Stanley

I have life figured out—a good job, a nice car, and an ex-boyfriend whose heart I broke. But then my half-brother dies unexpectedly, and I go back to our hometown to settle his affairs. A quick trip before Christmas. Instead, I get the shock of my life. Do I face this new challenge or do what I’ve always done—run? Or will I stay and get to know the most amazing man I’ve ever met and take on a responsibility I’ve never dreamed of facing? This will be a holiday season like no other.

Justin

I’m a therapist who helps people deal with grief. My life is fulfilling. So what if I’ve been single for years? I have the kids I counsel and co-workers I adore. Maybe I’m tired of going home to an empty house and not looking forward to another Christmas alone. But I’m not going to be taken in by some slick city guy who can’t wait to leave town. I’m not going to upend my life just because I’ve met the man of my dreams. Right?

How was it?

This was my first Gabbi Grey read, well listen, and I didn’t know it was part of a series or collection but thinking back there were backstory elements that probably were from the first book. Michael Dean narrated the audiobook and he was the main reason why I jumped onto this novel because I knew he was going to bring this story to life, and he did, but I had the hardest time connecting with this story.

Maybe it’s the Christmas theme – that I didn’t care for – or the subject matter – the heartwrenching situation that brings Justin and Stanley together -, I don’t know but it was a bit tough for me to go through this story. I loved Dean’s performance, and Grey’s writing is good. I don’t think either of them was the problem, even if the instalove between the two MCs gave me whiplash and was brought about clumsily since a great job was done to make Stanley unlikable. So the quick shift in how we’re supposed to perceive him didn’t quite work for me but there was an interesting growth to the character throughout the novel.

I feel like this book will resonate with many readers because it ends up being a somewhat heartwarming story that I just couldn’t completely connect with.

Stanley’s Christmas Redemption is available on The Book Depository and other book retailers near you.