but didn't take the route I assumed. I would recommend this book to my girlfriends looking to read a chick lit light realistic romance.
November 5, 2014
I liked all the references and the book quotes. I like the characters in the book, and the story line. I liked the mysteries involved , so it wasn't just a typical chick-lit. The female main character Darcy was very likeable at first, but halfway through the book, I felt exasperated with her excessive humility (to the point of self-demeaning. I felt annoyed reading her thoughts process and the self-blamed. At the end of the day, it is still a chick-lit, with a typical dorky-unattractive main character who fell in love with a charming good looking man who she didn't think was good enough for her.. except this one involved some mystery and wonderful references to books and its quotes.
December 7, 2014
Really 4.5 stars. A wonderful read for all who love and believe in the magic of books. Darcy manages a bookstore and for her books have always provided an escape and avenue to other time periods and worlds. But the reality of her life is missing the romance and adventure of the books she reads. When she knocks over Mr. Harris riding her bike to work, her life is forever changed. Mr. Harris can not remember his life or the people in it. Who is Mr. Harris? Darcy is determined to make ammends for putting Mr. Harris in the hospital by caring for his dog and tracking down the pieces to reveal his identity. A little mystery, a little romance, some holiday magic and an overall fun read.
December 6, 2018
Iznenađujuće slatko štivo, nimalo dosadno i idealno za decembar i prazničnu atmosferu.
Darcy, mlada žena koja radi u knjižari i u potpunosti je zaluđena knjigama, doživi avanturu ravnu onima iz knjiga koje obožava. Nezgoda i susret donose joj velika uzbuđenja i promjene, kao i lijepu ljubavnu priču.
Darcy, mlada žena koja radi u knjižari i u potpunosti je zaluđena knjigama, doživi avanturu ravnu onima iz knjiga koje obožava. Nezgoda i susret donose joj velika uzbuđenja i promjene, kao i lijepu ljubavnu priču.
May 3, 2014
Loved this book. Ok the ending was slightly predictable but the getting there was anything but. Lovely heart warming story.
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January 2, 2022Review to follow.
January 9, 2019
Zanimljiv kraj ali prve dvije trecine knjige su malo naporne. Volim knjige gdje spisateljica ne opisuje sve oko sebe i gdje imas dojam da pratis film ili da si dio price. Ovo nije takva knjiga. Spisateljica previse opisno prilazi okolini i razmisljanjima da se ne mozes uzivjet sa likovima. Uostalom malo me zatucanost glavne junakinje iritirala. Nije necitljivo, ali ima boljih i zanimljivijih chick lita.
November 11, 2023
Knjiga je stvarno zanimljiva, ima tu neku drugačiju priču koja te vuče. Osobito mi se sviđa što glavna junakinja radi u knjižari i često se spominju knjige. Isto tako, posebno je dirljiv odnos između glavne junakinje i njene tete, posebice na kraju knjige. Sve u svemu, prekrasna priča o dvoje simpatičnih ljudi. :)
December 9, 2022
3.75/5 ⭐️
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