Review: A Gift To Remember by Melissa Hill (4/5)

Friday 27 June 2014
Darcy Archer works in a small bookstore in Manhattan. A daydream believer, she refuses to settle for anything less than being swept off her feet by the perfect man… literally.

One day, when cycling to work, Darcy accidentally crashes into a sharply dressed gentleman walking his dog. He is knocked out cold, rushed to hospital and the poor pup gets left behind.

Wracked with guilt, Darcy takes the dog and makes plans to reunite him with owner, Aidan. As she discovers the mysterious stranger's world of books, travel, adventure and all the wonderful things she's ever dreamt about, Darcy builds a picture of this man and wonders if he could be THE ONE…

But does fantasy match reality? What happens when Prince Charming wakes up? Will Aidan be the happy ever after she's always imagined?

Knowing this was a Christmas book and starting it on one of the sunniest days of the year so far I wondered if I'd struggle to enjoy the book, well after a few hours I was halfway through and so lost in the story I was oblivious to how hot it was outside and how much I need a fan! The setting and story was so wonderful and magical, I loved it. Also a huge thanks to the publishers for the signed review copy!

Straightaway I loved our main character, bookworm and fellow addict Darcy. I pictured her sort of how I would picture Matilda as an adult. Aside from the fact Darcy had loving parents but sadly lost them at a young age. She works as a manager in Chaucer's which to me sounded like the most amazing place. I'm sure bookworms all imagine working in a bookshop, and it being the greatest thing ever though in reality it's probably quite different. That said though I loved the shop and the idea of spending time there.

Alongside that it's based in New York and this book was already off to a good start! I've sadly never been to New York but feel I know it as well as my hometown from the many times I've read about it in fiction or watched it on TV and movies. Melissa captured her setting incredibly well, I am kicking myself for not reading this book at Christmastime as it would've been perfect. Darcy loves her bike and refuses to stop riding it just because the roads are unsafe. While out riding she crashes into a stranger. Said stranger leaves behind a dog and a package whilst being driven away in an ambulance and Darcy takes possession of both the dog and the package and vows to return them to their owner. Darcy then starts to get an insight into Aidan's life from his possessions and it becomes clear he could be her perfect man. Is he though?! I had no idea how the story would progress and I have to admit to being massively and pleasantly surprised at the wonderful story I was treated to.

The whole book has a mystery feel to it regarding who Aidan is and the reader is left guessing throughout the book as we learn more about him. I couldn't read quick enough and the book was full of surprises. Darcy is just an amazing character and somebody I would love to be friends with in real life. It's hard to talk about the plot without ruining it but if you are looking for a magical, heartwarming and lovely story with a fantastic and satisfying ending then you would be a fool to not pick this book up. Despite it being hot outside I would still recommend this book for one of your Summer reads. I very much enjoyed it and will definitely be reading previous books from this author in the near future as this was my first!
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