Unemployed journalist Vera Sterling goes home to Addison for her sister’s wedding and realizes how much she loves and misses her picturesque hometown. She’s still charmed by a now vacant and dilapidated house she remembers from her childhood as a thriving business. After months of not being able to find a job in Boston and seeing the house is still available Vera buys it and moves in.
Derek Cooper works at his family owned hardware and Vera hires him when she realizes some of the work is beyond her knowledge and skill. Derek likes Vera a bit but she’s oblivious since she’s looking for a job while working on the house and barn. Derek doesn’t pursue her because he hasn’t gotten over a personal tragedy. Meanwhile, Greg, one of Vera’s classmates and now a doctor begins his pursuit.
Memories are sparked as specific items are uncovered and marveled over when Vera sorts through boxes left by the former owners. Derek’s grief loosens its grip as he and Vera are drawn into couple-dom. Through Vera’s eyes, traditional holiday magic is released as town landmarks are vividly described, gatherings for holiday meals and parties with everyone dressed in holiday finery come alive.
But since Derek’s tragedy, people have avoided the outward celebratory looks he’d notice but this year Abby helps Derek plan the annual Deck the Halls parade of boats. When things don’t go according to plan on the night, the townspeople end up at Vera’s property having their own memories sparked by the decorations drawing the neighbors closer.
There’s plenty of Christmas and sweetness between the pages of this soft romance with a good premise and it’s lovingly descriptive so that it pops for the reader but this particular reader had difficulty connecting with the characters. They seemed to have relationships and ties but not real chemistry. For my taste as a holiday read it works well but not so much for a romance read.
Rating: 3.25stars
