Luke's Gift

The Harlow Brothers, Book 2

By: Kaylie Newell

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

After serving in the army, Luke Harlow returns home in time for the holidays to help his brothers raise their 12-year-old half-sister. With his new job as Marietta's police officer, Luke finds himself in the middle of a festive mystery that the entire town will want solved before Christmas morning.

Mary Best is Marietta Courier's most promising young reporter. When she starts spending time with sexy Luke Harlow to write an article about his heroic military service, she begins to suspect there's more to this new police recruit than meets the eye. He's kind, generous, and very mysterious. When anonymous gifts start appearing around town for people in need, Mary knows there's a story there. A magical one. It doesn't take long for the breadcrumbs to lead right back to Luke.

As the gifts pile up, so does everyone's urge to unmask Marietta's secret Santa. Luke is deeply private, and Mary is deeply curious - opposites who'll find themselves tumbling toward each other amid the snowy backdrop of a town fully embraced in the spirit of Christmas. 

But when Mary uncovers Luke's secret, will she be able to bury her reporter's instincts for the sake of love? And will Luke finally be able to trust someone with his heart?

©2018 Kaylie Newell (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Sweet story

Very sweet story. LOVED Luke, " hot cop", though it would be refreshing to hear love bloom in average looking people, we get the McHotties of the world get their HEAs... Star of the book, again, was little sister Maddie. That adorable tween cracks me up!
The heroine's attitude a little unbelievable but Luke's charismatic character makes up for all her short comings.

Narration was Terrific!

My least favorite of the trio

Why is this my least favorite? It didnt give me the warm and fuzzies, it actually irritated me. Here we have Luke back from war who has seen the worst and he just wants to do something nice AND ANONYMOUS for others. Not everyone wants credit and like the character stated it removes the spotlight from the recipient and shines it on the giver. If this was me it would actually make me NOT want to do nice things, why cant a story be run without trying to unmask them? I just dont get people. Wasn't santa more exciting before you found out it was mom and dad? And then we have Mary, who let's be honest, shes a freaking hypocrite. Luke is keeping things from me, I just have this feeling, oh yeah so you've told him all about how you're all screwed up emotionally? (I would have told my dad long ago that because of him I'll probably never get married because I can't trust anyone.) Even in your inner monologue you admitted you were lying when you said you trusted him. She wants 100% of all his secrets while giving about 60% of herself. She is constantly stating in her inner monologue that she is holding herself back. She is basically holding him responsible for her own actions. Classic, do as I say, not as I do.

I'm not really sure why people get involved with others when you're not planning on staying. Why do authors think emotionally stunted and unavailable people make for great relationships. This whole book could be classified as a giant red flag.

And of course it gets all wrapped up in a pretty bow with a "heartfelt" column, que the eyeroll. I think I almost gave myself a concussion with the amount of eyerolling I did. Some people, ie. Mary just don't deserve a HEA.

Another thing I'll never understand is why authors want their males to expect so little from the females. I think it's a passive/aggressive tactic since most authors of this genre are female. Another way to get one over on men in general. And then women wonder why men are the way they are. Again, que the eyeroll.

All and all this passed the time while working but I would never pay for this and I'm glad it was included in my membership because it isn't worth the credit or my money.

As for narration I'd rather have a dual narration. The narrator was "ok", IMO she sounds too old for these characters and her narration actually had me actively disliking the FMC.

Good Story

3.75 Stars for me

This was a good story and I liked the relationship building by the author. The dings for me was the overly repetitive head banter which had me skipping forward quite a bit. Ready to read the next book in the series.

Eh

Not as good as first book. Fine, but nothing special. The angst of her distrust because of her dad’s teaching her that was a little contrived - felt like a reach.

Wonderful Story

This is such a wonderful, warm story. It's hopeful that in real life, people exist that do think of others. I know from first hand. God bless those out there with hearts of gold.

Holiday Secrets "In the best way"

This 2nd book to the series was heart warming and amazing! Loved it i can't wait to listen to the 3rd book. The way the story is woven together with a little mystery, love and dedication to keeping us reading sucked into the story was amazing! Luke has a big heart for hia home town and the ones he loves.

Sweet

Love these brothers about to read about Judd. I can’t wait to hear who he falls for.

Sweet love story with likable characters

I like this story because it has likable characters, based at Christmas time, talks about giving which I like, it’s a love story, and the narration was good. I would recommend it for my girlfriends.

Cute story

Cute story line if you’re looking for something to pass some time. However, very little substance to it. Kind of like listening to a Hallmark holiday movie.

Heart warming story

I enjoyed the heart warming premise for this story, but I found myself really despising Mary. Self righteous, self-serving, distrustful...ugh! I hated that he ended up with her. Move on, she's too much of a fixer-upper! 🤮

a warm hug story

loved it...looked forward to having a break and just drift into the warmness of its tale.

Great book.

This was a great book, Mary and Luke really learned a lot through the book. It was great to see Luke’s heart open during the story. Luke also helped Mary grow also.

lovely story

another book that I've enjoyed so easy to listen to and helps me to relax

Cute sentimental romance

A little sickly sweet for me. Great characters, great message. . But if you love Christmas, buff men and cute kids and dogs. This could be up you’re street.