Once a Hero

Band of Brothers #2

by Barbara Ankrum

After nine, lonely years as a military wife, Holly McGuire has returned to her late husband’s home town of Marietta, Montana, to finally close that chapter of her life and begin again. She’s spent the last year rediscovering herself and she’s sworn off military men. All she wants is a child of on her own—no strings attached. But her plans are threatened when old, unwanted sparks ignite between her and her husband’s one-time best friend.

Buttoning up the past isn’t what Trey Reyes has in mind when he welcomes Holly to town. Secretly in love with her since day one, his old vow to his friend to watch over her, come what may, doesn’t include enabling a terrible idea. As the men of their old unit—the Band of Brothers—gather to honor her husband, Trey must take one last stand to win her heart and prove Holly wrong about him. Christmas in Marietta, with all the trimmings, may be just the ticket.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Christmas, Amazon, Holiday

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2017

About the author

Barbara Ankrum grew up in Upstate New York, training to be a ballerina, but secretly dreaming of being an actress. Her first fangirl crush on Haley Mills led her to practice her British accent on unsuspecting store clerks, and she dreamed of co-starring in the remake of THE MOONSPINNERS. Because she was also a compulsive reader, she discovered that the film was based on a book by the fabulous Mary Stewart, which led to Barbara's lifelong obsession with romantic fiction.

Since Haley Mills was, sadly, not in the market for a co-star, Barbara pursued a degree in English Literature from the University of Tennessee. And when that degree, predictably, led to unemployment, she pulled up her socks and moved to Hollywood where she built a career as a successful commercial actress while raising two amazing (now grown) children with her sweet husband.

Writing romance came naturally from all that reading and the down time between auditions. Once she sold her first book, she said farewell to Hollywood-Land and never looked back. In between writing novels, she got her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard and optioned a few screenplays. But her first love is, and always will be, romance.

Barbara's emotional, character driven, adventurous historicals (Wild Western Hearts series), her sexy, romantic suspense for Harlequin and her funny, heartwarming contemporaries for Tule Publishing, offer a little something for everyone. Twice nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award, and her contemporary romance, Holiday Hearts, was made into a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Christmas movie! Today, she lives in Texas with her husband and a scruffy, adorable rescue dog.

Please visit her on:
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Website: www.barbaraankrum.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BarbaraAnkrum

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Magic is a sweet, sentimental holiday story.



After a year of traveling per her late husband's last wishes, Holly has come to Marietta to perform her final goodbye to her husband, along with his SEAL teammates. But, her main agenda is to meet up with Mick, one of her husband's teammates, and hopefully they'll start in on her plan to have him knock her up. She doesn't figure on her plan going awry, thanks to Mick and Trey (another teammate) having other ideas of who should be the one to spend time with her. Trey has been in love with Holly ever since his best friend married her, and now that she's been single for a year, he's hoping he'll have his chance to make his move. Her little plan with Mick might put a crimp in his plan, but he's not one to shy away now that Holly's single.

Throw in some slightly fantastical elements like seeing Trey's abuelita's spirit/ghost, with her giving them a nudge along the right relationship path, and A Little Christmas Magic is a sweet piece of holiday goodness. The reason I didn't rate it higher? I never connected with Holly for some reason, and I wanted more relationship development between Holly and Trey, something with a bit more substance. Also, a slight niggle here, but an important one - Trey, Tommy (Holly's husband), Mick, Paul and Jase are all Navy SEALs but in A Little Christmas Magic, SEAL(s) was never written in the correct all capitalization. The way the author spells it denotes them as being marine mammals, and I know that wasn't her intention. SEAL stands for SEa, Air, Land, so when it's spelled as "seal" or "Seal" it's incorrect and a little jarring. Considering that the men were all SEAL teammates, I would have thought that the author would have made sure to spell this title correctly. Aside from these few reasons, though, I enjoyed A Little Christmas Magic for what it is - sweet, if a little dull, but a nice holiday story.

I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written: November 2, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

Barbara Ankrum is one of my favorite Marietta authors and she delivers yet again with A Little Christmas Magic. Trey Reyes played a huge role for the Canaday family and now we get his HEA with this lovely Christmas themed story.

Trey has been in love with his best friend's wife forever, but she's off-limits. At least, she was off-limits. He's dead now and she has faithfully followed his last request of her and now she wants what her husband never gave her - a child. To that end, she's enlisted one of her husband's mates to help her with that. Except, the one she's enlisted is not Trey!

With a little help from the "Band of Brothers", a child with Down syndrome, and a Christmas spirit, Trey and Holly find their way to each other. This is a truly heartwarming story with so much love just spilling off the pages. Trey and Holly are wonderful characters just coming into their own and struggling with secrets and feelings. The holidays are so much better with loved ones and that's only part of the beauty of this story.

The "Band of Brothers" minus one (the reclusive one whose story I want pronto) and Holly manage to make it a Christmas to remember despite the pain of loss and the uncertainty of new love. The magic of the season and a spirit filled with love only add to this story.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading about the rest of the guys and Ankrum has once again done it!

This review is ©November 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas story to love! A Little Christmas Magic features, among other things, an angel who kisses babies into the world, which I thought was a lovely idea. Mind you, the angel is not the star of this show.
Widow Holly McGuire has wanted a baby for years, something her deceased husband Tommy was unwilling to give her. She’s also harboured a crush on Tommy’s close friend Trey Reyes, though she’s always been faithful and has never considered acting on her feelings. Trey has been secretly in love wth Holly for years but like her he’s remained faithful to his friend Tommy and hidden his feelings.
Respect, loyalty and faith are central themes in this story. Author Barbara Ankrum has addressed these issues well, examining when it might be OK to betray a confidence or to lie by omission, and how that might affect a relationship.
Ultimately though, this is a lovely light small town Christmas romance which was a joy to read. I love the setting - Marietta Montana would have to be one of my favourite ever story locations. I loved the pacing, which kept me involved throughout, and I loved the way the story unfolded.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum

Marietta, Montana is a place that one can expect the unexpected…ghosts, magic, true love and more. In this holiday story Holly McGuire and Trey Reyes star and do find their way to a HEA.

Holly loved her husband Tommy and stayed with him through thick and thin giving up some of her dreams along the way. Having fulfilled her husband’s last request as mentioned in his will she is finally ready to move on and fulfill her biggest dream of all – to be a mother. Tommy’s compatriots from the military are a “band of brothers” and come together to send him off with Holly – in Marietta – where anything can happen.

Trey Reyes, one of the “brothers” has loved Holly since the first time he set eyes on her BUT he kept his longings to himself for nearly a decade. Knowing she was coming to town his agenda had more to do with wooing and winning Holly than saying goodbye to Tommy. With a bit of help from Mick (another brother) and some magical happenings there is hope for him and Holly in spite of a bit of a glitch.

Heartwarming, perhaps a bit predictable and definitely logic defying this is a fun holiday story that makes me want to read more about Marietta and all that can happen there. I wonder if more of the “brothers” will have stories of their own?

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book

A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum. More happens than she expected when Holly brings together her deceased husband's Navy Seal's Band of Brothers to take care of the last of his ashes. A heart-warming story that I enjoyed. I hope there will be more with this characters in future stories.

[Runner10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Ankrum writes a heartwarming story perfect for the Christmas season. A Little Christmas Magic is set in lovely Marietta, Montana. Ankrum captures the beauty of Montana and the magic of Christmas. It truly is the time for miracles and love. This book is the perfect combination of romance and the Christmas season .

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Christmas story of starting over. Holly was married for nine years to the military and now she is ready to lay her husband to rest and start over. The one thing she has always wanted is a baby, no strings attached. She has returned to Marietta for her last journey, when she runs into her husband's best friend, Trey and sparks fly. Trey has always had feelings for Holly. Now with the little magic of Christmas make their dreams come true.

Great characters that show so much emotion. Great to catch up with Canadays. Love Christmas in Marietta!!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/28/2020)! 🎁

[Kimberley O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series on book 2. I will be going back for one and then on to the rest. The author has created an amazing cast of alpha males who are flawed but lovable.

[Book Reading Gals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A Little Christmas Magic

Series: n/a
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Barbara Ankrum

Genre: Romance, Holiday

Blurb: After nine, lonely years as a military wife, Holly McGuire has returned to her late husband’s home town of Marietta, Montana, to finally close that chapter of her life and begin again. She’s spent the last year rediscovering herself and she’s sworn off military men. All she wants is a child of on her own—no strings attached. But her plans are threatened when old, unwanted sparks ignite between her and her husband’s one-time best friend.

Buttoning up the past isn’t what Trey Reyes has in mind when he welcomes Holly to town. Secretly in love with her since day one, his old vow to his friend to watch over her, come what may, doesn’t include enabling a terrible idea. As the men of their old unit—the Band of Brothers—gather to honor her husband, Trey must take one last stand to win her heart and prove Holly wrong about him. Christmas in Marietta, with all the trimmings, may be just the ticket.

Favorite quote(s)/excerpt(s): “Really?” she said to the sky. “Really? That’s your message? Bird poop?”

“See, she’s a widow now. And suddenly free. Something I never expected would happen.”

Holly blinked. Then blanched. What?

“Never in a thousand years would I have made a move on he, because her husband was my best friend. For years.”

“Trey-“

“I don’t even think she knew how I felt about her. All those years. All the times I thought about her, wondered about if things had been different. If her husband weren’t so careless with her heart. If she ever would have considered falling for another ex-soldier after the one she married.”

She sat her wineglass down. Oh my God.

“I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’,” he went on. “Even though I knew she loved him, she had a rough time. She may even be off relationships entirely.”

Holly swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Okay, before I jump to any stupid conclusion here about who ‘she’ is-“

He turned towards her, making her feel small with his size. “Go ahead. Jump. It’s you.”

Thoughts: I love the raw emotion and angst of a forbidden romance – particularly when one of the characters has been eating their heart out over the other for years. Even better if the other character was completely clueless to that fact. Holly was also loyal to a fault, which made her an amazingly likeable character. The author managed to thrown in a unique situation to complicate things a little further and to throw these two lovebirds together – Holly wants a baby. After trying to convince her husband for years to have a baby – and finally resigning herself to a life of not having one and spending a year fulfilling her husband’s last dying wishes – she decides to take matters into her own hands. She picks one of the men her husband trusted with his life – and the kicker is that it’s not Trey. Rather she picks the one most likely to leave her to the role of single mother without becoming invested himself. Trey’s not about to let that happen – not when he’s been in love with Holly for years. Will a Christmas miracle bring them together?

The book was a little dry in the beginning, but the emotions slowly started seeping in and before you know it your caught up in their story.

The perfect read for this holiday season!

Rating: A-/B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

[Hopeless Romantic Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh secretly in love with my best friend's wife.

This kind of story attracts me as i enjoy friends to lovers themes. The characters are meant to be, i like the respect and self control they have for each other and Holly's late husband. Trey is a perfect gentleman and he deserve the woman he has been dreaming for. We can't choose who we fall in love with but we can decide to allow time to dictate if indeed we belong to that person and if he or she belongs to you. I truly appreciate the brotherhood among soldiers and their bond that goes beyond duty.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Everyone has dreams, not everyone’s dreams come true exactly as they envisioned. Holly had dreams realized in her marriage to a wonderful man. The reality was that they weren’t often in the same place at the same time. She’d married a military man, a man who in many ways answered to his own drum. So one of Holly’s biggest dreams never was realized before her husband’s death. Now after mourning the loss of a very special man from her life Holly is heading to Marietta, Montana. She has a plan, not one that everyone would agree with but she’s determined to get that one dream fully realized. It just might be that her dreams come true in a way she wasn’t expecting or considering. And maybe, with a little unseen help, Holly will get exactly what she desires this Christmas season.

A Little Christmas Magic is an emotional, touching story that really could be told during any season of the year. It has depth, understanding and possibilities that many couples would do just about anything to see come true. That it is based around Christmas time simply opens up possibilities to step back from what one perceives as fact and simply believe in those possibilities.

If you’ve followed The Canadays of Montana series then you’ve met Trey as a secondary character often. Seeing him get his own well deserved happy future was a special treat for me. It’s a strong and honorable man who loves a woman, and steps aside for her own happiness. Now with the chance for something more between Holly and Trey, he’s not going to give up so easily this time.

Love comes in so many shapes, sizes and personalities of people. One little girl is about to play a part in Trey and Holly’s happiness. You’ll fall in love, and perhaps believe in unseen forces at work. Never give up on second chances, they’re all around us. I loved this “band of brothers” and I cannot wait to revisit them again – soon.

I loved this story and would happily recommend it to any reader who loves a deep, rich story with characters who soon feel like old friends.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum
After nine, lonely years as a military wife, widow Holly McGuire has returned to her late husband’s home town of Marietta, Montana, to finally close that chapter of her life and begin again. She’s spent the last year rediscovering herself and she’s sworn off military men. All she wants is a child of on her own—no strings attached. But her plans are threatened when old, unwanted sparks ignite between her and her husband’s one-time best friend.
Buttoning up the past isn’t what Trey Reyes has in mind when he welcomes Holly to town. Secretly in love with her since day one, his old vow to his friend to watch over her, come what may, doesn’t include enabling a terrible idea. As the men of their old unit—the Band of Brothers—gather to honor her husband, Trey must take one last stand to win her heart and prove Holly wrong about him. Christmas in Marietta, with all the trimmings, may be just the ticket.
this is Trey Reyes and Holly McGuire's story.
“Here we are, lady,” the taxi driver called over his shoulder as the Christmas decorations lighting up Main Street Marietta came into view. “Where do you want me to drop you?” She hadn’t expected to feel nervous at seeing Trey again.
Trey Reyes set aside his cold to-go coffee cup and glanced at his watch. 6:37 p.m. Holly was almost forty minutes late. Or maybe she’d changed her mind altogether. After all, Marietta, Montana was a long way from…wherever she’d been in the world, and even farther from whatever promise she’d made to her late, great, maniac of a husband, Tommy “Tomahawk” McGuire
A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Barbara's Books with Tule:
A Cowboy to Remember
Big Marietta Fair
The Canadays of Montana


Choose Me, Cowboy
The 77th Copper Mountain Rodeo
The Canadays of Montana

The Christmas Wish
The Canadays of Montana


A Cowboy to Keep
The Canadays of Montana


A Little Christmas Magic

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like strong, sensitive male characters then this is the book for you. Trey, the main male character, has quietly desired his friend's wife for over eight years. Although it is never said how Tommy, his fellow SEAL, died, Trey feels this is his second chance to tell Tommy's widow , Holly, how he really feels about her and maybe they can create a life for themselves in beautiful Marietta, Montana. Trey has invited his fellow SEALS, who are all great guys and very loyal to one another and Holly, up to his home for a visit a few days before Christmas, to have a final farewell to Tommy. Meanwhile, Holly has her own reasons for traveling to Montana, but doesn't reveal those reasons to Trey. It a lovely story that plays out at Christmas time and we all know that there's plenty of room in our romance novels for magic to happen at this time of the year. The story is very sweet, not a lot of sex for those that prefer their novels to be a little less risque. There are a few questions by this reader as to why the ex-in-laws are so much against Holly and also, as I mentioned before, how did Tommy die? But these questions are not so important that they take away from the storyline. I would like to read more of the other SEALS stories and I am sure Ms Ankrum has either written a story for each of them already or will get around to writing them.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this touching military romance, Holly is older and wiser having endured 9 years of marriage to a man she loved, but who wasn't husband material. She has decided to do what's right for Holly and make her own dreams come true, but not before completing the quest her late husband's will sent her on. As Holly follows the letter of her husband's will to complete the tasks set before her, she finds that she has more backbone and gumption than she ever thought. What she didn't expect was Trey upsetting the apple cart and making her re-examine all her old feelings for him. Nevertheless, Trey still fits the military mould, and Holly doesn't want anything military in her future. Ms Ankrum very ably brings out the depth of emotions experienced by both Holly and Trey as they work through the push and pull of their attraction for one another, combined with the feelings of guilt over secrets they are keeping. What they needed was a touch of magic and Christmas in Marietta has that in spades. This novelette is well written and touched my heart, making me feel the romance and the magic and I felt myself rooting for both Trey and Holly as they struggled with their feelings. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum. After the death of her husband, Tommy, and a year of scattering his ashes around the world, Holly McGuire returns to his home town of Marietta, Montana hoping to find closure and a new start to her life. The tight group of guys who served with her husband, the Band of Brothers, agreed to meet in Marietta, staying at the Marietta home of Trey Reyes as they honor Tommy. Trey promised Tommy to watch over Holly if anything happened to him. Trey and Holly have had a secret attraction for each other, which neither would act on while Holly was married. Now that Tommy is gone, can these two allow themselves a chance at happiness together, acting on their spark of attraction? Hopefully, the magic of Marietta along with it being Christmas time will help these two find the answers they need.

I really loved enjoyed this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading this book in one day. Ms. Ankrum drew me in and did not let go until I read the last page. I loved these two characters as they worked to find happiness in their lives. I recommend this book to other readers and cannot wait for Ms. Ankrum’s next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this feel-good story about two people who’ve known each other for a long time and are now faced with important decisions about their lives and future.
I liked how both main characters take a long, hard look at themselves, learn with their pasts and their mistakes, acknowledge their feelings for one another and imagine themselves in a better place and as better people if they were to be together.
Trey is such an awesome hero, honorable, a steady person but with a bit of pain and some flaws.
On the other hand, Holly is dealing with a rather crucial decision.
Through both their eyes, Tommy, the late husband and friend, becomes a flesh-and-bone character too.
There’s a cast of great secondary characters too, some of which are demanding their own story.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect way to begin the Christmas season celebration, a truly wonderful feel good story. As far as second chance at love stories go, this one hits the mark on joy, love, romance, miracles, and the magic that continues in the town of Marietta, Montana.

Trey and Holly's story is filled with genuine longing and healing for loves lost and the loves that come next to be brighter and better in so many ways. There are "pull at your heartstrings" moments, but also humor, wit and banter, and the joy of families...both of blood and not, bringing the joy into the Christmas season.

The messages in the story are many, foremost is our gratitude to those who have served in the military and what possibilities are afforded after they come home. There is a lot packed into this story, all leaving a lasting impression long after the story is over.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and very enjoyable story. Loved these characters and their story made for a very relaxing afternoon read.

Holly McGuire spent many years alone and lonely as her husband first served in the military then spent most of his time off on one adventure after another. He'd always promise to settle down and start a family but that time never came. After one of his adventures became deadly, Holly has spent the last year on an adventure of her own. Now she's ready to settle down and start that family. All on her own. Well except for that one little thing she needs a man for but she has a plan for that. All she has to do is get through the visit to Marietta without Trey Reyes finding out her plan. While she would love to have Trey involved she knows Trey is not a man that would walk away and let her raise the child on her own. Can she pull this miracle off??

Definitely a recommended read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Magic by Barbara Ankrum is as much a story of recovery, defining one’s self and eagerly looking to the future as it is a Christmas story. The opening airport scene drew me into the story though I knew that this was not really a suspense book. It still gave me lots of questions that I wanted answered by the end of the book. By the time Trey and Holly meet up in Marietta, I could see where this story was going. From then on, it was how would Trey win Holly over before it was too late. The town of Marietta does it magic once again.

A Little Christmas Magic is a different sort of Christmas book but not without the Christmas spirit and magic eluded to in the title. It kept me reading with the strong cast of characters, and its smooth pacing, never dull but not action-packed but just right. Hopefully more from the “Band of Brothers” will have their own stories.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Band of Brothers is reuniting. It’s Christmastime and everyone is heading for Marietta, Montana, to Trey’s new home. It’s been almost a year since they’ve seen one another and while this is a happy reunion, there is a very serious purpose to meeting in Marietta. This will be a final goodbye.

It also may be a final chance for a future for Trey and Holly. He finds out (ok, he’s told) about a plan that Holly has hatched and he has exactly one week to convince her that plan is all wrong. Can he do it? Trey and Holly are about to find out secrets that each of them has been holding onto and deciding how to move forward.

Once a Hero is the second in the Band of Brothers series and it’s the HEA for the younger Reyes brother. It’s a story with a lot of heart, a lot of fun, and a lot of soul searching. I’m not sure I liked it better than Unsung Hero, but I certainly liked it just as much!

[Margaret Sholders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara writes good books! I grab every one that I find. This is as good or better! I will say I believe this story. Trey is working in Marietta after coming home from SEALs. He has put out a note to come for a reunion. Holly is a military widow. She followed her dead husband's last wish.Now she is sad and she is glad because he wouldn't give her a child. She went around the world to leave his ashes. Her mother in law detests her. Holly gave her some more of Tommy. Trey has his boys. They still call him a hero as he saved them in the Battle! Holly wants a child and wants to find a man to give her one. Trey loves her since she hadn't married yet. She wanted to wed Tommy but likes Trey. They are getting ready for Christmas and there will be some special things for you to find. I would recommend this book for anyone! Don't let this book get away! Check it out! Enjoy reading this book!

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a unique story.

Holly goes back to her husband’s hometown in the hopes of getting pregnant. But it was such a strange situation. Women don’t usually choose their husband’s former friend to have a baby with. And even if they do, it’s done through IVF, not sex. I found that part of the story really odd and hard to believe.

Another part that was hard to believe was the angel/ghost who visited. Even when the identity of the woman was revealed, it was still unbelievable. It was also a little creepy since the woman knew so much about Holly.

However, the Christmas spirit was alive in this story. It’s a time for coming together. All the people from Holly’s husband’s life were brought together for the holiday season in this holiday story.

I received this book on NetGalley.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly has spent the past year traveling the world honoring her late husband's final instructions and rediscovering the person she lost in nine lonely years of marriage to a man more interested in chasing the next adventure than being a husband and father. Her last stop is her husband's hometown of Marietta where the plan is to meet up with his best friends and say their final good-byes. It's also the place she will put into motion her plan to be a mother, and she has chosen the friend least likely to want to interfere. She just needs to keep Trey from finding out what she plans.
Trey Reyes has found his home in Marietta, and he hardly dares to hope that he may have a chance for a future with his best friend's widow. There has always been a simmering attraction that both ignored, and now, if he needs to chance to probe that she should take a chance on the whole package, with him.
I really loved this story. Both these characters have been through so much and deserve their own HEA. Trey has popped up in other Marietta stories, and it was great to find out more about him. Holly was loyal to her husband, to the end, despite having to give up so many of her dreams.
The supporting characters added to the story, full of love and loyalty, with a hint of magic. I really hope to see the Band of Brothers, as well as Holly's sister-in-law, in future stories.
This was a wonderful holiday story to read curled up with a warm drink and a fuzzy blanket.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christmas second chance romance. I received a copy of this book from Ebook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Holly has done everything that her belated husband, Tommy has asked her to do. Holly has spent the last year traveling around the world spreading his ashes in places that he had been and it has changed her. Now she is in Marietta to spread Tommy’s ashes with his former Band of Brothers. Trey, who now lives in Marietta, has been in love with Holly for years, but has never acted on it because she was married to his best friend. Now, he hopes that he has a chance. I enjoyed this book very much and hope there will be more stories about this Band of Brothers

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Magic is about more than just Christmas. It shows the recovery and rediscovery after losing a loved one. Holly made sure that she followed all of her late husband’s wishes and now is going to meet up with his ‘brothers’ to honor his life. Then she is going to put her wants first; she wants to be a mother. Trey has opened his home for the gathering and has a plan to try to win the heart of the woman he has loved since day one, his best friend's girl. But now since he is no longer around and he made a promise to take care of her, that is what he hopes to be able to do. What will happen with Holly and Trey's plans? Will either get what they want? I enjoyed reading this story, and I definitely recommend it.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seal Secrets

Navy Seals have bonds closer than blood, long after their tour of duty ends. So when the widow of one of their unit returns after fulfilling her husband's dying wish with an unfulfilled wish of her own, to have a baby. The one she picks turns to his old commander, well aware he has carried a torch for her for years. So as their Seal reunion begins, they secretly thwart her plans, as one lie leads to the next.
This is a great series. Bonds of brotherhood are strong, relationships are complex, and emotions run high. As their attraction grows, catastrophe threatens, for secrets never stay hidden long. But there are angels among us, and something about this small town brings true loves together

[Kristy Loftis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly McGuire has spent a year travelling the world as her late husbands final wishes. As the last part of her journey she is headed to Marietta Montana to meet up with his old Marine brothers. Trey Reyes is anxious for Holly to arrive in Montana and is hoping to win her heart by the end of her visit. Holly is only looking for one thing and its not love, but a baby of her own. Holly and Trey have been attracted to one another for years but never acted on it. Can the two find a future together or is Trey too much like her late husband.
I loved this book! Holly and Trey's characters were perfect! The story telling made me feel like i was there in Montana.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story with a lot of “buts, what ifs, and darn its” throughout.
Holly McGuire arrived in the small town of Marietta, Montana to meet up with friends of her deceased husband in order to spread his ashes on the Montana soil he loved. She also has a plan for one of the guys to fulfill her desire to finally become a mother. Trey Reyes, one of the friends, has long loved Holly and is hoping this will be his opportunity to open Holly’s eyes and heart to him. There is a full blown desire in each of then but her plans are set and she cannot see Trey as the one to fulfill them and walk away. With the help of a mysterious older woman, though, I might just happen anyway.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful second chance at love and life story. I fell in love with Holly, Trey, the whole group of them. I thought this was a powerful story about learning to live again, taking control of your life, and moving forward to go after what you have always wanted – all with a heart-warming holiday aspect. Once I started this, I couldn’t put it down until the very end. I hope we get a story for each of the “Band of Brothers”.

This was my first book by Barbara Ankrum and I look forward to reading more.

"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review."