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In a Manhattan Minute
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but when the temperature dips, can Manhattan work its magic?
Jack exists in a world that has seen its fair share of tragedy, but also success and the wealth that comes with it. One snowy night, he crosses paths with Evie, a homeless girl, and it changes everything.
Three years on, Evie’s life is very different. She’s the assistant to a prestigious wedding gown designer, she’s settled in Manhattan, has her own apartment and friendships she holds dear. But the past is lurking in the background, threatening to spoil everything, and it’s catching up with her.
Kent has kept a family secret for two decades, a secret he never wanted to share with his son, Jack. And even though she doesn’t realise it yet, his life is inextricably tangled with Nicole’s, the woman who was his housekeeper for thirteen years and the woman who helped Evie turn her life around.
It’s Christmas and a time for forgiveness, love and Happy Ever Afters. And when the snow starts to fall, the truth could finally bring everyone the gift of happiness they’re looking for.
Grab a hot chocolate, turn on the twinkly lights and snuggle up with this unputdownable heart-warming novel.
Jack exists in a world that has seen its fair share of tragedy, but also success and the wealth that comes with it. One snowy night, he crosses paths with Evie, a homeless girl, and it changes everything.
Three years on, Evie’s life is very different. She’s the assistant to a prestigious wedding gown designer, she’s settled in Manhattan, has her own apartment and friendships she holds dear. But the past is lurking in the background, threatening to spoil everything, and it’s catching up with her.
Kent has kept a family secret for two decades, a secret he never wanted to share with his son, Jack. And even though she doesn’t realise it yet, his life is inextricably tangled with Nicole’s, the woman who was his housekeeper for thirteen years and the woman who helped Evie turn her life around.
It’s Christmas and a time for forgiveness, love and Happy Ever Afters. And when the snow starts to fall, the truth could finally bring everyone the gift of happiness they’re looking for.
Grab a hot chocolate, turn on the twinkly lights and snuggle up with this unputdownable heart-warming novel.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2016
83 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Helen J. Rolfe
26 books173 followersHelen J. Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.
Never miss a release date! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts: www.helenjrolfe.com/newsletter
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books, and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.
Helen J. Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.
Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.
Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe
Never miss a release date! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts: www.helenjrolfe.com/newsletter
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books, and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.
Helen J. Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.
Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.
Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 16, 2016
I've got a friend who has been telling (possibly demanding!) that I read a book by Helen Rolfe for months, she wasn't bothered which one but I was under instructions to read something by this author. Now clearly I had no problem with this plan, and have in fact bought a few books that are currently unread (but for how much longer I'm not sure).
So when I saw this Christmassy looking book by her, I just couldn't resist giving it a go, and I'm so glad I listened to my friend. What an impressive book, and such a strong story. Please note this is not your typical light hearted Christmas book, it deals with some proper issues and in a very sympathetic and understanding manner.
Kent, Jack, Nicole and Evie's lives are all linked and not necessarily in the way you may think, after seeing the initial chapter between the four of them. As the story progresses there are all sorts of hints as to secrets being kept, and I only half guessed one of them, the rest really did take me by surprise.
This is a story that takes in a variety of relationships, between family members and even a small amount of romance. It is Evie's story that fascinated me the most, she starts off homeless, and then the next time we see her she is a wedding dress designer's assistant but is petrified the past will come back to haunt her.
Evie's best friend is Nicole who used to work for the Churchill's as their housekeeper. She is a very kind hearted woman, and sees the best in people, Nicole isn't too happy though about the way her employment came to an end, but she does still care about the family.
Jack appears to be one thing to his father but as we get to know him, the person he is trying to become is a far more palatable version and he really does have a heart of gold somewhere! Whereas his father Kent, comes across as a cold hearted businessmen, who is really only interested in the family business.
As their lives continue to intersect, it becomes clear some secrets will come out, and its a fascinating story spanning from Thanksgiving until Christmas. I really enjoyed the writing style, and the depth of the story that is being told. It moves at a fair pace, and as a book that kept me interested throughout.
In A Manhattan Minute is a good introduction for me to this author and her brilliant capability for narrative and taking you to the heart of the story, while making you feel as though you are there alongside the characters.
Thank you to Helen Rolfe for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
So when I saw this Christmassy looking book by her, I just couldn't resist giving it a go, and I'm so glad I listened to my friend. What an impressive book, and such a strong story. Please note this is not your typical light hearted Christmas book, it deals with some proper issues and in a very sympathetic and understanding manner.
Kent, Jack, Nicole and Evie's lives are all linked and not necessarily in the way you may think, after seeing the initial chapter between the four of them. As the story progresses there are all sorts of hints as to secrets being kept, and I only half guessed one of them, the rest really did take me by surprise.
This is a story that takes in a variety of relationships, between family members and even a small amount of romance. It is Evie's story that fascinated me the most, she starts off homeless, and then the next time we see her she is a wedding dress designer's assistant but is petrified the past will come back to haunt her.
Evie's best friend is Nicole who used to work for the Churchill's as their housekeeper. She is a very kind hearted woman, and sees the best in people, Nicole isn't too happy though about the way her employment came to an end, but she does still care about the family.
Jack appears to be one thing to his father but as we get to know him, the person he is trying to become is a far more palatable version and he really does have a heart of gold somewhere! Whereas his father Kent, comes across as a cold hearted businessmen, who is really only interested in the family business.
As their lives continue to intersect, it becomes clear some secrets will come out, and its a fascinating story spanning from Thanksgiving until Christmas. I really enjoyed the writing style, and the depth of the story that is being told. It moves at a fair pace, and as a book that kept me interested throughout.
In A Manhattan Minute is a good introduction for me to this author and her brilliant capability for narrative and taking you to the heart of the story, while making you feel as though you are there alongside the characters.
Thank you to Helen Rolfe for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
December 24, 2025
I went in thinking this was a Christmas story but it ended up being a dramatic soap opera!! Super unexpected.. it kept my attention but there was way too much drama
December 20, 2016
Evie went through a difficult time and she met Nicole at the exact right moment. Nicole helped Evie to get her life back on track, but this cost her dearly. Evie now has everything she ever wanted, but the happiness she feels is about to be spoiled by her past. Will there be a chance for Evie to have a normal fulfilling life and what will the people she loves say when they find out about her past?
Jack was devastated when his father fired his housekeeper Nicole. Nicole was like a mother to him. Jack missed her and many years later he finally runs into her. Now that he's seen her again he doesn't want to let her walk out of his life once more. Jack isn't happy. His world is all pretense and he doesn't know how to get out of this situation, so he can make his own choices. Will he be able to actually make his own plans for the future at some point?
Kent runs a successful business together with his son Jack. In the past his family was what came first, but now he's focused on growth and success. He doesn't let himself feel. The loss of his wife changed him and he made his life even more unhappy when he fired Nicole. Will he ever be able to make things right again?
In a Manhattan Minute is an amazing story with four fascinating main characters. I loved the fact that Helen J Rolfe has chosen both older and younger people to write about. Nicole is kind and caring and she's always there for others. Evie is a sweetheart. She's incredibly strong and she fights for her future. I loved her fierceness and her ability to stand up for herself. Kent is a broken man. He can be moody and he works too hard. He has too many secrets and he can't love the way he wants to, which made me feel sad for him. I wanted him to be complete again, to see his full potential. Jack is a hardworking man with a conscience. He makes mistakes, but he also tries to fix them. He can be grumpy, but he's also friendly and loyal. I loved this complex group of people and Helen J Rolfe's descriptions of them are fantastic.
In a Manhattan Minute grabbed me from the start and I was intrigued until the end. Helen J Rolfe has a compelling and charming writing style that I like very much. She knows a lot about the world and she can make places come to life in a fantastic way. She perfectly captures the magic of every setting she writes about. In a Manhattan Minute is a great winter story. It's heartwarming and filled with the exact right ingredients, it's a book about complicated emotions, compassion, second chances, forgiveness, secrets and true love. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful sparkling, captivating and moving novel.
Jack was devastated when his father fired his housekeeper Nicole. Nicole was like a mother to him. Jack missed her and many years later he finally runs into her. Now that he's seen her again he doesn't want to let her walk out of his life once more. Jack isn't happy. His world is all pretense and he doesn't know how to get out of this situation, so he can make his own choices. Will he be able to actually make his own plans for the future at some point?
Kent runs a successful business together with his son Jack. In the past his family was what came first, but now he's focused on growth and success. He doesn't let himself feel. The loss of his wife changed him and he made his life even more unhappy when he fired Nicole. Will he ever be able to make things right again?
In a Manhattan Minute is an amazing story with four fascinating main characters. I loved the fact that Helen J Rolfe has chosen both older and younger people to write about. Nicole is kind and caring and she's always there for others. Evie is a sweetheart. She's incredibly strong and she fights for her future. I loved her fierceness and her ability to stand up for herself. Kent is a broken man. He can be moody and he works too hard. He has too many secrets and he can't love the way he wants to, which made me feel sad for him. I wanted him to be complete again, to see his full potential. Jack is a hardworking man with a conscience. He makes mistakes, but he also tries to fix them. He can be grumpy, but he's also friendly and loyal. I loved this complex group of people and Helen J Rolfe's descriptions of them are fantastic.
In a Manhattan Minute grabbed me from the start and I was intrigued until the end. Helen J Rolfe has a compelling and charming writing style that I like very much. She knows a lot about the world and she can make places come to life in a fantastic way. She perfectly captures the magic of every setting she writes about. In a Manhattan Minute is a great winter story. It's heartwarming and filled with the exact right ingredients, it's a book about complicated emotions, compassion, second chances, forgiveness, secrets and true love. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful sparkling, captivating and moving novel.
October 5, 2016
I have always devoured Helen's books with a tremendous feeling of satisfaction so I was beyond honoured to be one of the first people to get an ARC of her new book, In a Manhattan Minute.
Add to this my well known adoration of New York, having a story set in Manhattan with a hint of Christmas included filled me with excitement and I couldn't wait to read it.
Beginning at Thanksgiving, anyone who knows the ritual of this holiday will be drawn in immediately. This is a tale focusing on several characters all with a difficult past for one reason or another. The question is can life go down the tubes further or is there such a thing as second chances? Sometimes events are so huge and leave such an impact it is almost impossible to rebuild a life.
We have the Churchill's, father Kent and his two grown children, Jackson and Cameron .. all very different personalities carrying a tragedy which should/could pull them together but can it?
Nicole is their housekeeper, she is a warm friendly Italian lady with a huge heart. Evie, a young woman who has had her share of knocks but is full of determination while holding many secrets.
The backdrop of Manhattan, the anticipation of the festive season, the bitterly cold temperatures the author captures it all. I have been to NYC during every season and the writing felt like 'going home'. I could smell the street vendors, see the twinkly lights around anything that doesn't move, hear the traffic driving through the slush.
As the book progresses the characters develop at a steady pace. I was inspired by Evie, she was vulnerable but also had a kick-ass attitude when needed. Her attention to detail with her dressmaking is cute. Jackson comes across as a tough business man following in his father's footsteps in their upmarket jewellery business but I enjoyed getting to know his other side. He was my favourite, able to thrive in the 'city-speed' but also relax and contribute to a more leisurely lifestyle with his friends out on their Christmas tree/fruit picking farm. Braydon I could cheerfully have throttled, he was part of the 'family firm' but came across as such a slime-ball.
An absolute delight of a book, it gave me a warm glow showing how friendships can develop but it also has some tense moments which kept me reading and guessing even when I had other plans! I think I read the last half in pretty much one sitting I was so desperate to see how it could possibly all wind up. Without a doubt one to curl up with and savour it's brilliance.
Thanks so much to Helen it was my pleasure to read/review.
Add to this my well known adoration of New York, having a story set in Manhattan with a hint of Christmas included filled me with excitement and I couldn't wait to read it.
Beginning at Thanksgiving, anyone who knows the ritual of this holiday will be drawn in immediately. This is a tale focusing on several characters all with a difficult past for one reason or another. The question is can life go down the tubes further or is there such a thing as second chances? Sometimes events are so huge and leave such an impact it is almost impossible to rebuild a life.
We have the Churchill's, father Kent and his two grown children, Jackson and Cameron .. all very different personalities carrying a tragedy which should/could pull them together but can it?
Nicole is their housekeeper, she is a warm friendly Italian lady with a huge heart. Evie, a young woman who has had her share of knocks but is full of determination while holding many secrets.
The backdrop of Manhattan, the anticipation of the festive season, the bitterly cold temperatures the author captures it all. I have been to NYC during every season and the writing felt like 'going home'. I could smell the street vendors, see the twinkly lights around anything that doesn't move, hear the traffic driving through the slush.
As the book progresses the characters develop at a steady pace. I was inspired by Evie, she was vulnerable but also had a kick-ass attitude when needed. Her attention to detail with her dressmaking is cute. Jackson comes across as a tough business man following in his father's footsteps in their upmarket jewellery business but I enjoyed getting to know his other side. He was my favourite, able to thrive in the 'city-speed' but also relax and contribute to a more leisurely lifestyle with his friends out on their Christmas tree/fruit picking farm. Braydon I could cheerfully have throttled, he was part of the 'family firm' but came across as such a slime-ball.
An absolute delight of a book, it gave me a warm glow showing how friendships can develop but it also has some tense moments which kept me reading and guessing even when I had other plans! I think I read the last half in pretty much one sitting I was so desperate to see how it could possibly all wind up. Without a doubt one to curl up with and savour it's brilliance.
Thanks so much to Helen it was my pleasure to read/review.
April 13, 2023
Reads as though it's written by a naïve 17-year-old Christian in the 80s who thinks they're being really racy. With sentences like, "Do you mean...prostitution?" and "Because I'm a man" I can't understand how Helen J Rolfe is described as a contemporary romance writer. The whole premise of living on the street because of some topless photos is completely absurd in an era when everyone has nude pics on their phones. Grow up Helen and get with the times.
December 2, 2025
2/2.5 stars - I can’t decide how I feel about this yet. There were some things I expected (as you would re: the romance aspect - Jack’s dad unexpectedly in love with Nicole or Jack and Evie.. what a shocker), but some other things that I was like… huh? Nicole’s son being a murderer? I could’ve used more details on their background as Nicole being a single parent with Noah, how she found out he was the killer? Were they homeless? Probably could’ve had a lot less about Jack because he is pretty uninteresting. Also, wait, didn’t he have a girlfriend? What happened to her?? He just runs off with Evie? Everyone gets married in the same five minutes?
So yes, little twists of some small juicy things, but then other things felt so outside of the story line - like Evie’s pics? Her uncle? I mean, what even… why her uncle? That felt unnecessary, honestly, I don’t know what the purpose was about that tidbit. Maybe I missed the point?
I mean I did really had a tough time listening to this narrator’s cadence/voice in this audiobook so I sped it up so much just to get through and that might’ve impacted my rating of the story overall. It was so Lifetime/Hallmark.
So yes, little twists of some small juicy things, but then other things felt so outside of the story line - like Evie’s pics? Her uncle? I mean, what even… why her uncle? That felt unnecessary, honestly, I don’t know what the purpose was about that tidbit. Maybe I missed the point?
I mean I did really had a tough time listening to this narrator’s cadence/voice in this audiobook so I sped it up so much just to get through and that might’ve impacted my rating of the story overall. It was so Lifetime/Hallmark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2017
Lovely festive read.
Two of my favourite things; New York and Christmas, combined into a lovely story. Ok, I read it in the height of summer but it didn't stop me getting a cosy feeling thinking of scarves, hot drinks and warm fires.
The story was well written and had plenty of twists and connections that, although I did expect at some points, still left me grasping a little as I read them!
I don't like to give too much away, so I won't.
If you like Christmas feel good stories, you will love this one. And I wouldn't be surprised if, at the end, you aren't considering helping out at your local shelter, or just wanting to help others that are in need.
Everyone has their own story. It's about taking the time to listen to it rather than judging the book by it's cover.
Two of my favourite things; New York and Christmas, combined into a lovely story. Ok, I read it in the height of summer but it didn't stop me getting a cosy feeling thinking of scarves, hot drinks and warm fires.
The story was well written and had plenty of twists and connections that, although I did expect at some points, still left me grasping a little as I read them!
I don't like to give too much away, so I won't.
If you like Christmas feel good stories, you will love this one. And I wouldn't be surprised if, at the end, you aren't considering helping out at your local shelter, or just wanting to help others that are in need.
Everyone has their own story. It's about taking the time to listen to it rather than judging the book by it's cover.
October 1, 2022
This novel may seem a bit like a soap opera, but really, it is much more. It deals with the plight of the homeless, with family secrets, with prejudices, with murder, and with forgiveness. Jack comes from a well to do and hard working family, but has had tragedy in his life. Evie is homeless, and though she had at one time a happy and stable home life as a child, she, too, experienced tragedy. Nicole works as a housekeeper for Jack’s family, until the patriarch of the family sees her helping Evie and fires her. The story goes on there and becomes quite tangled with these characters and more. It’s a well written tale, very well thought out, with characters who seem real. It all comes together at the end, with a very satisfying conclusion.
September 5, 2018
It just felt a bit slow and boring. Also there were a lot of inconsistencies and the ending was too HEA without the part to how to get there.
I mean this all happens in about a month (from thanksgiving to christmas) and in that time the main characters go from hating each other completely to getting married. I mean if you time line it they hated each other for 2 weeks, kind of liked each other for 1 week, and decided they did in fact like each other and should get married on the next week.
Also didn't he have a girlfriend at that time? Because she's mentioned when they're Christmas shopping, but then on Christmas he's already proposing to evie so what's going on there?
I mean this all happens in about a month (from thanksgiving to christmas) and in that time the main characters go from hating each other completely to getting married. I mean if you time line it they hated each other for 2 weeks, kind of liked each other for 1 week, and decided they did in fact like each other and should get married on the next week.
Also didn't he have a girlfriend at that time? Because she's mentioned when they're Christmas shopping, but then on Christmas he's already proposing to evie so what's going on there?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
The Diamond Touch Kent & Jackson
This book has been amazing from start to finish. Many tears were cried, laughs were heard & tails were told. Trust and friendships were made and many happy people sent on their way in more ways than one. There is also heartbreak and fear, though the good outsmarted the bad in the end. I would love to read a follow on book as I feel there's a lot more to be told. Its not often you read a book and get to love the story of those inside and really want to see what happens next. Please right a follow up book and we will buy your book just please try for your readers when ever you get the chance. Please
This book has been amazing from start to finish. Many tears were cried, laughs were heard & tails were told. Trust and friendships were made and many happy people sent on their way in more ways than one. There is also heartbreak and fear, though the good outsmarted the bad in the end. I would love to read a follow on book as I feel there's a lot more to be told. Its not often you read a book and get to love the story of those inside and really want to see what happens next. Please right a follow up book and we will buy your book just please try for your readers when ever you get the chance. Please
November 10, 2019
Helen writes such beautiful contemporary fiction filled with intrigue and characters that you really take to your heart, and this gorgeous book was no exception. So many twists and unexpected turns, it became compulsive reading! Set in the fabulous backdrop of Manhattan, and with some lovely characters, whose warmth and friendship made this book really come alive. I’m never disappointed with her books ❤️
October 27, 2017
Just loved this book, started last night and fished it today! The story was intriguing and I felt pulled in and involved from the beginning. The characters were strong and believable. It involved a few strong themes which were handled well and even made me think twice. A real treat.
November 12, 2019
Audiobook : Spotify.
Read by Suzie Althens.
Too Hallmark for me :(
Read by Suzie Althens.
Too Hallmark for me :(
December 8, 2019
I almost stopped listening after bit. I am so glad I didn't. This is a lovely story about damaged and very sad people who manage to find their own humanity, themselves and ultimately love.
December 20, 2019
This story is not terrible, but I did get bored and distracted at many points.
December 20, 2019
It's okay.
April 19, 2020
Another fabulous book x
December 20, 2022
2.5 stars
December 31, 2022
What a fabulous book! The story line is really different with some twists and turns along the way.
A story of secrets of the past that entwines all the characters .
Great author
A story of secrets of the past that entwines all the characters .
Great author
November 4, 2023
Such a lovely story, I enjoyed all the characters and the way Helen led you through a Christmas tale.
January 14, 2024
Enjoyed the theme the writing and the characters. Lighthearted read. Will read more of Helen Rolfe's books.
December 8, 2025
great reads again.
December 20, 2016
Lots of twists and turns.
February 20, 2021
Another great read from Helen, all the previous books that I have read are set in the UK. This as the title suggests is set in the USA. A great read which I can recommend
November 4, 2016
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
When I started the book I genuinely thought that it would be light, fluffy and full of Christmas antics. Yes, I got all of that from the cover! However, it didn’t take me long to realise that it would be anything BUT fluffy.
Evie is a homeless girl. A homeless girl with a past and bucket loads of stigma attached to her due to her lifestyle. Homeless. She wants to turn her life around and actually live without worrying when her next shower will be, or when her next hot meal would be. But, thanks to someone giving her the benefit of the doubt, her future starts to look less bleak…for now.
Then on the other end of the scale, we have Kent and Jack. A father and son duo who use monetary values as their mantras in life. The thing is, their life isn’t as simple as dollar bills and pound signs. Money can’t buy you love, or time..
We have both ends of the scale with this novel as it covers homelessness as well as the very wealthy. It isn’t very often that those two worlds come together, let alone in one book. I felt that Helen covered the homeless topic with such sensitivity whilst still keeping it raw and very poignant. It most definitely opened my eyes to the unfortunate fact that people do actually live like that, and passer-by’s can act like many of the characters that feature in this novel. It is a shame, but I am glad that an important topic, such as the one featured, has been brought to the world’s attention.
I’ll be honest, I took an instant disliking to Jack. His snobbery and pompous attitude made my skin crawl! Several expletives fell out of my mouth where he was concerned. #sorrynotsorry. The annoying thing was though, Jack’s character had gotten under my skin in such a way, I had to keep reading and hope to Santa that his attitude changed!
In A Manhattan Minute took me on a journey. A journey where I saw characters change direction within their lives and grow before my very eyes. A journey which highlighted what is important, as well as what’s not important. A journey that opened my eyes to unfortunate circumstances that are all around us.
Most importantly, In A Manhattan Minute made me realise that anyone can fly, as long as they hold onto their dreams like wings and never let go.
Another strong, powerful and poignant read from the very talented Helen Rolfe; a true mastermind in uncovering emotions from her storylines alone. Beautiful.
Thank you Helen Rolfe for pointing me in the direction of this book!
When I started the book I genuinely thought that it would be light, fluffy and full of Christmas antics. Yes, I got all of that from the cover! However, it didn’t take me long to realise that it would be anything BUT fluffy.
Evie is a homeless girl. A homeless girl with a past and bucket loads of stigma attached to her due to her lifestyle. Homeless. She wants to turn her life around and actually live without worrying when her next shower will be, or when her next hot meal would be. But, thanks to someone giving her the benefit of the doubt, her future starts to look less bleak…for now.
Then on the other end of the scale, we have Kent and Jack. A father and son duo who use monetary values as their mantras in life. The thing is, their life isn’t as simple as dollar bills and pound signs. Money can’t buy you love, or time..
We have both ends of the scale with this novel as it covers homelessness as well as the very wealthy. It isn’t very often that those two worlds come together, let alone in one book. I felt that Helen covered the homeless topic with such sensitivity whilst still keeping it raw and very poignant. It most definitely opened my eyes to the unfortunate fact that people do actually live like that, and passer-by’s can act like many of the characters that feature in this novel. It is a shame, but I am glad that an important topic, such as the one featured, has been brought to the world’s attention.
I’ll be honest, I took an instant disliking to Jack. His snobbery and pompous attitude made my skin crawl! Several expletives fell out of my mouth where he was concerned. #sorrynotsorry. The annoying thing was though, Jack’s character had gotten under my skin in such a way, I had to keep reading and hope to Santa that his attitude changed!
In A Manhattan Minute took me on a journey. A journey where I saw characters change direction within their lives and grow before my very eyes. A journey which highlighted what is important, as well as what’s not important. A journey that opened my eyes to unfortunate circumstances that are all around us.
Most importantly, In A Manhattan Minute made me realise that anyone can fly, as long as they hold onto their dreams like wings and never let go.
Another strong, powerful and poignant read from the very talented Helen Rolfe; a true mastermind in uncovering emotions from her storylines alone. Beautiful.
Thank you Helen Rolfe for pointing me in the direction of this book!
January 4, 2017
A good read
I really enjoyed this book and found it easy reading. It's the type of book that is my reading of choice in between crime thrillers, which are my other regular reading books. It is well written without any of the annoying word repetitions that occur in some books or proof reading errors that surprisingly creep into some of the books I read.
If you are looking for a light hearted easy read or holiday book then this is the book for you. The plot is interesting and well written and I would recommend it to my mum and that is the standard that my reading matter has to reach.
I really enjoyed this book and found it easy reading. It's the type of book that is my reading of choice in between crime thrillers, which are my other regular reading books. It is well written without any of the annoying word repetitions that occur in some books or proof reading errors that surprisingly creep into some of the books I read.
If you are looking for a light hearted easy read or holiday book then this is the book for you. The plot is interesting and well written and I would recommend it to my mum and that is the standard that my reading matter has to reach.
December 1, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. More twists and turns than a rollercoaster! Just when I thought I'd worked out the history - I was proved wrong, time and again! Lovely romance and well thought out plot.
December 29, 2016
A fairly interesting story with twists
January 5, 2017
Sweet Christmas Story
Sweet Christmas story set in Manhattan. Rich and homeless New Yorkers interact in this seasonal familiy drama with a happy ending.
Sweet Christmas story set in Manhattan. Rich and homeless New Yorkers interact in this seasonal familiy drama with a happy ending.
December 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I've read 2 of hers now and they are both amazing reads. must reads.
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