A Gift To Remember - by Melissa Hill

Original Cover

My own copy

 The blurb:

Discover the magic of Melissa Hill this Christmas... Darcy Archer works in a small bookstore on Manhattan's Upper West Side. A dreamer who secretly wishes for true love similar to that in her beloved novels, Darcy refuses to settle for anything less than being swept off her feet by the perfect man.

One day, when cycling to work, Darcy accidentally crashes into a sharply dressed man walking his dog. He is knocked unconscious and rushed to the hospital, but his dog gets left behind. Wracked with guilt over the accident, Darcy resolves to care for the dog and reunite him with his owner. But the dog is not the only thing that's been left behind and when she finds a small beautifully wrapped package - suspiciously shaped like a book - she becomes curious. She decides to try and figure out all she can about this man, and make the delivery herself. Darcy gradually becomes drawn into his life; one that she soon discovers is filled with books, travel, adventure and all the wonderful things she's ever dreamt about. It doesn't take long before Darcy builds up a picture of this man's lovely life, and feeling an immediate kinship towards him, tries to make things right.

It might be a challenge but doesn't she owe it to him to try? But does fantasy match reality? And what happens when he finally wakes up?

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Let me introduce you to Darcy Archer, a charming bookworm, boss in a bookstore. Darcy was a great character to follow, being that she is a booklover, but I also admired her independency and her own style. She did her own thing and didn’t bother what other think about her.

One day, just before Christmas she crashes into a man walking his dog. He is brought into hospital, leaving Darcy with his dog and that’s where their story started. Darcy took care of the dog and help Aiden (he lost his memory in the accident) get his memory back. She goes back to his house and tries to find out more, spinning a whole web of mysteries and not even that seemed to help Aiden, we only find out towards the end, why that was the chase.

I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and I think it was really cute of Darcy to help him. It seemed like she was falling for him more and more, without even knowing him properly.

Aiden’s dog Bailey added a sweet touch to the story as well.

And then of course New York and especially New York around Christmas time, so magical and sparkly.

Half way through the story we get to read about Aiden’s side as well, of what happened before the accident. It was a bit confusing at first, but it helped to see another side to the story.

Each chapter started with a fitting quote, which I really liked and it always had a connection to the story.

The epilogue was just what I hoped for and it was very interesting finding out who Aiden really was.

Melissa’s writing is beautiful and smooth and this story is a great addition to all of her books.

Rating: 

My possible cast:

Darcy: Jaimie Alexander

Aiden: Christian Bale

Melissa on Twitter: @melissahillbks
Website: http://www.melissahill.ie

Quotes - GRATITUDE

Definition: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness (Oxford Dictionary). 

In life we can be grateful for so many things... It's such a strong and important word, so here are a few quotes:

THANK YOU all for your support and friendship. It means so much <3.

My dream bookshop

Reading has become a very important thing in my life over the past year and blogging kind of changed my life;). When Sara asked my to write something about my own bookshop, I was all in from the start.

When it comes to bookshops, I’m all happy and bubbly. We have a lot of modern ones here in Switzerland and they barley have English books, but we don’t really have second hand bookshops or anything like that, which I think is a pity.

My bookshop would definitely have more than one floor, there would have to be at least three floors with at least two relaxing and reading corners to read in. There would be some comfy chars, sofas with pillows and maybe a coffee machine ;).  Or tea, if you prefer…

There would be some big and great windows to look out into a beautiful park full of flowers and fountains.

The inside would be old-fashioned with wooden shelves and older stairs; a little touch of a castle would be quite nice. I’d have a huge chick-lit and romance part, but also other genres of course. Since I’m a huge Harry Potter fan I’d create a whole corner dedicated to the books with extra accessories and other things.

Oh and don’t forget all the other bookish things, like bookmarks, key chains, notebooks, holders etc.

A table with recommendations is a must as well, so that the readers can see with is “in” and of course the newest published books. There would be computers as well, to look for a book and also an information desk, where customers can ask for help.

A children’s book area is important as well and a cooking and sports section. I’d also offer kindles in my bookstore and maybe even some courses and book clubs.

Physical books are the best, they look amazing in the shelves and I just love to smell them ;) My bookshop would definitely be very colourful and bubbly, decorated with some special things and plants, and some background music.

One way for decorating: Reading quotes and quotes out of books on the walls, to make a sweet and relaxing atmosphere.

I have created my independent bookshop here: https://www.myindependentbookshop.co.uk/Skydreamersimi

Have a look at my favourites and tell me about yours.

Greek destinations in Marissa Tejada's book

It's time for the next guest post. This time Marissa Tejada who is the author of the newly released romantic comedy Chasing Athens is talking about the inspiration behind her setting her chick-lit novel in Greece and the fabulous Greek destinations readers are discovering.    You can find her author web site and link to her travel writer blog here:  http://chasingathens.com/

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Thanks so much for having me on your blog!

Contemporary women’s fiction can take you to fantastic destinations all over the world.  For my novel I, like many other debut authors, was influenced by the experience of traveling and living in one particular place. 

Greece is one of the most traveled to vacation destinations in the world and I’m sure you know someone who has it on their bucket list.   There are a few reasons why. Yes, the sea is clear and sparkling, the islands full of charm, the food is fantastic, the architecture and history is ancient and the people are friendly.   

My contemporary romance/chick-lit novel, Chasing Athens, follows the story of 30-year-old Ava Martin, an American ex-pat living in Athens, who suddenly finds herself wondering where she truly belongs after her husband walks out on her. What happens next leads her through a humorous, touching and cultural journey that forces her to confront her disappointing past and redefine the true meaning of home.

Readers so far have said how they enjoyed the Greece as a setting for the book and as a result want to visit or come back.  

Here’s a rundown of the places you’ll discover in Chasing Athens.

Athens: The capital of Greece is a place of contrasts where you’ll find everything old and new, ancient and modern, fast and slow but all within its own unique Mediterranean vibe and character.   Chasing Athens takes you right in the center of the city where the ancient Acropolis stands tall, up to Mount Immitos mountain slopes that border the city and then there are scenes that take place along the vibrant coastal areas along the city’s seaside that are collectively known as the Greek Riviera.   

Hydra: Hydra is a short ferry ride away from Athens which makes it one of those ideal getaways for Athenians and travelers alike – romantic, quaint and picturesque.  There’s literally no traffic on Hydra because no cars are allowed!  You can choose from some well-dressed donkeys to give you a little tour instead.  Hydra is truly lovely and for many writers and artists continues to be considered on those inspirational destinations in Greece.

Mykonos:  This stunning Cycladic Island’s rocky scenery is dotted with whitewashed buildings and churches and since it’s known for its cosmopolitan night life it remains one of the most visited islands in Greece. It’s developed into a destination known for its five star restaurants, sexy nightlife, celebrity sightings and party atmosphere.    

If you’ve traveled to Greece I’d love to hear your stories.  You can also connect with on all sorts of social media like Twitter @tejadamarissa and Facebook.