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Christmas in New York #4
Goodness and Light
Thirteen years ago, two teens met on the ramp to Ground Zero, on a cold and snowy day, strangers bonding in a moment of grief. The boy pressed a crystal snowflake ornament into the girl’s hand and disappeared into the crowd, unaware that his simple act of kindness saved her from the guilt that threatened to consume her.
Since losing her mom, Elena Larsen hasn’t set foot in New York City -- until now. Agreeing to help her sister prepare for her baby’s birth seems like a good way to spend Christmas and Elena vows not to let the monstrous guilt that weighs on her heart ruin everything. But those plans go awry when she meets Lucas Adair, a man whose own grief and guilt just might rival her own.
When Elena discovers Lucas is the boy who gave her that crystal snowflake all those years ago, she can’t accept it as the sign Lucas believes it to be. For her, it means only one thing --- even beyond the grave, her mother can never forgive Elena for breaking her heart.
For Lucas, New York is hallowed ground that he can never leave. He spends his days working in the Financial District and his evenings volunteering and it’s almost enough to help him forget what he did. Lucas knows better than to make plans with a woman who will soon be leaving, yet can’t help himself. There’s something about Elena that pulls him in. He doesn’t put much faith in signs but even he starts to believe Elena is his absolution. Now, he only has to convince her.
Christmas in New York series
Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon
Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount
Since losing her mom, Elena Larsen hasn’t set foot in New York City -- until now. Agreeing to help her sister prepare for her baby’s birth seems like a good way to spend Christmas and Elena vows not to let the monstrous guilt that weighs on her heart ruin everything. But those plans go awry when she meets Lucas Adair, a man whose own grief and guilt just might rival her own.
When Elena discovers Lucas is the boy who gave her that crystal snowflake all those years ago, she can’t accept it as the sign Lucas believes it to be. For her, it means only one thing --- even beyond the grave, her mother can never forgive Elena for breaking her heart.
For Lucas, New York is hallowed ground that he can never leave. He spends his days working in the Financial District and his evenings volunteering and it’s almost enough to help him forget what he did. Lucas knows better than to make plans with a woman who will soon be leaving, yet can’t help himself. There’s something about Elena that pulls him in. He doesn’t put much faith in signs but even he starts to believe Elena is his absolution. Now, he only has to convince her.
Christmas in New York series
Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon
Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2014
590 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Patty Blount
18 books779 followersPatty Blount grew up quiet and a bit invisible in Queens, NY, but found her voice in books. Today, she writes smart and strong characters willing to fight for what’s right. She’s the award-winning author of edgy, realistic, gut-wrenching contemporary and young adult romance. Still a bit introverted, she gets lost often, eats way too much chocolate, and tends to develop mad, passionate crushes on fictional characters. Let’s be real; Patty’s not nearly as cool as her characters, but she is a solid supporter of women’s rights and loves delivering school presentations.
Patty is best known for her internet issues novels, SEND, a 2012 Junior Library Guild Fall Pick and TMI, a 2014 Watty winner, and her #MeToo novels, including SOME BOYS, a 2015 CLMP Firecracker winner and SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW, a 2019 double Athena Award winner. Visit her website at pattyblount.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. She blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers, especially when they tell her she’s cool (even though she knows it’s not true), and is easily bribed with chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate.
Patty is best known for her internet issues novels, SEND, a 2012 Junior Library Guild Fall Pick and TMI, a 2014 Watty winner, and her #MeToo novels, including SOME BOYS, a 2015 CLMP Firecracker winner and SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW, a 2019 double Athena Award winner. Visit her website at pattyblount.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. She blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers, especially when they tell her she’s cool (even though she knows it’s not true), and is easily bribed with chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 3, 2014
Goodness and Light is a heart wrenching story were Elena has to overcome her guilt and grieve after losing her mum on 9/11.
Elena returns to New York City after thirteen years to help her big sister Kate prepare for the birth of her baby. Since Elena was fourteen she has been living with the guilt of what happened the last time she saw her mum alive and has withdrawn from her family and friends. When Elena arrives at Kate’s she meets Lucas on the sidewalk there is instant chemistry (have they met before?) but Elena is only staying until after the birth. Can Lucas convince Elena to take a chance on them and move back to New York City.
This is a tough read at times as 9/11 features strongly in the story and made me cry a lot but it also has some sweet funny moments.
This is 1 of 4 stories in the Christmas in New York series, each book is stand alone below is the reading order.
This Christmas - Sabrina
All I Want For Christmas - Cassandra
A Light in the Window - Jade
Goodness and Light - Elena
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Elena returns to New York City after thirteen years to help her big sister Kate prepare for the birth of her baby. Since Elena was fourteen she has been living with the guilt of what happened the last time she saw her mum alive and has withdrawn from her family and friends. When Elena arrives at Kate’s she meets Lucas on the sidewalk there is instant chemistry (have they met before?) but Elena is only staying until after the birth. Can Lucas convince Elena to take a chance on them and move back to New York City.
This is a tough read at times as 9/11 features strongly in the story and made me cry a lot but it also has some sweet funny moments.
This is 1 of 4 stories in the Christmas in New York series, each book is stand alone below is the reading order.
This Christmas - Sabrina
All I Want For Christmas - Cassandra
A Light in the Window - Jade
Goodness and Light - Elena
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
November 9, 2018
I loved the theme of this story, two people overcoming one of our nations biggest tragedies and finding love through it all but I found the main female character to be a little hard to like.
I understood why she pushed people away and why she had attitude but I couldn't understand why she kept repeating her horrible actions over and over again. I mean literally, she would apologize for doing it and then the next scene, she would be doing it or something worse, all over again. It made her hard to relate to and even like at times.
I did love the best friend and the male lead however, they both made the story worthwhile and overall the romance wasn't too terrible once things got rolling.
I understood why she pushed people away and why she had attitude but I couldn't understand why she kept repeating her horrible actions over and over again. I mean literally, she would apologize for doing it and then the next scene, she would be doing it or something worse, all over again. It made her hard to relate to and even like at times.
I did love the best friend and the male lead however, they both made the story worthwhile and overall the romance wasn't too terrible once things got rolling.
September 1, 2016
Goodness and Light is an enjoyable festive novella, but You may need some tissues within reach as less than 10% in, I had a little cry.
Rewind 13 years to the 9/11 atrocities and a lanky teenage boy sees a girl broken at ground zero. Understanding her grief, he hands her a crystal snowflake as comfort, and disappears.
When Elena Larson reluctantly returns to Manhattan in 2014 to help her pregnant sister prepare for her new arrival, she meets Lucas Adair, a man who understands the grief and pain she lives with in every possible way. And friendship soon becomes more.
If I'm honest, Elena frustrated me with the way she treated those closest to her. Her loss and deep-set guilt is unimaginable, yet she meets the most patient, kind, exceptional man in Luke, with his own guilt-ridden past and she acts selfishly. Nevertheless, when she let her guard down she was likeable and I was rooting for them to find their HEA.
Last year I stood in the 9/11 Memorial Park and to see hope rise from something so devastating humbled me. For me, Patty Blount has portrayed this message in this novella perfectly.
Goodness and Light is the fourth novella in the Christmas in New York series - Four romantic festive novellas focussing around four lifelong friends. I've read the series a little back to front - I read the last novella first, but in fairness, whilst it contained an epilogue and this a prologue, they could be read as you wish.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rewind 13 years to the 9/11 atrocities and a lanky teenage boy sees a girl broken at ground zero. Understanding her grief, he hands her a crystal snowflake as comfort, and disappears.
When Elena Larson reluctantly returns to Manhattan in 2014 to help her pregnant sister prepare for her new arrival, she meets Lucas Adair, a man who understands the grief and pain she lives with in every possible way. And friendship soon becomes more.
If I'm honest, Elena frustrated me with the way she treated those closest to her. Her loss and deep-set guilt is unimaginable, yet she meets the most patient, kind, exceptional man in Luke, with his own guilt-ridden past and she acts selfishly. Nevertheless, when she let her guard down she was likeable and I was rooting for them to find their HEA.
Last year I stood in the 9/11 Memorial Park and to see hope rise from something so devastating humbled me. For me, Patty Blount has portrayed this message in this novella perfectly.
Goodness and Light is the fourth novella in the Christmas in New York series - Four romantic festive novellas focussing around four lifelong friends. I've read the series a little back to front - I read the last novella first, but in fairness, whilst it contained an epilogue and this a prologue, they could be read as you wish.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2014
This book can be read as a stand alone book. But I urge you all to read the 4 books of the "Christmas in New York" Series Starting with Jeannie Moon's "This Christmas" and finishing with Patty Blount's "Goodness and Light" As I said I have read the other three (3) books in this series, this book really touched me. It took hold of my heart and held it to the very last word! Luke and Elena, two people sharing the the same memories and devastation of September 11 2001. Two very young people a chance encounter years earlier at a Yearly Remembrance Event. Little do they know that many years later that event will play such important part in their lives. Trust, Forgiveness and Love all emotions dealt with but not in the way we as readers think will happen when we read a "Romance Novel". A perfect book book for the holiday season! This book is one I know I will read over and over again. Just a little request for the author, Kara needs her story. I feel another Holiday romance coming on next year :)
December 26, 2014
3 - "I believe in people." Stars.
A poignant and thought provoking finale to the Christmas in new York series of novellas.
Elena and Lucas, are both dealing with feelings of guilt, and struggling with the grief and loss of loved ones in the September 11th attacks.
"Sometimes, we're afraid of the wrong things."
Thirteen years on and Elena's return to New York for the first time since that dreadful chapter in the cities history, brings to the forefront everything that she has worked so hard to keep supressed.
Another great series from Tule publishing, I hope we get more from the women in these stories at some point in the future.
"When one of us is hurt, all of us bleed."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
A poignant and thought provoking finale to the Christmas in new York series of novellas.
Elena and Lucas, are both dealing with feelings of guilt, and struggling with the grief and loss of loved ones in the September 11th attacks.
"Sometimes, we're afraid of the wrong things."
Thirteen years on and Elena's return to New York for the first time since that dreadful chapter in the cities history, brings to the forefront everything that she has worked so hard to keep supressed.
Another great series from Tule publishing, I hope we get more from the women in these stories at some point in the future.
"When one of us is hurt, all of us bleed."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 27, 2019
2 1/2 stars. Very slow start and a heroine who is convinced that her late mother hates her, finds love, but believes she’s unworthy of it and of the man who loves her.
Basically, it’s a Big Misunderstanding story that goes on for years, and once the resolution begins, it still takes a ridiculously long time. The ending is rushed, in my opinion, with two critical situations each resolved in the blink of an eye.
Basically, it’s a Big Misunderstanding story that goes on for years, and once the resolution begins, it still takes a ridiculously long time. The ending is rushed, in my opinion, with two critical situations each resolved in the blink of an eye.
November 7, 2014
Four writer friends, love and laughter, families and festivities, Christmas and miracles……a magical Christmas In New York!!!!
Christmas In New York series is the compilation of four writer friends and their wonderful stories of lost love, second chances, friendships and relationships and the magical wishes of Christmas that gives four friends a future of love, trust and understanding.
This Christmas (Jake and Sabrina) – Jeannie Moon
All I Want For Christmas (Cassandra and Sean) – Jennifer Gracen
A Light In The Window (Jade and Ben) – Jolyse Barnett
Goodness And Light (Elena and Lucas) – Patty Blount
And they can all be read standalone!
Young minds can be so impressionable and susceptible to pain and guilt that can be carried into their adult years, and if that pain and guilt cannot be dissuaded somehow, it sure affects lives. Elena Larsen lost her mother to 9/11, thirteen years ago and hasn’t set foot in NY since then. But now with her sister Kara pregnant (hoping to see her HEA coming Christmas ;)), Elena lands in the city of pain to help Kara and stumbles into the charming Lucas Adair, little knowing that she has met him briefly before……precisely thirteen years ago.
Lucas Adair is also a victim of 9/11, where he had lost his mother. Riddled with guilt and pain, he goes down a path of jailed time. But with the help of a friend, and helping the needy, Lucas had the opportunity to get over his loss and guilt and make a better person of him. A chance meeting with Elena kindles his heart with feelings of hope and love, little realizing that he had met her briefly……..thirteen years ago at Ground Zero.
“Goodness and Light” is more than just a feel good, second chance at love story. It explores the pain and trauma of terrorism that had ripped families apart and had touched everyone that touched tragedy. It tells the story of two such beautiful people as fate reconnects them one more time, and this time to put to rest pain and guilt and build a future with goodness, light and love.
Patty Blount did a marvelous job of penning the characters of Lucas and Elena and this is my favorite of all the four stories. Looking forward to reading more from this dynamo of a writer.
Received an ARC from Tule Publishing via Netgalley for a honest review.
Christmas In New York series is the compilation of four writer friends and their wonderful stories of lost love, second chances, friendships and relationships and the magical wishes of Christmas that gives four friends a future of love, trust and understanding.
This Christmas (Jake and Sabrina) – Jeannie Moon
All I Want For Christmas (Cassandra and Sean) – Jennifer Gracen
A Light In The Window (Jade and Ben) – Jolyse Barnett
Goodness And Light (Elena and Lucas) – Patty Blount
And they can all be read standalone!
Young minds can be so impressionable and susceptible to pain and guilt that can be carried into their adult years, and if that pain and guilt cannot be dissuaded somehow, it sure affects lives. Elena Larsen lost her mother to 9/11, thirteen years ago and hasn’t set foot in NY since then. But now with her sister Kara pregnant (hoping to see her HEA coming Christmas ;)), Elena lands in the city of pain to help Kara and stumbles into the charming Lucas Adair, little knowing that she has met him briefly before……precisely thirteen years ago.
Lucas Adair is also a victim of 9/11, where he had lost his mother. Riddled with guilt and pain, he goes down a path of jailed time. But with the help of a friend, and helping the needy, Lucas had the opportunity to get over his loss and guilt and make a better person of him. A chance meeting with Elena kindles his heart with feelings of hope and love, little realizing that he had met her briefly……..thirteen years ago at Ground Zero.
“Goodness and Light” is more than just a feel good, second chance at love story. It explores the pain and trauma of terrorism that had ripped families apart and had touched everyone that touched tragedy. It tells the story of two such beautiful people as fate reconnects them one more time, and this time to put to rest pain and guilt and build a future with goodness, light and love.
Patty Blount did a marvelous job of penning the characters of Lucas and Elena and this is my favorite of all the four stories. Looking forward to reading more from this dynamo of a writer.
Received an ARC from Tule Publishing via Netgalley for a honest review.
November 12, 2014
This is something I haven’t done before. I’m saying the same thing at the beginning of each of this series reviews. I highly recommend reading all four of the stories. None is too long, but all fit together wonderfully.
Goodness and Light is part of the Christmas in New York series. In the past I have enjoyed the Montana series from this publisher. Then I found the Southern series, which is also very good. However, I love, love, love this series.
I would be hard press to say which of these novellas my favorite is. The entire series is a true delight. Five girlfriends who mothers were best friends so they feel more like family than friends. While each has a different author, all are well written.
Goodness and Light is the most emotionally touching of these Christmas in New York stories. It is not just a romance but also a beautiful and bittersweet story about loss, love, family and forgiving one’s self. What looks at first to be such a contrast between Lucas and Elena is not as the author peels back the layers of their grief, hurts and fears. They are more alike than different and both must come to terms with it. You will need a box of tissues handy with this read. Poignant, powerful read.
Last thought – Elena is right, Kara does need a happy-ever-after, too.
NetGalley provided a copy.
Goodness and Light is part of the Christmas in New York series. In the past I have enjoyed the Montana series from this publisher. Then I found the Southern series, which is also very good. However, I love, love, love this series.
I would be hard press to say which of these novellas my favorite is. The entire series is a true delight. Five girlfriends who mothers were best friends so they feel more like family than friends. While each has a different author, all are well written.
Goodness and Light is the most emotionally touching of these Christmas in New York stories. It is not just a romance but also a beautiful and bittersweet story about loss, love, family and forgiving one’s self. What looks at first to be such a contrast between Lucas and Elena is not as the author peels back the layers of their grief, hurts and fears. They are more alike than different and both must come to terms with it. You will need a box of tissues handy with this read. Poignant, powerful read.
Last thought – Elena is right, Kara does need a happy-ever-after, too.
NetGalley provided a copy.
November 13, 2014
A beautifully written and touching story.
Two people connected in more ways than they thought. Both lost their mothers in the 9-11 World Trade Center attack. The memories still haunt them.
Elena Larsen hasn’t stepped foot in New York since the day she left. She has finally come back to the city to help her pregnant sister. She doesn’t expect to meet a man the first day she is there. He is strangely familiar to her, but she knows she has never met him before.
Lucas Adair is the kind of man who will do anything for anyone, even giving his gloves to a stranger on the street. So, when he sees a lady being knocked down by someone else, he is right there to help her up. After she leaves, he knows he has to see her again.
Fate works in strange ways as they end up volunteering together and become friends. Will Luke ever be able to get Elena to leave her worries behind in order to move on with the future? The signs are everywhere that they should be together.
I really enjoyed everything about this book. It was my favorite of the series.
Two people connected in more ways than they thought. Both lost their mothers in the 9-11 World Trade Center attack. The memories still haunt them.
Elena Larsen hasn’t stepped foot in New York since the day she left. She has finally come back to the city to help her pregnant sister. She doesn’t expect to meet a man the first day she is there. He is strangely familiar to her, but she knows she has never met him before.
Lucas Adair is the kind of man who will do anything for anyone, even giving his gloves to a stranger on the street. So, when he sees a lady being knocked down by someone else, he is right there to help her up. After she leaves, he knows he has to see her again.
Fate works in strange ways as they end up volunteering together and become friends. Will Luke ever be able to get Elena to leave her worries behind in order to move on with the future? The signs are everywhere that they should be together.
I really enjoyed everything about this book. It was my favorite of the series.
January 10, 2015
Elena Larsen is back in New York City and really does not want to be back there. The city has only sad memories of her mother who was a victim of the 9/11 attack and of the fight she and her mom had the night before she died. Elena has lived with the guilt and remorse over that fight. She cannot forgive herself for it.
Lucas Adair also lost his mother in the 9/11 attack and, even though he and his mother weren't on great terms, he has decided to live his life bringing light into others. Years ago on the 9/11 Holiday Rememberence, he gave a snowflake ornament to a girl there who looked lost and forlorn. He never forgot that moment and always wondered what happened to that girl. Little does he relized that the girl was Elena and chance meetings while she is in New York bring them a chance to find love and forgiveness.
I cannot say that this was a favorite of mine as I tired of Elena's constant misdirected anger and meanness. If I was Lucas, I would have written her off but his character was determined to shine light on Elena.
Lucas Adair also lost his mother in the 9/11 attack and, even though he and his mother weren't on great terms, he has decided to live his life bringing light into others. Years ago on the 9/11 Holiday Rememberence, he gave a snowflake ornament to a girl there who looked lost and forlorn. He never forgot that moment and always wondered what happened to that girl. Little does he relized that the girl was Elena and chance meetings while she is in New York bring them a chance to find love and forgiveness.
I cannot say that this was a favorite of mine as I tired of Elena's constant misdirected anger and meanness. If I was Lucas, I would have written her off but his character was determined to shine light on Elena.
November 17, 2014
What a beautifully written, emotional story. I enjoyed the other three books in the series but this one reached out, grabbed and held on to me. Elena lost her Mom on 9/11, when the twin towers fell. She left New York and did not return. Her sister Kara is due to give birth and needs her sister, so she returns. This is when I started to put the story down to grab a Kleenex or two. Then I started to get angry at Elena for being so stubborn, close-minded and I wanted to smack her one. Reach for the Kleenexes again, the baby comes, more Kleenexes, the hospital, more Kleenexes.... wow this story has been such a powerful, emotional rollercoaster. I have never been to NY, did not lose anyone in 9/11 but I connected with each aspect of the story. A perfect ending to the series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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July 7, 2025Purch Amazon Oct. 11, 2018
December 26, 2018
It's for most a charming if at times slow read, filled with drama and tragedy, family and romance... a quaint Christmas story with lots of reason to get sentimental and shed a tear or two.
However, there's a part towards the end that threw me because there's so much talk of God and Faith in the whole passage that it leaves a bitter taste how Al phrases his own unbelieve in religion:
I admit, I have no clear idea where the Muslim faith stands on questions of Heaven and Hell, but for Al to make this sort of non-sequitur of saying "I’m not very religious. I was raised Muslim..." sounds like an unrealistic thing to say, for both a muslim or an atheist.
One wouldn't go round and say "I'm not very religious. I was raised Christian..."
It simply makes no sense to announce that you're not believing in a religion and then continue with pointing out which religion you was raised in anyways - not in this context at least.
I assume, because the author appears quite respectful in her twitter messages, that it was a simple writing lapse, a case of missing to put in "But I was raised Muslim..." the same way one may point out that "I do not believe in Christ, but I was raised with Christian values..."
I realize that this must sound terribly nitpicking, but the whole story revolves at large aound the attacks on 9/11 and the resulting personal tragedies from it, and this terrible day has been so deeply interwoven with our felt understanding of terrorism and other religions that I can't help but feel a need to point out this particular inconsistency.
However, there's a part towards the end that threw me because there's so much talk of God and Faith in the whole passage that it leaves a bitter taste how Al phrases his own unbelieve in religion:
“Elena, you’re asking me if there’s a God, if there’s a Heaven, if there’s a life after this one, and I can’t answer that. Nobody can. It’s either something you believe in or you don’t.” He played with his cup. “I’m not very religious. I was raised Muslim and there are some things that even I—with my lack of faith—believe."
I admit, I have no clear idea where the Muslim faith stands on questions of Heaven and Hell, but for Al to make this sort of non-sequitur of saying "I’m not very religious. I was raised Muslim..." sounds like an unrealistic thing to say, for both a muslim or an atheist.
One wouldn't go round and say "I'm not very religious. I was raised Christian..."
It simply makes no sense to announce that you're not believing in a religion and then continue with pointing out which religion you was raised in anyways - not in this context at least.
I assume, because the author appears quite respectful in her twitter messages, that it was a simple writing lapse, a case of missing to put in "But I was raised Muslim..." the same way one may point out that "I do not believe in Christ, but I was raised with Christian values..."
I realize that this must sound terribly nitpicking, but the whole story revolves at large aound the attacks on 9/11 and the resulting personal tragedies from it, and this terrible day has been so deeply interwoven with our felt understanding of terrorism and other religions that I can't help but feel a need to point out this particular inconsistency.
December 30, 2018
A Match Made at Christmas, by Patty Blount, is the fourth book in a collaborative series called Christmas in New York. Elena Larsen has returned to New York City after being away for more than a decade. She has come to help her very pregnant sister, Kara, who moved back to New York for work some time ago. Elena hasn’t been back since her father moved them away in early 2002. Her mother, the heart of the family, had perished in the twin towers, and the family had never been the same.
Because Kara had been so insistent that she needed her, Elena had capitulated and come for the month. Upon her arrival, she has a sidewalk interaction with a fellow with a dazzling smile. A brief flashback at this encounter takes her to the one and only September’s Family Guild holiday event she had attended when a boy about her age had given her a crystal snowflake.
When Elena arrives, she learns that Kara has been put on bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. While Kara is able to work from home, the volunteer work she does with the September’s Family Guild and her role in the upcoming holiday event need Elena to step up for her. When Elena reports to the Guild to help out, she finds that the dazzling smile belongs to Lucas Adair, who is heading the event committee. He, too, lost his mother that fateful day.
As the story unfolds, it touchingly describes the reality that was faced for all of the family members left behind and how they each dealt with the tragedy in their own ways. Being back in New York with her sister and dear family friends, Elena is finally opening herself up to deal with her grief. Her budding relationship with Lucas may just be what heals her heart.
This story is unique in its backstory. It is well researched and intricately written with multidimensional characters. I found this story hard to put down and do recommend it!
Because Kara had been so insistent that she needed her, Elena had capitulated and come for the month. Upon her arrival, she has a sidewalk interaction with a fellow with a dazzling smile. A brief flashback at this encounter takes her to the one and only September’s Family Guild holiday event she had attended when a boy about her age had given her a crystal snowflake.
When Elena arrives, she learns that Kara has been put on bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. While Kara is able to work from home, the volunteer work she does with the September’s Family Guild and her role in the upcoming holiday event need Elena to step up for her. When Elena reports to the Guild to help out, she finds that the dazzling smile belongs to Lucas Adair, who is heading the event committee. He, too, lost his mother that fateful day.
As the story unfolds, it touchingly describes the reality that was faced for all of the family members left behind and how they each dealt with the tragedy in their own ways. Being back in New York with her sister and dear family friends, Elena is finally opening herself up to deal with her grief. Her budding relationship with Lucas may just be what heals her heart.
This story is unique in its backstory. It is well researched and intricately written with multidimensional characters. I found this story hard to put down and do recommend it!
December 23, 2020
I suppose it was bound to happen.
After nine holiday books, I finally hit one that made me cranky. And boy, this one was a doozy. I’m not even sure how I managed to get through it, except I bought it three years ago and I figured it was time I got it read.
At the age of 14, Elena got in a fight with her mother, who was then killed the next day when she went to work at her job at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. And for the 13 years ever since she’s been harboring guilt, having never told anyone about the terrible things she said to her mother, and has never set foot back in New York City. But now her sister needs her, so she’s back in the city and it’s bringing up all kinds of feelings.
Lucas also lost his mother on September 11th, and after a rough couple of years he now volunteers with a group that helps remember the victims of that tragic day. When Elena shows up on her sister’s behalf to help with a benefit dinner, Lucas and Elena are inexplicably drawn to each other, not knowing they share a special past together even beyond their common tragedy.
For better or worse, I “see” a book in my head whenever I’m reading. And what I saw in this book was an overacted, soap opera style melodramatic angst-fest of epic proportions. Listen, I get the trauma the heroine experienced, but if you’re now almost 30 and can’t get your crap together - even after years of therapy, I have little sympathy for you. And the hero wasn’t much better either, swinging from “I love you” to “get out of my life” faster than a speeding NYC subway.
This could have been a touching, heartfelt story where two hurting people find love and healing. But instead the histrionic behavior of all the characters made the story ridiculous and eyerollingly cringey. I should have quit this one.
After nine holiday books, I finally hit one that made me cranky. And boy, this one was a doozy. I’m not even sure how I managed to get through it, except I bought it three years ago and I figured it was time I got it read.
At the age of 14, Elena got in a fight with her mother, who was then killed the next day when she went to work at her job at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. And for the 13 years ever since she’s been harboring guilt, having never told anyone about the terrible things she said to her mother, and has never set foot back in New York City. But now her sister needs her, so she’s back in the city and it’s bringing up all kinds of feelings.
Lucas also lost his mother on September 11th, and after a rough couple of years he now volunteers with a group that helps remember the victims of that tragic day. When Elena shows up on her sister’s behalf to help with a benefit dinner, Lucas and Elena are inexplicably drawn to each other, not knowing they share a special past together even beyond their common tragedy.
For better or worse, I “see” a book in my head whenever I’m reading. And what I saw in this book was an overacted, soap opera style melodramatic angst-fest of epic proportions. Listen, I get the trauma the heroine experienced, but if you’re now almost 30 and can’t get your crap together - even after years of therapy, I have little sympathy for you. And the hero wasn’t much better either, swinging from “I love you” to “get out of my life” faster than a speeding NYC subway.
This could have been a touching, heartfelt story where two hurting people find love and healing. But instead the histrionic behavior of all the characters made the story ridiculous and eyerollingly cringey. I should have quit this one.
December 15, 2018
This book wasn't what I was expecting let me just put that out there first. I really don't want to give this a 3-star rating because Lucas was worth it but I seriously couldn't jump in with both feet and feel the love of this story.
PROS:
These two characters, Lucas and Elena meet for the first time at a Christmas memorial at Ground Zero following the deaths of their mothers on 9/11. Fourteen years later when Elena comes back to help her sister Kara out during her pregnancy she literally has a run in with Lucas Adair. His eyes look familiar, so does his smile but she isn't quite certain, but knows in her heart that he's the same boy that gave her the crystal snowflake all those years ago. The one she's never gotten rid of and the boy she can't forget about.
And may I say that Lucas Adair is just WOW with his captivating smile.
That part of the story is good and that's truly the reason that I grabbed this, to begin with.
CONS:
But for 14 long years Elena hasn't gotten over her rage, her bitterness, anger and here she is in NY pretty much pissing on everyone's joy. She drove me nuts with her negativity during most of the book. She was attracted to Lucas, who wouldn't be the man was a P.D. but couldn't seem to move past all the drudged up feelings of being back in a city she didn't want to come back to, with memories of her mother and the very last words spoken to her before that fateful day.
So if you're triggered by depression or feelings of sadness around the time of Christmas, do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
PROS:
These two characters, Lucas and Elena meet for the first time at a Christmas memorial at Ground Zero following the deaths of their mothers on 9/11. Fourteen years later when Elena comes back to help her sister Kara out during her pregnancy she literally has a run in with Lucas Adair. His eyes look familiar, so does his smile but she isn't quite certain, but knows in her heart that he's the same boy that gave her the crystal snowflake all those years ago. The one she's never gotten rid of and the boy she can't forget about.
And may I say that Lucas Adair is just WOW with his captivating smile.
That part of the story is good and that's truly the reason that I grabbed this, to begin with.
CONS:
But for 14 long years Elena hasn't gotten over her rage, her bitterness, anger and here she is in NY pretty much pissing on everyone's joy. She drove me nuts with her negativity during most of the book. She was attracted to Lucas, who wouldn't be the man was a P.D. but couldn't seem to move past all the drudged up feelings of being back in a city she didn't want to come back to, with memories of her mother and the very last words spoken to her before that fateful day.
So if you're triggered by depression or feelings of sadness around the time of Christmas, do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
I thought the premise of basing characters on family members of those killed in the 9-1-1 attacks was a promising idea. But for some reason, this short Christmas romance just never reached the depth I was hoping for. As a teen, Luke gave his Christmas ornament to a girl at Ground Zero, because he sensed she was on the verge of a terrible decision. We learn later that at the same age, he had a violent episode (trying not to give a spoiler here). Those two things are so extreme, it’s hard to see them in the same person (even as a teen LOL). Elena’s guilt was extreme, almost to the point of making her whiny and unlikeable. And her reaction when she figured out that she was the recipient of Luke’s snowflake… well, I just didn’t get it (except as a way for the story to go where the author wanted it to). Lucas’ understanding of Elena's emotions was beyond normal at first… and then suddenly it wasn’t, as he swung completely the other way. This story also contained inspirational elements (in the form of “signs”) that were so light, I wanted to say ‘bring it all the way in or leave it out.’ If you’re looking for a light holiday read with light inspirational elements, you’ll enjoy this story.
November 24, 2020
I loved this book. It was emotionally draining but heartfelt and poignant.
Laney returns to New York for the first time after losing her mother in 9/11. She lives in emotional turmoil. In a negative landscape of self hate, drowning in her own guilt and certain that she sucks happiness out of everyone around her. Her vivid sadness settles right beside your heart and I ached for her. The climax of this story had me in tears for several chapters. The pain that Laney and Lucas carried inside themselves was overwhelming. When Laney started to open up my heart broke in half. I was so frustrated and raw with emotion that I wanted to shake both her and Lucas.
Lucas carries a similar guilt within himself but instead of drowning in a sea of darkness he turned the guilt into something else. Using it to encourage him to help others whenever he was able. He and Laney are two sides of the same coin.
Setting this story at Christmas just added another layer of emotion to the story as Laney and Lucas's relationship develops while he helps her rediscover the magic of Christmas, something she hasn't celebrated since her mother died.
It all came together in a beautifully emotionally charged story that ended in the "Happily Ever After" I was hoping for.
Laney returns to New York for the first time after losing her mother in 9/11. She lives in emotional turmoil. In a negative landscape of self hate, drowning in her own guilt and certain that she sucks happiness out of everyone around her. Her vivid sadness settles right beside your heart and I ached for her. The climax of this story had me in tears for several chapters. The pain that Laney and Lucas carried inside themselves was overwhelming. When Laney started to open up my heart broke in half. I was so frustrated and raw with emotion that I wanted to shake both her and Lucas.
Lucas carries a similar guilt within himself but instead of drowning in a sea of darkness he turned the guilt into something else. Using it to encourage him to help others whenever he was able. He and Laney are two sides of the same coin.
Setting this story at Christmas just added another layer of emotion to the story as Laney and Lucas's relationship develops while he helps her rediscover the magic of Christmas, something she hasn't celebrated since her mother died.
It all came together in a beautifully emotionally charged story that ended in the "Happily Ever After" I was hoping for.
July 18, 2018
Looking for Signs of Light
I loved the use of light and signs in this book. Previously this was named Goodness and Light which seems more appropriate than the current title. The challenge I had with making this 5 stars was that the book didn't really start to look up until 60% through. I get that Elena’s healing should happen gradually, but she cried through most of the book. I also get that the subject matter is extremely tragic, but there has to be some balance, and for me there was just too much sadness. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because the author's writing had me totally engaged, so I committed to finishing and I wasn't sorry I did. The last 40% of the book made up for the first 60. I would imagine many of those who lost loved ones in 9/11 feel similarly the pain described here. Glad these two, along with some help from their friends, were able to help each other heal, and of course get their HEA.
Although I am very late in getting this review out, my ARC copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the use of light and signs in this book. Previously this was named Goodness and Light which seems more appropriate than the current title. The challenge I had with making this 5 stars was that the book didn't really start to look up until 60% through. I get that Elena’s healing should happen gradually, but she cried through most of the book. I also get that the subject matter is extremely tragic, but there has to be some balance, and for me there was just too much sadness. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because the author's writing had me totally engaged, so I committed to finishing and I wasn't sorry I did. The last 40% of the book made up for the first 60. I would imagine many of those who lost loved ones in 9/11 feel similarly the pain described here. Glad these two, along with some help from their friends, were able to help each other heal, and of course get their HEA.
Although I am very late in getting this review out, my ARC copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2018
Looking for Signs of Light
I loved the use of light and signs in this book. Previously this was named Goodness and Light which seems more appropriate than the current title. The challenge I had with making this 5 stars was that the book didn't really start to look up until 60% through. I get that Elena’s healing should happen gradually, but she cried through most of the book. I also get that the subject matter is extremely tragic, but there has to be some balance, and for me there was just too much sadness. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because the author's writing had me totally engaged, so I committed to finishing and I wasn't sorry I did. The last 40% of the book made up for the first 60. I would imagine many of those who lost loved ones in 9/11 feel similarly the pain described here. Glad these two, along with some help from their friends, were able to help each other heal, and of course get their HEA.
Although I am very late in getting this review out, my ARC copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the use of light and signs in this book. Previously this was named Goodness and Light which seems more appropriate than the current title. The challenge I had with making this 5 stars was that the book didn't really start to look up until 60% through. I get that Elena’s healing should happen gradually, but she cried through most of the book. I also get that the subject matter is extremely tragic, but there has to be some balance, and for me there was just too much sadness. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because the author's writing had me totally engaged, so I committed to finishing and I wasn't sorry I did. The last 40% of the book made up for the first 60. I would imagine many of those who lost loved ones in 9/11 feel similarly the pain described here. Glad these two, along with some help from their friends, were able to help each other heal, and of course get their HEA.
Although I am very late in getting this review out, my ARC copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2017
A brief encounter between our hero and heroine when they were children helped them come to terms somewhat what happened in 2001 with the twin towers. The hero leaves the heroine with a reminder and is pulled away. Now years later they cross again without knowing it until later in the story. This is more of a story of how the families of the tragedy had affected their lives and their decisions since then. However they lean and learn from each other. However can one be able to move on or will they be stuck in the past forever?
The event this is centered around is still very sad today as I'm a NYer who's lived away from the Tate, but it still gets to me. The chapters and writing will touch most people and especially the heroine's reactions and feelings. You can really identify with her and everyone's feelings. The plot is very original while still trying to be true to the event at the same time. Warning: depending on how emotional you get about it, you might break out into tears.
The event this is centered around is still very sad today as I'm a NYer who's lived away from the Tate, but it still gets to me. The chapters and writing will touch most people and especially the heroine's reactions and feelings. You can really identify with her and everyone's feelings. The plot is very original while still trying to be true to the event at the same time. Warning: depending on how emotional you get about it, you might break out into tears.
October 13, 2018
Elena looking up at the skyline in New York, and thinking there was still something here that calls ‘home’ to her. A mishap just as she reach her sister’s place, landed her in the snow. Luke, helped her up, the smile, as though she know him. She was here to help her sister, the baby, that was due, minus the father. As Luke walked he thought of the crystal snowflake of his mom’s, having given in to a young girl, many years ago.Stepping In for Kara at the volunteer place, she again meets Luke. Words, and missing the meaning of what they want to say, causes hurt, they both are grieving from a sudden loss in their lives. Could they ever get rid of this and except the people around them, and maybe even love.
December 10, 2018
I like the concept of signs in this book, and all the things that connect. There’s a beautiful message of light and forgiveness .
I don’t like the characters much. Elena is too immature, not dealing with her guilt and the past, and certainly not trying enough with Luke in the present.
Lucas is interesting, trying to be different because he’s learned his pain can be destructive or productive.
When she learns he’s the boy from her past she somehow sees it negatively, which makes no sense. Then he seems to be unwilling to even listen to her when she starts to get things, which again, makes no sense.
A few good themes, but overall, too contrived and kind of annoying.
I don’t like the characters much. Elena is too immature, not dealing with her guilt and the past, and certainly not trying enough with Luke in the present.
Lucas is interesting, trying to be different because he’s learned his pain can be destructive or productive.
When she learns he’s the boy from her past she somehow sees it negatively, which makes no sense. Then he seems to be unwilling to even listen to her when she starts to get things, which again, makes no sense.
A few good themes, but overall, too contrived and kind of annoying.
December 19, 2017
***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***
They met thirteen years ago when he gave her a snowflake on the first Rememberance day. Now they meet again and he knows it's a good sign. She's not that optimistic.
This was a cute and sweet romantic story of (self)forgiveness, friendship, family and hope, yet it was completely ruined by an idiotic and extremely selfish heroine. Everything was about her, no one loved her, she was a black hole, she didn't deserve happiness...Boohoohoo.
Instead of romance we got drama, drama, drama.
What a pity.
They met thirteen years ago when he gave her a snowflake on the first Rememberance day. Now they meet again and he knows it's a good sign. She's not that optimistic.
This was a cute and sweet romantic story of (self)forgiveness, friendship, family and hope, yet it was completely ruined by an idiotic and extremely selfish heroine. Everything was about her, no one loved her, she was a black hole, she didn't deserve happiness...Boohoohoo.
Instead of romance we got drama, drama, drama.
What a pity.
October 13, 2018
Beautiful
This was a great story. I love how they showed what some of the children and families of those lost in 9-11. Elena was the youngest of the girls and always felt it was her fault her mom died. She finally was in New York to help her sister Kara before the baby came. Lucas volunteers with the program that does gatherings for surviving families. Little did they know he met her briefly when they were younger. Have a tissue ready.
This was a great story. I love how they showed what some of the children and families of those lost in 9-11. Elena was the youngest of the girls and always felt it was her fault her mom died. She finally was in New York to help her sister Kara before the baby came. Lucas volunteers with the program that does gatherings for surviving families. Little did they know he met her briefly when they were younger. Have a tissue ready.
October 13, 2018
A Match Made at Christmas
This was not a totally clean story, but there was only one sex scene discussed, and it was brief. This was such a touching story about a woman who has carried guilt for over a decade over something mean that she said as a young teenager to her mother the night before her mother died on 9/11. Have your tissues ready!
This was not a totally clean story, but there was only one sex scene discussed, and it was brief. This was such a touching story about a woman who has carried guilt for over a decade over something mean that she said as a young teenager to her mother the night before her mother died on 9/11. Have your tissues ready!
December 18, 2019
Elena Larsen returns to NYC to help her sister, Kara, who is expecting her first child. Elena is literally picked up (from a snow mound) by Lucas Adair. The pair have much in common and a romance develops with a NYC Christmas backdrop and many references to 9/11. An emotional read with interesting characters that leaves one with an overall warm feeling.
June 26, 2020
Heartwarming
Grab your tissues, this book is almost as heartwrenching as it is heartwarming. Grief and guilt consume Elena since her mother's death on 9/11, forever regretting the things said before her death. Forgiveness is something she never expected once she meets Lucas, as well as love. Beautifully written.
Grab your tissues, this book is almost as heartwrenching as it is heartwarming. Grief and guilt consume Elena since her mother's death on 9/11, forever regretting the things said before her death. Forgiveness is something she never expected once she meets Lucas, as well as love. Beautifully written.
October 18, 2018
A heartwarming Christmas story
A lovely story about love, loss, forgiveness and family values, set around the Christmas season. Perfect for those who enjoy festive reading and happy endings.
A lovely story about love, loss, forgiveness and family values, set around the Christmas season. Perfect for those who enjoy festive reading and happy endings.
October 14, 2018
Very good
It was a story regarding two people who met at the first anniversary of 9/11. It covered how people were affected by the loss of loved ones and their reaction. I found this was a well written story and will read more.
It was a story regarding two people who met at the first anniversary of 9/11. It covered how people were affected by the loss of loved ones and their reaction. I found this was a well written story and will read more.
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