Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 23rd, 2017
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Blurb from goodreads:
A country-music star returns home to win back the woman he loves in this charming holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Shannon Stacey
Ava Wright isn't happy to see her high school sweetheart rolling into their hometown a few weeks before Christmas. He's only come back to bury his estranged father, but there's no way she'll be able to avoid him. No one can: he's become a country-music superstar since going solo and leaving Ava behind.
Jace Morrow grew up believing "money can't buy happiness" was something people said to make themselves feel better. But now he knows it's the truth: no matter how many number-one hits he has, he'll never recapture the magic of singing with Ava. Missing her—loving her—and living with making the wrong choice in life were what made him who he is.
When Jace is roped into being part of the town's annual Christmas party, he only cares about earning Ava's forgiveness. And though Ava's heart has never healed, she loved Jace too much and for too long to shut him out when he's hurting. As they fall in love all over again, they're both faced with choices for their future…and this time Jace intends to make the right one.
Every year for several years now I look forward to Ms. Stacey's holidays novellas. They're short, sweet, and have a happy ending. And this year's hero is a country musician! I like country music. So, pretty much a guaranteed win.
Jace and Ava were a high school couple who had a dream to write and record country music. Together. But when Jace is offered the chance to record, solo, he leaves Ava behind with barely a backward glance. But he's never forgotten nor has Ava forgotten, or forgiven, him. Neither has gotten over the other one, they still care about each other. But can Jace apologize and win back Ava? Can Ava forgive him? Can they make a life together or did Jace throw it all away 5 years ago?
Jace was an ass, abandoning Ava the way he did and at first, I didn't want to like him. But slowly he won me over, at the same time that he was winning Ava back. He apologized, he groveled, and he tried to make it up to her. One blogger, I don't remember now who, described Jace's story as one long grovel and when I thought about it, I realized they were right. I had initially been disappointed that there wasn't a grovel scene but in fact, Jace's part of the story is one extended apology and grovel. I loved that he didn't do a grand public gesture as I hate those. He really paid attention to Ava and listened while also pushing her, carefully but firmly, out of her comfort zone.
Ava had held onto her mad for five years but once Jace is back in town and they are dealing with each other, she just couldn't hold onto it. Her heart is softened by the fact that Jace's father died and that's why he's back. Jace and his father weren't close but still, a death in the family. Jace steadily woos Ava and her heart begins to melt. She forgives Jace but discovers one more obstacle: can she fit into Jace's world in Nashville.
Jace and Ava worked through their pain and their regrets, and found their second chance at a happily ever after. "Hold Her Again" was sweet, emotional, and just the right length. It had a sugary sweet ending that made me tear up but it fit the story.
Woosh. Yeah that would require a huge grovel. Glad to see she had that happen. I'd have had a hard time getting over that, too.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's a hard thing to come back from but the author made it work.
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