Reviews

Christmas at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett

kazza248's review

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5.0

This is the third book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would strongly advise reading the other two books first, they are beautifully written and once again the most emotional one saved until last.

I loved this book, the last of the Sisters Nee, and Luke, the brother of Arron from book 2, it was an emotional roller coaster, as they were already married but no one knew, then she upped and left him without a word, not seeing him again until her sister's wedding. They needed time together and apart to mend her and their relationship.

You can't help falling in love with this Christmas story, all the characters from the other books feature prominently, make you feel like you are sharing Christmas with them at Butterfly Cove, one big family all coming together to enjoy the celebrations and all of the romance which warms your heart.

A great end to the series!

sarahs_bookish_life's review

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4.0

This is the third book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy. It works well as stand alone as the author gives plenty of background on events in the previous two novels. This is probably my only criticism with this book, in my opinion there was too much, meaning it detracted from Nee and Luke’s story and took me longer than usual to fully settle into the book. Other than that though, I really enjoyed it.

I have really fallen in love with Butterfly Cove over the course of the trilogy, so was great to be back there again and catch up with all the characters. The stars of the book, have to be Kiki’s children, even though they don’t play a massive role in this book, they are still so adorable and I especially loved the parts with them in.

Each book concentrates on each sister, Having read and enjoyed Mia and Kiki’s stories, I was looking forward to getting to find out more about the remaining sister, Nee. As with the other sisters, I loved getting to know her as well as find out more about her past. It sure makes for some intriguing reading and I really enjoyed the connection between her and Luke.

Christmas At Butterfly Cove was an enjoyable festive read, spent with characters, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know over the course of the books. It’s really made me look forward to Christmas and spending it with the people I care about. The romance is brimming over the pages and really gives you that warm, cosy feeling inside. A wonderfully heart warming read.

bananatricky's review

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4.0

Three and a half stars.

The third book in the trilogy set in the picturesque Butterfly Cove focuses on the youngest Thorpe sister Eirene (Nee) Thorpe and the younger Spenser brother Luke. Now if you haven't read the two previous books you will miss out on some valuable back-story to these two. Basically they met, had a whirlwind courtship and got married on a whim. On the morning after their wedding Nee got a once in a lifetime opportunity to study with one of the most lauded artists of the modern era, Devin Rees, in New York. But Devin wanted 100% commitment and Nee had to go immediately. Already feeling some of the 'marry in haste repent at leisure' blues, Nee convinces herself that their marriage was a whim and leaves without a word.

Now Nee is back in England, broken and discovers that Luke is her brother-in-law's step-brother - awkward!

As the three Thorpe sisters prepare to spend Christmas and New Year in Butterfly Cove can Nee and Luke move past their history and find love again?

Nee has lost her mojo and doesn't think she can ever paint again. Without her art she is just a pale shadow of her former self. Although Luke is angry that Nee left him without a word he can see that she is hurting and he knows that he still loves her. But if he takes her back can he ever really forgive her or will it fester?

Whilst I enjoyed this, it felt a little bit like a novella which had been stretched out, maybe because Christmas stories so often are novellas rather than full-length novels? Maybe the novel should have started with a flashback to when Luke and Nee first met and then go to New York with her?

Anyway, this is a Christmas like I always imagined, lots of family and friends in a big house. Tons of food and games and fancy dress. Of course there is also drama, tantrums and arguments - it wouldn't be Christmas otherwise!

A fitting end to a charming trilogy where three sisters eventually find love and happiness.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

tanyarobinson's review

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2.0

Maybe it's time to give up on Christmas romances, because every one I read is just cheesy and lame. This was my second try of the year, and I pushed through it just to have it done, but I wouldn't recommend it. Granted, this is the third of a collection, but it says it works as a standalone novel, and I felt that I was missing the backstory to make the storyline and romance have any power. The characters were just okay, and the challenges to Nee and Luke's relationship felt fabricated.

2.5 stars. Ugh.

thejoyfulbookblogger's review

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5.0

This was a sweet holiday read that touched upon serious issues and difficult situations that many people experience. Some of the main themes of the novel were strength, family, love, and support. I’m a big believer in karma and it was nice to see karma come into play towards the end in relation to one character’s foul actions.

The book touched upon real-life issues that people deal with and the importance of having a support system of friends and family that are there for you no matter what, through anything. That always have your back.

I liked that Nee was a creative type and it was heart-wrenching to see her struggle throughout the book to get back where she was, to be the creative, happy, loving woman that she was before the unfortunate incident happened in New York.

The novel brings up an interesting perspective on what some people will do to be successful, even if it means leaving others behind. Ultimately, you have to do what works for you, and sometimes that includes making mistakes. The people that care about you will always be there for you and sometimes that means figuring it out and moving past mistakes together.

booksnbookends's review

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4.0

I read this book not realising that it was the third in a series. Needless to say, it was highly enjoyable as a stand alone read as it provided plenty of background information from the previous novels in the series.

This was a festive, Christmas filled read with realistic characters, particularly Luke and Nee. It's one of those reads that keeps you on your toes eager to find out what is going to happen next. There's lots of great twists and turns that make this an excited book to read.

Sarah Bennett has written a fabulous Christmas filled read, which has made me well and truly ready for Christmas. She's not an author I was familiar with previously but I'd love to read more books by her in future.
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