The Destiny series is by far one of my favorite contemporary series because she has written such wonderful and diverse characters and love stories that feel genuine. ~ Amanda, Guilty Pleasures
Description:
Go to Destiny. There’s something waiting there for you.”
Shane Dalton’s new life is waiting in Miami, complete with fast cars and faster women. But first, he’s heeding his father’s dying words and stopping off in Destiny, Ohio. The detour wasn’t supposed to include a busted pickup and a blizzard. But Candice Sheridan, the cute redhead who reluctantly offers shelter, could prove a pleasant diversion. Trouble is, she thinks Shane’s bad news. And he’s pretty sure she’s right . . .
Candice had her trust broken once before. Yet something about Shane won’t let her stay away. By Christmas, he’ll be gone. Until then, she’s itching to stop playing nice and safe . . . and try being a little naughty for once.
As their holiday romance heats up, Shane uncovers a shattering secret and Candice is preparing to face heartache once again. But there’s no better place than Destiny—especially at Christmastime—for two lost souls to find the gift of sweet, surprising love . .
Review copy provided for an honest review
Shane Dalton is getting a fresh start in Miami and can’t wait to leave Montana for warmer weather.
His father recently passed away and his dying request was for Shane to go to Destiny because ‘something is there for you.’ Since it was on his way to Miami he thought he would check it out. What he didn’t count on is being stranded there due to a blizzard and a wrecked pickup truck. He seeks shelter for the night with Candace Sheridan, who reluctantly gave it but only after he saved her cat from the snowstorm. She felt he was trouble and was glad to see him leave the next day. Only when she sees him in town later, and all the crazy feelings start up again. Now they are thrown together to plan the town Christmas party at a new location.
From the beginning and all throughout this story, it was filled with all the characters from the other novels all working together to make a wedding happen by Christmas Eve. The whole community makes the most of the holiday season and I got swept up into festivities. While the cleanup is coming along Candace is being coaxed to try a holiday fling with Shane and we get to understand why she feels the way she does. I like how she evolved over the course of the story and became a stronger, outgoing person, and a little wiser where her feelings are concerned. Both Shane and Candace were developed characters and how the small tentative steps grew into something more for both of them. What was a bonus for me was the other budding romance between two older people who are friends but never thought beyond their friendship. With Shane’s encouragement he put a bug in Grampy’s bonnet and he went for it. That put a smile on my face.
Knowing that Shane was sent to Destiny on a ‘mission’ wasn’t hard to figure out what it was about but it was very touching and heartfelt. Can’t explain more than that but just let me tell you that it was well written and showed the resilience of the heart. It definitely pulled this story together with a beautiful ending. I loved it! I thought that the when the series ended years ago that we wouldn’t be back but Ms. Blake wrote a new story that reminds me how much I love this town and the people who live there. The Destiny series is by far one of my favorite contemporary series because she has written such wonderful and diverse characters and love stories that feel genuine. With each chapter beginning with quotes from my favorite holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, it just ties it together with the chapters and makes it more holiday festive. If you haven’t read this series you have to grab it and sit down for a pleasant good time.
Thanks for the review Amanda