Review ❤️ The Giving Heart by Toni Blake

Spend a white Christmas on Summer Island, where the fires are warm and the romance is hotter

Lila Sloan wonders why she ever thought house-sitting for her sister Meg on the remote Summer Island was a good idea. And to make matters worse, local real estate developer Beck Grainger is trying to cut down the beautiful trees that line the property. Lila can’t let this happen; Meg will never forgive her.

Beck can understand Lila’s anger—sort of. The trees are actually on the neighboring property, and the land was zoned for development months ago, so his plans were no secret. But he dislikes being at odds with his friend’s sister, especially because Lila is appealing in every way: loyal, quick-witted and completely stunning.

Lila hates that she’s so attracted to Beck, who seems like a genuinely good man, despite his tree-murdering tendencies. And their chemistry is off the charts. She just wishes he’d let this development go. As Summer Island counts down to a snowy Christmas, Lila and Beck will have to strike a compromise that seems impossible for them both—or risk losing the best thing either of them has ever had.


Release Date: Oct 29, 2019
Series: Summer Island
Book: 2
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon Books
Price: $5.99



Readers are transported back to Summer Island just in time for a White Christmas sprinkled with romance.

Lila is inn-sitting for her sister Meg. While she believes she has everything under control, she is startled that there are plans to tear down the trees and build houses. She bumps heads with the developer who also happens to be a friend of her sister. She is willing to do whatever to derail his plans to destroy the land.

Beck finds himself at odds as he tries to reason with Lila. He is not willing to go down without a fight but the weather did put a halt in his plans for now. While they brave snowstorms and cold conditions, Beck uses the time to try to persuade Lila to stop running interference with his job. The more time he spends around her, the more he likes her.

The story itself is fine on its own. I think I am a little more invested in the town than the characters at this point. Lila is okay as a heroine but she did drag her feet when it came to compromising with Beck. I almost wanted him to throw in the towel but when they came together it was cute.

What really saved the story is the Christmas theme throughout. I love how they went tree shopping and the winter presence was strong. Beck really did put the best effort forward for Lila.

I’m not sure where the author is going with some of the side characters. There is one in particular whose story is more serious than I like. There are a lot of adult issues to be tackled in these books for sure. I guess that is why I don’t read them as traditional romances but maybe more of women’s fiction.

Overall, a cozy read to get readers into the holiday spirit.

~ Samantha

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