(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter

September 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
Mixed Emotions, Book 1
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Falling in love with Gil was never Sophie’s plan, but the French mountain air, the grumpiest llama ever and her boyfriend’s loving—if liberated— family might just change her mind.

Sophie Smith—actress, influencer, in a close personal relationship with her blender— finds herself on a French mountain with a grumpy llama, a boyfriend with a bad case of commitment phobia and his sexually liberated parents.

In between getting chased around the farm by angry goats, dealing with his beautiful ex-girlfriend and fending off a Frenchman, she’s also having an existential crisis.

All she needs to do is get her boyfriend to stop quivering in fear at the L word, teach that llama to snuggle and work out what she actually wants to do with her life, then everything will be fine. Right?

Sometimes love isn’t enough, but what if it is?

I love the work of Katy Hunter and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I’m glad I did. This was a great premise for a story and there’s a llama. I mean, that’s original–a grumpy llama! I breezed through this story and did root for the characters to find their happy ending.

Sophie is a bit of a mess. She wants her boyfriend to admit he loves her and he’s not ready. There’s the glare of the spotlight and the glitz of Hollywood in the way, too. It’s not the easiest way to keep a relationship going. She’s relatable, but her push-pull with Gil could be a bit over the top. Then there’s Gil. He’s not sure he’s ready to admit he loves her, and he’s scared of strong commitment. He’s very relatable, too. It’s hard to be in a relationship where your every move is scrutinized. But these are two younger characters, and their immaturity does show through. That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s something to mention.

The romance sizzles and the connection does shine through. If you’re looking for a book for the modern era, a romance for the current times, then this is the one you’re looking for. Check it out!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Six Weeks by Nan Comargue

September 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Six Weeks by Nan Comargue
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Jaya’s relationships never last more than six weeks. Austen wants to be her forever.

Six weeks is the outer limit for one of Jaya’s relationships. When men find out there is no future with her, they tend not to stick around for long.

She’s gotten into the habit of leaning on her cousin Austen to get over each breakup. Who better? Austen is six feet three of solid sympathy. Both adopted into the same extended family at young ages, they’ve been friends their whole lives, with a mutual taste for good food and expensive whisky. But when Jaya takes her latest failed romance to him, Austen makes it clear his interest in her is far from cousinly.

“Think about me,” Austen tells her, and Jaya starts to do just that. No doubt, Austen is incredibly attractive, and she can’t say she’s not curious to find out what he’s like in bed, but can their bond survive this new test?

Why not Austen?

I love the work of Nan Comargue and this book was no different. The second I picked it up, I was immersed in Jaya and Austen’s world. The writing flew along at a great pace and the characters are interesting. I loved it.

Jaya tends to lose people through no fault of her own and her issues with that tend to color her relationships. She needs comfort and stable. She needs someone who won’t leave and won’t give up. She’s relatable because she’s someone you could know. I know people like her and I felt for her. Then there’s Austen. He’s the quintessential romance hero. He’s there, he’s understanding and he’s solid. He’s the one Jaya should love. But they were adopted and are cousins, but not by blood. That’s a complication that could make or break the relationship.

I loved seeing these characters, who were already close, get closer and find their common ground. It’s sweet, hot and great.

If you’re looking for a book that’s not your standard romance, has relatable characters and is so much fun to read, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

*The Decoy Girlfriend by Lillie Vale

September 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


*The Decoy Girlfriend by Lillie Vale
Publisher: Penguin Group, Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Writer Freya Lal has a huge secret: she’s a dead ringer for It-girl actress Mandi Roy. Her second novel is due in a month, but inspiration is nowhere to be found. Desperate to shake off her writer’s block, Freya leans into her look-alike abilities and indulges in some mistaken identity for simple perks, like scoring a free mimosa or getting into a trendy nightclub.

Actor Taft Bamber appears to have it all: gorgeous, talented, and Mandi’s love interest both on- and off-screen. But what nobody knows is that their relationship is a PR stunt, and after years of playing make-believe, he’s yearning for something real.

When Freya’s latest impersonation of Mandi goes viral thanks to Taft’s accidental interference, rumors of a breakup threaten Hollywood’s golden couple. To make amends, Freya is forced to give Mandi a little time off: she’ll pretend to be the actress for a month, move in with Taft, and squash the rumors by acting completely in love. But as Freya and Taft play house, it becomes impossible to ignore that their instant chemistry isn’t just for the cameras. While faking it, they might have just found the real thing.

Decoy Girlfriend is an intoxicating story about a fake Hollywood romance. The story is engaging and the characters are realistic. Even though the two main characters, Taft and Freya are successful, they are filled with self doubt and insecurities, just like all of us.

Freya has written one successful book but she is having an impossible time trying to write the second one. She resembles Mandi Roy, a famous movie star and people often stop Freya thinking she is Mandi.

Taft is a famous movie star who meets Freya while buying a book for his mother and he is instantly smitten with Freya. I loved all the bantering between Taft and Freya. From the moment they meet, they enjoy needling each other, but behind all the bantering is an instant attraction that they both have a difficult time ignoring.

I enjoyed this upbeat story, it has sparkling dialogue and entertaining characters.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Uncovered by Noja Lina

September 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Uncovered by Noja Lina
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

People keep themselves covered in many ways. But, sometimes, it’s not possible—and someone’s looking.

Jake postpones buying curtains for his new apartment. At one point, he notices that a man from the building across keeps watching him every morning. Jake then confronts the guy, whom he considers a stalker.

Thomas is not actually a stalker and is put off by Jake’s aggressive tendencies. Even so, they continue interacting and a bond starts forming. Jake develops romantic interest in Thomas but refuses to admit it and struggles with getting them to be closer. Along the way, he discovers that Thomas hates aggression because he had dealt with domestic violence in his past.

They both need to overcome their respective fears and change. Will they succeed—or fail and fall apart?

So nuanced and layered, but real.

When I picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what I’d be getting. The blurb drew me in and I had to know more. I mean, these two guys seemed so wrong for each other, but it’s so right. I liked the dynamics of the characters and how they found their way. This wasn’t a light story. It’s complicated and can be messy. But that’s what’s great about it. This book reads like life.

Jake doesn’t like being stared at by the guy across the way. The discomfort of being stared at isn’t his idea of fun so he does something about it. As with life, this isn’t the best way to handle the situation. Thomas doesn’t like aggressive men. He’s fascinated by Jake, but he’s also put off, too. When Jack confronts him, the behavior freaks him out and he’s not wild about aggressive people.

These two men are layered and complicated…and as I said, messy. They’ve got their hang-ups and it’s like reading life. It’s like reading about people I knew, and I could relate to them. That’s what made this book for me. Can they change? Adapt? Make this work? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.

I’m going to look for more by this author because this book snagged me. I suggest you try it, too.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson

September 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Rival photographers are forced to collaborate on a body-positive lingerie campaign, but they might have to readjust their focus when sparks fly.

Photographer Cassie Harris loves her job—her company Buxom Boudoir makes people look beautiful and feel empowered with her modern twist on classic pinup photography. Cassie’s best friend, Dana, is about to launch her own dangerously dreamy lingerie line and wants Cassie to shoot and direct the career-changing national campaign. But company politics and Dana’s complicated pregnancy interfere, and Cassie finds herself—a proud plus size Black woman—not behind the camera but in front of it.

Though she’s never modeled herself, Cassie’s pretty sure she can handle the sheer underwear and caution tape bralettes. She’s not sure she can work so intimately with the chosen photographer, her long-time competitor in the Chicago photography scene, Reid Montgomery. Their chemistry is undeniable on set, however, and feelings can develop faster than film…

A beautiful woman who knows she’s beautiful and a man who needs to be put in his place…sparks will fly.

I’ve never read anything by Danielle Jackson before this book and I’m glad I remedied that. This was a fun story, albeit a bit toxic in spots–but with reason. I flew through the story and got emotionally involved in their relationship.

Cassie is a bigger woman and she’s black. She’s been passed up for opportunities in the fashion industry and it drives her to be the best she can be behind the camera. I loved her drive and determination. Nothing will hold her back. Then there’s Reid. He’s a bit of a chauvinist and could use being knocked down a peg or two. Enter Cassie. I loved how she gave him a hard time–he needed it–and was strong in her interactions with him. I had a bit of a hard time with his character growth in the second half of the book, but that could’ve been me and my headspace when I read the book. I’m sure other readers will love Reid.

If you’re interested in something different, but still in the enemies to lovers and forced interaction tropes, then this is totally the book you need to read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Life Extinct by John Carson

September 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Life Extinct by John Carson
Publisher: Vellum
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Doctor Angela Monroe is found dead at the foot of Salisbury Crags on Arthur’s Seat. An avid runner, it first appears that she fell to her death.

Until the pathologist deems it murder.

It’s the night of the summer solstice and people have been celebrating on the famous dormant volcano.

DCI Sean Bracken and his team are called in to lead the investigation.

Monroe was a well-respected professor, lecturing at a local university, who had no known enemies and was a private person who kept to herself.

Was this a random attack? As they dig deeper into her background, nothing makes sense. But somebody wanted her dead, and when the killer strikes again, it takes the team into a whole new direction.

Meantime, Bracken’s girlfriend is being stalked…by a dead man. Logic says it can’t be him, but who would want to harm her? She enlists the help of Bracken, who knows all too well that dead men don’t stalk…

DCI Sean Bracken is enjoying where he’s at with his life. His work and family relationships are all fairly stable and happy, his growing relationship with his girlfriend Chaz is moving steadily but well and he’s even comfortable still staying in the guest house with a retired detective as his landlord. Only an odd death draws Sean’s idyllic summer to a close on the solstice and Chaz appears to have a stalker – a man who she met a number of years ago through her work in the mortuary – a man who is very dead.

I’ve read a number of John Carson’s books and enjoy both his DCI Harry McNeil series as well as his DCI Sean Bracken series. While I have frequently found the Bracken series to be a bit grittier and harder than the McNeil series, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was very pleased that Bracken’s romantic relationship with Chaz is slowly gaining momentum and they each seem to be steadily getting more series about each other. I also enjoyed how the author spent a little more time showing us the reader more of Sean and Chaz together in their personal time and not glossing over the somewhat new relationship. This helped me see them both and understand that this isn’t some quick fling but has the potential to be long term and serious between them.

I was pleased with the balance between Sean’s work as a homicide detective and his looking into the more personal investigation of who was stalking Chaz. I enjoyed this extra layer into their private life and seeing them work together outside their professional career and I enjoyed this. I definitely feel that while readers who have been following along with this series will find a lot of satisfaction in seeing this extra layer to the characters we’ve read about for a while – this book can easily be picked up by itself and readers can thoroughly enjoy this story even if they haven’t read anything previously in this series.

A strong Scottish police procedural style of novel, this is a strong read and one I enjoyed. I thought there is a good amount of character growth and an easy and steady interaction between the main characters, but it’s also a very strong police investigation-based mystery and I feel this should appeal to a wide range of readers.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

After Sundown by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

September 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


After Sundown by Linda Howard and Linda Jones
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Danger brings together two guarded hearts in a battle for survival in this irresistible story from New York Times bestselling authors Linda Howard and Linda Jones.

Sela Gordon, the shy owner of a Tennessee general store, finds safety in solitude. But if anyone can pierce her protective shell it’s the handsome, mysterious ex-military man living alone in the wilds of Cove Mountain. For two years, he’s kept his distance—until the day he appears to warn her that a catastrophic solar storm capable of taking down the power grid is coming. Now, Sela must find the courage to become the leader Wears Valley needs.

Bitter experience has taught Ben Jernigan it’s best to look out for number one. For two years the former soldier has lived in a self-imposed exile, using a top-notch security system to keep people away. But he had to let Sela know about the impending threat—and now the quiet and undeniably sexy woman is making it too easy for him to lower his guard.

As panic spreads, Sela and Ben discover that in the dark, cut off from the outside world, there’s no more playing it safe—in life or in love.

This novel is a keeper, an edge-of-your-seater powerful read with elements of truth that sent shivers up my spine. The story and romance sucked me in and never let go.

To divert attention for a bit, I watched a disaster movie, and the basic premise was the same – the loss of everything we use in regular everyday life, setting us back about 200 years in technology and in living conditions. The difference is the movie gave me nightmares because it showed the brutality and twisted evil some survivalists can devolve into. In After Sundown, I found a more positive, optimistic yet pragmatic take on it that was an absolute pleasure to read. The book didn’t leave me with a bad taste, it had a sensual spice-lite romance that was wonderful to watch grow and a cast of characters I came to care about, and villains that deserved what they got.

I choose to call this a contemporary story because up until the CME (Coronal Mass Ejections) hits, it is. And the thing about the CME, is that it’s a real thing, it can do what this novel explores, but so far, it’s only been on a scale that affected about 6 million people. I can tell the authors really did their research and it’s probably why this book makes such an impression on me. The Carrington Event is mentioned so I took the time to look it up. Blew. My. Mind. This story sure has opened my eyes to the possibilities.

Now, to the good stuff…the romance between quiet, I-want-to-stay-in-the-background, Sela, and Ben, the ex-military isolationist that is holed up on the mountain and only comes down for the bare essentials. They are a most unlikely pair, and that is why it works so well. The strong point for me about the two main characters is their growth. One becomes strong and a kind of leader, and the other, eventually rejoins the human race as an active participant. For the hero, it was like pulling impacted wisdom teeth – but, you know, eventually, they come out, you feel better, and you can move forward without that level of pain, right? That may be a strange analogy, but in my mind, it fits Ben to a T. You see, the authors wrote from each of their points of views, so a reader can understand what makes them tick. I found Ben to be absolutely fascinating. Hidden really deep inside the man, is a soft, squishy, loving heart and as the story unfolds, a reader starts to see those tiny cracks in his emotional fortress. I found it more romantic and fulfilling than if the romance was fast, in-your-face and easy. There’s nothing easy about the hero, but I can tell that when he commits, he’s all in, 100%. Definite hero material.

The practical problems of how to survive were explored in various degrees of depth. Obviously, the authors had to pinpoint specifics for the telling of the tale, but I am sure that at some points they must have been overwhelmed. There’s one scene where Sela discusses the process of coming up with solutions, and I absolutely agree with her assessment. After reading all the preparations that Sela and her family were able to do, and then reading all the things they later thought they should have done, it made me look around my own home, my own skills and I found them sadly lacking. My mom cans and does preserves, sews and gardens like a fiend. I’m a product of my generation – the stores and online shopping are my go-to places for necessities. I work outside the home and have no time for what was, even 60 years ago, a typical part of life- canning and gardening and doing things close to the land. Back then it was more common to know some farmers by name and get food directly from them instead of pre-packaged in an air-conditioned grocery store like today. All that to say – I feel like I’d be one of those people who didn’t survive the first month. Scary thought, right? But After Sundown focuses on the can-do attitude, the ingenious ways people come up with to work together and become a close-knit community that help each other. It was like that in the Old West, and at times, some scenes in the book were reminiscent of that.

Some readers might think that things were a little ‘too easy’ in some instances, but I don’t read romance books to be fed overly factual and ‘correct’ details. The authors provided enough to give readers the atmosphere of a crisis, the hope of humanity in seeing neighbor helping neighbor, enough realistic drama and suspense from the bad guys’ intentions and deeds, and the ultimate life-affirming reality that even in the worst times, people fall in love, make love, and look to the future. The authors accomplished all of it and gave me one of the best reading experiences I’ve had in a while. It impressed me so much that I was compelled to give this story the highest rating I could.

After Sundown is a must read, a great read, and is one readers should add to their own collections of keepers. There is so much more to this novel, like, important secondary characters I haven’t touched upon, some of the humor, Ben’s relationship with a dog he didn’t want to want, and the sweet moments when the community comes together for both good and sad times. But above all, the happy ever after is wonderful, loving and so very satisfying that this book is an easy re-read. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this thrilling romance story – it’s awesome in all the best of ways.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

*Reckless by Aurora Rose Reynolds

September 1, 2022 By Leave a Comment


*Reckless by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: Contemporary, Mainstream Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Jade has always been the reckless type. But after her relationship implodes and her business goes under, she realizes it might be time to change her ways. She decides on a fresh start in a new place: Montana.

But shortly after her arrival in Big Sky Country, she meets headstrong wilderness retreat owner Maverick, whose name, fittingly, means “dissenter.” Jade tries to convince herself he’s not the type of man she needs in her life. The problem is, she wants him in her life. She wants him more than anything.

For Maverick, his attraction to this out-of-towner is undeniable. But he’s sworn off relationships—until he gets to know the fiery-haired, fiery-tempered Jade. He can’t help but wonder if it’s worth opening himself up to her. It’s a gamble, sure. But is it reckless?

Or is love a high-stakes game of risk and reward that just might pay off in the end?

I loved every minute of this intoxicating story. I found myself immediately connected to the two main characters, Maverick and Jade and immersed in their story.

Jade is anything but reckless and after some things happen that are beyond her control, she is afraid to take chances with her heart again. Jade has just moved from Oregon to a small town in Montana to be closer to her best friend and that is where she meets Maverick.

I loved everything about Maverick. Even though he is an alpha male, he is also warm, sensitive and caring. Maverick is reserved and careful with his heart, but he just can’t seem to resist Jade.

Maverick and Jade have a passionate relationship and I enjoyed all of their encounters. They have an immediate connection, and I could feel all the sparks flying whenever they are together, even though they try to resist each other until they just can’t. Maverick and Jade try their best to keep their relationship a secret but that just doesn’t work and it’s entertaining as they try. I loved how Jade grows more trusting and comes out of her shell with Maverick. She has been hurt and moving to Montana is the best decision she has ever made.

This is the third book in The Adventures in Love series and each story is a stand alone, but all the characters are interconnected. I also enjoyed all the entertaining secondary characters in this story. They are a fun loving, large group of friends. They gossip and get into each other’s business, but always have each other’s backs. This is another wonderful story by Aurora Rose Reynolds.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Dead Call by JM Dalgleish

August 31, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Dead Call by JM Dalgleish
Publisher: Hamilton Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time…

When a woman’s body is found in the sea at Blakeney Point with a single blow to the head, DI Tom Janssen and his team must work out who wanted her dead and why? What would drive someone to murder an elderly woman in such a savage and callous manner?

A formidable woman, a Watcher of the local nature reserve, who dedicated her life to preserving her natural surroundings has made many friends along the way… and even more dangerous enemies. A veteran campaigner – just how did she manage to succeed against all the odds when facing those with far greater resources than her own.

Meanwhile, a man is found murdered in his kitchen showing no signs of having put up a fight. This second case brings murder a little too close to home for the entire team. Tom finds himself questioning the motives of those closest to him and he must face the uncomfortable reality that you never truly know those around you.

The team must keep secrets from one another, straining their bonds of friendship in order to catch a ruthless killer before they are able to strike again…

Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with a little humour, one that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.

DI Tom Janssen and his team are called to investigate the death of an elderly lady. But they quickly learn that despite her age, local wildlife activist had a number of people angry with her. Then another murder quickly divides the team as they grapple with this second case cutting very close to home.

I’ve been enjoying this series – the “Hidden Norfolk” series – and am finding it very well written with interesting characters and a tight plot. While there are a number of layers to the police team and the various characters within that I still feel the two main plotlines can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers who pick this book up by itself. I do feel that a deeper and more emotional connection with the characters and what’s happening will be felt by those who have read some or all of the previous stories, but I don’t feel it’s strictly necessary and certainly not to understand the plot.

This is mostly a police procedural style of story, though I really enjoyed the fact that as one of the murders hit close to home there are a number of emotional and conflicting aspects to what would ordinarily be a straightforward case and investigation. I have to admit that Tamara’s character annoys me at times, but equally I have to say that in this book I found my aggregation with her less than in the first few books of the series. I was also very interested in the character development between Tamara and Alice – and will be interested to see what (if anything) unfolds in the coming few books.

Readers who enjoy a British based mystery should find this book appeals. I can easily recommend the entire series and while I might not feel this is the strongest of all the books so far, it is an excellent addition, and I will certainly be eager for the next installment. I found the plots well-paced and well written. There is nothing too earth shattering in the unveiling of what occurred, but I do admit that while I guessed some of it there was still plenty I hadn’t foreseen, and I strongly feel even long-term mystery readers should find some freshness to this plotline.

A great British police procedural style of mystery and a series I am greatly enjoying.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

All I Want for Christmas by Rebekah Pace, Alexis J. Pride

August 30, 2022 By Leave a Comment


All I Want for Christmas by Rebekah Pace, Alexis J. Pride
Publisher: Level 4 Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

LOSING EVERYTHING MAY JUST BE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL.

James sells toys. He’s a workaholic and he’s made a very good living, even if his wife and four children don’t appreciate it. Truth is, his marriage is falling apart and he barely recognizes his kids.

So when James’s youngest daughter, 7-year-old Reba, asks God for a Christmas miracle to “fix” her family, something most unexpected happens—unexpected and horrible. The Christmas tree catches fire and the house burns down, taking with it all of their possessions.

One bad thing leads to another as rock bottom gives way to new lows and the family is sent spiraling down a dark and unfamiliar path. Reba wonders if God decided to give her the very opposite of what she prayed for.

Finally, separated and destitute, James and the family are left with absolutely nothing—nothing but a brand-new understanding of what’s actually important in life.

Now James must rekindle his faith, learn what’s truly important to him, and find a way to win his family back. If he can pull it off, there may just be that Christmas miracle waiting for him.

I picked this book at random, and I honestly believe it was meant for me to read. I’ve grown tired of the same-old, same-old types of stories I’ve been reading, and I wanted something different. I didn’t know I needed to read All I Want for Christmas until I was halfway through. It tugged at my emotions more than any book I’ve read in quite some time. This story of a family going from highs to lows and clawing back up again through the grace of God, is a powerful read. This novel is not for the faint of heart, or anyone looking for a fast read. This is a story that a reader needs to spend some time with.

A few weeks ago, I finally watched the movie, War Room. When things started happening to the Harrison family in this book, it carried echoes of that film, but this book has its own journey and what happens to James is a lot worse than what happens to Tony Jordan in the film, War Room. I think the movie had more scripture and passionate faith and it benefited from the guidance and wisdom of Ms. Clara. James and Fran didn’t have anyone in their corner like that. And anyone who could have been, James, with his pride, arrogance and internal fears, would be, and is, blind to it. For an inspirational story, I was amazed at how Fran repeatedly looked for guidance in all the wrong places. I read the titles of those books she kept reading and I felt like calling her up to say, “Fran! Those kinds of How-To books aren’t the answer!!”. But the authors of this novel weren’t going to make it easy on their characters. Lessons had to be learned, and sometimes, the school of hard knocks is the only way.

At times, I felt the story’s pace was bogged down by the details of every little thing that happened, which occurred like heavy megalith dominoes. One bad thing led to another, and another. The seemingly perfect family has a “come to Jesus” moment that was a long time in coming. The authors also went into great depth about the tragedy that affected the whole Harrison family. In the background of my mind I thought, yeah, any parent responsible for their kids must have this horrible thought or worry that this could easily happen to them. It can happen to anyone, really. That means I understand why the authors went to such pains to give a reader a chance to really know the main characters. It’s so you’d feel deeply for them as they went through the court proceedings, the lawyers, the harsh realities that children can find themselves in through the overworked CPS system, the losses and the PTSD such things can leave behind -. it sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? But that’s the point. There has to be something more, a savior, and there is, but it’s a gentle progression because like chess pieces, everything needed to be in the right place. Things needed to happen, and Mr. & Mrs. Harrison and all four of their children needed to experience situations that helped them grow, to understand, and be ready for the miracle.

It’s a miracle that their youngest daughter, Reba, prayed for under the advice and guidance of her Oma (grandmother). She did receive acknowledgement that her prayer was heard, but I’m sure the little girl never imagined what had to happen in order for it to come to fruition. Faith was tested. James needed to have his priorities reset, Fran had to rediscover her faith in God and remember how it was when she went to church, what made her and James happy when their marriage was young, and their kids were little. The person with the most growth and change had to be James since it was his pride and refusal to communicate and treat Fran like an actual partner in their marriage that allowed things to progress as far as they did. Yeah, his work ethic didn’t produce the results he thought it would. His priorities were a little skewed. This novel is all about change, growth, deep love between husband and wife and the family they created, being open to God’s will and not being selfish and short-sighted in using the talents God gave them. And God gave the Harrison family some pretty awesome gifts. They were woefully underutilized – but that all changed when two people stepped up and offered Fran and James something important that came out of left field. Hope. That was the start of the miracle.

The upswing in their fortunes didn’t happen overnight. The authors take a reader through the whole journey. I felt the fear, the hopelessness, the worry and the feeling of being overwhelmed and lost – but then there was hope. There was optimism. With hard work, and coming together as a family, the hope became a reality. The joy and happiness, the satisfaction and the overall LOVE burst forth from the pages. Yeah, God closed a door in James’ life – hard, but the one that opened up was three times as large. Everything became clearer and the changes brought a deeper satisfaction with rewards unthinkable in the early parts of their crisis. This miracle didn’t just heal James and Fran’s marriage, it brought the family together. In the process, the kids made new friends, better friends – their blessings are too numerous to count but what made it extra wonderful were the people they met along the way, Officer Friendly, Paster Phillips, Casper, and Pastor Murphy, just to name a few.

There is so much more I could mention. This novel is definitely character based. The story is told in different points of view, mostly James and Fran’s, but there are others, so readers get an idea of the motivation behind the actions and dialogue that happen along the way. The story is well-written, and the characters are more three-dimensional than not. This is a great book for readers of Christian Fiction who enjoy seeing someone overcome seemingly insurmountable odds because faith opened their hearts to the will of God. Miracles do happen, just not the way WE think they should. All I Want for Christmas is testimony to that. I’m glad I read this novel.

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