Book Reviews

Book Blurb

The greatest gift might be what they already have.

 

After years away building his career, event planner Sebastian Chesnut returns to his small hometown of Fir Falls to reconnect with his mother, sister, and young nieces before his job takes him to London.

 

He doesn't expect to find his high school boyfriend, Matty, has become a virtual member of Seb's family. Back then, Matty only offered a casual relationship, but Seb fell hard, and history is soon repeating itself. Seb’s afraid to hope for a second chance, no matter how much they’ve grown and despite the family they share. Instead, he focuses on creating a last perfect holiday, which won’t be easy with his sister’s ex planning to take the girls over Christmas.

 

Seb and Matty might not know what to do about their feelings for each other, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t be Christmas without the kids. Can these star-crossed lovers pull off a holiday miracle?

 

Book Review

Second chances are rare, and as this story shows, not always easy. Sebastian and Matt have both gone their own way after high school, and when Sebastian comes home for the first time in five years, a Christmastime reunion leads to all kinds of consequences. Neither man really knows what to do with their rediscovered feelings, family issues interfere, and Sebastian is torn between an amazing new job and what he might have with Matt if he can find the courage to try again. It’s a wonderful story filled with holiday cheer, two little girls who are much more perceptive than the adults want to give them credit for, an insistent ex interfering with the season’s spirit, and a slow-burn romance that had me filled with suspense as to whether Sebastian and Matt were going to make it.

Sebastian has been focusing on his work as an event planner since he left home, and while he is very successful, he has been missing out on any sort of love life. I think he has been running from the pain of Matt only wanting casual in high school, but he won’t admit that to himself. Seeing Matt again, especially since he has become such a big part of Sebastian’s family, makes Sebastian relive all the old feelings. He is too scared of being hurt a second time and spends much of the month he plans to stay at home trying to run again – this time from the realization that he may still love Matt.

Matt has become a successful artist and his close friendship with Sebastian’s sister has given him the family he has never had as an only child. With his parents now retired in Florida, Sebastian’s mother has become a maternal figure Matt doesn’t want to go without. And he can’t help but feel some resentment toward Sebastian for not being there for them. It takes some time for him to see Sebastian’s point of view, and when Matt finally confronts his own feelings, it is the start to a new beginning.

Both men are clearly still attracted to each other, but neither really knows how to deal with their emotions. Plus there is the complication that Sebastian is envious of Matt being closer to his family (especially his young nieces) than he is. They have to learn how to relate to each other now that they are adults, and if it weren’t for a bit of family drama and the need to pull together, I am not sure they would have made it.

If you like stories about somewhat complicated families, if second chances are your thing, and if you’re looking for a holiday read with a touch of suspense, some very warm family scenes, and a second-chance romance with emotions running high, then you will probably like this novel.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 231 pages/60475 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	03-December-2019
Price	$4.99 ebook, $9.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/santas-last-gift-by-sandine-tomas-11320-b