4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friendship, Family and Romance, October 25, 2008
I first discovered Holly Jacobs' books at the library where I work, through her Avalon romances. (Avalon is a publisher that markets almost solely to libraries.) I really enjoy the Harlequin American romance line, so I was excited to learn that they were releasing a trilogy of Holly Jacobs books, starting with Once Upon a Thanksgiving.
This book was warm, funny and sweet. The problems between Samantha and Harry were clearly defined at the beginning, but as their feelings for each other grew, they discovered they could overcome them all. The characters and their relationships were the heart of this story and there were no disappointments there. Once Upon a Thanksgiving was filled with the sort of friends and family you'd want to have for yourself - not perfect but totally lovable. If I had to choose a favorite, it might be Grunge the feral cat adopted by Samantha's family. He seemed ferocious to most other creatures, but Samantha's young daughter Stella paid no attention to that. She cuddled, loved and carried the poor cat everywhere, much to his dismay.
I can't wait to read the next two stories in this series and discover what's going on in the lives of Samantha's fellow PTA moms.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
made me want to call a few of my own friends I can always count on, October 17, 2008
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
A CK2S Recommended Read!
Samantha Williams has enough going on in her life already between work and being a divorced parent to four children and a cat. The last thing she needs is to be volunteered for the PTA events committee. That's exactly what happens when she misses the first meeting of the school year, along with two other single moms, Carly and Michelle. Now she has to single handedly coordinate the Thanksgiving play at the school.
It's a wonder Samantha has time for anything else. Then she meets the new temporary principal, Harry Remington, an old friend from childhood. Samantha has no interest in building a relationship with a man who's only around for a few months, especially with her ex-husband finally ready to accept his own share of the responsibility for their children. Harry has just gotten out of a long-term relationship with a single mother, who broke his heart when she left with her son, leaving Harry bereft without Lucas to care for.
However, the more Samantha and Harry see of each other, the harder it becomes for them to be apart And Harry finds himself considering sticking around. Will all their dreams come true Once Upon a Thanksgiving?
I love Holly Jacobs's writing and I was thrilled to get the chance to read her first book for the American Romance line, Once Upon a Thanksgiving. This is the perfect home for her stories which are a pleasing blend of charm and humor surrounding everyday life. It doesn't get much more American than a PTA Mom trying to bring order out of chaos. I laughed out loud over the antics of Stella, Stan, Seton, and Shane and I felt their pain, especially Stan's, over the breakup of their parents' marriage. Holly truly captured the thoughts and feelings of young children trying to adapt to a new life.
Samantha has a lot on her plate and some days feels like she is barely keeping it together. When she meets the other two moms on the events committee she finds the one thing she needs more than anything right now, good friends who will always be there in a jam and make her laugh when all she really wants to do is throw in the towel. Everyone needs friends like Carly and Michelle are to Samantha. Their relationship plays a key role in the story. Holly handles the story of their friendship brilliantly and it made me want to call a few of my own friends I can always count on.
Harry is really hurting as a result of his last relationship falling apart afraid to get too close to someone again. But something about Samantha and her children touches his heart and he can't turn away no matter how much he wishes he could. As his relationship with Samantha develops, so do his bonds with the kids. All the while they are fighting the attraction they are pulled in deeper until they both finally see that the last thing they ever wanted is exactly what they needed. It is through their growing love that each can cast aside their painful ties to the past and find joy in the good things about those relationships and the new love they've found.
I especially loved meeting Samantha, Carly, and Michelle and I eagerly anticipate reading the stories of the other two women. Good thing I don't have to wait very long! Michelle's story will be revealed in Once Upon a Christmas come December.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, September 2008. All rights reserved.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Holly Jacobs treat..., December 1, 2008
Great story, great characters...Ms. Jacobs draws her characters so real you want to jump in a help clean house, or share their Thanksgiving dinner. Once HJ book isn't enough. After reading this I searched out Ms. Jacobs first Harl/Silhouette...DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR...thanks for adding to my enjoyment of the holiday, Ms. Jacobs.
Can't wait for the Christmas and Valentine stories for the two friends.
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