Series:
Emerald Bay (Book 3)
Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas.
Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock
Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping
for a miracle…
When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous
twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring
back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything
together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London.
But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her
heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…
After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on
dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the
fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue
eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace
she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her
sister’s heart for them to be parted.
But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her
twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm.
With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future
with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle
bring them all together?
Terrific story of love and family. I loved returning to Emerald
Bay and spending time with the Kelly family at the Shamrock Inn. This book
focuses mainly on Ava, Grace's twin and the youngest of the family. Ava has
always been quieter, while Grace is outgoing and adventurous. The story opens
with Ava and Grace leaving Emerald Bay to live and work in London. They are
looking forward to life outside their quiet village. There are glimpses of
their relationships with their sisters and various community members. While
Grace is bubbling with enthusiasm, Ava is more contemplative, thinking about
how her move ended her relationship with Shane.
Fast forward a year. Ava's enthusiasm for the move is all
but gone. She dislikes her job, her plans for traveling have never happened,
and she is homesick for Emerald Bay and Shane. The description of her date with
Tyson is hilarious and painful and is just about the last straw regarding her
life in London. Then she gets a call from her mother back in Emerald Bay,
telling her that Shane is missing, having been swept overboard while working
his family's fishing boat. Ava immediately hops on a plane home. During the
flight, she remembers how she and Shane met. She realizes she still loves Shane
and hopes for a chance to repair their relationship.
I was thoroughly immersed in the story as the village rallied
around Shane's family during the search. I loved the sense of community and
seeing how everyone pitched in. But there are bumps in the road ahead. Grace
has never been a fan of Shane and their relationship, and her attitude is
jarring when she arrives on the scene. She pushes Ava about returning to London
and resuming their life there. Ava, who has been a follower when it comes to
Grace, puts her foot down about staying in Emerald Bay. This drives a wedge
between her and Grace.
There were times when I wanted to shake both of them.
While each made valid points, the delivery was antagonistic, and neither was
willing to give an inch. I could feel Ava's unhappiness over the break, but she
stubbornly held on to her hurt and anger. Grace was also disinclined to make
the first move. I liked watching their other sisters, mom, and grandmother try
to break the impasse. I loved seeing them all collaborate to bring the
stalemate to an end.
The intensity of the search for Shane and Ava's refusal
to give up kept me glued to the pages. I was as hopeful as Ava that he would be
found safe and sound (he is, of course). I liked how Ava and Shane talked
honestly with each other about what drove them apart and their reasons. I ached
for Shane when he revealed why he refused to leave Emerald Bay. It was sweet to
see them rekindle their romance now that each has gained a little more
maturity. I loved the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in the
future.
I liked getting reacquainted with the residents of
Emerald Bay. Each one is unique in their quirkiness, and it is always fun to
see their interactions with members of the Kelly family and each other.
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