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Homecomings and Holidays #2
Finding Mrs. Klaus
Holly “Jolly” Murphy and “Christmas” Carol O’Connor are best friends. Holly is the Meathead to Carol’s Archie Bunker. The one thing Holly has always desired is a family. For years, Carol called Holly, Santa Klaus—a hopeless romantic who believed in Christmas magic. Heartbreak and disappointment have turned the once, Holly Jolly, into a bit of a Grinch. Carol tries to convince her best friend to go in search of Mrs. Klaus, someone who can restore Holly’s hope and Christmas spirit. Holly opts for the company of her faithful Jack Russell Terrier, Potter. Love guarantees loss, and Holly has no desire to experience heartbreak again. But when Carol dies, life for Holly takes more than a few unexpected turns. On a walk with Potter to clear her head, Holly meets a little girl named Ali. Potter’s immediate affection for the youngster is rivaled only by Holly’s curiosity about Ali’s mom, Delaney. A new friendship is welcome. Romance? Love? Holly gave up on those ideals long ago—or has she?
Navigating the sea of grief amid growing affection for Delaney will prove challenging for Holly. Can Holly learn to let go and love again? With the help of her friend, Mo, and a few gentle nudges from Carol’s voice, Holly might find her Christmas spirit again.
We only grieve because we have loved. Holly Murphy is about to discover that there is one thing more magical than being Santa; Finding Mrs. Klaus.
Navigating the sea of grief amid growing affection for Delaney will prove challenging for Holly. Can Holly learn to let go and love again? With the help of her friend, Mo, and a few gentle nudges from Carol’s voice, Holly might find her Christmas spirit again.
We only grieve because we have loved. Holly Murphy is about to discover that there is one thing more magical than being Santa; Finding Mrs. Klaus.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2020
67 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 31, 2020
I have to start out by saying that my 16 year old jack russell terrier died two months ago and then my grandma died a week ago. So it probably wasn’t a great time to read a book that features a jack russell terrier and death/grief.
Holly’s best friend dies a little bit before Christmas and she’s struggling with that. She meets Delaney and her daughter out on a walk one day with her dog, Potter.
The romance in this was sweet. I felt like it was very rushed but I also got the feeling a lot happened off page so I didn’t feel like I witnessed the real development of their relationship, which kind of sucks because that’s the part I really enjoy.
This isn’t just about the romance. This is also Holly’s story of mourning her best friend and learning to live with it and moving on. There are several flashback scenes and inner monologues that include Carol, the best friend.
I had a few issues with the editing and typos. Also, there were a few places where I couldn’t tell who was talking/which POV we were in. I found myself having to read some sentences a couple of times.
It’s a different holiday story, and a good one, but I don’t think I’d recommend it for someone that is dealing with loss right now.
Holly’s best friend dies a little bit before Christmas and she’s struggling with that. She meets Delaney and her daughter out on a walk one day with her dog, Potter.
The romance in this was sweet. I felt like it was very rushed but I also got the feeling a lot happened off page so I didn’t feel like I witnessed the real development of their relationship, which kind of sucks because that’s the part I really enjoy.
This isn’t just about the romance. This is also Holly’s story of mourning her best friend and learning to live with it and moving on. There are several flashback scenes and inner monologues that include Carol, the best friend.
I had a few issues with the editing and typos. Also, there were a few places where I couldn’t tell who was talking/which POV we were in. I found myself having to read some sentences a couple of times.
It’s a different holiday story, and a good one, but I don’t think I’d recommend it for someone that is dealing with loss right now.
December 8, 2020
A very different tone of festive read on Kindle Unlimited - centred around grief and hurt - but also overcoming it and moving on, living in the moment, not being afraid etc - it's one I would recommend!
Throughout the story our MC Holly (45) is reminiscing and also grieving for the loss of her long time best friend, Carol who passed away unexpectedly just a few months before Christmas. She had been there for Holly throughout breakups and all the ups and downs of life, and vice versa she was there for her for the same. There was never anything romantic about their connection, but they had a strong friendship of soul sisters, with a banter that was lively and honest. Carol had a positivity and humour about her that was infectious. Her loss is felt deeply by not just Holly, but also Carol's room mate, Mo/Maureen who Carol had been having a casual affair with and the 3 of them were all great friends.
That very much sets the tone for the entire book, which some people may not like, but for me I thought it was touching. Holly meets Delaney a 43 year old single Mother of a 7 year old daughter, Ali, who ends up adoring Holly's Jack Russell dog named Potter. They become fast friends, and there's a strong attraction between Holly and Delaney.
Delaney is also trying to come to terms with her own grief, of her father passing and also the father of her child dying unexpectedly... even though they hadn't been together, they were good friends and committed to co-parenting Ali.
I love that Delaney and Holly have deep and meaningful conversations about the losses they've experienced and are not shallow people. They are both people looking for substance and something more, and find that in each other. They are honest about their fears and vulnerabilities, and while their connection may move a little fast, I think it works because of the tone of loss in the story. Where neither want to have to adhere to some rubbish 'societal norm' of 'going slow' when they are positive about how they feel and just want to embrace those good feelings and find themselves both so determined to be real and there for each other and make the most of their love.
It was really touching, but I can see how it might not be for everyone. I personally appreciated this story of difference with honesty and love at it's core.
Throughout the story our MC Holly (45) is reminiscing and also grieving for the loss of her long time best friend, Carol who passed away unexpectedly just a few months before Christmas. She had been there for Holly throughout breakups and all the ups and downs of life, and vice versa she was there for her for the same. There was never anything romantic about their connection, but they had a strong friendship of soul sisters, with a banter that was lively and honest. Carol had a positivity and humour about her that was infectious. Her loss is felt deeply by not just Holly, but also Carol's room mate, Mo/Maureen who Carol had been having a casual affair with and the 3 of them were all great friends.
That very much sets the tone for the entire book, which some people may not like, but for me I thought it was touching. Holly meets Delaney a 43 year old single Mother of a 7 year old daughter, Ali, who ends up adoring Holly's Jack Russell dog named Potter. They become fast friends, and there's a strong attraction between Holly and Delaney.
Delaney is also trying to come to terms with her own grief, of her father passing and also the father of her child dying unexpectedly... even though they hadn't been together, they were good friends and committed to co-parenting Ali.
I love that Delaney and Holly have deep and meaningful conversations about the losses they've experienced and are not shallow people. They are both people looking for substance and something more, and find that in each other. They are honest about their fears and vulnerabilities, and while their connection may move a little fast, I think it works because of the tone of loss in the story. Where neither want to have to adhere to some rubbish 'societal norm' of 'going slow' when they are positive about how they feel and just want to embrace those good feelings and find themselves both so determined to be real and there for each other and make the most of their love.
It was really touching, but I can see how it might not be for everyone. I personally appreciated this story of difference with honesty and love at it's core.
January 5, 2023
A different holiday romance. Holly Murphy (45) is still reeling after the loss of her best friend Carol a few months before Christmas. They had been best friends (and nothing more) through most of their lives. Holly still talks to Carol daily and in these conversations you get a lot of Carol’s back story and experiences. While walking her Jack Russel Potter (so cute), Carol meets Delaney (43) a single mother of seven year old Ali. There is strong attraction between the two. Ali and her fondness for helping walk Potter is an easy excuse to get to know each other.
Delaney has her own grief. She was divorced from Ali’s father but they were friends and co-parenting Ali together. He died unexpectedly a few years before. Grief doesn’t bring them together but gives them richer understanding of one another. Even though the connection seems quick, the honest conversations and unexpected commonality gives greater depth to the romance. I love that it addresses the guilt of finding happiness when grieving.
I enjoy Armstrong’s writing and like that though this isn’t a light romance. Love is going to win and be embraced. I did find the jumping into the conversations with Carol a little confusing. Some were present day conversations about Delaney and feelings, but others were past memories and experiences they had shared. So there is back and forth in time frame that isn’t always clear but has to be sifted.
Delaney has her own grief. She was divorced from Ali’s father but they were friends and co-parenting Ali together. He died unexpectedly a few years before. Grief doesn’t bring them together but gives them richer understanding of one another. Even though the connection seems quick, the honest conversations and unexpected commonality gives greater depth to the romance. I love that it addresses the guilt of finding happiness when grieving.
I enjoy Armstrong’s writing and like that though this isn’t a light romance. Love is going to win and be embraced. I did find the jumping into the conversations with Carol a little confusing. Some were present day conversations about Delaney and feelings, but others were past memories and experiences they had shared. So there is back and forth in time frame that isn’t always clear but has to be sifted.
June 20, 2020
A quirky short novel that rotates around the conversations with a dead woman - best friend and, another person, lover. Main Characters are well written but all a little insubstantial.
February 4, 2020
Moments are what make up a lifetime.
Holly has lost so much but in a moment loss and love live embraced. Delaney and Ali are a unexpected moment on a walk with Potter. The moments of life bring both joy and sorrow. Embracing all the moments fill the human life with a soulful ache. Oh this is such a beautiful story. The brilliant cast of characters. The dialogue that makes you laugh, cry, ache in your soul. The characters were were so real and much like life. The author tackles such difficult, heart wrenching moments with a love that makes everything ok. I can find enough word to say how much I love this story. May we always see the moments that make up a extraordinary life.
Holly has lost so much but in a moment loss and love live embraced. Delaney and Ali are a unexpected moment on a walk with Potter. The moments of life bring both joy and sorrow. Embracing all the moments fill the human life with a soulful ache. Oh this is such a beautiful story. The brilliant cast of characters. The dialogue that makes you laugh, cry, ache in your soul. The characters were were so real and much like life. The author tackles such difficult, heart wrenching moments with a love that makes everything ok. I can find enough word to say how much I love this story. May we always see the moments that make up a extraordinary life.
February 7, 2020
Perfectly AMAZING
I was waiting for this book and what an amazing story. So many emotions so much love, pain and hope. It fulfilled me with so many emotions and thoughts that sometimes I had to stop reading so to absorb what was happening. A story that has been written with so much passion and self knowledge from J.A Armstrong which targeted straight at my heart and mind. Just PERFECT.
I was waiting for this book and what an amazing story. So many emotions so much love, pain and hope. It fulfilled me with so many emotions and thoughts that sometimes I had to stop reading so to absorb what was happening. A story that has been written with so much passion and self knowledge from J.A Armstrong which targeted straight at my heart and mind. Just PERFECT.
May 4, 2020
Never fails!
To make me laugh. Armstrong's books are always light hearted despite an underlying seriousness about them. I can always relate to them.
It's quirky and true. I'm sure a few sequels would be awesome.
I read it because I too love Christmas, but have fallen out of love with it recently. Yep, life happens.
It's a really easy light hearted read. It made me laugh, smile but mostly remember and wish things were different.
Loved it.
To make me laugh. Armstrong's books are always light hearted despite an underlying seriousness about them. I can always relate to them.
It's quirky and true. I'm sure a few sequels would be awesome.
I read it because I too love Christmas, but have fallen out of love with it recently. Yep, life happens.
It's a really easy light hearted read. It made me laugh, smile but mostly remember and wish things were different.
Loved it.
February 23, 2020
All of it
It made me laugh ( a lot), it made me cry ( a little) and it made me wish I had a best friend like Carol. It's a story about love and laughter, life and death. Sometimes it's hard,sometimes it's not. But no matter what, it's ever changing. All you can do is try to keep up.
It made me laugh ( a lot), it made me cry ( a little) and it made me wish I had a best friend like Carol. It's a story about love and laughter, life and death. Sometimes it's hard,sometimes it's not. But no matter what, it's ever changing. All you can do is try to keep up.
February 1, 2021
Considering that this is a Christmas romance, a fairly short read and has a very peppy cover we were expecting a light, hot, romantic read. But this one proved to be quite different from our expectations.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
August 30, 2020
Outstanding!
I loved this tale of love and loss and life. It really resonated with my experiences. Sometimes the hardest thing to do after a traumatic loss is to open yourself up again to love, but without doing just that, you never really live your life. Put this book on your list read list!
I loved this tale of love and loss and life. It really resonated with my experiences. Sometimes the hardest thing to do after a traumatic loss is to open yourself up again to love, but without doing just that, you never really live your life. Put this book on your list read list!
January 6, 2021
This story is so interesting, emotional, funny and beautiful and is sure to tug on your heartstrings for many reasons. When Holly takes her dog Potter on a walk one day, she meets Delaney with her young daughter Ali. While Delaney and Holly might have felt a connection, Ali and Potter were instantly smitten. Between the little girl's delightfully contagious laughter and the dog's exuberant tail wagging, there was no doubt they were made for each other and their interactions throughout the story couldn't have been cuter!!! The relationship between the two moms took longer to develop, but it was well worth the wait. I do wanted these two, or should I say four, to be happy together.
Underneath this beautiful romantic love was an undeniable first rate love of friendship between Holly and her recently deceased best friend Carol. JA chose to use a running inner dialogue between Carol and Holly which was a unique and brilliant way to showcase their wonderful friendship and significant loss to Holly at the present time.
There's no doubt in my mind that JA/Nancy is a very talented writer and I'm a truly huge fan of her works; however, I am really disappointed in the number of blatant editing errors of grammar, spelling and typos. Someone of her caliber should not be publishing a manuscript with so many avoidable mistakes; therefore, I downgraded my review from 5 to 4*s!
Underneath this beautiful romantic love was an undeniable first rate love of friendship between Holly and her recently deceased best friend Carol. JA chose to use a running inner dialogue between Carol and Holly which was a unique and brilliant way to showcase their wonderful friendship and significant loss to Holly at the present time.
There's no doubt in my mind that JA/Nancy is a very talented writer and I'm a truly huge fan of her works; however, I am really disappointed in the number of blatant editing errors of grammar, spelling and typos. Someone of her caliber should not be publishing a manuscript with so many avoidable mistakes; therefore, I downgraded my review from 5 to 4*s!
December 4, 2021
This Is A Classic Christmas Story!
There are a lot of stories revolving around Christmas. The bah humbugs verses the Merry Elves. Then you have Holly. A sentimental soul, all around nice person, a person who was nicknamed Santa because of her love of Christmas. But thanks to a bad breakup on Christmas Eve just when she was going to propose, her girlfriend leaves her. Now there are no decorations, no tree, no happiness. And now she has lost her best friend. A death that should not have happen. Now there is nothing but heartache. After having such a hard time of dealing with everything, Holly starts taking Potter, her dog, for long walks. On one said walk, a little girl takes an excited shine to Potter, and her mother takes a shine to Holly. The appearance of these two people, Ali and her mom Delaney, changes the course of Holly’s life. Such a sweet and wonderful read. Definitely can see a story continuing.
There are a lot of stories revolving around Christmas. The bah humbugs verses the Merry Elves. Then you have Holly. A sentimental soul, all around nice person, a person who was nicknamed Santa because of her love of Christmas. But thanks to a bad breakup on Christmas Eve just when she was going to propose, her girlfriend leaves her. Now there are no decorations, no tree, no happiness. And now she has lost her best friend. A death that should not have happen. Now there is nothing but heartache. After having such a hard time of dealing with everything, Holly starts taking Potter, her dog, for long walks. On one said walk, a little girl takes an excited shine to Potter, and her mother takes a shine to Holly. The appearance of these two people, Ali and her mom Delaney, changes the course of Holly’s life. Such a sweet and wonderful read. Definitely can see a story continuing.
June 26, 2024
Carol died, my Bff from grade school and Holly is still straddling the fence looking for Ms Klaus!
Holly's friend died, they known each other since grade school, come on what do you from me? Until Holly takes her Jack Russell named Potter to the park and a 7 year old young girl asked if she could pet Potter and Holly looked up to the mom Delaney to ensure it was okay. Why does Holly's heart give a flutter? It's only been a month since Carol died, why now? Carol says go to Delaney, what? Come on, give me a break here, you didn't! Enjoy
Holly's friend died, they known each other since grade school, come on what do you from me? Until Holly takes her Jack Russell named Potter to the park and a 7 year old young girl asked if she could pet Potter and Holly looked up to the mom Delaney to ensure it was okay. Why does Holly's heart give a flutter? It's only been a month since Carol died, why now? Carol says go to Delaney, what? Come on, give me a break here, you didn't! Enjoy
February 5, 2020
Wow
Wow this was a wonderful and great read I loved it happy , sad and lots of love all rolled into one great story it got me from the first page and held me in until the very last page all the characters where great all 4 of them where had there own store to go but they all told them in there own in this and made the book all the more better
Wow this was a wonderful and great read I loved it happy , sad and lots of love all rolled into one great story it got me from the first page and held me in until the very last page all the characters where great all 4 of them where had there own store to go but they all told them in there own in this and made the book all the more better
December 26, 2020
Happy Christmas Romance
Once again a perfect seasonal romance,some may think it's a bit wierd two people having conversations with a dead loved one interfering with their lives,but must imagine Scrooge only instead of money Carol help the two people she loved find love and happiness. A definite ahhhh book for Christmas.
Once again a perfect seasonal romance,some may think it's a bit wierd two people having conversations with a dead loved one interfering with their lives,but must imagine Scrooge only instead of money Carol help the two people she loved find love and happiness. A definite ahhhh book for Christmas.
May 5, 2020
So amazing touching and charming!
I absolutely loved this journey! I loved that the grief wasn't just dismissed and on to the love story! I also loved that the entire family was considered! All these aspects were felt with so well! Yep I cried! But I cheered as well!
I absolutely loved this journey! I loved that the grief wasn't just dismissed and on to the love story! I also loved that the entire family was considered! All these aspects were felt with so well! Yep I cried! But I cheered as well!
July 30, 2020
Great book for the "in between" books. Sets the spirit of "christmas in july". It was a little sad at moments, had me teary eyed with some scenes, but at the end it was the mesaage of the book what I loved the most about it.
Ali and Potter are a great duo, cute as they can be.
Ali and Potter are a great duo, cute as they can be.
December 17, 2020
Christmas Romance
Sweet. Insightful. I love the reality that JA Armstrong's brings to each and every one of her books. Like all of her other books, this is a continual page turner. You don't want to put it down. The perfect start to get you into the holiday spirit.
Sweet. Insightful. I love the reality that JA Armstrong's brings to each and every one of her books. Like all of her other books, this is a continual page turner. You don't want to put it down. The perfect start to get you into the holiday spirit.
December 26, 2022
another winner…
I absolutely loved this book, it had me laughing & crying at the same time. I wanted to smack Holly more times than not but happy endings anyway.
Love JA Armstrong books…
I absolutely loved this book, it had me laughing & crying at the same time. I wanted to smack Holly more times than not but happy endings anyway.
Love JA Armstrong books…
December 7, 2023
3 stars. The timeline jumping was annoying and jarring. Wasn’t a fan of that. Everything about this was okay. Nothing special as I wasn’t all that interested in the characters and I wasn’t expecting to be as sad as it is. Not my favorite Christmas novella but it was fine I guess.
February 6, 2020
Emotional!
It was a very emotional book for me, let’s just say it hit home in more ways than one. I loved it, love the writing and the humor mixed with the sadness....
It was a very emotional book for me, let’s just say it hit home in more ways than one. I loved it, love the writing and the humor mixed with the sadness....
February 29, 2020
Excellent book really enjoyed the story looking forward to reading other books by this author
March 7, 2020
Very nice love story.
March 14, 2020
Wonderful
Loved it from start to finish. Don’t usually like Christmassy books, but as usual the author wrote another fantastic story.
Loved it from start to finish. Don’t usually like Christmassy books, but as usual the author wrote another fantastic story.
May 9, 2020
Inspirational and well written
Love this book. Made me laugh, cry and angry! Loss is never easy, but this book drew so many moments we all have in our lives. Thank you JA Armstrong
Love this book. Made me laugh, cry and angry! Loss is never easy, but this book drew so many moments we all have in our lives. Thank you JA Armstrong
July 20, 2020
Magical time
JA Armstrong has written another magical story of loss and love. I soon hope to have all of her books
JA Armstrong has written another magical story of loss and love. I soon hope to have all of her books
October 23, 2020
I recommend this book
I love a good feel good story. A good happy Christmas romance. The characters are very likable and well developed. Thanks for a really good book.
I love a good feel good story. A good happy Christmas romance. The characters are very likable and well developed. Thanks for a really good book.
December 5, 2020
Funny and heartfelt!
A perfect reading for this time! A little too fast pace; loved that life circumstances were not too dramatic. Love the whole Christmas romance!
A perfect reading for this time! A little too fast pace; loved that life circumstances were not too dramatic. Love the whole Christmas romance!
April 8, 2022
good book
Well written. Good characters. My only problem with this book was Holly carrying on a conversation with her dead best friend throughout the book.
Well written. Good characters. My only problem with this book was Holly carrying on a conversation with her dead best friend throughout the book.
December 11, 2022
Wonderfully moving
Sweet story, wonderful in site on life and love and loss . and speaking to dead people doesn't mean your crazy!
Sweet story, wonderful in site on life and love and loss . and speaking to dead people doesn't mean your crazy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews