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New York Romance #1
The Love of a Lifetime
From the bestselling author of SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY'S & A GIFT TO REMEMBER - now a Hallmark original movie.Hollywood movies are Beth's passion. Her boyfriend, Danny, has always been the embodiment of her perfect Hollywood hero - though after seven years together the romance has settled into something more predictable. Then Beth receives an anonymous delivery of a coffee cup with a cryptic message, which starts a series of clues directing her to some of NYC's most popular landmarks. Has Danny realised their relationship needs a boost - or could it be charming colleague Ryan, who wants to sweep her off her feet?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
62 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Hill
129 books1,274 followersMelissa Hill is a USA Today bestselling author living in Ireland’s beautiful County Wicklow. Her page-turning contemporary novels of family, friendship and romance are published worldwide and have been translated into twenty-six languages.
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 7, 2017
It’s not often that I can say this and to be honest I really don’t actually like saying it but I didn’t like this book. At all.
I requested it as part of my holiday reading – I took my kids to see my family up north for two weeks where the weather is infinitely better and imagined lazy days reading fluffy books by the pool. At first glance, this seemed pretty perfect. It looked like a straightforward story about a movie addict torn between her suddenly-distant-boyfriend-of-seven-years-who-won’t-propose and a hot new guy at work who seems more than interested. Add in a movie themed treasure hunt around New York City and it just seemed like perfect, light-hearted fun.
A portion of the way through I began to feel like I was being incredibly manipulated and that the carefully placed few scenes from Beth’s boyfriend Danny’s point of view were supposed to be make me assume one thing – all the vague evidence seemed to point that way. But I wasn’t particularly convinced. And halfway through I said to myself “If this turns out to be X, I’m chucking this book at the wall.”
It turned out to be X. But I was reading it on my iPad, so I refrained from chucking it at the wall.
I’m not going to spoil anything, or reveal who orchestrated the treasure hunt for Beth. What I will say however, is that I actually thought it was a really shitty thing to do, given the circumstances that played out. I’m not a movie aficionado so most of the time the leaps in logic Beth made to figure out clues and move onto the next totally went over my head – it seemed unnecessarily complicated at times, super involved and detailed a lot of running around New York where everything seemed to also go incredibly smoothly and her path toward the next clue was never blocked nor did she have too much trouble figuring everything out.
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and never really felt invested in either wanting Beth and Danny’s long term relationship to pan out or hoping that Beth dumped him and ran off with the good looking colleague who’d just started working at the same department store as Beth. I found Beth’s burying her head in the sand over Danny’s constant absences from their home, his strange and apparently out-of-character behaviour and seeming withdrawal from their relationship very odd. They’ve been a couple for seven years and she can’t sit down and ask him what’s going on with him and why he’s never around anymore? She just wants to pretend it’s not happening and yet seems to harbour a secret hope that the orchestrator of the treasure hunt is Ryan from work, presumably so that if Danny is having an affair, as she suspects, then she can say oh well, this guy from work wants me anyway!
Unfortunately I just really disliked this (and the biggest reason why I can’t say without spoiling the entire plot). However I’m pretty much on my own as there are many glowing reads on Goodreads so don’t let my dislike of emotional manipulation and “twists” put you off if you’re curious about it. What absolutely didn’t work for me will be what other people love about it.
I requested it as part of my holiday reading – I took my kids to see my family up north for two weeks where the weather is infinitely better and imagined lazy days reading fluffy books by the pool. At first glance, this seemed pretty perfect. It looked like a straightforward story about a movie addict torn between her suddenly-distant-boyfriend-of-seven-years-who-won’t-propose and a hot new guy at work who seems more than interested. Add in a movie themed treasure hunt around New York City and it just seemed like perfect, light-hearted fun.
A portion of the way through I began to feel like I was being incredibly manipulated and that the carefully placed few scenes from Beth’s boyfriend Danny’s point of view were supposed to be make me assume one thing – all the vague evidence seemed to point that way. But I wasn’t particularly convinced. And halfway through I said to myself “If this turns out to be X, I’m chucking this book at the wall.”
It turned out to be X. But I was reading it on my iPad, so I refrained from chucking it at the wall.
I’m not going to spoil anything, or reveal who orchestrated the treasure hunt for Beth. What I will say however, is that I actually thought it was a really shitty thing to do, given the circumstances that played out. I’m not a movie aficionado so most of the time the leaps in logic Beth made to figure out clues and move onto the next totally went over my head – it seemed unnecessarily complicated at times, super involved and detailed a lot of running around New York where everything seemed to also go incredibly smoothly and her path toward the next clue was never blocked nor did she have too much trouble figuring everything out.
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and never really felt invested in either wanting Beth and Danny’s long term relationship to pan out or hoping that Beth dumped him and ran off with the good looking colleague who’d just started working at the same department store as Beth. I found Beth’s burying her head in the sand over Danny’s constant absences from their home, his strange and apparently out-of-character behaviour and seeming withdrawal from their relationship very odd. They’ve been a couple for seven years and she can’t sit down and ask him what’s going on with him and why he’s never around anymore? She just wants to pretend it’s not happening and yet seems to harbour a secret hope that the orchestrator of the treasure hunt is Ryan from work, presumably so that if Danny is having an affair, as she suspects, then she can say oh well, this guy from work wants me anyway!
Unfortunately I just really disliked this (and the biggest reason why I can’t say without spoiling the entire plot). However I’m pretty much on my own as there are many glowing reads on Goodreads so don’t let my dislike of emotional manipulation and “twists” put you off if you’re curious about it. What absolutely didn’t work for me will be what other people love about it.
July 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s
Many Aussie’s celebrate Christmas in July wanting to experience a traditional Christmas dinner on the coldest month of the year, well, I’m not going as far as making a Chrissy dinner but it is giving me the excuse to read some of my Christmas books this month and as it’s wintry here in Australia it’s the perfect opportunity to read books with a snowy vibe and winter scene.
Christmas in July read 2025
That ending! What a beauty!
A heartwarming Christmas tale set in New York that will fill your heart with joy. The author’s characters are so compelling that the reader is invested in their journey. Following Beth on her movie-themed treasure hunt was a lot of fun. I’d definitely be up for something like that as I’m someone who really enjoys movies, and I could relate to Beth as she is a movie lover. Who is behind the treasure hunt her longterm boyfriend, Danny? or the new employee, Ryan?
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Annabelle Tudor
Duration:9 hrs, 34 min. 1.25x Speed
Many Aussie’s celebrate Christmas in July wanting to experience a traditional Christmas dinner on the coldest month of the year, well, I’m not going as far as making a Chrissy dinner but it is giving me the excuse to read some of my Christmas books this month and as it’s wintry here in Australia it’s the perfect opportunity to read books with a snowy vibe and winter scene.
Christmas in July read 2025
That ending! What a beauty!
A heartwarming Christmas tale set in New York that will fill your heart with joy. The author’s characters are so compelling that the reader is invested in their journey. Following Beth on her movie-themed treasure hunt was a lot of fun. I’d definitely be up for something like that as I’m someone who really enjoys movies, and I could relate to Beth as she is a movie lover. Who is behind the treasure hunt her longterm boyfriend, Danny? or the new employee, Ryan?
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Annabelle Tudor
Duration:9 hrs, 34 min. 1.25x Speed
December 7, 2017
I have enjoyed books by Melissa Hill in the past, so I have been looking forward to read this but unfortunately it couldn't live up to my expectations.
The first third of the book was more or less boring. The story was dragging and it took forever until it really started, the moment when Beth got that mysterious letter. At that point the story suddenly got more interesting and I was as curious as Beth to find out about it. I really enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt through New York.
Despite the story picking up, there were still moments in the plot which were immensely dragging. As much as I enjoyed the movie references, the constant babbling about it got boring after some time.
The relationship of Beth and Danny felt absolutely distant and I could never warm up with Danny. The revelation at the end was kind of shocking and I couldn't understand that kind of beahviour. It definitely kind of ruined the idea of the book for me.
"The Gift of a Lifetime" was enjoyable and boring at the same time, so my rating is going to set in the middle of the ranking.
The first third of the book was more or less boring. The story was dragging and it took forever until it really started, the moment when Beth got that mysterious letter. At that point the story suddenly got more interesting and I was as curious as Beth to find out about it. I really enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt through New York.
Despite the story picking up, there were still moments in the plot which were immensely dragging. As much as I enjoyed the movie references, the constant babbling about it got boring after some time.
The relationship of Beth and Danny felt absolutely distant and I could never warm up with Danny. The revelation at the end was kind of shocking and I couldn't understand that kind of beahviour. It definitely kind of ruined the idea of the book for me.
"The Gift of a Lifetime" was enjoyable and boring at the same time, so my rating is going to set in the middle of the ranking.
December 12, 2016
Two and a half stars: A book with a sweet premise and a fantastic setting, but the book misses the mark because too much time is spent trying to plant red herrings, and when the truth comes out, there are too many questions and holes.
Beth loves Christmas time in New York. Today, she is busy fashioning a Wizard of Oz themed display in the shoe department, which is helping to ease her disappointment of having to cancel her romantic giveaway. Beth has been in a seven year relationship with Danny, and she loves him dearly, but she can't help but to wonder why they haven't taken that next step. It doesn't help that Danny has been distant and working long hours. The more he pushes her away, the more Beth wonders if their relationship is on the rocks. Then when a new colleague, Ryan, befriends her, Beth's heart does little flips. Things get complicated when Beth receives a mysterious delivery at work with a mystery clue that sends her on a hunt through New York. Who set up the hunt and why?
What I Liked:
*The Greatest Gift has two things going for it: the setting and the fun movie trivia. I enjoyed immersing myself into New York during the bustling holiday season, and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie themed scavenger hunt that took me around New York, exploring many famous romantic movie setting. I especially liked the trivia and tidbits about some of New York's most famous movies and landmarks.
*Beth is a character you can't help but like. She is bubbly, sweet, and she almost always has a positive attitude. I love her happy outlook on life, and that she is a hopeless romantic, especially when it comes to romantic movies. I loved getting to know her.
*I liked the whole mystery surrounding the movie themed scavenger hunt. I was so curious as to who was behind the elaborate set up, and I couldn't wait to uncover the identity of the planner. I also liked trying to unravel the clues, but I have to admit, I was woefully wrong every time. I would have struck out.
*The ending was a surprise. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, so I pleased with the outcome.
And The Not So Much:
*The biggest issue with this book for me was that the author spent the entire time trying to convince me of negative things that were happening, and then she does a big switch and turns everything around. The problem was that she spent so much time trying to convince me that someone was the bad guy, I had a hard time quickly changing my feelings. Furthermore, there wasn't any explanation for the whereabouts. What was he doing all those late nights? Basically, she couldn't undo all the negative.
*I hated the bait and switch ending. The author makes it seem like one event is taking place, and then all of sudden it isn't what you think. It left me with a bitter taste. I also didn't like how there was hardly any explanation as to what had transpired in the year between the end and the Epilogue. I was also left wondering about the fate of one of the characters. Was it going to be okay?
*Even though I liked the scavenger hunt, at times, it stretched believability, and it seemed like there were too many convenient coincidences, like someone just happening to be in the right place at the right time. It was a little unrealistic.
*This one tries to throw in a love triangle, and I wasn't a fan. In fact, I wasn't a big fan of the romance at all because the author tried to tarnish it.
The Greatest Gift was a book I wanted to fall in love with during the holiday season, but it ended up being a miss. I hated the author's negative bait and switch tactics. It ruined the book for me. I also wasn't a fan of the romance since the author chose to put a negative spin on it. I did like the movie themed scavenger hunt, and I loved learning more about New York and it's famous movie landmarks. This is a book that others are loving, but it was not a good read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Beth loves Christmas time in New York. Today, she is busy fashioning a Wizard of Oz themed display in the shoe department, which is helping to ease her disappointment of having to cancel her romantic giveaway. Beth has been in a seven year relationship with Danny, and she loves him dearly, but she can't help but to wonder why they haven't taken that next step. It doesn't help that Danny has been distant and working long hours. The more he pushes her away, the more Beth wonders if their relationship is on the rocks. Then when a new colleague, Ryan, befriends her, Beth's heart does little flips. Things get complicated when Beth receives a mysterious delivery at work with a mystery clue that sends her on a hunt through New York. Who set up the hunt and why?
What I Liked:
*The Greatest Gift has two things going for it: the setting and the fun movie trivia. I enjoyed immersing myself into New York during the bustling holiday season, and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie themed scavenger hunt that took me around New York, exploring many famous romantic movie setting. I especially liked the trivia and tidbits about some of New York's most famous movies and landmarks.
*Beth is a character you can't help but like. She is bubbly, sweet, and she almost always has a positive attitude. I love her happy outlook on life, and that she is a hopeless romantic, especially when it comes to romantic movies. I loved getting to know her.
*I liked the whole mystery surrounding the movie themed scavenger hunt. I was so curious as to who was behind the elaborate set up, and I couldn't wait to uncover the identity of the planner. I also liked trying to unravel the clues, but I have to admit, I was woefully wrong every time. I would have struck out.
*The ending was a surprise. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, so I pleased with the outcome.
And The Not So Much:
*The biggest issue with this book for me was that the author spent the entire time trying to convince me of negative things that were happening, and then she does a big switch and turns everything around. The problem was that she spent so much time trying to convince me that someone was the bad guy, I had a hard time quickly changing my feelings. Furthermore, there wasn't any explanation for the whereabouts. What was he doing all those late nights? Basically, she couldn't undo all the negative.
*I hated the bait and switch ending. The author makes it seem like one event is taking place, and then all of sudden it isn't what you think. It left me with a bitter taste. I also didn't like how there was hardly any explanation as to what had transpired in the year between the end and the Epilogue. I was also left wondering about the fate of one of the characters. Was it going to be okay?
*Even though I liked the scavenger hunt, at times, it stretched believability, and it seemed like there were too many convenient coincidences, like someone just happening to be in the right place at the right time. It was a little unrealistic.
*This one tries to throw in a love triangle, and I wasn't a fan. In fact, I wasn't a big fan of the romance at all because the author tried to tarnish it.
The Greatest Gift was a book I wanted to fall in love with during the holiday season, but it ended up being a miss. I hated the author's negative bait and switch tactics. It ruined the book for me. I also wasn't a fan of the romance since the author chose to put a negative spin on it. I did like the movie themed scavenger hunt, and I loved learning more about New York and it's famous movie landmarks. This is a book that others are loving, but it was not a good read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
January 29, 2023
Well that was quite an emotional rollercoaster of a ride to say the least. I loved the setting for the story, characters were wonderful & so well written. I was truly shocked & surprised by the ending, I literally had to reread the last chapter to make sure that what had happened did happen lol.
This story made me smile, laugh & brought tears to my eyes too.
This book has been published numerous times under different titles, being “The Gift of a Lifetime” and “One Last Gift”.
This story made me smile, laugh & brought tears to my eyes too.
This book has been published numerous times under different titles, being “The Gift of a Lifetime” and “One Last Gift”.
September 8, 2021
So overwhelmed by it at the end. It was beyond beautiful. I think it's one great modern romance story I've read in a really long time. Loved all the characters. Almost started tearing up in the end. Love it!
September 21, 2016
Beth has a passion for Hollywood movies. She hopes her life will be filled with moments from the movies. Where magical things happen all the time. Her boyfriend of 7 years, Danny is the perfect film star hero.
Just before Christmas Beth receives an anonymous gift at her work, a take-out cup with a cryptic message she has to work out. From there she is given more gifts with riddles taking her to New Yorks popular landmarks. A treasure trail of rom-com related clues.
Has Danny realised their relationship needs a boost or could it be Ryan who loves movies as much as she does.
This Christmas love story set in New York is heartwarming. Who would not like to be showered with gifts from either your boyfriend or a secret admirer. A lovely written Christmas story that is truly enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author Melissa Hill for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Just before Christmas Beth receives an anonymous gift at her work, a take-out cup with a cryptic message she has to work out. From there she is given more gifts with riddles taking her to New Yorks popular landmarks. A treasure trail of rom-com related clues.
Has Danny realised their relationship needs a boost or could it be Ryan who loves movies as much as she does.
This Christmas love story set in New York is heartwarming. Who would not like to be showered with gifts from either your boyfriend or a secret admirer. A lovely written Christmas story that is truly enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author Melissa Hill for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
I took a while to get into this one but by the end I was at the edge of my seat reading on to finish. It was a shock to discover the truth behind Danny and Adele's behaviour.
Beth works in the shoe department of Carlisle a department store in New York. Addicted to movies she suits the many New York film locations she visits. She feels as if her life however has stopped having movie moments with boyfriend of 7 years Danny. Beth enjoys the company of newcomer Ryan. For many parts of the book it's a possible threes a crowd before throwing in Adele.
I enjoy the setting of New York and the main character is from Ireland. I like the mix between the two places.
Beth works in the shoe department of Carlisle a department store in New York. Addicted to movies she suits the many New York film locations she visits. She feels as if her life however has stopped having movie moments with boyfriend of 7 years Danny. Beth enjoys the company of newcomer Ryan. For many parts of the book it's a possible threes a crowd before throwing in Adele.
I enjoy the setting of New York and the main character is from Ireland. I like the mix between the two places.
August 19, 2017
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I LOVED this book! When Beth starts to think that something is "off" with her 7-year relationship with her boyfriend, she begins to notice the new guy at work. Her boyfriend, Danny, makes excuses for why he's not coming home at night. While Beth is in the midst of wondering about Danny's faithfulness, she gets involved in a scavenger hunt that takes her to many famous New York City movie locations. I really enjoyed the mystery of who was behind this treasure hunt and was rooting for Beth to make it to the end of it.
Melissa Hill did a terrific job of keeping me guessing right until the huge twist at the end. This is her second Christmas book.
I LOVED this book! When Beth starts to think that something is "off" with her 7-year relationship with her boyfriend, she begins to notice the new guy at work. Her boyfriend, Danny, makes excuses for why he's not coming home at night. While Beth is in the midst of wondering about Danny's faithfulness, she gets involved in a scavenger hunt that takes her to many famous New York City movie locations. I really enjoyed the mystery of who was behind this treasure hunt and was rooting for Beth to make it to the end of it.
Melissa Hill did a terrific job of keeping me guessing right until the huge twist at the end. This is her second Christmas book.
December 16, 2016
Melissa Hill at her best, with a story set in New York at Christmas, but yet it isn't a festive story. In fact its a beautifully written romance that features a treasure hunt around New York, with lots of film references. However Beth has no idea who has set the hunt for her, as all the clues are delivered anonymously. There were a few possibilities and it was fun to guess and also see if I could get the references first. The Love of a Lifetime was very easy to read and featured a completely unpredictable ending that I didn't see coming.
March 16, 2017
I usually don’t buy books in bookstores anymore, at least in Switzerland, but this one immediately grabbed my attention. The cover is stunning, it’s set in New York and the blurb is very intriguing. I couldn’t wait to dive into the story.
It follows Beth, who loves Hollywood movies and dreams of these movie moments. She has been with her boyfriend Danny for a while, but somehow their relationship seems different and predictable. He also starts acting strangely.
One morning she receives a mysterious message leading her to Tiffany’s. After that clues send her through the whole city. It’s a great way to read about New York and her journey of find the person behind it is full of surprises. She is not sure whether it’s Danny or her new work colleague Ryan. She likes Ryan, but could he really be behind it. Let’s say the adventure is full of ups and downs and she is so unsure of who will be her leading man. Misunderstandings and drama make the storyline even more exciting and in the end it all gets really emotional.
I have to say I liked the end best. I felt like her true personality finally came through and she finally admitted her real feelings. Melissa Hill’s writing captured that beautifully.
As for the journey, I kind of expected more and got a little bit disappointed. This is not the author’s fault, I just had a different set up in mind.
The ending is definitely very unpredictable and that’s what I like about it. You just don’t know who is going to be her leading man. Melissa Hill’s descriptions of New York were on point and I just loved the sense of mystery behind the story. I think that Melissa Hill’s writing is very clever, descriptive and also vivid, a perfect romantic read, especially for movie lovers!
July 5, 2016
The Love of a Lifetime is the first book I have read by this author and I would certainly read more.
Beth is a born again romantic. She pretty much lives with her head in the clouds and seems to live her life wrapped up in a protected bubble. Things start to change though when new colleague Ryan starts and her boyfriend Danny starts to act strangely.
The whole story line of a 'treasure hunt' with clues from movies was a bit far fetched for me but definitely romantic. Ideally I think all of us would love our love lives to play out like they do in the movies but in real life that very rarely happens.
I do like the characters in this story and I was really drawn to them all and the book didn't take me long to read as I was really interested in Beth's life and to who was behind the clues.
What I especially love about this book is that it is very different to others in it's genre. I thought it was going to be a stereo typical love story and to a certain extent had probably written it off as an okay read when I started it but the author totally surprised me which I loved and it made me fall in love with the book that little bit more.
Definitely recommend The Love of a Lifetime if you love romance and are looking for something that little bit different.
Beth is a born again romantic. She pretty much lives with her head in the clouds and seems to live her life wrapped up in a protected bubble. Things start to change though when new colleague Ryan starts and her boyfriend Danny starts to act strangely.
The whole story line of a 'treasure hunt' with clues from movies was a bit far fetched for me but definitely romantic. Ideally I think all of us would love our love lives to play out like they do in the movies but in real life that very rarely happens.
I do like the characters in this story and I was really drawn to them all and the book didn't take me long to read as I was really interested in Beth's life and to who was behind the clues.
What I especially love about this book is that it is very different to others in it's genre. I thought it was going to be a stereo typical love story and to a certain extent had probably written it off as an okay read when I started it but the author totally surprised me which I loved and it made me fall in love with the book that little bit more.
Definitely recommend The Love of a Lifetime if you love romance and are looking for something that little bit different.
October 20, 2022
This book was previously published under a different name in 2013. I don’t want to buy the same book twice and I wanted to post a warning for other people too.
June 25, 2019
Interesting twists!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
What an awesome book! A Christmas story that will melt your hear. Filled with so many twists and turns that keep you guessing. I loved every minute and hated to see it end.
July 28, 2017
I absolutely love how Melissa captures her reader and then always twists and turns it so much you never know the ending!
June 13, 2017
When it comes to adult books, I'm very picky, but as soon as I read the first 3 chapters I knew it was going to be a page turner. I was right. In the end the book's quotes were written differently, but this didn't stop me from reading it. I suggest you do the same if you love adult books because I guarantee you won't be able to put it down like I couldn't.
November 29, 2022
This sucked me in quicker than anything I've read in a really, really long time. I'm a huge movie buff and I couldn't wait to see how this all played out. I do take exception with it being a "Christmas" book, which is why I grabbed it in the first place. There wasn't really anything Christmas-y about it. But I loved it
October 22, 2016
I just tore through this book. I love how the author's books always emphasize the beauty of New York especially during the holidays. She writes books that just make you feel good.
In this story, Beth is a romantic, an optimist and a huge movie lover. She moved to NYC in large part because it felt like home because of all the movies she's seen based there.
Beth has been with her boyfriend Danny for 7 years. Lately he has been acting very strangely and distant and this confuses Beth to no end because she's always seen Danny as her true love.
During this time, a new coworker named Ryan starts perusing Beth. She makes it 100% clear that she is not available.
One day she receives a coffee cup with a mysterious message straight from Breakfast at Tiffany's. When she goes to Tiffany's she finds that it is the first clue of a treasure hunt.
She's extremely excited by the idea. But she's confused, could it possibly be Danny? Could it be Ryan?
After awhile, she's starting to question everything she knows and everything she thinks she wants.
Darn good story. I will give this author all the credit for never having the ending be totally predictable. Sure, you might get an inkling and I did have a feeling of the way it might lead. But I did not know for sure.
I was in tears before it was over but yet again this was a totally enjoyable read by this author. I couldn't put the book down at a certain point. She's definitely on my must read list at this point.
In this story, Beth is a romantic, an optimist and a huge movie lover. She moved to NYC in large part because it felt like home because of all the movies she's seen based there.
Beth has been with her boyfriend Danny for 7 years. Lately he has been acting very strangely and distant and this confuses Beth to no end because she's always seen Danny as her true love.
During this time, a new coworker named Ryan starts perusing Beth. She makes it 100% clear that she is not available.
One day she receives a coffee cup with a mysterious message straight from Breakfast at Tiffany's. When she goes to Tiffany's she finds that it is the first clue of a treasure hunt.
She's extremely excited by the idea. But she's confused, could it possibly be Danny? Could it be Ryan?
After awhile, she's starting to question everything she knows and everything she thinks she wants.
Darn good story. I will give this author all the credit for never having the ending be totally predictable. Sure, you might get an inkling and I did have a feeling of the way it might lead. But I did not know for sure.
I was in tears before it was over but yet again this was a totally enjoyable read by this author. I couldn't put the book down at a certain point. She's definitely on my must read list at this point.
October 4, 2016
Beth has always loved movies; especially movies set in New York. She believes she has found her perfect leading man in Danny and has spent seven years with him but wonders why the spark has gone out of their relationship recently. Working in the shoe section of a department store allows her to decorate using her love of movies but also introduces her to Ryan – a man who shows interest in her and makes her question her relationship with Danny. Suddenly a scavenger hunt with clues based on her favorite movies starts and it leads her to some interesting places in New York. Her desire is to find out who and what she will find once she solves all the clues.
I have to say this is a heartwarming story that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie even though I was a bit skeptical at the beginning thinking that Beth was a fool for investing seven years in a dead end relationship. The ending was a surprise and one that I applaud the author for because I am not often surprised.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say this is a heartwarming story that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie even though I was a bit skeptical at the beginning thinking that Beth was a fool for investing seven years in a dead end relationship. The ending was a surprise and one that I applaud the author for because I am not often surprised.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
November 19, 2016
You may like this book more if you are a movie aficionado. Beth’s relationship with her boyfriend has become a bit lackluster. She finds herself attracted to a new coworker at the store where she sells shoes. Meanwhile, she has reason to suspect that her boyfriend may have a new friend of his own. Then, a series of cryptic clues sends Beth on a treasure hunt. These clues all involve Hollywood movies and the chase sends Beth into a near tailspin as she tries to ascertain who is behind the hunt. Not much else happens in this tale, but a few red herring along the way may lead you to an erroneous conclusion. A quick read, this book may entice you to watch some of the many movies mentioned instead of reading another novel.
June 1, 2017
4 1/2 stars!!!
This was so well written, the hints of famous movies and the twist at the end really took a classic chick lit to a new level! Well done Melissa Hill, I am now a big fan and will be checking out more of your books (any recommendations as to what I should read next?)
I really loved Beth's character, I could see a little part of me in her and her love for old films was perfect link through out the book... must read !!!!
This was so well written, the hints of famous movies and the twist at the end really took a classic chick lit to a new level! Well done Melissa Hill, I am now a big fan and will be checking out more of your books (any recommendations as to what I should read next?)
I really loved Beth's character, I could see a little part of me in her and her love for old films was perfect link through out the book... must read !!!!
April 19, 2023
I really liked this book but it also really needed an editor. On the first page there was a warning that the vocabulary might be different because it was written by a British author.....that's not the problem. There were too many typos and at times too many words in a sentence....such as "was he was there."
I still enjoyed the book but those things are just annoying and were through the entire book.
I still enjoyed the book but those things are just annoying and were through the entire book.
November 21, 2016
Review to come later.
Quick thoughts:
Very sweet book with a reminder about living your life to the fullest and being open to love. And that while everything can't be movie-perfect, it doesn't mean you should give up n optimistic view point.
Great setting (NYC) and a perfect book for those moments when you want a feel- good holiday read.
Quick thoughts:
Very sweet book with a reminder about living your life to the fullest and being open to love. And that while everything can't be movie-perfect, it doesn't mean you should give up n optimistic view point.
Great setting (NYC) and a perfect book for those moments when you want a feel- good holiday read.
July 7, 2019
The first half of the book was pretty boring and monotonous. Felt like there was too much referencing to Hollywood movies. But i guess this book was on about it after all. Nice ending though it was quite ambiguous, left readers to guess what it meant. Did she marry herself or was it a happy ending for the two of them. Hmm.
August 21, 2017
An enjoyable and easy read; I found parts of it predictable and other parts deliberately misleading but I liked the descriptions of New York and all the movie references. The characters are well developed and the plot keeps you guessing so I would recommend this book.
June 3, 2019
This book kept me guessing. Enough so that I read the second half of the book in an afternoon, as I just needed to know how it ended. I'm looking forward to reading more of Melissa Hill's books - they're perfect rainy winter day reading!
June 2, 2018
Read for the summer romance readers bingo challenge. I've used it for romance set in a major city- New York.
Read
December 30, 2018I loved this book full of romance and humorous as well. Would like to read more by this author.
November 19, 2022
Emotional and loving, this book is both happy and sad. A beautiful poignant story.
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