A little bit about what you'll find reviewed here

A little bit about what you'll find reviewed on this blog: I believe the best books involve characters you wish you could read more about long after the book is finished. Recently, I've been searching for hidden gems from the past. I read mostly fiction, and I'm a bit of a prude. I don't normally enjoy books with sex or excessive language.

Who I am:
I raised two wonderful girls, and I'm super proud of them. I enjoy reading (of course), sewing, cross stitching, photography and writing. I live in the high desert portion of Washington (which I didn't know existed until my husband and I decided to move here) and have really enjoyed my time out here. I am excited to see what God has next in store for my life!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

All is Calm, All is Bright (2 novellas) - Colleen Coble

All is Calm originally came out November 2014, but is now being released with another novella called All is Bright, which appears to be a new novella.  These are Christmas themed and just the right length for the busy Christmas season.

All is Calm is a Lonestar novella, set in Texas at the Bluebird Ranch.  Lauren has been under suspicion for a murder and has run away with the horse that was going to be put down.  She’s run to the ranch where she was a foster child, hoping for a sense of peace.  Brendan is on medical leave from Special Ops, and is wondering if it’s time to settle down.  While he’s initially wary of Lauren, he believes in her innocence and wants to help her.

This was a nice little story with mentions of Rick and Allie from Lonestar Sanctuary.  The balance of this novella is good.  I’m more critical of novellas, because I think it takes a really talented writer to tell a good, balanced story in that short period of time.  In this case, you’ve got a complete story that’s perfect for a snowy afternoon in front of the fire.

All is Bright is a Hope Beach novella, set in Virginia at Hope Island.  Delilah has spent years taking care of everyone else without letting anyone close enough to get to know her.  Her past isn’t something she’s proud of, and she’s beginning to think she’ll never have a family.  When her life is in danger, the sheriff, Tom, vows to protect her.  He’s had his eye on Delilah for some time, but he feels like she’s out of his league.  He’s been protecting himself for so long, but Delilah needs him.

This novella touches base with characters from the series including Curtis, Amy, Vanessa, Libby, Alec, Marc and Elin.  Delilah is preparing the Tidewater Inn for Marc and Elin’s wedding, so you get to see a lot of them and also Libby, the owner of the inn.

These stories are both well balanced and I highly recommend them.  They’d be a great break from a busy Christmas season, but you’ll be able to enjoy them at any time of year.  You don’t need to be familiar with any of the books that came before (the Lonestar or Hope Beach series), but the check-ins with the characters from those books are an added bonus for those that have read them.  Good Novellas!

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


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