You all know how much I love novellas, so of course I had to share my favorites that must not be missed! Here are my top 10 novellas and collections that I rated 5 stars in 2017. (The last book isn't technically a novella but it is the compilation of the novel and novella in hardback... aaaaaand it's my favorite book of all time- Merry Christmas to me!)
Love,
love, love this series! I read one right after the other and then
re-read my favorite parts from all three again when I was done. In all
the books, there are deep emotions simmering beneath the surface in the
characters, brought to light by the highly dangerous circumstances they
find themselves in, resulting in explosive sparks! There is a blend of
vulnerability and strength that is appealing. I think we all feel flawed
and vulnerable in some way, but want to believe that we will have the
strength to not only persevere but succeed when trials come. I kept
reliving the stories of all three books in my mind for days afterward.
After reading some deep historical novels, this novella collection of
light contemporary romances was just what I needed! It made me smile,
giggle, and get swoony (I've recently decided this is the best way to
describe that butterflies/toe curling feeling when the romantic moments
are really touching). I'm always impressed that the stories in the
Timeless Romance Anthologies are so creative and varied. Here's what I
thought of my favorites in the Valentine's Day Collection...
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
So.
Funny. This is the one that made me giggle and think, "Girl, what are
you thinking?!" Bethany has a great sense of humor to deal with the
mishaps that keep her in the sights of a local policeman.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
The
chemistry is hot in this one! Maurie has a good perspective on life and
her dysfunctional childhood, but that doesn't make returning home less
painful. Grant was the one light in her youth but he has a confession of
his own to make... great tension and backstories to make the characters
vulnerable with each other.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
I
haven't read anything by Jenny Proctor before but this definitely won't
be the last! I loved the determination of Kayla to stick to her plan of
no dating while training for the Olympics, and Nate's equal resolve to
not let her get away. They had fantastic chemistry and charming banter.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
One
of my favorites of the collection, the secret love angle was so
romantic and it was perfectly balanced with humor from Helen's column
and compassion as she helps Neil take a difficult stand with some family
issues. A strong story to end the anthology with, I finished with a big
sigh of satisfaction :)
I loved this novella collection! Each story was set in Bath, England
during the Regency era, and it was so fun to learn historical details
about that location. The first story by Julie Daines was full of drama,
intrigue, and emotional turmoil (without being melodramatic). The
friendship and affection that develop between the vulnerable Marianne
and protective Mr. Northam balances out the darker parts of the story,
and I loved how everything wrapped up. The second story by Caroline
Warfield was a delight, and since I haven't read anything by this author
before I'm looking forward to seeking out her other books. Lucy's sweet
and compassionate nature make her a perfect match for the charming
Edmund who is looking to turn his life in a direction different from his
parents' expectations. The last story by Jaima Fixsen has plenty of
kissing as the title implies, and while I liked the characters, their
relationship seemed too based on physical attraction. It was still a fun
story and finished the collection off nicely.
What a sweet love story! I fell in love with the O'Connor family living
in the tenements of New York City. Instead of allowing the harsh
circumstances pull them apart, their bond keeps them strong and
supportive of each other. Ian is a man confident in his skills, yet
adorable with his uncertainty and vulnerability when it comes to a
certain lass. Biddy is completely alone but her mother's words to keep
making the best of things helps motivate her to work hard in the loud
factory. This is my favorite kind of romance, where we get to see the
two develop a friendship that progresses into love. Ian's brothers
Patrick and Tavish have great personalities and I hope we get to read
more about them in the future. The ending is bittersweet which brought
out more emotion and curiosity about where the family's journey will
take them.
Such a great collection! Each story captured my interest and held it
with interesting characters, unique plots, and great settings. I
especially loved the creative way the author incorporated the past with
the present in
VINGT-ET-UN |
TWENTY-ONE. The story starts with Eliza and Liam resenting each other,
but as we learn of their former friendship layer by layer and see them
come together again in spite of the obstacles, the emotions heighten and
I could not stop reading! I KISSED A DUKE was pretty fun and I liked seeing Madeline learn to stand on her own in a demanding and unforgiving society. ON
THE DUKE’S ERRAND had an amazing setting in Scotland and it was
interesting to learn about the conflicts there and how David did his
best to get to know the people and their circumstances. He and Ceana had
great chemistry and worked together well with his charm and her fiery
personality.
Be still my heart! How I loved this sweet story of two orphans that
brought together two lonely people to form a family. I've always been
fascinated by the history of the orphan train, and since we have adopted
our two daughters, it's a topic that is close to my heart. I love
characters like Addie, she is a woman who has suffered hardship, but it
has made her more compassionate and an advocate for the orphans. Miles'
sorrow is understandable, and I loved how Addie accepted what he was
able to offer- and not offer- with gratitude. I also loved that he was
quick to look beyond himself to the family now in his care and couldn't
help but respond. A wonderful novella with characters that are easy to
connect to, great pacing, and a full story arc- just the kind of reading
that makes me cozy up and sigh with happiness :)
I absolutely loved this collection of heartfelt holiday stories set in
Regency England! Each one had a perfectly sweet romance full of the
hesitation and anticipation of unexpected love. I felt like it was easy
to get to know the characters quickly and connect with them and whatever
their struggle or heartache was. I loved watching the happy endings
unfold for each of the couples in the stories and I loved the cozy
feeling that the snowy Christmas setting brought. I honestly couldn't
pick a favorite because I loved them all so well- that must be a good
sign :)
The writing of Carla Kelly is so refreshing, I always look forward to
reading a story by her. And this one has five stories! The characters
are ones that are easy to like, and I quickly connected with them and
their feelings through the various struggles or trials they are
enduring. I appreciate that they are strong people with admirable
traits, and most of the conflict comes from exterior sources. Overall
the stories are sweet, but they still contain the author's trademark
grittiness and realistic world view including the lower classes of
British society. I also love the wry humor that subtly brings a lighter
note to the narrative without diminishing the emotions and deeper
themes.
I absolutely love a good fairy tale retelling, and this collection is
full of them! Every one of the stories is creative while still being
recognizable. The authors did a wonderful job of pulling me into the
story quickly and keeping me guessing as to how things would resolve. I
thoroughly enjoyed all the stories, but my favorites were The Miller's
Daughter (based on Rumpelstiltskin), Black Fern (based on Beauty and the
Beast), and Scarlet (based on Little Red Riding Hood). Something about
the relationships in those particular stories resonated with me, the
settings were easy to envision, and the tension or anticipation was
palpable.
As much as I adore
my well-read paperback version of Edenbrooke and it's lovely cover, this
gorgeous hardcover comes with the companion novella Heir to Edenbrooke.
Edenbrooke:
Words
cannot express how much I adore this book. It's always the first book I recommend! I totally relate to Marianne,
her insecurities and strengths, and Phillip is the perfect hero in my
mind. The romantic tension is Off. The. Hook. I literally can't count how many times
I've read it (especially my favorite parts).
Heir to Edenbrooke:
I
absolutely adore Edenbrooke, and to have a novella from the hero's
perspective is a dream come true :) I loved the insights it gives into
Phillip's life before he meets Marianne, and it helped me more
understand him and his actions in Edenbrooke. Of course I wish there was
more of him and Marianne together from his point of view, but I think
it's pretty perfect for what it is. My imagination can fill in the rest
;)
Do you enjoy reading novellas?
What are some of your favorites?
