Postcards at Christmas

Postcards #2

by Imogen Clark

In this heartwarming follow-up to the bestselling novel Postcards From a Stranger, will Cara’s family past ruin her Christmas present, or will she let love in?

After discovering her mother’s secret life, Cara doesn’t have much faith in marriage.

So when the love of her life, Simeon, proposes, she struggles to say ‘I do.’ She adores him, but why risk the perfect relationship by signing on a dotted line that could ruin everything? If her parents’ marriage taught her anything, it was that a gold ring doesn’t equal happiness, and she has no desire to follow in their dysfunctional footsteps.

But maybe there’s a bigger picture after all. When a tragic accident brings yet more truths to the surface, Cara is forced to question everything she believes—and fears—about long-term love. And the answers aren’t obvious…

Could Cara rewrite her family’s history and create her own love story?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Audiobook, Romance, Book Club

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2019

About the author

Internationally bestselling author Imogen Clark has sold over one million books. She writes contemporary fiction about families and secrets. Her books have topped Amazon storewide charts eight times and her third book, Where the Story Starts, was shortlisted in the UK for Contemporary Romantic Novel of the year 2020.

Imogen initially qualified as a lawyer but after leaving her legal career behind to care for her four children, she returned to her first love - books. She went back to University, studying English Literature part-time whilst the children were at school. It was a short step from there to writing novels.

Imogen's great love is travel and she is always planning her next adventure. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and children.

If you'd like to connect then please visit her website at www.imogenclark.com where you can sign up to her monthly newsletter. Imogen can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as Imogen Clark Author.

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little novella about the love you make for yourself and how in the end it is just those that love you that matter.

[Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postcards at Christmas is a sequel to another book by Clark, one I have not read but definitely intend to. It is more of a novella and can be easily read in one very quick sitting. However, with all of that said, there is a lot of drama in this little story! Cara and Simeon are planning a wedding when Simeon has a very debilitating bike accident. How or even, will they put their lives back together is the crux of this story. It is beautifully written, warm, tragic and wonderful. If you only read one story between and Christmas, make it this one. You will be glad you did.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Heart warming short story.

The previous book in this series was better, longer and had a more involved plot.

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for Postcards at Christmas (audiobook) by Imogen Clark read by Elizabeth Knowelden and Karen Cass.

I picked this one out because I thought it was a Christmas story and now I can’t remember what the story has to do with Christmas. It’s really about a woman with commitment issues who is really being tested by a tragic accident. And her slow realization that her man is a much better person than she ever realized.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Postcards at Christmas is the follow-up to the novel Postcards From A Stranger which as of now I haven't read yet. The title does come across as a little misleading, as only the final chapter is set during Christmas time. Following the main characters from the first book, Cara and Simeon as they try to plan their wedding but a nasty and traumatic accident changes everything. It just didn't feel very romantic or heartwarming to me. The main reason I gave it three stars was the pacing flowed well and one of the characters was generally very pleasant to read about!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

I enjoyed Imogen`s last book Where The Story Starts and gave it a five star review. When I saw Postcards at Christmas was due to be released I was excited to read it.

Postcards at Christmas is the sequel to Postcards from a Stranger. I never read the first book but it did not spoil my enjoyment. I instantly warmed to Cara, Simeon and Beth. I can't wait to read the first book and discover the dark family secret Cara uncovered.

Although this is is called Postcards at Christmas, the story covers a 12 month period from Christmas day to Christmas eve the following year. The plot was quite dark at times when Simeon was in intensive care and his descent into clinical depression. The ending was perfect and left me glowing inside.

I recommend this story if you like Amanda Prowse.

[Ecesu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is not the story I expected after the first book but I definitely enjoyed it! :)

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Cara and Simeon’s journey through the happy and even the heartbreaking times. I really wish it could have been longer but this didn’t take away from the essence of the story.
Postcards at Christmas is the sequel to Postcards from a Stranger which I have not read yet. I had no issue reading this as a stand-alone. But, I will definitely be picking up Postcards from a Stranger to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and enjoyed this story in one sitting. I loved the characters and it was very easy to get swept up in the drama, trauma, heartbreak, and happiness. Highly recommend this endearing page turner. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently finished "Postcards from a Stranger" so I was amazed to find myself despising Cara who did not display whiny, jealous traits in that book. She managed to turn it around and the story ended well but still.....ugh. Very short read.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short continuation of Postcards from a Stranger shares the next steps of Cara and Simeon’s lives. It was a bit too sad to fit in with Christmas for me,and I would not recommend it if you have not already read PFAS. 4/10.

[Jodie]

Lovely easy little read. Was nice to see how caras story continued after the first book

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but lovely story about love & choosing to work through impossibly hard times (car accident leaving her fiancé heavily dependent on the MC) — forgiveness, friendship, and choosing happiness.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story which covers some difficult issues. Therein lies the problem; if you have experience with depression (your own or someone else's) or with caring for someone who lacks full mobility this may not be the book for you. OTOH you might find it helpful. The surface story was warm and pleasant but there is pain in the book - pain which the author handles exceedingly well. As with Postcards from a Stranger there are some deep issues in this story to challenge the reader.

[Sandy A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon sent me an email on great reads and this book was on the list and it was free! It was such a great read. Short book but great characters and how they deal with a traumatic event. Well done!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved "Postcards From A Stranger, " so I was excited to read this. It definitely didn't disappoint, I just wish it was longer. I loved getting reacquainted with Cara, Beth and Simeon. I wasn't expecting what happened and kept hoping everything would work out for Cara and her family. Would love to read a book centered around Beth, she definitely deserves a happy ending. A perfect read for the holiday season.

Definitely recommend the book, but not as a stand alone. So much emotion wrapped up in a such a short book. Great story with wonderful characters. Look forward to reading more books by the author. The cover of the book is perfect.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
This is the follow up to Postcards from a Stranger, a book I absolutely loved.
Cara, after her recent difficulties, is in a great space in her life. She, the love of her life Simeon, and their baby girl are a happy little family. When Simeon proposes, she's hesitant, her parents' marriage left a bad taste in her mouth, but she says 'yes' anyway. She and her best friend are busy with the wedding preparations when Simeon and his best man decide to go on a biking trip. A horrific accident ends up plunging all of them in a nightmare. There is, of course, a happy ending, but not before some heartbreaking times. This is a lovely story, not as great as Postcards from a Stranger, but definitely recommended!

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitting End

What a beautiful story, although there are strong emotions and a shorter book, for me it was just right and very hopeful. Cara is so used to her bubble with her partner Simeon and child, then Simeon asks a special question, this results in Simeon asking his best friend Mark to come and stay, Cara has never heard Simeon talk about him before and things change drastically and Simeon becomes a different person than she expects. Things take a very drastic turn for the worse and Cara blames Mark, once Cara finds out the truth she realizes there are still things she doesn’t know about Simeon and Mark is not the person she perceived him to be. I especially like Cara’s friendship with her best friend Beth it is portrayed and written beautifully

[Rhonda Lother · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish I had read this right after Postcards from a Stranger instead of saving it for Christmas. It was more stressful than I had hoped for a holiday read, but Imogen Clark does dig deep with her characters. For the life of me, I cannot remember how Cara met Simeon in the original Postcards. She did a good job of jogging my memory of all the other characters, but there was nothing to remind me how Simeon came into her life. It was a good story; I would have rated it higher if it weren’t set up for Christmas—in the end, it seemed rather arbitrary. The actual Christmas portions of the book were small by comparison. It wasn’t a cozy Christmas read. I could have read this in the summer and been fine.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review

Overall this book was disappointing for me. I was expecting a fun-filled Christmas with maybe some sad moments thrown in while she relived her past. Instead what I got was a year-long of them having to deal with a traumatic injury that almost caused a split, and then a rushed Christmas wedding at that the end that we don't even get to enjoy. I wanted more Christmas and wintertime in general and less what this ended up being.

I think this will be great for people who have read the first book.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very easy book to read and while it's was still the same characters from the first book. I didn't think it was as good as the first book and that it was a bit rushed not like a rapid plot that moves at a fast pace but just one that seemed rushed as if to meet some deadline. However it was still an easy book and a quick read.

[Holly Luther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this book continued on from Postcards from a Stranger, but I wish the story would have been a little lighter. There was so much trauma in the first book, to feel like the main character has to endure it again, is heartbreaking. Maybe that is what it took for the ending to be happy.

[Melissa Dauphin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book expecting a Christmas story. While a key event takes place during the holiday season, the novel itself isn’t Christmas-themed. It’s also the second book in a series, and I occasionally felt a bit lost. I would definitely recommend reading Postcards from a Stranger first. Although this installment can be read as a standalone, there are several references to the earlier book that may leave new readers feeling like they’re missing important context.

That said, I still enjoyed the story. It’s a quick, easy read with characters who kept my interest throughout. Cara’s bouts of self-pity felt a little overdone at times, and her rapid emotional turnaround after the central conflict didn’t feel entirely natural to me—though I can admit I might react similarly in her situation.

Overall, the book held my attention, and now I’m motivated to go back and read the first installment to better understand Cara’s background and behavior.

[De Loves to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is technically a sequel to Postcards from a Stranger. It’s not so much a sequel as it is an update on the main character’s life after the first book. I enjoyed this one a little more because it’s shorter but meatier. There are some interesting plot points and conversations to be had. I will say it did follow the first book a little bit in having unlikable male characters.

Despite Simeon’s problem, I wished he gave Cara a proper apology. Yes, he was heavily injured, I understand. And maybe it’s own my triggers from my personal life that upset but that didn’t excuse Simeon being an asshole to his fiancé. Especially over some DUCKS! What kind of idiot risks their life for some ducklings, especially when they have a young daughter at home? His injury could’ve been avoided if he used some sense. Personally, I felt that was dumb as hell but I digress. I still enjoyed the book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella follow-up to Postcards from a Stranger. Perfect little book, where we come together with Cara, Simeon, Beth and Mrs. P., and Baby Lily. Thoughts about a "real wedding" come together, bringing Sim's "mate from Uni," and an event that turns Cara's and Sim's world upside down.
Friendship, love, and trust are tested.
"Who sends postcards in these days of texts and WhatsApp? Then, I have an idea..." (112). The postcards "work," with Cara and Simeon surrounded "with people that love us so much..." (119).
BEAUTIFUL, Imogen!!

(Loving Postcards from a Stranger, I was waiting for the postcards . I love how Imogen Clark wove them in! Had her intention for this book been more a sequel, I would have loved to meet Cara's mom, and see where their relationship could have gone.)

[Erica Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure where to start on this one...

First the good: The writing was good. The plotting was good. It was short, so a fast read.

The bad: This is not a Christmas book. Only the last 9% of the book takes place around Christmas. And honestly, that last 9% isn't even relevant to the story. It could have easily been omitted, with nothing lost.

Second... Ugh, to toxic men. I get genuinely annoyed when female characters are subjected to toxic male behavior and they just take it, like it's their lot in life. It's worse when the authors try to frame it in a way that supposedly justifies the behavior. Gross.

Outside of that, the characters were a bit flat. And the narration was a bit wonky. The switching between two different points of view was kind of weird.

2 stars

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. It kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. It has been said that you never really know someone until you live with them. And that their past is their past and doesn't matter. But I don't think neither of those things are true with Cara and Simeon. Your past shapes your present even if you are trying to forget it or trying to be a better person. It is a benchmark. The other thing this story shows us is that your attitude and emotion really do affect the situation. And sometimes not just you but the people around you. Communication is always important, but sometimes you just need someone not so close to communicate with. You should really give this story a try. It is heartwarming and makes you think.

[Issadora · Rating 5 out of 5]

postcards all over

I was impressed that the books flowed so easily between the 2 books so smoothly and just as enjoyable as the first. The postcards in this book was quite subtle but there. The characters new and old just meld together

These books are easy mostly lite reading with a bit of action to keep the eyes open. I did use the audiobook version so sometimes that can enhance your perception or go the opposite direction as well. I will dare say that I think both would be just as good they are individually reading or listening.

I’m pleased that I found this author and took my chances on it since it’s far from my typical reading material but I stick lighter books in my app to help

[Lucy Tucker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Postcards at Christmas

This is a rather depressing story of the challenges that come with caring a partner who had a serious accident. It all comes around right in the end.
The change in direction comes from the woman finally getting the facts about her boyfriend who she has a child with and had planned to marry. The revelation is not much other than to highlight how lack of communication can really affect one’s relationship. The irony was that these two characters had a child together and were planning on marrying yet she did not know him very well.
Not a fun read for me, nor were the conclusions earth shattering at all.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cara and Simeon are living together with their daughter when he proposes marriage. Soon thereafter Sim invites his college friend Mark to be his best man and invites him for a long weekend in order to meet Cara who takes an instant dislike to Mark. When Simeon is in a bad accident while biking with Mark, Cara is sure Mark is responsible and much of the book deals with her seething hatred of Mark as she continues, without evidence to blame him. This got to be too much for me and spoiled my enjoyment of the book.