A Christmas Bride

It’s so early for a Christmas-themed story, but Hope Ramsay’s ability to put often broken characters together with compassion and a wonderful story trajectory had me sold. The first in a new series, we’re moving to a small town to regroup, reconnect and refresh hearts, heads and lives. Willow has returned to Shenandoah Falls to regroup, realign and restore an old manor house as a way of honoring her now deceased friend. The home is owned by this friend’s widower’s family, and her first task, after determining that she can do this, is to convince David that it is both needed and right. David is still reeling from the death of his wife, dealing with their young daughter and trying to not open wounds that are still barely contained. He wants no part of anything Willow has to say, and is particularly disturbed by his own reaction to her. Oh these two – so afraid of moving forward and gripping tightly to what they ‘think’ is appropriate. Their hesitation in acting on their attraction is understandably uncomfortable, and the flak that both will take from everyone who purports to have a say (and in a small town – this means EVERYONE). Even more intriguing is the issues that both have to work through, and the gradual softening of David to the outside world. Until Willow, only his daughter Natalie saw that gentle side since his wife’s death, even though it did take some time for Willow to see it….. But, knowing her friend, she knows his heart is there, if buried under cotton wool with a hard-shell for everyone BUT Natalie. With a wedding to plan, plenty of conflict from the outside do-gooders who question nearly everything and the occasional head to head battles where David seems to feel the need to put his foot down, the story proceeds through all of the difficulties with healing, growth and heart shining through. Secondary characters were plentiful, but most outstanding was Natalie. At eight years old, she could be a hindrance to the overall plot progression, and it is understandable that David is rather guarded of her, but her effervescence and brightness shine through, giving everyone that child-like hope and excitement for the next day. A wonderful story that brings all the shiny feelings of Christmas, hope and love forward – I can’t wait for the next. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.