REVIEW: A Family Made at Christmas by Scarlet Wilson

In A Family Made at Christmas by Scarlet Wilson, April Henderson is a woman determined to avoid getting attached to anyone, especially when her future is so uncertain. Yet, there’s something about Riley Callaghan that’s impossible to resist, no matter how much she tries to keep her distance. So, when he turns to her for help when he learns he has a five-year-old son, April finds it hard to say no, even though she’s knows it’s in her best interest. Will Riley be able to convince April that love, family and happiness is possible for her, or will her fear of her uncertain future cause her to run from the best thing that’s ever happened to her – finding her Mr. Right?

He winked at Jake and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m completely and utterly offended that you won’t come to my farewell drinks. Four long weeks here, all those shifts together, and you can’t even say goodbye.”
“He’s right, April.” Jake nodded. “It is shocking. Thank goodness you’re not actually in the army. At this point you’d be getting a dishonourable discharge.”

What an absolutely captivating, emotionally-intense story Ms. Wilson has delivered about the miracle of Christmas, family, and finding love when you least expect it. The way this story started sets the fast-pace of the story, as the hero is all set for his new assignment as a doctor and then his life is turned upside down. However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story that I absolutely loved, because the hero has taken a liking to April and she’s doing everything in her power to avoid spending time in his company. Will April be able to maintain her distance when Riley asks for her help?

=”I could be in an accident tomorrow just like Isabel was.” They were the first words that came into his brain.. He knew they sounded desperate. But that was how he was feeling right now.
She shook her head. “I know that. But it’s a cop-out. You need to give me some space. You need to spend time with Finn and leave me out of the equation.” She tipped back her head and let out an ironic laugh. “I knew from the first second that saw you that you’d be trouble. I tried so hard to stay out of your way – and it almost worked.”
Something swelled inside his chest. “You did? You deliberately kept away from me?”=

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and took me on an emotional rollercoaster because of what the heroine is going through that has left her afraid of giving a man a chance. Will Riley be able to win April over or is her fear of her uncertain future too great to accept she can give her heart to the hero? However, in saying that, there were some wonderful moments between the heroine and the hero’s son that warmed my heart, even though she knows getting close to Riley and his son is something she shouldn’t be doing.

Both the main characters entertained me from start to finish due to their back stories, as the heroine faces her uncertain future and the decision she’s made for herself is the only choice she could make, especially considering what happened to her twin sister. Moreover, the heroine is strong, brave and I could understand why she keeps her distance from Riley and his son. How could she put anyone through what she went through with his sister, knowing she could suffer the same fate? I also liked how kind and caring she is towards her patients and that she would do anything to help them overcome their troubles as a physiotherapist, especially her army patient that has been through so much. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she took a chance on the hero, despite what could happen to her in the future. While the hero, he’s confident, hard-working, a fantastic doctor, and I liked how determined he was to be there for his son as well as win the heroine over. Discovering he’s a father and having to learn how to help his son through his grief and be a good dad to a little boy is tough, but I loved how determined the hero was. No way would he let his little boy down when he’s all his son has got now.

”I know you’re angry. And if you are, talk to your brother.” She stared out the window at the blue sky above them. “My sister and I used to do a thing.”
“A thing?”
She nodded. “If either of use was angry or upset – and it happened a lot – we used to hug it out.”
“You what?”
She shrugged. “Hugging. Physical contact. Scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. To release tension.”
He looked amused. “You want me to hug it out?”

Overall, Ms. Wilson has penned a wonderful and heartfelt read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense and undeniable; and the ending had me loving the hero more than I already did, because there’s no way he can give up on April, no matter how determined she is to set him free due to not knowing what the future holds for her, especially after the scare she has. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as April, Riley and his son honor those they’ve lost and Riley makes sure April knows how much he loves her. I would recommend A Family Made at Christmas by Scarlet Wilson, if you enjoy medical romances or books by authors Kate Hardy, Karin Baine, Sue Mackay and Janice Lynn.
 

Book Info:

Publication: October 17th, 2017 | Harlequin Medical |

One night before Christmas…

For physiotherapist April Henderson, gorgeous army doc Riley Callaghan is off-limits. With her life-altering surgery looming, she can’t afford to consider anyone else right now. But when Riley is given the biggest news of his life–a son he knew nothing about–April can’t help but offer him support.

Spending time with Riley and his adorable son, Finn, at Christmas gives April a glimpse of the life she’s always wanted. But can she risk her heart when her future is so uncertain?