From the bestselling author of Manchester Christmas comes a new adventure full of love, generosity, and heart-pounding intrigue.
Following the runaway success of her first novel, Chase Harrington is hiding in Manhattan. Assuming the visions from her past are behind her, Chase takes an assignment that lands her in the center of a new mystery surrounding a mansion known as Briarcliff Manor and deceased millionaire Sebastian Winthrop.
A letter, left by Sebastian, reveals three secrets surrounding the mansion where Chase is now living. Silent messages begin to appear, urging her to help those closest to her who are now in peril, including a deaf child shut away from the world and a war veteran still haunted by his past.
With her handsome boyfriend, Gavin, and faithful dog, Scooter, at her side, Chase must unlock the secrets of Briarcliff, help those she has come to love and face the surprise ending not even she saw coming.
This latest Chase Harrington adventure is so full of romance, kindness, mystery, and astounding twists and turns, it will leave you wanting to grab a flashlight and best friend, to go searching for clues in the dark.
Exactly the sequel everyone was hoping for after John Gray's bestselling "Manchester Christmas." Wholesome, clean read with just enough romance and mystery -- a woman with a good heart determined to help those she meets along the way. Leaves you hanging for the next book, too. Chase Harrington fans will be happy!
I was disappointed in this book after having enjoyed the first book in this series. While I did appreciate the concept, there were too many subplots and the dialogue was amateur writing. I am sorry to say, it was so unrealistic that a lot of eye-rolling occurred while reading this.
This was our December book club pick. We read the first book in the series last year. I remember that it wasn’t perfect but it had a lot of heart. I enjoyed the small town vibes and the big hearted characters. I was excited to continue on with Chase’s story with this book.
I have to say that I didn’t love this one. The story felt very disjointed. There was too much going on. I felt like the subject matter was just hopping from one character to the next, one subplot to the next without the cohesion of the first book. The dialogue was stilted and at times unrealistic. The “magic” moments seemed forced. I did like the idea of a dog rescue cafe. I also liked Matthew and Raylan as a characters. However, I feel like they never got the development that they desperately needed. I think there is a third book coming out but I will be stopping the series here.
I do not know how I missed two things about this book that was fully on display when I checked recently. First, it is the second in a series, usually not a good place to start, and secondly, it is a very religious-themed book. It felt more overt and in full force at the beginning, and these are usually not the kind of books I read, and I almost gave up on it. I am glad I gave it a shot finally because the theme blends into the narrative quite well the further we go in, and it was a cute and pleasant story. The latter is not something I come across quite often, making it an interesting experience. Our leading lady is somewhat of a celebrity. She found certain directions, which helped a lot of people, and became a book. She has run to NYC and is living there almost incognito. Her boyfriend does a lot of up-down travelling in order to see her. She thinks all of this is behind her when she ends up finding a whole new set of events to handle. I liked Chase for the most part, but despite being well-meaning, she actually does not 'listen' to things when people tell her about boundaries. This would probably blow up in real life! I do not want to go into details because everything happens slowly but reading it did not feel like a chore. The farther I got into it, the more involved I was in the content. Even with the few behavioural quibbles (including the fact that her boyfriend travelled to his friend's house every day, so much gas usage! When her house had multiple wings that he could have used. This seemed like taking propriety a little too far in this time and age - but that's probably just me) I liked this different story. This would work extremely well for people looking for clean romance/adventure with faith interwoven in it. It can even be a series to follow. I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley, and the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
A touching and beautiful story of wonder, compassion and love. To better understand the 'magic' of the main character, Chase and her canine companion, I recommend reading A Manchester Christmas first.
Brb crying... This book was written by a local news anchor, so I was very excited to read it. I absolutely loved the storyline. Really pulls on your heartstrings.
This book showed so much promise however I was happy to finish it. There were too many characters and too much going on. Even the main character I didn't like. I felt she was what I call a cavity girl, "She was so sweet, that she would give you a cavity" Had they kept this book in the coffee house with the rescue dogs, I might have liked it better.
Too unrealistic, people can buy houses for $27 which happened twice in this book, people work for free and people you don't know show up at your door with free food. If this was going to happen anywhere, it certainly wouldn't happen in NYC.
There will be another part to this book but I will not be reading it.
2.5 stars, and a lot of that for the shelter dog cafe. I had a rescue pug, so that part of the story was so fantastic. I found myself googling in hopes it was a real place. The dog aspect was great.
Aside from that, the story was meh. Chase was too saccharine for me, and NYC was way too stereotyped as a back drop.
As with the first book I think it is in desperate need of a good editor. The story has potential, but it’s disjointed and the dialogue is awkward. The characters are not well developed, and it’s hard to connect with them. The ending hints at a third book and I’d urge the author to hire a good editor if he writes it.
This book is a sequel to A Manchester Christmas. It follows writer Chase Harrington and her handsome farmer boyfriend Gavin along with Chase’s dog Scooter. This story takes place in Manhattan in New York City where Chase moved to escape the number of people that went to Vermont to find Chase after her book about the miracles that happened in Vermont became a best selling book. They went to Vermont to seek answers from Chase about their personal lives. She moved to a big city so no one will recognize her. Gavin drives to the city often to visit. Chase stays in a small apartment above a coffee shop owned by a war vet named Raylan that allows shelter dogs to stay at the coffee shop so they can be adopted. A high school friend of Chase’s asks her to write an article for a newspaper about a wealthy man named Sebastian and his wife Vida and she does. Sebastian and Vida had a beautiful love story. Chase ends up going to an auction house where they are selling some of their items. A sketch of Vida done by a street artist and beloved by Sebastian is laughed at when up for auction. Chase is so angry at the rich snobs that she takes whatever cash she has on her which is $27 and bids the money on it and gets up buying it. Sebastian tells the executor of his will that whoever buys the sketch also gets his mansion so chase is now the owner. The groundskeeper informed Chase of a letter in the library . Sebastian left 3 rules to the owner: not to dig under the maple tree, leave a yellow rose on the outside wall (roses will be delivered every week) and don’t wash the middle library stained glass window. Scooter barks at a Scramble game so Chase and Gavin play scramble and each time she gets the same word. The first time they play it’s Bella. Bella is a shelter dog that they learn is deaf and Chase unites with a little deaf girl named Charlie who has problems making friends till she gets Bella. Oscar is a supposedly homeless man who knows sign language and thought Bella it too. The next word is eagle. Oscar has an eagle tattoo on his neck. Oscar is actually Peter and part of a wealthy family but chooses to help others. Peter was the man saved by Raylan during the war during a car bombing that scarred Raylans face when saving Peter. Another word was break. Matthew is an ex cop that drives Chase places. He asks Gavin to move a butcher block but when they put it in a freight elevator the elevator is broken and falls breaking the block, luckily Chase saved them from going in it. Peter’s rich and arrogant brother wants to buy the mansion but Chase had rules, one of them burying his most expensive watch which he refused. One of Sebastians rules of not digging under the maple tree was because Vida made him bury his watch after telling him he was forgetting everything and everyone he loved for work. The window couldn’t be washed because they used to support a children’s hospital for cancer and took in a girl named Rose abandoned by her parents because they couldn’t afford her care and Rose drew a heart with wings saying her heart will fly away when she’s in Heaven. Leaving yellow roses on the wall was for the groundskeeper to take everyday to Roses grave, her favorite color was yellow. When peters brother refused to bury his watch, she offered the house to Peter even though he didn’t have the $4 million his brother offered for it so she sold it to him for $27 and had a rule, the house was to be called Roses Garden and it would be a place for families of cancer stricken children to stay for free. In the end Gavin proposed to Chase on the same bridge The Bow that Sebastian and Vida did .
I absolutely loved this sequel as I did with the first book. I loved all the mysteries of the book, Sebastian and Vidas love story, Chase and Gavins love story and the other wonderful characters introduced in this book. It was an inspirational story with beautiful messages, one being that money isn’t everything and love conquers all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is an enjoyable novel combining a slow moving romance with a deep desire to help others. I did not read the first novel in this series so was a bit lost for the first part of the story. There is enough backstory as you read along that his one can be enjoyed on its own.
Chase was apparently given an unusual gift in the first novel in that she had visions of a sort and could then help people. She wrote a bestselling book about it, became pretty famous and escaped to Manhattan and anonymity. Gavin is her best friend and committed boyfriend.
Chase has enough money that she doesn't have to work but she is approached by a old college roommate to write a story about a wealthy man who gave away most of his money before he died. She agrees and that sets her on quite a journey of meeting people and helping them, or at least trying to.
Gray's writing style is pleasant and the novel moves along at a consistent pace. There is a little bit of a mystery thrown in with the wealthy man and the house he owns. The theme of the novel seems to be helping people. Perhaps God gives each of us a special gift to see a particular need another has. Like Chase, we might try too hard at times, perhaps barging in to a situation when it might be better to let it be. Then again, perhaps that is exactly what needs to happen to move the situation.
This novel is a pleasant one to read. I did get a little frustrated with the mellow nature of the relationship between Gavin and Chase. I mean, what fellow asks his girl when and how and where she would like to be proposed to?
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I liked it, but I just don't get it. The author says in his acknowledgements that the older he gets and the more he writes, the more he realizes he is not the rapids but the canoe meant to carry God's message to those with an open and willing heart. But there is not message from God in this book. I've read the whole Bible a few times and none of those messages are in this book, at least none of the how to be saved from your sins and how to have eternal life with Christ and a relationship with God because of Christ. So there's that, which is just kind of annoying and really just sad, actually. But I liked the book as just a book. A fun, light, friendly, Christmasy bit of mystery and adventure and romance. It's a good story. I enjoyed the first one and I enjoyed the second one, all except for what kept cracking me up, but I was like, "Stop. I know who Matthew is. Stop. I know who Scooter is." There just kept being way too many--are they called parenthetical elements?--you might check me on that. But for example, Matthew, Chase's driver, came and picked her up...These characters had been firmly established, yet we just kept getting those parentheticals. Oh, well, I just laughed. But right. Chase was "a good person." She herself said she didn't even read the Bible and when Matthew was explaining something to her about Jesus he said something about how God believes in you, (even if you don't believe in Him.) Okay. So because Chase is a good person this is a Christian book? I mean, there is none good but God, Luke 18:19, and in Isaiah, how our "good" is still like filthy rags to God, because we're sinners, all except Jesus Christ. But anyway, it was a fine book. I liked it. It just isn't what it thinks it is, I guess. Or I guess I just disagree.
At its core, it is a sweet love story, but I was bored. Novelist Chase Harrington escapes to Manhattan to blend in among the throngs of people in hopes of avoiding all the fan questions and interview requests regarding the real story behind her “based on true events” debut novel. If you’ve read John Gray’s first novel, Manchester Christmas, then you know. This plot follows along similarly to the last one. Strange things happen that lead Chase to help people around her. She has an ongoing love connection with her handsome farmer boyfriend, Gavin, whom she met in Manchester. She meets new friends in Manhattan and helps them in wonderful ways. She learns all about true love. Here’s what I don’t like about it: just like in Manchester Christmas, it’s kind of corny. A lot of the dialogue just seemed, I don’t know, cliche. Many times I thought, “people don’t actually talk like this”. Also, not that it’s totally crazy, but after 5 years of dating, Gavin and Chase do not spend the night with each other. Ever. Like, not even in same house, different bedrooms. He drives from Manchester to visit her in Manhattan often, but instead of staying with her, he stays with some unknown friend in the area. Seemed very unlikely. Anyway, I read these books because I really love John Gray, the author, who is a local (to me) news anchor. He is very popular and well-liked in our community. This type of story is maybe not my cup of tea, but if you like Hallmark-type movies, you’ll probably like this.
This refreshingly upbeat sequel to Mr. Gray's first novel about budding writer Chase Harrington makes a welcome respite from the tiresomely foul epithets, loose morals, and self-absorbed protagonists which populate a considerable share of contemporary love stories. Not having read Mr. Gray's first novel about Chase--Manchester Christmas--does not reduce this book's seductive charms for a reader in any way. For Chase, her fiance Gavin, and us, the action moves seamlessly between her semi-squalid Manhattan apartment, the lively slice-of-life Fur-Ever Java cafe--and its quirky staff and customers--who populate the floor below it, and an opulent but cozy mansion in upstate Briarcliff Manor: all three venues brimming with secrets, frustrations, and mysterious connections. The novel's heartbeat, through Chase and her well-chosen circle of friends, pulses with kindness, concern, and always action. There is always somebody down on his luck, or alone in her misery, or embroiled in their feud who are powerless against the awesome energy of Chase's love for them, all prompted by a series of urgent, cryptic messages from. . .her dog?! It's Christmas cheer, and much, much more here. Escape, enjoy, and energize!
Really enjoyed the sequel to Manchester Christmas. Just a good feel-good book with a little bit of mystery and a wide-range of interesting characters that surround main character- Chase Harrington. The way the author writes it- you can just “see” the book as a TV series and I like how he makes NYC feel like a small town as Chase surrounds herself with people from all walks of life who become special to her.
Two things I didn’t like- and this is being super nit picky BUT I hate how the author mentions that Chase is a size 4 and how much she weighs. Describing her as fit or slim would have been fine. I just think as a society we are beyond describing woman by their dress size/weight.
Second thing- it’s so silly that Chase’s boyfriend never spends the night at her place- it would have been better left just unsaid. I get that this is published by a Christian publishing company. But it could probably just been left unsaid where he stayed the night- and let the reader decide if he stayed there or slept somewhere else. But instead- a random nameless “friend” is mentioned and apparently Gavin stays there?? After driving from VT to NY to see her?? Really??
Overall I did really enjoy this book! Just had to mention those two things that bugged me!
Author John Gray introduced us to a writer named Chase and her love interest, Gavin, in his first novel, Manchester Christmas. Their story continues in Chasing Manhattan. Part romance and part mystery, it’s very hard not to get drawn into the story right from the first chapter. Chase has moved to Manhattan after the success of her first novel that takes place in the lovely Vermont town of Manchester. She has a special gift that she hopes was left behind when she moves. Gavin, who is a Vermont farmer, visits her frequently in New York although he is not thrilled with the city. As their romance deepens, Chase’s gift returns, once again making life better for those involved. Those who are familiar with the author and his Facebook page, will find pleasant surprises in the names of characters. This is a wonderful, clean, and life affirming story, that you will find impossible to put down until the last page has been turned. I am giving this 5 stars, only because there is no option to give it 10!
Just ok. The writing style really put me off. In the first few pages there was a lot of brand name dropping. It was distracting rather than adding anything to the story. Throughout the book we are reminded who main characters are as if we had forgotten. The dog Scooter plays a large role in the book and in the last few pages the author says something like Scotter, the dog., did this. I haven't forgotten who Scooter is! Basically, everything is very surface level and feels like a television show. Seeing the author works in TV, it makes sense. The overall plot was ok, but the characters really lacked depth. Gavin is a cute farm boy that spends most of his days away from the farm on a laptop? That is about all we ever get to know about him. Chase wrote a book. Thats all we know about her. Complete lack of emotional depth. It also irked me how the characters played Scrabble. Showing each other their letters all the time even before the weirdness happens. I would have enjoyed this as a cute rom-com movie. It fell flat as a book.
Chasing Manhattan by John Gray is the second installment of the romance trilogy. In this second book, Chase Harrington is navigating Manhattan. There's a mystery, marriage, madness, and much more!
Chase Harrington has escaped her small town in Vermont. She's been in some hot water over her latest novel: she claims to have helped people via visions in church windows. You can't run from your problems or God.
Chase has built a circle of trust in Manhattan. Her driver, a few friends at Java Cafe, and others. Follow along as the past chases Manhattan.
Typically, I don't care for books in a series. I didn't read book one; however, I enjoyed this story. The writing is clear. The characters are interesting. There's a slight hint of religion, but not forced. The pace is a little slow, but there is enough action to keep the mind busy. Romance can get away with that.
A great read. It's a twisting turning journey into love.
After having read the first book in this series Manchester Christmas, (which I did enjoy) I sorry to say I found this book disappointing. The writing was not of the same quality as his first book. Almost amateur like. The story itself was a little unrealistic at times and slow. I found myself wanting to just stop reading it but needed to finish for my book club. I was also surprised everyone (which usually is never the case) rated this book as a 2 or 3. I understand there is a third book in the series coming out next year. I have to say... I will not be reading it. I'm done chasing Chase. I will however give this author another try if he should write on other subject matter. I'm willing to do so because of the fact I did enjoy his first book. I'm not really sure what happened here with his writing in this last book but I as stated earlier.... was very disappointed.
This upcoming book is crafted for discerning readers who appreciate more than just a simple whodunit. It perfectly blends the intrigue of a well-constructed mystery with a rich layer of emotional resonance, creating a truly uplifting reading experience. Prepare to be drawn into a world where the process of unraveling perplexing clues goes hand-in-hand with acts of kindness and the profound satisfaction of making a positive impact on the lives of others. Just when you think you have pieced everything together, be prepared for skillfully woven, unexpected twists that will challenge your assumptions and keep you eagerly anticipating the final reveal. This is a story that will not only engage your intellect but also touch your heart, leaving you with a sense of hope and the enduring power of human connection.
I received an advance copy of this book, Thank you
This is a light and easy read. The characters are good people and that warms the heart. My only complaint was that sometimes, I felt that the author either thought his readers were dumb or didn't have faith that his writing would engage the reader, and I say this because over and over when mentioning someone, he would remind us who that person is, ex: Matthew, Chase's driver...We met Matthew at the very beginning of the book, and he's been mentioned in just about every chapter, by page 200, I know who he is. Petty gripe, I know. This was a very enjoyable book.
So I had low expectations of this one. I had actually started the first book in this series before but DNF. I didn’t know it was part of the same series until I started reading it. I just got it because I was going to NYC and thought it would be fun to read over our holiday trip. There were parts that were very predictable, cheesy, and repetitive. Then there were parts that I loved. (Knowing the value of time, finding stars in NYC, etc). It was a little over the top but I was pleasantly surprised.
John created a wonderful sequel to last year’s Christmas in Manchester. There was a slight mystery mixed in with the feel-good romance. I wish it had been longer. As there are a lot of characters with stories. I found myself confused at times and needing a break to figure things out. The ending felt crammed in. How was the bigger mystery solved Scooby Gang style? I gave this 4 stars because I adore the characters despite their complexities. Their stories work out in a satisfying manner.
John Gray’s sequel to Manchester Christmas did not disappoint. Such a feel good story filled with love, friendship, adventure, and faith. This story shows a side of humanity that gives hope that there really is goodness in people. That people do things for others not only because it is the right thing to do but because they choose to. They choose happiness. I really hope he writes another book as Gray has quickly become a favorite.
Chase moves from Vermont to Manhattan knowing she needs a break from getting premonition-like messages. Even though they are good messages and end up helping people, Chase doesn't want to always be on alert. She settles into a tiny apartment above a coffee shop. Content to people watch and meet new friends, she never expects the next message to change her life. An upbeat read everyone could use about now.
Chase’s story continues here, from the book “Manchester Christmas”, with some new characters and a new location. But the special gift Chase had in “Manchester Christmas”stays with her, and she in turn gives it to these new characters her new friends/family. We also get to see Chase and Gavin’s relationship grow from friendship to love. This whole book is about love, all different kinds of love and ways to show and be loved.
I enjoyed this book except where God’s name was used 11+ times in vain. I bought this book for our church library and cannot use it there as many people will be upset. I like all the characters and the way they intermingled with each other, except for Clayton. They really seemed to like each other. Chase and Gavin’s relationship was great the way all couples should get along. It was a cute story of love. However, I cannot recommend this book.
I loved this story. Just as good as his first book if not better. Chase is a wonderful person and wants the best for everyone. I wish everyone in real life had her compassion. This has just enough mystery and romance to make you not want to put it down. I really hope that Mr. Gray or as those of us that love his TV work call him, John, keeps writing. I'll buy every book he writes.
Excellent . I truly enjoyed reading this book. I read the first book Manchester Christmas also and hope that this will be made into a move. I have read all of Mr. Grays books and have enjoyed them and recommended them to my friends. You will not be disappointed reading this and other book by John Gray.
Fabulous continuation of Chase and Gavin’s story. Set in Manhattan you get all the nostalgic feels of being in the city during this most magical time of year. New mysteries to solve, new characters to love, a rounded story that helps you escape and get into the Christmas spirit. Can’t wait for book 3 in 2022.