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They’ve always been best friends. But sometimes friendship hides something deeper. Miss Anne Thatcher knows she should choose a husband—but none have ever stirred her heart. Except Tobias Hawke, her childhood companion, partner in mischief, and quiet protector. They’ve shared secrets, laughter, and years of belonging. But love? That would change everything. And Anne isn’t sure she’s brave enough to risk the one friendship she’s never wanted to lose.
He knows her like no one else—and fears she’ll never see him as anything more. To Tobias, Anne has always been the one constant in his life: loyal, sharp, and quietly extraordinary. But she’s not Little Annie anymore. And lately, every glance seems to echo with something unspoken. He’s afraid to reach for more… afraid she won’t reach back.
One moment beneath the mistletoe. One question that changes everything. As Christmas draws near, and tradition nudges them closer than ever, Anne and Tobias must decide whether the love between them is worth the risk. Because sometimes, the dearest bonds are the ones worth breaking—if only to rebuild them as something more.
Some questions linger for years. Some are answered with a single kiss… or two.
If you know what it’s like to want something you believe you can’t have—and to wrestle with the fear of reaching for it—this story will understand you.
Sighing, he marveled at the strange stirrings in his heart when those deep blue eyes looked into his own. "You'll always be the dearest friend I'll ever have, Annie." The moment the words left his lips, Tobias could have kicked himself. Although he hadn't lied, he had to admit that he no longer saw her as the friend she'd once been to him...and the thought that she might think of him thus was utterly disheartening.
For a second, her smile seemed to falter before it returned with greater force. "Well, so long as we remain the best of friends, I shall have nothing to complain about."
But I do, Tobias thought the moment her eyes moved from his to look over his shoulder.
Ghazal MansoorA beautiful story of love, recognizing love and accepting love.
★★★★★Rural ReaderThere is so much to loveabout this cute story, Both Annie and Toby are adorable, in a truly clueless way.
★★★★★LuciBree Wolf does it again! She creates wonderful worlds with characters that jump off the page. This story is no exception
★★★★★ZenaOh,I loved this story! It reminded me of those I read as a child with princes and princesses, exciting balls where slippers were lost and found and ugly sisters (but in this case meddling cousins). Those happy tales always left me with a warm and contented feeling and so did this one.
★★★★★Linda C.A sweet and romantic story!
Los Angeles, CA
BREE WOLF is a USA Today bestselling author and award-winning word wizard, who is rarely seen without a book in hand or fingers glued to the keyboard.
Delightful story! I enjoyed finding out about how Charles Whickerton and Beatrice came together. Beatrice has found herself in a situation where she may be forced, by her parents, to marry a much older man. When Charles first meets her, he is determined to make her his own. This is a beautiful, romantic tale and I highly recommend it.
Wonderful story and a great introduction the Whickertons in Love Series. I actually read the second book first and was so delighted to read this story. The stories are intertwined and I am always amazed at how Bree Wolf weaves them together. It is possible to read each story as a stand alone but so much more fun to read them in order.
This first book is about childhood best friends Miss Anne Thatcher, cousin to the Whickerton siblings and Tobias Hawke. They have always been there for each other but something subtle has changed between them and as they begin to realize they may be feeling more than friendship, they do not want to destroy the relationship that means so much to both of them.
The fun begins when her cousin Lady Louisa Beaumont and Tobias' brother Phineas, the Viscount Barrington try to get them to realize their true feelings for each other. There are mishaps, witty banter and so much more in this story that just captivated me.
The first two stories have left me anxiously wanting more of this fun family. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Oh, I loved this story! It reminded me of those I read as a child with princes and princesses, exciting balls where slippers were lost and found and ugly sisters (but in this case meddling cousins). Those happy tales always left me with a warm and contented feeling and so did this one.
Added to this thought is that in this story we also have a friends to lovers theme with much mirth and wit too.
Our characters are each one, perfect!
I am so looking forward to the next in this series.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
This was a surprising story. Sweet with wonderful characters, no steam. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say I didn’t see what happened coming. I expected something different. I really enjoyed this book.
This delightful book is filled with wonderful characters, a Christmas house party and a fast paced plot.
It was an amazing story of love and redemption after betrayal and abandonment. But I had already read it. I wish she would tell when these are not new stories.
Delightful story! I enjoyed finding out about how Charles Whickerton and Beatrice came together. Beatrice has found herself in a situation where she may be forced, by her parents, to marry a much older man. When Charles first meets her, he is determined to make her his own. This is a beautiful, romantic tale and I highly recommend it.
Delightful story! I enjoyed finding out about how Charles Whickerton and Beatrice came together. Beatrice has found herself in a situation where she may be forced, by her parents, to marry a much older man. When Charles first meets her, he is determined to make her his own. This is a beautiful, romantic tale and I highly recommend it.
Another beautiful story by this intrepid author. I loved the previous books in this series but this one blows the others out of the water. Troy and Nora are such fabulous characters that you struggle to understand why they separated five years ago. Secrets & misunderstandings along with some twists and turns kept my interest from start to finish. I thought that Grandma Edie was wonderful! This is a fantastic story that you don’t want to miss, but it helps to have read the earlier stories, in order to understand the Whickerton family members.
