Holland: Gage & Hali's Story

by Jennifer Hardie

Hali Cooper once believed love could overcome anything, until it left her heartbroken, twice. Years have passed since she let herself dream of a family, or of a future where she wasn’t alone. As a pediatric nurse, she’s found purpose in caring for other people’s children, convincing herself it’s enough. Until the day she finds the past sitting in her exam room.

Gage Holland never imagined a single moment could steal both his wife, and the mother his newborn daughter would never know. In the years that followed, he silenced his pain the only way he knew how. When the calm turned cruel, it left him restless and raw, trapped between the man he’d been and the one he no longer recognized.

When his daughter’s new nurse turns out to be the woman he once loved–and lost–something inside him begins to stir. Hali becomes the anchor pulling him back to life, giving him reason to hope again.

But when long-buried truths come to light, the fragile life they’ve built together begins to crack. Can they find the courage to face what was—and embrace what still could be?

297 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Jess the Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story of second chances, healing and pure love! Jennifer Hardie illustrates such a heart felt and emotional narrative that pulls her readers straight into the pages and into the essence of the story. Once you open the first page, you won’t be able to put it down.
The unthinkable happens to Gage Holland; losing his wife, the mother of his infant daughter and his view of a happy life all in one ill fated day. He becomes a shadow of the man he was….fighting to be present daily for his young daughter in the years that follow.
Hali Cooper understands what unimaginable grief can do to a person; having dealt with her own heartbreak more times then she would like to count, but pushing through to find peace and solace working with children as a paediatric nurse. One day she finds herself drawn back to her past when the man who destroyed her heart years ago shows up with his daughter, widowed and burdened with so much grief she does the only thing she knows to do - be there for him in his time of need.
But as Gage and Hali rekindle old feelings, they find themselves at a crossroads where their past blends with the future, where old heartaches meet new and they must decide if it’s a future worth fighting for, or something to grieve…again.
Jennifer Hardie eloquently speaks about delicate topics with sensitivity, enlightenment and respect. Her ability to speak about such matters is respectable and adds more depth and realism to the storylines she creates.

[Tanya Sharp]

Absolutely worth reading! From the first page, you’re pulled into the lives of these broken yet beautifully written characters. Their flaws make them real, and their struggles make the story deeply absorbing. I couldn’t put the book down—every chapter kept me hooked. A well-crafted, emotionally rich novel that turns imperfection into something profoundly human.

[Cheryl Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Jennifer's first Holland book and it was excellent. This one is in the same category. Her writing draws you in and you really want to know what happens to Gage and Hali. I plan to read everything she writes.

[Bev newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soo powerful from the first page…

The heartbreaking journey past and present of Gage and Hali will have you turning the pages and losing yourself in their story of love, loss and family.

You will be willing happiness for them both and also I loved the Holland family including Jake and Eleanor from the first book being woven into book two.

This is a special book with a lot of important messages and storylines ( no spoilers here ) which Jennifer has told and shared with so much care. It’s beautiful
Well done - loved every minute reading book two can’t wait for book three ( no pressure ) xxx

[Jolene Ask · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't found a book in a long time that i wanted to read.. then I saw the Holland books and couldn't put them down... couldn't wait till the next one came out love how she builds the character and also includes real life drama and personal experiences into the writing. Can't wait till the next one.

[Barb Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an early sneak peek and absolutely loved this small town romance!
former high school sweethearts find each other again!
they were so real it was a beautiful read.
this is book 2 in the Holland series

[Nadia Dumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was crying on the first couple pages.This book is well written and im looking forward to reading the next book!

[Caprice Winsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Holland series pulled me in right from the start. The characters were so relatable, Hali was genuinely charming, and her attraction to Gage felt completely believable. I couldn’t help but sympathize with Gage and everything he was struggling with. It’s such an emotional story, I found myself rooting for them, feeling happy, then frustrated, and later heartbroken—all the same ups and downs you experience with real people. This book stayed with me for days after I finished it.

I highly recommend this book, give it a read!