[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]
Summary
If you had asked Ashley at Thanksgiving about her Christmas plans, you would have heard her talk about her first real vacation in years. She would have talked about a trip to Paris with her boyfriend, Jeremy, to spend the holiday with his family. For a brief, shining moment she even thought she might be going on the trip with a diamond on her left ring finger. Instead of an international flight with a fiancé, though, she’s on a train headed home. Alone.
On the train, Ashley sits by a sweet older woman, Betty, who knits while Ashley pours her heart out about her life in New York City, her broken relationship, and her unfulfilled dreams. Ashley eventually dozes off. When she wakes up, the train is at her home station. Betty is gone, but she’s left Ashley a knit stocking and the gorgeous vintage Christmas charm bracelet she had been wearing.
Ashley puts the bracelet on to keep from losing it, but she’s determined to find Betty and give it back. It’s too extravagant of a gift. But there’s something weird about it. Ashley can’t get it off – the clasp won’t open. And things keep happening to Ashley that match a charm on her wrist – like the dog on the porch and the decorations at her parents’ house. Is Betty’s bracelet magical? Surely it’s just a coincidence, right?
Review
A delight from start to finish!
I loved this warm and magical Christmas story from Hallmark Publishing. The magical elements made this feel different and fresh and unique. I was pleasantly surprised by the reveal of why each charm is there, and I enjoyed watching the whole story come together.
The characters here are fantastic. Just like a Hallmark movie, there’s the ex who takes the protagonist for granted and doesn’t realize what he has in front of him until she is gone. You also have the charming home town that reminds the city girl of who she used to be. There’s also the true love who got away. I am a sap for every bit of it!
I’ve been reading a lot of 2020 Christmas releases in the last month, and this is one of the best. Don’t miss this one!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*
*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would re-read!