Review - ‘Sadie’s Santa’ by Jackie Marilla

Blurb 

Sadie Wilden needs a fresh start, so when the women’s shelter administrator invites her to participate in a new program designed to safely house battered women and teach them a new job skill, she’s all in. If everything goes right, she’ll meet the social services requirements on time and be reunited with her baby—that is, if the police locate and arrest her ex. 

Sadie won’t put her daughter in harm’s way, no matter how much she misses her. She just has to lay low and do a good job at her new intern position. 

When Gus Sadler, an investigative reporter from Seattle, shows up at her workplace, Sadie’s leery of his intentions—after all, it was the media that leaked information that put her baby in harm’s way. 

Gus is drawn to Sadie right away, but he’ll have to work double time to earn her trust. Can he set aside his inclination to investigate her background or will he jeopardize his chances by digging into her past?

Review 

Sadie wants nothing more than to get her daughter, Maria, back from Social Services and provide a nice, safe home for both of them. Her ex, Don, has already tried to kill her so she has to stay low and stay away from Maria to keep the baby safe. As an intern for Forever Christmas, an organization that helps battered women get their lives back on track, she hopes for a stable job with the company and finally settle down.

Gus is a reporter, initially upset that his boss assigned him a fluff piece about a Christmas tree farm, but he’s smitten with Sadie. He knows she’s keeping secrets and the reporter in him won’t let him not investigate her. When things come to a head, he could end up losing everything that’s become dear to him. But Christmas is always full of miracles.

This is a super sweet story about love, moving on from past pain and hurt, and learning to live again. Kudos to the author for a heartwarming tale.

4 Stars

Disclaimer – Thank you, Jackie Marilla, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.