Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love Me By Christmas by Jaci Burton Narrator: Samantha Cook
Published by Tantor Audio on November 21, 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 4 hours
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
Ellie Washington lost her husband in a tragedy five years ago at Christmas. She wouldn’t have made it through her grief if not for her husband’s brother, Nick, who helped her pick up the pieces of her shattered life. And with every year, her feelings for Nick have grown. Now she realizes she might be in love with him, but that’s not fair, because Nick deserves a life that isn’t about his brother’s widow and son.
Sharing his life with Ellie and her son has been the balm that soothed Nick’s soul after losing his brother. Now that friendship has turned into something deeper. Nick doesn’t want to upset the status quo, but someone has to make the first move, and it’s time they figure out if their feelings are real. Nick believes in what they have. He also believes in Christmas miracles, and he thinks they’re both long overdue for one.
I was looking for a nice, quick holiday romance. The book released in November, which was too soon for me. I am reading Holiday books in December. So I was thrilled to have the audio option. It is short, just over 4 hours.
Love Me By Christmas is the story of a widow and her husband’s brother. The consciousness we follow is Ellie’s thoughts for the most part, but some of Nick also. Nick is a great guy. He is almost too good to be true. He has taken care of Ellie and her son, Henry since his brother died, and loves them. I have trouble with Ellie’s clinging to the past for so long, in the way she lets it affect her current life. Particularly, after View Spoiler » Nick is always going to remember John and keep him alive for Henry.
I also wished the author had done a bit more with Henry. I wanted to know his feelings about his mom, dad and his Uncle Nick. His emotional state and reactions could have added much to the story.
Samantha Cook was a new narrator for me. I enjoyed her performance. The voices seemed to fit with the characters and did not pull me out of the story. I listened at 1.25 speed. She gave an emotional authenticity to Ellie’s thoughts and feelings.
Listen to a clip here.
About Jaci Burton
Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 Audiobook Challenge
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
Like you, I was looking forward to a sweet holiday novella romance… and while this is one, there were issues. I think I gave it 3.5 stars as well. Narration was pretty good, if I recall! Nice review.
Thanks Jen! I try to review without spoilers and with constructive view. Of course, sometimes I have different tastes than others and that is just one reason I don’t slam any book. This was good though; I just had a few issues, which I mentioned .