This was a delightful book. The characters were very engaging and drew me in from the first page. Although part of a series, this book is completely able to stand on its own as a good read, which is how I read it. Enough information was dispersed throughout to give readers the backstory of the main characters without having to read the first installment. The dialogue was very real and modern. The main character struggles with an ex spouse and a special needs child while her romantic interest shows determination to pursue a relationship. I enjoyed the dynamics of all the characters. The author's descriptive writing made the characters leap off the pages.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see in which direction the developing relationship between the couple takes. I suspect there might be a health issue with hunky Sam, as clues were given toward the end of the book.
My only question is, where can I find a Sam? ( )

This is a sweet romance story about a woman on the rebound and a widower. She lives in New York and he lives in Chicago. They meet at a wedding and hit it off at once. I didn't read the previous book, but I don't feel like I needed to in order to get caught up with the story. Pleasant enough storyline. ( )

I just had to read Winter Hopes by Jennifer Gracen after I read the book blurb. The two main characters, school teacher, Lydia Powell and graphic designer promoted to Creative Director, Sam Forrester, are likeable and interesting. They met at a mutual friend's wedding and immediately hit it off. Deciding then and there that they wanted to see each other again, they made plans to keep in touch. Lydia is recently divorced and lives with her three-year-old son in a suburb outside of New York City and Sam is a widower living in Chicago.

In this book, the author evolves their relationship from the time they say good-bye to each other at the wedding. They get to know each other via phone calls, texting and sporadic weekend visits. They are falling for one another, while dealing with some issues on the home-front.

Although this is the second book from Ms. Gracen's Season's of Love series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I liked the story, but found the pace to be overwhelmingly slow. Overall, this is a nice read, and I enjoyed the detailed references to the time of year.

Complimentary copy provided by LibraryThing. ( )

I you are looking for/like a book with a definite story line/plot, this is not the book for you. The book, though very well written, follows the sweet romance between Lydia and Sam, which began in the first book. However, as I indicated, the story is rather bland. The only quirk in the book is the fact that Sam, though totally smitten with Lydia who lives quite a distance away so he cannot see her often, continues his liaison with a female lawyer in his home town. I realize there are needs, but I was put off by Sam’s easy jump into bed with this woman (more than once after being smitten no less) just fir “relief” I wondered how faithful a guy like this will be in the long run, despite the fact that all is wine and roses right now. Nevertheless, the romance between Sam and Lydia flourishes as the book progresses. The other thing I found a bit off putting was the fact that, yes, Sam and Lydia are together in all ways, but there was no real ending to the book. I guess the author is planning to just continue their story in the next book. The writing is well done. The character development and chemistry between Sam and Lydia is great. I just left the book dissatisfied after finishing it. I am not really used to simple, progress of love stories, but really need something that will create a good twist to keep my attention. I have not read the first book in the series. This book does stand alone, though having read the first book might have filled in a few minor gaps. This is an easy story for a reader who wants a break or just a book to pass the time while reading about a sweet romance. No drama at all. I gave it three stars because, while good, it really had nothing to hold my interest, and I am afraid the other books in the series might be similar. I received this from Library Thing to read and review honestly. ( )

Sam and Lydia take their budding relationship to new depths and heights in this second part of their story. From family members and friends to jobs and daily life stuff, the two learn to share their long distance worlds, coming together with sparks every chance they get! I loved the story and eagerly await book three! ( )