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Cloud Bay #2

A Season of You

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It’s Christmastime in the quaint island town of Cloud Bay, where love is always in season...

Will Fraser has believed in love at first sight since the day he first laid eyes on Mina Harper five years ago. There was only one She was happily married. Then, when Mina’s husband was killed by a drunk driver, Will figured she’d want nothing to do with a guy who owns a whiskey distillery. So he’s kept his feelings locked away, knowing that not even a Christmas miracle would be enough to melt Mina’s heart. . .

Mina believes her days of true love are behind her. Since losing her husband she’s kept to herself, content to do her own painting and stay out of the limelight that comes with her famous family. But when, after a freak accident, Will comes to her rescue, Mina can’t quite get him out of her mind. As curiosity turns into a fling during Cloud Bay’s first Christmas Festival, she finds it harder to convince herself that her feelings for Will are just mistletoe-inspired. Could Mina be ready to lay the past to rest and finally admit that what she really wants for Christmas―and forever―is Will?

293 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 3, 2017

19 people are currently reading
681 people want to read

About the author

Emma Douglas

3 books66 followers
Emma Douglas has read like a wild thing since she was small. She discovered romance novels at an age that way probably way too young but she survived unscathed. When she realized you could make up stories as well as read them, she started taking notes about what the characters wandering through her head were telling her and then, eventually, books happened.

Before the books happened she did the usual things (was a band geek (and a geek generally), had crushes on rock stars and fictional characters, spent chunks of her summers on an island beach, got a degree in something sensible that doesn’t involve writing about kissing, became a black belt in internet procrastination, fell down the rabbit-hole of craft, traveled a bit, indulged her love of baked goods, got bossed around by cats, began a quest for the perfect margarita, and napped to recover from all of the above.

She still does most of that plus the writing thing from a tiny house which her feline overlords have kindly agreed to share with her.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,576 reviews1,698 followers
September 25, 2017
Will Fraser has believed in love at first sight ever since he first saw Mina Harper five years ago. Unfortunately for Will though Mina was happily married at that time so he put any thoughts of her out of his mind. Now however Mina is nursing a broken heart and the loss of her husband who was taken away too soon by a drunk driver. Seeing that Will owns a whiskey distillery he still doesn't believe he would ever have a shot at winning Mina's heart after her experience.

One night however Will is looking out and sees a light out in the storm wondering if someone has broken down on the road. Will notices that the light seems to fall as if whoever is holding it may have gone down so he rushes out to investigate and finds Mina laying on the ground having hit her head while trying to work on her broken down car. Taking care of Mina that night gives Will the opening he'd been hoping for and next you know the two are having a mistletoe inspired Christmas fling but Mina is sure that her heart won't fall in love again and their romance is only temporary.

A Season of You by Emma Douglas is a holiday infused contemporary romance read and the second book of the Cloud Bay series. As with most romance series this book features different main characters than the first in the series and can be read as a standalone but I did notice the previous characters involved in the story so it may be better to read both in this case as there did seem to be some carry over, more so than normal anyway.

While I did enjoy the vast majority of Will and Mina's story and love the idea of bringing a character out of a mourning period there were still a few things I may have changed myself. As always with a story of this nature it seems there has to be that bit of angst and I'm not always a fan in the way it's done. Otherwise I did enjoy the book and would probably rate this one at 3.5 stars and would certainly read more by this author in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
October 3, 2017

How do you breakthrough someone’s shield when they’ve lost two people they loved dearly in their young lives? A Season Of You by Emma Douglas is an emotional story on many levels and to be honest a bit heavy, but it was well written and I did enjoy it even if it did lack the fun and excitement of the first book in their series.

At twenty-three Mina Harper has experienced more loss than someone her age should have, she lost her father, an alcoholic once famous rock star, and her husband to a drunk driver. For the last few years she has been trying to cope and find herself and painting has been her salvation. With an upcoming art show in which she is not using her father’s famous last name, but her mother’s maiden name, she wants to be known for her talent not what her father’s name can do for her. Volunteering for the island’s search and rescue keeps her busy and her beloved dog, Stewie, keeps her company along with her sister Faith and Lou, her step-mom who is more like a real mom. Other than that Mina doesn’t really do friends and she doesn’t date, she appreciates her solitude.

Will Fraser and his brother are fairly new residents to the island and have built a name for themselves with their bar, The Salt Devil Distillery, while waiting for their first batch of whiskey to finish aging that will hopefully lead to bigger and better things. For years he’s admired Mina from afar, seeing her happy with her husband and grieving after he was gone and he’s held back because he didn’t want to push her before she was ready, but when a freak accident gives him an opportunity to be there for her he takes it and realizes that the in person Mina is all that he could ever hope for if he can just break through her fortress.

This was an intense and complicated story with Will basically letting Mina set the parameters and him hoping to expand them as they went along. I’ll admit I hated that Will was so invested and was willing to let Mina discount what he knew he wanted, but I could also understand that he had hope he would be willing to make her see how good they were together. With Will owning a bar and a distillery and Mina losing both her dad and her husband to alcohol related deaths, it was an uphill battle. The thing was that time and time again Will showed Mina that he wasn’t just about the bar or about alcohol, that there were many facets to his life and that he understood her insecurities and respected her feelings.

A lot of this book centered around the Lansing Island Christmas Festival, the brainchild of the mayor, Angie, who is somewhat of a nemesis to the Harper family and from what anyone can tell it has to do with her father dating Lou, Mina’s step mom, but I have my suspicions it is way more than that and we might find that out in the next book. I found this book to be a little slower than the first one, not quite as exciting despite a couple of intense situations both Will and Mina are involved in and thus it just didn’t keep me as thoroughly engaged, but that didn’t keep me from finishing and enjoying it.

A determined hero, a reluctant heroine, the holiday season, and lots of turmoil all wrapped up made A Season of You an unconventional holiday romance.

Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
October 14, 2017
Life’s not fun when you fall in love with someone who is already in love and married! When that happened to Will Fraser five years ago he tried to forget her, even though they both lived on the same small island community, Cloud Bay. Even when the love of his life, Mina Harper, is widowed in a drunk driving accident he still doesn’t think he stands a chance. After all, her husband had been at the bar he owned and Will is also partner in a whisky making distillery. Things change, however, when he comes to her rescue in a storm and ends up taking care of her . . . . That gives him the opportunity to talk to Mina and the two start to get to know each other. As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, can the festive season bring a new beginning to these two, helping their dreams come true and bring love into their lives?

This is a delightful story of living through tragedy and heartache, making the most of opportunities, being resilient and moving forward to achieve your dreams. It is also a story of family and community, with plenty of brilliant secondary characters each adding to the atmosphere and plot. Whilst this is part of a series, I believe it works well as a standalone. It is a sweet romance, just right for curling up and enjoying during the magic of the festive season! 

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,481 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2017

Title: A Season of You
Author: Emma Douglas
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Series: Cloud Bay #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Season Of You" by Emma Douglas

My Thoughts....

This author gives the ready quite a interesting story in "A Season of You" [the second in this series] who dealt with Mina Harper who had lot her father and her husband. How will Will Fraser play in all of this? Well, he had be very fond of Mina from afar for five years, however, she was married so that was that. Now, that things were different would Mina ever be interested in Will who owned a whiskey distillery and bar with his brother and since the death of Mina's father and husband had been due to alcohol related causes. Would Mina [the widow] be able to get pass that? However, after a accident would Mina be able to see things different and overcome this apprehension that she had regarded of Will's career? Be ready for a little of 'drama, humor, second chances, love, spice and holiday hope.' Will Will be able to win Mina's heart during this holiday season in this good story of 'overcoming ones fear and allowing one to love once again?' To find out all of the answers to these questions you will have to pick up "A Season of You" to see how well this author brings it out so well to the readers in this Christmas novel.







Profile Image for Heather.
1,433 reviews26 followers
September 16, 2017
I will admit that after reading the first book in this series, Need You Now, I was intrigued as to what the future held for Mina. Mina married her high school sweetheart at 18 and lost him at 20 to a drunk driver. Since then Mina has pretty much withdrawn from life in her grief. Whereas Will has been in love with Mina since the first time he saw her. Of course, then she was a married woman and then she was a grieving widow so he never made his feelings known. However, that all changes when Mina seeks Will out to thank him for his kindness.
This was a heartwarming contemporary romance. Since Mina is not yet ready to admit that she is willing to move on from her grief, the romance between Will and Mina builds up fairly slowly. Especially since they are only giving themselves until Christmas to be together. But of course we all know what will happen at the supposed end date.
There was one plot twist with the mayor that seemed a bit out of place. Perhaps that is a lead in for the next book in the series... I guess we'll find out then.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Profile Image for Book Lover.
552 reviews43 followers
January 5, 2018
This is the second Cloud Bay book. While you can read this as a standalone, it will be a better read if read in order.

Mina Harper is the youngest daughter of the deceased rock legend, Grey Harper, of Blacklight. Because of this, she is a very wealthy young woman. She volunteers full time with the local Search and Rescue team but wants to be recognized as an artist on her own merit, not riding on the wave of her dad’s fame. Therefore, she paints and sketches secretly. She married at 18 and was widowed two years later. For the last three years, she has been lost in her grief.

Will Fraser moved to the small island off California’s coast with his brother Stefan to start a whiskey distillery. They also own and run the local bar. Will has supposedly had a thing for Mina since he first set eyes on her five years ago, even though according to Mina, they’d only interacted a few times in all those years. He’s a nice guy who wants to settle down with a family of his own.

Will finds Mina unconscious, lying in the middle of a little traveled road and rushes her to the hospital to discover she has a concussion. Because her immediate family is out of town, Will volunteers to stay with her overnight to keep an eye on her. He then finds miscellaneous reasons to run into her or spend time with her. Since a drunk driver killed Mina’s husband, she refuses to get involved with someone who makes whisky and runs a bar for a living. She’s appalled by her attraction to Will. Will was willing to take any scraps she throws his way, so he agrees to her suggestion of a time limited affair.

This book moves very slowly. There was a lot of potential here that was not developed. Will and Mina spend a lot of time in bed and very little time talking. Their issues were not addressed just glossed over. I didn’t feel the heat or their connection. The whole Angie storyline felt unfinished and underdeveloped. And what about her art exhibit? For all the hoopla made over it, we never see it happen.

I’m assuming the next book will involve the absent brother. Not sure I’m invested enough in the series to look for it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.



Profile Image for Patrice.
971 reviews46 followers
October 31, 2017
I enjoyed the writing style of this author as well as the characters (both main and secondary) and character development. This was a story that begins prior to Thanksgiving and ends at Christmas. I wouldn't say that the Christmas holiday runs the story; but, it does play a small part in the flow of the story. Cloud Bay is a fictional island off the California coast and I liked how the author wove some standard "winter" activities into the story where you would normally have to have snow. The main female character, Mina Harper, is still struggling with the tragic and untimely death of her husband from 3 years ago. Her family keeps pushing her to "get out there" and begin dating again. Mina was devastated by her husband's death and in no way does she want to feel that kind of pain again; so she simply keeps herself away from any situations that might endanger her resolve. Then fate/destiny plays her hand and takes that control away from Mina one cold, rainy night. If you want to find out what happens to Mina, you'll have to read the story ...

I received a free uncorrected galley in e-book form from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2017
'A Season of You' by Emma Douglas is Book Two in the Cloud Bay" series. This is the story of Will and Mina. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book. When will first spotted Mina he instantly fell in love with her. But she was already married so he just worshiped her from afar. Then she became a widow after her husband was involved in a drunk driving accident. So Will still feels that Mina would not be open to his feelings. When Mina gets hurt, Will is there to help her which opens Will up to the chance for Mina to get to know him.
This was another sweet romance that you won't want to put down! Loved it!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Profile Image for Carla.
7,658 reviews178 followers
July 15, 2022
This is the second book in the Cloud Bay series, but it can be read as a standalone. I did not read the first book in the series, and still enjoyed this book very much and never felt that I was missing anything. Mina Harper was happily married when her husband was killed by a drunk driver. She refuses to have anything to do with alcohol, so is surprised when she becomes friends with local bar owner, Will Fraser. Will believes in love at first sight, and has been in love with Mina for five years, but did nothing about it as she was married. Will and his brother Stefan, own the bar and have also been distilling their own whisky with their first batch finally ready to go, five years in the making. When Mina falls and injures herself on a stormy, wintry night, Will comes to the rescue taking her to the hospital and staying with her during the night when she is dealing with a concussion. Mina finds herself thinking about Will when he leaves and they become friends, eventually sharing secrets and having a Christmas fling. Will Mina be able to drop her shield that she has been protecting herself with and allow Will in, all the way in? Is a Christmas Miracle about to happen?

Mina's story is one of grief, heartache and mourning. She has shut herself away with nothing but her painting and her sister. Everyone grieves differently and for different periods of time, so I liked that no one tried to tell her she needed to get over it. Will is adorable. I like that he has pined for Mina for five years and didn't hesitate to come to her aid when needed. There is some background given about Mina's family, which I liked or I would have had a lot of questions. Mina is adamant that she and Will can be nothing more than a Christmas fling, but feelings have a habit of changing things. They are cute together, but there were times I was frustrated with Mina's reasoning. There is some angst, as all romances tend to have, but there are a lot of heartwarming moments. There are some steamy scenes which I am not a fan of, but there were few and they were not too descriptive. This was a sweet, holiday romance with good character development, an engaging plot and an uplifting ending. I will go back and read the others in the Cloud Bay series. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nina Alvamar. She did a very good job with this story. Her voices allowed me to know who was narrating or speaking, as well as adding good tone and expression. If you enjoy an uplifting, holiday romance, then I recommend A Season of You.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,684 reviews77 followers
October 13, 2017
After having read the eARC of the first book in the Cloud Bay series (Need You Now) courtesy of St Martin's Press, I couldn't wait to get a copy of A Season of You, which is the second book.

Where Faith Harper was the main character in Need You Now, A Season of You focuses on Mina, her sister. I was already familiar with Lansing Island, Cloud Bay and much of the characters' backgrounds, so I was able to concentrate on the story. Mina is the only one of the Harper siblings who is not a musician. Instead, she paints by day and works at the island's Search and Rescue station at night.

Where Cloud Bay 1 (Need You Now) took place in the summer, This book, which is book 2 in the Cloud Bay series, takes place during the winter. Or what winter a small island off the coast of California can experience. The books starts right in on the action. Mina trips and falls in the ice and snow whilst trying to change a tyre. Her family is wealthy because of Faith's father and her adopted father Grey having been lead singer in a band years ago. Since his death, the Harper family have been trying to make ends meet. Faith and Mina never see their brother Zach who left to try and make a life for himself with his band. Mina lives in the cottage at the base of the lighthouse on the island and was happily married to Adam. Now a widow, she feels alone at a time when she used to be happy. She used to love Christmas, but it has lost it's glitz and sparkle for her. Faith has her hands full organising the Christmas Festival, which will be the first of its kind on the island.

Faith takes a bit of a backseat in this book, but is there as supportive sister to Mina. Much of the book is taken up with the beginnings and development of Mina and Will's relationship. Will works at the town's boutique distillery with his twin brother Seth.

I feel like Mina needed someone else, and I'm glad she found Will. She has plenty of heart to hearts with Faith, and Will is very sensitive to her needs. There are some flashbacks to monents in book 1. Although this is the second in a series, I feel it can be read as a standalone novella. I loved the christmassy atmosphere in Cloud Bay!


Will has had feelings for Mina through her marriage to Adam and still does. Adam's death doesn't change that. Things get hot between them during Thanksgiving and New Year. A very sweet story.

Thanks to Emma Douglas and St Martin's Press for this ARC. Looking forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,174 reviews80 followers
November 30, 2017
This one just didn't work for me and I think part of it was that I never connected with Mina and the other part is that I am so tired of the friends with benefits or fling with an end date and then they fall for each other but one won't admit due to some hang-up or another. This story is exactly that and while I sympathized with Mina and understood why she didn't like alcohol her reasons for not wanting to be with Will were silly. In the end I felt like Will gave way more than Mina and her gesture at the end was too little for me. Also the pacing on this book was very slow and I found myself just wanting to get to something/anything exciting.

A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Debi Stout.
740 reviews19 followers
October 27, 2017
Lucky for me, St. Martin's also included me in on the release of this second book, so now I can share it with you.  While you can read A Season of You as a standalone, since I already knew the background, I'm betting it would be a better read all the way around if you would read them in order.  Just my opinion.

Need You Now took place in the summer, but this book takes place during the winter -- or whatever winter is experienced by a small island off the coast of California. I loved the "christmassy" atmosphere in Cloud Bay in this second book.

I will admit that after reading the first book in this series, I was really curious to see what was in store for Mina's future.  She's the youngest daughter of the deceased rock legend, Grey Harper, of the band, Blacklight.  Mina volunteers full time with the local search and rescue team, but would love to be recognized as an artist on her own merit, and not being known only as the daughter of someone famous.  She paints and sketches secretly.  Mina married her high school sweetheart at 18 and was widowed two years later as the result of a drunk driver. For the last three years, Mina has been lost in her grief. 

... And then there is Will Fraser. He moved to the small island with his brother to start a whiskey distillery and they own and operate the local bar.  He's basically a nice guy who wants to settle down and have a family. He has crushed on Mina since he first saw her five years ago.

Will finds Mina unconscious and in the middle of a little traveled road.  He rushes her to the local hospital where they learn Mina has a concussion. Her family is out of town, so Will offers to stay overnight and keep an eye on her while she recuperates from her concussion.  After that night, he finds reasons to run into Mina, but because of her husband's death, she doesn't want to be involved with anyone who runs a bar or makes whiskey for a living.  She's even upset at herself when she realizes she's attracted to him.  She suggests a "limited time" affair with Will, and he's so into her, that he agrees.

Mina and Will get their chance to have some fun and see where things go for them during the holiday season on the island.  Of course, I would have loved a "happily ever after" story, but that's just not how life is, so I appreciated the development of Will and Mina's romance in A Season Of You.  The story and the world of the Cloud Bay series is great and the smooth and "easy to read" writing makes them quick reads and not too heavy.  It looks like Faith and Mina's brother, Zach, has his own story up next, so I'm pretty excited to see how that plays out in the next book, No Place Like You, which comes out December 5, 2017!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for my participation in this post! I would like to thank St Martin's Press for allowing me the opportunity to participate, read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else!
Profile Image for Susan Gorman.
389 reviews1 follower
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November 12, 2017
A Season of You by Emma Douglas is set in the small island town of Cloud Bay during the Christmas holiday season. The characters in A Season of You appealed to me. The novel features bar owner Will Fraser and widow Mina Harper.
Will has been attracted to Mina for years. He has not acted on his feelings because he understands that Mina is still grieving for her late husband. Mina keeps busy with her family, job and her dog. Will finds an unconscious Mina by the side of the road and takes her and her dog to the local clinic. He offers to drive Mina home and stay the night. The couple begins a tentative friendship when Mina brings Will thank you cookies and discovers that her dog chewed the leather seats in Will’s car while she was in the clinic.
A talented artist, Mina has been obsessed with painting the ocean since her husband died. Mina’s work reflects her solitary nature and her deep emotional feelings about her husband’s death. The paintings depict crashing waves and stormy seas. Loved the symbolism used in the novel as there are no paintings with calm seas or people in the studio. The author crafted a perfect “AH HA” moment for Mina and a turning point in the novel when she asks Will if she can paint him.
Enjoyed the pace of the story, although there was chemistry between the couple, the romance between them developed slowly. Will let Mina set the tone and tempo of their relationship. He truly cared for Mina and did not want to rush her or make her feel uncomfortable. Emma Douglas crafted this important piece of the couple’s journey perfectly. I loved their first date- painting plywood Christmas trees and candy canes for the town’s holiday celebration. The conversations between Mina, her sister Faith and her step mother Lou were fabulously written. Am hoping the author has a story for Lou planned.
The conclusion to the novel caught me by surprise! There were several unexpected plot developments which were woven in the last few chapters. I am looking forward to seeing them resolved in the next Cloud Bay book.
I enjoyed A Season of You very much. It’s the perfect blend of romance, family, friendship and new beginnings.

Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,146 reviews31 followers
August 9, 2018

A Season of You is the second book in Emma Douglas’ Cloud Bay series. Cloud Bay is the township found on coastal California Lansing Island. This story takes place during the holiday season from midNovember to Christmas. On a dark, stormy evening in midNovember, bar and distillery owner Will Fraser sees unusual lights out his office window. When he goes to explore, he finds Rock heiress Mina Harper has taken quite a tumble in her attempt to change a flat tire in the rain. There is a gash on her head and she has lost consciousness. Will immediately loads Mina in his vintage restored Mustang, along with her lab Stewie, and heads for the emergency clinic.

With a mild concussion and a strained shoulder, Mina is released to Will with the promise that she will not be left alone that night. That is fine with Will, who has loved her from afar since the moment he saw her when he first arrived on the island. But when he learned she was married, and then she was widowed, he made no efforts since he barely knew her anyway. However, when they are put together in such a way, he is certainly going to explore where it might go.

The last thing Mina expected was the strength of her attraction to Will. When he makes a proposal that they seek their own Christmas miracle by spending time together he doesn’t initially think of the down side that this special “project” is set to be completed Christmas Day.

Mina has suffered great loss with desertion by her famous photographer mother, the death from cancer of her rockstar dad, and the death of her young husband to a drunk driver. She is just now feeling almost whole and is too wounded to risk another loss. But when the actual threat of loss rears its ugly head, there are unexpected outcomes that just may bring the Christmas miracle after all.

This is a lovely stand alone story with well formed characters in a lovely setting. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,349 reviews120 followers
October 15, 2017
A Season of You by Emma Douglas
Cloud Bay #2

On a small island off the coast of California lies Lansing Island and where the ferry lands is the town of Cloud Bay. A small island brought to the world’s attention by a rock group that settled there and created a venue for the annual rock festival “Cloud Fest”. One family, the Harpers, is at the forefront of the island and of this series – at least so far. In book one Faith Harper falls for tennis player Caleb White and breaks all of her island rules to achieve a HEA that thrills both of them. In book three it will be brother Zach and Leah who have their story told but in THIS book it is widow Mina Harper and Will Fraser who find love…eventually.

Will was smitten with love at first sight when he first saw Mina years before the story begins. Knowing that she was married kept him away and then when she was widowed young he still stayed away giving her time to grieve. When a situation occurs that has Will acting as Good Samaritan to Mina things begin to change and Mina begins to thaw.

Cloud Bay is gearing up for the Christmas holidays and that puts Will and Mina in close proximity more often than not. The two decide to spend time together BUT with a preset expiration date. There are issues Mina needs to overcome before she can fully give herself to anyone and though she is thawing she is fearful of finding and losing love again.

This was an enjoyable story with a HEA ending that also deals with one mystery mentioned in book one but hints at another as the story ends. I would love to read Stefan’s story (Will’s brother) but first the Harper’s will have their time in the limelight before more citizens of Cloud Bay have their stories told.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

Profile Image for Book Gannet.
1,572 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2017
This is my first trip to Cloud Bay and I found it a pleasant Christmas read about long-term longing and a widow coming back to life. I was a little confused at first about Mina’s mother and how that relates to her siblings (I’m still not sure about who Zach’s mother is or what Lou’s relationship with Grey was towards the end of his life), but apart from a few comments that made things a lot more complicated then they needed to be, this stands alone perfectly well.

I really liked Will. He’s a lovely guy who is warm and sweet and generous and clearly cares deeply for Mina. Yes, there’s a lot of instalove on his side – because although it’s been five years since he fell in love at first sight with her, he still doesn’t know her that well when this all begins – but I still liked him a lot and the way he cares for all those who are important to him, including his brother.

Mina I was less fond of. Yes, she is a very young widow and I sympathised with her not wanting her family to pressure her into dating again. But I didn’t like how she treated Will. Her hang ups about alcohol are understandable, but it’s only ever a weak excuse at best when it came to her not getting close to him. Then she blatantly uses him in their fling. I know Will’s a grown up and knew what he was getting into, but she also knows his feelings for her go pretty deep and takes advantage anyway.

Add in some of the things that happen towards the end – and the way it’s never actually addressed, not really – and I didn’t feel like she gave Will anything like as much as he gave her.

I was also disappointed that the action stops before the art exhibition. So much build up – and then nothing. A bit like the drama with Angie and Will’s fear of the water.

So overall I found this an okay read. The setting is nice, the characters are mostly nice, there’s Christmas and family bonds and heat in the romance, but it never quite hit the potential I felt it had. Mostly because it was good at starting things off, but weaker on the follow through.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
489 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2017
I'm not a big fan of stories with the girl afraid to love (fear of the pain of loss when the person you love leaves or dies) who strings along a really stand-up guy who cares for her and wants to be her lifetime love. In this case, I'm willing to give Mina the benefit of the doubt because she lost both her father and a husband at a very young age. When circumstances keep throwing her together with Will and she realizes she feels an attraction to the point of obsession for him, she agrees to a holiday fling. Naturally, it's complicated.
I enjoyed the events and the community and family interaction that wove together to give a satisfying and plausible story. There were surprises along the way, including the source of the intervention that finally made Mina consider the life she was choosing versus the love she was prepared to throw away. I loved the honesty of the grovel.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinion in response.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,608 reviews237 followers
October 4, 2017
Cloud Bay is a quaint town. I very much enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere of the people as well as the town. Right from the beginning, I got a good sense of who Mina and Will. I was not wrong about them. Yet, there was someone else or I should say a four legged companion of Mina's called Stewie that won my heart as well.

I loved that even though Mina lost one love, she was open and willing to find love again. Will was understanding of this and did not pressure Mina to take things fast. In fact, it was Mina that made the first move with a kiss. They made a nice couple. Although, both Mina and Will had people helping them to understand that sometimes you have to take a chance on love. The ending was what Christmas miracles are about. Plus, children say the darndest things. A Season of You is what romance novels are all about...romance, endearing characters, lovely backdrop location, good storyline, and a happy ending.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,029 reviews154 followers
October 17, 2017
A Season of You gave me another chance to see life on Cloud Bay. I was still pulled in to the small-town island life. Laughs. Drama. Holiday. This was a sweet read for the holiday season and a look at a new couple on Cloud Bay. They were not new to the area but this was a different kind of romance. There were a few hurdles to overcome. There were some feelings to share and get over. There were some past issues to resolve. Mina and Will had a chance meeting years ago and now in present day they have another meeting that results in more. Will wants that chance to have the one love he’s dreamed about. Mina wonders if her chance at true love was a one and done.

Mina and Will get their chance to have some fun and see where things go for them this holiday season on the island. If you have not read book one in this series, no worries. There was nothing significant that you would need from it to fully enjoy this read.
Profile Image for Rebecca Lyman.
785 reviews8 followers
November 22, 2020
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I really loved the cover on this book - I should've realized it was centered around Christmas but I didn't til I was already into the book. It was a great book to start getting me into the festive spirit with the holidays coming up! The Christmas contests that they participated in were super fun sounding. The characters in this book were good, Mina was a little self-destructive for me and Will definitely set himself up for failure with putting a time limit on the relationship, but they had a sweet enough romance. I think one of my favorite parts of the book was when Angie got her just desserts and got in trouble with her Dad because she was being a big big butt head. The book overall was sweet if a little cheesy for me. There was a good build up of tension but I had trouble getting into the story. I did love the Christmas festivities piece of it though! Good seasonal read.
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,729 reviews83 followers
July 24, 2018
**My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book focuses on the youngest Harper sibling, Mina and a man we first met in the first book, Will Fraser.

Mina married young and lost him in an accident near the Salt Devil to a drunk driver, however when Mina gets a lat tire and then hurts herself it is Will that rescues her and initially looks after her.

Will is a patient man and ultimately has to forgive Mina for being a little silly and welcome here back into his open arms.

We still see Faith and a little bit of Caleb in this book, and hear a little more about Lou along with Faith's friend Leah.

Another brilliantly written book and i am looking forward to reading book three.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,991 reviews173 followers
October 4, 2017
A Season of You (Cloud Bay) by Emma Douglas  
A Season of You proves the best rewards are the ones that come as a surprise. Emma Douglas guides readers through a tale of broken hearts and shattered dreams.  Mina never could have imagined her life without her one true love.  Tragedy left her a widow, can fate bring her a new beginning?  In a season of miracles and hope, two people find blessings beyond their wildest dreams. Will and Mina tug at the heartstrings while adding magic to the season.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,530 reviews
October 5, 2017
What a great book. I have not read book 1 but you don't have to, to read this book. I really like Mina and especially Will. Though have to say the way I read Mina in my mind, I picture her in her 30s not early 20s. She may be so much older sounding because all she went through in her late teens, early 20s. I liked the Christmas setting in this book. This is a Romance book set at Christmas time and even though it's only October it makes me believe in Christmas Miracles and love. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series.



*Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
October 17, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I enjoyed this book and I thought that it flowed very well.  I thought that the characters were great and worked so well together that it made the story.  This is the first book that I have read on the Cloud Bay series and am happy to say it can be read as a stand alone book but you would potentially get even more out of the series if you were to read them in order – 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 from me for this one – enjoy!!
Profile Image for Tammy.
880 reviews41 followers
September 19, 2017
Not sure where to start with A Season of You.

While I like Will and Mina I just really never connected to Mina. Poor Will tried really hard with Mina and I thought that she was hung up on some things that shouldn't have been held against Will.

There were times that I found myself skimming through the pages. I am hoping that No Place Like You (Zach & Leah's book) will be better.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
October 4, 2017
This was a good holiday romance from me. Mina lost her husband to a drunk driver and even though Will has had a crush on her for years doesn’t think he has a chance with her as he runs a whiskey distillery. When he finds her injured and her family out of town he volunteers to care for her. As they spend more time together sparks fly. Will this be a Christmas fling or something more? This read has plenty of steam, emotion and is sweet. I liked it.
413 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2017
This book has both on-screen sex and cursing (including f-bombs that start almost on the first page). If those things aren't your jam you might want to skip this one. This book is number two in a series and I have to be honest, I think not reading the first book took away from this one because there were so many names that it was impossible to keep everyone and their relationships straight. (Lou isn't Mina's mom but she *is* Faith's mom, and their dad used to be with Emma who is Mina's mom but she left her daughter behind to take photos around the world and really has no bearing on this book but gets name-dropped a lot. Grey is their dad but he is dead and now Lou is dating Angie's dad Seth which makes Angie hate Faith and Mina for being Harpers even though her anger is about Lou dating her dad and Mina isn't even blood-related to Lou...I have to be honest, it was so convoluted that I gave up trying to figure it out.

I really, really struggled with this book. It kills me to not finish a book so I stuck with this one just hoping it would get more interesting, but it never really did. The writing was good structurally, and this story had a ton of potential, but it just fell short. Every chance that this book had to be interesting (Adam's death, the entire Angie plot line, Will's fear of the water, Mina's painting, Mina's art show both in general and the secret getting out, Will & Mina's part in organizing the festival, the drama with the brother, the fire) all just fizzled out without actually doing anything. It felt like Will and Mina spent more time apart in this book instead of getting to know each other than they did together and although there was a ton of potential for interesting things to happen, nothing really does and that was very disappointing.

I was given an ARC of this story by the publisher and was under no obligation to write this review.
Profile Image for T. Rosado.
1,919 reviews60 followers
October 18, 2017

4 Stars!

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series (Need You Now,) I was intrigued by Mina's backstory and the setup of her romance with Will Fraser in this book. With knowledge of both MC's from the previous book, I already loved Will Fraser and rooted for his HEA. With widowed Mina's broken heart, he had much to overcome and fight for. Emma Douglas presented a lovely story with fun banter, sexy romance, and a very sweet ending. I have every intention of continuing in the series and reading about their brother Zach in the next book. (This is my voluntary and honest review of an advanced copy of A Season of You via the publisher and Netgalley.)
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