Kandy Shepherd

Good book. When Sienna and her sisters discover that their parents are going on a cruise instead of doing their traditional Christmas family celebration, they make a pact to do something bold for Christmas themselves. Each will go on a two-week Christmas adventure alone to a surprise destination her other two sisters picked. They will know where they are going once they get to the airport - which sounds like a great adventure!

Sienna's sisters, Thea and Eliza, send her to Tahiti's Bora Bora. After a bitter divorce from her cheating husband, Sienna looks forward to rediscovering who she is. She has a bucket list of things she wants to do and adds kite surfing when she witnesses a hot instructor teaching two young girls. She gathers her courage to approach the instructor to inquire about lessons.

Kai isn't really a kite surfing instructor, but something about Sienna has him offering to teach her anyway. Kai is a former surfing champion with a billion-dollar business making surfboards, other sporting equipment, and clothing. I liked that he was honest with her about not being a professional instructor and that he wanted to teach her anyway. He is also the single father of a little girl, whom he is very protective of. He decides to keep quiet about Kinny until he knows Sienna better.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kai and Sienna develop. Their attraction is off the charts, but each is wary about doing anything about it. I liked how Kai made a point of helping Sienna check items off her bucket list. Their connection strengthens the more time they spend with each other. It doesn't take Kai long to realize that Sienna is the one for him, but there are obstacles to overcome. Sierra is wary of getting involved with anyone after her ex's betrayal, and Kai needs to earn her trust. She also has a full life back in London as an interior designer and influencer, so leaving it all behind isn't likely.

I loved the vivid descriptions of the places Sienna and Kai went and the things they did. I frequently felt as though I was there with them. I also enjoyed seeing how Kai's family embraced and made her feel welcome, including her connection with little Kinny. But when Kai makes a boneheaded move, it sends Sienna back to London, believing she'd misjudged his understanding of what is essential to her. It takes some time and a little pointed advice from his grandmother for Kai to understand what he did wrong. I loved seeing what he did about it. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, and the epilogue was a nice update on their relationship.

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Good holiday story. Sally is one of the three Harrington siblings who have regained ownership of their family hotel, Harrington Park. Sally is in charge of the hotel's design elements, including plans for a rooftop garden. While researching similar setups in Singapore, she meets Edward Chen when he rescues her after she falls into the hotel pool. Each has reasons for maintaining a low profile, so they quickly retreat to his suite to recover from their dunking. The sparks between them are undeniable, and an evening of food and conversation becomes a passionate one-night stand with no expectation of seeing each other again.

Five weeks later, Sally is back in Singapore and discovers that her extreme jet lag is a symptom of something more permanent. Shocked by the realization, she's further stunned when she discovers that Edward is also the Crown Prince of Tianlipin. She knows she needs to tell him about the baby and wangles a ticket to a charity event where she might be able to see him. Edward is elated to see the woman he hasn't been able to forget. The chemistry between them is still there. After hearing her news, he sweeps her away to his island home.

I liked Edward and Sally. Sally is an independent woman who is ambitious and determined. After several losses early in life, she closed off her emotions to prevent being hurt again. Being around Edward breaks down those walls, but she sees no road to happiness in their future. She is adamant that she is quite capable of raising her child on her own, though her heart dreams that they could be together.

Edward is caught between a rock and a hard place. As Crown Prince, his parents have arranged a political marriage for him. He isn't happy about it and doesn't even like his prospective fiancee. I loved his care and concern for Sally and enjoyed watching him care for her. The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection grows, and their feelings become stronger.

I ached for both as their love grew. Edward wants Sally and the baby in his life, but he also knows he has a duty to his country. I could feel their pain as they parted with the knowledge that the life they wanted was impossible. Fortunately, Edward doesn't give up the fight. I loved the ending and seeing him show up in London to offer Sally his heart. There was a fun little twist that shouldn't have been too big a surprise given their family histories. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the peek at their future.

I enjoyed the lush descriptions of Singapore and Edward's island home. I also liked learning about his family, culture, and traditions; they added extra depth to his character. I also enjoyed learning more about Sally's family traditions, especially as they related to the hotel. I loved her amended ideas for the hotel garden and seeing it come to fruition at the end.… (mehr)

An unexpected meeting between two strangers sparks an undeniable electric connection in author Kandy Shepherd's "Their Royal Baby Gift (Christmas at the Harrington Park Hotel #2)". After her family wins a battle to regain ownership of London's renowned Harrington Park hotel, designer Sally Harrington travels to Singapore for a much-needed break and to also gather inspiration or adding new life to the hotel. One idea slated for the Harrington Park makeover was the addition of a roof-top garden. While lost in photographing a hotel with just such a garden, Sally trips and falls into the hotel pool. Never a very good swimmer. Sally is rescued from her splashing and struggles by a most handsome and charming gentleman. For reasons of his own, Edward Chen had tried to keep a low profile during his stay in Singapore, but he couldn't ignore a damsel in distress. Sally, who had also tried to remain incognito while doing her research, quickly agrees to Edward's suggestion that they retreat to his hotel suite to recover from their watery adventure. A companionable evening of food and conversation soon becomes much more--a night of soaring passion--a night that could only happen once, with no commitment. After leaving without saying goodbye, five weeks later Sally is back in Singapore. Shocked to find out that she is pregnant, she is further jolted to discover that Edward is not just a telecommunications mogul, he is Prince Edward of Tianlipin! Sally attends a charity event where she knows Edward will make an appearance, and he is stunned to see his beautiful mermaid--Sally, the woman he can't forget. A second meeting the two confirms the chemistry between them, and Sally reveals her pregnancy to Edward. There are great obstacles to overcome for a chance for a happy family and a future together. Sally has promised to help her family save their hotel and their heritage. Edward is honor-bound to his family and his country--and his prearranged engagement to a royally-suitable young woman he's only met twice is soon to be announced. There are cultural and home base issues to consider as well--and scandal is to be avoided if at all possible. With the holidays approaching, emotions and hopes run high--will there be a Christmas miracle for Sally and Edward? Author Kandy Shepherd has written another wonderful contemporary love story that will touch the heart of readers, and they will also enjoy the other two books in the series: "Christmas Reunion in Paris" by Liz Fielding, and "Stolen Kiss with Her Billionaire Boss" by Susan Meier.

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