Twelve Dates of Christmas: The Ballad of Lula Jo
Lonesome Point, Texas #2.5
By Jessie Evans
ISBN# 9781940848
Author’s Website: http://www.jessieevansauthor.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
It’s the time of year for miracles…
Once upon a time, Lula and Carter were inseparable and Christmas was Lula’s favorite time of the year. But when Lula refused Carter’s proposal one dark December night—unwilling to abandon her hometown to live the dangerous life of a treasure hunter’s wife—the holiday lights went out in her heart. She abandoned all hope of romance and embraced a hermit’s existence, keeping her distance from dangerous men and untamed cowboys. Until now…
Years of hard knocks have taught Carter that the greatest adventure is the one he once found in Lula’s arms. He’s back in Lonesome Point determined to win back the only woman he’s ever loved, but Lula is just as determined to keep her heart under lock and key. She gives Carter twelve days—and twelve dates—to make his case before she sends him on his way, not counting on the fact that the two of them have grown into people even more meant to be.
It looks like Lula and Carter are on track to Happily Ever After take two, but when Lula’s old fears are reawakened Christmas Eve it will take a holiday miracle to keep them together.
Review:
A simply marvelous novella. I must admit, this is the first book I have read from this author, and I am not fond of starting a series in book 2 or onwards, but that reservation did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book. I found Ms. Evans writing style easy to read, the story flowing effortless – and for a novella that can often be the challenge given its smaller length.
I found numerous things to love about this book. First let’s start with the title….I loved it….Twelve Dates of Christmas – reminding me of my favourite time of year. So the title evoked an emotional attachment to the book before I even opened to the first page. Secondly, I quite enjoy second chance romances as well. It just seems to me that the protagonists try harder because they know what they are missing. And this certainly is the case with Carter Bryce. Of course…why did it take Carter more than a decade to discover this??? Well read the story and you shall find out…his life during their years apart was filled with adventure galore along with mishaps and tragedy. Makes for some interesting reading 🙂
Lula (Tallulah Josephine Watson) is the woman Carter leaves behind. As a young woman, she falls madly in love with Carter. Unfortunately, Carter leaves town when Lula rejects his initial marriage proposal….Lula had answered with her pragmatic self and not with her heart. As time goes by, she has created a tolerable life in Lonesome Point, but it seems she is missing her passion and zest for life.
In walks Carter after more than a decade and we quickly see there is still attraction between the two. I was glad to see that Lula wanted to take it slow and her acceptance of Carter’s suggestion of 12 dates prior to Christmas for them to get reacquainted before Lula makes her final decision as to whether they can give “them” another try.
The dates are fun…..and hot (boy is it hot). Time will tell if they make it. Read the book and enjoy the experience of Lula and Carter! And the gnomes……don’t get me started….but trust me….a chuckle or two will probably be associated with gnomes from now on.
I know I will certainly be reading more of Jessie Evans’ writing. I want to begin the Lonesome Point series from the beginning!
