Wednesday 2 November 2016

Book Review - In A Manhattan Minute by Helen J Rolfe

Amazon UK
Title: In A Manhattan Minute
Author: Helen J Rolfe
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Author supplied review copy
Publisher: Fabrian Books
Publication Date: 20th October 2016
Rating: 4 Stars


It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but when the temperature dips, can Manhattan work its magic? 

Jack exists in a world that has seen its fair share of tragedy, but also success and the wealth that comes with it. One snowy night, he crosses paths with Evie, a homeless girl, and it changes everything. 

Three years on, Evie’s life is very different. She’s the assistant to a prestigious wedding gown designer, she’s settled in Manhattan, has her own apartment and friendships she holds dear. But the past is lurking in the background, threatening to spoil everything, and it’s catching up with her.

Kent has kept a family secret for two decades, a secret he never wanted to share with his son, Jack. And even though she doesn’t realise it yet, his life is inextricably tangled with Nicole’s, the woman who was his housekeeper for thirteen years and the woman who helped Evie turn her life around. 

It’s Christmas and a time for forgiveness, love and Happy Ever Afters. And when the snow starts to fall, the truth could finally bring everyone the gift of happiness they’re looking for.

Grab a hot chocolate, turn on the twinkly lights and snuggle up with this unputdownable heart-warming novel.

I've got a friend who has been telling (possibly demanding!) that I read a book by Helen Rolfe for months, she wasn't bothered which one but I was under instructions to read something by this author. Now clearly I had no problem with this plan, and have in fact bought a few books that are currently unread (but for how much longer I'm not sure). 

So when I saw this Christmassy looking book by her, I just couldn't resist giving it a go, and I'm so glad I listened to my friend. What an impressive book, and such a strong story. Please note this is not your typical light hearted Christmas book, it deals with some proper issues and in a very sympathetic and understanding manner. 

Kent, Jack, Nicole and Evie's lives are all linked and not necessarily in the way you may think, after seeing the initial chapter between the four of them. As the story progresses there are all sorts of hints as to secrets being kept, and I only half guessed one of them, the rest really did take me by surprise. 

This is a story that takes in a variety of relationships, between family members and even a small amount of romance. It is Evie's story that fascinated me the most, she starts off homeless, and then the next time we see her she is a wedding dress designer's assistant but is petrified the past will come back to haunt her. 

Evie's best friend is Nicole who used to work for the Churchill's as their housekeeper. She is a very kind hearted woman, and sees the best in people,  Nicole isn't too happy though about the way her employment came to an end, but she does still care about the family. 

Jack appears to be one thing to his father but as we get to know him, the person he is trying to become is a far more palatable version and he really does have  a heart of gold somewhere! Whereas his father Kent, comes across as a cold hearted businessmen, who is really only interested in the family business. 

As their lives continue to intersect, it becomes clear some secrets will come out, and its a fascinating story spanning from Thanksgiving until Christmas. I really enjoyed the writing style, and the depth of the story that is being told. It moves at a fair pace, and as a book that kept me interested throughout. 

In A Manhattan Minute is a good introduction for me to this author and her brilliant capability for narrative and taking you to the heart of the story, while making you feel as though you are there alongside the characters. 

Thank you to Helen Rolfe for this review copy. This is my honest opinion. 

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