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Sanctuary Island #4
Home for Christmas
Tis the season for family and love…
At least it's supposed to be. For Libby Leeds, however, the holiday season is just another reminder of things she'd rather forget. When she left Sanctuary Island as an orphaned child, she never thought she'd go back except in her dreams, dreams she's kept alive by writing monthly column of her fictional small-town life, until her publisher sends her back home for the holidays.
Owen Shepard is a fallen hero, wounded in action rescuing three of his fellow soldiers, but after a whirlwind of media attention, all this charismatic Army Ranger wants is to get back on his feet and make it to Sanctuary Island to be with his daughter in time for Christmas. What he didn't expect was to be put on a crash course with a columnist hiding her past. Will the magic of Sanctuary Island at Christmastime allow them to find healing together?
At least it's supposed to be. For Libby Leeds, however, the holiday season is just another reminder of things she'd rather forget. When she left Sanctuary Island as an orphaned child, she never thought she'd go back except in her dreams, dreams she's kept alive by writing monthly column of her fictional small-town life, until her publisher sends her back home for the holidays.
Owen Shepard is a fallen hero, wounded in action rescuing three of his fellow soldiers, but after a whirlwind of media attention, all this charismatic Army Ranger wants is to get back on his feet and make it to Sanctuary Island to be with his daughter in time for Christmas. What he didn't expect was to be put on a crash course with a columnist hiding her past. Will the magic of Sanctuary Island at Christmastime allow them to find healing together?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
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730 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 18, 2018
Libby Leeds has made a name for herself by sharing heartwarming stories of her perfect home life on Sanctuary Island as a world famous cook. Problem is Libby has not set foot on the island since she was a little girl, she Libby definitely isn’t famous, let alone can she cook. Libby needs money for her uncle who took care of her after her parents’ death because he is having an early case of Alzheimer’s and the places that is perfect, is also costly.
Owen Shepard is a wounded war hero who is returning to Sanctuary Island in over to recover from his injury and meet his daughter for the first time. Libby’s editor insists that Libby plays the part of the famous cook and cover the story of Owen Shepards long road back under false pretenses.
This was an odd story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the premise as a whole. Libby pretends to be someone who she is not in order to get money for her uncle.She writes a letter to Owen saying she wants to host a Christmas dinner for him and his daughter at her home (Owen just happens to be a fan of Libby’s writing), but she doesn’t know how to cook or how she is going to pull this off.
Off the bat their relationship is built on a lie. I can’t understand the extend of damage this lie could really cause, but she was taking advantage of both Owen and his daughter – despite being a good of heart – that left me feeling a little questionable about the romance.
Owen would have been easy to like, but his determination to get back into duty and leave his daughter was again behind a little frustrating at times.
I wish that Nash had his own book, I felt like there was a lot more to his story, but his relationship with Ivy gets resolved fairly quickly in this book.
What I did enjoy is Libby’s grandfather and how misunderstood, he was as a person and who he really is, just an old man that wants his family together on Christmas – and the two do not seem to realize his loneliness for a while.
Overall, this was just okay. I had a hard time getting behind the romances and the characters. I understood that there were good intentions behind both Libby’s lies and Owen’s need to run off and leave everything behind, but it just didn’t completely work for me. It still ended up being a cute story, I just felt like It could have been better. The premise wasn’t my cup of tea.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Owen Shepard is a wounded war hero who is returning to Sanctuary Island in over to recover from his injury and meet his daughter for the first time. Libby’s editor insists that Libby plays the part of the famous cook and cover the story of Owen Shepards long road back under false pretenses.
This was an odd story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the premise as a whole. Libby pretends to be someone who she is not in order to get money for her uncle.She writes a letter to Owen saying she wants to host a Christmas dinner for him and his daughter at her home (Owen just happens to be a fan of Libby’s writing), but she doesn’t know how to cook or how she is going to pull this off.
Off the bat their relationship is built on a lie. I can’t understand the extend of damage this lie could really cause, but she was taking advantage of both Owen and his daughter – despite being a good of heart – that left me feeling a little questionable about the romance.
Owen would have been easy to like, but his determination to get back into duty and leave his daughter was again behind a little frustrating at times.
I wish that Nash had his own book, I felt like there was a lot more to his story, but his relationship with Ivy gets resolved fairly quickly in this book.
What I did enjoy is Libby’s grandfather and how misunderstood, he was as a person and who he really is, just an old man that wants his family together on Christmas – and the two do not seem to realize his loneliness for a while.
Overall, this was just okay. I had a hard time getting behind the romances and the characters. I understood that there were good intentions behind both Libby’s lies and Owen’s need to run off and leave everything behind, but it just didn’t completely work for me. It still ended up being a cute story, I just felt like It could have been better. The premise wasn’t my cup of tea.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 25, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
Well, this was a disappointment. I have read Lily Everett before and really enjoyed her work so I decided that this would be the book that I would read leading up to Christmas this year. I just knew that this would be a great read. Unfortunately, this book really didn't work for me. I am not sure if my reading tastes have changed since I last read this author or if it is just this book but this wasn't the enjoyable reading experience I had hoped it would be.
Libby Leeds has been living a lie. She is a well known author with a column that is supposed to be non-fiction but her life looks nothing like that column. She gets caught with her deception when her boss invites a well known hero to her home in Sanctuary Island for Christmas dinner. She is then forced to reconnect with family and do her best to be the woman the world knows from her column.
Owen was wounded in action and has been working hard to get back into shape so he can return to duty. He has recently discovered that he has a young child who is now living with his sister in Sanctuary Island. He is headed to there to get to know his child and get therapy. He accepts the invitation to have dinner with Libby since he wants to share the perfect Christmas with his daughter.
I didn't like Libby or Owen. Libby is living an absolute lie. Owen seems to only be able to focus on going back to active duty. Libby is even pretending to be married for a good portion of the book so this romance just never worked for me. I honestly didn't see a lot of chemistry between them. This is a very tame romance and I just didn't feel the spark that I would have hoped to see.
I think that my biggest issue with the book was that so much of the story seemed pointless. Once Libby opens up to Owen, I didn't see the point of continuing with the charade. There is a secondary romance that added nothing to the story and only contained a few short scenes. I found that I was often bored while reading this book and had to read passages more than once because my mind would wander.
I would say that the best parts of the book included the scenes with Libby's grandfather and Owen's daughter. Those two characters were the highlight of the story and I would have really liked to see a bit more of them. The book does have a very strong Christmas theme with just about everything Christmas making an appearance at least once.
I will not be recommending this book to others. I think that this was a rather forgettable story that was a bit too sweet for my tastes. I won't hesitate to read more from Lily Everett in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was a bit of a disappointment for me. It was overly sweet and I found myself rather bored at times. I couldn't connect with either of the main characters and much of the plot seemed pointless. Caitlyn and Grandpa were the highlights of the story. There was a whole lot of Christmas worked into the book which is another plus.
Well, this was a disappointment. I have read Lily Everett before and really enjoyed her work so I decided that this would be the book that I would read leading up to Christmas this year. I just knew that this would be a great read. Unfortunately, this book really didn't work for me. I am not sure if my reading tastes have changed since I last read this author or if it is just this book but this wasn't the enjoyable reading experience I had hoped it would be.
Libby Leeds has been living a lie. She is a well known author with a column that is supposed to be non-fiction but her life looks nothing like that column. She gets caught with her deception when her boss invites a well known hero to her home in Sanctuary Island for Christmas dinner. She is then forced to reconnect with family and do her best to be the woman the world knows from her column.
Owen was wounded in action and has been working hard to get back into shape so he can return to duty. He has recently discovered that he has a young child who is now living with his sister in Sanctuary Island. He is headed to there to get to know his child and get therapy. He accepts the invitation to have dinner with Libby since he wants to share the perfect Christmas with his daughter.
I didn't like Libby or Owen. Libby is living an absolute lie. Owen seems to only be able to focus on going back to active duty. Libby is even pretending to be married for a good portion of the book so this romance just never worked for me. I honestly didn't see a lot of chemistry between them. This is a very tame romance and I just didn't feel the spark that I would have hoped to see.
I think that my biggest issue with the book was that so much of the story seemed pointless. Once Libby opens up to Owen, I didn't see the point of continuing with the charade. There is a secondary romance that added nothing to the story and only contained a few short scenes. I found that I was often bored while reading this book and had to read passages more than once because my mind would wander.
I would say that the best parts of the book included the scenes with Libby's grandfather and Owen's daughter. Those two characters were the highlight of the story and I would have really liked to see a bit more of them. The book does have a very strong Christmas theme with just about everything Christmas making an appearance at least once.
I will not be recommending this book to others. I think that this was a rather forgettable story that was a bit too sweet for my tastes. I won't hesitate to read more from Lily Everett in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was a bit of a disappointment for me. It was overly sweet and I found myself rather bored at times. I couldn't connect with either of the main characters and much of the plot seemed pointless. Caitlyn and Grandpa were the highlights of the story. There was a whole lot of Christmas worked into the book which is another plus.
June 6, 2016
5 - "At least we still have Christmas." Stars!
I have been waiting for Home for Christmas pretty much since I finished reading it’s predecessor Heartbreak Cove back in February, and Lily Everett didn’t disappoint, the wait was worth it.
Sergeant First Class Owen Shepard’s reasons for being on Sanctuary Island bring this emotional and warming Christmas story right into your heart as you are reading it. Having joined the Army and spent the intervening years fighting overseas, recovery from almost fatal injuries on his last tour, as well as learning he has a young daughter he never knew about mean there are more than a few decisions he needs to make about his, and now his daughters future. We met the spunky Caitlin back in the previous book as she moved to Sanctuary to live with his sister, until Owen was free to return home.
”You can’t change what you did in the past but it doesn’t have to overshadow your entire future.”
Caitlin’s early years were not spent in the most loving or nurturing of environments and because of that she is a very insecure and nervous little girl, the upheaval of losing her mother, moving to a new home and now meeting the father she never knew existed, brings about more than a few emotional moments, especially as it isn’t initially all rainbows and sunbeams between them.
Libby Leeds was the perfect connector between the two of them, although in an untenable situation pretty much of her own making, she goes out of her way to make the first Christmas together for Owen and his daughter as special and memorable as it can be. Their own blossoming chemistry, as well as the side stories with her cousin Nash and Sanctuary's Police Dispatcher Ivy, kept this story moving along really well, it was a busy book but not overly so.
”It’s hard not to sense magic in the air. It’s hard not to believe in miracles.”
It was also impossible not to fall in love with this book. I love this author, she manages to bring a community together in each of her books, without detracting the focus from the main characters, it makes you feel welcomed and at home, and what could be more perfect at Christmas-time!
”This is magical.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I have been waiting for Home for Christmas pretty much since I finished reading it’s predecessor Heartbreak Cove back in February, and Lily Everett didn’t disappoint, the wait was worth it.
Sergeant First Class Owen Shepard’s reasons for being on Sanctuary Island bring this emotional and warming Christmas story right into your heart as you are reading it. Having joined the Army and spent the intervening years fighting overseas, recovery from almost fatal injuries on his last tour, as well as learning he has a young daughter he never knew about mean there are more than a few decisions he needs to make about his, and now his daughters future. We met the spunky Caitlin back in the previous book as she moved to Sanctuary to live with his sister, until Owen was free to return home.
”You can’t change what you did in the past but it doesn’t have to overshadow your entire future.”
Caitlin’s early years were not spent in the most loving or nurturing of environments and because of that she is a very insecure and nervous little girl, the upheaval of losing her mother, moving to a new home and now meeting the father she never knew existed, brings about more than a few emotional moments, especially as it isn’t initially all rainbows and sunbeams between them.
Libby Leeds was the perfect connector between the two of them, although in an untenable situation pretty much of her own making, she goes out of her way to make the first Christmas together for Owen and his daughter as special and memorable as it can be. Their own blossoming chemistry, as well as the side stories with her cousin Nash and Sanctuary's Police Dispatcher Ivy, kept this story moving along really well, it was a busy book but not overly so.
”It’s hard not to sense magic in the air. It’s hard not to believe in miracles.”
It was also impossible not to fall in love with this book. I love this author, she manages to bring a community together in each of her books, without detracting the focus from the main characters, it makes you feel welcomed and at home, and what could be more perfect at Christmas-time!
”This is magical.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
September 27, 2015
Home for Christmas is exactly what the tittle suggests, basically like every touchy-feely contemporary romance ever. You have the scarred hero, both physically and emotionally, whose eye was inexplicably caught by the shy, homely heroine, who has issues of her own. And they're both home for Christmas.
The book is very predictable about everything, from plot to the characters, and it's mostly the reason why I couldn't get into it. The writing while engaging, relies a lot on telling rather than showing to get the story going. And it was soooo cheesy!
You can tell I'm not the biggest fan this book will have, but read and decide for yourself.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.
The book is very predictable about everything, from plot to the characters, and it's mostly the reason why I couldn't get into it. The writing while engaging, relies a lot on telling rather than showing to get the story going. And it was soooo cheesy!
You can tell I'm not the biggest fan this book will have, but read and decide for yourself.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.
October 5, 2018
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(SANCTUARY ISLAND: #4)
Written by Lily Everett
2015; St. Martin's Press (320 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, holiday, Christmas, romance, small-town
RATING: 3 STARS
"Tis the season for family and love…"
In the previous novel, Heartbreak Cove, newcomer Sheriff Andie Shepherd is trying to build a quiet new life on Sanctuary Island when she learns she has a ten-year-old niece, Caitlin. Caitlin's mother has died and Andie's Army Ranger brother, Owen, has gone missing so she is all that Caitlin has left. With horse trainer, Sam Brennan they managed to give Caitlin the confidence and love she has always needed.
Just as the little family starts to settle into a routine Owen Shepherd has been found wounded, after trying to save his fallen soldiers and is now coming home. With all the publicity surrounding him all he wants to do is get on his feet and get to know the daughter he never knew he had. Before he even arrives on the Island he meets Libby Leeds who does not want to go to Sanctuary Island as her own past is too difficult to face. Yet she must face it or lose her job and reputation. Can the two help each other heal and give Caitlin the Christmas she deserves?
My two favourite novels of Sanctuary Island have been book 2 and 3 and when I finished book three I could NOT wait till we had Owen's story. However, I just couldn't like Libby and her story line in this book. I did enjoy Owen and Caitlin getting to know each other and finding a place for one another in their hearts. I will read the next book but I would need it to be a ★★★★ to continue the series.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
(SANCTUARY ISLAND: #4)
Written by Lily Everett
2015; St. Martin's Press (320 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, holiday, Christmas, romance, small-town
RATING: 3 STARS
"Tis the season for family and love…"
In the previous novel, Heartbreak Cove, newcomer Sheriff Andie Shepherd is trying to build a quiet new life on Sanctuary Island when she learns she has a ten-year-old niece, Caitlin. Caitlin's mother has died and Andie's Army Ranger brother, Owen, has gone missing so she is all that Caitlin has left. With horse trainer, Sam Brennan they managed to give Caitlin the confidence and love she has always needed.
Just as the little family starts to settle into a routine Owen Shepherd has been found wounded, after trying to save his fallen soldiers and is now coming home. With all the publicity surrounding him all he wants to do is get on his feet and get to know the daughter he never knew he had. Before he even arrives on the Island he meets Libby Leeds who does not want to go to Sanctuary Island as her own past is too difficult to face. Yet she must face it or lose her job and reputation. Can the two help each other heal and give Caitlin the Christmas she deserves?
My two favourite novels of Sanctuary Island have been book 2 and 3 and when I finished book three I could NOT wait till we had Owen's story. However, I just couldn't like Libby and her story line in this book. I did enjoy Owen and Caitlin getting to know each other and finding a place for one another in their hearts. I will read the next book but I would need it to be a ★★★★ to continue the series.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
November 2, 2015
Home for Christmas by Lily Everett is a 2015 St. Martin's publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Home for Christmas is a sweet and emotional story of family, forgiveness, healing and hope.
Libby is a writer on assignment for the publication she works for and while she tried to weasel out of it, her boss has given her an ultimatum, so for better or worse, Libby returns home for Christmas. Her assignment? To give war hero Owen Shepard a heartwarming Christmas with his family on Sanctuary Island. Can she pull it off and still maintain her false persona?
I haven't read all the books in this series, but have immensely enjoyed the ones had to chance to read, thus far. This one is just a little bit different from the others, in that the characters featured here, Libby and Owen, only had familial ties to Sanctuary Island, and the story is more focused on the entire family and not just on the romance between Owen and Libby, making this one fall more into the women's fiction or chick-lit genres that some of the previous installments.
The storyline involving Owen's daughter, is very sad and emotional. Owen has only recently discovered he is a parent and is having trouble adjusting to that type of responsibility. I got very frustrated with him and his fixation on returning to the army, which would mean abandoning a little girl who desperately needed him.
Libby was sort of an enigma, living a lie, and struggling to cope with the reality of her situation. Her family dynamic is certainly interesting and creates a lot of drama.
Since the story deals with a lot of rather heavy family issues, the romance is not all that steamy, but that seems more fitting somehow in this case. I enjoyed the way Libby and Owen rose to the occasion to do the right thing for themselves and their individual families, and managed to forge a family of their own in the process. So, while this one was not exactly what I was used to from this series, I still thought it was a strong addition to the Sanctuary Island collection.
So, if you like contemporary or women's fiction, emotional and touching holiday stories, and happy ever afters you will want to add this on to her holiday reading list. 3.5 stars
Home for Christmas is a sweet and emotional story of family, forgiveness, healing and hope.
Libby is a writer on assignment for the publication she works for and while she tried to weasel out of it, her boss has given her an ultimatum, so for better or worse, Libby returns home for Christmas. Her assignment? To give war hero Owen Shepard a heartwarming Christmas with his family on Sanctuary Island. Can she pull it off and still maintain her false persona?
I haven't read all the books in this series, but have immensely enjoyed the ones had to chance to read, thus far. This one is just a little bit different from the others, in that the characters featured here, Libby and Owen, only had familial ties to Sanctuary Island, and the story is more focused on the entire family and not just on the romance between Owen and Libby, making this one fall more into the women's fiction or chick-lit genres that some of the previous installments.
The storyline involving Owen's daughter, is very sad and emotional. Owen has only recently discovered he is a parent and is having trouble adjusting to that type of responsibility. I got very frustrated with him and his fixation on returning to the army, which would mean abandoning a little girl who desperately needed him.
Libby was sort of an enigma, living a lie, and struggling to cope with the reality of her situation. Her family dynamic is certainly interesting and creates a lot of drama.
Since the story deals with a lot of rather heavy family issues, the romance is not all that steamy, but that seems more fitting somehow in this case. I enjoyed the way Libby and Owen rose to the occasion to do the right thing for themselves and their individual families, and managed to forge a family of their own in the process. So, while this one was not exactly what I was used to from this series, I still thought it was a strong addition to the Sanctuary Island collection.
So, if you like contemporary or women's fiction, emotional and touching holiday stories, and happy ever afters you will want to add this on to her holiday reading list. 3.5 stars
November 10, 2015
Libby Leeds writes for a magazine, all about her wonderful life on Sanctuary Island where she is an exemplary cook, wife and possibly mother! All is well with the world except... Libby doesn't actually live where she says she does and her editor has said she must provide a wonderful Christmas for a returned soldier/hero (Owen) and his daughter. Libby has to agree, because she needs to pay for the care of her Uncle Ray who is ill.
Libby does have a grandfather and cousin on Sanctuary Island so she has that going for her, but will that be enough to get her through. As for Owen he wants to connect with the 9 year old daughter Caitlin. He has never met her before. It's somewhat unsettling for Caitlin because for the first time in forever she has found security with his sister Andi and Sam her partner. (Heartbreak Cove #3). Now she is frightened that Owen will whisk her away or leave her and Sam and Andi won't want her.
As December begins they all find themselves settling in, taking risky steps towards and away from each other. At times all seems lost and that past hurts and family dissonance from the past will win.
I really liked all the characters, I enjoyed seeing Libby finding her feet, finding her place once more and winning through. I liked the struggle that Owen goes through, overcoming injury and then ultimately making the choice that a soldier/hero must make.
Another character we get to see a little beneath the veneer is Dabney Leeds. A somewhat grumpy old man, who has wrapped himself up in himself and harbored the hurts of the past. But... he has some surprises coming to him as well as a few of his own.
This story of forgiveness, second chances, love and family is a perfect Christmas story. While it is #4 in the Sanctuary Island series it could be read as a stand alone. If you don't like your stories heavily sexy then this will suit you. For me, it brought alive the perfections and imperfections of the magical season of Christmas.
Libby does have a grandfather and cousin on Sanctuary Island so she has that going for her, but will that be enough to get her through. As for Owen he wants to connect with the 9 year old daughter Caitlin. He has never met her before. It's somewhat unsettling for Caitlin because for the first time in forever she has found security with his sister Andi and Sam her partner. (Heartbreak Cove #3). Now she is frightened that Owen will whisk her away or leave her and Sam and Andi won't want her.
As December begins they all find themselves settling in, taking risky steps towards and away from each other. At times all seems lost and that past hurts and family dissonance from the past will win.
I really liked all the characters, I enjoyed seeing Libby finding her feet, finding her place once more and winning through. I liked the struggle that Owen goes through, overcoming injury and then ultimately making the choice that a soldier/hero must make.
Another character we get to see a little beneath the veneer is Dabney Leeds. A somewhat grumpy old man, who has wrapped himself up in himself and harbored the hurts of the past. But... he has some surprises coming to him as well as a few of his own.
This story of forgiveness, second chances, love and family is a perfect Christmas story. While it is #4 in the Sanctuary Island series it could be read as a stand alone. If you don't like your stories heavily sexy then this will suit you. For me, it brought alive the perfections and imperfections of the magical season of Christmas.
November 22, 2015
**My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Although this books is part of a series, it can most certainly be read as a stand alone book.
Libby is a journalist who writes a column in a magazine about her life on sanctuary island, only, the life she writes about is fictitious.
But as her little white lie has to come out to her editor, the man tells her she has a choice. Be fired or, host a family christmas for a wounded soldier just like in her column with his daughter.
The attraction between Libby and Owen is there from the beginning when they meet on the boat to the island, and stays there until truths are exposed and other relationships are formed.
It's a white Christmas, clean family feel good book that has a lovely HEA that is perfect to read sat next to a roaring fire whilst the rain lashes down and the wind howls outside.
Although this books is part of a series, it can most certainly be read as a stand alone book.
Libby is a journalist who writes a column in a magazine about her life on sanctuary island, only, the life she writes about is fictitious.
But as her little white lie has to come out to her editor, the man tells her she has a choice. Be fired or, host a family christmas for a wounded soldier just like in her column with his daughter.
The attraction between Libby and Owen is there from the beginning when they meet on the boat to the island, and stays there until truths are exposed and other relationships are formed.
It's a white Christmas, clean family feel good book that has a lovely HEA that is perfect to read sat next to a roaring fire whilst the rain lashes down and the wind howls outside.
October 22, 2015
"A copy of this book has been provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
4.5 this could only happen at Christmas Stars!
This was a wonderfully sweet and charming Christmas story.
Every character in the story is in need of a Christmas miracle whether it be forgiveness, reconciliation, acceptance or love.
The author did a beautiful job of intertwining the various characters stories and bringing them all together at the end for a heart-felt HEA Christmas.
Even though this is the forth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
4.5 this could only happen at Christmas Stars!
This was a wonderfully sweet and charming Christmas story.
Every character in the story is in need of a Christmas miracle whether it be forgiveness, reconciliation, acceptance or love.
The author did a beautiful job of intertwining the various characters stories and bringing them all together at the end for a heart-felt HEA Christmas.
Even though this is the forth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
October 19, 2015
Rated 3.5 - Sweet romance lovers will enjoy this story of forgiveness and finding extended family to cherish when we least expect them.
Elizabeth “Libby” Leeds and Owen Shepard are new characters in the SANCTUARY ISLAND series. Libby’s grandfather is Dabney Leeds and Owen’s sister is Sherriff Andie, so they have ties to the community. An entertaining holiday commences with these newcomers, including cameo appearances of characters from previous books, along with a few surprises.
Libby Leeds is a very unusual heroine because she has been living a lie and you’ll wonder how she’ll be redeemed. I enjoyed her story and her character development. Owen Shepard is a war hero and although he was severely injured, he has great hope to return to his team in Afghanistan. But first, Owen must do rehabilitation on Sanctuary Island at the therapy stables and spend Christmas with the daughter he has never met.
Determined to give the daughter he’s just getting to know the best Christmas ever, Sergeant Shepard agrees to spend the holiday with acclaimed magazine columnist Libby Leeds and her family. Libby has no idea that the life and lie she has been living is about to be exposed when she admires a video of Sergeant Shepard’s story. When her boss springs the idea on her that she’ll be hosting the famous war veteran at her non-existent home in Sanctuary Island, Libby can do nothing but tell the truth.
Libby’s boss is a shrewd businessman and although he’s angry about her deception, he convinces Libby to continue living her lie until the holidays are over when he’ll force her into retirement. Libby’s only concern is the money she needs for her uncle’s care with early onset Alzheimer’s, so she’s determined to keep her job. Can Libby convince Owen, her boss and her fans that she’s really America’s best loved hostess? Can she make her fictional life her dream come true? Not without a few mishaps that will endear Libby and her extended family to you along the way.
I love the SANCTUARY ISLAND series so I was very excited to read this fourth novel. I think because I’ve read all the books in this series, I was having a bit of trouble believing that none of the islanders questioned Libby’s authenticity. Her fans thought she lived on Sanctuary Island, so I thought someone on the island would have read her columns and wondered where she lived. To anyone reading this book without reading the others first, I don’t think that will be questioned.
My favorite features of this series is the quirkiness of the people and the islanders’ values. Although there was humor in this novel, I felt that some of the sparkle was missing. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I felt that way. Maybe because the characters I was most attached to didn’t have appearances in this novel, or that I didn’t have an emotional connection to either of the leads initially. I missed the scenes with the wild horses and I don’t remember much page time involving the therapy stables. Maybe I just needed or wanted more, and that can’t be a bad thing. I guess that’s it – I wanted more details about the couple’s interactions with others prior to the family dinner so that I felt more of a connection to them.
Even considering my nitpickings, I’m still mesmerized by Lily Everett’s talent. I gobbled up this book like candy and the family dinner was entertaining. Ms. Everett’s magic is creating unusual characters who are lovable, deserving and endearing. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is a great story for small town romance lovers, filled with holiday preparations, unexpected guests and a super sweet ending to melt your heart.
Read my reviews of books 1-3 in the SANCTUARY ISLAND series: SANCTUARY ISLAND, SHORELINE DRIVE and HEARTBREAK COVE at my site, The Zest Quest.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Elizabeth “Libby” Leeds and Owen Shepard are new characters in the SANCTUARY ISLAND series. Libby’s grandfather is Dabney Leeds and Owen’s sister is Sherriff Andie, so they have ties to the community. An entertaining holiday commences with these newcomers, including cameo appearances of characters from previous books, along with a few surprises.
Libby Leeds is a very unusual heroine because she has been living a lie and you’ll wonder how she’ll be redeemed. I enjoyed her story and her character development. Owen Shepard is a war hero and although he was severely injured, he has great hope to return to his team in Afghanistan. But first, Owen must do rehabilitation on Sanctuary Island at the therapy stables and spend Christmas with the daughter he has never met.
Determined to give the daughter he’s just getting to know the best Christmas ever, Sergeant Shepard agrees to spend the holiday with acclaimed magazine columnist Libby Leeds and her family. Libby has no idea that the life and lie she has been living is about to be exposed when she admires a video of Sergeant Shepard’s story. When her boss springs the idea on her that she’ll be hosting the famous war veteran at her non-existent home in Sanctuary Island, Libby can do nothing but tell the truth.
Libby’s boss is a shrewd businessman and although he’s angry about her deception, he convinces Libby to continue living her lie until the holidays are over when he’ll force her into retirement. Libby’s only concern is the money she needs for her uncle’s care with early onset Alzheimer’s, so she’s determined to keep her job. Can Libby convince Owen, her boss and her fans that she’s really America’s best loved hostess? Can she make her fictional life her dream come true? Not without a few mishaps that will endear Libby and her extended family to you along the way.
I love the SANCTUARY ISLAND series so I was very excited to read this fourth novel. I think because I’ve read all the books in this series, I was having a bit of trouble believing that none of the islanders questioned Libby’s authenticity. Her fans thought she lived on Sanctuary Island, so I thought someone on the island would have read her columns and wondered where she lived. To anyone reading this book without reading the others first, I don’t think that will be questioned.
My favorite features of this series is the quirkiness of the people and the islanders’ values. Although there was humor in this novel, I felt that some of the sparkle was missing. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I felt that way. Maybe because the characters I was most attached to didn’t have appearances in this novel, or that I didn’t have an emotional connection to either of the leads initially. I missed the scenes with the wild horses and I don’t remember much page time involving the therapy stables. Maybe I just needed or wanted more, and that can’t be a bad thing. I guess that’s it – I wanted more details about the couple’s interactions with others prior to the family dinner so that I felt more of a connection to them.
Even considering my nitpickings, I’m still mesmerized by Lily Everett’s talent. I gobbled up this book like candy and the family dinner was entertaining. Ms. Everett’s magic is creating unusual characters who are lovable, deserving and endearing. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is a great story for small town romance lovers, filled with holiday preparations, unexpected guests and a super sweet ending to melt your heart.
Read my reviews of books 1-3 in the SANCTUARY ISLAND series: SANCTUARY ISLAND, SHORELINE DRIVE and HEARTBREAK COVE at my site, The Zest Quest.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 3, 2015
Home for Christmas by Lily Everett was another enjoyable trip to Sanctuary Island for me.
Libby is a writer and a story teller...only everyone who reads her work thinks her stories are real. Including her boss. When he comes up with a holiday plan on Libby's 'home' on Sanctuary Island that includes Libby's 'family' and an injured soldier, Libby has no choice but to come clean. The charade must continue though when her boss gives her an ultimatum, and Libby heads back to the place she hasn't been in years. Owen is on Sanctuary Island recovering from injuries and getting to know his young daughter. He has issues of his own, and the strong attraction to Libby is as unexpected as she is unreachable. After all, she already has her 'family'. Will either of them find peace on Sanctuary Island and the real family they long for?
The central plot to Home For Christmas is not really believable. Despite this, Lily Everett drew me into Libby and Owen's lives and made me care about what was happening. Libby truly is a story teller, with her own dreams unrealized. I liked her, I liked how open she was about almost everything and that she had her secrets, but didn't want to have secrets, and at the right times opened up. She is very enthusiastic in all she does! Gabe is an Army Ranger with lots of challenges ahead of him. He has big decisions to make, and while I didn't always agree with what he was doing or thinking, I understood him. The attraction and chemistry between Libby and Owen is palpable and was intriguing to follow along when they had to try to rein themselves in because of the situation. I truly hoped they could find a way to be together, because I could easily sense they were both hurting and could only be good for each other. Libby and Owen's characters develop well through Home for Christmas, and Gabe in particular really grows. This was heart warming and hopeful.
I loved the secondary characters! They all fit well in with the plot without overwhelming it. I really enjoyed Libby's grandfather, because I felt like underneath that gruffness there is a lot of feeling. It was great to see some characters from previous Sanctuary Island books and catch up with them. Owen's daughter is a sweet little thing who will at times makes your heart want to break and at all times fill it with love.
The setting of Sanctuary Island, the snow, and the season are all well described and I could feel Christmas in the air! It's a place I'd love to be!
Home for Christmas is part of the Sanctuary Island series, but in my opinion can easily be read as a stand alone.
I'd recommend Home for Christmas to any romance reader looking for a holiday read!
Libby is a writer and a story teller...only everyone who reads her work thinks her stories are real. Including her boss. When he comes up with a holiday plan on Libby's 'home' on Sanctuary Island that includes Libby's 'family' and an injured soldier, Libby has no choice but to come clean. The charade must continue though when her boss gives her an ultimatum, and Libby heads back to the place she hasn't been in years. Owen is on Sanctuary Island recovering from injuries and getting to know his young daughter. He has issues of his own, and the strong attraction to Libby is as unexpected as she is unreachable. After all, she already has her 'family'. Will either of them find peace on Sanctuary Island and the real family they long for?
The central plot to Home For Christmas is not really believable. Despite this, Lily Everett drew me into Libby and Owen's lives and made me care about what was happening. Libby truly is a story teller, with her own dreams unrealized. I liked her, I liked how open she was about almost everything and that she had her secrets, but didn't want to have secrets, and at the right times opened up. She is very enthusiastic in all she does! Gabe is an Army Ranger with lots of challenges ahead of him. He has big decisions to make, and while I didn't always agree with what he was doing or thinking, I understood him. The attraction and chemistry between Libby and Owen is palpable and was intriguing to follow along when they had to try to rein themselves in because of the situation. I truly hoped they could find a way to be together, because I could easily sense they were both hurting and could only be good for each other. Libby and Owen's characters develop well through Home for Christmas, and Gabe in particular really grows. This was heart warming and hopeful.
I loved the secondary characters! They all fit well in with the plot without overwhelming it. I really enjoyed Libby's grandfather, because I felt like underneath that gruffness there is a lot of feeling. It was great to see some characters from previous Sanctuary Island books and catch up with them. Owen's daughter is a sweet little thing who will at times makes your heart want to break and at all times fill it with love.
The setting of Sanctuary Island, the snow, and the season are all well described and I could feel Christmas in the air! It's a place I'd love to be!
Home for Christmas is part of the Sanctuary Island series, but in my opinion can easily be read as a stand alone.
I'd recommend Home for Christmas to any romance reader looking for a holiday read!
December 12, 2015
3.5 stars
Libby writes a column about her life in a small town. The problem is that it's all make believe. No one knows the real her so when a big story falls into the lap of her fictional life, she's backed into a corner.
Owen is that big news. He's a wounded war hero that has won the hearts of the nation. This Christmas he will be united with his daughter for the first time. What he wants for the future is uncertain.
He's unsure about what awaits him on Sanctuary Island. He's been semi-running from his past. She has no idea how she's going to pull off this character she's suppose to be in front of a live audience. This is a funny mix up story told from different points of view where the coverups keep building and the players go to crazy lengths to keep things rolling. Everything that can go wrong does, but it also goes very right. It's a story of family, forgiveness and love.
I recommend Home for Christmas to those looking to really get in the holiday spirit. It's sweet, funny, thoughtful and endearing.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Pinterest / Goodreads / Tumblr / tsū
Libby writes a column about her life in a small town. The problem is that it's all make believe. No one knows the real her so when a big story falls into the lap of her fictional life, she's backed into a corner.
Owen is that big news. He's a wounded war hero that has won the hearts of the nation. This Christmas he will be united with his daughter for the first time. What he wants for the future is uncertain.
He's unsure about what awaits him on Sanctuary Island. He's been semi-running from his past. She has no idea how she's going to pull off this character she's suppose to be in front of a live audience. This is a funny mix up story told from different points of view where the coverups keep building and the players go to crazy lengths to keep things rolling. Everything that can go wrong does, but it also goes very right. It's a story of family, forgiveness and love.
I recommend Home for Christmas to those looking to really get in the holiday spirit. It's sweet, funny, thoughtful and endearing.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Pinterest / Goodreads / Tumblr / tsū
November 30, 2015
I bought this book after reading the back cover a couple days ago. I was excited for a modern retelling of "Christmas in Connecticut" because it is my favorite Christmas film. It has the exact same plot and only a few changes were made such as Libby coming clean to her boss in the begining of the story instead of the end. I am happy with the writing and the story, but very disapointed in the blatant PLAGIARISM by the author and the publisher. They should know better.
Although I do like the story, the author and publisher should have at least mentioned the inspiration for the story, but instead the inside front pages state that the ideas in the book are from the author's own imagination. So DISAPOINTING. I have never experienced this as a reader, but I will definitely be contacting the publisher directly because I am so shocked by their negligence.
Only a few of the major details have been changed and the story follows the same plot as Christmas in Connecticut. Even some of the wording is almost exactly the same.
It is perfectly fine to be inspired by another author/movie/etc. There are many variations of famous stories, for example; those of Jane Aisten's. But stealing intellectual property of another writier/scriptwriter withiout giving credit where credit is due is just wrong, not to mention, illegal.
Although I do like the story, the author and publisher should have at least mentioned the inspiration for the story, but instead the inside front pages state that the ideas in the book are from the author's own imagination. So DISAPOINTING. I have never experienced this as a reader, but I will definitely be contacting the publisher directly because I am so shocked by their negligence.
Only a few of the major details have been changed and the story follows the same plot as Christmas in Connecticut. Even some of the wording is almost exactly the same.
It is perfectly fine to be inspired by another author/movie/etc. There are many variations of famous stories, for example; those of Jane Aisten's. But stealing intellectual property of another writier/scriptwriter withiout giving credit where credit is due is just wrong, not to mention, illegal.
October 9, 2015
I’m enjoying an early Christmas season with some lovely festive reads. This is part of a series that I haven’t read- but I will definitely be looking out for more in the series on Sanctuary Island. It’s another American small town series- which always draw me in. You get to fall in love with the characters and as it’s a small town you soon get to know the locals.
Libby has been persuaded to create the perfect Christmas for a wounded soldier and his family- even though she can’t cook! Owen is trying to rebuild a relationship with his young daughter and is hoping that they will have a Christmas to remember full of magical moments.
Owen thinks Libby is married- but they have an attraction between them. Will it get resolved and will they find happiness together?
It is a really atmospheric book- drawing you into that delightful Christmas bubble. The cover is so inviting - making you want to go 'Home for Christmas'.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book.
Libby has been persuaded to create the perfect Christmas for a wounded soldier and his family- even though she can’t cook! Owen is trying to rebuild a relationship with his young daughter and is hoping that they will have a Christmas to remember full of magical moments.
Owen thinks Libby is married- but they have an attraction between them. Will it get resolved and will they find happiness together?
It is a really atmospheric book- drawing you into that delightful Christmas bubble. The cover is so inviting - making you want to go 'Home for Christmas'.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book.
December 6, 2015
So I'm not the biggest Romance Novel fan. They are like rom-coms, guilty pleasure that I enjoy but know are basically silly nonsense. Usually there are some sickly sweet sentiments and a few blush worthy romps that I can read in a day or two for fun and to clean my brain between serious or depressing books. This book was ONLY sickly sweet with no sex. The one semi-sex scene was vague and confusing. It seemed like he was kissing her and she had an orgasm, I assume he must have been touching her, but it was so unclear and then it was over. Kind of like a hook up in high school. And, yes, I've heard the term "shattered" in connection to an orgasm in books frequently, but this author used "fell to pieces", a phrase I usually take to mean an emotion breakdown. I got it (I think, unless I misunderstood the whole scene, which is entirely possible - it wasn't clear), but it seemed more confusing than appropriate.
It was a quick read and about Christmas, so I gave it a star.
It was a quick read and about Christmas, so I gave it a star.
October 4, 2015
Having read several novels from the Sanctuary Island series, I was looking forward to another one. Especially one that centered around the holidays. All of these novels are contemporary small-town romances with endearing characters that are difficult not to like. Although there were a few points where I thought the plot was a bit difficult to believe, like how no one knew Libby was from the island or that she was the granddaughter married to a grandson? Overall though, the book was a great feel good holiday romance sure to appeal to most readers.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2017
I fell in love with falling in love at Christmas! I believe this is my first ever book by this author and it won't be my last. I thought Libby was an amazing character - spunky and a little on the shy side at first. Then she met Owen, a vet rehabbing on Sanctuary Island and the story was on! Throw in a child and you have a Christmas full of love, humanity and forgiveness. Lots of secondary characters were inspiring and very real. This is a wonderful entry into the holiday season and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 2, 2015
Libby is a woman who stopped believing in happily ever after a long time ago. So she creates her own. Full of half-truths and fantasies. Owen has experienced the horror and uncertainties of war. Changed by it all he has a better appreciation for life and the loved ones he left behind. His new lease on life is put to the test by the daughter he wants to get to know and the reporter that enters his life. Home for Christmas by Lily Everett is a precious story that uplifts the spirit and warms the heart. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2019
This is a story that makes you feel warm and toasty when you read it. There is nothing jaw dropping or earth shattering but it’s a lovely romantic story and family, secrets, forgiveness and love.
December 30, 2020
This book stared out rather silly and the characters got tangled up in a bunch of lies, but it got better and turned out to be very satisfying.
October 22, 2015
Once again Lilly Everett has written a book that tugs at your heart strings and right before Christmas.
This book revolves around Libby Leeds (Elizabeth) who writes a blog that is her writings of fiction. On what it would be like to have loving family once again who lived back on Sanctuary Island like she did when she was a young girl. She would cook the wonderful home cook meals from scratch she knew she had dreamt about.
You see back when Libby was an eight years old her parents were in a terrible car accident that killed them both. Rather than she be left there to be raised under the uncaring had of her grandfather. Her dad’s brother Ray took her to Queens to raiser her himself never to return to Sanctuary Island again.
This is why when blog started being read by so many people and was noticed that her boss Hugo Downing asked her to write for them she couldn’t refuse. But it wasn’t just for herself. You see Uncle Ray was becoming more and more ill with Alzheimer’s and started needing 24 hour care and her apartment was just too small.
Her lie was now coming to bite her in the rear. Hugo Downing calls to tell her a Sanctuary Island Army Ranger Hero was coming home after being in Afghanistan and being injured. Sergeant Owen Shepard, as she listens to her bosses booming voice over the phone she and his family will be going to have Christmas dinner with her and her husband. Yeah! That was another snag she didn’t have a husband either. Hell she hadn’t had a boyfriend in years, 4 at least.
She was in a panic and said she couldn’t do it. But Downing’s said she could and would. So she had to tell the truth. So did he, he had already told everyone in a newsletter. She had to tell all of it but what would happen? She can’t cook, no husband, and she doesn’t live on the island. He asked how she picked that place. She said she once lived there before her parents were killed. He asked if she had any family still there she said yes, a grandfather, he said get it done that she had two weeks to make it work. Or you go to JAIL FOR FRAUD!
She swallows her pride calls her grandfather. He pays for her flight out. As she’s on the ferry she bangs into a man with her suit case. No really she bangs into him. To her surprise it’s Owen Shepard. She offers him a seat by her since the ferry is packed. Right away there’s a connection.
Owen is taken aback because he finds himself spilling his guts to her. No to mention he is oddly attracted to her. She is cute, nice and she babbles but she is very genuine and he needs that in his life. She’s real and she doesn’t hold back she’s got a backbone too.
They exchange first names and just before he gets there he explains he has a daughter her never met and that he agreed to do this Perfect Christmas for her with this online magazine. When she realizes he doesn’t get who she is she tries to tell him but he’s so excited about seeing his daughter and introducing Libby to her. When they get off no one is there for either of them but it is busy due to a festival. When a guy comes out of nowhere coming right at her, Owen’s instincts has him positioning himself in front of her, but she just seem of center with his arrival. When he calls out her name and hugs her and she is stiff for a moment he sees that.
The guy that picks her up just says, “Follow my lead.”
This was a very good story with a lot of twist and turns. The characters were interesting to say the least. I love military stories. This one didn’t disappoint at all. The mishaps to make this whole thing come about was just too funny. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
This book revolves around Libby Leeds (Elizabeth) who writes a blog that is her writings of fiction. On what it would be like to have loving family once again who lived back on Sanctuary Island like she did when she was a young girl. She would cook the wonderful home cook meals from scratch she knew she had dreamt about.
You see back when Libby was an eight years old her parents were in a terrible car accident that killed them both. Rather than she be left there to be raised under the uncaring had of her grandfather. Her dad’s brother Ray took her to Queens to raiser her himself never to return to Sanctuary Island again.
This is why when blog started being read by so many people and was noticed that her boss Hugo Downing asked her to write for them she couldn’t refuse. But it wasn’t just for herself. You see Uncle Ray was becoming more and more ill with Alzheimer’s and started needing 24 hour care and her apartment was just too small.
Her lie was now coming to bite her in the rear. Hugo Downing calls to tell her a Sanctuary Island Army Ranger Hero was coming home after being in Afghanistan and being injured. Sergeant Owen Shepard, as she listens to her bosses booming voice over the phone she and his family will be going to have Christmas dinner with her and her husband. Yeah! That was another snag she didn’t have a husband either. Hell she hadn’t had a boyfriend in years, 4 at least.
She was in a panic and said she couldn’t do it. But Downing’s said she could and would. So she had to tell the truth. So did he, he had already told everyone in a newsletter. She had to tell all of it but what would happen? She can’t cook, no husband, and she doesn’t live on the island. He asked how she picked that place. She said she once lived there before her parents were killed. He asked if she had any family still there she said yes, a grandfather, he said get it done that she had two weeks to make it work. Or you go to JAIL FOR FRAUD!
She swallows her pride calls her grandfather. He pays for her flight out. As she’s on the ferry she bangs into a man with her suit case. No really she bangs into him. To her surprise it’s Owen Shepard. She offers him a seat by her since the ferry is packed. Right away there’s a connection.
Owen is taken aback because he finds himself spilling his guts to her. No to mention he is oddly attracted to her. She is cute, nice and she babbles but she is very genuine and he needs that in his life. She’s real and she doesn’t hold back she’s got a backbone too.
They exchange first names and just before he gets there he explains he has a daughter her never met and that he agreed to do this Perfect Christmas for her with this online magazine. When she realizes he doesn’t get who she is she tries to tell him but he’s so excited about seeing his daughter and introducing Libby to her. When they get off no one is there for either of them but it is busy due to a festival. When a guy comes out of nowhere coming right at her, Owen’s instincts has him positioning himself in front of her, but she just seem of center with his arrival. When he calls out her name and hugs her and she is stiff for a moment he sees that.
The guy that picks her up just says, “Follow my lead.”
This was a very good story with a lot of twist and turns. The characters were interesting to say the least. I love military stories. This one didn’t disappoint at all. The mishaps to make this whole thing come about was just too funny. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
December 28, 2015
I've read a lot of Christmas stories this year, especially since hurting my back so I have limited mobility at the moment. This book is at the top of my list. Wish I'd started it before Christmas. Even so, I enjoyed it immensely. It was everything a Christmas romance should be with a touching love story and plenty of Christmas as one woman tries to make the season perfect for a wounded soldier and the daughter he hardly knows.
Libby is a writer with Savor magazine. Her column is filled with stories of her life on Sanctuary Island. Stories of love and family and the perfect life she leads there. The only problem is, she's made them all up. They simply aren't true but a figment of her imagination and how she dreamed her life might have been had she actually stayed there. After her parents were killed in an accident, she left the island and went to live with her uncle. She hasn't been there in years.
Now, her editor has come up with the idea of sending a film crew to the island to film this perfect life of hers and oh, yes, he wants Libby to host a wounded soldier and his daughter, making Christmas special for them this year. It will be great publicity, just the type of story they need to boost ratings. Backed into a corner, she has no choice but to confess her deception while praying her boss doesn't fire her. She desperately needs her job in order to keep her uncle, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, in the very expensive facility where he lives.
Owen is the wounded soldier and his daughter, Caitlin, is currently staying on Sanctuary Island with his sister, Andie. Caitlin' s mother died recently and Owen was awarded custody. With him being overseas, the only thing he could do was ask Andie to take her until he got home. He hadn't counted on getting severely injured and having to spend time in the hospital. When he's released, he heads to Sanctuary Island to see his daughter, someone he's never had much contact with. When a magazine offers to give the two of them the best Christmas ever, Owen decides to take them up on their offer, thinking it might help Caitlin adjust.
Caitlin' s mother had a mental illness and Owen soon discovers his daughter was frequently neglected to the point the young girl often went hungry and took to hiding food from her mother just in case the woman forgot to feed her. Now she's living with a father she doesn't really know and who plans to go back to the military as soon as he's well and once again able to serve. Owen is desperate to find a way to connect with Caitlin and Libby helps with that. And the more he's around her, the more he wants her for his own.
Loved all the family dynamics in this story. Libby goes to the island and stays with her grandfather, a man she doesn't really know as her uncle and grandfather had a falling out and hadn't spoken to one another since the day Libby' s uncle left the island and she went to live with him. There's her cousin, Nash, whom she convinces to pose as her husband in order to pull off this perfect Christmas. Owen's sister is a sheriff's deputy on the island and she and Owen are attempting to reconnect after years apart. Then of course you have the romance between Owen and Libby. Add to that all the elements of Christmas and you get a wonderful read for the holidays, or really any time you're looking for a feel good story to warm your heart or brighten a dreary day!
Libby is a writer with Savor magazine. Her column is filled with stories of her life on Sanctuary Island. Stories of love and family and the perfect life she leads there. The only problem is, she's made them all up. They simply aren't true but a figment of her imagination and how she dreamed her life might have been had she actually stayed there. After her parents were killed in an accident, she left the island and went to live with her uncle. She hasn't been there in years.
Now, her editor has come up with the idea of sending a film crew to the island to film this perfect life of hers and oh, yes, he wants Libby to host a wounded soldier and his daughter, making Christmas special for them this year. It will be great publicity, just the type of story they need to boost ratings. Backed into a corner, she has no choice but to confess her deception while praying her boss doesn't fire her. She desperately needs her job in order to keep her uncle, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, in the very expensive facility where he lives.
Owen is the wounded soldier and his daughter, Caitlin, is currently staying on Sanctuary Island with his sister, Andie. Caitlin' s mother died recently and Owen was awarded custody. With him being overseas, the only thing he could do was ask Andie to take her until he got home. He hadn't counted on getting severely injured and having to spend time in the hospital. When he's released, he heads to Sanctuary Island to see his daughter, someone he's never had much contact with. When a magazine offers to give the two of them the best Christmas ever, Owen decides to take them up on their offer, thinking it might help Caitlin adjust.
Caitlin' s mother had a mental illness and Owen soon discovers his daughter was frequently neglected to the point the young girl often went hungry and took to hiding food from her mother just in case the woman forgot to feed her. Now she's living with a father she doesn't really know and who plans to go back to the military as soon as he's well and once again able to serve. Owen is desperate to find a way to connect with Caitlin and Libby helps with that. And the more he's around her, the more he wants her for his own.
Loved all the family dynamics in this story. Libby goes to the island and stays with her grandfather, a man she doesn't really know as her uncle and grandfather had a falling out and hadn't spoken to one another since the day Libby' s uncle left the island and she went to live with him. There's her cousin, Nash, whom she convinces to pose as her husband in order to pull off this perfect Christmas. Owen's sister is a sheriff's deputy on the island and she and Owen are attempting to reconnect after years apart. Then of course you have the romance between Owen and Libby. Add to that all the elements of Christmas and you get a wonderful read for the holidays, or really any time you're looking for a feel good story to warm your heart or brighten a dreary day!
October 11, 2015
It's October, and the Christmas romance titles are coming fast and furious now. This is a good one.
Libby Leeds "America's Favorite Cook," has a popular column in Savor magazine, about her life and adventures as a traditional homemaker on Sanctuary Island, off the coast of Virginia. It's cheerful and heartwarming, and unfortunately, complete fantasy. Libby spent part of her childhood there, but when her parents were killed in a car crash, Libby was sent to live with her Uncle Ray, in New York City. Ray and his father, Libby's grandfather, Dabney Leeds, have been estranged for decades, and it's the last Libby sees of Sanctuary Island.
But now her boss, Savor publisher Hugo Downing, has a Clever Plan, and he's acted on it before he tells Libby. Libby and her family, he informs her, have invited America's current favorite war hero, Army Ranger Sergeant Owen Shepard, to spend Christmas with them at their home on Sanctuary Island. The invitation includes the sergeant's young daughter, Caitlin, currently living with his sister Andie--the island's sheriff.
When she confesses the truth to her boss, he threatens not only to fire her, but to sue her for fraud. And since Ray is now in an expensive assisted living facility, suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, it's not just her own future that's at stake. Libby has to find a way to make this Christmas dinner happen.
And that means calling her grandfather for the first time in twenty years.
Her grandfather is surprisingly willing to help--indeed, to take over. She even finds, on arrival, that he has designated her cousin, Nash Tucker, whom she also hasn't seen since going to live with Ray, to pose as her husband.
Somewhat inconveniently, Libby and Owen Shepard have met on the ferry ride to the island, and charmed each other. Also, Nash is in love with Ivy Dawson, dispatcher for the sheriff's department and Andie Shepard's best friend.
This is a set-up that has so much potential to go wrong, producing a cringe-worthy story, but Everett handles it wonderfully. The secrets and lies create problems, but never because two putative adults refuse to talk to each other when they should, or because they leap to conclusions when they discover a withheld or confusing fact. Libby and Owen are both solid, sensible people who remind themselves there's lots they don't know about each other, taht there are probably reasons for their actions, whether good or bad.
We have likable, attractive, mature adults dealing with real conflicts and working through them. This includes Owen learning how to connect with the daughter whom he has in fact never met before, and who has good reason to feel insecure and suspicious. It also includes Libby pushing to find the real reasons behind the estrangement between her uncle and her grandfather.
These are real adults engaged in being decent people and trying to repair the damage done by past mistakes. It's a wonderful, warm story for the holiday.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
Libby Leeds "America's Favorite Cook," has a popular column in Savor magazine, about her life and adventures as a traditional homemaker on Sanctuary Island, off the coast of Virginia. It's cheerful and heartwarming, and unfortunately, complete fantasy. Libby spent part of her childhood there, but when her parents were killed in a car crash, Libby was sent to live with her Uncle Ray, in New York City. Ray and his father, Libby's grandfather, Dabney Leeds, have been estranged for decades, and it's the last Libby sees of Sanctuary Island.
But now her boss, Savor publisher Hugo Downing, has a Clever Plan, and he's acted on it before he tells Libby. Libby and her family, he informs her, have invited America's current favorite war hero, Army Ranger Sergeant Owen Shepard, to spend Christmas with them at their home on Sanctuary Island. The invitation includes the sergeant's young daughter, Caitlin, currently living with his sister Andie--the island's sheriff.
When she confesses the truth to her boss, he threatens not only to fire her, but to sue her for fraud. And since Ray is now in an expensive assisted living facility, suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, it's not just her own future that's at stake. Libby has to find a way to make this Christmas dinner happen.
And that means calling her grandfather for the first time in twenty years.
Her grandfather is surprisingly willing to help--indeed, to take over. She even finds, on arrival, that he has designated her cousin, Nash Tucker, whom she also hasn't seen since going to live with Ray, to pose as her husband.
Somewhat inconveniently, Libby and Owen Shepard have met on the ferry ride to the island, and charmed each other. Also, Nash is in love with Ivy Dawson, dispatcher for the sheriff's department and Andie Shepard's best friend.
This is a set-up that has so much potential to go wrong, producing a cringe-worthy story, but Everett handles it wonderfully. The secrets and lies create problems, but never because two putative adults refuse to talk to each other when they should, or because they leap to conclusions when they discover a withheld or confusing fact. Libby and Owen are both solid, sensible people who remind themselves there's lots they don't know about each other, taht there are probably reasons for their actions, whether good or bad.
We have likable, attractive, mature adults dealing with real conflicts and working through them. This includes Owen learning how to connect with the daughter whom he has in fact never met before, and who has good reason to feel insecure and suspicious. It also includes Libby pushing to find the real reasons behind the estrangement between her uncle and her grandfather.
These are real adults engaged in being decent people and trying to repair the damage done by past mistakes. It's a wonderful, warm story for the holiday.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
October 5, 2015
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Nothing says Christmas like going home for the holiday to be with family and then it snows. However it is a little bit more complicated for Libby Leeds, as she is heading home to Sanctuary Island for Christmas after being gone for many years. What started off as a lie out of desperation has turned into a full web of deceit, when she is ultimately blackmailed into hosting a holiday meal for a wounded soldier reuniting with his own family on Sanctuary Island. She writes a food column for a magazine and has used her imagination to embellish family meals, recipes and antidotes, when she doesn’t have one or even know how to cook! She has got a huge learning curve ahead of her but she calls in a huge favor and her family comes to her rescue.
Owen Shepard is a wounded soldier and is meeting his 8 year old daughter for the first time since finding out he had her. The circumstances which brought Caitlin to Sanctuary Island are grim but she is progressing under Andie, Owen’s sister and aunt, and is anxious to meet her father as well. Owen has made the military his life and hopes to recuperate well enough to get him back to combat. Owen’s situation is interesting because the more he’s home and around Caitlin and Libby, he finds that he wants to be a good father and be more than just and friend to Libby.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the author’s writing style. The premise of the story was unique and how Libby gets out of the many lies she tells is both heartbreaking and courageous. Libby grows as an individual and keeps Owen on his toes when she expresses her opinion that gives him pause. There were two smaller secondary stories with other characters which brought out the importance of family and honesty. They were both very entertaining and helped the main story along and concluded nicely as well. I love reading Christmas stories and how the holiday bring two well deserving characters together. The love story between Libby and Owen is definitely worth reading and the epilogue brings it home for this reader. Home for Christmas can be read as a stand-alone read without having read the previous stories in the series, so you don’t feel lost jumping in the middle of something. Lily Everett is a new author for this reader and I will definitely be returning to Sanctuary Island to read the other stories.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Nothing says Christmas like going home for the holiday to be with family and then it snows. However it is a little bit more complicated for Libby Leeds, as she is heading home to Sanctuary Island for Christmas after being gone for many years. What started off as a lie out of desperation has turned into a full web of deceit, when she is ultimately blackmailed into hosting a holiday meal for a wounded soldier reuniting with his own family on Sanctuary Island. She writes a food column for a magazine and has used her imagination to embellish family meals, recipes and antidotes, when she doesn’t have one or even know how to cook! She has got a huge learning curve ahead of her but she calls in a huge favor and her family comes to her rescue.
Owen Shepard is a wounded soldier and is meeting his 8 year old daughter for the first time since finding out he had her. The circumstances which brought Caitlin to Sanctuary Island are grim but she is progressing under Andie, Owen’s sister and aunt, and is anxious to meet her father as well. Owen has made the military his life and hopes to recuperate well enough to get him back to combat. Owen’s situation is interesting because the more he’s home and around Caitlin and Libby, he finds that he wants to be a good father and be more than just and friend to Libby.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the author’s writing style. The premise of the story was unique and how Libby gets out of the many lies she tells is both heartbreaking and courageous. Libby grows as an individual and keeps Owen on his toes when she expresses her opinion that gives him pause. There were two smaller secondary stories with other characters which brought out the importance of family and honesty. They were both very entertaining and helped the main story along and concluded nicely as well. I love reading Christmas stories and how the holiday bring two well deserving characters together. The love story between Libby and Owen is definitely worth reading and the epilogue brings it home for this reader. Home for Christmas can be read as a stand-alone read without having read the previous stories in the series, so you don’t feel lost jumping in the middle of something. Lily Everett is a new author for this reader and I will definitely be returning to Sanctuary Island to read the other stories.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 27, 2015
Libby writes a columns about her life, cooking, and her husband but the problem is that it's all fictional. Her boss wants her to do a story on Owen and she comes clean but in order to keep her job she must go through with making Christmas special for the daughter Owen is just meeting.
Owen was hurt in combat and now he is headed to the island to meet the daughter he never knew about. While on the fairy he comes face to face to Libby who happens to be the woman who be helping him making sure his daughter has the best Christmas ever.
This story was very heartfelt and emotional at times. Both Libby and Owen are used to being alone but they are getting used to the whole family idea. I liked how these two were a lot alike and had that connection.
Libby and Owen have an attraction but the problem is that Owen believes she is married and can do nothing about it.
I liked how Owen was trying to make a connection to his daughter but he didn't really know how. After all his daughter went through he wants to make everything okay for her. The way Libby helped out was generous. Although she wanted to keep the secrets she knew that she couldn't while getting closer to Owen and his family.
This story did have some funny and cute parts that I enjoyed. I liked how this book was all about family. Overall I really enjoyed it and the ending was really cute!
This is the first book I have read by this author but I am excited to read more and get to know the characters of this island.
Owen was hurt in combat and now he is headed to the island to meet the daughter he never knew about. While on the fairy he comes face to face to Libby who happens to be the woman who be helping him making sure his daughter has the best Christmas ever.
This story was very heartfelt and emotional at times. Both Libby and Owen are used to being alone but they are getting used to the whole family idea. I liked how these two were a lot alike and had that connection.
Libby and Owen have an attraction but the problem is that Owen believes she is married and can do nothing about it.
I liked how Owen was trying to make a connection to his daughter but he didn't really know how. After all his daughter went through he wants to make everything okay for her. The way Libby helped out was generous. Although she wanted to keep the secrets she knew that she couldn't while getting closer to Owen and his family.
This story did have some funny and cute parts that I enjoyed. I liked how this book was all about family. Overall I really enjoyed it and the ending was really cute!
This is the first book I have read by this author but I am excited to read more and get to know the characters of this island.
October 9, 2015
Home for Christmas
Owen comes home after being hurt in war to get to know his daughter that has been staying with sister in Sanctuary island. He wants to give her a good Christmas. Libby that writes for a magazine and does stories about her in sanctuary island. Everyone thinks she is married but she is not. Libby editor wants her to host Christmas dinner for Owen and his family. Her and Owen ends up meeting and talking before knowing who each one is. Libby stays with her grandfather and uses his house to do Christmas. I have loved all the books in this series and this one is no exception. This book has a lot more to it besides Owen and Libby story. He grandfather, and uncle, her cousin. I did received this book from the author and net galley for a honest review. I did enjoy this book and being able to visit Sanctuary island again.
Owen comes home after being hurt in war to get to know his daughter that has been staying with sister in Sanctuary island. He wants to give her a good Christmas. Libby that writes for a magazine and does stories about her in sanctuary island. Everyone thinks she is married but she is not. Libby editor wants her to host Christmas dinner for Owen and his family. Her and Owen ends up meeting and talking before knowing who each one is. Libby stays with her grandfather and uses his house to do Christmas. I have loved all the books in this series and this one is no exception. This book has a lot more to it besides Owen and Libby story. He grandfather, and uncle, her cousin. I did received this book from the author and net galley for a honest review. I did enjoy this book and being able to visit Sanctuary island again.
March 21, 2022
#4 in the Sanctuary Island romance series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great holiday story that focused on the warmth of a family Christmas, despite it being planned for all the wrong reasons. Libby is a popular columnist who writes about her happy and fulfilling life with her family on Sanctuary Island. Unfortunately, it's all fiction since she's single, estranged from her family, and hasn't lived there since she was a child. So when her boss sets up a holiday dinner with a hometown military hero, she's coerced into proceeding. Owen (Sheriff Andie's brother) is finally coming home after sustaining serious injuries, and he's facing meeting his daughter for the first time. He and Libby are attracted to each other from the beginning, but with the fake story she's built, there's a husband and family between them. Of course the truth comes out and their relationship develops, but there's still the TV crew to fool and a Christmas dinner to get through. I loved watching the developing relationship between Libby and Owen. They were the perfect "opposites attract" couple--Libby relies on her imagination, while Owen is Mr. Practical, but they brought out the best in each other. Caitlin, the daughter, is a cute connection between them. And it was nice, as always, to revisit with previous characters, in this case Andie and Sam, Nash Tucker, and old Dabney Leeds. Dealing with PTSD was briefly mentioned, but I thought it was handled well. I look forward to continuing with this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great holiday story that focused on the warmth of a family Christmas, despite it being planned for all the wrong reasons. Libby is a popular columnist who writes about her happy and fulfilling life with her family on Sanctuary Island. Unfortunately, it's all fiction since she's single, estranged from her family, and hasn't lived there since she was a child. So when her boss sets up a holiday dinner with a hometown military hero, she's coerced into proceeding. Owen (Sheriff Andie's brother) is finally coming home after sustaining serious injuries, and he's facing meeting his daughter for the first time. He and Libby are attracted to each other from the beginning, but with the fake story she's built, there's a husband and family between them. Of course the truth comes out and their relationship develops, but there's still the TV crew to fool and a Christmas dinner to get through. I loved watching the developing relationship between Libby and Owen. They were the perfect "opposites attract" couple--Libby relies on her imagination, while Owen is Mr. Practical, but they brought out the best in each other. Caitlin, the daughter, is a cute connection between them. And it was nice, as always, to revisit with previous characters, in this case Andie and Sam, Nash Tucker, and old Dabney Leeds. Dealing with PTSD was briefly mentioned, but I thought it was handled well. I look forward to continuing with this series.
December 29, 2016
Home for Christmas would make a good Hallmark movie. Libby has been writing stories about her life on Sanctuary Island but there's a problem since she hasn't been there for many years. Plus she isn't married as she writes and she can't cook. Her boss finds out and tells her she is going to entertain war hero injured Owen. Home for Christmas has Libby going back to the island to prepare a home Christmas for Owen, his daughter (he only recently found out about her). Will there be family reconciliation, will Libby pull it off and will Owen and Libby fall in love. Lily Everett will have you laughing at times. A good read for Christmas.
owen
owen
December 28, 2017
Absolutely love this story! Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Libby was very easy to understand and relatable with all her fears and imperfections. One thing I would have enjoyed is reading Caitlin's perspective. There was a lot of good story there. The romance between Libby and Owen was AWESOME! I enjoyed their reactions to each other to their attraction for one another. The epilogue was sweet amd enjoyable, which was great because I don't often enjoy them. Definitely reading more from this series!
January 29, 2018
Great Christmas story. The characters were flawed, but human and completely relatable. There were difficulties to overcome, that were real, helping to move the story along, but not contrived. Anything I can think to say about this wonderful story would be spoilers. I'll be looking for more from this author and this series
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