Sammy’s review of Sweet Destiny (The Klaus Brothers, Book 5) by Penny Watson
Paranormal Holiday Romance published by Penny Watson 25 Nov 16
I had the pleasure of finding Penny Watson on Twitter. It takes a special kind of author to get me to read a holiday novel/novella. Truth is, the holidays haven’t been that joyous for me. I’m sure you’re wondering, “What the hell is she doing reading this kind of book?” Well, Penny Watson has that extra special something. For one, she has a beautiful way with words. That beautiful honesty shines so bright that even those dark corners that reside inside my book heart can’t escape that special light. It’s for that reason I picked up this book. Lately I haven’t been able to concentrate long enough to read a book or, for that matter, finish a book. That is until I decided to read this very sweet Christmas novella, and, boy, am I glad I did.
This is the final book of The Klaus Brothers series and what a spectacular ending. Wolfgang Klaus has been struggling with his job as Director of Charitable Donations. He spends his time helping and bringing comfort to the sick, the poor, and the elderly. He really hits rock bottom when a cancer patient he has been visiting dies. He is a proud man, not wanting to let his family down, but he also doesn’t want to burden anyone with his feelings. He goes to Vermont to do some rock climbing, trying to clear his head and find his center. While climbing he slips and falls and winds up hurting himself pretty badly. On top of his physical injuries, he’s suffering from amnesia. His family is worried sick about him and, worst of all, he has gone off the grid and any hope of locating him seems bleak.
Belinda Kiefer has been in love with Wolf since she first set eyes on him when she was six years old. Wolf’s father, Santa Klaus, took her in when no one wanted her. She is half human and half-fairy. She has never truly belonged in either of her worlds. The humans are afraid of her because her fairy side is evil and they hate humans. Her Fairy side hates her because she is half human. So Lin lives on the fringes, always watching the Klaus family from a distance. She feels safest in the woods with the animals and the snow. When news travels to the North Pole about Wolf’s disappearance, she will not be left behind.
The Klaus brothers, with Belinda, find Wolf at a very secluded cabin in the woods, thanks to a fellow patient who is very sick and knows he will be at the hospital for a long time and offered his cabin to Wolf. This works out for him, for one thing, because he has no idea who he is and, the second thing, he’s very grumpy and seriously wants nothing to do with anyone. He adapts to life in the woods, finding a job chopping down Christmas trees, when he is infringed upon by his family and a very beautiful woman he’s been dreaming about. He’s aghast by the stories he’s hearing and thinks they’re all certifiably nuts. Lin stays and tries to jar Wolf’s memory, the little things she does for him, plus the fact that he’s been dreaming about her. So he is definitely attracted to her. Their interactions are sweet with a slow burn. It’s a good thing Belinda loves the cold – things heat up pretty quickly.
“She glanced up at Wolf. His chest heaved, his lips were parted. His dark eyes sparked with the thrill of the hunt. Every muscle in his body was tense, prepared for the chase. He’s the wolf. I’m the prey. Like a white dove in the forest, fluttering its wings. Would the wolf take the dove gently in its jaws?”
Belinda is definitely thawing Wolf’s heart. She, with the help of some pretty fantastic secondary characters, pull him out of his hermit-like tendencies and his memory returns bit by bit. It’s not until something horrible happens to Belinda that he finally accepts and allows his memory to surface. With Belinda’s help and the help of the community, he remembers why Christmas is very special.
“He remembered why Christmas was special. It was a holiday of hope. Hope for the future, gratitude for the passing year and the year to come.”
Santa comes to Vermont looking for his son. He convinces him and Belinda to head back to the North Pole – after all, Christmas Eve is nearly upon them. The entire family gathers for dinner and the Klaus family rallies around Wolf and Lin. Santa breaks his leg and they have some pretty big decisions to make. What transpires and how things work out is truly magical. If you have been following this series you will not be disappointed. If this is your first time reading this book, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed either. A truly wonderful book full of magic, love, sacrifice, friendship, and family.
On a personal note. Thank you, Penny Watson. Thank you for making this jaded reader hopeful, for reminding me to be grateful for family and friends. Especially grateful for the wonderful authors who work their magic and create amazing books.
Merry Christmas.
Grade: A
Summary:
Wolfgang Reinhard Klaus, Director of Charitable Donations for the family business, is the last unmarried Klaus brother. While his four siblings have fallen in love and started their unconventional families, Wolfgang has been crushed by his heart-breaking obligations. The once affable Wolf has become a bitter and tormented man. All he has left is a nimble vision of loveliness who haunts his dreams. Is she enough to restore his faith in humanity?
Belinda Kiefer is a one-of-a-kind being, embraced by the winter forest and the woodland animals. Half-human, half-fairy, she flits between two worlds, searching for a place to belong. Her secret crush on Wolfgang is both a blessing and a curse. It will help her to soothe him in his darkest hour, but the outcome may cost her everything.
When Santa is injured before Christmas, the Klaus family is forced to take action. The Day of Reckoning is finally upon them, and one of the siblings must take responsibility for the beloved holiday. Which brother possesses the true heart of the Weihnachtsmann? Who will be the one to fulfill this long-awaited destiny?
No excerpt available.
