REVIEW: Christmas Yearnings by Ev Bishop was so very heartwarming. This is book 8 of The Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series. At first, I didn’t remember who Marilyn was. She is Jo’s biological mother who was addicted to drugs and eventually lost Jo. This story is about her life starting at three years sober. 

I don’t think many of us liked Marilyn in the past. We all were wanting the best for Jo and we’re glad that Maddie came into her life. In this book we see Marilyn’s life from her point of view. It makes you want to reach out and hug her at times. She knows she messed up her life. She also doesn’t feel she deserves any grace. She longs for her family. I began to start pulling for her. 

If you’ve read any of the books in this series, you have to pick this one up. I loved every single second of this book. I think you will too. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

Marilyn Fox is three years clean and sober but a life-long loser—in her mind, anyway. It doesn’t matter that she’s finally holding down a job, providing for herself, and trying to make amends with those she’s hurt. Her past haunts her. What kind of mother abandons her own child? No kind, that’s what.

She yearns for connection and love but knows that she doesn’t deserve it, not even from Millie, the big old dog who’s become her best—maybe only—friend.

When a chance encounter with a man as lonely as she is sparks dreams of things she’s long since given up on—okay, never thought possible for someone like her—she is more than stunned. She is . . . utterly baffled. Even more surprising, Jamie is deluded enough to think she is valuable, loveable, even.

Her daughter Stevie shows her unbelievable and completely undeserved grace—even going so far as letting her have a relationship with her precious grandson. Millie gives her the most gentle and effusive unconditional love—and much laughter. Jamie is bent on trying to get her to see herself the way he sees her. . . . But none of that is enough.

If the yearnings of Marilyn’s heart will ever be met, she needs to know for herself: can she—has she—really changed? And even if other people can forgive her, can she ever forgive herself?

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming holiday romance, second chances, and furry dog friends, you’ll be rooting for Marilyn and hoping her heart’s deepest longings can be met in Christmas Yearnings, Book 8 in Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop.