Een geweldig nieuw jaar

Butterfly Cove #3

by Sarah Bennett

Nu haar grote zus gaat trouwen, kan Nee natuurlijk niet wegblijven van de bruiloft. Met lood in de schoenen keert ze terug naar Butterfly Cove, nadat haar droom om in New York als kunstenares door te breken in duigen is gevallen. Want ja, natuurlijk is ze reuzeblij voor Kiki dat ze het geluk heeft gevonden met haar knappe Aaron! Alleen had ze zelf liever gehad dat hij níét de oudste broer was van Luke, de man wiens hart ze heeft gebroken. Hoe kan ze hem duidelijk maken dat dat de grootste vergissing van haar leven was?

Zo verdrietig en breekbaar heeft Luke Nee nog niet eerder gezien. Het liefst zou hij haar in zijn armen trekken om nooit meer los te laten. Maar een man heeft zo zijn trots – ze is er nota bene na hun huwelijksnacht vandoor gegaan! Gelukkig is het bijna kerst, en de magie van Kerstmis zal toch niet zomaar aan hen voorbijgaan?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Holiday, Contemporary Romance

317 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2017

About the author

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Magical, Romantic, Drama, Humour, Emotional Christmas Read!.... Highly recommend!

Wow oh wow where to start!...
First of all I want to start by saying I adore this gorgeous cover!
Second of all.... Once you open this book, prepare to become FULLY Addicted and not able to put this book down!
Thirdly i Highly recommend this book!! however... You may want to read the other books first as there is alot of characters you don't want to miss out on!

I was over the moon when HQ Digital asked me if I wanted to be part of the Blog Tour, after reading the one before I couldn't wait to be back in Butterfly Cove!

This time all the family are back together for a Big Family Christmas Weekend!
With lots of fun, games, Secret Santa, fancy dress, oh and plenty of food and Alcohol!

Nee and Luke are the main focus characters. However all the sisters and their families feature throughout the book which I adored!
I love books that feature large happy families. Especially at Christmas time! It makes me feel warm inside.

Nee left Luke just after their wedding. Luke was in bed and Nee disappeared running off to New York!

Nee is back from New York but she is broken! No longer able to produce her art she fears she will never paint again!
What happened in New York?
Why has Nee come back so heartbroken and damaged!!

Luke still loves Nee despite her leaving him in the middle of the night. He loves her and is determined to get her back!!

Oh my Gosh is Luke amazing!! He made me gush with his romantic gestures, he's strong passionate kisses, he sweeps Nee off her feet but is it enough for her??
Can Nee ever forgive herself for what she put Luke through?
Can Nee ever put her past to rest?

Nee is the youngest of the 3 sisters, as I said before she is very very damaged!
Her sisters raised her, as their mother was an alcoholic and their Dad never really had time for her.
So it's no wonder she feels like she doesn't deserve to be loved.
Things are revealed about Nee that horrified me and made me like and sympathise with her even more.
She truly is a tortured soul.
But if one person can rescue her..... it's the gorgeous, strong yet gentle Luke!!
Her Hero!!

All of the Characters are so entertaining and very likeable.

There is one new character that MUST get a mention.... TIGGER.... the adorable, loveable, scamp of a pup.
Wow I loved him!!
Kiki and the kids buy Aaron, the Pup Tigger for his birthday!
Oh my Gosh.. .. be prepared to have your heart melted when you see Aaron a Big strong man with Tigger, this tiny fragile pup. Lol Tigger has Aaron wrapped around his ickle paw hehe!!

Picture this.... it's raining heavy...xmas morning.... Tigger needs a pee.. ... Aaron tries to get Tigger to go outside but that lil scamp is having NONE of it.... so Aaron... goes and gets an UMBRELLA ..... to escort Tigger outside whilst he pees under the umbrella... LOL!!!!
I haven't laughed so much in ages.
It bought back memories of my old dog... she would never walk in puddles & if it was raining she insisted on pushing you out of the Umbrella so she stayed dry!!.... the things we do for our Fur Babies!!!!

Ok so.... Sarah has created a beautiful heartwarming and Compelling read. With loveable Characters, a couple of fantastic story lines weaved in, a beautiful Poignant story of Family, broken relationships, new relationships, New Beginnings, Love, Heartbreak, Humour, Emotion, Romance, it captures the essence of family and Christmas.

I can't wait to get back to Butterfly Cove. I really hope there is more to come!

This is the Perfect Feel Good, Cosy Christmas read! That I know I will be reading again soon!
Highly recommended with a hot chocolate and a snuggly blanket!

Enjoy!!

I received this book from the HQ Digital in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.

My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

My final visit to Butterfly Cove was a bittersweet journey. On one hand I’m deliriously happy that I was able to lose myself for a few hours in the lives of this wonderful group of people, yet on the other I’m sad that it’s time to say farewell. But Sarah Bennett has wrapped everything up beautifully, delivering a story that’s akin to a really good cuddle—you just don’t want to let go.

“She needed to find her own way to put the past behind her.”

The youngest of the Thorpe sisters, Nee, returned to the fold at the end of Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove and it was evident that she was struggling. But if anyone can get her through her difficult times it’s her sisters and their extended families...and Luke, because let’s not forget that there’s a story there too.



Oh Luke. He was the most patient, supportive, loving soul and I adored him. I have through the whole series—his close relationship with Aaron just squeezes my heart—but when the spotlight falls on him, he really shows us what he’s made of. And my heart went out to Nee as she’s hurting, filled with guilt and simply a little bit lost. But, rather than give us a heavier angsty story which this could have easily been, Sarah Bennett has once again done the very opposite, and although times haven’t been and still aren’t easy for Nee and Luke, together they can try and repair what’s been broken.

“…until the moment she stared him in the eye and told him it was over, he would fight with everything he had to reclaim her.”

This story isn’t just Luke and Nee’s though: yes they’re at the forefront but it’s very much every other character’s story too, maintaining that close family feel that has run throughout the series, as well as a wonderful festive atmosphere and humour.

“Please tell me I’m not going to have to watch you two smooching all bloody Christmas.”

This whole series has been a delight to read, it’s why Sarah Bennett has leapt onto my auto-buy list and, as the door closes on Butterfly Cove, I’m looking forward to opening a new one to Lavender Bay in 2018.

Copy received courtesy of HQDigital via NetGalley.





*Stock Images

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "It's been so long since we were all happy..." Stars!

We return to Butterfly Cove for the final installment in a series, that has put Sarah Bennett firmly on my auto-buy list.



It’s no secret that I love a good Christmas book, and getting to spend time with a group of characters that have become to feel like friends over the last year made it all the more sweeter too read. Still told from various points of view, the story mainly focuses on the broken relationship between Nee and Luke, something that as a reader, as well as the rest of the characters, we didn’t even know about until Mia and Dan’s wedding.

"There’s nothing left of the woman you knew…"

Boy, did this book put me through the emotional wringer, Nee and Luke (as well as pretty much everyone else in the book) are characters that you cannot help but like, if you have read the previous books (and you really, really should) you know that like her sisters her childhood wasn’t what could be considered normal, with an alcoholic mother and an emotionally closed off father the girls had to fend for themselves and be each other’s support network, but being the youngest meant that she was left alone for a number of years as her siblings married and moved on with their lives.

Twenty-four was too damn young to feel this old.

Art became her way of expressing herself, and it is ultimately what broke the budding relationship between her and Luke. Something which, as the book progresses you are given the reasons for the actions she took.

Nee was his wife, and until the moment she stared him in the eye and told him it was over, he would fight with everything he had to reclaim her…

Christmas is a time for family and coming together, and pretty much everyone you have come to know and love from the previous books plays a part in helping this couple work through their issues, in an attempt to resurrect their relationship, you know that they both love each other deeply, but with everything that has happened since Nee left for New York, you do wonder if their relationship can survive the fall-out.

"Give me until the New Year…"

I think Sarah has topped my author discovery of 2017 list with this final book in the Butterfly Cove series. Right from the get-go with Sunrise at Butterfly Cove I was drawn into the world she had created, my love was solidified with Wedding bells at Butterfly Cove in that the characters just felt real, familiar and welcoming, and with Christmas at Butterfly Cove the author has given me a series that I know I will go back and re-read again, and again in the future. I hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters though, I think they are primed for a catch up Christmas novella in 2018, and I can only hope the author/publisher make my wishes come true in that respect.

"We’ve come so far in twelve short months."

The author moves to Lavender Bay in 2018, and I am eager to find out what stories and characters she has lined up for us to meet next.

Family, love, hope, friendship, unity.

ARC generously provided via netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (Comments frustration) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Family*

This is the last instalment of the Butterfly Cove series. Each book in the trilogy concentrates on each sister. Mia the eldest. Kiki in the middle and Nee the youngest. This time although the other characters feature the main characters are Nee the youngest sister of Mia and Kiki and Luke the younger brother of Aaron. They met and it quickly became a whirlwind relationship that saw them getting married on impulse. Nee is an artist who has been hankering for her dream job. The day after the marriage she receives a message that her dream job has come up in America. She leaves Luke asleep and goes on her travels without a word.

She never takes any of his calls and that was that in her mind although she cannot get him out of her mind. When her eldest sister Mia is due to get married Nee decides to go. It is not until she arrives that she runs straight into Luke. He has been distraught as she was the one for him. And to bump into her is more than she or Luke can take. No-one knew about the marriage and that she was there was a connection.

There is drama, soul searching, tears and a surprise for someone as Christmas approaches will Luke and Nee sort out their feelings and we find out why she left America and it is the reason that she has stopped painting.

All in all it was a cozy read that melted my heart.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in a series, I read the second, Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove and found it to be such a fun, engaging and lighthearted read. This book focuses on Nee, the first two focused on her sisters, Mia and Kiki and I was eager to learn more about her this time around. She made a brief appearance alongside her estranged husband, Luke in the previous book and it was clear they had some unresolved issues to work through…

One of my favorite things about this series and Bennett’s style is the heavy focus on strong family bonds and overall sense of hope and there was much of that here as well. These characters are all so lovely and sweet, I found myself really drawn to each and every one of them and was wishing I could meet them for real. Nee and Luke were adorable together even when they weren’t actually together and I couldn’t wait for them to both get it together and find their way to each other again. Checking in on the other couples was also a treat, Kiki and Aaron and Mia and Daniel were also endearing and oh so cute, I can’t get enough of these wonderful characters and their lives!

This was a hopelessly romantic read as all three sisters are in love and there’s the added bonus of this being a Christmas read which always warms my heart. The setting of Butterfly Cove is charming, quaint and utterly delightful making this one cozy and sweet read that will definitely make you smile!

All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful visit back to Butterfly Cove in this the third book in the series.
The youngest of the three sisters,this is Nee's story. She left her bridegroom Luke in the middle of the night to further her art career. When she returns home she won't tell anyone what happened to her but she has had a very traumatic experience that has left her broken. She simply can't pick up her paint brushes and her enthusiasm for art has left her. After having an alcoholic mother and a father who was too busy for her when she was growing up she doesn't feel deserving of love from Luke her bridegroom. Luke has to be the sweetest most romantic man though. He wants a marriage with Nee and forgives her for leaving him. Butterfly Cove is a delightful place to visit and I am sad to see this series come to an end but look forward to the author's next work.
Pub Date 06 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy. It works well as stand alone as the author gives plenty of background on events in the previous two novels. This is probably my only criticism with this book, in my opinion there was too much, meaning it detracted from Nee and Luke’s story and took me longer than usual to fully settle into the book. Other than that though, I really enjoyed it.

I have really fallen in love with Butterfly Cove over the course of the trilogy, so was great to be back there again and catch up with all the characters. The stars of the book, have to be Kiki’s children, even though they don’t play a massive role in this book, they are still so adorable and I especially loved the parts with them in.

Each book concentrates on each sister, Having read and enjoyed Mia and Kiki’s stories, I was looking forward to getting to find out more about the remaining sister, Nee. As with the other sisters, I loved getting to know her as well as find out more about her past. It sure makes for some intriguing reading and I really enjoyed the connection between her and Luke.

Christmas At Butterfly Cove was an enjoyable festive read, spent with characters, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know over the course of the books. It’s really made me look forward to Christmas and spending it with the people I care about. The romance is brimming over the pages and really gives you that warm, cosy feeling inside. A wonderfully heart warming read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Absolutely loved the finale to the book which brought a good series to a lovely ending. However despite it only being a few months since I read book 2, I struggled with this third Butterfly Cove book.

I found there were all these recurring characters from the first two books and although I remembered the main characters, its was all the family members and friends and how belong to who, and where and why, and bits of back story that were hinted at, but not enough of a reminder in it to help me out - and this is as someone that should know the relevant back story.

I believe this is a book that is best read straight after the previous one in order to get that much needed continuity with it.

That being said it was good to catch up with Mia and Kiki, but I felt that for a book that should have been focusing on getting to know Nee and Luke, that I struggled to connect with them, as there was just so much on all the other characters.

Kiki's childrens were some of my favourite characters yet again, Matty and Charlie are just adorable and the latest addition to their family is incredibly cute too. i also loved the new development with Mia and Daniel, but Lee and Nee I still don't feel like I know that well.

Lovely to be back at Butterfly Cove, but ultimately to me this is the weakest of the three books in this series. There is a good story to it and if my memory for the other books had been stronger then I may have enjoyed it a lot more. Was a quick book to read and it does touch on some deep subjects, especially in Nee's backstory but I would have perhaps like to see more of Nee generally.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to reading this as loved the first two in the series and it certainly didn't let me down at all it was lovely to go back to butterfly cove at Christmas and hear more about the characters. Full of love and families at a special time of year. An excellent feel good festive read. Nee returned to butterfly cove and was faced with her own bridegroom right at the end of the last book she left him in the middle of the night but can she rebuild her life with him or not is there heartbreak on the way. She decides to come to her sisters for Christmas and spend it with family but of course Luke will be there can they sort things out and will she be able to get back to painting or will things get in the way. We also hear about Mia and she wasn't expecting to get the news she was pregnant is it what they both want or not. This is an excellent read and highly recommend it.

[Aneesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review thank you to HQ Digital

As some of you may know I am currently about 5 and half months pregnant. Pregnancy is not what I expected it to be, I haven't been able to read as much as I would like to. I know it might sound cliché but you know one of those feelings where you wish for a miracle to drop out of the sky well this is one of those moments. Unexpectedly, the lovely people at HQ Digital dropped it in the form of this fabulous book (thank you Anna!).

I love the month of December, not just because everyone is very festive but some of the most strangest and magical moments seem to happen in this month (and well also because I happen to turn 24 in a matter of days). I have read a lot of Christmas theme books throughout the years, I don't just enjoy them in this month but I love to read them throughout the year, this book was so unexpected I can't stop gushing about how much I am in love with Nee and Luke.

Nee is becoming an enigma in the art world, specifically in sculpture. She doesn't have the best family life with her mum becoming an alcoholic and a father locked in his study but she does have the best sisters who care and nurture her in to a confident young woman. That is until she meets Luke, he loves and recreates those moments she missed out in childhood. Those magical months turn in to a happy marriage so what exactly goes wrong for Nee when it seems she has everything? Only one way to find out 😉

Luke is a sweetheart, he has a good relationship with his parents and a very strong bond with his brother Aaron. With the love of his life vanished from his fingers he becomes angry and a little bitter towards the mention of Nee (but that is only a cover up as he still loves her).

I particularly enjoyed finding out the twists in each of the family members life especially with Aaron and his mother it is one I never saw coming but it kept me hooked to the book.

Sarah Bennett truly does a tremendous job at creating such loveable and true to self characters, not only do you see yourself in each of them but at some point of your life, each of us had made that mistake on the turn of the moment without actually realising the consequences only in the end you seem to have lost a piece of yourself. My reflection with Nee was exactly like that, I could see myself making those mistakes today where you wish you could turn time around and change your decision.

I haven't read any of Sarah's previous novels but I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely be on the lookout for more thoughtful and festive stories.

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[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book!!! It was such a heartfelt story. Full of pain, love, and anger. Everyone is back at Butterfly Cove again. But things are not at a happy place at this time and troubles are on the horizon. Nee is back from New York. She is withdrawn, lost, a shell of the vibrant person she was. Broken. Everyone is on edge with her return as they are unsure how to handle the interaction between Nee and Luke.

Luke is still angry at Nee for leaving and some harsh words have been said, but Nee admitted to him that leaving was the worst mistake she ever made. Is this true? Can he forgive? Will she tell him why she left? Will she talk about what happened to her in New York?

These characters have us wrapped around their fingers. They have so much love to give and that does not change in this book. The show the true meaning of family and the strength that family gives to one another in a time of need. This story focuses on Nee and Luke. Nee is really lost and broken inside and unable to come out from the vortex of betrayal and hurt that is swallowing her whole. Luke is worried about her and he is not going to give up on her. He is a wonderful man and has a good strong character, so full of love.

This story is a bundle of emotions. You have the joy of Christmas with family and friends. You also have the pain and turmoil of someone you love who has lost their way. You have the love of husbands who would sacrifice anything for their wives. You have the healing process of abuse and cruelty like nothing you have ever seen. This series is amazing with all it’s tales of love, hurt, loss and the bond. Sarah has really wrapped up the Butterfly gang in a nice Christmas Bow. She really wrote a wonderful ending to her stories of Butterfly Cove. I will miss my friends at the Butterfly Cove. But is nice to know that they will be ok.

[Lucy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable series, I have loved them all

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

The third book in the trilogy set in the picturesque Butterfly Cove focuses on the youngest Thorpe sister Eirene (Nee) Thorpe and the younger Spenser brother Luke. Now if you haven't read the two previous books you will miss out on some valuable back-story to these two. Basically they met, had a whirlwind courtship and got married on a whim. On the morning after their wedding Nee got a once in a lifetime opportunity to study with one of the most lauded artists of the modern era, Devin Rees, in New York. But Devin wanted 100% commitment and Nee had to go immediately. Already feeling some of the 'marry in haste repent at leisure' blues, Nee convinces herself that their marriage was a whim and leaves without a word.

Now Nee is back in England, broken and discovers that Luke is her brother-in-law's step-brother - awkward!

As the three Thorpe sisters prepare to spend Christmas and New Year in Butterfly Cove can Nee and Luke move past their history and find love again?

Nee has lost her mojo and doesn't think she can ever paint again. Without her art she is just a pale shadow of her former self. Although Luke is angry that Nee left him without a word he can see that she is hurting and he knows that he still loves her. But if he takes her back can he ever really forgive her or will it fester?

Whilst I enjoyed this, it felt a little bit like a novella which had been stretched out, maybe because Christmas stories so often are novellas rather than full-length novels? Maybe the novel should have started with a flashback to when Luke and Nee first met and then go to New York with her?

Anyway, this is a Christmas like I always imagined, lots of family and friends in a big house. Tons of food and games and fancy dress. Of course there is also drama, tantrums and arguments - it wouldn't be Christmas otherwise!

A fitting end to a charming trilogy where three sisters eventually find love and happiness.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
When talented artist Nee Sutherland returns to Butterfly Cove for her sister’s wedding, it’s only a matter of time before she has to face her own bridegroom – Luke Spenser – the man she impulsively married, then left in the middle of the night.
Nee hasn’t picked up her paintbrushes in months, a part of her is broken. She knows Luke might never forgive her, leaving him was the biggest mistake of her life – but could coming home for Christmas be the best decision she’s ever made?
Maybe all she needs is a little Christmas miracle…

My Thoughts :
This is the third and final book in the Butterfly Cove series.
In the first two books we focused on sisters, Mia and Kiki. Here in the third we focus on Nee and her relationship with Luke and weather it can be saved after Nee walks out on him. They are so good together but Nee’s emotions and feeling are all over the place, but Christmas is as good a time as any to repair their relationship and put the past behind them.
We also get to revist the charactors from the previous stories and its so nice to be back in familiar Butterfly Cove. With a few surprises in store throughout, this series goes out on a high with it being Christmas. Im sad to see the series come to an end.
Sarah Bennett has written a delightful series which has been heart warming to read and get engrossed in.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first two books in the Butterfly Cove series - Sunrise at Butterfly Cove and Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove, Click Here to read my reviews - so was eager to get stuck in Christmas at Butterfly Cove, the third and final book.

Primarily this novel focuses on Nee and Luke - to recap, Nee is the youngest sister to Mia and Kiki and Luke is Aaron's brother, Aaron is best buddies with Daniel
Mia and Kiki are settled in Butterfly Cove with Daniel and Aaron respectively and of course Kiki's two children, Charlie and Matty.

Christmas at Butterfly Cove picks up with Mia and Kiki closing down the guest house and cafe for the winter months, Nee is still with them having arrived in the summer but is at a lost as to what to do with her life... whatever happened to her in New York has resulted in her no longer having the ability to pursue her art career and it certainly wasn't worth her running away from her newly wed husband in the middle of the night.

Luke on the other hand is angry with Nee despite still loving her, and when the girls' mother sadly passes away he turns up to be there for Nee, giving them both hope that they can salvage their marriage.
As Luke hatches a plan to convince Nee they are meant to be together, Christmas draws closer and the gang - along with the familiar and lovable sub characters from the previous two stories - all return to Mia's home in Butterfly Cove.

Just when you think things are going well for Luke and Nee, something happens to push them apart once again keeping the reader interested as Christmas passes and New Year approaches.

What I love about Sarah's writing is her ability to centre the story around Luke and Nee yet bringing us right up to date with Mia/Daniel and Kiki/Aaron with snippets and small chapter sections of their lives - and boy, is there some news to catch up on.

As before, Charlie and Matty play great roles tugging on your heart strings, and Meddling Madeline is still being her usual caring, loving, but interfering old self which brings some light relief and humour to the book.

I shall be sad not to be returning back to Butterfly Cove - the idyllic location and easy to read style has made this a thoroughly enjoyable trilogy - however I'm already looking forward to Sarah's next book, Spring at Lavender Bay.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nee arrived for her sister Mia's wedding it was obvious to her sisters Mia and Kiki that there was something very badly wrong with her - what had gone so bad in New York that she had given up her art altogether and what was her connection to Luke, Aaron's brother.

Gradually we find out what went wrong in New York and why she walked out on Luke the day after she married him, but in the build up to Christmas can Luke put things right and get her to open up and put the past behind her.

A lovely book and it is great the be back in Butterfly Cove and see the continuing stories from the previous books. I loved all of the characters and it is sad saying goodbye to them but definitely a series that I would recommend

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Butterfly Cove is a heartwarming tale of second chances. Nee Sutherland about broke my heart. Luckily Luke Spenser has the tenacity of a bulldog and the heart of a lion. Speaking of bulldogs I think Tigger (a brindle bulldog puppy) may have been the perfect comedic relief. Each of the Butterfly Cove books alone is enough to get your heart going but I think this is my favorite to date. Pour yourself a glass of wine, grab some tissues and spend Christmas at Butterfly Cove. You will be glad you did.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt realise this book was part of a series, with this story being number 3. Although the book was a nice Christmas read, I felt I needed to have read the other 2 books to understand a lot of missing information about all the characters.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Butterfly Cove is the third in the Butterfly Cove series by Sarah Bennett. Each book so far has followed a different sister and now it is the turn of Nee to share her story. Rather than each book being a rehash of the one before with the story just being told from a different characters viewpoint, each book has brought the reader a fresh perspective and continued the story on rather than going back on old ground. Although the first book, Sunrise at Butterfly Cove following Mia, still remains my favourite this new Christmas book would come a close second.

If the cover alone wasn't inviting enough than definitely Butterfly Cove, the guest house and the newly established artists studios and teashop would make you want to visit. Sarah Bennett has done such a wonderful job of creating a setting and characters that you fervently wished were real. I can picture each area quite clearly in my head and just like for each of the sisters Butterfly Cove becomes a refuge and sanctuary away from their worldly problems. To be honest, that's exactly what I have felt this series for the most part has done for me. It has provided me with some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life and given me the opportunity to switch off and relax and enjoy a very well written story.

Our attention with book three turns to Nee Thorpe. The term struggling artist couldn't be more apt for her except for the fact it's not the money for her art she is struggling to earn, rather she can't produce any pieces at all at the moment. Her love of art and her creative flair has very much deserted her. She is hoping that her stay with her sisters and the most wonderful time of year will help get things flowing again. The reasons behind this loss of something she has loved for so long are not directly revealed to the reader straight away, more so we are drip fed little clues here and there as to what is the cause of this deep unhappiness facing Nee.

From the outset it was evident that Nee was in a very bad place, both professionally and personally, and when the reasons become crystal clear no one could blame her for feeling this way. One wonders will Butterfly Cove work its magic on Nee just as it did on her sister Mia and Kiki? Butterfly House is a place to heal, to take stock of everything and think how can I solve my problems? Is there a way to overcome what appears to be an insurmountable mountain? If it worked for Mia and Kiki surely Nee will find it just as easy? The only problem is one of the factors in her unhappiness is right at her doorstep. Her husband Luke is right where she never expected him to be. Right there at Butterfly House as he is the brother of Aaron Spenser, who is currently dating Kiki, and best friend of Daniel who is married to Mia.

Nee left her marriage to Luke without a word or backward glance so to say things are awkward between the couple would be an understatement. I really thought Nee was very selfish just to abandon ship and leave Luke floundering without telling him why she was leaving their marriage. Surely you don't just walk out without explaining or even discussing it to see can anything be salvaged? I really thought this would want to be a very good reason just to sacrifice a marriage so easily as it was evident for most of the book that these two really needed to be together. Their love for each other was there for the reader to see but I suppose faced with a situation as Nee was, one has to leave and sort out their own heart and mind before they can face their partner and confront their fears, worries and problems.

Nee very much kept her sisters at arms length and wouldn't talk about anything. I could see both Kiki and Mia wanted to offer help and solace to Nee but she wasn't having any of it. At times I felt she was a bit woe is me and before the truth was revealed I thought hold up a minute you created the situation you are in by leaving the kind, supportive man that was Luke and now people want help and you just keep shutting them out. Nee returned from New York a complete and utter mess, she is full of melancholy and sadness. But as being with her family and with so many new friends around maybe now she will begin to realise her mistake in making such a rash and abrupt decision she questions is it too late? Can Luke forgive her? Can they find their way back to happiness and contentment?

I loved Luke as a character. I felt he was full of strength and courage and he knew his own mind. He had a deep love for Nee and was clearly hurt by her actions. If it had been long term problems and endless fights I felt he would have come to terms with things and accepted that Nee was gone for good. But that wasn't the case and his spirit and love for Nee was to be admired. Initially I think he was too sacred too probe too deep and find out what was causing Nee so much anguish that she felt the need to up sticks and run but love will always win out and I am glad he persisted and kept going and never gave up on the woman whom he held so dear to his heart. I thought it was fantastic he gave Nee the space she needed but yet if at any point she reached out to him in any way shape or form no matter how small he would come running and be there for her. In any other relationship I would have said she had him wrapped around her finger but here this response to a call for help was genuine and filled with passion, care and the need to see a person come through a tough time and emerge stronger through the other side.

I enjoyed how the overall story developed and the fact we also got to keep an eye on what Mia and Daniel and Kiki and Aaron were up to. Seeing their relationships further develop was a joy to read. The scenes in the last part of the book featuring Christmas and a few surprises were truly magical and I could picture it all so clearly in my head. The latter half of the book really show cased how important the bonds of family really are and that Mia and her surrounding family members and friends are so close knit and that they will always look out for each other. I hoped everyone involved would have a positive, fairytale happy ending.

The common thread running through all three books is without doubt one overcoming every obstacle placed in your way to accept and embrace love. Family, friendship and happiness. Now having read all three books I feel these elements have definitely come full circle and what started with Mia's story has been satisfyingly concluded with Nee's. Butterfly Cove is a place which helps people to grow and change. They come seeking refuge and solace and often they don't know how they will find those things but the characters are allowed to be free and develop for themselves with a little help from neighbours and new found friends.

The series as a whole was excellent and it was brilliant that the reader could enjoy all three parts stretched over the course of a year rather than waiting a year at a time for each instalment. Sarah Bennett has done a fantastic job with crafting the most suitable story for each sister when at the time of reading you feel so close to each one as we navigate our way through the hardships they are dealing with. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters and Butterfly Cove but I feel their story has now been told and it finished in the most perfect way. Now my attention will certainly turn to an entirely new setting and cast of characters in February 2018 when Spring at Lavendar Bay is published. If it's anything as good as the Butterfly Cove series I know I am in for a real treat as Sarah Bennett as been a delightful new author to discover this year.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it's time to give up on Christmas romances, because every one I read is just cheesy and lame. This was my second try of the year, and I pushed through it just to have it done, but I wouldn't recommend it. Granted, this is the third of a collection, but it says it works as a standalone novel, and I felt that I was missing the backstory to make the storyline and romance have any power. The characters were just okay, and the challenges to Nee and Luke's relationship felt fabricated.

2.5 stars. Ugh.

[Rachel (Rae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Christmas at Butterfly Cove is part of a series but I would still class it as a standalone story. However you really are missing out on something pretty special if you don't start right at the beginning of this gorgeous series. I can't begin to describe how much I have loved this series from the characters to the storylines. There have been so many moments of love and heartbreak but also joy that just shows the journey that this group of friends and family have been on. From the start of every book I was hoping for their happy ending that they definitely deserved. There are so many positives to not just this story but all three that I can only recommend that you pick them up for yourself to experience it all fully.

I have to admit to feeling a little sad that this was the last story and that's because after reading these wonderful books the characters feel almost like good friends. It was particularly easy to become absorbed into Christmas at Butterfly Cove and that is mainly down to Nee and Luke. There is a sadness to Nee's character that made her so vulnerable along with the added mystery to the reasons behind some of Nee's choices that I was desperate to understand. As the reader you can feel how torn she is and that her emotions are all over the place. I have to say that Luke is pretty perfect and I loved his determined nature. He shares a loving relationship with his brother Aaron, I was always smiling when they were together it felt like such a natural sibling relationship with banter on the surface but love there too. Luke and Nee share a wonderful chemistry that made me hopeful that they could work through their differences and find a way back to each other.

There were moments where I couldn't help myself and I ended up a bit teary eyed. This just shows how well Sarah Bennett has written her characters giving me an emotional attachment to their situations. There are happy moments and sad moments but all perfectly balanced to bring this gorgeous story completely together. If you're like me who tends to be pretty emotional you will find yourself laughing but on occasion a few tears might fall too. There is that special feeling of hope that is perfect for any time of the year not just Christmas.

Guaranteed to melt your heart with beautifully written characters along with a story that will make you sigh with happiness!

With thanks to Jenny at Neverland Blog Tours for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas at butterfly cove-Sarah Bennett

This is another Christmas light read from Netgalley.

I found this book initially difficult to get into, as it was #3 of a series, so I was on a stiff gradient of catchup with the characters. There was suitable explanation of who everyone was, but it was necessarily compact, not wishing to bore the readers who had already finished the previous books in the series.

I was determined not to let this deter me, and pushed through. The book has a large collection of central and secondary characters, only possible in a huge tome or a series. The book centres on 3 sisters, Nee, Kiki and Mia, who have fallen in love with brothers Aaron and Luke and their best friend, Daniel. it being Christmas all of the parents and pseudo-parents are involved too.

I would presume novels #1 and #2 covered Mia and then Kiki's love lives, probably in that order, as Kiki was proposed to at Mia's wedding. This novel therefore, focused on Nee. She had married Luke previously but abandoned him virtually on their wedding night, to take up an offer of a sponsorship with a renowned artist in New York.

After virtually disappearing for most of a year, Nee reappears at Mia's weddin, but something terrible has happened, she is a shell of her former self. This story follows Luke's desperate plan to throw a huge family christmas, and win her back.

Having so many characters, it makes the story very complex in parts. I don't imagine there were so many in the previous stories. This therefore was a big challenge to the author, Sarah Bennett, but I felt she handled it well. Each character felt believable and the story kept moving.

Being set in the artist colony of Butterfly cove added to the feel-good character of the book. It did have a vague unreal fantasy feel to it, but that is not necessarily a problem with this type of book.

Sarah Bennett has written 4 chick lit novels now. She is a British writer, not to be confused with the American author of the same name.

I would recommend this book to read, but probably best to start at the beginning and read 'Sunrise at Butterfly Cove' first.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas at butterfly cove is the third book in the butterfly cove series.

This book sees all the beloved characters in the first two books in this last instalment and it is so lovely to catch up with old friends and find out what they have all been up too.

Mia and Kiki are closing down the cafe for the winter months, when it is quite as no visitor will be arriving. Nee is still living with them and is at a loss as to what to do with her life.

Luke is still in love with Nee and when he turns up after a family bereavement is set to making Nee fall in love with him. Once again. Just as you think things are turning out well for Luke and Nee disaster struck again and things again take a rocky road.

Charlie, Matty and Madeline are still the loveable characters that we know so well and keep providing comic releaf to the story.

It has been really lovely to get to know all these wonderful characters and find out all about their lives. Being their for all their ups and downs and experiencing life in butterfly cove has been wonderful. It will be sad to not have another book with these beloved characters. But it will be wonderfully to read Sarah's new books Spring at Lavender lane. If you are chicklit and romance fan then I am certain that you will highly enjoy this wonderful series.

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book from Butterfly Cove series. In this book, the story concentrates more on Nee and Luke.

Luke and Nee got married in a spare moment. On the night of their wedding Nee receives an email from an art school she has applied months before. With a very intense push from a school's famous artist Devin Rees, Nee leaves her husband in the morning and takes the next flight to NY. However, the life in New York did turn out the way Nee had hoped. Instead of learning from "most lauded artists", she ended up fixing his work. One night, Nee was invited by Devin into his apartment, drugged and raped. Next morning, she was dismissed from her school. Weeks after an incident, Nee returns back to Butterfly Cove, however, everyone has noticed the change in her, and most importantly - she stops painting. However with a help of her "husband", sisters and close friends, Nee is on a mission to "find" herself again. And the final step for new Nee is to make amends with her husband. During new years night, Luke and Nee renew their vows and start New Year as Mr.&Mrs. Spencer.

My advice - if you want to read this book, read the first two books of the series first. As I later discovered, there is more to the story of the characters that were presented in this book.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final episode set in Butterfly Cove. Sarah has such a natural style of writing that ensures you as a reader are right in the crux of the action so I would recommend reading the previous two books just to get yourself acquainted with the family. There are quite a few characters to get your head around.

This time the feature is on Nee as she returns, there are obvious issues with her, she is no longer the confident girl from New York, her confidence is shattered after leaving her new hubby Luke in the middle of the night.

Christmas at Butterfly Cove focuses strongly on family bonds, the three sisters, their respective partners and kids all blend together and try to resolve life and create happiness.

It’s like being in the middle of a gossip session listening in to all the news. Christmas adds the warmth to the story along with some light-hearted humour to counteract the angst.

A brilliant end to the series. I will be sad to say goodbye to the residents of the picturesque Butterfly Cove.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Neverland Blog Tours for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Kaveesha Bandara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 /5

This is the third instalment of the Butterfly Cove series and a continuation of the story of the three sisters—Mia, Kiki, and Nee—even though this book focuses more on Nee's life. The story follows Nee Sutherland, a talented artist who returns to Butterfly Cove for her sister's wedding. This reunion forces her to face Luke Spenser, the man she impulsively married and then left in the middle of the night.

The characters are well developed and bring the appropriate emotional depth to make the story more engaging. This novel contains a diverse cast of characters who add warmth, depth, and unique perspectives to the narrative, enriching the small-town charm of Butterfly Cove. I especially loved how the author highlights the importance of close-knit families and the support they offer one another.

This book is a heartwarming, feel-good read that I would highly recommend to fans of second-chance romances and cozy, community-driven stories—especially during the festive season.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would strongly advise reading the other two books first, they are beautifully written and once again the most emotional one saved until last.

I loved this book, the last of the Sisters Nee, and Luke, the brother of Arron from book 2, it was an emotional roller coaster, as they were already married but no one knew, then she upped and left him without a word, not seeing him again until her sister's wedding. They needed time together and apart to mend her and their relationship.

You can't help falling in love with this Christmas story, all the characters from the other books feature prominently, make you feel like you are sharing Christmas with them at Butterfly Cove, one big family all coming together to enjoy the celebrations and all of the romance which warms your heart.

A great end to the series!

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
I really loved the storyline, the characters and the Christmas feeling laced into it.
Nee Sutherland returns to Butterfly Cove for her sister's wedding and to face her own husband Luke, who she married and then left in the middle of the night.
The story follows Nee and Luke as they try to understand what has happened to Nee since then and how to fix their broken marriage.
I thought the story was sweet and the supporting characters were great.
I listened to an audiobook of this and wished I had not. I don't know if it was a cultural disconnect or the narrator of this book, but I felt like the male lead did not match my expectation to the emotion of the book - it just wasn't translating, and the tone was not there given the heavier topic that was in the book.
Outside of the narration, the book was well written and I enjoyed the storyline.

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

הספר השלישי בסדרת Butterfly Cove, ההמשך של "Sunrise at Butterfly Cove" ו-"Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove".
ני, אחותן הקטנה של מיה וקיקי, היא אמנית, שנסעה לניו יורק לאחר שהתקבלה ללימו��ים במוסד יוקרתי ללימודי אמנות.
ני מגיעה לאכסניה לביקור לכבוד החתונה של מיה ודניאל, ואז מסתברים כמה דברים - ני היא שבר כלי, הצל של עצמה, וכנראה חוותה משהו טראומטי בניו יורק שהיא מסרבת לדבר עליו ובגללו גם הפסיקה ליצור, ואין לה כוונה לחזור לניו יורק. בנוסף לכך, לפני הנסיעה לניו יורק, ני הייתה בזוגיות עם לוק, אחיו של ארון, חברו הטוב של דניאל, ללא ידיעת שתי המשפחות, ונטשה אותו לטובת לימודי האמנות מבלי להסביר את עצמה ומבלי לשמור איתו על קשר לאחר מכן, ושברה את ליבו.
לוק וני נפגשים שוב באכסניה לאחר שנה שלא היו בקשר באשמתה של ני. לוק דווקא היה רוצה לסלוח לה ולהמשיך הלאה, אבל ני צריכה קודם לשקם את עצמה.
גם הספר הזה, שסוגר את הסדרה, היה מרגש ונוגע ללב. נהניתי מאוד מהסדרה וחבל שאין בה עוד ספרים. הייתי שמחה לדעת מה קרה אחר כך עם הדמויות.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a previous book in this series I was prepared to settle in and escape to Butterfly Cove. The characters are so enticing that time spent with them is precious. While the beginning of this installment has a darker feeling than previous books in the series, I had expectations of troubles being worked out. The author, Sarah Bennett, does not solve difficulties quickly or too lightly. We all know emotions can be more tender around holidays as well.

Your emotions will get a roller coaster work out as the entire extended family gathers and secrets and surprises are revealed. Although we are sad to leave Butterfly Cove, we feel confident good things are going to happen. Even when future troubles arise, the people we love there will care for each other.
A bitter sweet holiday experience.