All the books in the Martha’s Way series are standalone and can be read out of order.
Christmas is a time to be merry and bright. For Minka Montgomery, it’s anything but.
While the small towns of Martha’s Vineyard burst with festive lights and good cheer, a black shadow parades around and within Minka. With her Christmas spirit conspicuously absent, her marriage to Jason Montgomery has … Jason Montgomery has snowballed and is spiraling out of control. The weight of motherhood – and her new role as a wife – presses on her shoulders. Self-doubt creeps in and swiftly turns to hopelessness.
As her anxiety level rises, can she share what’s in her heart with her husband? Is there a branch of hope to hold on to? With Christmas only twelve days away, can she find her Christmas spirit and rediscover the true meaning of the season?
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This holiday novella revisits Minka and Jason from The Scale when they are two years into their marriage and juggling newborn twins. Minka is struggling. Jason is a bit oblivious, but not happy at the moment either. They have to learn to ask for help, communicate clearly with each other and reconnect physically as they learn to navigate their new normal. I loved that once Minka opened up to Jason, he was completely supportive of her needs. I love their extended family and friends. I love the very real look at how overwhelming new parenthood can be, especially with twins. I love that this novella dives deep and tackles post partum depression head on as something not to be ashamed of, but something that someone can get help to overcome. The author packed a lot into this little book and I definitely recommend it. It is written in third person.
Sweet
What an amazing holiday novella!! I loved this visit with Minka and Jason. I wanted to wrap them in a hug so much!
Another remarkable read from the ever talented Mika Jolie. Jason and Minka has always been at the top of my list of All-time-favorite characters/couples from the first time I had met them in The Scale and I am happy to that say that has not changed
Mika Jolie delivers a heartwarming emotional story that will touch readers. Many of whom can relate to if they had ever suffers from postpartum depression.
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We found Minka and Jason had welcome two babies into their lives. Minka was overwhelmed and what should have been the happiest time of their lives was marred with sadness as Minka’s anxiety and insecurities has resurfaced. It cast a strain on their marriage even though she tried to deal with it secretly and pretend as if nothing was happening.
I felt bad for her every time she started doubting herself. It was also amusing to see her going back and fort in her head trying to rationalized every negative thoughts.
I could see the growth in these characters. Jason was still the patient gentle soul who loved Mika wholeheartedly and that made me loved him even more.
This novella left me feeling nostalgic and pretty soon I found myself scrolling through my Tablet searching for The Scale so I could have a go at it again for the third time. I just cannot get enough of Minka and Jason. Do I even have to say that I enjoyed it?
This was a very realistic look at postpartum depression and its effect on Minka as she undertakes her new life as mother to twin babies. I appreciated the realism within the story and the simple beauty of love, marriage and a partnership to help pave the way to healing during a time when most expect to be filled with nothing but joy.
While Jason is still his wonderful self, he is shown to be very human in this story. But he was very quick to snap to when he realized that what Minka was dealing with was more than just a poor mood. Minka’s strength to seek help made me respect her all the more from when I first met her. Together, this couple shine and I found myself relating completely to them and their trial.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wrapped in Red is the book where we re-visit Jason and Minka. Minka has had the twins but feels so inadequate as a mother. With help from a friend, and the patient and constant love from Jason, Minka finds a way to deal with her feelings and insecurities which are caused by PPD. I found her struggles real and felt so bad for her. I loved that in the end she finds joy in motherhood and the magic of Christmas.