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Review: The Engagement Cover - Christmas in Garland Collection #2

The Engagement Cover book cover on blue background

This is such a fun yet emotional story, with The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath demonstrating why the Christmas in Garland series is such a great series to read any time of the year. Personally, out of all the books I've read in the series so far (book #5 is coming out soon!), this has been my favourite. The hockey likely helped, though I also loved the cultural aspects 😍 

Book Synopsis

He nearly ruined her life. Now he’s the only one who can help her.

After a disastrous dating app experience that nearly destroyed her modeling career, Teresa Bradford knows what she wants, and Justin Reynolds seems to check every box. But when her family pressures her to bring him home as her fiancé in order to ease the mind of her dying grandmother, their relationship takes a weird turn, and his absences create the need for a fill-in fiancé.

Since his mom’s passing, and with his dad working out of state through the holidays, Alex Landry misses the feeling of home. So, when his friend Marc Bradford asks him for a strange favor with the promise of family for the holidays and all the tamales he can eat, he’s all in. What he didn’t expect was Marc’s sister to be the girl he’d gone on an awful date with two years ago.

Committed to a fake engagement to fulfill a dying woman’s wish, Alex and Teresa form a rocky friendship. As first impressions change and it becomes clear that Alex fits in better with her family than Justin does, Teresa is forced to reconsider what she wants. She’s drawn to both men for different reasons, but the one who nearly ruined her life might be the one to help her find what truly matters.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I seldom read about love triangles as I feel that they have to be handled really well; however, in this case, I can see how carefully A.M. Heath communicates the situation that Teresa finds herself in. Boundaries are respected, lines aren't crossed, and eventually, there is a respectful resolution. This takes away the stress that I can experience when reading such stories! I'm thankful that this story addresses the concepts of misleading others, falsehoods, and emotional entanglements. It's clear that the characters are Christian and seeking to follow God, while still making the mistake of running ahead of Him and His plans, which we can certainly learn from.

The second in the Christmas in Garland series, The Engagement Cover is a lovely standalone story as well. Readers will love meeting Teresa's family, especially Abuela, along with the glimpses into their family's culture and food. The hockey references are hilarious and spot on for anyone whose husband happens to be a hockey fan and sets the book up for a wonderful second chance story. Ultimately, I appreciate that Alex is such a strong Christian character who exhibits self-control and integrity by doing what he can to protect Teresa; what a treat to read about a man who selflessly puts others first!

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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