Review: The Second Christmas by Marta Perry

 

The Second Christmas (The Promise Glen #4) by Marta Perry

Publication Date: September 27th 2022 by Berkley

Pages: 272

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Leah thought she’d be inheriting her Aunt Miriam’s plant/herbal business in upstate New York, but instead she’s back home in Promise Glen. Her family is unaware of the circumstances, but it was parting that left Leah shaken and hurt. On the bright side she’s setting up her own business on the land adjacent to her family’s property. The dilapidated little cottage needs work, but with some work and a little love and care it’s the perfect place for her new business. Unfortunately, her father asked Josiah, the man who broke her heart, to do the work. Determined to show she’s moved on Leah agrees.

Being home makes Leah realize just how much she missed her big, boisterous, and loving family. Losing that future in New York is starting to feel like a blessing in disguise. This close-knit, loving family filled me with joy! I liked learning about their Amish ways and holiday traditions.

Josiah was a fool when he courted Leah, too immature to recognize what he had with Leah until she was gone. With the work on her cottage, he hopes to mend their friendship and maybe win her trust and heart again. Also, it gives him a chance to prove himself to his father in the family business.

Working together in the cottage gives Leah and Josiah time to mend fences and remember that they were friends first before any romantic feelings developed. They shared confidences and support, something they fall back into. Leah helps Josiah see the situation with his father a little more clearly and Josiah helps Leah work through her feelings of shame and betrayal over her aunt’s reaction. He couldn’t help but be outraged for her.

The Second Christmas was a heartwarming second chance romance that gave me all the Hallmark-holiday romance vibes! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!

4 Stars

Book Description:

The warmth of the Christmas season and a woman's return home to the charming Amish community of Promise Glen opens the door to a second chance at love.

When Leah Stoltz pictured returning to Promise Glen, she imagined taking everything she learned from her aunt's business in Upstate New York and starting up a quaint herbal tea shop of her own. What she didn't expect was for Josiah Burkhalter to insist on helping her. Josiah might have been her childhood sweetheart but they've both changed a lot since then and Leah's not sure she can trust the man who once broke her heart.

Josiah is determined to make the most of this unexpected second chance. When he hears of Leah's plans to open her own shop, he resolves to help in any way he can--beginning his gentle campaign to win her back by renovating the small cottage on her family's farm.

During her time away, Leah looked forward to once again spending the holiday season with her family, especially Second Christmas, December 26th, a time of celebrating with extended family and close neighbors like the Burkhalters. But as Christmas nears, her feelings for Josiah grow more confused, strengthened by their time of working together. Now it will take all the magic of the season for Leah to confront her fears and reach for the love she deserves.