This was a great book about how people can deal with grief and taking chances. I really enjoyed how Mel grew as a character over the course of the book. My heart ached for her in the beginning with the relationship she was in, and then I really appreciated the choices she made. There is a little romance in this book, but that is why I didn’t enjoy it as much. It seemed like a heartwarming story, but he was still married and only newly separated. I don’t think I got enough information into his relationship to fully reconcile how a married man was involved with Mel for it to be okay with me. However, he was a sweet character, and had he not been married, I would have been a sweet romance because I did like him. This book does deal with some heavier topics such as grief, and alcoholism, so do be prepared for that. It isn’t a light and fluffy holiday read. I think that the biggest message from this book was Mel’s self-discovery journey, and that aspect I really enjoyed.

If you’re looking for a heavier read set around the holidays, then check this one out.


3.5 stars rounded up.


Thank you to @aaknopf for sending me a copy of this book.