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Coming Home #2.6
Come Home to Me
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.
All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left - and she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.
But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what's coming for them. It's going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.
This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.
From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.
All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left - and she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.
But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what's coming for them. It's going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.
This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
726 people are currently reading
1676 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Scott
35 books1,284 followersSign up for Jessica’s newsletter https://jessicascott.net/subscribe/
Jessica Scott Jessica Scott is a USA Today bestselling American author of more than 20 novels, including Because of You which launched Loveswepts Digital Imprint in 2011 as well as Homefront, and Before I Fall. She is an Army veteran, a veteran of the Iraq war, the mother of two daughters, a small zoo consisting of too many cats, dogs and the occasional domesticated rodent, and wife to a retired NCO.
Her novels comes from her personal experiences as a soldier, a mother, and an army wife and often explores themes of family, the legacy of war, challenges of military life, and includes contemporary military romances, psychological suspense, and nonfiction works.
Follow Jessica
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.
She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
Author photo courtesy of Buzz Covington Photography
Learn more at https://www.jessicascottbooks.com
Jessica Scott Jessica Scott is a USA Today bestselling American author of more than 20 novels, including Because of You which launched Loveswepts Digital Imprint in 2011 as well as Homefront, and Before I Fall. She is an Army veteran, a veteran of the Iraq war, the mother of two daughters, a small zoo consisting of too many cats, dogs and the occasional domesticated rodent, and wife to a retired NCO.
Her novels comes from her personal experiences as a soldier, a mother, and an army wife and often explores themes of family, the legacy of war, challenges of military life, and includes contemporary military romances, psychological suspense, and nonfiction works.
Follow Jessica
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.
She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
Author photo courtesy of Buzz Covington Photography
Learn more at https://www.jessicascottbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
November 22, 2014
All I Want For Christmas is You was a beautiful relationship-in-crisis story. It spite of it being just over 100 pages long, it was full of heart and lots of emotion.
After suffering the loss of her best friend in the line of duty, Samantha is numb from the hurt and can’t take dragging her long-time partner, Patrick, down with her anymore. She takes her eight year old daughter, Natalie, and returns home to Maine leaving Patrick reeling from her decision. When Natalie picks up the phone and begs Patrick, the only father she’s known, to come and help mommy, he jumps on a plane. He’s not sure where things went wrong, but he’s resolved to make it right.
At first I wasn’t real pleased with Samantha because her actions seemed so selfish, but this was a woman in emotional pain and people don’t always think straight in those circumstances. It seemed to make sense to shut her emotions down and shut Patrick out, because Samantha couldn’t deal with the sadness and pain any other way. But she starts to wake up to the gravity of her decision. When Patrick shows up unexpectedly, the time they spend together reminds Samantha of the good she forgot they had. It also awakens feelings she didn’t think she’d ever feel again.
I was so in love with Patrick! He was strong, steady and determined make things work out. He admitted his role in their situation, his mistakes, and didn’t put all the blame on her:
She was lost, utterly and completely lost. He remembered feeling that way, feeling the need to hide it from the world. Being unable to see his way out of the darkness that surrounded him.
And he’d missed it. For a thousand pointless reasons, he’d missed it. He’d left her alone in the dark.
I must admit, I cried a few tears over all these two had gone through! I could easily relate to the turmoil miscommunications and assumptions can cause in a marriage or in this case, a long term relationship. Even though I can’t personally relate to the stress heaped on by military experiences, Jessica Scott’s writing made it was easy to put myself in Sam and Patrick’s shoes and feel their pain.
But this was more than a story of sadness and loss. Sam and Patrick had intense, passionate feelings simmering below the surface all along. It just took a little coaxing to have them bubble up and over again! Very, very hot! And I dare you not to swoon and sigh in happiness once you’ve finished!
The setting of winter in Maine: snow, flannel, fresh warm cookies and crackling hot fires made this a perfect holiday/winter read!
I definitely want to pick up more by Jessica Scott. All I Want For Christmas is You whet my appetite for her beautiful, emotion filled writing! Excuse me while I run off to do a re-read!
A copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
After suffering the loss of her best friend in the line of duty, Samantha is numb from the hurt and can’t take dragging her long-time partner, Patrick, down with her anymore. She takes her eight year old daughter, Natalie, and returns home to Maine leaving Patrick reeling from her decision. When Natalie picks up the phone and begs Patrick, the only father she’s known, to come and help mommy, he jumps on a plane. He’s not sure where things went wrong, but he’s resolved to make it right.
At first I wasn’t real pleased with Samantha because her actions seemed so selfish, but this was a woman in emotional pain and people don’t always think straight in those circumstances. It seemed to make sense to shut her emotions down and shut Patrick out, because Samantha couldn’t deal with the sadness and pain any other way. But she starts to wake up to the gravity of her decision. When Patrick shows up unexpectedly, the time they spend together reminds Samantha of the good she forgot they had. It also awakens feelings she didn’t think she’d ever feel again.
I was so in love with Patrick! He was strong, steady and determined make things work out. He admitted his role in their situation, his mistakes, and didn’t put all the blame on her:
She was lost, utterly and completely lost. He remembered feeling that way, feeling the need to hide it from the world. Being unable to see his way out of the darkness that surrounded him.
And he’d missed it. For a thousand pointless reasons, he’d missed it. He’d left her alone in the dark.
I must admit, I cried a few tears over all these two had gone through! I could easily relate to the turmoil miscommunications and assumptions can cause in a marriage or in this case, a long term relationship. Even though I can’t personally relate to the stress heaped on by military experiences, Jessica Scott’s writing made it was easy to put myself in Sam and Patrick’s shoes and feel their pain.
But this was more than a story of sadness and loss. Sam and Patrick had intense, passionate feelings simmering below the surface all along. It just took a little coaxing to have them bubble up and over again! Very, very hot! And I dare you not to swoon and sigh in happiness once you’ve finished!
The setting of winter in Maine: snow, flannel, fresh warm cookies and crackling hot fires made this a perfect holiday/winter read!
I definitely want to pick up more by Jessica Scott. All I Want For Christmas is You whet my appetite for her beautiful, emotion filled writing! Excuse me while I run off to do a re-read!
A copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
4 stars - English Ebook ☘️☘️☘️
It is a romance novel. In the holiday season. But also a schout out for all the deployed coming home who have problems to adjusted. We do not know what it means to be dyployed and in danger all the time. Everybody reacts different. Just keep in mind that they served us. And help them if possible. 🦋🦋🦋
It is a romance novel. In the holiday season. But also a schout out for all the deployed coming home who have problems to adjusted. We do not know what it means to be dyployed and in danger all the time. Everybody reacts different. Just keep in mind that they served us. And help them if possible. 🦋🦋🦋
December 14, 2014
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
I received an advance reader edition of this book from the author for the purpose of providing an honest review.
4 Stars
This was a nice, enjoyable novella. I liked the story and it was the perfect choice on an evening when I did not want to start a full length novel. This is part of a series but I was able to read it as a stand alone story with absolutely no problems. I really liked that this novella was about bringing a couple in a long term relationship back together instead of the typical boy meets girl romance.
The story opens with Patrick alone and heartbroken. He misses Sam and his daughter Natalie. Sam has recently left Patrick and returned to Maine with Natalie. Patrick is not Natalie's biological father but he has raised her and considers her his child. After a call from Natalie, he goes to Maine to see Natalie and try to make things work with Sam.
Sam is having a really hard time after coming back from the war. Instead of asking for help, she attempts to deal with her issues alone and it is simply not working. Both Patrick and Samantha have served in the war and taken turns being deployed, so much so that they have not spent a whole lot of time together in recent years.
I could definitely tell that this author knows exactly what she is talking about regarding the issues those who serve in the military face when they return from deployment. I appreciated the fact that in this story it was the woman who is having issues after being at war and the man is trying to help her heal. I would definitely recommend this short novella to anyone who likes romances. This is the first story by Jessica Scott but I do plan to read her work in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from the author for the purpose of providing an honest review.
4 Stars
This was a nice, enjoyable novella. I liked the story and it was the perfect choice on an evening when I did not want to start a full length novel. This is part of a series but I was able to read it as a stand alone story with absolutely no problems. I really liked that this novella was about bringing a couple in a long term relationship back together instead of the typical boy meets girl romance.
"I was terrified you wouldn't come home."
The story opens with Patrick alone and heartbroken. He misses Sam and his daughter Natalie. Sam has recently left Patrick and returned to Maine with Natalie. Patrick is not Natalie's biological father but he has raised her and considers her his child. After a call from Natalie, he goes to Maine to see Natalie and try to make things work with Sam.
"Then explain to me what happened, Sam. Because if you're going to destroy everything we built together, I deserve to know why."
Sam is having a really hard time after coming back from the war. Instead of asking for help, she attempts to deal with her issues alone and it is simply not working. Both Patrick and Samantha have served in the war and taken turns being deployed, so much so that they have not spent a whole lot of time together in recent years.
"It's a hard thing to admit that you're not okay."
I could definitely tell that this author knows exactly what she is talking about regarding the issues those who serve in the military face when they return from deployment. I appreciated the fact that in this story it was the woman who is having issues after being at war and the man is trying to help her heal. I would definitely recommend this short novella to anyone who likes romances. This is the first story by Jessica Scott but I do plan to read her work in the future.
December 10, 2014
Every time I think I understand the impact of multiple deployments on our military families, Jessica Scott presents me with something more.
Captain Samantha (Sam) Egan returned from her recent deployment changed. Her way of coping with her war experience is to box all of her feelings up until she's so numb she can't feel anything anymore but her difference. Now Sam's convinced she needs to leave Major Patrick MacLean, the man she's been with for nine years and who's the only father her daughter, Natalie, has ever known.
You can't help but empathize with both Sam and Patrick, who's had two deployments of his own. It was also eye-opening to see how differently both handled similar issues though neither looked to each other to cope until Sam left. Their way back to each other, initiated by little Natalie, was honest and raw at times. Patrick is pretty special and I loved how he gave Sam exactly what she needed, when she needed it, to find her way home.
This story highlights the true spirit of the season. Coming home has a much deeper, richer meaning.
Captain Samantha (Sam) Egan returned from her recent deployment changed. Her way of coping with her war experience is to box all of her feelings up until she's so numb she can't feel anything anymore but her difference. Now Sam's convinced she needs to leave Major Patrick MacLean, the man she's been with for nine years and who's the only father her daughter, Natalie, has ever known.
You can't help but empathize with both Sam and Patrick, who's had two deployments of his own. It was also eye-opening to see how differently both handled similar issues though neither looked to each other to cope until Sam left. Their way back to each other, initiated by little Natalie, was honest and raw at times. Patrick is pretty special and I loved how he gave Sam exactly what she needed, when she needed it, to find her way home.
This story highlights the true spirit of the season. Coming home has a much deeper, richer meaning.
May 20, 2015
3.5 - "Thank you for not giving up on me." Stars.
Jessica Scott isn't a new author to me, in the fact that her Coming Home series of books have been on my reading radar for a while, but actually reading her work, that is new to me. Again, I am faced with the task of wanting to give myself a slap for waiting so long to actually pick up one of her books.
All I Want for Christmas isn't a fluffy read, but it does encompass the spirit and meaning of Christmas perfectly. After returning to the US from active service, on a tour that saw her lose her best friend Captain Samantha Egan is struggling, her way of coping is to try and ignore the numbness that seems to have become a part of her everyday existence, and to leave everything that once meant so much, behind. She returns home to Saber Falls with her daughter Natalie, to her mothers house, also leaving behind the love of her life, Major Patrick MacLean.
Patrick isn't giving up his girls without a fight, and swiftly follows Sam and Nat in the hope that he can help Sam with the Grief and PTSD she is attempting to pretend are not affecting her, and pull his family back together in time for Christmas.
"Make me feel again, Patrick."
This is an emotional and heart felt story, it makes you stop for a little while and think about all the things that you are grateful for, especially at this time of the year. If you haven't read this authors work before it is going to make you want to dive in and start the series (a bit like this reader), if you have, then you can congratulate yourself on not being a late-to-the-party-dumbass like I am!
ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
Jessica Scott isn't a new author to me, in the fact that her Coming Home series of books have been on my reading radar for a while, but actually reading her work, that is new to me. Again, I am faced with the task of wanting to give myself a slap for waiting so long to actually pick up one of her books.
All I Want for Christmas isn't a fluffy read, but it does encompass the spirit and meaning of Christmas perfectly. After returning to the US from active service, on a tour that saw her lose her best friend Captain Samantha Egan is struggling, her way of coping is to try and ignore the numbness that seems to have become a part of her everyday existence, and to leave everything that once meant so much, behind. She returns home to Saber Falls with her daughter Natalie, to her mothers house, also leaving behind the love of her life, Major Patrick MacLean.
Patrick isn't giving up his girls without a fight, and swiftly follows Sam and Nat in the hope that he can help Sam with the Grief and PTSD she is attempting to pretend are not affecting her, and pull his family back together in time for Christmas.
"Make me feel again, Patrick."
This is an emotional and heart felt story, it makes you stop for a little while and think about all the things that you are grateful for, especially at this time of the year. If you haven't read this authors work before it is going to make you want to dive in and start the series (a bit like this reader), if you have, then you can congratulate yourself on not being a late-to-the-party-dumbass like I am!
ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 21, 2017
Four who thought I would ever love this book so much stars!
This novella alternates chapters in the point of view of both Patrick and Samantha, while also showing the effects of deployment on the relationship of a couple. I would like to read more Jessica Scott books in the future.
This novella alternates chapters in the point of view of both Patrick and Samantha, while also showing the effects of deployment on the relationship of a couple. I would like to read more Jessica Scott books in the future.
October 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this one. I'm so used to reading about when a man comes home from war but this was about the woman and her struggles. Definitely a good addition to the series.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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November 28, 2014
11/28/2014
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 3 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 3 = 4 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 5 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
95 pages
Jessica Scott is a go to author for me. I really love her writing. She consistently writes great stories, with astoundingly well developed characters, and grit. Lots of grit. The stories she writes are not easy to tell. And, they aren't especially easy to read either. They pull emotion from those deep, dark places within me.
I'm not a fan of the short story or longer novella. My opinion .. just when it starts grooving, it's over. Why I think it took me so long to read this one. Saying this, it is good. The length seemed good. The story arc'd nicely.
This story is part of a series, but stands alone. You miss nothing if all you read is this book or if you read this first before others in the series. I will say this, if you can only read one book by this amazing author, then you will surprise me. She is rather like those potato chips they advertise ...
This is a hope-filled Holiday read. Excellent, as I expect from this author.
Happy Reading!!
ARC provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 3 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 3 = 4 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 5 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
95 pages
Jessica Scott is a go to author for me. I really love her writing. She consistently writes great stories, with astoundingly well developed characters, and grit. Lots of grit. The stories she writes are not easy to tell. And, they aren't especially easy to read either. They pull emotion from those deep, dark places within me.
I'm not a fan of the short story or longer novella. My opinion .. just when it starts grooving, it's over. Why I think it took me so long to read this one. Saying this, it is good. The length seemed good. The story arc'd nicely.
This story is part of a series, but stands alone. You miss nothing if all you read is this book or if you read this first before others in the series. I will say this, if you can only read one book by this amazing author, then you will surprise me. She is rather like those potato chips they advertise ...
This is a hope-filled Holiday read. Excellent, as I expect from this author.
Happy Reading!!
ARC provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2015
Coming Home by Jessica Scott – A Homefront Novella is a 2014 publication.
This holiday themed novella is centered around Samantha, Iraq war veteran, who returned home from her deployment feeling shell shocked. She feels disconnected from her daughter, Natalie, and can't feel anything for her lover, Patrick, a man who has been the only father her daughter has ever known.
So, she returns home to Maine, where her family lives for the holidays and maybe for good. But, when Natalie calls Patrick begging him to come to Maine because something is wrong with her mom, who cries all the time, he can't refuse. He's ready to fight for the woman he loves and for the little girl he thinks of as his own daughter.
This emotional read highlights the incredible difficulty soldiers have readjusting to civilian life and to the great loss and tragedies they see and endure during war. Patrick was the perfect partner for Sam because he could relate to what she was going through. He was strong, patient, and determined, even though he was scared to death of losing Sam and Natalie.
I can't say I related to Sam because I have never been in that type of situation, but I could empathize with her plight. It made perfect sense to me that she would feel numb and have problems reconnecting with life after all the had been through. So, with the help of Patrick she is on the right path for recovery and I think she made some good solid choices here and she learns that he does have still have the capacity to feel. Her road will be a rocky one, but she has the best support team ever! 4 stars
This holiday themed novella is centered around Samantha, Iraq war veteran, who returned home from her deployment feeling shell shocked. She feels disconnected from her daughter, Natalie, and can't feel anything for her lover, Patrick, a man who has been the only father her daughter has ever known.
So, she returns home to Maine, where her family lives for the holidays and maybe for good. But, when Natalie calls Patrick begging him to come to Maine because something is wrong with her mom, who cries all the time, he can't refuse. He's ready to fight for the woman he loves and for the little girl he thinks of as his own daughter.
This emotional read highlights the incredible difficulty soldiers have readjusting to civilian life and to the great loss and tragedies they see and endure during war. Patrick was the perfect partner for Sam because he could relate to what she was going through. He was strong, patient, and determined, even though he was scared to death of losing Sam and Natalie.
I can't say I related to Sam because I have never been in that type of situation, but I could empathize with her plight. It made perfect sense to me that she would feel numb and have problems reconnecting with life after all the had been through. So, with the help of Patrick she is on the right path for recovery and I think she made some good solid choices here and she learns that he does have still have the capacity to feel. Her road will be a rocky one, but she has the best support team ever! 4 stars
October 26, 2014
Even though these books are fiction you can certainly tell that the authors own life experiences influence each book. This story delves into what is like when a woman that has been deployed and lost a good friend to the war returns home a different person than what she was when she left and her struggles with how to “come home” which is the basis for all the books in this series. Both the main characters are in the Army and have been in a long term relationship that includes a child. For the past two years they both did a deployment at opposite times so one of them was home with the daughter. When Samanatha returns though from her deployment she is dead inside and takes her daughter and leaves instead of going to see someone or even talking things out with Patrick.
I am sure that every instance is different on how men and women compartmentalize their feelings and that is certainly at the fore front in this novella. One of the biggest touching moments was when Patrick decided he needed to open up and tell Samantha some of things that had happened to him while over there and how he came back and dealt with them, showed her that what she was feeling (or her lack of feeling) was perfectly normal and she just needed to open up and let out all of her grief whether that be with him or with a doctor.
This was another great addition to the Coming Home series that packed a mighty punch in a short novella.
I am sure that every instance is different on how men and women compartmentalize their feelings and that is certainly at the fore front in this novella. One of the biggest touching moments was when Patrick decided he needed to open up and tell Samantha some of things that had happened to him while over there and how he came back and dealt with them, showed her that what she was feeling (or her lack of feeling) was perfectly normal and she just needed to open up and let out all of her grief whether that be with him or with a doctor.
This was another great addition to the Coming Home series that packed a mighty punch in a short novella.
November 21, 2014
4 Stars
I adore Jessica Scott’s romances. Her strong military knowledge provides a steady base on which she addresses multiple issues that are affecting the members of our armed forces. Love, loss, fear, and forgiveness follow a couple whose relationship is challenged when one comes home from war damaged and the lover who refuses to give up without a fight. Scott builds a bittersweet story that addresses PTSD and the toll it can take on the victim and those around them. The pain rolls off the pages as Scott gives both parties a chance to voice their thoughts and emotions as they struggle to find their way back to one another. Grab a box of tissues when reading this one because it’s a tear jerker.
I adore Jessica Scott’s romances. Her strong military knowledge provides a steady base on which she addresses multiple issues that are affecting the members of our armed forces. Love, loss, fear, and forgiveness follow a couple whose relationship is challenged when one comes home from war damaged and the lover who refuses to give up without a fight. Scott builds a bittersweet story that addresses PTSD and the toll it can take on the victim and those around them. The pain rolls off the pages as Scott gives both parties a chance to voice their thoughts and emotions as they struggle to find their way back to one another. Grab a box of tissues when reading this one because it’s a tear jerker.
January 22, 2016
A nicely told story of soldiers struggles after returning home from war. As a mother of a soldier who is now serving his 5th tour overseas I also appreciate open dialog of the characters and their hardships after coming back. I was also happily surprised that the book took place in my home state of Maine. I worked at the Bangor mall in the as a teenager and stop at the DD on Broadway mentioned in the book.
December 15, 2014
BUY IT!
READ IT!
READ IT AGAIN!
Oh, you want more detail than that? Sheesh, demanding readers, aren’t you? :D
Well, for those of you who follow my blog or follow my goodreads or twitter accounts, it’s no secret that I love Scott’s books. I adore them even when they’re ripping the heart out of my chest, stomping on it, and shredding it with a cheese grater. Scott’s books pack a punch. In “All I Want for Christmas is You”, we get the story of Sam and Patrick and their eight year old daughter Natalie. Sam and Patrick aren’t married but have been together since Sam was pregnant with Natalie. Natalie’s biological father has never been part of her life and Patrick is her father for all intents and purposes.
Sam has recently returned from deployment to Iraq and her transition back is bumpy to put it mildly. She began pulling away emotionally during her deployment, calling and writing less frequently as time went on. Now it’s as if she’s on one side of a wall of ice by herself and the rest of the world, including her lover and her daughter, are on the other side and there’s no way to break through or go around or over.
Patrick recognizes the problem but doesn’t know how to help her:
This was more than having a hard time adjusting to being home. There was a very real thing going on with her, and he figured out in that moment that she was trying to ignore all of it.
She was trying to do what so many soldiers did: stuff down the uncomfortable and unsettling thoughts and emotions. Lock them away and pretend that nothing about the war was out of the country.
Pretend that deployment was just another day at the office. Except that the office was now half a world away. Ignore the fact that sometimes, you needed help in coming home.
In her despair, Sam has taken Natalie, left Patrick, and gone to her parents for Christmas. I admit I had unpleasant thoughts about Sam dumping Patrick at Christmas; I mean, really, that’s sleazy. But as I got to know her, I was able to forgive her. I cried for her since she couldn’t cry for herself. I wanted her and Patrick to find their way back to each other, I wanted her to get better, and I hoped that those two actions weren’t incompatible. Both Sam and Patrick are realistically flawed and they each realize they are flawed. They’re strong characters whom you won’t soon forget.
I loved that Scott gave us a story about coming home from deployment from the female soldier’s point of view (though the story alternates between her POV and Patrick’s) and also that we get to see how committed couples fare in the Army when they aren’t married. The perspectives are not the usual ones we see in stories and they were a refreshing change. There’s also humor. Patrick has trouble with Maine’s below freezing temps; he really, really doesn’t like winter in Maine. For the record, I’m with him on this one. :D He was drunk when he packed to join his family and forgot to pack essentials such as underwear, socks, and even shirt and pants so he needs to find a place to buy clothes.
“Seems like I should get what I need closer to home tonight. Or I could just wait until the storm passes.”
She shook her head slowly. “You don’t want to be riding around without underwear or socks. If you go off the road, you’ll freeze off some of your bits and pieces.
He lifted one brow. “Sounds like you might be concerned with my bits and pieces.”
She lifted one shoulder. “They’re nice bits and pieces.”
Scott writes with poignancy, humor, and sensitivity and spins a beautiful tale of love, hope, and redemption. Just don’t read it out in public if you prefer to do your crying in private.
READ IT!
READ IT AGAIN!
Oh, you want more detail than that? Sheesh, demanding readers, aren’t you? :D
Well, for those of you who follow my blog or follow my goodreads or twitter accounts, it’s no secret that I love Scott’s books. I adore them even when they’re ripping the heart out of my chest, stomping on it, and shredding it with a cheese grater. Scott’s books pack a punch. In “All I Want for Christmas is You”, we get the story of Sam and Patrick and their eight year old daughter Natalie. Sam and Patrick aren’t married but have been together since Sam was pregnant with Natalie. Natalie’s biological father has never been part of her life and Patrick is her father for all intents and purposes.
Sam has recently returned from deployment to Iraq and her transition back is bumpy to put it mildly. She began pulling away emotionally during her deployment, calling and writing less frequently as time went on. Now it’s as if she’s on one side of a wall of ice by herself and the rest of the world, including her lover and her daughter, are on the other side and there’s no way to break through or go around or over.
Patrick recognizes the problem but doesn’t know how to help her:
This was more than having a hard time adjusting to being home. There was a very real thing going on with her, and he figured out in that moment that she was trying to ignore all of it.
She was trying to do what so many soldiers did: stuff down the uncomfortable and unsettling thoughts and emotions. Lock them away and pretend that nothing about the war was out of the country.
Pretend that deployment was just another day at the office. Except that the office was now half a world away. Ignore the fact that sometimes, you needed help in coming home.
In her despair, Sam has taken Natalie, left Patrick, and gone to her parents for Christmas. I admit I had unpleasant thoughts about Sam dumping Patrick at Christmas; I mean, really, that’s sleazy. But as I got to know her, I was able to forgive her. I cried for her since she couldn’t cry for herself. I wanted her and Patrick to find their way back to each other, I wanted her to get better, and I hoped that those two actions weren’t incompatible. Both Sam and Patrick are realistically flawed and they each realize they are flawed. They’re strong characters whom you won’t soon forget.
I loved that Scott gave us a story about coming home from deployment from the female soldier’s point of view (though the story alternates between her POV and Patrick’s) and also that we get to see how committed couples fare in the Army when they aren’t married. The perspectives are not the usual ones we see in stories and they were a refreshing change. There’s also humor. Patrick has trouble with Maine’s below freezing temps; he really, really doesn’t like winter in Maine. For the record, I’m with him on this one. :D He was drunk when he packed to join his family and forgot to pack essentials such as underwear, socks, and even shirt and pants so he needs to find a place to buy clothes.
“Seems like I should get what I need closer to home tonight. Or I could just wait until the storm passes.”
She shook her head slowly. “You don’t want to be riding around without underwear or socks. If you go off the road, you’ll freeze off some of your bits and pieces.
He lifted one brow. “Sounds like you might be concerned with my bits and pieces.”
She lifted one shoulder. “They’re nice bits and pieces.”
Scott writes with poignancy, humor, and sensitivity and spins a beautiful tale of love, hope, and redemption. Just don’t read it out in public if you prefer to do your crying in private.
October 18, 2014
For many returning soldiers the horrors of war change them, and even they don’t know how or why. The struggle to reintegrate into society after living on the edge every minute of their existence leaves scars that must be healed. When one woman comes home from Iraq, she feels the change, it is an explosive emptiness and she bottles everything up, then runs from the man who loves her no matter what, tearing her daughter from the only father she has known.
What kind of Christmas they have depends on the determination of one major, one little girl and her Christmas wish and one Captain, willing to a take a chance and reach out for help.
Jessica Scott may not have written a long tale here, but she wrote one with a powerful message of hope for the future and for the gift of love while highlighting the pain and anguish faced by returning soldiers and their loved ones. There were times I wanted to cry, wanted to hug them all and times that just tugged at my heart. Without digging too deep, the message has come through with a touch of darkness, the magic of Christmas and the blessing of a strong love. All I Want For Christmas is You sets the tone for Holiday Romance and the miracles of love.
I received an ARC edition from Jessica Scott in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Coming Home - Book 5.5
Publication Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Jessica Scott
Genre: Contemporary Military/Holiday Romance
Print Length: 108 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What kind of Christmas they have depends on the determination of one major, one little girl and her Christmas wish and one Captain, willing to a take a chance and reach out for help.
Jessica Scott may not have written a long tale here, but she wrote one with a powerful message of hope for the future and for the gift of love while highlighting the pain and anguish faced by returning soldiers and their loved ones. There were times I wanted to cry, wanted to hug them all and times that just tugged at my heart. Without digging too deep, the message has come through with a touch of darkness, the magic of Christmas and the blessing of a strong love. All I Want For Christmas is You sets the tone for Holiday Romance and the miracles of love.
I received an ARC edition from Jessica Scott in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Coming Home - Book 5.5
Publication Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Jessica Scott
Genre: Contemporary Military/Holiday Romance
Print Length: 108 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 28, 2014
If you're looking for the perfect novella to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further. This little gem packed a punch in a very short amount of time.
Sam has returned from the war a broken woman. She lost her best friend in the line of duty and when she returns to her boyfriend, Patrick, who's also in the Army, and her daughter, she is void of all emotion and feeling. She has completely shut down and refuses to deal with it, by admitting she needs help. Instead, her solution is to pick up her daughter and move back to her hometown in Maine.
This seems rash, but learning of Sam's fears of abandonment helped me understand what she was going through. Not only was she abandoned my her father and the father of her daughter, she has seen the ugliness of war, and no one returns from that the same person. I can't even begin to understand or fathom what that is like. And Jessica Scott does a fantastic job of making you understand those feelings and emotions.
Patrick, when he could have just let her walk away because they were never married, nor was Natalie his biological child, refused to give up. He loves Sam and knew she was hurting. He knew she was burying her issues instead of dealing with them, and wanting to help her, he surprises her by flying to Maine.
A beautiful relationship-in-crisis novella full of emotion and a very realistic situation. My heart hurt for Sam and Patrick. I felt pain for what she was going through emotionally. And my heart broke for Patrick as he faced his biggest fear - possibly losing the woman and daughter he loves more than anything.
I LOVE reading stories like this! Patrick was a dream. Every woman wants a man who is willing to fight for them, and he wasn't going to walk away easily. I'm so glad the back and forth between him and Sam didn't drag on unnecessarily. They have a beautiful relationship that came alive in such a short amount of pages.
Thank you to my friend, Rachel, for putting this book on my radar! It was a great start to the holiday season for me. :)
Sam has returned from the war a broken woman. She lost her best friend in the line of duty and when she returns to her boyfriend, Patrick, who's also in the Army, and her daughter, she is void of all emotion and feeling. She has completely shut down and refuses to deal with it, by admitting she needs help. Instead, her solution is to pick up her daughter and move back to her hometown in Maine.
This seems rash, but learning of Sam's fears of abandonment helped me understand what she was going through. Not only was she abandoned my her father and the father of her daughter, she has seen the ugliness of war, and no one returns from that the same person. I can't even begin to understand or fathom what that is like. And Jessica Scott does a fantastic job of making you understand those feelings and emotions.
Patrick, when he could have just let her walk away because they were never married, nor was Natalie his biological child, refused to give up. He loves Sam and knew she was hurting. He knew she was burying her issues instead of dealing with them, and wanting to help her, he surprises her by flying to Maine.
A beautiful relationship-in-crisis novella full of emotion and a very realistic situation. My heart hurt for Sam and Patrick. I felt pain for what she was going through emotionally. And my heart broke for Patrick as he faced his biggest fear - possibly losing the woman and daughter he loves more than anything.
I LOVE reading stories like this! Patrick was a dream. Every woman wants a man who is willing to fight for them, and he wasn't going to walk away easily. I'm so glad the back and forth between him and Sam didn't drag on unnecessarily. They have a beautiful relationship that came alive in such a short amount of pages.
Thank you to my friend, Rachel, for putting this book on my radar! It was a great start to the holiday season for me. :)
January 5, 2016
Jessica Scott always writes such incredibly realistic military characters, it's so obvious that she puts part of her own experiences into her stories and that makes them feel all the more real. In Come Home to Me (which was previously published as All I Want for Christmas is You) we meet Captain Samantha Egan not long after she has returned home from a tour of duty where she saw her best friend die in front of her. She's grieving as well as suffering with PTSD and she isn't coping very well so she's packed up her daughter and moved back in with her parents looking for support.
Major Patrick MacLean may be the love of Sam's life but she doesn't know how to connect with him anymore so she finds it easier to walk away rather than try to deal with her issues. Patrick isn't about to give up on the woman he loves though, he knows exactly what she's going through and he knows that burying her head in the sand will only make it worse.
I'm not going to say too much more about the plot but this was a really emotional story about finding your way back to yourself and the people you love. Jessica Scott makes it very easy to feel exactly what both of the characters are going through and you can't help but root for them to make things work. This i perfect Christmas read that shows what's really important in life and it's a great introduction to the author's writing since it's the start of her Homefront series.
Major Patrick MacLean may be the love of Sam's life but she doesn't know how to connect with him anymore so she finds it easier to walk away rather than try to deal with her issues. Patrick isn't about to give up on the woman he loves though, he knows exactly what she's going through and he knows that burying her head in the sand will only make it worse.
I'm not going to say too much more about the plot but this was a really emotional story about finding your way back to yourself and the people you love. Jessica Scott makes it very easy to feel exactly what both of the characters are going through and you can't help but root for them to make things work. This i perfect Christmas read that shows what's really important in life and it's a great introduction to the author's writing since it's the start of her Homefront series.
October 27, 2014
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't prepared for how emotional this book was. It packed a serious punch. The pain Sam was living with after returning from war was overwhelming. At times it was hard to read because my heart ached for her and Patrick. They had drifted so far apart that at times I worried too much had gone unsaid for them to find their way back to each other. It's a quick read that at times will break your heart but will also give you hope that they will work through the pain together.
I wasn't prepared for how emotional this book was. It packed a serious punch. The pain Sam was living with after returning from war was overwhelming. At times it was hard to read because my heart ached for her and Patrick. They had drifted so far apart that at times I worried too much had gone unsaid for them to find their way back to each other. It's a quick read that at times will break your heart but will also give you hope that they will work through the pain together.
November 6, 2014
This was a short novella that I read last night. I thought I was going for something lite....what a surprise. This was as sad sweet story about a subject not to many of us think about. What soldiers, both men and women, go through emotionally returning home to families after being deployed to a war zone. How do you keep a family together after seeing so much and feeling things you can't explain or understand. A beautifully written story of fighting for those you love.
October 28, 2014
Thanks for a free copy of this book to review. Wow! What a sweet and sorrowful story. My first by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. I never give novella's five stars but this one was so complete that it won me over. An absolutely touching story, and a beautiful Christmas story. Overall entertainment was five stars.
dnf
April 27, 2016Very short novella about a woman suffering combat stress disorder. I didn't finish it, not because it's not good so much as it's a difficult topic for me.
I only read 48% and because I didn't make it to 50%, no rating.
I only read 48% and because I didn't make it to 50%, no rating.
October 27, 2014
5 Stars
Patrick was dreaming of Christmas with his family; the woman he loves and her daughter. He considers Natalie his daughter even though they do not share any DNA. Samantha is now back from deployment so that can happen, but the dream shatters when Sam packs up her and Natalie’s things and flies across the country to her hometown in Maine.
We first met Patrick as Trent’s legal counsel in Back To You. Patrick is one of those secondary characters that while wonderfully written was not one that struck me as NEEDED to have their own story (read that as – I did not BEG Jessica for his book). Boy was I wrong. Patrick has a great sense of humor and is strong, thoughtful and loving. His sense of family is just beautiful. Samantha’s departure brings him unbearable pain. As with any Jessica Scott book there were not quick fixes or easy emotions to get this family to a happy Christmas and I loved that. His patience with Samantha was amazing and I believe his own deployments facilitated the understanding he had of her issues. Samantha was broken and she thought it was forever. It was so bad she could not see a fix or that anyone would want to be with her and take the time to help her return to the woman and mother she once was before she deployed.
The plot is easy to follow and any parent or favorite aunt/uncle can relate to all the things that needed to be done to get ready for Christmas. Jessica Scott is from Maine and there are a few truly New England/Maine references in the book that were spot on, and anyone from this region would recognize them. Fans of Jessica Scott who read her tweets, FB page or blog will also see a few of Jessica’s personal favorites in the story.
I opened my Kindle to just read a few pages before bed....PEOPLE - when am I going to learn there is no quick few pages before I go to bed with Jessica Scott books! Fortunately for my sleep this was a novella but last night turned into "today" before I finished. OH MY - I don't know how she can do it. Each book just pulls at my heart - each one attacks from a different angle I did not see coming.
Just go get it now and block off time to read this fantastic novella in one sitting. And if you are new to Jessica Scott’s work (and why haven’t you read her books before – have you not read my reviews!) no worry this novella works as a great stand alone, and actually it is also a great introduction to a new series Jessica Scott will release in 2015!
As I have said before, I will read every word Jessica Scott ever writes. She evokes emotions in me that very few other authors can.
I purchased this book myself and this is my honest review.
Patrick was dreaming of Christmas with his family; the woman he loves and her daughter. He considers Natalie his daughter even though they do not share any DNA. Samantha is now back from deployment so that can happen, but the dream shatters when Sam packs up her and Natalie’s things and flies across the country to her hometown in Maine.
We first met Patrick as Trent’s legal counsel in Back To You. Patrick is one of those secondary characters that while wonderfully written was not one that struck me as NEEDED to have their own story (read that as – I did not BEG Jessica for his book). Boy was I wrong. Patrick has a great sense of humor and is strong, thoughtful and loving. His sense of family is just beautiful. Samantha’s departure brings him unbearable pain. As with any Jessica Scott book there were not quick fixes or easy emotions to get this family to a happy Christmas and I loved that. His patience with Samantha was amazing and I believe his own deployments facilitated the understanding he had of her issues. Samantha was broken and she thought it was forever. It was so bad she could not see a fix or that anyone would want to be with her and take the time to help her return to the woman and mother she once was before she deployed.
The plot is easy to follow and any parent or favorite aunt/uncle can relate to all the things that needed to be done to get ready for Christmas. Jessica Scott is from Maine and there are a few truly New England/Maine references in the book that were spot on, and anyone from this region would recognize them. Fans of Jessica Scott who read her tweets, FB page or blog will also see a few of Jessica’s personal favorites in the story.
I opened my Kindle to just read a few pages before bed....PEOPLE - when am I going to learn there is no quick few pages before I go to bed with Jessica Scott books! Fortunately for my sleep this was a novella but last night turned into "today" before I finished. OH MY - I don't know how she can do it. Each book just pulls at my heart - each one attacks from a different angle I did not see coming.
Just go get it now and block off time to read this fantastic novella in one sitting. And if you are new to Jessica Scott’s work (and why haven’t you read her books before – have you not read my reviews!) no worry this novella works as a great stand alone, and actually it is also a great introduction to a new series Jessica Scott will release in 2015!
As I have said before, I will read every word Jessica Scott ever writes. She evokes emotions in me that very few other authors can.
I purchased this book myself and this is my honest review.
October 26, 2014
Even though this is a novella in the Coming Home series, it can certainly be read as a stand alone. However, if you read this and enjoy it, there is no doubt that you will want to go back and read the others. Jessica Scott has a knack for creating characters that you continue to think about long after the books are over. Perhaps it is because the topics are very real and certainly timely as our veterans come home from battle. Perhaps it is because she speaks from her own personal experience. Whatever the case, Patrick and Samantha will stay with you long after reading. Patrick had deployed two years ago and as soon as he arrived home, his girlfriend Samantha deployed. While he was home taking care of their daughter, Sam saw combat and lost her best friend in battle. Unable to cope with her feelings and PTSD, Sam left Patrick. However, Patrick isn't willing to lose both Sam and his daughter and he fights to get Sam to realize all that they have together.
I highly recommend all of her the books in the series.
Advanced review copy sent to me by the author for an honest review.
Jessica Scott is running a contest on her website for an iPad mini. a Rafflecopter giveaway
I highly recommend all of her the books in the series.
Advanced review copy sent to me by the author for an honest review.
Jessica Scott is running a contest on her website for an iPad mini. a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 12, 2014
Wow...this story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I really felt for both Sam and Patrick. I only wished it could have been longer because i would have loved to see these two in their new life with Natalie. I wasn't quite ready to let them go yet.
Jessica has this way with her writing. Her words wrap around you and pull you into the story and don't let go. You don't want to let go. Her characters and their situations seem so real that you can't help but want a HEA for them. You want the hero and heroine to find the peace and love they so desperately need and deserve. The story of Sam and Patrick was no different and was an excellent addition to and already excellent series.
Sam...my heart hurt for her. She was so lost and didn't know how to reach out for help. Patrick *sigh* He was such a great character. Once he really saw what was happening with Sam he tried his best to get through to her and pull her from the darkness. They were such a great couple and I loved how their story ended. I also loved that Sam finally realized that Patrick was never going to walk away from her. I couldn't love two characters more if I tried. :)
All I Want For Christmas is Jessica Scott at her best and the reason I continue to look forward to reading each new book. Thank you Jessica for such a great read.
Jessica has this way with her writing. Her words wrap around you and pull you into the story and don't let go. You don't want to let go. Her characters and their situations seem so real that you can't help but want a HEA for them. You want the hero and heroine to find the peace and love they so desperately need and deserve. The story of Sam and Patrick was no different and was an excellent addition to and already excellent series.
Sam...my heart hurt for her. She was so lost and didn't know how to reach out for help. Patrick *sigh* He was such a great character. Once he really saw what was happening with Sam he tried his best to get through to her and pull her from the darkness. They were such a great couple and I loved how their story ended. I also loved that Sam finally realized that Patrick was never going to walk away from her. I couldn't love two characters more if I tried. :)
All I Want For Christmas is Jessica Scott at her best and the reason I continue to look forward to reading each new book. Thank you Jessica for such a great read.
November 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
This was my first holiday read of the season and it set me on a beautiful path.
Sam broke my heart, so sad and terrified of letting that box of thoughts, feelings and pain be opened. When she runs away with Natalie to her home town she is ready to bury everything deep and just exist. She refuses to be seen as weak, not letting anyone in on what she is experiencing, including Patrick, her other half. They have drifted apart, which I can only imagine happens so often with deployed families.
Oh Patrick! Broken and in the cups is how we meet him. But a call from his little girl sets him on the fight of his life. Which is saying a lot for a seasoned military man. He's been hiding a bit from Sam as well. His persistence as well as knowing how to "read" Sam go so far to prove his staying power.
There is an incredible honesty in their story, the pain and fear as well as the joy is stunning. That Natalie, their eight year old daughter, played a part in their Christmas miracle is perfect. She is willing to fight for her family just as her parents do.
This is a novella in Scott's Coming Home Series that can be read as a stand alone, but I certainly plan to catch up on the other stories.
This was my first holiday read of the season and it set me on a beautiful path.
Sam broke my heart, so sad and terrified of letting that box of thoughts, feelings and pain be opened. When she runs away with Natalie to her home town she is ready to bury everything deep and just exist. She refuses to be seen as weak, not letting anyone in on what she is experiencing, including Patrick, her other half. They have drifted apart, which I can only imagine happens so often with deployed families.
Oh Patrick! Broken and in the cups is how we meet him. But a call from his little girl sets him on the fight of his life. Which is saying a lot for a seasoned military man. He's been hiding a bit from Sam as well. His persistence as well as knowing how to "read" Sam go so far to prove his staying power.
There is an incredible honesty in their story, the pain and fear as well as the joy is stunning. That Natalie, their eight year old daughter, played a part in their Christmas miracle is perfect. She is willing to fight for her family just as her parents do.
This is a novella in Scott's Coming Home Series that can be read as a stand alone, but I certainly plan to catch up on the other stories.
January 5, 2015
This is the first time I've read anything by this author but it will not be the last! This was a short story but man did it pack an emotional punch! I loved it... loved it... loved it...
Sam and Patrick are both in the Army and have been separated for two years due to back to back deployments. When Sam finally returns home from her deployment, she is struggling with PTSD and her inability to feel. She decides to leave Patrick with her daughter Natalie and heads to her hometown in Maine. He eventually follows her there and is determined to help her find her way back home and to him.
This was such a moving and emotional story and very realistic. I could feel the pain and loss that Sam was experiencing from the trauma she witnessed while deployed. Patrick is an awesome, awesome guy... ever so patient and loving... an honest to goodness real man!
A wonderful Christmas romance that will touch the heartstrings and warm the heart. :)
ARC was provided by the publisher
www.ktbookreviews.com
Sam and Patrick are both in the Army and have been separated for two years due to back to back deployments. When Sam finally returns home from her deployment, she is struggling with PTSD and her inability to feel. She decides to leave Patrick with her daughter Natalie and heads to her hometown in Maine. He eventually follows her there and is determined to help her find her way back home and to him.
This was such a moving and emotional story and very realistic. I could feel the pain and loss that Sam was experiencing from the trauma she witnessed while deployed. Patrick is an awesome, awesome guy... ever so patient and loving... an honest to goodness real man!
A wonderful Christmas romance that will touch the heartstrings and warm the heart. :)
ARC was provided by the publisher
www.ktbookreviews.com
October 28, 2014
All I Want For Chrismas Is You by Jessica Scott is a poignant and emotional novella. It's part of her Coming Home series but can be read as a stand-alone.
This was my first book by Jessica Scott but it won't be my last. The story about Captain Samantha Egan and Major Patrick MacLean is their story of hope and love. It's a story of soldiers returning from war and the emotional roller coaster that many of them face after having been in a war zone. With Jessica's background, this story felt very real to me as I was reading.
Although this is a novella, the characters are fully developed and there is a lot of emotional depth in this story. I almost cried as I cheered Patrick on in his fight to save his family. This was a story of Christmas magic that sparks hope and reminded me of how strong love can provide the security for some one to heal.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy "real" military romance with honest conflicts.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Jessica Scott but it won't be my last. The story about Captain Samantha Egan and Major Patrick MacLean is their story of hope and love. It's a story of soldiers returning from war and the emotional roller coaster that many of them face after having been in a war zone. With Jessica's background, this story felt very real to me as I was reading.
Although this is a novella, the characters are fully developed and there is a lot of emotional depth in this story. I almost cried as I cheered Patrick on in his fight to save his family. This was a story of Christmas magic that sparks hope and reminded me of how strong love can provide the security for some one to heal.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy "real" military romance with honest conflicts.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2014
Ms. Scott has done it again! I have read several other stories by this author and each one I've enjoyed and have read at least a second time. This one is Patrick and Sam's story. My heart broke for both main characters as well as for Natalie. Sam has just returned from Afghanistan and is struggling with returning to life after witnessing the harsh realities of war. Patrick, also in the Army, isn't sure how to help her. Natalie, their daughter, is struggling just as much - wanting her family back together and whole. The reader fully understands and feels Sam's depression as well as Patrick's fear of losing her, but he won't give up on her or them. Sometimes I find that novellas aren't able to capture the true spirit of the book yet Ms. Scott's does a wonderful job of expressing all the emotions involved. As a Christmas time novella, this one is truly uplifting. (Received an ARC for an honest review).
July 31, 2015
This was a fantastic story of love & pain. Patrick & Samantha are both army officers who have seen the ravages of war & the loss that goes with it. Sam has just returned from her first deployment of a year in Iraq & has lost her best friend from childhood to the war. . She is falling apart inside & afraid to ask for help for fear of people leaving her for not being strong enough. She decides that she can't ask Patrick to stay when she feels nothing so she takes their daughter & leaves. Their daughter calls for help & Patrick sees this as his last chance to get Sam back. The emotions in this story were nothing short of pure anguish & despair & love. I haven't read too many stories on this subject but this book reminds me of Laurie Kellogg'sThe Memory of You. I didn't realize this book was in a series & I will definitely be looking for the books in the series before this one to catch up. What a great book, thank you for asking me if I would be interested Jessica Scott.
October 29, 2014
A fabulous little read that was so packed full of a story of redemption that it did not feel like a novella at all. This little gem tackles a story that must be so common in the military - those returning from the absolute horrors and terrors of war, trying to settle back into "normal" society when their normal has been anything but for so long and how I think a lot of these lost souls struggle on their own.
Patrick was truly awesome. He "got" what Sam was going through and despite her pushing him away he stood by her, supported her and most importantly LOVED her, warts and all.
I'm not sure if this is the end of a fabulous series, if it is (and I hope that's not the case) it's a brilliant way to end it.
Thank you Jessica Scott for laying it all out there how the military works, it was an eye-opener.
Patrick was truly awesome. He "got" what Sam was going through and despite her pushing him away he stood by her, supported her and most importantly LOVED her, warts and all.
I'm not sure if this is the end of a fabulous series, if it is (and I hope that's not the case) it's a brilliant way to end it.
Thank you Jessica Scott for laying it all out there how the military works, it was an eye-opener.
October 27, 2014
I wasn't too sure about this one when I started. I didn't have warm fuzzy feelings for Sam, in fact I sort of disliked her because she ran. It was only as the story evolved that I got why Sam ran. I liked that Sam didn't want to be considered broken from her time at war, but she was sure beat up, much easier to fix. I liked that Sam and Patrick both took some time, even if it was forced, and talked about how coming home was for them. It really allowed Sam to see that Patrick was a bit beat up too, but he got past it. The ending was great, I loved that this family was back where they should have been!
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