EmilyThe doctors told me I have amnesia. They’ve said it’s a result of the concussion I sustained after getting hit by a drunk driver on New Years Eve, but I know the truth. I’ve been transported to a parallel universe, it’s the only plausible explanation as to why I’m now living five years in the future where I’ve morphed into some kind of body-conscious diet addict who has a better relationship … relationship with my mother-in-law than my husband. Or should I say, ex-husband. How is it that Calvin Jameson and I have gone from hopelessly devoted to separated and on the cusp of divorce? I can’t remember, but I’m damned sure I’m going to find out. CalvinI love my wife. The problem is, I no longer like her. After our wedding she morphed from the dorky boho with a riot of curls who loved everyone and wanted nothing more than to travel the world barefoot, to a prim and proper Stepford wife whose tongue is sharper than a sword, who judges everyone she meets and only ever shows an interest in the latest diet fad. When Emily wakes up from a coma claiming to not remember the last five years – I’m skeptical. But then she shows signs of the old her. The woman who eats burgers with extra fries, who wants to learn how to juggle, who plays the fiddle naked and dreams of exploring every beach the world has to offer. And I have to ask myself – what if I just ignore the last five years? What if this is our do-over? I’m not sure, but one thing’s clear, it’s a new year and this Emily is a woman I want to know. Warning: This new year piece of sexiness involves a woman searching for redemption, a man who’s been burned before, and the magic that only a new year brings. This second-chance love will tug on your heartstrings, remind you to love yourself and literally burn your sheets – sometimes all in the same chapter!
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A Glorious Story About Reclaiming Lost Souls & Second Chances at Love…
I have been waiting patiently since the original preorder was announced for Evie Mitchell’s newest novella, “New Year Knew You”. Excited to return to her literary world of Capricorn Cove. A tiny, sea-side town that vibrantly dances through my dreams with every new book Mitchell releases. And now that it has finally arrived I am beyond thrilled to see not only a wonderful, heartfelt story, but one that also melds together so many aspects of Capricorn Cove. A melding so seamless, so organic, that you feel as though you’ve never left any of the characters you’re already in love with from previous books. Characters like Collins and Nick, Honey and Tristan, and even Gunnar and Ella all the way from book one, “Thunder Thighs”.
It is a glorious compilation of characters within a heart wrenching story that is, without a doubt, the most honest and emotionally raw story yet from Mitchell.
Here, she gives us the story of Emily and Calvin (both of whom we were first introduced to in Honey and Tristan’s story “Muffin Top”). Calvin, being the brother Honey’s father expects to take over the family business empire. And his wife Emily, the seemingly shallow and hellish spouse and sister-in-law who lashes out at Honey at Thanksgiving dinner with such venom, that Calvin walks out on her. However, appearances are beyond deceiving. And where “Muffin Top” painted a very specific picture of who Emily is, this book digs deeper and unravels how the present-day Emily came to be, as well as, who the real Emily truly is.
It is a gorgeously written tale about what happens when a young married couple gives their individual and joint power away to the in-laws, friends, and circumstances surrounding them. About what happens when they stop being true to themselves and instead begin to conform to what other people’s expectations demand. It is a most frightening narrative about how easy it can be to completely lose yourself and become someone you don’t even recognize when you look in the mirror.
However, and most importantly, this story is also about second chances. About reclaiming the personal power lost, and the life you want. About learning the true meaning of perseverance, communication, and commitment. Committing to the one you love through all things life throws at you, no matter how dark or hopeless it may feel in the moment, and will break your heart while simultaneously bringing you joy.
It is a story that plucked a painful chord in my chest as it reminded me how very easy it is to lose yourself while in the throes of pleasing everyone else. At how, bit by bit, day by day, month by painful month you can shift your very being from something familiar to something unholy and foreign.
Here again, Mitchell offers a story that is achingly sweet and needy, in addition to being an honest examination of money, power, and expectations. Leaving you quietly contemplative, pondering all the wasted moments in life because you weren’t true to yourself.
The result is a rollercoaster ride of tumultuous emotions and deeply reflective, thought provoking prose. All while maintaining a cross-book palate of the intelligently written, strong, independent characters I’ve come to love from Mitchell. This book is a must-read in my opinion, and easily makes my Top Books of 2020 list on Sadt Cookie!
I only wish it were longer! By the end of this book I desperately needed more. I loved both Emily and Calvin. And I continue to adore Capricorn Cove, and how each of Mitchell’s stories overlaps and connects. As I’ve said repeatedly in my other reviews, I could honestly read dozens of full-length novels on this little seaside town and all its inhabitants, they’re that good!