K
Kindle Customer
December 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
A really solid holiday novel that breaks the mold a bit
The ending felt a little rushed and anticlimactic, but I'm not sure how I'd fix that as an editor. Overall I liked this book quite a bit, and getting to see Quinn and Sawyer again was fun, and well done in that it doesn't give away their story if you haven't read that book yet.
For this story, I liked that it was seasonal and holiday themed, but didn't have that typical Christmas novel timeline of meet cute around Thanksgiving and 100% resolution by Christmas. I liked that the story unfolded in a more believable amount of time, breaking the Christmas romance mold; it allowed for the relationship between the two main characters to grow in a really sweet and meaningful way. Not much angst here, although we do touch on the subject of grief, but it doesn't quite qualify as a main theme imo.
I did like the side characters, and felt the character development was well done all around.
The humor was well placed, I laughed out loud a few times, which is saying something because I'm usually a nod-and-smirk at funny parts type of person.
If your looking for a book to cozy up with some hot winter beverage to read, this is a decent pick.
L
Lisa H.
December 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a mostly light-hearted, not very angsty, holiday love story. Both mains are relatable with their grumpy/sunshine personalities. Would have enjoyed a bit more character development, but considering the holiday romance, it was enough. This was a nice, easy romance.
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At the center of this inviting romance are two characters who captured my heart. Bianca is like Mary Poppins-practically perfect in every way. Her inner beauty carries this story. She’s steadfast, genuine, and loyal. Everyone in Kingsford is better off with Bianca in their lives. On the other hand, Maeve is a cute, yet grouchy curmudgeon. She’s far too young to be so weighed down by life’s disappointments. Like gaining the trust of a feral kitten, Bianca slowly shows Maeve what family, friendship, and community have to offer.
I rarely read low-angst romances, but Cuffing Season caught my attention. This book is all about the characters. Bianca and Maeve could’ve been in the middle of a desert and I’d have been enchanted watching them take such cautious and tentative steps toward finding their happily-ever-after. This romance added a little joy to my holiday season.
After her mother passed away, Maeve returns home to help her father in his bar, Murph's, but has no intention of staying. However, Bianca, whose father is the chef there, loves everyone and everything about this town. Opposites do attract in this delightful story. This book is really character driven. Maeve is the curmudgeon who cannot express her feelings while Bianca is friendly and to everyone. She even works at the vet's office with Kelly, the younger sister to Quinn, from book one Back in Your Arms. The secondary characters are great and the dialogue is wonderful. With undeniable chemistry, going from casual to long-term took a real leap of faith and a few pushes from their friends. What an enjoyable book!
R
Robin Kenna
December 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
OMG this is great, sensitive and delightful!
This lovely book written wonderfully by Monica McCallan, is so worth the read! I am just overly pleased with this story. The characters are believable and work off each other perfectly. The anxiety derived from loss, old issues in a small town and increased stress work against the leading ladies. Thankfully, this is a love story so she gets her girl finally in the end!
