The Nick Before Christmas by K.L. Brady

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will an angel’s dire warning, a quest to discover a second act by Christmas Eve, and a touch of Christmas Magic lead Nickie Wright back to the one that got away?

Nickie Wright is ready to celebrate the big 5-0 for Christmas in July, but a hot flash leads her to a sobering revelation: her life has hit rock bottom. Her successes–the home and the car–feel empty. Her vision board has been a waste of time, her job is unfulfilling, and she’s mulling over a proposal from Smith, who she’s not sure she likes. The best day of her life spirals into the worst. During a near-death experience, a meeting with her guardian angel presents Nickie with an ultimatum – either go to heaven or return to Earth and find her second act by Christmas Eve. If she fails, her future’s bleak — her life will be filled with days no better than her worst.

Her second act sets her on a collision path with Evan Goodman, the man who makes her content, and Jordan Devlin, the first love who drives her crazy. She’s torn between two worlds–contentment and safety, passion and excitement.

Time is running out for Nickie.

She only has from Christmas in July until Christmas Eve to find her calling, follow her dreams, and figure out which romantic interest will help Nickie embrace the best of herself.

MY REVIEW

Holy Christmas Magic! I adore this story. If Nickie can have Christmas in July, why not read about it in April?

Nickie was grounded but not settled, successful but not a success; she was alive but not living.

Nickie Wright’s life has taken a turn for the worse. After a serious accident and a Divine intervention, she decides to change her career, her relationship, and her life. The reader follows Nickie as she finds her place in the world after her best friend’s betrayal, her boyfriend’s indifference, and a holy encounter with an ominous Christmas deadline.

Writing was always Nickie’s passion, but she lacked confidence in her abilities. She has a habit of jumping to conclusions and flying off the handle, but it’s merely her insecurities showing. Jordan “The Devil” Devlin runs hot and cold with his criticism of her articles, which only adds to her uncertainty. However, working for the man that broke her heart helps her find her way back to writing, even though sparks fly as battles lines are drawn in their professional and personal lives.

The chemistry between Nickie and Jordan is intense, and their relationship is volatile. I couldn’t wait until the two knuckleheads finally communicated and admitted their feelings. The couple’s dynamic is a testament to Ms. Brady’s talent in creating well-developed and relatable characters.

I was captivated by Nickie’s journey of self-discovery. Ms. Brady’s writing is superb, and she has an uncanny ability to make one laugh and cry at the same time. Nickie’s close friend Sasha is a pivotal character, along with Dr. Evan Goodman, Nickie’s doctor, and new “friend,” who both unexpectedly give Nickie reasons to question her career and relationships.

The Nick Before Christmas is a heartwarming and engaging story about finding your courage, passion, and that one person who gets you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic comedy with relatable characters and a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Ms. Brady for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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EXCERPT

The voice and the name paralyzed her.

One person (in this world or any other) referred to her by that name.

It couldn’t be her.

“Nickie Boo?”

Her body stiffened. She was more shocked than afraid. Uncontrollable streams of tears flushed from her eyes. She glanced from side to side. No one. Nothing, but the faint hope of seeing her mother again after fate stole her only chance for goodbye. Nickie found out about her mother’s illness only six weeks before her death and thought she had more time.

“Mommy?”

Almost as soon as she called out to Nickie Boo once more, an angelic form descended from the sky in a dramatic drop; her arms were folded across her chest. Upon first look Nickie couldn’t discern the face, but her voice was exactly the same as she remembered.

The more the form came into view, the more visible the feathery wings appeared. But the face, she knew the face like her own. Same auburn skin, same bright eyes, same natural thick hair. Her mother’s eyes smiled but her lips didn’t, at least not at first.

“It’s me, Cupcake. Merry Birthday.”

An inexplicable calm washed over her…on the outside. Inside she was scared crapless. Nickie reached for the angel’s arm and pinched her, gently. “Are you real, or am I crazy?”

“Yes,” her mother replied, “and yes.”

Mom angel?

Nickie laughed. No one else could make her chuckle in the middle of paralyzing panic and fear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today Bestselling author K. L. Brady is a D.C. native and award-winning author of 20 novels. She self-published her first book, THE BUM MAGNET, after an Oprah “live your best life” moment, which was picked up by Simon & Schuster in a two-book deal. She’s been publishing romantic comedies ever since.

K.L. is a Washington football fan and professed nerd-girl who loves all things Star Trek, Star Wars, and Big Bang Theory. She lives to write stories involving hilarious quirky characters looking for love. She’s hard at work on her next several projects, including Sincerely, Santa, a heartfelt romantic comedy that also celebrates the special friendship between her late mother and grandmother.

Follow K.L. on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, Amazon, Goodreads, and her Newsletter.

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