Memories in December

by Gina Ardito

Siobhan Bendlow is struggling with her recovery from an eating disorder and the financial downturn of her photography business. The last thing she needs is to become the sole caretaker of her wacky grandmother. Especially since the man of her teenaged dreams, Jimmy Vais, has moved back to town, newly single and available. So has his pesky younger brother, Justin. One Vais is fun, but juggling two is a problem.

Althea Bendlow may be in her seventies now, but she still craves all the things she wanted in joy, comfort, laughter, and happiness for her loved ones. If gaining the latter means performing some matchmaking magic for her only granddaughter, she’s up to the task. As long as her own past doesn’t keep distracting her, in the form of Captain Lou Rugerman, a man who meant the world to her for one night only.

Welcome back to Snug Harbor, where the memories of a lifetime can become the dreams of tomorrow…

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2019

About the author

Gina Ardito is the award-winning author of more than twenty romances in contemporary, historical, and paranormal sub-genres. In 2012, she launched her freelance editing business, Excellence in Editing, and now has a stable of award-winning clients, as well.

She’s hosted workshops around the world for writing conferences, author organization chapter meetings, and library events. To her everlasting shame, despite all her accomplishments, she’ll never be more famous than her dog, who starred in commercials for 2015’s Puppy Bowl.

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Reviews

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 cranky stars


This book jumps right into the storyline, but it is fine read as a stand alone book. Siobhan if single living in the family home in Snug Harbour, her sister tries to sell it from under her, but she soon puts a stop to that as her parents said she could live in the house for 7 years after their death. She had over 6 years to go and tells her sister such.


Siobhan's slightly eccentric grandmother rings her from the airport to say she has arrived to keep her company. Not that Siobhan wanted or needed her company!!!


Siobhan or Bonbon as her grandmother calls her collects her from the airport as she couldn't leave her there. She always managed to get herself in some sort of trouble, so wanted house guest or not she had one.

Dropping her home, she couldn't believe it her childhood crush, Jimmy, was moving into his parents home. Everything for her was so embarrassing as her grandmother calls out to him. This is the start of plenty of antics especially when she is hired by Jimmy's brother Justin who was also back in town, to take photographs for his company brochure.


Siobhan is a professional photographer with her own studio shop, but times are hard, especially in the winter months. She could not afford to turn work away, so she agrees to do them. She is very good at what she does.

Her grandmother, Althea, thinks she is a matchmaker and tries her best for Siobhan and Jimmy, but she realises she has her own problems when she meets up with Lou, who 40 years ago was her saviour on one horrific night.


I loved reading this book, it was heartwarming and it drew you into it. Althea and her antics were brilliantly portrayed, she was my favourite character.

A recommended read.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea, Siobhan’s grandmother, is a riot! I truly enjoyed the comedic aspect to this story and her thoughts, past and present. The author did a fabulous job writing this book. I found it to be fast-paced and it definitely held my interest. There was some depth to it, too, with various issues the different characters had to deal with. They all had their flaws, none of them perfect, and yet they were likeable and realistic. I really liked that the outcomes of the relationships weren’t completely obvious and it seemed like things could go either way. A happy ending didn’t seem to be completely predictable and I found that to be so refreshing.

Some mild swearing throughout and non-descriptive sex but nothing that would stop me from reading it. This book is a series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone without any issues at all. Although, now that I’ve read this one, I want to go back and read the others again! I thought it was a great story and I highly recommend it. Very well written.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This two-in-one romance follows Siobhan and her grandmother as they face real-life issues and ponder their pasts and their futures. Siobhan may be young however she is not without baggage, and her story provides an informative glimpse into the long-term impact of eating disorders - emotional and physical - even years after recovery. She struggles to see herself in a positive light, as someone that a hot guy would want to be with. I enjoyed reading about her and Jimmy and the dynamic between them as they became reacquainted.
In her 70s, Althea, is an upbeat and vital woman, and a lot of fun. Her actions made me laugh more than once. Upon returning to Snug Harbor, she faces the prospect of falling in love again after her husband's death. And her suitor is quite a character himself.
This was a well-written and humorous book and a pleasure to read.
Note: I received an advance review copy from the publisher. This has not affected the content of this review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an awesome read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend! This is the first book I have read of Gina Ardito's and can be read as a stand alone. The story and characters are amazing and pulled me in form the beginning with plenty of laughter and love. I loved the grandmother she made the book that much more fun to read. The story is fast paced reading, realistic and the characters had their flaws but were still likable. All in all the story kept my interest and was very well written and I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siobhan survived bulimia, but she may not make it with a meddling grandmother, a selfish sister who is trying to force her to sell their parents’ house where she’s living, a struggling photography business, and grumpy high school crush that just moved back in across the street. Her grandmother is a riot and shows that you are never too old for romance. At first I thought Justin was a better potential boyfriend for Siobhan because he much nicer and volunteered with the church. But Jimmy has depths underneath his grumpy exterior. There were plenty of funny moments in this holiday romance.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Gina Ardito; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good sweet small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laurie Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.. Highly recommended. Look forward for next book from you soon. No spoilers here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea is a total hoot! She doesn't care what anyone says or thinks about her. Siobhan has hit a rough patch in her life and business. And just to top is all off, her grandmother (Thea) says goodbye to her life in a Florida retirement community, and moves back in with Siobhan. Her high school crush has moved back into his parents' house across the street, and the fireworks begin. Thea wants Siobhan to have the kind of happiness that she had with her husband, and is convinced that Jimmy is the one to do that. The characters are flawed and real, and so much stronger than they think they are. I had a tough time when I started this book, but it took off for me about three chapters in, and I couldn't put it down from that point on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were real and flawed. They were relatable. Siobhan is struggling with her business and with her life in general. She is surprised when her Grandmother moves back home and in with her. Althea is a bit eccentric but felt Siobhan needed her. Althea isn't the only one who has moved home recently. Jimmy and Justin Vais both have recently moved back to Snug Harbor too. I enjoyed both Althea's story of the past and her current romance. I like Siobhan who proves how strong she is by continually fighting her battles. The story wasn't a straight path to happily ever after. It had twists and complicated characters. It was a great story from beginning to end.

I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grace Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I am never disappointed reading this author. Grandma Thea and Siobhan have become like family. I only hope when I reach Thea's age, I have her spunk. Love for family trumps anything and everything in this wonderful novel. Romance reveals itself in Thea's memories and in Siobhan's past and present. Crisp storytelling and believable characters will make you want to read this one several times.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Gina but definitely not the last. This book can be read as a standalone. The characters are really great and keep you on your toes but there are plenty of laughter but a real love story. I definitely recommend you read this book as it is so well written and worth reading. Looking forward to reading more of Gina's book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Calendar Girls series a well written story that happens in December. This is two women's story one is in her seventies Althea Bendlow and her Granddaughter Siobhan Bendlow and the men who come into their lifes. Captain Lou Rugerman for Althea, and Jimmy Vais for Siobhan. There is so much that happens in this book that kept me turning pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to this author and I’m sold! I adored Thea’s character, eccentric, clever, and always motivated by her deep love for others. I appreciate the characters in this book having flaws and problems that are relatable and the strength to address them in realistic ways. I enjoyed the storyline having depth and still having humorous moments. Wonderful read!

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last! This book has a great storyline filled with humor, love and wonderful characters. Will definitely check out the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was not a disappointment! Funny and entertaining characters, a great story line that engages the readers attention and when you finish the story, you'll want to read it again and again and again. Books like this are the best and you may find yourself laughing out loud.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two romances. Two different generations. Grandmother and granddaughter are living together and challenging one another. Amusing and heart warming. Thanks to the author for providing a copy per my request for a voluntary review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength. The story of love of sensation. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has lost the love of her life and now she she is going back home. Where she will see an ex. Can she love again after the post of her husband? What will others think? See if she finds love again

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute "clean" romance. Full disclosure: I received an ARC free of charge from Romance Rehab/Romance Remedy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm really liking her writing style. I can tell you she has gained a new reader. This book takes you on the journey of Siobhan and her grandma. It's really like a two for one deal because you get two romance stories going on. It's easy to follow between the back and forth. Siobhan is struggling a little and her grandma returns at the right time to be some meddling help. There is a good amount of humor in this book, but it also has plenty of feels to make a well rounded story. Siobhan is an easy character to like and she's good for Jimmy. Jimmy is a little jerky in the beginning, but with the Bendlow women he doesn't stand a chance. This was an easy book to get lost in.

[Amaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book opened with Siobhan but most of the romance revolved around her grandmother and her budding yet never requited passion, until now. It's on the lighter scale on my romance novel reading spectrum - nice enough to spend time with though would have loved more development for Siobhan's romance. Really had hoped it would worked out with the hero's younger brother but it wasn't meant to be :"D.
Was cheering hard for Siobhan's successful turn of things, really feel for her in that aspect.

Note: I received a free copy via Romance Rehab and Romance Remedy.