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Malcolm, Callie & Keira #1.5
It Started One Christmas
One crisp December night, Keira Carlesso takes in yet another stray-this time, a man. Dalton is a brilliant scientist with no home for the holidays. As Christmas works its magic, two strangers become friends, then best friends, then something much, much more...
Susan Mallery's heartwarming charmer proves that true love is the greatest Christmas gift of all!
"Heartwarming...this book is sweet and will appeal to readers who enjoy the intricacies of family drama." -Publishers Weekly on When We Found Home
Susan Mallery's heartwarming charmer proves that true love is the greatest Christmas gift of all!
"Heartwarming...this book is sweet and will appeal to readers who enjoy the intricacies of family drama." -Publishers Weekly on When We Found Home
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First published November 13, 2018
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About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 10, 2024
This was a sweet lil' read which kept my ears company while I was bustling around doing bits and pieces over a summer weekend, though I was wondering why I was feeling very sick - covid hit.
This was a novella where a young woman did something very sweet for a stranger of the opposite sex - this is fiction and it's nice to be in a position where we don't have to worry too much about safety.
Not only were all the characters sweet, the two sisters had a nice relationship too.
A little sweet - 2.5 stars rounded up.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
This was a novella where a young woman did something very sweet for a stranger of the opposite sex - this is fiction and it's nice to be in a position where we don't have to worry too much about safety.
Not only were all the characters sweet, the two sisters had a nice relationship too.
A little sweet - 2.5 stars rounded up.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
December 28, 2019
I had no idea that this novella is connected to When We Found Home!! What a great surprise!!
This is a friends-to-lovers holiday story featuring a (now) college-age Keira. She was just a young teenager in When We Found Home and I love catching up to her and her siblings Malcolm and Callie; seeing that everyone is doing well. As the story begins, Keira is minutes away from finishing up with her college classes for the semester. She finds out that another student is sick and without a place to go while classes are out of session. She brings him home to her family, which kicks off a friendship that grows over the next few years.
It is great. I'm really impressed with how much story Susan Mallery is able to pack in here with such a short length. I almost wish this had been a full-length story-I miss these characters so much. I flew through reading it.
This is a friends-to-lovers holiday story featuring a (now) college-age Keira. She was just a young teenager in When We Found Home and I love catching up to her and her siblings Malcolm and Callie; seeing that everyone is doing well. As the story begins, Keira is minutes away from finishing up with her college classes for the semester. She finds out that another student is sick and without a place to go while classes are out of session. She brings him home to her family, which kicks off a friendship that grows over the next few years.
It is great. I'm really impressed with how much story Susan Mallery is able to pack in here with such a short length. I almost wish this had been a full-length story-I miss these characters so much. I flew through reading it.
November 14, 2018
This one didn't really work for me. The characters are very likable, but the story is thin. Also, Keira is kind of a pita at times. Just wasn't feeling this one.
November 15, 2018
What a wonderful surprise to be able to catch up with Keira, and the rest of the Carlesso family, in this holiday novella. I won’t go into the story however I will say that it touched my heart. Having the chance to read how Keira has grown up into a fabulous young woman, with a bit of self-doubt still left over from her childhood, was such fun and heartwarming to the max. She brings home a very sick Dalton, for the holidays, and starts a friendship that is touching and lasts for years. How these two figure out their lives is sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but always loving and showcases a strong bond. And seeing Keira’s family and how they blossomed over the years as well? Priceless! It was a quick read but so enjoyable, and a wonderful holiday surprise from the author.
November 19, 2018
Short and sweet holiday friends to lovers story. Keira is a freshman in college, well known in her family for taking in strays. When this story opens, she is rushing to finish her last class before the holiday break. The TA supervising the lab is visibly ill, which touches Keira's kind heart. When she discovers that he has nowhere to go over the holidays, she insists on taking him home with her.
I loved Keira in these opening scenes. She is a force to be reckoned with and Dalton, in his weakened state, is no match for her. Dalton is super smart, book-wise, but not so much when it comes to relationships, and has been dumped by yet another of his beautiful girlfriends. It was pretty funny to see his fever-induced, unfiltered commentary as Keira got him settled in her home. At eighteen, Keira is unexpectedly focused on her studies, confessing to Dalton that she has no intention of getting involved with any man that will distract her from her goals. What she doesn't admit to is her lack of trust, courtesy of her childhood with a druggie mother, then several years in the foster system.
I loved how easily Keira and Dalton connected, and how comfortable they were with each other. By the time the holiday was over, they were good friends. I liked their commitment to stay in touch and Keira's standing invitation for Dalton to spend the holidays with her family. The story follows them over the next few years, with glimpses into their relationships with other people. It's easy for the reader to see that their feelings for each other change, but Keira and Dalton appear blind to it. I enjoyed the way that Keira teased Dalton about his beautiful girlfriends, though there was also that twinge of insecurity that she would never measure up to them. Keira is also protective of Dalton, and tended to react badly to the girlfriends she thought didn't deserve him. Dalton is also protective of Keira, and is there for her when her first relationship falls apart. I loved how he knew just how to cheer her up. It took an unexpected turn when Keira confessed everything to Dalton. This was an eye-opening experience in several ways for Keira, but she worried most about if it would change their friendship. I ached for her as she buried her feelings under a façade of casual cheer. Things came to a head the next Christmas. It was both fun and heartbreaking to see the progression of events. I ached for Keira and her hurt at the changes in her relationship with Dalton. Dalton appeared to be somewhat oblivious to the effects of his decisions, though I later thought he was probably protecting himself. The dinner and aftermath were emotional and my heart broke for Keira and her fears about the end of their friendship. The ending was awesome and the epilogue was sweet. I just wish the story had been longer.
I loved Keira in these opening scenes. She is a force to be reckoned with and Dalton, in his weakened state, is no match for her. Dalton is super smart, book-wise, but not so much when it comes to relationships, and has been dumped by yet another of his beautiful girlfriends. It was pretty funny to see his fever-induced, unfiltered commentary as Keira got him settled in her home. At eighteen, Keira is unexpectedly focused on her studies, confessing to Dalton that she has no intention of getting involved with any man that will distract her from her goals. What she doesn't admit to is her lack of trust, courtesy of her childhood with a druggie mother, then several years in the foster system.
I loved how easily Keira and Dalton connected, and how comfortable they were with each other. By the time the holiday was over, they were good friends. I liked their commitment to stay in touch and Keira's standing invitation for Dalton to spend the holidays with her family. The story follows them over the next few years, with glimpses into their relationships with other people. It's easy for the reader to see that their feelings for each other change, but Keira and Dalton appear blind to it. I enjoyed the way that Keira teased Dalton about his beautiful girlfriends, though there was also that twinge of insecurity that she would never measure up to them. Keira is also protective of Dalton, and tended to react badly to the girlfriends she thought didn't deserve him. Dalton is also protective of Keira, and is there for her when her first relationship falls apart. I loved how he knew just how to cheer her up. It took an unexpected turn when Keira confessed everything to Dalton. This was an eye-opening experience in several ways for Keira, but she worried most about if it would change their friendship. I ached for her as she buried her feelings under a façade of casual cheer. Things came to a head the next Christmas. It was both fun and heartbreaking to see the progression of events. I ached for Keira and her hurt at the changes in her relationship with Dalton. Dalton appeared to be somewhat oblivious to the effects of his decisions, though I later thought he was probably protecting himself. The dinner and aftermath were emotional and my heart broke for Keira and her fears about the end of their friendship. The ending was awesome and the epilogue was sweet. I just wish the story had been longer.
December 4, 2020
4.5/5
December 20, 2018
The plot was super thin, but I hadn't expected differently considering it's only 8o ish pages, still an enjoyable little christmas story
January 3, 2022
(Vielleicht sogar 3,5⭐??)
Als Jasmin die Novelle geroastet hatte, hat sie mich ziemlich neugierig auf die Story gemacht. Nachdem ich es selbst mal gelesen habe, muss ich sagen, dass ich echt überrascht bin!! Im Großen und ganzen eine echt rice kurzgeschichte😍😍 irgendwie ist es ja manchmal so, dass wenn man low expectations hat oder gar keine, es im endeffekt besser ist, als vermutet und andersrum. Hatte den Eindruck beim Lesen der damaligen Updates, als wärst du mad gewesen, weil du einfach was anderes haben wolltest (that's very relatable indeed💓).
Die Novelle ist einfach friends to lovers (in der Theorie) which is my favorite thing ever. In einigen Punkten muss ich auf jeden Fall zustimmen, die whack waren, zb dass man einen Fremden mit nachhause nimmt😂 aber so ist halt der plot. Der Gedanke von Emily dass man an Weihnachten ein Licht für andere ist, fand ich auch echt schön. (natürlich trotzdem keine Empfehlung dies in real life auszuprobieren und Gefahren zu riskieren lul!! Aber it's a fictional book, I'll take that)
Also meine persönlichen einzigen Kritikpunkte wären einerseits, dass sie zu Beginn 18 und er 24 ist haha, das macht mich ja manchmal bisschen suspekt. Aber es passiert lange Zeit nichts zwischen denen, sie bilden eine schöne Freundschaft und ich finde eig dass er ganz vorsichtig und respektvoll war, von daher not a huge deal. Dass der love interest anfangs auch egozentrisch von sich geredet hat und wiederholte wie smart er sei, wurde dann damit gerechtfertigt dass er ja zu dem zeitpunkt hohes Fieber hatte und nicht klar denken konnte. Solche Aussagen kamen nie mehr vor. Dass er angeblich mit 14 anfing zu studieren glaube ich eher nicht😂😂 aber das waren eig auch schon meine Kritikpunkte. Die Zeitsprünge haben mich auch überhaupt nicht gestört. Das einzig MEGA UNLOGISCHE war der seltsame cut bei der Disneyland Reise!!! Was war das!! Wieso???? Wasted opportunity mehr chemistry zu zeigen. Wenn man zu upset über das Fehlen von smut ist, dann wird die Stelle definitiv sehr aufregen😂.
Ja, ihre Vergangenheit wurde kurz runtergerattert, aber das nahm literally einen kurzen Teil ein, den man schnell hinter sich hat. Die Kritik dass sie ne Checkliste abarbeiten wollte gefühlt fand ich tatsächlich gar nicht, zb die themen mit lgbtq usw. kam mir gar nicht whack vor 😅 sie hat sich halt mal gefragt ob sie lesbisch war, na und? Darf sie das nicht erwähnen? Ich fand das hat schon Sinn gemacht und war nicht so weit her geholt wie zb bei kissing booth, um zu zeigen man sei tolerant.
Wie geil war bitte der Disney-Tannenbaum-Schmuck?? 😍😍 Ein Traum! Ich fands auch cool dass man zeigt dass nicht direkt alles glatt läuft mit dem ersten Mal oder der ersten Beziehung, wie es ja bei ihr war. Ich fands auch toll, wie warm die familiäre Beziehung war! Irgendwie wurde somit Family/chosen family sehr gevalued, was ich immer nur appreciaten kann. Auch Freundschaft und Liebe wurde ja mit friends to lovers gecovered, somit finde ich dass es echt schöne messages hat und ne unterhaltsame Liebesstory zu Weihnachten ist✨✨✨
(fand die story hatte irgendwie auch mehr charm als wait for you gewissermassen?? Idk)
Als Jasmin die Novelle geroastet hatte, hat sie mich ziemlich neugierig auf die Story gemacht. Nachdem ich es selbst mal gelesen habe, muss ich sagen, dass ich echt überrascht bin!! Im Großen und ganzen eine echt rice kurzgeschichte😍😍 irgendwie ist es ja manchmal so, dass wenn man low expectations hat oder gar keine, es im endeffekt besser ist, als vermutet und andersrum. Hatte den Eindruck beim Lesen der damaligen Updates, als wärst du mad gewesen, weil du einfach was anderes haben wolltest (that's very relatable indeed💓).
Die Novelle ist einfach friends to lovers (in der Theorie) which is my favorite thing ever. In einigen Punkten muss ich auf jeden Fall zustimmen, die whack waren, zb dass man einen Fremden mit nachhause nimmt😂 aber so ist halt der plot. Der Gedanke von Emily dass man an Weihnachten ein Licht für andere ist, fand ich auch echt schön. (natürlich trotzdem keine Empfehlung dies in real life auszuprobieren und Gefahren zu riskieren lul!! Aber it's a fictional book, I'll take that)
Also meine persönlichen einzigen Kritikpunkte wären einerseits, dass sie zu Beginn 18 und er 24 ist haha, das macht mich ja manchmal bisschen suspekt. Aber es passiert lange Zeit nichts zwischen denen, sie bilden eine schöne Freundschaft und ich finde eig dass er ganz vorsichtig und respektvoll war, von daher not a huge deal. Dass der love interest anfangs auch egozentrisch von sich geredet hat und wiederholte wie smart er sei, wurde dann damit gerechtfertigt dass er ja zu dem zeitpunkt hohes Fieber hatte und nicht klar denken konnte. Solche Aussagen kamen nie mehr vor. Dass er angeblich mit 14 anfing zu studieren glaube ich eher nicht😂😂 aber das waren eig auch schon meine Kritikpunkte. Die Zeitsprünge haben mich auch überhaupt nicht gestört. Das einzig MEGA UNLOGISCHE war der seltsame cut bei der Disneyland Reise!!! Was war das!! Wieso???? Wasted opportunity mehr chemistry zu zeigen. Wenn man zu upset über das Fehlen von smut ist, dann wird die Stelle definitiv sehr aufregen😂.
Ja, ihre Vergangenheit wurde kurz runtergerattert, aber das nahm literally einen kurzen Teil ein, den man schnell hinter sich hat. Die Kritik dass sie ne Checkliste abarbeiten wollte gefühlt fand ich tatsächlich gar nicht, zb die themen mit lgbtq usw. kam mir gar nicht whack vor 😅 sie hat sich halt mal gefragt ob sie lesbisch war, na und? Darf sie das nicht erwähnen? Ich fand das hat schon Sinn gemacht und war nicht so weit her geholt wie zb bei kissing booth, um zu zeigen man sei tolerant.
Wie geil war bitte der Disney-Tannenbaum-Schmuck?? 😍😍 Ein Traum! Ich fands auch cool dass man zeigt dass nicht direkt alles glatt läuft mit dem ersten Mal oder der ersten Beziehung, wie es ja bei ihr war. Ich fands auch toll, wie warm die familiäre Beziehung war! Irgendwie wurde somit Family/chosen family sehr gevalued, was ich immer nur appreciaten kann. Auch Freundschaft und Liebe wurde ja mit friends to lovers gecovered, somit finde ich dass es echt schöne messages hat und ne unterhaltsame Liebesstory zu Weihnachten ist✨✨✨
(fand die story hatte irgendwie auch mehr charm als wait for you gewissermassen?? Idk)
November 16, 2023
3.5 stars. Yay! A Christmas novella finishing up the story from “When We Found Home”. This one focuses on Keira with a lovely, satisfying romantic story.
December 27, 2020
Das Buch ist meiner Meinung nach zu zusammenfassend geschrieben. Ein paar Dialoge sind ganz witzig und grundsätzlich eine süße Idee, aber die Umsetzung gefällt mir insgesamt nicht so gut. Zu viele Themen kommen unnötigerweise vor und die Autorin kann mich nicht ganz überzeugen. Dadurch, dass viel so komprimiert ist, fiel es mir schwer, die Charaktere wirklich zu verstehen bzw. mich in ihre Lage zu versetzen, da plötzlich ein Zeitsprung kam.
(Es gibt in der Reihe einen ersten Teil, den ich nicht gelesen habe, in dem ihre Familie mehr eingeführt wurde - ich glaube aber nicht, dass das meine Meinung über das Buch komplett geändert hätte, vermutlich wäre ich aber etwas empathischer für alle Charaktere gewesen, aber keine Ahnung 🤷🏻♀️)
(Es gibt in der Reihe einen ersten Teil, den ich nicht gelesen habe, in dem ihre Familie mehr eingeführt wurde - ich glaube aber nicht, dass das meine Meinung über das Buch komplett geändert hätte, vermutlich wäre ich aber etwas empathischer für alle Charaktere gewesen, aber keine Ahnung 🤷🏻♀️)
April 12, 2020
For a short, it was fairly complete. Part of me took exception to the very young Kiera, who came across as nearly a germophobe with a somewhat zany approach to life; the other part cheered her on for realizing that she wouldn't want to exchange body fluids with most of the guys she was meeting in college. Seriously, think about sharing a toothbrush and see if you are still interested in kissing a guy. I loved Dalton, who is very smart, which he will tell you himself. The story takes place over a five year time period, so one would think there would not be enough time for a complete story. Yet it works.
December 24, 2022
Definitely cute X-Mas vibes and I enjoyed that it doesn't all happen in one day, but the story goes on for years - but with this trope I definitely wanted to have more than a closed door for the sex scenes. All in all, maybe a little bit too short, could have used a little bit more flesh (pun intended *g*).
September 23, 2019
Thank you SO MUCH for this Novella. I love seeing some of life after "happily ever after." Bonus to see Kira as a young adult and having put a lot of her therapy insights to use. This story felt like a gift to lovers of Where We Found Home.
November 17, 2018
The Carlesso Family is known for helping people. When Keira, a college student, brings home a young man who is ill and has no where to go for the holidays no one in the family bats an eye. Dalton, is a brilliant scientist who only dates beautiful women so Keira accepts the fact that he will never be more than friends with her. It is not so hard because she has already decided she does not want to have any relationships, she is going to focus on school and her career int he family business. And, so, she and Dalton become best friends and he becomes a part of the family especially at Christmas. However, because of their past knowledge they choose not to share the fact that they are truly in love.
While this was a cute story and I liked all the characters the last third of the story seemed to be more about sex than anything else. It was not explicit but it was a focal point. Sex is what made them realize that there was more to their relationship than they were willing to admit.
While this was a cute story and I liked all the characters the last third of the story seemed to be more about sex than anything else. It was not explicit but it was a focal point. Sex is what made them realize that there was more to their relationship than they were willing to admit.
November 29, 2018
It Started One Christmas!!
I’m so happy Kiera got her book!! I wish Dalton spoke up earlier but it was definitely something they had to work through. Very good book.
I’m so happy Kiera got her book!! I wish Dalton spoke up earlier but it was definitely something they had to work through. Very good book.
November 30, 2018
Yay!
I'm so happy to finally hear what became of Kiera. She melted my heart from the beginning, and I couldn't love this story any more.
I'm so happy to finally hear what became of Kiera. She melted my heart from the beginning, and I couldn't love this story any more.
December 8, 2020
3.5/5 Stars
November 15, 2021
this was such a cute novella. i really liked it. a novella getting 4 stars from me is hard too since i never think it's enough to build the romance but this worked for me.
August 2, 2019
This was a nice short story way to catch up w/these characters. I liked them in the first book, so it was cool to see the HEA in this one.
And good to see Keira’s story.
And good to see Keira’s story.
November 15, 2018
Loved this book! This is Kiera Carlesso's story. (She was the younger sister in Mallery's wonderful book When We Found Home, which came out last July.) At the time of that book, Kiera was 13. This book begins at the end of Kiera's first sememster of college. Kiera rescues a very ill young man who had been proctoring her last lab of the semester, bringing him home to care for him while he recovers from the flu. When it turns out he has nowhere to go, he spends the holidays with Kiera and her families, and a friendship is born. The book follows this friendship over the course of the next few years, and we watch as what we knew was inevitable happens.
I must say that I enjoyed this book for it's own story, which was wonderful, but also for the chance to catch up with Malcolm and Callie, Kiera's brother and sister. If you have read When We Found Home, don't miss this sequel, and if you haven't read WWFH yet, be sure to read it too!!!
I must say that I enjoyed this book for it's own story, which was wonderful, but also for the chance to catch up with Malcolm and Callie, Kiera's brother and sister. If you have read When We Found Home, don't miss this sequel, and if you haven't read WWFH yet, be sure to read it too!!!
December 23, 2021
This is a cute “gets together every year at Christmas” friends to lovers featuring a surprise trip to Disneyland and a hero who is trying to cure cancer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
Great novella. Loved Keira's story!
May 18, 2022
Fast cute little romance book.
December 11, 2018
Cute friends to lovers - Same Time Next Year type of story!
October 6, 2023
missing all the juciest bits :(
October 13, 2018
Utterly wonderful follow-up on Keira, perfect if you loved When We Found Home. Everything takes place over three Christmases and is a wonderful addition to the original story.
December 12, 2018
It was nice to see Keira all grown up and settled into her life. It didn't surprise me that she picked up a stray in Dalton, nor the friendship they forged. The choice they made at Disney a couple of years later did surprise me, as did the choice they made after. The aftermath was about was I expected. I was happy when both realized things and admitted it to each other, it made for a very happy ending.
September 2, 2019
It’s coming up on that time of year when I slip in some holiday novellas into my reading. Having finally gotten my hands on a copy of this Susan Mallery novella, it seemed appropriate to start the “season” with it.
I first read of the main character Keira Carlesso in Mallery’s novel When We Found Home earlier this year. This novella continues her story a few years later in her freshman year of college. She was a bit too young in the novel to have her happily ever after like her siblings did. This is novella is her chance.
It’s a quick read. But it’s an enjoyable and light read. Just what I look for with a holiday story. I especially like that the novella jumped time as it went along, but it didn’t feel like it was rushing things. Time went by for good reasons, while not making it feel like the author avoiding writing more. It was natural to the way the two characters’ lives here going and how they were to get to their HEA.
I don’t know if readers who haven’t read the novel will appreciate this novella as much as I have. But it make spark their interest to pick up the novel if they read this first. It’s definitely a nice addition/continuation if you’re feeling like you need more of the Carlesso family.
I first read of the main character Keira Carlesso in Mallery’s novel When We Found Home earlier this year. This novella continues her story a few years later in her freshman year of college. She was a bit too young in the novel to have her happily ever after like her siblings did. This is novella is her chance.
It’s a quick read. But it’s an enjoyable and light read. Just what I look for with a holiday story. I especially like that the novella jumped time as it went along, but it didn’t feel like it was rushing things. Time went by for good reasons, while not making it feel like the author avoiding writing more. It was natural to the way the two characters’ lives here going and how they were to get to their HEA.
I don’t know if readers who haven’t read the novel will appreciate this novella as much as I have. But it make spark their interest to pick up the novel if they read this first. It’s definitely a nice addition/continuation if you’re feeling like you need more of the Carlesso family.
September 26, 2019
Christmas is a time for family, but when Keira realized that the guy overseeing her lab work at the university was unwell and had no family to spend the holidays with, she insists on bringing him home to her sister's house. Over the course of that first holiday, they take care of him and thereafter, he spends every Christmas with them. That is, until the one where his French girlfriend also shows up--at least for a short time.
When Keira is a senior, her heartbreak following discovering her boyfriend in bed with someone else causes her sister to agree with Dalton that she needs a special Disneyland experience as salve for her aching heart. While there, she enlists his understanding of... um, well anyway, she goes home knowing that her boyfriend really wasn't very good at it. What she also realizes but refuses to acknowledge is how she really feels about Dalton, even as he goes back to becoming a famous cancer researcher.
Will they ever get together except at Christmas? You'll have to read for yourself.
When Keira is a senior, her heartbreak following discovering her boyfriend in bed with someone else causes her sister to agree with Dalton that she needs a special Disneyland experience as salve for her aching heart. While there, she enlists his understanding of... um, well anyway, she goes home knowing that her boyfriend really wasn't very good at it. What she also realizes but refuses to acknowledge is how she really feels about Dalton, even as he goes back to becoming a famous cancer researcher.
Will they ever get together except at Christmas? You'll have to read for yourself.
February 5, 2019
This is the little sister from When we found home. Keira's story is about how she learned to trust love. This is a shot novella but it tells her story. Keira had a rough childhood where she was abandoned by her druggie Mom and left with someone until child services took her to a foster home. There she saw too much for a young girl.
Malcolm came and rescued her from the foster and took her to her Grandfather. There she lived a life of privilege and finished growing up amid family. She was safe but she didn't learn to trust love. She had just seen too much as a child to believe in love.
Then she meets Dalton. He is older and very smart but homeless over the holiday so she takes him in. Her family is used to her bringing in strays. As the years go by Dalton and Keira grow to love each other and then things develop.
Malcolm came and rescued her from the foster and took her to her Grandfather. There she lived a life of privilege and finished growing up amid family. She was safe but she didn't learn to trust love. She had just seen too much as a child to believe in love.
Then she meets Dalton. He is older and very smart but homeless over the holiday so she takes him in. Her family is used to her bringing in strays. As the years go by Dalton and Keira grow to love each other and then things develop.
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