Book Review and Giveaway: Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

I found this to be a delightful read!

Last Chance Christmas

by Hope Ramsay

• File Size: 495 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0446576077
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (September 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Dear Reader,

I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .

Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Review:
Lark is an intense, war-experienced photo-journalists. She nursed her father during his last few days during which he asked her to spread his ashes on the eighteenth hole of Golfing for God mini golf in Last Chance. Lark is trying to fulfill her father’s last wish and she hopes to get a little down time from her last traumatic assignment. Her father had only been in the town for a short time but he had created a racial stir in 1968 by taking a black woman into the local, white diner.

Some people in town believe Lark’s father murdered the grandfather of the current chief of police, Stone Rhodes. Many in town don’t want Lark stirring up memories of the racially charged time.  Stone’s stubborn father is one of those and Stone’s first inclination is to get Lark to leave town. He has enough trouble raising his daughters, while still clinging to the memory and loss of his wife. His eight year old daughter claims to see a weeping angel whom she wants to help find a way back to heaven and his fifteen year old is developing a friendship with a Jewish boy whose parents want to keep her away.

But Lark is set on getting permission to spread her father’s ashes even if it means pushing reluctant people to share their memories.  Then a local black man goes missing and is discovered killed.  At the same time someone is attacking and harassing Lark.  Stone begins to feel protective towards Lark and then he begins to feel emotions he has buried for years. Can Lark share her fears and emotions and will Stone recognize that he can have a second love before they lose the chance?

This story flew by as an easy, fun read. Lark and Stone are strong but troubled souls who need warmth, sharing and love but hold themselves apart. Ms. Ramsay does a good job of noting that issues of racial hatred and bigotry still exist today.  She also reveals similarities in Jewish Hanukkah and Christmas traditions, especially how the hope and joy of the season brings light in a dark world.And then there is the touch of angels for those willing to believe...

There is intrigue and fun in this story. I felt there were several loose ends but I still completely enjoyed the read.  I recommend this series to those who like family-centered romance with some quirky family members, strong, yet vulnerable characters, and a bit of spice with lots of warmth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lark makes an interesting observation about the church ladies:

The only community she knew about was the brotherhood that existed among the soldiers in the field.. But in a way, Semper Fi applied as much to the ladies of the auxilary as it did to the marines she knew. These women were always faithful. And when bad things happened, they closed ranks and took care of their own.  Location  3429.

I received this, for an honest review, from Forever, division of Hachette.

This is set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where are You Reading list.

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Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.