The Christmas Blanket: Special Edition

*SPOILERS MENTIONED AHEAD! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!A Christmas book written by Kandi Steiner, of course I had to read it come on! This story had second chance romance, Eliza and River being stuck in a cabin together so forced proximity, and making the most out of an unusual and unexpected surprise for them both.When Eliza pictured going to her parents cabin for the holidays, she never expected getting her rental car stuck in the snow, and unexpectedly coming face to face with her ex husband, River, but I guess the world worked in mystery ways in that instance. For Eliza, she was coming back home to visit her family, but more importantly she hadn’t been back home in a couple of years so it seemed like a pretty big deal for her to be back. Right away, it seemed like tension were high between Eliza and River due to the way they spoke to each other in somewhat of snarky tones. With Eliza and River having to stay in the cabin due to the blizzard, they were forced to be together in a small space and with nowhere to go, we’re forced to not only be together, but also brought some pasted memories from when they were married.While reading, I couldn’t help but wonder, “what happened between Eliza and River that led to them getting a divorce?” But thankfully Eliza explained exactly what led to it. Due to different things on what they wanted specifically Eliza wanting to travel and explore the world, but River wanting to stay in their small town caused issues in their marriage, and sadly spiraled into bigger arguments between them. What once use to be a loving marriage between two high school sweethearts later turned into Eliza and River wanting different things in their marriage. I could understand Eliza wanting to travel especially since all her life (when she was younger) she had lived in a small town. For River, it seemed like there was a deeper reason as to why he wanted to stay and no even consider what Eliza wanted, at least that’s what I thought while reading the few first chapters.I liked that Kandi included a flashback to when Eliza and River were married because, it gave me insight into how they were when they were married as well as seeing the past versions of themselves when they were happy and in love. What River and Eliza once had was sweet and innocent yet still filled with passion for the love they had for one another. Reading about the flashback and seeing the significance behind the Christmas blanket was both wholesome and heartwarming.Once I got to the part when River revealed the truth behind why he didn’t fight for Eliza back when she proposed the idea of them traveling together, I was both shocked and saddened. The fact that River put Eliza’s happiness before everything goes to show how much he cared and loved her, even years after they divorced, he only wanted the best for Eliza. While my heart broke for both Eliza and River, especially the fact that River knew about his father’s inevitable death was a shock I wasn’t prepared for. Kind of made me wonder what would have happened had River told Eliza the truth all those years ago, but alas no “what-ifs”, the importance was that they found each other again and were able to air out everything.Overall, this was such a cute, romantic cozy story that not only happened during Christmas but Eliza and River were lovely together. This was a short and sweet story filled with heart, emotion, and hope. Eliza and River find their way back to each other, and got a second chance with each other. Kandi had a magical touch with this story, and even though the book was fairly short, she managed to squeeze in a good amount of punch to the soul and just an amazing warm feeling to this lovely book. The meaning behind the Christmas blanket was wonderful and this has become a book that I will definitely revisit again come the holiday season next year and many years to come as well.

I enjoyed this sweet second chance romance. It had some steamy bits, some sweet bits, and some sad bits. In the end when we found out why River had been so okay or seemed so okay with Eliza leaving him, it made sense and made me love him more. Short and sweet!

This is a quick and cozy holiday novella.♥️Small Town💚Second Chance♥️Forced Proximity💚Grumpy Sunshine♥️Past & Present TenseThis is a fun read with so much emotion!

"I loved you. So I let you go."Damn... this may have been a quick read but gosh I went through so many emotions.The Christmas Blanket is a short second chance romance story that will hit you in the feels.River and Eliza were childhood lovers who married straight out of high school.Unfortunately, the marriage didn't last when Eliza wanted out of there small town, while River couldn't leave.Now, years later, they are brought back together.Could a Christmas blanket, a snow storm and being stuck in a small cabin together give them the second chance they need?River is such a broody bear and I couldn't have loved him anymore. When everything came out my heart broke for this man. But what a man for the sacrifices he made. Even his heart.Does Eliza deserve this man? probably not.But... after some emotion, some angst and a sprinkling of steam I was happy these two finally get a HEA.