Iris Nelson has started her life over in Cavanaugh Island,
working as the
pastry chef in the local bakery, The Muffin Corner. Having
escaped from an
extremely abusive marriage, Iris has remained celibate for
the past three
years as she has never found anyone she could feel safe
with. This all
changes when she meets Collier Ward, her best friend
Tracy's brother, and
there are instant sparks of attraction.
Collier, a military man, is only home
for the holidays, so any relationship that may develop
will only be short-
lived. But Collier is fighting his own demons. Suffering
from PTSD, he is
struggling with what has happened during his army career,
and is trying to
figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
Iris is also trying to
plan her future, hoping to set up her own cake decorating
business, and
finally put down roots in the town she has come to love.
Spending time
together, Iris and Collier begin to believe that their
future may also be
together, side by side. But during a nightmare, Collier
unknowingly terrifies
Iris, bringing to life her own horrific experiences at the
hands of her ex-
husband. As the holidays draw to an end, will they be able
to lay the past to
rest and face a new future together?
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Rochelle Alers is a standalone
short novel
that is set in Cavanaugh Island, where another
series of books are set. I
enjoyed the idea of the story and the characters of Iris
and Collier, and their
extended family. However the story did not flow naturally
for me, and I felt
their relationship did not seem to develop - it just
suddenly existed. HOME
FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Rochelle Alers was a little rushed for
me, but is
still a nice short holiday read.
This Christmas novella is set in charming, Sanctuary Cove
featuring popular characters from Rochelle Alers'
bestselling small-town, Cavanaugh Island contemporary
romance series.
Love is always in season.
There's no place like home for the holidays, especially
for
divorced pastry chef Iris Nelson. After escaping an
abusive
marriage, she's found peace on charming Cavanaugh Island.
As
the holiday approaches, Iris looks forward to spending it
with her newfound best friend's family . . . and their
very
handsome visitor.
On leave from Afghanistan, Army Master Sergeant Collier
Ward
is excited to be reunited with his family for Christmas.
But
the best gift of all may be this warm, beautiful stranger
who joins them for the festivities. With his visit coming
to
an end, Collier can't deny the heat smoldering between
them.
Yet Iris can't help but wonder if it's just the glow of
the
season-and one night of passion-or a true miracle of love
that will change their lives forever . . .