In Which Winnie Halifax Is Utterly Ruined

by Alexandra Vasti

Read Dates: 4/21/25 to 4/22/25

Review

Leading up to the third book, I kept wondering how Winnie was going to fit into the story. I knew from the start there were only two Halifax sisters, so it had me a little confused about who this new character could possibly be. Was she a long-lost relative? A secret sister no one talked about? (And no, I didn’t read the blurb beforehand—I'm terrible about that!) Turns out, Winnie isn’t a Halifax by blood—she took on the name to help her navigate life as an unmarried woman in a time when that wasn’t exactly easy, especially for business owners. She even made up a husband to make it all believable... except, surprise, the man she invented is very much real!

Just like the first two books, this one is short, romantic, steamy, and has that instant-spark chemistry that Alexander Vasti does so well. I really enjoyed how Winnie stayed strong and independent even as her relationship developed. She’s not someone who needs saving, but over time, she learns it’s okay to lean on someone without losing her independence. That push-and-pull between her fierce spirit and learning to trust someone else made the story even sweeter. And of course, it wraps up with a happily ever after that left me smiling—exactly what I’ve come to expect and love from this series.

Meeting Alexandra Vasti at an author panel and discussion in February of 2025 was such an amazing experience. Hearing of her writing methods, and celebrations when a book is complete, as well as her interactions with the other authors present, made me like her even more.