Christmas in Vermont: A Novel

syn·chro·nic·i·ty noun 1. the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. And this is the guiding premise of this story about reconnecting with lost loves and finding a new tomorrow. Emma is a serial relationship ender – none of her relationships last longer than a year – in fact, she’s selling the bracelet from her latest ex instead of heading to the airport for a Maui vacation, when she spots a watch she had given to her first and college love, Fletcher. The one she can’t forget. But, believing herself incapable of a relationship, despite thinking she wants one, she’s content to spend Christmas between her best friend Bronwyn’s house with her goddaughters, and working on a lipstick campaign due in the new year. But, when Bronwyn hears of the watch, and decides after a quick google search that Emma must go to Vermont and stay at the inn that Fletcher is at – even better – a free-ish stay as Emma will run the “kids camp” each afternoon – Emma is bullied, cajoled and eventually relents – heading out to the country inn. Fletcher, his nine year old daughter Lola and his twenty-something fiancée are staying at the inn. Fletcher using the time to spend with Lola and get his fiancée Megan and Lola to bond. It’s not happening – not like it should – mostly because Megan is angling for a part in Fletcher’s Broadway debut play that she isn’t suited for, and Lola is in possession of an adult’s outlook on the world, with a ‘friend’ who shares all of the ‘bits’ of being a child of divorce. Emma is still attracted to Fletcher- but she won’t overstep his relationship, Fletcher has always dreamed of Emma and sees her ‘everywhere” and with a ‘hands off” from his best friend Graham from London, he’s determined to make things work out with Megan, despite Lola’s objections and his own unease around her and her suggestions. This was a sweet story that unfolded naturally, with both Fletcher and Emma picking up the chemistry and camaraderie from the get go – much to Lola’s delight and Fletcher’s confusion. The topic of synchronicity and HOW Emma came to be at the same small inn come up – and while the two are alternately amused and tickled by their connection, a simple truth from ten years earlier threaten to separate the two for good. It is only with the talent show that both are roped into helping by Lola – organized for the Inn owner’s benefit – do the two find their way together and clear the air – understanding that their connection is one that is meant to be. Set in Vermont with plenty of scenery, local attractions and new delights, the story is a wonderfully warm Christmas story about finding new opportunities in the present with love from the past. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

4 star review of Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes I love any story that is centred around Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together, celebrate and reflect. This was a fun, quick read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked Anita Hughes’ style of writing and felt as though I was a part of the magic of Vermont. Have you ever wondered about the “one” who got away? That’s what happens to Emma when she stumbles across an old gift she gave to her college boyfriend Fletcher and brings him to mind. Could it be fate? Emma has never really gotten over him and has always wondered what could have been. With a little help from her best friend Bronwyn, she is off to a little inn in Vermont and about to find out, or is she? Things don’t go to plan but yet again fate steps in. Sometimes it’s just meant to be. I really liked Emma, Fletcher and his little girl Lola, they were easy to relate to and Bronwyn was a great secondary character. Will the magic of the holiday season bring happiness and a re connection for Emma and Fletcher? Vermont sounds like a beautiful place to live or visit and I found this story to be full of hope, love and family, of second chances and fate. A festive and sweet story that will get you in the mood for the holiday season. I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.