When past and present collide and forgiveness stands in the way

Synopsis

Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames…

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

An enchanting, festive read, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

My review

After divorcing her husband, Laurel decides to return home. Home being the village of Middledip. Not only is she looking for a quiet life but her sister Rea needs her help more than ever.
Slowly adjusting to the country life and focusing on her paintings, Laurel is in shock when she sees Grady Cassidy again. Not only is Grady an old flame, but he is Mac’s brother. And let it be that Mac was involved in making Laurel leave head over heels Middledip so many years ago.
However, when things with Grady are going for the better, the past is still holding Laurel back.
Will she be able to forgive the persons that hurt her so may years ago? Or are some things just unforgivable? 

I always feel a bit sad when a story starts with a couple breaking up. It’s a pity that for a while they were a perfect team and suddenly they aren’t anymore.
And when we get to know the specific reasons why it didn’t work out between Laurel and Alex, well, my heart just broke a little bit… 

But not only her tale broke my heart… there is Rea with her phobia, Laurel’s niece Daisy having a hard time at school, but also Grady is having some difficulties. However, there are also many lovely moments in it, so do not think you will get depressed while reading!

It’s clear from the beginning that Laurel has been traumatized by something in her past, but she doesn’t hesitate when Rea needs help. Laurel doesn’t only come back because her sense of guilt or duty, but because she truly wants to rekindle their bond.
And seeing how Laurel understands Rea’s struggle and tries to help her, without pushing Rea too hard, was very sweet. It shows us that Laurel is this kind loving woman that would do everything to protect her loved ones.
And also when Daisy finally opens up concerning her problems, Laurel won’t allow anyone to hurt her little niece!

And then Grady enters the story…
Years ago he was head over heels in love with Laurel, but when she suddenly disappeared, he was devastated. Even now, her return doesn’t leave him unharmed!
When he and Laurel not only start talking to each other, but when it’s revealed they have faced the same issues not so long ago, my heart went out to these lovely characters! 

I was curious to know what happened to Laurel in the past, and how Mac was involved. I even feared a bit for the event to be even more terrible than what happened, but I understood Laurel now a lot better and somehow I understood her reasons for not wanting to forgive. 

This is not only a story about second chances at love, but also about second chances at life. The author managed to grasp the pain the characters are feeling but she also managed to show that pain can hold us back. Whatever happened in the past cannot/ should not be forgotten, but forgiveness isn’t only about making the counterparty feel better, but it will allow you to open your heart and go full ahead for the wonderful things that love can bring.