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Wild Blue Wonder Press Anthology #1
Springtime in Surrey: A Wild Blue Wonder Press Anthology
Springtime in Surreyis a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground � or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why� and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
Copyright © 2023 Wild Blue Wonder Press
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground � or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why� and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
Copyright © 2023 Wild Blue Wonder Press
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2023
7 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Kellyn Roth
32books1,118followersKellyn Roth is the author of historical romance novels with strong Christian themes, a touch of humor, and messy situations that put the main characters through the wringer and force them to face hard questions. Her stories include The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a Christian Victorian family saga.
Kell is the founder and owner of Wild Blue Wonder Press, a small press with themission of sharing fictional stories full of grace and truth.Their goal is to create stories that matter, to delve into the deepest and sometimes the saddest parts of life, and to return from the darkest valleys resplendent in the light of hope and the fullness of joy.
When not building her author career, Kellyn is likely drinking iced coffee with her husband, getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, or watching period dramas and facetious comedies with her border collie.
Find out more at
Kell is the founder and owner of Wild Blue Wonder Press, a small press with themission of sharing fictional stories full of grace and truth.Their goal is to create stories that matter, to delve into the deepest and sometimes the saddest parts of life, and to return from the darkest valleys resplendent in the light of hope and the fullness of joy.
When not building her author career, Kellyn is likely drinking iced coffee with her husband, getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, or watching period dramas and facetious comedies with her border collie.
Find out more at
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 27, 2024
Disclaimer: Yes, I have a book in this collection, but that does not influence my reviews. The following are my honest reviews.
Jesus, I am Resting by
So, I loved the WWI setting and the hymn! Also, the message on resting was super good and one I personally really need to hear often, haha (ironically I have been pretty ill for 5 days, all because I’ve been pushing myself hard for months, and more specially for the last 3 weeks� and my body collapsed. So yes, very timely message lol). While I struggled to relate to Elinor, I really appreciated her grit and determination. Malachi and Andrew were pretty awesome, and the epilogue was just sweet :)
Content: brief mentions of war injuries, nothing graphic; otherwise totally clean.
The Cottage on the Hill by
Oh my heartttt this story was gorgeous!! I absolutely adored the setting and the author painted the descriptions so vividly and beautifully. Moira was so sweet and God-centered and Adrian was so funny and loving and Godly, and their story was absolutely darling. The ending was absolutely PERFECT and the message of trusting God through the ups + downs and following Him as He leads to new dreams that perfectly satisfy� <3 so good.
Content: brief, undetailed kisses & touching; MC is a ballerina with a male partner, but their relationship is 100% clean and sweet.
If I Knew You Were Coming by
Wow, definitely all the WWII feels here! The author did a great job representing the common struggles and sacrifices the British made during the war. Her message on doing the right thing before you even if it means giving up dreams was excellent, and I liked how she tackled the aspect of mother- and wifehood mixed with working outside of the home. Joan was delightful, Levi was awesome, and Oliver, Lottie, and Sophie were all so distinct and childlike and adorable!
Content: brief mentions of war, wounds, & PTSD; brief, undetailed kissing between wife & husband. Totally clean.
Her Heart’s Home by
Okay, this was just heartwarming. I love the 1920s setting, especially through the eyes of an older woman used to the early 1900s. Trevor is so dear and broken and manly, and Meredith is super sweet and humble and yet somehow a bit sassy. ;) I love them both! The writing is gorgeous, the hotel setting is so cool, the message is awesome� <3
Content: mentions of PTSD, non-graphic; slightly more detailed kissing but nothing extreme.
The Tussie-Mussie by
This story has been a long time in the making, first thought of when I was a child. It’s changed a lot since then, but I’m happy with where the idea is now. Although this novella was hard on me and wasn’t at all easy to write, edit, or even proofread, it has a special place in my heart, imperfect as it may be. There’s an awful lot of me in the characters, and the messages are some of the lessons God’s been teaching me lately. May you find encouragement and help through them as well. <3
Content: a family member’s vocal abuse is mentioned
The Odd Duck Society by
I absolutely love this story! It’s so cute and whimsy. The ducks theme is epic, the characters are super cool, the plot is awesome, and I love how well the writing storyline is done (Lewis� writing was mimicked to perfection!). Most of all, I loved seeing in Jessamy the self-disparagement I have myself and to see her grapple with it and heal just a bit. This was a fantastic portrayal of anxiety and overwhelm.
Fear Not Tomorrows by
I read this story three times now, having been a beta reader for it, and I still love it as much as when I finished the first draft. It’s such a sweet, vintage story—reminds me of ’s writing and somehow. Margaret & her fiancé are so strong and sweet and real, and all the kids are adorable, and the messages are SO on point. <3
Courage to Stay by
Kellyn Roth is known for tackling hard themes, and she didn’t shy away from several here: forced marriage (albeit both are *secretly* in love) and PTSD� before it was deemed to be a thing. I absolutely loved how she handled the PTSD and Rosalind + Matthias were adorable, and the humour was excellent, and I really liked Matthias� friends. ;P In fact I need more about R&M. ;)
Content: There's quite a bit of married content in my personal opinion BUT please notice I am very sensitive to this and most everyone else had no issues. Everything is well handled and discreet. Personally I’d rate this novella 18+ but I’ve heard others say 14+ so it’s up to your own discretion.
And there’s my reviews of the entire collection. To sum everything up, it’s 100% a 5 star read for me; I love this collection so much, and it has some of the best authors; and I definitely recommend it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Jesus, I am Resting by
So, I loved the WWI setting and the hymn! Also, the message on resting was super good and one I personally really need to hear often, haha (ironically I have been pretty ill for 5 days, all because I’ve been pushing myself hard for months, and more specially for the last 3 weeks� and my body collapsed. So yes, very timely message lol). While I struggled to relate to Elinor, I really appreciated her grit and determination. Malachi and Andrew were pretty awesome, and the epilogue was just sweet :)
Content: brief mentions of war injuries, nothing graphic; otherwise totally clean.
The Cottage on the Hill by
Oh my heartttt this story was gorgeous!! I absolutely adored the setting and the author painted the descriptions so vividly and beautifully. Moira was so sweet and God-centered and Adrian was so funny and loving and Godly, and their story was absolutely darling. The ending was absolutely PERFECT and the message of trusting God through the ups + downs and following Him as He leads to new dreams that perfectly satisfy� <3 so good.
Content: brief, undetailed kisses & touching; MC is a ballerina with a male partner, but their relationship is 100% clean and sweet.
If I Knew You Were Coming by
Wow, definitely all the WWII feels here! The author did a great job representing the common struggles and sacrifices the British made during the war. Her message on doing the right thing before you even if it means giving up dreams was excellent, and I liked how she tackled the aspect of mother- and wifehood mixed with working outside of the home. Joan was delightful, Levi was awesome, and Oliver, Lottie, and Sophie were all so distinct and childlike and adorable!
Content: brief mentions of war, wounds, & PTSD; brief, undetailed kissing between wife & husband. Totally clean.
Her Heart’s Home by
Okay, this was just heartwarming. I love the 1920s setting, especially through the eyes of an older woman used to the early 1900s. Trevor is so dear and broken and manly, and Meredith is super sweet and humble and yet somehow a bit sassy. ;) I love them both! The writing is gorgeous, the hotel setting is so cool, the message is awesome� <3
Content: mentions of PTSD, non-graphic; slightly more detailed kissing but nothing extreme.
The Tussie-Mussie by
This story has been a long time in the making, first thought of when I was a child. It’s changed a lot since then, but I’m happy with where the idea is now. Although this novella was hard on me and wasn’t at all easy to write, edit, or even proofread, it has a special place in my heart, imperfect as it may be. There’s an awful lot of me in the characters, and the messages are some of the lessons God’s been teaching me lately. May you find encouragement and help through them as well. <3
Content: a family member’s vocal abuse is mentioned
The Odd Duck Society by
I absolutely love this story! It’s so cute and whimsy. The ducks theme is epic, the characters are super cool, the plot is awesome, and I love how well the writing storyline is done (Lewis� writing was mimicked to perfection!). Most of all, I loved seeing in Jessamy the self-disparagement I have myself and to see her grapple with it and heal just a bit. This was a fantastic portrayal of anxiety and overwhelm.
Fear Not Tomorrows by
I read this story three times now, having been a beta reader for it, and I still love it as much as when I finished the first draft. It’s such a sweet, vintage story—reminds me of ’s writing and somehow. Margaret & her fiancé are so strong and sweet and real, and all the kids are adorable, and the messages are SO on point. <3
Courage to Stay by
Kellyn Roth is known for tackling hard themes, and she didn’t shy away from several here: forced marriage (albeit both are *secretly* in love) and PTSD� before it was deemed to be a thing. I absolutely loved how she handled the PTSD and Rosalind + Matthias were adorable, and the humour was excellent, and I really liked Matthias� friends. ;P In fact I need more about R&M. ;)
Content: There's quite a bit of married content in my personal opinion BUT please notice I am very sensitive to this and most everyone else had no issues. Everything is well handled and discreet. Personally I’d rate this novella 18+ but I’ve heard others say 14+ so it’s up to your own discretion.
And there’s my reviews of the entire collection. To sum everything up, it’s 100% a 5 star read for me; I love this collection so much, and it has some of the best authors; and I definitely recommend it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
July 25, 2023
Review for Erika Mathews's Fear Not Tomorrow
A lovely little novella!
Characters: Margaret lived an ordinary life of tending to her little siblings and ailing mother, and she definitely endured a bit of drudgery that all of us can feel when the mundane chores keep coming round with increasing intensity and screaming children. The author really captured that frantic and overwhelming sense of rush, and that realistic part of Margaret's life was compared to her time with her soon-to-be groom, Lester. We didn't get to see a ton about him, but he was definitely a fine gentleman for Margaret.
Setting/Plot/Style: The setting of springtime in England was really beautifully written - a contrast between the winter and coming spring and summer of warmth. Overall, the plot was very slow. Not much happened beyond the normalcy of life, but because the novella wasn't very long and there were so many beautiful truths within it, it didn't really drag at all. Just don't expect some grand plot. And the style, along with the plot, was slow and historical and really matched the story.
Theme: This is where this novella truly shines. So many beautiful gems shone in here as Margaret worked through real struggles and found her hope and joy in Jesus. Praising the Lord during struggles, trusting that you don't fight the battle - He does, and obeying even when it's hard were just a few of the wonderful truths in this novella. Really very beautiful and touching!
Overall, a wonderful novella full of truths that is perfect for someone who enjoys historical styles and a good dose of truth!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A lovely little novella!
Characters: Margaret lived an ordinary life of tending to her little siblings and ailing mother, and she definitely endured a bit of drudgery that all of us can feel when the mundane chores keep coming round with increasing intensity and screaming children. The author really captured that frantic and overwhelming sense of rush, and that realistic part of Margaret's life was compared to her time with her soon-to-be groom, Lester. We didn't get to see a ton about him, but he was definitely a fine gentleman for Margaret.
Setting/Plot/Style: The setting of springtime in England was really beautifully written - a contrast between the winter and coming spring and summer of warmth. Overall, the plot was very slow. Not much happened beyond the normalcy of life, but because the novella wasn't very long and there were so many beautiful truths within it, it didn't really drag at all. Just don't expect some grand plot. And the style, along with the plot, was slow and historical and really matched the story.
Theme: This is where this novella truly shines. So many beautiful gems shone in here as Margaret worked through real struggles and found her hope and joy in Jesus. Praising the Lord during struggles, trusting that you don't fight the battle - He does, and obeying even when it's hard were just a few of the wonderful truths in this novella. Really very beautiful and touching!
Overall, a wonderful novella full of truths that is perfect for someone who enjoys historical styles and a good dose of truth!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Currently reading
October 17, 2023The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox (4.5 stars)
This was such a sweet and beautiful story. I loved watching Moira grow and accept her knew life, and Adrian was an absolute delight and oh so sweet and kind. This was a gentle and tender, heartwarming romance. I would only say that I would have loved to see a little more dialogue at parts, but overall, this was a delightful story to read. So well done and beautifully written. And the message so perfect and encouraging, hitting closer to home for me as well.
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson (3 stars)
This story was quick and easy to read. The writing style enjoyable. Meridith seemed to act like a teenager more than a 36-year-old with her indecisions and melodramatic emotions. I liked Trevor, though maybe I would have liked to know him a little better. Overall, I had mixed feelings about the story as a whole, but it was enjoyable to read and kept me interested.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonte (4 stars)
This was a very sweet and enjoyable story. The writing style is lovely and easy to read with a slightly vintage flavor. The story was Christ-focused with an encouraging message that I needed to hear. I enjoyed Caitriona and Ewart and how they encouraged each other and sharpened each other as good, deep friendships should. I also loved Maggie. She was adorable and dramatic and hilarious. Lucy and Amy were fun too though I didn't feel like I got to know them very well and I would often get them mixed up in my head, but they were likable. The mystery also added a bit of fun and intrigue to the story.
This was such a sweet and beautiful story. I loved watching Moira grow and accept her knew life, and Adrian was an absolute delight and oh so sweet and kind. This was a gentle and tender, heartwarming romance. I would only say that I would have loved to see a little more dialogue at parts, but overall, this was a delightful story to read. So well done and beautifully written. And the message so perfect and encouraging, hitting closer to home for me as well.
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson (3 stars)
This story was quick and easy to read. The writing style enjoyable. Meridith seemed to act like a teenager more than a 36-year-old with her indecisions and melodramatic emotions. I liked Trevor, though maybe I would have liked to know him a little better. Overall, I had mixed feelings about the story as a whole, but it was enjoyable to read and kept me interested.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonte (4 stars)
This was a very sweet and enjoyable story. The writing style is lovely and easy to read with a slightly vintage flavor. The story was Christ-focused with an encouraging message that I needed to hear. I enjoyed Caitriona and Ewart and how they encouraged each other and sharpened each other as good, deep friendships should. I also loved Maggie. She was adorable and dramatic and hilarious. Lucy and Amy were fun too though I didn't feel like I got to know them very well and I would often get them mixed up in my head, but they were likable. The mystery also added a bit of fun and intrigue to the story.
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July 27, 2023FTC Disclaimer: I wrote one of the novellas in this collection and was the copy editor on the project. These are my honest thoughts about the stories.
Jesus I Am Resting by Faith Blum
My favorite thing about this story was that Elinor fought hard to include orphans in her home-front work in WWI. The creative ways in which she found for the orphans to contribute to the war effort were beautiful to watch unfold. Even more so, Elinor’s heart shone through exquisitely in her efforts as a nurse, a seamstress, a laundress, and a mentor.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
This is the story I wrote, but I still have some favorite things about it as a reader. One thing I really enjoyed during my final read-through just prior to publication was how God had tied some things together without my having realized it along the way. Some of these are really subtle, so many readers might not catch them until a third, fourth, or fifth read. But they sure are beautiful to me.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
It was really fun to learn more about the Women’s Land Army through this novella and my own research during copyedits. The author showed this beautifully in this WWII home front story. But I also loved that the novella revolved around a woman trying to take care of her own little family while also doing her part in the war effort. This woman felt patriotic as they come.
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
The age-gap romance was the highlight of this story for me. It was so well written that it didn’t feel like there was such a large difference in their ages. The leading characters� personalities definitely helped, as they were easy to root for.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
The tussie-mussie itself was my favorite thing about this story, but I also enjoyed the critters. The mystery was charming, but the brother-sister relationship was one of the best aspects of this story for me. The banter they had, that easy sort of relationship where their love is clear even when they disagree on a certain point, was beautiful to behold.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
The lack of self confidence in Jessamy was so superbly expressed that I wanted so much to cry for this girl. It was spectacular to see her gain some friendships that were encouraging and edifying along the way, but even more important that she found confidence within her faith. That, to me, is the most crucial place in which to find confidence, because without God, we are nothing.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
The journey of a young woman yearning for the future yet being stuck in the present was well on display in this novella. I loved Margaret’s heart to help her family, but her journey toward a deeper walk with God was truly superb. I felt myself tearing up in joyous fashion when she reached the pinnacle of her struggles.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
This look at an early case of post-traumatic stress disorder (long before it was even named that) was very well written. I especially loved that Rosalind was so concerned for her husband that she went to great and unexpected lengths to bring him aid. That compassion, that empathy, was beautiful. Of course there was a scene with a baby, and that was great fun, too!
Jesus I Am Resting by Faith Blum
My favorite thing about this story was that Elinor fought hard to include orphans in her home-front work in WWI. The creative ways in which she found for the orphans to contribute to the war effort were beautiful to watch unfold. Even more so, Elinor’s heart shone through exquisitely in her efforts as a nurse, a seamstress, a laundress, and a mentor.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
This is the story I wrote, but I still have some favorite things about it as a reader. One thing I really enjoyed during my final read-through just prior to publication was how God had tied some things together without my having realized it along the way. Some of these are really subtle, so many readers might not catch them until a third, fourth, or fifth read. But they sure are beautiful to me.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
It was really fun to learn more about the Women’s Land Army through this novella and my own research during copyedits. The author showed this beautifully in this WWII home front story. But I also loved that the novella revolved around a woman trying to take care of her own little family while also doing her part in the war effort. This woman felt patriotic as they come.
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
The age-gap romance was the highlight of this story for me. It was so well written that it didn’t feel like there was such a large difference in their ages. The leading characters� personalities definitely helped, as they were easy to root for.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
The tussie-mussie itself was my favorite thing about this story, but I also enjoyed the critters. The mystery was charming, but the brother-sister relationship was one of the best aspects of this story for me. The banter they had, that easy sort of relationship where their love is clear even when they disagree on a certain point, was beautiful to behold.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
The lack of self confidence in Jessamy was so superbly expressed that I wanted so much to cry for this girl. It was spectacular to see her gain some friendships that were encouraging and edifying along the way, but even more important that she found confidence within her faith. That, to me, is the most crucial place in which to find confidence, because without God, we are nothing.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
The journey of a young woman yearning for the future yet being stuck in the present was well on display in this novella. I loved Margaret’s heart to help her family, but her journey toward a deeper walk with God was truly superb. I felt myself tearing up in joyous fashion when she reached the pinnacle of her struggles.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
This look at an early case of post-traumatic stress disorder (long before it was even named that) was very well written. I especially loved that Rosalind was so concerned for her husband that she went to great and unexpected lengths to bring him aid. That compassion, that empathy, was beautiful. Of course there was a scene with a baby, and that was great fun, too!
August 18, 2023
I enjoyed reading this anthology so much! Its eight novellas ranged from good to unforgettably amazing. I will review each one individually.
“Jesus, I Am Resting� by Faith Blum: This story follows a washerwoman who becomes a nurse in World War I. While well-written, Elinor wasn’t my favorite character, and as other reviewers have commented, she seemed quite fickle.
“The Cottage on the Hill� by Andrea Renee Cox: I liked this story’s theme of trusting God even when we don’t obtain our dreams, as well as the lovely English aesthetic. The romance was sweet as well, although it felt very rushed, as most scenes involved one character thinking about the other rather than their actual interactions.
“If I Knew You Were Coming� by Bailey Gaines: WWII fiction isn’t usually my favorite genre, so I didn’t expect to enjoy this story much. However, it ended up greatly exceeding my expectations. Joan was an admirable character, and I really liked Oliver, Lottie, and Sophie.
“Her Heart’s Home� by Grace A. Johnson: My second-favorite in the anthology, this historical story had an elegant, beautiful writing style and a well-described setting. Meredith was one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered in a long time.
“The Tussie-Mussie� by Katja H. Labonte: This excellent Edwardian story, which has a lovely old-fashioned writing style, follows the former debutante Catriona as she takes a position as governess to a young girl in Surrey while trying to prove that her brother was innocent of the crime with which he was accused. I adored the characters, especially Ewart. If you haven’t read Bethany Willcock’s connecting short story in the Everything collection, you will definitely want to after reading this.
“The Odd Duck Society� by Rachel Leitch: As comforting and delicious as a steaming cup of English tea, this charming contemporary story ended up being my favorite in the anthology, which is saying something. Even though the previous romances in this collection were of amazing quality, I still highly appreciated that this particular story isn't a romance. Jessamy was a well-written and relatable character, and her newfound friends were just as excellent.
“Fear Not Tomorrows� by Erika Mathews: The theme was the best part of this historical story, which centers around Margaret, who has to endure a separation from her fiance just before their planned marriage. Margaret must learn to trust God with all her uncertain tomorrows, for "He is already there".
“Courage to Stay� by Kellyn Roth: I enjoyed this well-written arranged marriage romance, set in the 19th century. I especially liked the hunting trip setting in the middle of the novella.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
“Jesus, I Am Resting� by Faith Blum: This story follows a washerwoman who becomes a nurse in World War I. While well-written, Elinor wasn’t my favorite character, and as other reviewers have commented, she seemed quite fickle.
“The Cottage on the Hill� by Andrea Renee Cox: I liked this story’s theme of trusting God even when we don’t obtain our dreams, as well as the lovely English aesthetic. The romance was sweet as well, although it felt very rushed, as most scenes involved one character thinking about the other rather than their actual interactions.
“If I Knew You Were Coming� by Bailey Gaines: WWII fiction isn’t usually my favorite genre, so I didn’t expect to enjoy this story much. However, it ended up greatly exceeding my expectations. Joan was an admirable character, and I really liked Oliver, Lottie, and Sophie.
“Her Heart’s Home� by Grace A. Johnson: My second-favorite in the anthology, this historical story had an elegant, beautiful writing style and a well-described setting. Meredith was one of the most relatable characters I’ve encountered in a long time.
“The Tussie-Mussie� by Katja H. Labonte: This excellent Edwardian story, which has a lovely old-fashioned writing style, follows the former debutante Catriona as she takes a position as governess to a young girl in Surrey while trying to prove that her brother was innocent of the crime with which he was accused. I adored the characters, especially Ewart. If you haven’t read Bethany Willcock’s connecting short story in the Everything collection, you will definitely want to after reading this.
“The Odd Duck Society� by Rachel Leitch: As comforting and delicious as a steaming cup of English tea, this charming contemporary story ended up being my favorite in the anthology, which is saying something. Even though the previous romances in this collection were of amazing quality, I still highly appreciated that this particular story isn't a romance. Jessamy was a well-written and relatable character, and her newfound friends were just as excellent.
“Fear Not Tomorrows� by Erika Mathews: The theme was the best part of this historical story, which centers around Margaret, who has to endure a separation from her fiance just before their planned marriage. Margaret must learn to trust God with all her uncertain tomorrows, for "He is already there".
“Courage to Stay� by Kellyn Roth: I enjoyed this well-written arranged marriage romance, set in the 19th century. I especially liked the hunting trip setting in the middle of the novella.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 25, 2023
I had too many words in this review. ŷ cut me off. 😭 I really enjoyed this anthology, so definitely check out my blog link at the bottom of the post for more thoughts!
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
This novella was just so sweet! I loved the WWI homefront aspect, and the English setting was very unique. I haven’t read many WWI books that I can think of, so this one was really neat in that way. It was also just such a clean read. I would have liked to see more of Elinor and Andrew together, but obviously, it was a short story. But they were just really cute together, and I really liked their relationship! Also, the whole nursing side of the plot was handled very well, and didn’t gross me out, which is unusual for nursing scenes in books. Also, Malachi was amazing! I felt like laughing when he was talking to Elinor, who was helping out at the hospital, and he said,
“Just come back later so I can see your pretty face again.�
“What would your fiancee say if she heard you right now?�
Malachi winked. “She’d be happy I could see well enough to know you’re pretty.�
That part was just really cute and well-done, and I loved that dialogue exchange. I wouldn’t mind seeing a short story about Malachi and his girl, just sayin�...
Also, let me just say that I really liked the sort of ‘moral� of this story, and I felt like the whole ‘resting� element was just really unique. You don’t hear that very often when you’re reading Christian fiction, but you really should, because it’s really such a good point!
Okay, my last thing to talk about was the fact that she was helping out the orphans. Caring for the orphans is a subject that is so dear to me, and so I was just applauding for her, when she was trying to figure out what to do, and it said:
She couldn’t get married and have children right now, so she would do the next best thing: support the children of the parents who had died.
Loved that so much. And, with that, I think I will close out this mini-review. It was a very cute, sweet historical novella set in a time period that we don’t see a lot of, and I will definitely be looking for some of the author’s other stories.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
Aww, that was just so cute! I usually see this kind of trope (I think it’s called grumpy/sunshine trope), with the girl being the sweet, happy one, and the man being the broody one who had emotional angst going on, but this one was reversed! I haven’t seen that much in Christian fiction, so I was really happy to see that.
Just for the record, the same goes for the disability representation! I love seeing an author go outside of the box, and although Moira’s backstory was hard, it was also really cool to see how she gave her life to Jesus, and trusted Him. The whole ballet aspect really is something that I like in my books, apparently, because everytime I read that, I’m always really happy with that part. Also, let me just say that her hard backstory really helped sort of explain why she was sort of just very sad, and had a negative outlook.
It was a good thing that Adrian was there to cheer her up, and make her laugh! He was just so cute, and I loved when he brought her the single flower, that was just so sweet, and made my heart so happy! Same with the chocolates, although I’m not sure why she didn’t like them� I mean, it’s CHOCOLATE!!! He was also just so helpful, and looking out for others, and I really appreciated that. My favorite quote of his was when he was helping out his uncle, and it said,
“Mending fences with Uncle Royston was all the entertainment Adrian could want. The man had an endless supply of stories, most of which were unlikely to have ever started in truth�. That made me smile!
It was interesting, because I feel like we actually saw the story more from his POV, not her’s, which was once again very unique. I actually felt like this story branched out in ways that I was not expecting, so that made me really want to read more of this author’s work, because it was just a really sweet story, with a very strong aesthetic that I enjoyed very much.
I will say that this story felt very� timeless. Maybe I missed where they said when it took place, because I couldn’t really figure it out, and then I ended up thinking that it was way earlier than it actually was, so� yeah, I must have just missed that, but it sort of just made me focus more on the story, less on the setting, if that makes sense.
It was also a very clean story. I did raise my eyebrow a little when she described his lips as ‘kissable� (is that a common description to use when you’re looking at the lips of someone you just met?). Also, the end felt a tad rushed, but, it was a novella, and we obviously couldn’t take too long with the whole ‘baring our hearts� thing, so I understand it. However, the end felt very satisfying.
My favorite quote of this story was probably:
“Laughter, in his opinion, was much better than tears that spoiled a good cup of tea.�
All in all, I’m very pleased with this one, and it just felt very wholesome and sweet, which I really appreciated. The message of new beginnings and beauty from ashes was just really refreshing to see, and I loved that so much. I’m very excited to read some more stories by this author, because I really enjoyed this one!
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
This little story had so much heart that I was astounded. I did not expect to be tearing up at this novella, and that makes me very excited to keep following the author’s other work. To be entirely fair, I wouldn’t say that WW2 was my time period, to be honest, because I’ve read it a fair amount, and, while I’ve enjoyed some of those books, a lot of them have fallen flat. However, this novella was just very sweet, and also just made me feel so sad at other parts. I really don’t want to say too much about this, because I feel like with a novella, so much of the story would be considered a spoiler, if that makes sense.
Our main girl, Joan, was such a good role model, and I really appreciated how much she seemed to care about other people, and her heart for the children that she was taking care of was just so beautiful, and made me like her character so much. As for Leo, we didn’t see a lot of him, but I thought that he was fine, although Joan really stole the show as far as I’m aware.
As for the children, they were all delightful and cute, and made me smile while my heart was breaking, if that makes any sense. There was a couple of moments that were really hard to read (if you’ve read this novella, you know what I’m talking about), but, really, it was just very sweet, and actually pretty short. I felt like the story kept going really well, which I really appreciated, because sometimes, I feel like novellas can just kind of not get anywhere, but this story kept moving!
The writing style was very peaceful, and I felt like I actually got to know the main girl very well, and I also related to her a lot. I think that the author really understands how to make a character feel relatable (don’t worry, I’m not going into a writing craft lecture, here, haha), and that’s just something that really makes me feel satisfied after I finish a book.
I don’t really have much content to note� it takes place during WW2, and there’s a fair amount of talk about death, major injuries, etc., so that’s obviously very hard, and can be triggering for some readers, but just how it was handled was heartbreaking while not being too much, if that makes any sense. I have a feeling I’m rambling, so I’m just going to tie this one up. Let me share a quote that I really enjoyed�
“And if He had called her, He would abide with her and help her fulfill her calling to the best of her ability.
That knowledge was worth more than an extra ration of chocolate and sweets."
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, and I would highly recommend it. A very well done WW2 novella, with a very relatable MC that totally won me over. I’m going to have to keep an eye out for more of this author’s work, because I definitely enjoyed it!
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Let me just start off by saying a ‘bravo� for the author for having her characters be older than the typical Christian historical fiction characters. It was fresh and original to see them falling in love after they’ve already been deemed ‘too old�. I think that was really original and outside of the box, so that was actually probably the thing that I liked best about this story.
Also, the fact that they had several kinds of ‘meet-cutes� was really neat, because each one was so clumsy and sweet, and I really loved that. There’s just something very cute about having a main couple that are totally awkward around the other one. That made me kind of smile, because I knew they were going to find a way to get together, so it was just really fun in that aspect.
I also think that I should just say that this story was very aesthetic, and the whole atmosphere was amazingly crafted, so great job on that! The setting was calm, and it felt very much like a relaxing movie, if that makes any sense. I also liked the fact that Meredith left her upper-class home, and actually got a job, but wasn’t all ‘high and mighty� or looking down on the other servants. In fact, the only real ‘beginner mistakes� she made with her new job all centered around Trevor.
Ooh, I should talk about the POV! I really liked how we saw things from Meredith’s POV, and it was all written in first-person, but then we had a few little sections from a third person Trevor POV, and that felt a little� jarring? Is that the word? It pulled me out of the story a little, and I think I would have just preferred to keep seeing things from Meredith’s POV.
Also, their relationship was very cute, but moved a little fast. I mean, it is a novella, we don’t have that much time to get to know the characters before we have to be trying to get some conclusion, so I think that’s really hard to write. However, it was fun to see them sort of ‘falling in love�, even though there wasn’t much time to do it.
There were a few things I would have loved to mention, but those would definitely be spoilers, so I can’t really do that� I wasn’t sure how I felt about a certain twist towards the end, and I didn’t feel like that was completely explained, so� yeah, I just wasn’t sure about that, but I was very pleased with the happy ending, so� thank you so much, Grace!!!
I would recommend this story if you want something that’s out I of the ordinary for a Christian historical fiction novella. I really enjoyed it, and I thought the writing style was very intriguing, and definitely intrigued me for future books by this author.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
That was thoroughly enjoyable! From the first sentence, I could tell that story would be entirely unique, and I was not disappointed. This was not just a standard romance novella. We had a whole mystery going on, and I just loved that so much. In fact, I really liked the fact we sort of incorporated everything with Sherlock Holmes (although I’ve never read the books), and that just sort of set this story apart, especially with all of the quotes that started the chapters. Anyway, I really liked how that worked into the story, and it just felt very fresh and sort of different, if that makes sense (in a good way).
Let me talk a little about our main characters. While neither of them made a ‘huge� impact on me, they still were really fun, and both had pros and cons. Reading it was very interesting, because I actually really enjoyed the story, probably even more than the characters (although I did really enjoy the fact that he was a writer). If you know me, you probably know that this never happens to me. Literally, never. Also, let me just say that the MCs both had incredibly unique names (I mean, Catriona and Ewart? That’s pretty unique). However, Maggie really stole my heart, she was so sweet. I just love having kids in books, I guess. It was so funny when Ewert told her, “Leave some italics for the rest of us.� That was just hysterical.
I sympathized with the fact Ewert’s having to make this really difficult decision, and then, he was trying to make sure that Cat was a good match to be his daughter’s governess, and then, he was also trying to be really considerate to Cat, and he said. “We do not doubt Miss Cat’s ability. We are contesting her availability.�
However, I will say that I felt we kind of missed out on watching them fall in love, which was okay, but also made me feel a little sad, because I would have loved to see more of them together, if that makes sense. That was probably my biggest complaint. Oh, there was also a content note that one of the quotations used includes a ‘d*mning�, so� yeah, I guess that should be noted.
Well, I’m going to end this review by just saying that I loved the writing style, and the excellent usage of little-known words. Thank you, Katja, your stories are always so educational and full of interesting historical tid-bits, and I love that. I also loved the quote about writing that said: “It is, in my mind, one of the noblest of all gifts. There is something truly grand in the ability to string together ideas, emotions, and messages to reach and touch and change so many human souls, even ones who would normally be closed to the Scriptures.�
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novella. The contemporary setting with all of the literary references was amazing, and I really liked how we kind of had three stories that we were following, although I wish that we could have seen it from all of their POVs, although, obviously, it’s a novella, so we didn’t have a lot of time for that. I will admit that there was just a fair amount of mystery going on, and I did end up getting confused by all of the ‘twists�, although that could have just been because I read this story late one night, so, my brain wasn’t working that well, haha.
Anyway, I loved all of the Jane Austen references (yay for loving the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, it’s amazing). Let me also just say it was fun to get so many music references in this story (apparently Jessamy is a huge Beatles fan), and that just brought sort of a fun modern element into a story that I was definitely expecting to be a historical. Overall, this novella had a lot of surprises in it, and kept me interested. I loved the idea of getting letters from famous classics authors, and that really made me think about what it would be like to get those letters, and be trying to figure out who’s sending them.
Jessamy wasn’t my favorite character, because I felt myself getting frustrated with all of her decisions, but I still enjoyed her, and seeing her family relationships was really just kind of fun. I really liked her mom. I know that they had some relational drama between them, but from what we saw, her mom was pretty great, so that’s just sort of a side note.
Also, it was just really fun to see some aspects of what modern England looks like. Obviously, I’ve read a TON of books set in historical England, but seeing a more modern version was really neat, and just little things like their food, their school grades, and their music really just made the story kind of vibrant and intriguing.
Overall, this was a really sweet book, and there was NO ROMANCE!!! I feel like Christian fiction is usually pretty dependent on romance, so it was really neat to see this author branching out and showing a story without needing the romance element. I would probably say that this story is appropriate for just about any readers, because without the romance, there just wasn’t really any content to note. I’m not sure how I feel about the whole premise of ‘Providence�, because I don’t believe that’s founded on anything in the Bible, and� yeah, I’m just not sure how I feel about that. Now, let me share a quote�
“Were we supposed to simply walk into a bookstore and not buy anything?�
I will be looking for more of this author’s work, and the fact that she’s a fellow YWW member is just so much fun! So excited about that!!!
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
This story was very� calm. It felt very simple. I kind of felt like I knew what was going to happy next, which wasn’t bad, because it ended up feeling very relaxing. It really was a story of sort of endurance, and the characters were going through things that felt very relatable. Illness, worrying about losing the people you love, that sort of thing, and it made it feel just very calm. That’s really sort of the only word I can think of that perfectly fits this novella.
The characters were cute together, and they felt very relatable. When they were talking towards the beginning, it felt very nostalgic, and just made me feel kind of happy, but then most of the story they were apart, and I didn’t love that. Also, not to be a spoiler, but� I was worried about spreading sickness at the end, so it just made me a little worried for them, haha!
At the beginning, though, I was a little confused by the family dynamic, but that was okay, because I figured it out quickly. I don’t know why I had trouble figuring it out, and I do wish that we would have set what year it took place (actually, that’s something that I would have appreciated with a lot of novellas in this collection, because we cover so many different time periods. However, it was fine, and it sort of added to the timeless atmosphere of the story, which I did appreciate.
Also, now, I would really like to talk about the faith content in this story, because it was fantastic. I would say that this novella was low on plot, by so high on character development and faith content that it more than made up for it. I loved the way that we sort of dealt with all of this internal conflict, while she’s just going about her normal (unexciting) daily routine. All in all, I really enjoyed the way that the author brought so much that was happening internally, and really just put that on the page, which was really just very neat to see. There were also just so many good quotes, although one of my favorites was:
“As anticipated, tomorrow is the most delightful thing in existence.�
Really enjoyed this one, and I’m very excited to read more by this author in the future (especially the Truth from Taerna series, because I actually own the first one, and I’m excited to see more of her great faith content.
READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE:
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. These are my honest opinions.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
This novella was just so sweet! I loved the WWI homefront aspect, and the English setting was very unique. I haven’t read many WWI books that I can think of, so this one was really neat in that way. It was also just such a clean read. I would have liked to see more of Elinor and Andrew together, but obviously, it was a short story. But they were just really cute together, and I really liked their relationship! Also, the whole nursing side of the plot was handled very well, and didn’t gross me out, which is unusual for nursing scenes in books. Also, Malachi was amazing! I felt like laughing when he was talking to Elinor, who was helping out at the hospital, and he said,
“Just come back later so I can see your pretty face again.�
“What would your fiancee say if she heard you right now?�
Malachi winked. “She’d be happy I could see well enough to know you’re pretty.�
That part was just really cute and well-done, and I loved that dialogue exchange. I wouldn’t mind seeing a short story about Malachi and his girl, just sayin�...
Also, let me just say that I really liked the sort of ‘moral� of this story, and I felt like the whole ‘resting� element was just really unique. You don’t hear that very often when you’re reading Christian fiction, but you really should, because it’s really such a good point!
Okay, my last thing to talk about was the fact that she was helping out the orphans. Caring for the orphans is a subject that is so dear to me, and so I was just applauding for her, when she was trying to figure out what to do, and it said:
She couldn’t get married and have children right now, so she would do the next best thing: support the children of the parents who had died.
Loved that so much. And, with that, I think I will close out this mini-review. It was a very cute, sweet historical novella set in a time period that we don’t see a lot of, and I will definitely be looking for some of the author’s other stories.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
Aww, that was just so cute! I usually see this kind of trope (I think it’s called grumpy/sunshine trope), with the girl being the sweet, happy one, and the man being the broody one who had emotional angst going on, but this one was reversed! I haven’t seen that much in Christian fiction, so I was really happy to see that.
Just for the record, the same goes for the disability representation! I love seeing an author go outside of the box, and although Moira’s backstory was hard, it was also really cool to see how she gave her life to Jesus, and trusted Him. The whole ballet aspect really is something that I like in my books, apparently, because everytime I read that, I’m always really happy with that part. Also, let me just say that her hard backstory really helped sort of explain why she was sort of just very sad, and had a negative outlook.
It was a good thing that Adrian was there to cheer her up, and make her laugh! He was just so cute, and I loved when he brought her the single flower, that was just so sweet, and made my heart so happy! Same with the chocolates, although I’m not sure why she didn’t like them� I mean, it’s CHOCOLATE!!! He was also just so helpful, and looking out for others, and I really appreciated that. My favorite quote of his was when he was helping out his uncle, and it said,
“Mending fences with Uncle Royston was all the entertainment Adrian could want. The man had an endless supply of stories, most of which were unlikely to have ever started in truth�. That made me smile!
It was interesting, because I feel like we actually saw the story more from his POV, not her’s, which was once again very unique. I actually felt like this story branched out in ways that I was not expecting, so that made me really want to read more of this author’s work, because it was just a really sweet story, with a very strong aesthetic that I enjoyed very much.
I will say that this story felt very� timeless. Maybe I missed where they said when it took place, because I couldn’t really figure it out, and then I ended up thinking that it was way earlier than it actually was, so� yeah, I must have just missed that, but it sort of just made me focus more on the story, less on the setting, if that makes sense.
It was also a very clean story. I did raise my eyebrow a little when she described his lips as ‘kissable� (is that a common description to use when you’re looking at the lips of someone you just met?). Also, the end felt a tad rushed, but, it was a novella, and we obviously couldn’t take too long with the whole ‘baring our hearts� thing, so I understand it. However, the end felt very satisfying.
My favorite quote of this story was probably:
“Laughter, in his opinion, was much better than tears that spoiled a good cup of tea.�
All in all, I’m very pleased with this one, and it just felt very wholesome and sweet, which I really appreciated. The message of new beginnings and beauty from ashes was just really refreshing to see, and I loved that so much. I’m very excited to read some more stories by this author, because I really enjoyed this one!
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
This little story had so much heart that I was astounded. I did not expect to be tearing up at this novella, and that makes me very excited to keep following the author’s other work. To be entirely fair, I wouldn’t say that WW2 was my time period, to be honest, because I’ve read it a fair amount, and, while I’ve enjoyed some of those books, a lot of them have fallen flat. However, this novella was just very sweet, and also just made me feel so sad at other parts. I really don’t want to say too much about this, because I feel like with a novella, so much of the story would be considered a spoiler, if that makes sense.
Our main girl, Joan, was such a good role model, and I really appreciated how much she seemed to care about other people, and her heart for the children that she was taking care of was just so beautiful, and made me like her character so much. As for Leo, we didn’t see a lot of him, but I thought that he was fine, although Joan really stole the show as far as I’m aware.
As for the children, they were all delightful and cute, and made me smile while my heart was breaking, if that makes any sense. There was a couple of moments that were really hard to read (if you’ve read this novella, you know what I’m talking about), but, really, it was just very sweet, and actually pretty short. I felt like the story kept going really well, which I really appreciated, because sometimes, I feel like novellas can just kind of not get anywhere, but this story kept moving!
The writing style was very peaceful, and I felt like I actually got to know the main girl very well, and I also related to her a lot. I think that the author really understands how to make a character feel relatable (don’t worry, I’m not going into a writing craft lecture, here, haha), and that’s just something that really makes me feel satisfied after I finish a book.
I don’t really have much content to note� it takes place during WW2, and there’s a fair amount of talk about death, major injuries, etc., so that’s obviously very hard, and can be triggering for some readers, but just how it was handled was heartbreaking while not being too much, if that makes any sense. I have a feeling I’m rambling, so I’m just going to tie this one up. Let me share a quote that I really enjoyed�
“And if He had called her, He would abide with her and help her fulfill her calling to the best of her ability.
That knowledge was worth more than an extra ration of chocolate and sweets."
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, and I would highly recommend it. A very well done WW2 novella, with a very relatable MC that totally won me over. I’m going to have to keep an eye out for more of this author’s work, because I definitely enjoyed it!
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Let me just start off by saying a ‘bravo� for the author for having her characters be older than the typical Christian historical fiction characters. It was fresh and original to see them falling in love after they’ve already been deemed ‘too old�. I think that was really original and outside of the box, so that was actually probably the thing that I liked best about this story.
Also, the fact that they had several kinds of ‘meet-cutes� was really neat, because each one was so clumsy and sweet, and I really loved that. There’s just something very cute about having a main couple that are totally awkward around the other one. That made me kind of smile, because I knew they were going to find a way to get together, so it was just really fun in that aspect.
I also think that I should just say that this story was very aesthetic, and the whole atmosphere was amazingly crafted, so great job on that! The setting was calm, and it felt very much like a relaxing movie, if that makes any sense. I also liked the fact that Meredith left her upper-class home, and actually got a job, but wasn’t all ‘high and mighty� or looking down on the other servants. In fact, the only real ‘beginner mistakes� she made with her new job all centered around Trevor.
Ooh, I should talk about the POV! I really liked how we saw things from Meredith’s POV, and it was all written in first-person, but then we had a few little sections from a third person Trevor POV, and that felt a little� jarring? Is that the word? It pulled me out of the story a little, and I think I would have just preferred to keep seeing things from Meredith’s POV.
Also, their relationship was very cute, but moved a little fast. I mean, it is a novella, we don’t have that much time to get to know the characters before we have to be trying to get some conclusion, so I think that’s really hard to write. However, it was fun to see them sort of ‘falling in love�, even though there wasn’t much time to do it.
There were a few things I would have loved to mention, but those would definitely be spoilers, so I can’t really do that� I wasn’t sure how I felt about a certain twist towards the end, and I didn’t feel like that was completely explained, so� yeah, I just wasn’t sure about that, but I was very pleased with the happy ending, so� thank you so much, Grace!!!
I would recommend this story if you want something that’s out I of the ordinary for a Christian historical fiction novella. I really enjoyed it, and I thought the writing style was very intriguing, and definitely intrigued me for future books by this author.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
That was thoroughly enjoyable! From the first sentence, I could tell that story would be entirely unique, and I was not disappointed. This was not just a standard romance novella. We had a whole mystery going on, and I just loved that so much. In fact, I really liked the fact we sort of incorporated everything with Sherlock Holmes (although I’ve never read the books), and that just sort of set this story apart, especially with all of the quotes that started the chapters. Anyway, I really liked how that worked into the story, and it just felt very fresh and sort of different, if that makes sense (in a good way).
Let me talk a little about our main characters. While neither of them made a ‘huge� impact on me, they still were really fun, and both had pros and cons. Reading it was very interesting, because I actually really enjoyed the story, probably even more than the characters (although I did really enjoy the fact that he was a writer). If you know me, you probably know that this never happens to me. Literally, never. Also, let me just say that the MCs both had incredibly unique names (I mean, Catriona and Ewart? That’s pretty unique). However, Maggie really stole my heart, she was so sweet. I just love having kids in books, I guess. It was so funny when Ewert told her, “Leave some italics for the rest of us.� That was just hysterical.
I sympathized with the fact Ewert’s having to make this really difficult decision, and then, he was trying to make sure that Cat was a good match to be his daughter’s governess, and then, he was also trying to be really considerate to Cat, and he said. “We do not doubt Miss Cat’s ability. We are contesting her availability.�
However, I will say that I felt we kind of missed out on watching them fall in love, which was okay, but also made me feel a little sad, because I would have loved to see more of them together, if that makes sense. That was probably my biggest complaint. Oh, there was also a content note that one of the quotations used includes a ‘d*mning�, so� yeah, I guess that should be noted.
Well, I’m going to end this review by just saying that I loved the writing style, and the excellent usage of little-known words. Thank you, Katja, your stories are always so educational and full of interesting historical tid-bits, and I love that. I also loved the quote about writing that said: “It is, in my mind, one of the noblest of all gifts. There is something truly grand in the ability to string together ideas, emotions, and messages to reach and touch and change so many human souls, even ones who would normally be closed to the Scriptures.�
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novella. The contemporary setting with all of the literary references was amazing, and I really liked how we kind of had three stories that we were following, although I wish that we could have seen it from all of their POVs, although, obviously, it’s a novella, so we didn’t have a lot of time for that. I will admit that there was just a fair amount of mystery going on, and I did end up getting confused by all of the ‘twists�, although that could have just been because I read this story late one night, so, my brain wasn’t working that well, haha.
Anyway, I loved all of the Jane Austen references (yay for loving the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, it’s amazing). Let me also just say it was fun to get so many music references in this story (apparently Jessamy is a huge Beatles fan), and that just brought sort of a fun modern element into a story that I was definitely expecting to be a historical. Overall, this novella had a lot of surprises in it, and kept me interested. I loved the idea of getting letters from famous classics authors, and that really made me think about what it would be like to get those letters, and be trying to figure out who’s sending them.
Jessamy wasn’t my favorite character, because I felt myself getting frustrated with all of her decisions, but I still enjoyed her, and seeing her family relationships was really just kind of fun. I really liked her mom. I know that they had some relational drama between them, but from what we saw, her mom was pretty great, so that’s just sort of a side note.
Also, it was just really fun to see some aspects of what modern England looks like. Obviously, I’ve read a TON of books set in historical England, but seeing a more modern version was really neat, and just little things like their food, their school grades, and their music really just made the story kind of vibrant and intriguing.
Overall, this was a really sweet book, and there was NO ROMANCE!!! I feel like Christian fiction is usually pretty dependent on romance, so it was really neat to see this author branching out and showing a story without needing the romance element. I would probably say that this story is appropriate for just about any readers, because without the romance, there just wasn’t really any content to note. I’m not sure how I feel about the whole premise of ‘Providence�, because I don’t believe that’s founded on anything in the Bible, and� yeah, I’m just not sure how I feel about that. Now, let me share a quote�
“Were we supposed to simply walk into a bookstore and not buy anything?�
I will be looking for more of this author’s work, and the fact that she’s a fellow YWW member is just so much fun! So excited about that!!!
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
This story was very� calm. It felt very simple. I kind of felt like I knew what was going to happy next, which wasn’t bad, because it ended up feeling very relaxing. It really was a story of sort of endurance, and the characters were going through things that felt very relatable. Illness, worrying about losing the people you love, that sort of thing, and it made it feel just very calm. That’s really sort of the only word I can think of that perfectly fits this novella.
The characters were cute together, and they felt very relatable. When they were talking towards the beginning, it felt very nostalgic, and just made me feel kind of happy, but then most of the story they were apart, and I didn’t love that. Also, not to be a spoiler, but� I was worried about spreading sickness at the end, so it just made me a little worried for them, haha!
At the beginning, though, I was a little confused by the family dynamic, but that was okay, because I figured it out quickly. I don’t know why I had trouble figuring it out, and I do wish that we would have set what year it took place (actually, that’s something that I would have appreciated with a lot of novellas in this collection, because we cover so many different time periods. However, it was fine, and it sort of added to the timeless atmosphere of the story, which I did appreciate.
Also, now, I would really like to talk about the faith content in this story, because it was fantastic. I would say that this novella was low on plot, by so high on character development and faith content that it more than made up for it. I loved the way that we sort of dealt with all of this internal conflict, while she’s just going about her normal (unexciting) daily routine. All in all, I really enjoyed the way that the author brought so much that was happening internally, and really just put that on the page, which was really just very neat to see. There were also just so many good quotes, although one of my favorites was:
“As anticipated, tomorrow is the most delightful thing in existence.�
Really enjoyed this one, and I’m very excited to read more by this author in the future (especially the Truth from Taerna series, because I actually own the first one, and I’m excited to see more of her great faith content.
READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE:
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. These are my honest opinions.
September 14, 2023
Eight novellas, eight very different stories set in a variety of eras and locations within County Surrey, England...a recipe for success in my opinion, since the UK is my favorite setting for fiction and contemporary and historical fiction are my favorite genres. I enjoyed all of them, and each one impacted me in different ways, a few touching on things I was going through when I was reading them. (It's always nice to feel you aren't alone in your problems and to see how other people--albeit fictional--might handle them.)
Some stories were on the lighter, more entertaining side, but they all touched on deep themes. All of them together made this anthology a real treat to read. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I could narrow it to three: Her Heart's Home (by Grace A. Johnson), The Tussie-Mussie (by Katja H. Labonte), and Fear Not Tomorrows (by Erika Mathews).
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum had a valuable lesson about resting in Jesus. The WWI atmosphere was rather somber but realistic, and there was definitely light as we followed Elinor in her journey of personal and spiritual growth.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox was a lot of fun even though it dealt with some serious subjects, and I loved her sparkling writing style. Moira and Adrian were such compelling characters. I appreciated the perspective on crushed hopes and dreams.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines was a beautifully quiet story set in WW2. I liked how it depicted British civilians in the war effort. Joan Masterson was a lovely and relatable character. She took in two children from London to keep them safe at her home in the country; it was interesting to see that from the adult's perspective because I've only read about it from the children's perspective in other works of fiction.
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson was one of the stories that affected me most deeply. I appreciated its depiction of a single woman, Meredith, well into her thirties and the hope it gave, even in the 1920s when being single that long was more unusual than nowadays and far more problematic for women. Grace's writing style is beautiful, and I felt so immersed and invested throughout.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. LaBonte packed a lot of story in a short amount of space. I loved the characters--especially Ewart--and their uniqueness. It's unusual to find characters that well-developed in a novella. Both Ewart and Caitriona grew in this story, and that was a lot of fun to watch. I also really enjoyed Katja's classic writing style, the mystery elements, and the nods to Sherlock Holmes. (This story is set in 1903, shortly after he "retired.")
I'm pausing my review here and will continue shortly with the remaining three stories,
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch,
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews, and
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth.
Some stories were on the lighter, more entertaining side, but they all touched on deep themes. All of them together made this anthology a real treat to read. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I could narrow it to three: Her Heart's Home (by Grace A. Johnson), The Tussie-Mussie (by Katja H. Labonte), and Fear Not Tomorrows (by Erika Mathews).
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum had a valuable lesson about resting in Jesus. The WWI atmosphere was rather somber but realistic, and there was definitely light as we followed Elinor in her journey of personal and spiritual growth.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox was a lot of fun even though it dealt with some serious subjects, and I loved her sparkling writing style. Moira and Adrian were such compelling characters. I appreciated the perspective on crushed hopes and dreams.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines was a beautifully quiet story set in WW2. I liked how it depicted British civilians in the war effort. Joan Masterson was a lovely and relatable character. She took in two children from London to keep them safe at her home in the country; it was interesting to see that from the adult's perspective because I've only read about it from the children's perspective in other works of fiction.
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson was one of the stories that affected me most deeply. I appreciated its depiction of a single woman, Meredith, well into her thirties and the hope it gave, even in the 1920s when being single that long was more unusual than nowadays and far more problematic for women. Grace's writing style is beautiful, and I felt so immersed and invested throughout.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. LaBonte packed a lot of story in a short amount of space. I loved the characters--especially Ewart--and their uniqueness. It's unusual to find characters that well-developed in a novella. Both Ewart and Caitriona grew in this story, and that was a lot of fun to watch. I also really enjoyed Katja's classic writing style, the mystery elements, and the nods to Sherlock Holmes. (This story is set in 1903, shortly after he "retired.")
I'm pausing my review here and will continue shortly with the remaining three stories,
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch,
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews, and
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth.
July 23, 2023
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
This is a sweet, heartwarming collection of novellas, set against the beautiful backdrop of springtime in Surrey, England. Featuring eight different authors, each story carries its own charm, working together to create a charming anthology.
I liked some stories better than others, of course. I wasn’t fond of the protagonist in “Jesus, I Am Resting�; she came across as quite fickle. It has a great message, though!
I was a bit confused by “The Cottage on the Hill,� as I could never quite figure out what time period we were in. But the romance is so sweet, with a couple of interesting plot twists!
“If I Knew You Were Coming� felt so British; you can tell the author’s spent some time in England. I loved the characters in this one!
“Her Heart’s Home� was so sweet, featuring an older-couple romance that definitely swept me off my feet. The plot twist at the end is perfect .
The mystery part of “The Tussie-Mussie� was hard for me to follow, but the character development was fantastic, especially in such a short story! Sherlock Holmes fans will love this one.
“The Odd Duck Society" is the most unique of the collection, and it ended up being my favorite! I love the cast of quirky characters, and though I still have some questions about backstories, it was such an adorable story that I’d love to read again.
“Fear Not Tomorrows� comes with a much-needed message of trusting in God. It was hard to feel connected to the characters, but I loved the biblical truths this story teaches.
And finally, “Courage to Stay� is an arranged-marriage romance focusing on the need for extending grace to oneself. (Note: This one features a fade-to-black scene, but it’s definitely appropriate for ages 14+.)
Overall, this is a fantastic debut for Wild Blue Wonder Press� official launch! All eight authors have done a fantastic job.
This is a sweet, heartwarming collection of novellas, set against the beautiful backdrop of springtime in Surrey, England. Featuring eight different authors, each story carries its own charm, working together to create a charming anthology.
I liked some stories better than others, of course. I wasn’t fond of the protagonist in “Jesus, I Am Resting�; she came across as quite fickle. It has a great message, though!
I was a bit confused by “The Cottage on the Hill,� as I could never quite figure out what time period we were in. But the romance is so sweet, with a couple of interesting plot twists!
“If I Knew You Were Coming� felt so British; you can tell the author’s spent some time in England. I loved the characters in this one!
“Her Heart’s Home� was so sweet, featuring an older-couple romance that definitely swept me off my feet. The plot twist at the end is perfect .
The mystery part of “The Tussie-Mussie� was hard for me to follow, but the character development was fantastic, especially in such a short story! Sherlock Holmes fans will love this one.
“The Odd Duck Society" is the most unique of the collection, and it ended up being my favorite! I love the cast of quirky characters, and though I still have some questions about backstories, it was such an adorable story that I’d love to read again.
“Fear Not Tomorrows� comes with a much-needed message of trusting in God. It was hard to feel connected to the characters, but I loved the biblical truths this story teaches.
And finally, “Courage to Stay� is an arranged-marriage romance focusing on the need for extending grace to oneself. (Note: This one features a fade-to-black scene, but it’s definitely appropriate for ages 14+.)
Overall, this is a fantastic debut for Wild Blue Wonder Press� official launch! All eight authors have done a fantastic job.
September 12, 2023
I’m so proud of the work all of us did together on this book! It was such a beautiful experience reading all the very diverse stories, whether they were my thing or not. I truly think there is something for everyone in this collection. Even stories that didn’t appear to be my style at first turned out to be captivating. I’m so excited we get to share this with all of you!
August 6, 2023
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. These are my personal thoughts.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
3 stars
This was an enjoyable read. I did want a little more setting at times. There were a few things I was puzzled over. Was there really no nursing training in England? There was in the U.S. and in Canada during that time. I did like the ending. It did feel rather rushed, but there was a lot of time covered in this short novella. It did have a good message about resting.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Cox
4 stars
The setting, the characters were all delightful. This was well written and enjoyable. I wasn't sure about the time period. A couple mentions of things made me think it was modern, but then again it felt and seemed more vintage. The interactions between the main characters was a delight.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
3 stars
I liked the story of a wife who has taken in two children from London during the war. Also, the bit about Joan's work in the Land Army was interesting. I was confused though about how old Sophie was. It never mentioned it that I can remember. I was also very puzzled over why they wouldn't run a train in the day if the tracks were fine just because there might be an air raid that night. There were air raids most nights for a long time. If they stopped running the trains just because their might be a raid, wouldn't the country have come to a halt?
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson
2.5 stars
The story wasn't bad, but I was feeling like Meredith had made an idol almost out of her home. I get that it would be hard to change after so many years, but it seemed more than just missing it and the memories it held. Maybe it was just me. A few times I felt like the hotel wasn't a hotel because of one lady's actions and orders. It was as though she had full run and command of the place. There were some good parts, but it was not my favorite.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
4 stars
I very much enjoyed this story. I've never had an interest in reading Sherlock Holmes, but this wasn't just a mystery. There were characters who grew, lessons that needed learned, and I liked how it all wrapped up. An added bonus was the detective. I thought I recognized the name from some place, and then when his sisters appeared I did a double take and grinned. So much fun to see them again in some one else's book.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
3 stars
I found the writing style enjoyable, but the plot felt confusing, and I wasn't sure what the plot was at times. The letters were fine, in a way, but since I've only read one Jane Austen (and didn't care for it), and nothing by the others, they didn't really interest me. Not a bad story, just on, shall I say, my cup of tea.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
4.5 stars
This was my favorite of all the stories. I loved how Margaret learned to trust and give thanks no matter what. And the ending made me happy. No, there wasn't lots of drama in this story, but that's one reason I liked it. The style of the story was engaging and lovely.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
2 stars
The writing style was good, but I didn't enjoy the story. Rosalind and Matthias both irritated me the entire time for their lack of communication, their lies, secrets, and trying to fix things all on their own. I think it was mentioned once or twice that someone prayed, and a Bible verse was quoted, but when it came to actually trying to work out problems, the characters seemed to think they could do it all on their own. I also greatly disliked the fade to black bedroom scene. I almost stopped reading as I don't need or wants even hints of that in my head.
Overall, some stories I really enjoyed and others not so much.
Since each story is a novella, I am marking the dates for each story. I did not read the full book 8 times.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
3 stars
This was an enjoyable read. I did want a little more setting at times. There were a few things I was puzzled over. Was there really no nursing training in England? There was in the U.S. and in Canada during that time. I did like the ending. It did feel rather rushed, but there was a lot of time covered in this short novella. It did have a good message about resting.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Cox
4 stars
The setting, the characters were all delightful. This was well written and enjoyable. I wasn't sure about the time period. A couple mentions of things made me think it was modern, but then again it felt and seemed more vintage. The interactions between the main characters was a delight.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
3 stars
I liked the story of a wife who has taken in two children from London during the war. Also, the bit about Joan's work in the Land Army was interesting. I was confused though about how old Sophie was. It never mentioned it that I can remember. I was also very puzzled over why they wouldn't run a train in the day if the tracks were fine just because there might be an air raid that night. There were air raids most nights for a long time. If they stopped running the trains just because their might be a raid, wouldn't the country have come to a halt?
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson
2.5 stars
The story wasn't bad, but I was feeling like Meredith had made an idol almost out of her home. I get that it would be hard to change after so many years, but it seemed more than just missing it and the memories it held. Maybe it was just me. A few times I felt like the hotel wasn't a hotel because of one lady's actions and orders. It was as though she had full run and command of the place. There were some good parts, but it was not my favorite.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
4 stars
I very much enjoyed this story. I've never had an interest in reading Sherlock Holmes, but this wasn't just a mystery. There were characters who grew, lessons that needed learned, and I liked how it all wrapped up. An added bonus was the detective. I thought I recognized the name from some place, and then when his sisters appeared I did a double take and grinned. So much fun to see them again in some one else's book.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
3 stars
I found the writing style enjoyable, but the plot felt confusing, and I wasn't sure what the plot was at times. The letters were fine, in a way, but since I've only read one Jane Austen (and didn't care for it), and nothing by the others, they didn't really interest me. Not a bad story, just on, shall I say, my cup of tea.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
4.5 stars
This was my favorite of all the stories. I loved how Margaret learned to trust and give thanks no matter what. And the ending made me happy. No, there wasn't lots of drama in this story, but that's one reason I liked it. The style of the story was engaging and lovely.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
2 stars
The writing style was good, but I didn't enjoy the story. Rosalind and Matthias both irritated me the entire time for their lack of communication, their lies, secrets, and trying to fix things all on their own. I think it was mentioned once or twice that someone prayed, and a Bible verse was quoted, but when it came to actually trying to work out problems, the characters seemed to think they could do it all on their own. I also greatly disliked the fade to black bedroom scene. I almost stopped reading as I don't need or wants even hints of that in my head.
Overall, some stories I really enjoyed and others not so much.
Since each story is a novella, I am marking the dates for each story. I did not read the full book 8 times.
September 25, 2023
This gorgeous collection was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but wow, the ones I liked I loved soo much.
With that stunning breathtakingly lovely cover, and the synopses of the novellas, I was instantly intrigued. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mix of time periods but the same setting at the same time of year in each one was lovely. Some stories did a better job at portraying English characters than others, but overall it was well done.
I also liked reading a mixture of new-to-me authors and ones I'm already familiar with. I'm always hesitant trying out new authors, but this time I'm excited to have discovered the ones I did. Two of the authors I'd never even heard of before, and as I loved both their stories I'm looking forward to reading more by them. And a couple of the authors I've only read a couple things by. So I really enjoyed all the different styles and different angles on the theme of springtime in Surrey.
There were definitely some things I could have done without/things I didn't agree with, but with the exception of two, maybe three, of the stories these can be overlooked.
Here are my reviews for each novella.
Jesus, I am Resting by Faith Blum: 4 stars. Firstly, WWI story!!! Set in England! Secondly, all the Boer War references!!! Thirdly, nurses!!!
I enjoyed this story so much. WWI is a favourite genre for me, and I was excited to see the first novella in the collection was set in that time period! I loved Elinor and Andrew, and was very satisfied with the way it ended. This is a sweet story that shows what it was like for the fianceés and wives left behind.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox: No rating. This story is hard to review. Overall, I loved it. It was soo beautifully written and I loved the characters and their journeys. The general plot was very good and I felt that it was an extremely well crafted, beautiful story. Adrian made me smile, and I loved Moira. The romance was super sweet and the writing was very clear and even vivid, I could picture everything very well. Honestly it would have easily been a 5 star read for me if it wasn't for one thing. The main character is a former ballerina and the story centres much around her love of dancing and there are many descriptions of dancing itself. I don't believe that dancing/ballet is right, so unfortunately that took away from what could have been a favourite story. That being said, I really did enjoy it, and I can only stress again that I loved the basic themes and the characters and the writing. And the final scene, bar the dance moves, was just so sweet and lovely. And I can definitely still appreciate how well the story tied together with that. And somehow this is a very memorable story -- vividly written and picturesque. So yes, hard to rate or review because of that but genuinely a very nice story.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines: 4 stars. Somehow, the title and synopsis of this novella had me absolutely sold right from the start. The story wasn't what I had expected, but it was so sweet! A wife and a mother doing her bit in WWII, can't really go wrong with that! I loved the characters so much, and the story was so very sweet. I didn't know much about this aspect of the war, but it wasn't even really about that so much as Joan's struggle to balance all the things in her life. The children were such real, loveable characters. I wouldn't mind reading a sequel to this!
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson: No rating for this one. I'm sorry to not be able to give this a good review -- I really enjoyed it. Meredith and her clumsiness and awkwardness was so relatable and funny and her internal dialogue had me laughing several times. The story was very sweet; I really enjoyed the different sort of romance, and I felt very sorry for Trevor. And I just loved the way it ended. Unfortunately, the romance became very borderline towards the end, and much too descriptive, and so unfortunately I can't recommend this like I would have otherwise. Those scenes could so easily have been left out or described in much less detail, so that was very disappointing for me, and completely spoiled the book.
The Tussie Mussie by Katja H. Labonté: 5 stars. Okay, so I had a LOT of reasons to love this story...but even aside from those, I loved this story. XD I absolutely loved both MCs. The mystery was full of surprises, and the connections to Sherlock Holmes and other things were my favourite parts. It was one of the few that felt truly historical and English. It really felt like a story written in that time. The romance too was soo sweet and enjoyable. I just loved everything about this story. Definitely my favourite in the collection!
(Review to be updated upon reread)
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch: 4.25 stars. This story surprised me in a lot of ways. At first it kind of had me thoroughly confused, and I wasn't sure where it was going. But I really enjoyed it by the end. There were several things that irritated me, both with the writing and with the story, but eventually I got sucked into the story enough that I didn't mind them any more. Even if there were still confusing parts. This is also the only completely contemporary, completely non-romance story, and it just really stood out. I loved it!
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews: 5 stars. Ahhh I love Erika Mathews' writing so much...and this particular novella was just lovely. Second favourite in the collection for sure, and is way a close second. I just absolutely loved the messages in this...and have I mentioned the writing is beautiful? I love how the theme of tomorrow ran right through it in multiple ways. Just such a well crafted, beautifully written story. I think I read it practically in one sitting. This was less of a romance story than some of the others, since it begins with the main character already engaged, but it still contains super sweet and clean romance, which I really appreciated and absolutely loved. There isn't much I can say on this story, just that I really, really loved it and I think I'll be rereading it again soon. I ended the collection with this one, and it left me feeling so satisfied and encouraged.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth: I chose to give this one a skip due to what I read in the content notes in multiple reviews of this collection. I knew there was no way I would be able to enjoy it or recommend it, which is disappointing because the premise of the story looked intriguing, but I won't read a book with that kind of content.
Taken as a whole, I would recommend this collection and really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to hopefully seeing more anthologies by this publication and more stories by these authors in the future!
Note: I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With that stunning breathtakingly lovely cover, and the synopses of the novellas, I was instantly intrigued. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mix of time periods but the same setting at the same time of year in each one was lovely. Some stories did a better job at portraying English characters than others, but overall it was well done.
I also liked reading a mixture of new-to-me authors and ones I'm already familiar with. I'm always hesitant trying out new authors, but this time I'm excited to have discovered the ones I did. Two of the authors I'd never even heard of before, and as I loved both their stories I'm looking forward to reading more by them. And a couple of the authors I've only read a couple things by. So I really enjoyed all the different styles and different angles on the theme of springtime in Surrey.
There were definitely some things I could have done without/things I didn't agree with, but with the exception of two, maybe three, of the stories these can be overlooked.
Here are my reviews for each novella.
Jesus, I am Resting by Faith Blum: 4 stars. Firstly, WWI story!!! Set in England! Secondly, all the Boer War references!!! Thirdly, nurses!!!
I enjoyed this story so much. WWI is a favourite genre for me, and I was excited to see the first novella in the collection was set in that time period! I loved Elinor and Andrew, and was very satisfied with the way it ended. This is a sweet story that shows what it was like for the fianceés and wives left behind.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox: No rating. This story is hard to review. Overall, I loved it. It was soo beautifully written and I loved the characters and their journeys. The general plot was very good and I felt that it was an extremely well crafted, beautiful story. Adrian made me smile, and I loved Moira. The romance was super sweet and the writing was very clear and even vivid, I could picture everything very well. Honestly it would have easily been a 5 star read for me if it wasn't for one thing. The main character is a former ballerina and the story centres much around her love of dancing and there are many descriptions of dancing itself. I don't believe that dancing/ballet is right, so unfortunately that took away from what could have been a favourite story. That being said, I really did enjoy it, and I can only stress again that I loved the basic themes and the characters and the writing. And the final scene, bar the dance moves, was just so sweet and lovely. And I can definitely still appreciate how well the story tied together with that. And somehow this is a very memorable story -- vividly written and picturesque. So yes, hard to rate or review because of that but genuinely a very nice story.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines: 4 stars. Somehow, the title and synopsis of this novella had me absolutely sold right from the start. The story wasn't what I had expected, but it was so sweet! A wife and a mother doing her bit in WWII, can't really go wrong with that! I loved the characters so much, and the story was so very sweet. I didn't know much about this aspect of the war, but it wasn't even really about that so much as Joan's struggle to balance all the things in her life. The children were such real, loveable characters. I wouldn't mind reading a sequel to this!
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson: No rating for this one. I'm sorry to not be able to give this a good review -- I really enjoyed it. Meredith and her clumsiness and awkwardness was so relatable and funny and her internal dialogue had me laughing several times. The story was very sweet; I really enjoyed the different sort of romance, and I felt very sorry for Trevor. And I just loved the way it ended. Unfortunately, the romance became very borderline towards the end, and much too descriptive, and so unfortunately I can't recommend this like I would have otherwise. Those scenes could so easily have been left out or described in much less detail, so that was very disappointing for me, and completely spoiled the book.
The Tussie Mussie by Katja H. Labonté: 5 stars. Okay, so I had a LOT of reasons to love this story...but even aside from those, I loved this story. XD I absolutely loved both MCs. The mystery was full of surprises, and the connections to Sherlock Holmes and other things were my favourite parts. It was one of the few that felt truly historical and English. It really felt like a story written in that time. The romance too was soo sweet and enjoyable. I just loved everything about this story. Definitely my favourite in the collection!
(Review to be updated upon reread)
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch: 4.25 stars. This story surprised me in a lot of ways. At first it kind of had me thoroughly confused, and I wasn't sure where it was going. But I really enjoyed it by the end. There were several things that irritated me, both with the writing and with the story, but eventually I got sucked into the story enough that I didn't mind them any more. Even if there were still confusing parts. This is also the only completely contemporary, completely non-romance story, and it just really stood out. I loved it!
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews: 5 stars. Ahhh I love Erika Mathews' writing so much...and this particular novella was just lovely. Second favourite in the collection for sure, and is way a close second. I just absolutely loved the messages in this...and have I mentioned the writing is beautiful? I love how the theme of tomorrow ran right through it in multiple ways. Just such a well crafted, beautifully written story. I think I read it practically in one sitting. This was less of a romance story than some of the others, since it begins with the main character already engaged, but it still contains super sweet and clean romance, which I really appreciated and absolutely loved. There isn't much I can say on this story, just that I really, really loved it and I think I'll be rereading it again soon. I ended the collection with this one, and it left me feeling so satisfied and encouraged.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth: I chose to give this one a skip due to what I read in the content notes in multiple reviews of this collection. I knew there was no way I would be able to enjoy it or recommend it, which is disappointing because the premise of the story looked intriguing, but I won't read a book with that kind of content.
Taken as a whole, I would recommend this collection and really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to hopefully seeing more anthologies by this publication and more stories by these authors in the future!
Note: I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2023
Thanks to Wild Blue Wonder Press for giving me an ARC of this lovely book!
Overall, I’d give this collection a solid 3 stars. I liked the variety of settings and time periods we got even within the specific location of Surrey, England. Each novella was distinct and each author’s voice comes through clear and strong.
If I Knew You Were Coming (Becky Gaines) was a touching story of family in wartime, my personal favorite of the collection. Courage to Stay (Kellyn Roth) comes in as a close second, showing off the author’s knack for writing interesting characters even in a short novella. I enjoyed elements of the other novellas as well–the nods to Sherlock Holmes in The Tussie-Mussie, the unique premise of The Cottage on the Hill, the heartwarming theme of community in The Odd-Duck Society, and plenty others. The messages these stories convey are each of them uplifting, welcome reminders for women pursuing God in the turbulence and struggles of daily life. I find myself deeply encouraged after reading the entire collection.
I’d recommend this for readers of Christian women’s fiction of any age. I think there’s something for everyone in here.
*As stated above, I received an ARC of this book. This is a completely honest review; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Overall, I’d give this collection a solid 3 stars. I liked the variety of settings and time periods we got even within the specific location of Surrey, England. Each novella was distinct and each author’s voice comes through clear and strong.
If I Knew You Were Coming (Becky Gaines) was a touching story of family in wartime, my personal favorite of the collection. Courage to Stay (Kellyn Roth) comes in as a close second, showing off the author’s knack for writing interesting characters even in a short novella. I enjoyed elements of the other novellas as well–the nods to Sherlock Holmes in The Tussie-Mussie, the unique premise of The Cottage on the Hill, the heartwarming theme of community in The Odd-Duck Society, and plenty others. The messages these stories convey are each of them uplifting, welcome reminders for women pursuing God in the turbulence and struggles of daily life. I find myself deeply encouraged after reading the entire collection.
I’d recommend this for readers of Christian women’s fiction of any age. I think there’s something for everyone in here.
*As stated above, I received an ARC of this book. This is a completely honest review; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 1, 2023
I've been excited for this collection to release since its publication was announced!! I'm so glad I could finally read all the sweet stories!
They all had a vintage feel, heartfelt themes, and relatable characters, not to mention a beautiful setting.
I have to say, Her Hearts Home by Grace A. Johnson, stood out to me. It held so many of my hopes and dreams. I couldn't help but cry over it. It just touched something in me...
And I think that's the amazing thing about anthologies like this. Every person will find a different story that resonates with them!
I'm looking forward to future anthologies from Wild Blue Wonder Press!
They all had a vintage feel, heartfelt themes, and relatable characters, not to mention a beautiful setting.
I have to say, Her Hearts Home by Grace A. Johnson, stood out to me. It held so many of my hopes and dreams. I couldn't help but cry over it. It just touched something in me...
And I think that's the amazing thing about anthologies like this. Every person will find a different story that resonates with them!
I'm looking forward to future anthologies from Wild Blue Wonder Press!
August 7, 2023
This was lovely collection of novellas centred around the charming countryside of Surrey, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary, often with a dash of mystery.
August 9, 2023
Another day, another review! I... am very late... whoops. (I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Jesus, I am Resting: Faith Blum
4.5 stars
This was a good story, and I loved the characters! (May I just say, I now am in love with Surrey, because of this whole book?) *Racks brain for more to say since it's been so long since I started the book XD* It's nice to read a WW1 story, since it seems that most are WW2.
The Cottage on the Hill: Andrea Renee Cox
5 stars
I think this one was my favorite. It was SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! The characters were lovely, especially Adrian, who was such a great guy. I just LOVED it. There was nothing bad in it (as far as I can remember), and I just can't get over how sweet it was with Moira and Adrian and everyone.
If I Knew You Were Coming: Bailey Gaines
4.5 stars
I loved this story too, it's a very very close second. This... this story made me cry. I felt for those poor children... and poor Joan, and just... yeah. It's a very beautifully written story and I'd definitely recommend it. This author does her research, folks.
Her Heart's Home: Grace A. Johnson
4 stars
This was entirely unexpected. I'm so used to pirates and buccaneers XD "Is this a kissing book?" Yep. More detailed than the others, but not horrible. I found this story sweet, and I really want to visit that place now <3
The Tussie Mussie: Katja Labonte
5 stars
KATJA!!!! THIS IS WONDERFUL! One of my favorites, definitely. I had to look up what a tussie mussie was XD *now wants a posy holder to clip to my dress* A very sweet story with delightful characters, and Catriona is just the prettiest name.
The Odd Duck Society: Rachel Leitch
4.5 stars
Um... can I join the Odd Duck Society? This was yet another great story! It makes me want to visit the Muses, receive a mysterious letter from a famous author, and sip a good cup of tea. Ah, I just loved it. I guessed from the beginning who sent the letters, but the little twist of mystery was still fun.
Fear Not Tomorrows: Erika Matthews
4.5 stars
Yet another sweet story. I can totally understand the chaotic siblings all around, and the characters were wonderful, and it was just... wonderful. Though I do feel like... illnesses didn't last very long. It's classic Erika, and reminded me very much of Truth from Taerna, just set in the real world!
And the last novella... I feel kinda bad, I didn't read it because of Katja's review, just because I'm not exactly comfortable with stuff like that in a book... *refers you to Katja's review to see shared sentiments*
All in all, a wonderful collection! Lasts you a long time, too, XD
Would I recommend it to friends? Depending on their interests, yes! I was thinking about getting it for my Great Grandma since she reads a ton and likes romance.
What are you waiting for? BUY! READ!
Jesus, I am Resting: Faith Blum
4.5 stars
This was a good story, and I loved the characters! (May I just say, I now am in love with Surrey, because of this whole book?) *Racks brain for more to say since it's been so long since I started the book XD* It's nice to read a WW1 story, since it seems that most are WW2.
The Cottage on the Hill: Andrea Renee Cox
5 stars
I think this one was my favorite. It was SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! The characters were lovely, especially Adrian, who was such a great guy. I just LOVED it. There was nothing bad in it (as far as I can remember), and I just can't get over how sweet it was with Moira and Adrian and everyone.
If I Knew You Were Coming: Bailey Gaines
4.5 stars
I loved this story too, it's a very very close second. This... this story made me cry. I felt for those poor children... and poor Joan, and just... yeah. It's a very beautifully written story and I'd definitely recommend it. This author does her research, folks.
Her Heart's Home: Grace A. Johnson
4 stars
This was entirely unexpected. I'm so used to pirates and buccaneers XD "Is this a kissing book?" Yep. More detailed than the others, but not horrible. I found this story sweet, and I really want to visit that place now <3
The Tussie Mussie: Katja Labonte
5 stars
KATJA!!!! THIS IS WONDERFUL! One of my favorites, definitely. I had to look up what a tussie mussie was XD *now wants a posy holder to clip to my dress* A very sweet story with delightful characters, and Catriona is just the prettiest name.
The Odd Duck Society: Rachel Leitch
4.5 stars
Um... can I join the Odd Duck Society? This was yet another great story! It makes me want to visit the Muses, receive a mysterious letter from a famous author, and sip a good cup of tea. Ah, I just loved it. I guessed from the beginning who sent the letters, but the little twist of mystery was still fun.
Fear Not Tomorrows: Erika Matthews
4.5 stars
Yet another sweet story. I can totally understand the chaotic siblings all around, and the characters were wonderful, and it was just... wonderful. Though I do feel like... illnesses didn't last very long. It's classic Erika, and reminded me very much of Truth from Taerna, just set in the real world!
And the last novella... I feel kinda bad, I didn't read it because of Katja's review, just because I'm not exactly comfortable with stuff like that in a book... *refers you to Katja's review to see shared sentiments*
All in all, a wonderful collection! Lasts you a long time, too, XD
Would I recommend it to friends? Depending on their interests, yes! I was thinking about getting it for my Great Grandma since she reads a ton and likes romance.
What are you waiting for? BUY! READ!
October 6, 2023
To be honest, my dear friend Andrea wrote A Cottage on the Hill and that's the only story I read in this book. It was so wonderful!
I liked the brokenness of the story. It, truly, is a daily reminder that our G-d loves us in all stages of our lives but can use us in our brokenness. In our weakness, He is strong. That is the underlying message I saw in the book. I know it is a lot about letting go of old dreams and looking to the future where we allow G-d to give us new dreams too. However, the brokenness aspect resonated with me.
I'm quite sure all of the authors are talented. But I know Andrea and I've waited so long to see her published! The story did not disappoint. What a beautiful story!! READ it! :)
I liked the brokenness of the story. It, truly, is a daily reminder that our G-d loves us in all stages of our lives but can use us in our brokenness. In our weakness, He is strong. That is the underlying message I saw in the book. I know it is a lot about letting go of old dreams and looking to the future where we allow G-d to give us new dreams too. However, the brokenness aspect resonated with me.
I'm quite sure all of the authors are talented. But I know Andrea and I've waited so long to see her published! The story did not disappoint. What a beautiful story!! READ it! :)
July 28, 2023
I knew I would love this...
But I didn't realize how much. 😭
This anthology is full of beautiful, faith-filled novellas and the unparalleled magic of the England countryside! 😍 Here are my short,slightly chaotic, bullet-point thoughts on each story!
(Oh, and before we begin, can I just say I think novellas are wildly underrated and underappreciated? They can be just as memorable and can take you on as delightful of an adventure as any full-length novel.)
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
� I love how this started out - the emotion and conflict was so engagingly written. Though there were times I didn't connect with Elinor, I could still feel how Elinor was just going through the motions, surviving, not living. You could feel the problem building up until that breaking point moment - there was a lot of suspense, honestly!
� Andrew was so sweet and had such a generous, caring heart. I love how it started off with genuine concern for Elinor's needs, and he could relate with how he'd lost his father. He's so respectful and thoughtful. And CUTE. 😜
� The theme of resting in Jesus was beautifully told through the struggles the characters faced and the peace found in the end!
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
� The aesthetic in this was utter PERFECTION. A wrought-iron table, teacup, a breeze, lichen, a cottage...someone transport me to that setting, please.
� The opening scene with Moira was heart-tugging and well-crafted, and the way ballet took over so much of her life felt so realistic and was told in such a masterful, relatable way. Even if you've never done ballet (*raises hand*) you'll sympathize with her, feel her pain and desires.
� Adrian is a darling, endearing fellow. His POV brings a nice touch of humor to the story, which I love. His romantic gestures were rather heart-melting. (And the comedic act he did in Chapter 5 felt straight out of an old black-and-white movie! I loved it! That kinda thing can be hard to write, what with all the gestures and movements and all, but the author nailed it. )
� The theme was powerful and relatable, and I could put myself in Moira's place with my passion as a writer. Artists often find their sole identity in their work. It can be hard to distance ourselves from that and let go enough to live life and follow all of God's callings. I loved how Adrian had a parallel arc, with letting go of his dream to choose what God had placed before him.
� The prose was lovely and vibrant!
� All in all, I adored this story and found it very solid, sweet, and heartfelt, with a delightful touch of enchantment. I can't wait to read more by the author!
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
� Set during World War II, in England. I knew I'd enjoy this, straight off the bat. The historical details were sprinkled in just the right amount, creating an accurate and just-vivid-enough picture of life in 1941 England.
� This story felt incredibly realistic, and Joan was such a sympathetic character. The characterization was on point (as was the conflict). She was such a self-sacrificing person, so human, such a sweet mother figure to Oliver and Lottie. The emotional beats flowed so naturally.
� That sequence where Oliver and Lottie find out the news was SO heart-wrenching and well-written. (*gives Oliver all the hugs*)
� The reunion scene...MY HEART. What strikes me most about this story is how ridiculously REALISTIC it feels. It's told in such a way that I can easily see it being played out on the silver screen, yet it's also believable enough that I could see it also happening in real life. *chef's kiss* Such a beautiful, captivating story with solid, relatable themes!
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson
� Ahhh I loved this one!!! Told in rich, vibrant, and balanced prose, her characters immediately grabbed me with their well-developed conflicts and personalities.
� Johnson is a queen at writing comedic scenes - like that falling-out-of-the-car escapade. It was hilarious and delightfully awkward. I adore meet cutes like that. The progression of her and Trevor's romance was paced incredibly well, considering how it was strangers-to-lovers AND in novella form! She nailed it.
� Romances with an older couple are rare, so I enjoyed this breath of fresh air! It felt completely believable and realistic. There was just something mature about these characters' conflicts that felt their age, if that makes sense. The message of laying down your worries and surrendering them to the Lord was faith-building and let's be real, something everyone needs to hear. Those themes were powerfully played out through the characters' arcs.
� And the aesthetic. *swoons* Can please I visit that setting????
� Overall, such a sweet story with intriguing, realistic characters, a poignant, truth-filled message, and an ending that will leave your heart glowing!
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
� The writing style is the first thing that stood out to me. It's delightfully vintage and old-fashioned, immersing the reader in the 1903 era and making it feel like it was written then. I love it!
� Catriona's predicament was most distressing and, I must admit, immediately hooked me; Ewart was introduced in a state of equal miserableness; but when they meet, the way they grow each other is so beautiful. Cat is blunt and passionately truthful, shining a light on the lies poisoning Ewart's entire worldview, and he spiritually challenges and uplifts her. And that lays a rock-solid foundation for their romance! Though it was subtle for the majority of the story, that darling scene in the epilogue was sooo sweet!
� The quick wit of the characters was purely delightful. Why can't people speak like that nowadays??? *sobs* We gotta bring that back. Ewart and his sister provided such wonderful comic relief with their bantering. *happy sigh* I love good sibling relationships in books.
� As mentioned, the spiritual content in The Tussie-Mussie was strong and unashamed, without feeling forced or dry.
� I love how Katja tells her stories, and this one was no exception. I can't wait to read more by her in the future!
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
� I shan't lie, I'd been waiting to read this novella ever since I read Rachel's post about writing strong female characters. It was so creative and original, with a subtle, skillfully incorporated theme that hit hard!
� The writing. Flawless and perfectly fitting the atmosphere.
� Besides the whole atmosphere of the story, the characters were the best part of it. They were odd ducks, and even appeared mismatched...yet at the same time, they fit together like puzzle pieces. And Jessamy's relationship with her mom felt so realistic and natural. Jessamy herself was an incredibly relatable heroine, flawed and convinced that she will always be a misfit. Yet she learned that there was room for her to belong. There was no one she needed to conform herself to be like.
� The aesthetic. The tea shop. The tea-inspired word choices. MY GOODNESS. It was oh-so-deliberate and lovely.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Matthews
� I did not expect to love this so much. The whole breathless mood of anticipation and joy this story started out in was a hook all in itself, and I quickly caught on quickly to Margaret's excitement. Starting off with that high made the rest of the story hit even harder, and I loved the parallels/callbacks in the beginning and the ending of the story!
� The writing was old-fashioned and polished, with choice descriptions that clearly evoked just the aura the writer intended, and the backstory was woven in very naturally. (Gotta shout that out, as it can be quite a tricky feat sometimes.)
� The romance was sweet and gentle with its fair share of teasing dialogue, which I adored. I would have liked a kiss or two, seeing as how they were separated for so long and were just about to get married, but the author was still able to show their affection and chemistry without that.
� There was a boy named Oswald. Instant points in this story's favor. (That's my baby brother's name XD) Speaking of, I have a soft spot for heroines with a lot of younger siblings. :P How it was written felt quite realistic. (I speak as one with many younger siblings. 😇)
� The theme of trusting in God during trials while you are also battling with sorrow and longing was so powerful and extremely relatable. Definitely one of my favorite aspects of this story, along with the magical descriptions of nature! (The sunrise reunion scene at the end...🥰� Just gorgeous.)
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
� My poor, dear, spunky Rosalind. I really felt her hurt at how Matthias seemed to be eager to be rid of her company. The emotions came across vividly, powerfully. And yet also I felt darling Matthias's conflict just as vividly as Rosalind's - and frankly, it was quite agonizing. The heartbreaking struggles he had with PTSD were portrayed so believably. He really needed Rosalind to draw him out of that - she was the perfect fit for him.
� The theme resonated with me, and the title captures the essence of it: courage to stay. To face the fears that plague us. To hold on to God's promises. And not to run away at the slightest hint of vulnerability.
� Matthias describes Rosalind's eyes as such "fragments of sunshine working their way down in an old-growth forest." IS THAT NOT THE MOST GORGEOUS THING EVER? And I know exactly what he's talking about, that flickering of light filtering down from soaring green trees. So yeah, I loved the writing style. It was balanced and beautiful, with an old-fashioned touch that fit the time period.
OVERALL
This collection combines the charm of springtime in County Surrey (and all the delightful British countryside vibes that I love) with an original, diverse cast of characters and a strong faith content. From swoony romances to unbreakable friendships, from Sherlock Holmes-style mystery to heart-melting WWII-era fiction, this anthology of novellas makes the perfect read for a lazy afternoon or two where you want to escape into the world of County Surrey, England and make friends with relatable, endearing characters.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
But I didn't realize how much. 😭
This anthology is full of beautiful, faith-filled novellas and the unparalleled magic of the England countryside! 😍 Here are my short,
(Oh, and before we begin, can I just say I think novellas are wildly underrated and underappreciated? They can be just as memorable and can take you on as delightful of an adventure as any full-length novel.)
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
� I love how this started out - the emotion and conflict was so engagingly written. Though there were times I didn't connect with Elinor, I could still feel how Elinor was just going through the motions, surviving, not living. You could feel the problem building up until that breaking point moment - there was a lot of suspense, honestly!
� Andrew was so sweet and had such a generous, caring heart. I love how it started off with genuine concern for Elinor's needs, and he could relate with how he'd lost his father. He's so respectful and thoughtful. And CUTE. 😜
� The theme of resting in Jesus was beautifully told through the struggles the characters faced and the peace found in the end!
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
� The aesthetic in this was utter PERFECTION. A wrought-iron table, teacup, a breeze, lichen, a cottage...someone transport me to that setting, please.
� The opening scene with Moira was heart-tugging and well-crafted, and the way ballet took over so much of her life felt so realistic and was told in such a masterful, relatable way. Even if you've never done ballet (*raises hand*) you'll sympathize with her, feel her pain and desires.
� Adrian is a darling, endearing fellow. His POV brings a nice touch of humor to the story, which I love. His romantic gestures were rather heart-melting. (And the comedic act he did in Chapter 5 felt straight out of an old black-and-white movie! I loved it! That kinda thing can be hard to write, what with all the gestures and movements and all, but the author nailed it. )
� The theme was powerful and relatable, and I could put myself in Moira's place with my passion as a writer. Artists often find their sole identity in their work. It can be hard to distance ourselves from that and let go enough to live life and follow all of God's callings. I loved how Adrian had a parallel arc, with letting go of his dream to choose what God had placed before him.
� The prose was lovely and vibrant!
� All in all, I adored this story and found it very solid, sweet, and heartfelt, with a delightful touch of enchantment. I can't wait to read more by the author!
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
� Set during World War II, in England. I knew I'd enjoy this, straight off the bat. The historical details were sprinkled in just the right amount, creating an accurate and just-vivid-enough picture of life in 1941 England.
� This story felt incredibly realistic, and Joan was such a sympathetic character. The characterization was on point (as was the conflict). She was such a self-sacrificing person, so human, such a sweet mother figure to Oliver and Lottie. The emotional beats flowed so naturally.
� That sequence where Oliver and Lottie find out the news was SO heart-wrenching and well-written. (*gives Oliver all the hugs*)
� The reunion scene...MY HEART. What strikes me most about this story is how ridiculously REALISTIC it feels. It's told in such a way that I can easily see it being played out on the silver screen, yet it's also believable enough that I could see it also happening in real life. *chef's kiss* Such a beautiful, captivating story with solid, relatable themes!
Her Heart's Home by Grace A. Johnson
� Ahhh I loved this one!!! Told in rich, vibrant, and balanced prose, her characters immediately grabbed me with their well-developed conflicts and personalities.
� Johnson is a queen at writing comedic scenes - like that falling-out-of-the-car escapade. It was hilarious and delightfully awkward. I adore meet cutes like that. The progression of her and Trevor's romance was paced incredibly well, considering how it was strangers-to-lovers AND in novella form! She nailed it.
� Romances with an older couple are rare, so I enjoyed this breath of fresh air! It felt completely believable and realistic. There was just something mature about these characters' conflicts that felt their age, if that makes sense. The message of laying down your worries and surrendering them to the Lord was faith-building and let's be real, something everyone needs to hear. Those themes were powerfully played out through the characters' arcs.
� And the aesthetic. *swoons* Can please I visit that setting????
� Overall, such a sweet story with intriguing, realistic characters, a poignant, truth-filled message, and an ending that will leave your heart glowing!
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
� The writing style is the first thing that stood out to me. It's delightfully vintage and old-fashioned, immersing the reader in the 1903 era and making it feel like it was written then. I love it!
� Catriona's predicament was most distressing and, I must admit, immediately hooked me; Ewart was introduced in a state of equal miserableness; but when they meet, the way they grow each other is so beautiful. Cat is blunt and passionately truthful, shining a light on the lies poisoning Ewart's entire worldview, and he spiritually challenges and uplifts her. And that lays a rock-solid foundation for their romance! Though it was subtle for the majority of the story, that darling scene in the epilogue was sooo sweet!
� The quick wit of the characters was purely delightful. Why can't people speak like that nowadays??? *sobs* We gotta bring that back. Ewart and his sister provided such wonderful comic relief with their bantering. *happy sigh* I love good sibling relationships in books.
� As mentioned, the spiritual content in The Tussie-Mussie was strong and unashamed, without feeling forced or dry.
� I love how Katja tells her stories, and this one was no exception. I can't wait to read more by her in the future!
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
� I shan't lie, I'd been waiting to read this novella ever since I read Rachel's post about writing strong female characters. It was so creative and original, with a subtle, skillfully incorporated theme that hit hard!
� The writing. Flawless and perfectly fitting the atmosphere.
� Besides the whole atmosphere of the story, the characters were the best part of it. They were odd ducks, and even appeared mismatched...yet at the same time, they fit together like puzzle pieces. And Jessamy's relationship with her mom felt so realistic and natural. Jessamy herself was an incredibly relatable heroine, flawed and convinced that she will always be a misfit. Yet she learned that there was room for her to belong. There was no one she needed to conform herself to be like.
� The aesthetic. The tea shop. The tea-inspired word choices. MY GOODNESS. It was oh-so-deliberate and lovely.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Matthews
� I did not expect to love this so much. The whole breathless mood of anticipation and joy this story started out in was a hook all in itself, and I quickly caught on quickly to Margaret's excitement. Starting off with that high made the rest of the story hit even harder, and I loved the parallels/callbacks in the beginning and the ending of the story!
� The writing was old-fashioned and polished, with choice descriptions that clearly evoked just the aura the writer intended, and the backstory was woven in very naturally. (Gotta shout that out, as it can be quite a tricky feat sometimes.)
� The romance was sweet and gentle with its fair share of teasing dialogue, which I adored. I would have liked a kiss or two, seeing as how they were separated for so long and were just about to get married, but the author was still able to show their affection and chemistry without that.
� There was a boy named Oswald. Instant points in this story's favor. (That's my baby brother's name XD) Speaking of, I have a soft spot for heroines with a lot of younger siblings. :P How it was written felt quite realistic. (I speak as one with many younger siblings. 😇)
� The theme of trusting in God during trials while you are also battling with sorrow and longing was so powerful and extremely relatable. Definitely one of my favorite aspects of this story, along with the magical descriptions of nature! (The sunrise reunion scene at the end...🥰� Just gorgeous.)
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
� My poor, dear, spunky Rosalind. I really felt her hurt at how Matthias seemed to be eager to be rid of her company. The emotions came across vividly, powerfully. And yet also I felt darling Matthias's conflict just as vividly as Rosalind's - and frankly, it was quite agonizing. The heartbreaking struggles he had with PTSD were portrayed so believably. He really needed Rosalind to draw him out of that - she was the perfect fit for him.
� The theme resonated with me, and the title captures the essence of it: courage to stay. To face the fears that plague us. To hold on to God's promises. And not to run away at the slightest hint of vulnerability.
� Matthias describes Rosalind's eyes as such "fragments of sunshine working their way down in an old-growth forest." IS THAT NOT THE MOST GORGEOUS THING EVER? And I know exactly what he's talking about, that flickering of light filtering down from soaring green trees. So yeah, I loved the writing style. It was balanced and beautiful, with an old-fashioned touch that fit the time period.
OVERALL
This collection combines the charm of springtime in County Surrey (and all the delightful British countryside vibes that I love) with an original, diverse cast of characters and a strong faith content. From swoony romances to unbreakable friendships, from Sherlock Holmes-style mystery to heart-melting WWII-era fiction, this anthology of novellas makes the perfect read for a lazy afternoon or two where you want to escape into the world of County Surrey, England and make friends with relatable, endearing characters.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
July 17, 2024
Where to begin? It’s actually been a little bit since I’ve read this anthology like six months ago? But I know that I loved every story! Some more than others. Every story described the MC’s struggled but through it all, there was Someone at the center of it all. And for that, I’m very grateful! I love how each story is used to glorify God! And it’s also realistic too.
Highly recommend to those who have a love for some mystery, romance, and friendships!
Highly recommend to those who have a love for some mystery, romance, and friendships!
August 20, 2023
Eeeeep!! Thank you ever so much to the lovely Kellyn Roth and Wild Blue Wonder Press for a copy of this beautiful collection! *hugs* These are my honest thoughts :)
Jesus, I am Resting
Faith Blum
4 stars
This is a very sweet story of a young woman learning to rest in Jesus. It was very nice to learn a bit about WWI England and the life of a laundrywoman! The writing style and plot did seem a bit...simple (which totally isn't a bad thing <3), and it made me sad how fickle Elinor was. However, this was such nice and enjoyable story :)
"She couldn’t get married and have children right now, so she would do the next best thing: support the children of the parents who had died."
The Cottage on the Hill
Andrea Renee Cox
5 stars
What a beautiful story! Adrian is so sweet, and his attempts to cheer Moira were so kind, funny, and endearing, while Moira's fears, longings, and regrets were tangible and tender. The theme of purpose was meaningful, gently illustrated throughout the few words of this tale. The setting was adorable, and I loved the teatime aesthetic, and that Moira's outfits were mentioned :) The descriptions were perfection! I love, love, loved it! And baaaalllllllleeeeeettttttt *very clumsy leap* *even more clumsy twirl* *dreamy sigh*
"Radiance swept over her face, and her heart stepped into a gossamer dance she hardly recognized but was glad to get to know."
If I knew You Were Coming
Bailey Gaines
5 stars
Such a sweet, sweet, emotional story! It is so rich with history; every little detail makes the setting come alive. Miss Gaines clearly is very knowledgeable on the setting and incorporates everything so expertly. Joan is perfectly portrayed. From the first scene, where she chooses a scarf with flowers because Sophie likes them, it was evident how deeply she cared for her children. She tried so hard to do what was right for everyone. The children were the cutest things and poor, sweet Leo...I love all of them <3
“And if He had called her, He would abide with her and help her fulfill her calling to the best of her ability.
That knowledge was worth more than an extra ration of chocolate and sweets."
Her Heart's Home
Grace A. Johnson
5+ stars
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh <3 <3 <3 I love it. I just love it. Maredith and Trevor's story is poignant at times, raw, funny, or romantic at others, but entirely powerful, real, and beautiful. Every sentence is so emotional, well-crafted, with gorgeous, flowery prose. Every moment has whispers of prayer and truth and God. It left me with such a feeling of God's grace and love. As a home-loving girl, this really impacted me. The novella is so stunningly aesthetic too.
"I babbled on, my prayers coming in the form of tears, tirades, and what thanks my plaintive heart could manage. Yet, even when all I offered up to God was pleading and complaining and unfinished sentences and pointless questions, He took all my words up in His hands and sorted through them, one by one."
The Tussie-Mussie
Katja H. Labonte
4.5 stars
This novella has such a wonderfully intricate and suspenseful mystery! I did feel that the pacing was a bit odd, especially with the mystery mainly just being explained in dialog by a side character, and not played out in the story, however it was very interesting, and all the Sherlock Holmes quotes and references were really fun. The romance was so sweet, and the characters were endearing (and not perfectly gorgeous, yay!). I liked Catriona, but I didn't love her, and honestly, I was a bit confused about her arc. I felt like her flaw was brought up at the beginning, but I didn't really see it show up in her thoughts and actions and I honestly sort of forgot about it, and then her growth was shoved all into the epilogue. I loved Maggie (everyone needs more kittens)! Ewart's growth felt a bit rushed. In one conversation with Catriona (she had some very beautiful, wise words <3), his eyes were opened to the lies he believed, and he overcame his insecurity. All in one conversation. I would have loved to see him change and grow slowly, over time. I really love that in this story, the hero, not the heroine, struggles with insecurity. Thank you so much, Miss Labonte for showing how a hero doesn't have to have anger or pride as a (masculine ig??) flaw, but instead self-doubt, while still being manly. Ewart's wit and sarcasm were so hilarious (while still being kind). Also, he's a writer...so bonus points ;)
“There is something truly grand in the ability to string together ideas, emotions, and messages to reach and touch and change so many human souls, even ones who would normally be closed to the Scriptures.�
The Odd Duck Society
Rachel Leitch
5 stars
Deliciously modern and quirky...yet it reads like a classic. I loved the mystery (in the words of Allifair Quazzle, a pleasant sort), the mother-daughter relationship, the vivid friendships, the beautifully diverse cast, the honesty about the life of a writer, the gentle truths, and, of course, the teashop, and Jane Austen. Everything about this story is so delightfully unique, while at the same time reminding me of Anne of Green Gables, The Chronicles of Narnia, and all their timeless literary companions, that I read at the age of eight, before there was such a thing as a book I didn't adore.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a young lady in possession of her own self, must be in want of a friend."
Fear Not Tomorrows
Erika Mathews
4.5 stars
I really liked this story about trusting Jesus with our tomorrows! At times I did feel a tiny bit bored, but that's just me. I enjoyed all the scripture and spiritual growth in it and Margaret's trials and fears were very relatable. One tiny thing I noted is that cookies are mentioned a few times. Aren't they called biscuits in England?
"An anticipated tomorrow is the most delightful thing in existence. For one, nothing could hurry on the mundane-work worries of today like a tomorrow that promised a revel in restful beauty and unalloyed companionship with the very star of one’s existence. For another, anticipation was half again of enjoyment itself."
Courage to Stay
Kellyn Roth
5+ stars
There are tears in my eyes from the raw pain and beauty of this story. I felt Rosalind's every hurt and Mathias's every broken fear deeply. This is a rather gritty novella, and I am certainly younger than the age advisory, but Mrs. Roth dealt with PTSD and marital issues so gently and in such a godly way. The prose had a bit of a delightfully old-fashioned touch to it, like in this darling quote :)
"There comes a time in every woman’s life when she must run into the arms of the nearest creature of her own sex and sob out her problems with a man. If it is done over a cup of tea, it is twice as effective, and if the creature in question is older and bosomy and in the habit of calling one “dear� and “poor thing,� then the situation may very well resolve itself."
While different and diverse, every novella in this collection is so beautiful and filled with God's light, hope, and truth! My words are nowhere near adequate to properly express the sheer wonderfulness of it, but I dearly hope that you will experience for yourself the beauty of Springtime in Surrey (I will warn you that it will make you want to visit though ;)
Also, the cover is so gorgeous and aesthetic and captures the spirit of the collection so well *heart eyes*
Jesus, I am Resting
Faith Blum
4 stars
This is a very sweet story of a young woman learning to rest in Jesus. It was very nice to learn a bit about WWI England and the life of a laundrywoman! The writing style and plot did seem a bit...simple (which totally isn't a bad thing <3), and it made me sad how fickle Elinor was. However, this was such nice and enjoyable story :)
"She couldn’t get married and have children right now, so she would do the next best thing: support the children of the parents who had died."
The Cottage on the Hill
Andrea Renee Cox
5 stars
What a beautiful story! Adrian is so sweet, and his attempts to cheer Moira were so kind, funny, and endearing, while Moira's fears, longings, and regrets were tangible and tender. The theme of purpose was meaningful, gently illustrated throughout the few words of this tale. The setting was adorable, and I loved the teatime aesthetic, and that Moira's outfits were mentioned :) The descriptions were perfection! I love, love, loved it! And baaaalllllllleeeeeettttttt *very clumsy leap* *even more clumsy twirl* *dreamy sigh*
"Radiance swept over her face, and her heart stepped into a gossamer dance she hardly recognized but was glad to get to know."
If I knew You Were Coming
Bailey Gaines
5 stars
Such a sweet, sweet, emotional story! It is so rich with history; every little detail makes the setting come alive. Miss Gaines clearly is very knowledgeable on the setting and incorporates everything so expertly. Joan is perfectly portrayed. From the first scene, where she chooses a scarf with flowers because Sophie likes them, it was evident how deeply she cared for her children. She tried so hard to do what was right for everyone. The children were the cutest things and poor, sweet Leo...I love all of them <3
“And if He had called her, He would abide with her and help her fulfill her calling to the best of her ability.
That knowledge was worth more than an extra ration of chocolate and sweets."
Her Heart's Home
Grace A. Johnson
5+ stars
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh <3 <3 <3 I love it. I just love it. Maredith and Trevor's story is poignant at times, raw, funny, or romantic at others, but entirely powerful, real, and beautiful. Every sentence is so emotional, well-crafted, with gorgeous, flowery prose. Every moment has whispers of prayer and truth and God. It left me with such a feeling of God's grace and love. As a home-loving girl, this really impacted me. The novella is so stunningly aesthetic too.
"I babbled on, my prayers coming in the form of tears, tirades, and what thanks my plaintive heart could manage. Yet, even when all I offered up to God was pleading and complaining and unfinished sentences and pointless questions, He took all my words up in His hands and sorted through them, one by one."
The Tussie-Mussie
Katja H. Labonte
4.5 stars
This novella has such a wonderfully intricate and suspenseful mystery! I did feel that the pacing was a bit odd, especially with the mystery mainly just being explained in dialog by a side character, and not played out in the story, however it was very interesting, and all the Sherlock Holmes quotes and references were really fun. The romance was so sweet, and the characters were endearing (and not perfectly gorgeous, yay!). I liked Catriona, but I didn't love her, and honestly, I was a bit confused about her arc. I felt like her flaw was brought up at the beginning, but I didn't really see it show up in her thoughts and actions and I honestly sort of forgot about it, and then her growth was shoved all into the epilogue. I loved Maggie (everyone needs more kittens)! Ewart's growth felt a bit rushed. In one conversation with Catriona (she had some very beautiful, wise words <3), his eyes were opened to the lies he believed, and he overcame his insecurity. All in one conversation. I would have loved to see him change and grow slowly, over time. I really love that in this story, the hero, not the heroine, struggles with insecurity. Thank you so much, Miss Labonte for showing how a hero doesn't have to have anger or pride as a (masculine ig??) flaw, but instead self-doubt, while still being manly. Ewart's wit and sarcasm were so hilarious (while still being kind). Also, he's a writer...so bonus points ;)
“There is something truly grand in the ability to string together ideas, emotions, and messages to reach and touch and change so many human souls, even ones who would normally be closed to the Scriptures.�
The Odd Duck Society
Rachel Leitch
5 stars
Deliciously modern and quirky...yet it reads like a classic. I loved the mystery (in the words of Allifair Quazzle, a pleasant sort), the mother-daughter relationship, the vivid friendships, the beautifully diverse cast, the honesty about the life of a writer, the gentle truths, and, of course, the teashop, and Jane Austen. Everything about this story is so delightfully unique, while at the same time reminding me of Anne of Green Gables, The Chronicles of Narnia, and all their timeless literary companions, that I read at the age of eight, before there was such a thing as a book I didn't adore.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a young lady in possession of her own self, must be in want of a friend."
Fear Not Tomorrows
Erika Mathews
4.5 stars
I really liked this story about trusting Jesus with our tomorrows! At times I did feel a tiny bit bored, but that's just me. I enjoyed all the scripture and spiritual growth in it and Margaret's trials and fears were very relatable. One tiny thing I noted is that cookies are mentioned a few times. Aren't they called biscuits in England?
"An anticipated tomorrow is the most delightful thing in existence. For one, nothing could hurry on the mundane-work worries of today like a tomorrow that promised a revel in restful beauty and unalloyed companionship with the very star of one’s existence. For another, anticipation was half again of enjoyment itself."
Courage to Stay
Kellyn Roth
5+ stars
There are tears in my eyes from the raw pain and beauty of this story. I felt Rosalind's every hurt and Mathias's every broken fear deeply. This is a rather gritty novella, and I am certainly younger than the age advisory, but Mrs. Roth dealt with PTSD and marital issues so gently and in such a godly way. The prose had a bit of a delightfully old-fashioned touch to it, like in this darling quote :)
"There comes a time in every woman’s life when she must run into the arms of the nearest creature of her own sex and sob out her problems with a man. If it is done over a cup of tea, it is twice as effective, and if the creature in question is older and bosomy and in the habit of calling one “dear� and “poor thing,� then the situation may very well resolve itself."
While different and diverse, every novella in this collection is so beautiful and filled with God's light, hope, and truth! My words are nowhere near adequate to properly express the sheer wonderfulness of it, but I dearly hope that you will experience for yourself the beauty of Springtime in Surrey (I will warn you that it will make you want to visit though ;)
Also, the cover is so gorgeous and aesthetic and captures the spirit of the collection so well *heart eyes*
February 8, 2024
Jesus, I Am Resting - 3 stars
The characters were very sweet, and I liked them a lot. I enjoyed the WWI setting, although some pieces didn't feel quite accurate. But I had a hard time trying to keep up with everything going on, both in the story and just thematically. It felt like a bit too much story and theme for the small space. I wasn't even sure until most of the way through just what it was that Elinor was supposed to be learning. The message we got at the end was a good one; I think I'd just have liked to see the story streamlined a little in order to better frame it.
The Cottage on the Hill - 3.5 stars
The setting in this one was delightful, except that I couldn't quite figure out the time period. A few things made me think it was supposed to be modern, but than others made me think it was older--except maybe that was just the quaint English village flavor? I couldn't tell for sure. I liked both of the main characters--Adrian especially--and the message of letting go of your own dreams and accepting the ones that God has for you instead was very good. I also enjoyed the ballet metaphors that crept into Moira's thinking. ;)
If I Knew You Were Coming - 5 stars
Ahhhh, I loved this one! The setting and era were very well done, and I never felt pulled out of the period. The characters captured my heart from the beginning, and I loved not only the glimpses of everyday life on the home front but also Joan's struggle to try to see her husband and the way she handled the obstacles that got in her way. I especially loved the choice that she made, as hard as it was, and I appreciated the way everything worked out. And I liked the way that the ending didn't have to be totally sunshine and rainbows--the acknowledgement that pain can linger and scars will remain, but things can still be beautiful and better. <3
Her Heart's Home - 4 stars
This was a sweet story that I very much enjoyed. I found both of the main characters likable and relatable, although I couldn't always follow their emotions--not why they felt a certain way, but why they made certain decisions sometimes. And the romance moved incredibly fast (again, I know, I know, there are word limits, but...it did knock me back a step). But I really liked the message of God using even the painful things and the places we think we've failed to bring us to the place He wants us in the end.
The Tussie-Mussie - 5 stars
Oh my word, this was so, so precious! I read an early draft of this story and loved it at the time, but I loved this version even more. Caitriona is the kind of character who could easily have annoyed me, but she didn't--not in the slightest. Her lesson about letting go of her plans and control was amazing. Ewart was just adorable, and I loved him so much, although I wasn't fully sure of what the root of his insecurities was. (I mean, obviously the way he'd been treated, but I couldn't quite pin down why he'd been treated that way?) His lesson hit me HARD, and I probably need to go back and read it again so I can absorb it more fully. Maggie was both adorable and believable (which can be difficult to accomplish with a child character), and I loved Cat's loyalty to her family, especially her brother. The romance was just beautiful and didn't feel at all too rushed, and the mystery was quite...mysterious, even if we didn't really follow along in the solving of it. Speaking of which, I haven't read any of Bethany Willcock's stories with this particular Holmes-adjacent detective, but I love the concept and I want to! I love Katja's writing style so much, and this is just a brilliant, beautiful little story. <3
The Odd Duck Society - 3.5 stars
I enjoyed the diverse group of women that formed over the course of the story and sympathized with Jessamy, feeling out of place everywhere. The coffee shop sounded like a sweet place that I'd have liked to visit. And I enjoyed the letters, even though I didn't always understand the underlying references. However, I got lost in some of the details--particularly Jessamy's family's backstory...I never did quite understand what happened there. I know, I know, I am not the one to complain about missing details, but there were pieces I couldn't put together, and combined with the mysteries contained in the story itself, I was left with a mild feeling of "huh?" for a lot of it. Not enough to make me not enjoy the story, just enough to leave me a bit uncertain. But the message of companionship was one I appreciated, if not one I'm always the best at. ;)
Fear Not Tomorrows - 4 stars
Sweet story with a good message. I found myself struggling to focus at times during the story, but I was also reading it sick, so it might very easily have been me. I couldn't quite tell what the message was supposed to be at the first, but it came clear at the end and addressed some of the things I had noticed and wasn't sure the heroine had. The only thing that didn't quite ring true to me was But that was my only real issue. Lester and Margaret were both sweet characters, and I enjoyed seeing their story play out.
Courage to Stay - 4 stars
I enjoyed both Rosalind and Matthias, and I wanted to see them overcome their misunderstandings and come to know each other better. I admired Rosalind for her tenacity and desire to help once she realized what was going on. Not such a fan of her disguising herself as a man, but I understood why she did it. And while I appreciated that the details of the wedding night were kept sparse, just a note that the characters did dwell on the thought of it for a while, both before and after. No details, but...it's obvious what they're worrying about. That said, my only real complaint was that the resolution moved very quickly after not much motion in the rest of the story. I would have liked to spend a little more time seeing things get better, or maybe some more gradual growth through the rest of the story. But overall, I definitely enjoyed it.
Thanks to all the authors for this collection!
The characters were very sweet, and I liked them a lot. I enjoyed the WWI setting, although some pieces didn't feel quite accurate. But I had a hard time trying to keep up with everything going on, both in the story and just thematically. It felt like a bit too much story and theme for the small space. I wasn't even sure until most of the way through just what it was that Elinor was supposed to be learning. The message we got at the end was a good one; I think I'd just have liked to see the story streamlined a little in order to better frame it.
The Cottage on the Hill - 3.5 stars
The setting in this one was delightful, except that I couldn't quite figure out the time period. A few things made me think it was supposed to be modern, but than others made me think it was older--except maybe that was just the quaint English village flavor? I couldn't tell for sure. I liked both of the main characters--Adrian especially--and the message of letting go of your own dreams and accepting the ones that God has for you instead was very good. I also enjoyed the ballet metaphors that crept into Moira's thinking. ;)
If I Knew You Were Coming - 5 stars
Ahhhh, I loved this one! The setting and era were very well done, and I never felt pulled out of the period. The characters captured my heart from the beginning, and I loved not only the glimpses of everyday life on the home front but also Joan's struggle to try to see her husband and the way she handled the obstacles that got in her way. I especially loved the choice that she made, as hard as it was, and I appreciated the way everything worked out. And I liked the way that the ending didn't have to be totally sunshine and rainbows--the acknowledgement that pain can linger and scars will remain, but things can still be beautiful and better. <3
Her Heart's Home - 4 stars
This was a sweet story that I very much enjoyed. I found both of the main characters likable and relatable, although I couldn't always follow their emotions--not why they felt a certain way, but why they made certain decisions sometimes. And the romance moved incredibly fast (again, I know, I know, there are word limits, but...it did knock me back a step). But I really liked the message of God using even the painful things and the places we think we've failed to bring us to the place He wants us in the end.
The Tussie-Mussie - 5 stars
Oh my word, this was so, so precious! I read an early draft of this story and loved it at the time, but I loved this version even more. Caitriona is the kind of character who could easily have annoyed me, but she didn't--not in the slightest. Her lesson about letting go of her plans and control was amazing. Ewart was just adorable, and I loved him so much, although I wasn't fully sure of what the root of his insecurities was. (I mean, obviously the way he'd been treated, but I couldn't quite pin down why he'd been treated that way?) His lesson hit me HARD, and I probably need to go back and read it again so I can absorb it more fully. Maggie was both adorable and believable (which can be difficult to accomplish with a child character), and I loved Cat's loyalty to her family, especially her brother. The romance was just beautiful and didn't feel at all too rushed, and the mystery was quite...mysterious, even if we didn't really follow along in the solving of it. Speaking of which, I haven't read any of Bethany Willcock's stories with this particular Holmes-adjacent detective, but I love the concept and I want to! I love Katja's writing style so much, and this is just a brilliant, beautiful little story. <3
The Odd Duck Society - 3.5 stars
I enjoyed the diverse group of women that formed over the course of the story and sympathized with Jessamy, feeling out of place everywhere. The coffee shop sounded like a sweet place that I'd have liked to visit. And I enjoyed the letters, even though I didn't always understand the underlying references. However, I got lost in some of the details--particularly Jessamy's family's backstory...I never did quite understand what happened there. I know, I know, I am not the one to complain about missing details, but there were pieces I couldn't put together, and combined with the mysteries contained in the story itself, I was left with a mild feeling of "huh?" for a lot of it. Not enough to make me not enjoy the story, just enough to leave me a bit uncertain. But the message of companionship was one I appreciated, if not one I'm always the best at. ;)
Fear Not Tomorrows - 4 stars
Sweet story with a good message. I found myself struggling to focus at times during the story, but I was also reading it sick, so it might very easily have been me. I couldn't quite tell what the message was supposed to be at the first, but it came clear at the end and addressed some of the things I had noticed and wasn't sure the heroine had. The only thing that didn't quite ring true to me was But that was my only real issue. Lester and Margaret were both sweet characters, and I enjoyed seeing their story play out.
Courage to Stay - 4 stars
I enjoyed both Rosalind and Matthias, and I wanted to see them overcome their misunderstandings and come to know each other better. I admired Rosalind for her tenacity and desire to help once she realized what was going on. Not such a fan of her disguising herself as a man, but I understood why she did it. And while I appreciated that the details of the wedding night were kept sparse, just a note that the characters did dwell on the thought of it for a while, both before and after. No details, but...it's obvious what they're worrying about. That said, my only real complaint was that the resolution moved very quickly after not much motion in the rest of the story. I would have liked to spend a little more time seeing things get better, or maybe some more gradual growth through the rest of the story. But overall, I definitely enjoyed it.
Thanks to all the authors for this collection!
September 18, 2023
This was absolutely lovely! Definitely perfect for a spring seasonal read, and carrying with it some beautiful messages as well. As with most collections of stories, some worked better for me than others, but the majority were wins, so yay! My favorites were "The Cottage on the Hill" (which actively had me crying happy tears), "The Tussie-Mussie" (I'm a sucker for a bit o' mystery, what can I say?), "Courage to Stay" (Kellyn always delivers, tbh), and "If I Knew You Were Coming" (it's so soft, I'm so soft). There's something for any kind of his-fic reader, though, (only one story is contemporary from what I could tell) and it was super fun to explore some new-to-me authors! 4 stars overall from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
April 10, 2024
�Springtime in Surrey� is an anthology of sweet, clean, Christian novellas—it’s like getting eight books in one! It holds a mixture of historical, romance, and women’s fiction with lovely themes of faith. I enjoy each of these author’s and their unique writer’s voices.
Jesus, I Am Resting focuses on Elinor, a nurse during WWI, and her passion for those orphaned. The themes of resting and trusting in God is a message many of us need.
The Cottage on the Hill, centering on Moira and Adrian, is so sweet! I could see this as a picture in my head and adored the humor and faith, as well as the elements of trust and hope.
If I Knew You Were Coming takes place during WWII with Joan trying to take care of her children. I teared up with this one!
Her Heart's Home takes place in the early 20s and centers on Meredith, a woman who finds a home for her heart. I like that she is in her thirties and carries a mix of awkwardness and sass.
The Tussie-Mussie carries a bit of early 1900s mystery. The sibling relationship in this story stole my heart. (And what a great title!)
The Odd Duck Society - Mysterious letters. Authors. Jane Austen references. Need I say more? Jessamy lacks confidence and deals with anxiety, making her both challenging and relatable.
Fear Not Tomorrows - I thoroughly enjoyed Margaret's growth and her acceptance of change. Lovely spiritual message.
Courage to Stay is a story containing elements of PTSD. It's a touching story of family, faith, and love.
First Line: Elinor Chapman was alone.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Anthology
Authors: Kellyn Roth, Erika Mathews, Faith Blum, Bailey Gaines, Rachel Leitch, Andrea Renee Cox, Grace A. Johnson, Katja H. Lebonté
Page Count: 481
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Jesus, I Am Resting focuses on Elinor, a nurse during WWI, and her passion for those orphaned. The themes of resting and trusting in God is a message many of us need.
The Cottage on the Hill, centering on Moira and Adrian, is so sweet! I could see this as a picture in my head and adored the humor and faith, as well as the elements of trust and hope.
If I Knew You Were Coming takes place during WWII with Joan trying to take care of her children. I teared up with this one!
Her Heart's Home takes place in the early 20s and centers on Meredith, a woman who finds a home for her heart. I like that she is in her thirties and carries a mix of awkwardness and sass.
The Tussie-Mussie carries a bit of early 1900s mystery. The sibling relationship in this story stole my heart. (And what a great title!)
The Odd Duck Society - Mysterious letters. Authors. Jane Austen references. Need I say more? Jessamy lacks confidence and deals with anxiety, making her both challenging and relatable.
Fear Not Tomorrows - I thoroughly enjoyed Margaret's growth and her acceptance of change. Lovely spiritual message.
Courage to Stay is a story containing elements of PTSD. It's a touching story of family, faith, and love.
First Line: Elinor Chapman was alone.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Anthology
Authors: Kellyn Roth, Erika Mathews, Faith Blum, Bailey Gaines, Rachel Leitch, Andrea Renee Cox, Grace A. Johnson, Katja H. Lebonté
Page Count: 481
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
July 25, 2023
This collection of novellas has both historical and contemporary tales. Each of the stories are heartfelt and unique. There's a little romance, a touch of drama, a bit of mystery. It also touches on some tougher topics like mental illness and war, in a graceful and delicate manner.
I really enjoy reading through these stories. Range of stories kept things interesting. - Arranged Marriage, a cute story about a more mature-couple, mystery, some quirky characters. There's lot to love about this collection.
All the stories are clean, sweet reads. If you're a fan of Jane Austen or Austenesque type stories, you'll want to add this collection to your list.
I really enjoy reading through these stories. Range of stories kept things interesting. - Arranged Marriage, a cute story about a more mature-couple, mystery, some quirky characters. There's lot to love about this collection.
All the stories are clean, sweet reads. If you're a fan of Jane Austen or Austenesque type stories, you'll want to add this collection to your list.
December 8, 2023
This cover had me fondly reminiscing about All Creatures Great and Small...
All fangirling aside (Well, not quite, but that'll be explained below), let's dive into the content of this book. There are eight stories in the collection, and I'll discuss them in order.
~Jesus, I Am Resting, by Faith Blum~
This story was filled to the brim with a good (and somewhat painful, as I tend to need it!) message: trusting in our Lord is NOT for the faint of heart, for it requires relying on His strength and purpose, and resting in Him when you don't feel like it. Something that struck personally, and quite deeply. I actually was sitting up late when I began to read this book through, and was pretty embarrassed to find the book telling me that I really needed... well... to be doing something else.
I liked the wartime background: it raised the stakes of the story automatically, giving you a little boost toward gaining an emotional connection with Elinor (see below). I liked the hospital background: it was very well-written to keep the images vivid without being nausea-inducing. The laundry where Elinor begins the story was also very well-balanced: just enough imagery to get you started and let your imagination take over without being intrusive to the plot. Miss Blum wove in sensory details that immediately had me drawn in. Too many people take the easy route of visually describing things and letting it go at that: but she described the temperature, the soreness of hands (and/or back) and when Elinor spills on herself, I found myself transported to a time when I was helping scrub out a stain and dumped a bucket of water down the front of my own dress. You don't forget that feeling easily, and thus, an awesome detail.
Two thumbs up!
Elinor herself was very relatable. She struggles in precisely the way I myself would in the situation: taking on too much because it needs to be done, and you know it, and you can't always go asking others to do any more than they're already doing.
(Now for my nitpicking. You have been warned: and some of these things could have been corrected by the final proofread so take it with a grain of salt.)
I feel as though Elinor could have used a bit more character development at the outset� for while her challenges and overcoming of them were relatable and hopeful, respectively, I didn't really feel connected with her until the second chapter... and I may have skimmed it if I weren't intending to review the book. Once I gained that connection, she was much easier to like and understand.
The other foible I had with this story (slight spoiler here) was immediately after the hatching of a scheme to assist orphans, she sees a young woman on the street for the first time and correctly guesses that this person is, in fact, an orphan. Asking her directly, she gets a forthright answer to that effect, and the young woman agrees to help immediately.
That seemed... a wee bit contrived. A little foreshadowing the character may have come in handy, as might Mary (the character in question) acting a bit evasive regarding her lack of familial security. I felt that she gave it up a bit too freely, for safety's sake as well as pacing-wise. A minute or two of banter/song and dance about the purpose of the question, at least!
(Nitpicking is over. Critic Rose has left the building for the remainder of this story.)
To return to the positives, the detail Elinor notices that calls her attention to Mary's orphaned state was very nicely done. Mary herself was a great contribution to the story: she was like a little mother hen, reminding Elinor wisely to keep to her limits, and herding about the others with a gentle cheer that made her someone I'd like to meet.
Malachi seemed like such a sweetheart, and... well, I won't ruin it for you. But I loved the surprise concerning his missing lady-friend. He's a bright and cheerful spot in the story, quickly ready with a joke and a laugh that mostly seem authentic (and as to why they wouldn't be... you'll have to read.)
Doctor Hathaway was also pretty cool: he had his head on straight and seemed a decent fellow. I'd be interested in seeing more about him, honestly. (Cough-cough-hint-cough. 😉 )
I'm also a sucker for happy endings, so I would rate this story at... *drumroll* 3.9 out of five stars!
~The Cottage on the Hill, by Andrea Renee Cox~
Have I mentioned I'm not that fond of romance?
I think I lied. I LOVED this story. It was cute, sweet, and I loved the dancing and sheep-farming elements scattered throughout. (I also love the name Moira.)
I'm gonna get my nitpicks out of the way quickly, so I can get to the squee-ing.
(Critic Rose arrives with severe bun and glasses on the bridge of her nose. Please remember that some of these things are errors that could've been fixed in the final proofread.)
I had two-and-a-half foibles with this book. One-and-a-half of which are personal.
One: there was overmuch description of the wardrobe in the beginning. Drove me nuts. It did adjust as the story went on, though, so I calmed down.
Two: (Spoiler) They know one another for one week before Adrian proposes marriage, unless I have the timeline wrong. Seems a little fast. Not that the pacing of the story itself was off... it's just a little fast for a relationship, in my personal opinion. You have to remember, however, that I retell fairy tales... where a guy usually looks at a girl for an hour and boom, they're in love and married. So I'm not one to talk, really. (Spoiler's over now)
Two-and-a-half: Why is she eating so many straight, raw vegetables for tea? It just seems... weird. Culinary preferences are different for everyone, and I get that. No problems there. But sitting and eating raw broccoli without dip and drinking tea... *shudders* I like vegetables. A lot! But this one struck me as odd.
(Critic Rose leaves, but not before sampling the goodies from said tea table. Starting with the scones.)
I loved Moira. Her posture of years' practice. Thinking in terms of dance and music as the story winds along. The fact that she avoids sweets because she's always watching her figure, despite never being able to dance again. She was utterly wrapped in the ballerina life, and you realize that her struggle to even consider living without that element in her life is, indeed, something she can't fathom. She was extremely-well-written and I love her forever. She is my little ballerina child. *pats head*
Adrian. *sqeeees*
Out of many guys I've seen in fiction that are the love interest, he makes a good top-ten. He's a good guy. Honors the Lord. Kind to old ladies. Honorable. Faithful. Slightly adventurous. He likes to fix things for others. And all he wants is a simple family and farm. He doesn't want to go on grand adventures, or swoon over the most attractive woman in the room. He's just a good, ordinary man.
I approve of these two and their marriage wholeheartedly. I also loved the surprises that came with their nuptials, which I will not name for fear of spoiling: but let's just say the sassy minister was a nice tough.😉
The message, as well: about trusting and submitting to the Lord when He's closed doors (or never opened them), was strong and clear without making the story seem like a sermon.
All in all, I give this story 4.7 out of five stars!
~If I Knew You Were Coming, by Bailey Gaines~
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
This story was really well-done, as well.
The nitpicky part of me’s objections are as follows: *checks the paperwork* Ah, yes.
At the beginning, she states on the phone that she should get to bed, for Sophie’s birthday is tomorrow� and then she awakes in the morning with the knowledge that Sophie’s birthday is tomorrow. Again?
This error may have been fixed in the final proofread, as I had an ARC, but there’s my complaint. The rest of the story was excellent!
I loved the real internal struggle being played out in such a smooth way: I was struggling with her in those moments, wondering what was the best decision myself, and hoping against hope that she would have a resolution.
I did not see the twist in the story coming, but I thought it was wonderfully, delicately handled, showing the darkness of the situation without making an ugly, hopeless hole in your heart. Ms. Gaines was very balanced in descriptive prose, action, thought, and timing. I wanted to hug everyone by the end of the story, which tells you just how good it was. :)
The message that I believe the author was trying to put forth in the story is to love others sacrificially, instead of just doing the right thing for duty: it was well-done and gripping.
The history and language geek(s?) in me also was very excited to a) see a story that was centered around the host’s view in the evacuee-children situation in England, WWII, and to b) learn that the name of bobby pins in England is "kirby grips." Doing a little further research, I found that they were called that after the manufacturer: Kirby, Beard & Co. Ltd. of Birmingham.
The research and time she put into this book really shows. It's a gorgeous labor of love. :)
All in all, I’d give this story� 4.9 out of 5 stars!
~Her Heart's Home, by Grace A. Johnson~
This one made me cry at the end. I liked it until the romance got a little too mushy for me, but it ended well.🤣
The message was a hopeful one, about God always being able to "make up for lost time", because His plans are outside the borders of our reality, something I fear about sometimes. I worry about the slightest of things sometimes, wondering if I've blown something important with a thoughtless word, or a commitment to something else� or if the path I believed was right was, in fact, the wrong one to take.
I also liked the slightly-too-flowery prose, something I enjoy, but can't get away with in fantasy. 😁 However, it goes perfectly with the romance genre, and Ms. Johnson doesn't overdo it.
I also quite enjoyed the elegance with which she employed POV (point-of-view, for you laymen 😉 ). The story is split between first-person POV with Meredith, and close third-person with Trevor, giving a unique and pleasant spin to the character shift. Two thumbs up!!
All in all, I didn't have much to nitpick about, other than the romance being heavier than I prefer (although not nasty or anything! Ms. Johnson is a fervent believer in keeping Christian romance clean, but honestly depicting the great love that comes to a couple as an echoing of Christ and the Church. I've read an article or two she wrote on why she does what she does, and I think she has every right to write both what she writes and how she writes it. I have no objections to kisses, but I'm not fond of more than two and I don't like them very much described. That being said, that's my preferences talking. As long as the reader is 14 or older, I'm fine with it.)
One of my favorite parts about the story was the snarky exchanges the pair had early on. I actually giggled aloud at several parts, which made it all the more a recommended book: if it makes me laugh, I have more motivation to share it.
Personal Rating: 4 of 5 stars!
~The Tussie-Mussie, by Katja H. Labonté~
This story was really good as well!
Different inclusions made this conclusion not only possible, but necessary. Ms. Labonté's stylistic choice, manner of speech, and burgeoning romantic buildup were all in line with the period; she did an excellent job of making it an exciting read! The thing that made this one really exciting to me were the mystery elements in volved, especially those of Sherlock Holmes. (I've included the theme song to the best Sherlock Holmes I know... By the by, Ms. Labonté, if you're able to read this, I would recommend books about Hamilton Cleek: light romance and crime solving book of a simliar period, all in another delightful package!
The language of flowers bits were really cool! I used to be semi-obsessed with flowers and their meaning, and I once interrupted a climactic episode of Knight Rider freaking out that Michael had brought yellow roses (which mean jealousy) to the lady I was "shipping" him with. (I am not all that fun to watch movies and television with, I'm afraid.)
Ms. Labonté has a great sense of humor, and absolutely had me hooked with her opening line:
"As all England debated the depth of her sin, Miss Catriona Roylett was headed for Surrey on the early norning train, accompanied only by her chaperone."
The message in this one is twofold: there's the storyline that encourages those who feel worthless, and then there's the storyline that encourages those that worry about tomorrow and attempt to get out ahead of it by planning and striving. Well-done, even injecting humor into the situations while one character berates the other with the truth.
Love doesn't pull punches. 😉❤️
Of course, there are some supporting characters that make this story feel more natural and fleshed-out: everyone needs a little sister, and Maggie was an excellent, necessary little adventurer. There was, of course, the detective as well: he was an interesting fellow, definitely interesting and worth getting a little more to know.
I'd give this one a solid 4.9 as well!
~The Odd Duck Society, by Rachel Leitch~
This story was written by the author I think I know best here: I tried not to be biased, and as it was quite different from other things she'd written, it was easier to be. But it was up to her usual standard of quality!
I'm gonna say right off the bat that each character had things I liked about them, but that they were all very different people. That's what I mean by "diverse" below. People are people, and they all have a soul and spirit that is lovely and immortal, and that cannot, nor should it, be defined or disregarded by the outer appearance.
I liked it very, very much. It had a cozy feel, one that was intriguing but not stressful (which is the case in some of the so-called "cozy mysteries" I've read). The characters were diverse, the little surprises and Easter eggs for fans of older fiction were great, and the creative twists and realistic depictions of personality and heartache made this one a solid 4.9! I loved the atmosphere I got all the way through, and the mysteries were exciting to try and solve!
I really loved that the message was to love others well, despite what you may see on the outside (you're only strangers until you get to know one another, after all...) and to honor God by pursuing things with joy and boldness. Not everything God asked His people to do looked sane. Or comfortable. But He asked them to do it (or commanded it!) nevertheless.
~Fear Not Tomorrows, by Erika Mathews~
There was a bit more "telling" in the story than most people in the industry appreciate, I think, but I thought it went well, and transitioned nicely between Margaret's mind and the other. (I am personally of the opinion that some telling is necessary to get to the good bits, on occasion, and that it should be used carefully but not utterly rejected. ;) )
The message in this one brought me to tears today: I've had a bit of a rough past couple of days, between the extra work and some bad news we've gotten. And some more bad news. And another dose or three of bad news. It's been hard.
I was brought to tears by one particular passage... It was a good thing to hear today, and I spent a minute or two in prayer over it. It was an effective, hopeful presentation up 'til the end.
But here are my criticisms:
I feel the ending was pretty... hastily tied up? Not quite right? She sends her sick beau a letter containing what she's learned and he gets home the next week, because, of a sudden, he's getting well enough to travel again. No closure as to the brother and child that are ill, except for the guy's mother-in-law saying that they'd still care for them and he could go. If they'd been able to care for not only them but him as well, for this long, what was the point of him going in the first place?
Maybe he was just better for the business side of things, I don't know.
Anyway, I'd give this one 4 out of 5 stars!
~Courage to Stay, by Kellyn Roth~
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
This story was... a bit heavy. It deals with mental health struggles, and with those who walk beside those who struggle in that way. I didn't like it as much, but it was well-done. I have no nitpicks for this one, other than the fact that I felt there wasn't so much a linear storyline as it was a biographical account with all the wanderings that one might expect with such a narrative.
I do have, however, the disclaimer that this story has implied marital relations, and a conversation in their room that leads up to their implied evening together. Nothing is shown or described that would be inappropriate. If, however, that makes you uncomfortable, perhaps skip reading this one: It danced along the edge of my comfort zone, because I felt like I was invading their privacy on some level.
(Which means that the characters were written pretty well! Excellent job, Ms. Roth.)
I liked the character Tacitus: he was dramatic and interesting, and quite amusing. Remind me to borrow him sometimes for a character chat with some of my own dramatic people...
All in all, I would rate this one 3.8 out of five stars!
All fangirling aside (Well, not quite, but that'll be explained below), let's dive into the content of this book. There are eight stories in the collection, and I'll discuss them in order.
~Jesus, I Am Resting, by Faith Blum~
This story was filled to the brim with a good (and somewhat painful, as I tend to need it!) message: trusting in our Lord is NOT for the faint of heart, for it requires relying on His strength and purpose, and resting in Him when you don't feel like it. Something that struck personally, and quite deeply. I actually was sitting up late when I began to read this book through, and was pretty embarrassed to find the book telling me that I really needed... well... to be doing something else.
I liked the wartime background: it raised the stakes of the story automatically, giving you a little boost toward gaining an emotional connection with Elinor (see below). I liked the hospital background: it was very well-written to keep the images vivid without being nausea-inducing. The laundry where Elinor begins the story was also very well-balanced: just enough imagery to get you started and let your imagination take over without being intrusive to the plot. Miss Blum wove in sensory details that immediately had me drawn in. Too many people take the easy route of visually describing things and letting it go at that: but she described the temperature, the soreness of hands (and/or back) and when Elinor spills on herself, I found myself transported to a time when I was helping scrub out a stain and dumped a bucket of water down the front of my own dress. You don't forget that feeling easily, and thus, an awesome detail.
Two thumbs up!
Elinor herself was very relatable. She struggles in precisely the way I myself would in the situation: taking on too much because it needs to be done, and you know it, and you can't always go asking others to do any more than they're already doing.
(Now for my nitpicking. You have been warned: and some of these things could have been corrected by the final proofread so take it with a grain of salt.)
I feel as though Elinor could have used a bit more character development at the outset� for while her challenges and overcoming of them were relatable and hopeful, respectively, I didn't really feel connected with her until the second chapter... and I may have skimmed it if I weren't intending to review the book. Once I gained that connection, she was much easier to like and understand.
The other foible I had with this story (slight spoiler here) was immediately after the hatching of a scheme to assist orphans, she sees a young woman on the street for the first time and correctly guesses that this person is, in fact, an orphan. Asking her directly, she gets a forthright answer to that effect, and the young woman agrees to help immediately.
That seemed... a wee bit contrived. A little foreshadowing the character may have come in handy, as might Mary (the character in question) acting a bit evasive regarding her lack of familial security. I felt that she gave it up a bit too freely, for safety's sake as well as pacing-wise. A minute or two of banter/song and dance about the purpose of the question, at least!
(Nitpicking is over. Critic Rose has left the building for the remainder of this story.)
To return to the positives, the detail Elinor notices that calls her attention to Mary's orphaned state was very nicely done. Mary herself was a great contribution to the story: she was like a little mother hen, reminding Elinor wisely to keep to her limits, and herding about the others with a gentle cheer that made her someone I'd like to meet.
Malachi seemed like such a sweetheart, and... well, I won't ruin it for you. But I loved the surprise concerning his missing lady-friend. He's a bright and cheerful spot in the story, quickly ready with a joke and a laugh that mostly seem authentic (and as to why they wouldn't be... you'll have to read.)
Doctor Hathaway was also pretty cool: he had his head on straight and seemed a decent fellow. I'd be interested in seeing more about him, honestly. (Cough-cough-hint-cough. 😉 )
I'm also a sucker for happy endings, so I would rate this story at... *drumroll* 3.9 out of five stars!
~The Cottage on the Hill, by Andrea Renee Cox~
Have I mentioned I'm not that fond of romance?
I think I lied. I LOVED this story. It was cute, sweet, and I loved the dancing and sheep-farming elements scattered throughout. (I also love the name Moira.)
I'm gonna get my nitpicks out of the way quickly, so I can get to the squee-ing.
(Critic Rose arrives with severe bun and glasses on the bridge of her nose. Please remember that some of these things are errors that could've been fixed in the final proofread.)
I had two-and-a-half foibles with this book. One-and-a-half of which are personal.
One: there was overmuch description of the wardrobe in the beginning. Drove me nuts. It did adjust as the story went on, though, so I calmed down.
Two: (Spoiler) They know one another for one week before Adrian proposes marriage, unless I have the timeline wrong. Seems a little fast. Not that the pacing of the story itself was off... it's just a little fast for a relationship, in my personal opinion. You have to remember, however, that I retell fairy tales... where a guy usually looks at a girl for an hour and boom, they're in love and married. So I'm not one to talk, really. (Spoiler's over now)
Two-and-a-half: Why is she eating so many straight, raw vegetables for tea? It just seems... weird. Culinary preferences are different for everyone, and I get that. No problems there. But sitting and eating raw broccoli without dip and drinking tea... *shudders* I like vegetables. A lot! But this one struck me as odd.
(Critic Rose leaves, but not before sampling the goodies from said tea table. Starting with the scones.)
I loved Moira. Her posture of years' practice. Thinking in terms of dance and music as the story winds along. The fact that she avoids sweets because she's always watching her figure, despite never being able to dance again. She was utterly wrapped in the ballerina life, and you realize that her struggle to even consider living without that element in her life is, indeed, something she can't fathom. She was extremely-well-written and I love her forever. She is my little ballerina child. *pats head*
Adrian. *sqeeees*
Out of many guys I've seen in fiction that are the love interest, he makes a good top-ten. He's a good guy. Honors the Lord. Kind to old ladies. Honorable. Faithful. Slightly adventurous. He likes to fix things for others. And all he wants is a simple family and farm. He doesn't want to go on grand adventures, or swoon over the most attractive woman in the room. He's just a good, ordinary man.
I approve of these two and their marriage wholeheartedly. I also loved the surprises that came with their nuptials, which I will not name for fear of spoiling: but let's just say the sassy minister was a nice tough.😉
The message, as well: about trusting and submitting to the Lord when He's closed doors (or never opened them), was strong and clear without making the story seem like a sermon.
All in all, I give this story 4.7 out of five stars!
~If I Knew You Were Coming, by Bailey Gaines~
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
This story was really well-done, as well.
The nitpicky part of me’s objections are as follows: *checks the paperwork* Ah, yes.
At the beginning, she states on the phone that she should get to bed, for Sophie’s birthday is tomorrow� and then she awakes in the morning with the knowledge that Sophie’s birthday is tomorrow. Again?
This error may have been fixed in the final proofread, as I had an ARC, but there’s my complaint. The rest of the story was excellent!
I loved the real internal struggle being played out in such a smooth way: I was struggling with her in those moments, wondering what was the best decision myself, and hoping against hope that she would have a resolution.
I did not see the twist in the story coming, but I thought it was wonderfully, delicately handled, showing the darkness of the situation without making an ugly, hopeless hole in your heart. Ms. Gaines was very balanced in descriptive prose, action, thought, and timing. I wanted to hug everyone by the end of the story, which tells you just how good it was. :)
The message that I believe the author was trying to put forth in the story is to love others sacrificially, instead of just doing the right thing for duty: it was well-done and gripping.
The history and language geek(s?) in me also was very excited to a) see a story that was centered around the host’s view in the evacuee-children situation in England, WWII, and to b) learn that the name of bobby pins in England is "kirby grips." Doing a little further research, I found that they were called that after the manufacturer: Kirby, Beard & Co. Ltd. of Birmingham.
The research and time she put into this book really shows. It's a gorgeous labor of love. :)
All in all, I’d give this story� 4.9 out of 5 stars!
~Her Heart's Home, by Grace A. Johnson~
This one made me cry at the end. I liked it until the romance got a little too mushy for me, but it ended well.🤣
The message was a hopeful one, about God always being able to "make up for lost time", because His plans are outside the borders of our reality, something I fear about sometimes. I worry about the slightest of things sometimes, wondering if I've blown something important with a thoughtless word, or a commitment to something else� or if the path I believed was right was, in fact, the wrong one to take.
I also liked the slightly-too-flowery prose, something I enjoy, but can't get away with in fantasy. 😁 However, it goes perfectly with the romance genre, and Ms. Johnson doesn't overdo it.
I also quite enjoyed the elegance with which she employed POV (point-of-view, for you laymen 😉 ). The story is split between first-person POV with Meredith, and close third-person with Trevor, giving a unique and pleasant spin to the character shift. Two thumbs up!!
All in all, I didn't have much to nitpick about, other than the romance being heavier than I prefer (although not nasty or anything! Ms. Johnson is a fervent believer in keeping Christian romance clean, but honestly depicting the great love that comes to a couple as an echoing of Christ and the Church. I've read an article or two she wrote on why she does what she does, and I think she has every right to write both what she writes and how she writes it. I have no objections to kisses, but I'm not fond of more than two and I don't like them very much described. That being said, that's my preferences talking. As long as the reader is 14 or older, I'm fine with it.)
One of my favorite parts about the story was the snarky exchanges the pair had early on. I actually giggled aloud at several parts, which made it all the more a recommended book: if it makes me laugh, I have more motivation to share it.
Personal Rating: 4 of 5 stars!
~The Tussie-Mussie, by Katja H. Labonté~
This story was really good as well!
Different inclusions made this conclusion not only possible, but necessary. Ms. Labonté's stylistic choice, manner of speech, and burgeoning romantic buildup were all in line with the period; she did an excellent job of making it an exciting read! The thing that made this one really exciting to me were the mystery elements in volved, especially those of Sherlock Holmes. (I've included the theme song to the best Sherlock Holmes I know... By the by, Ms. Labonté, if you're able to read this, I would recommend books about Hamilton Cleek: light romance and crime solving book of a simliar period, all in another delightful package!
The language of flowers bits were really cool! I used to be semi-obsessed with flowers and their meaning, and I once interrupted a climactic episode of Knight Rider freaking out that Michael had brought yellow roses (which mean jealousy) to the lady I was "shipping" him with. (I am not all that fun to watch movies and television with, I'm afraid.)
Ms. Labonté has a great sense of humor, and absolutely had me hooked with her opening line:
"As all England debated the depth of her sin, Miss Catriona Roylett was headed for Surrey on the early norning train, accompanied only by her chaperone."
The message in this one is twofold: there's the storyline that encourages those who feel worthless, and then there's the storyline that encourages those that worry about tomorrow and attempt to get out ahead of it by planning and striving. Well-done, even injecting humor into the situations while one character berates the other with the truth.
Love doesn't pull punches. 😉❤️
Of course, there are some supporting characters that make this story feel more natural and fleshed-out: everyone needs a little sister, and Maggie was an excellent, necessary little adventurer. There was, of course, the detective as well: he was an interesting fellow, definitely interesting and worth getting a little more to know.
I'd give this one a solid 4.9 as well!
~The Odd Duck Society, by Rachel Leitch~
This story was written by the author I think I know best here: I tried not to be biased, and as it was quite different from other things she'd written, it was easier to be. But it was up to her usual standard of quality!
I'm gonna say right off the bat that each character had things I liked about them, but that they were all very different people. That's what I mean by "diverse" below. People are people, and they all have a soul and spirit that is lovely and immortal, and that cannot, nor should it, be defined or disregarded by the outer appearance.
I liked it very, very much. It had a cozy feel, one that was intriguing but not stressful (which is the case in some of the so-called "cozy mysteries" I've read). The characters were diverse, the little surprises and Easter eggs for fans of older fiction were great, and the creative twists and realistic depictions of personality and heartache made this one a solid 4.9! I loved the atmosphere I got all the way through, and the mysteries were exciting to try and solve!
I really loved that the message was to love others well, despite what you may see on the outside (you're only strangers until you get to know one another, after all...) and to honor God by pursuing things with joy and boldness. Not everything God asked His people to do looked sane. Or comfortable. But He asked them to do it (or commanded it!) nevertheless.
~Fear Not Tomorrows, by Erika Mathews~
There was a bit more "telling" in the story than most people in the industry appreciate, I think, but I thought it went well, and transitioned nicely between Margaret's mind and the other. (I am personally of the opinion that some telling is necessary to get to the good bits, on occasion, and that it should be used carefully but not utterly rejected. ;) )
The message in this one brought me to tears today: I've had a bit of a rough past couple of days, between the extra work and some bad news we've gotten. And some more bad news. And another dose or three of bad news. It's been hard.
I was brought to tears by one particular passage... It was a good thing to hear today, and I spent a minute or two in prayer over it. It was an effective, hopeful presentation up 'til the end.
But here are my criticisms:
I feel the ending was pretty... hastily tied up? Not quite right? She sends her sick beau a letter containing what she's learned and he gets home the next week, because, of a sudden, he's getting well enough to travel again. No closure as to the brother and child that are ill, except for the guy's mother-in-law saying that they'd still care for them and he could go. If they'd been able to care for not only them but him as well, for this long, what was the point of him going in the first place?
Maybe he was just better for the business side of things, I don't know.
Anyway, I'd give this one 4 out of 5 stars!
~Courage to Stay, by Kellyn Roth~
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
This story was... a bit heavy. It deals with mental health struggles, and with those who walk beside those who struggle in that way. I didn't like it as much, but it was well-done. I have no nitpicks for this one, other than the fact that I felt there wasn't so much a linear storyline as it was a biographical account with all the wanderings that one might expect with such a narrative.
I do have, however, the disclaimer that this story has implied marital relations, and a conversation in their room that leads up to their implied evening together. Nothing is shown or described that would be inappropriate. If, however, that makes you uncomfortable, perhaps skip reading this one: It danced along the edge of my comfort zone, because I felt like I was invading their privacy on some level.
(Which means that the characters were written pretty well! Excellent job, Ms. Roth.)
I liked the character Tacitus: he was dramatic and interesting, and quite amusing. Remind me to borrow him sometimes for a character chat with some of my own dramatic people...
All in all, I would rate this one 3.8 out of five stars!
July 26, 2023
I love anthologies! Springtime in Surrey is no exception either. This anthology includes 8 different novellas. Some are contemporary, while others are historical fiction. Some are related in some way to a war, others are not. Most involve a tragedy of some sort that is overcome. Most of the stories either directly or indirectly show the working of God in the lives of the characters. All the stories take place in Surrey.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
After her mother dies, Elinor is left on her own, an orphan. She tries to do the work her mother started and later works as a nurse, but she does it under her own power - not relying on the Lord. Author Blum builds up the story to include an unexpected romance as well as a tragedy which forces Elinor to change the focus of her life.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
Moira suffered a severe injury which killed her lifelong dreams. She struggles with accepting the changes in her life until Adrian, a young man helping out on the next door farm, takes an interest in her. He is also struggling with unfulfilled dreams. Together they figure out how to move forward from disappointments. AuthorCox shows a clear understanding of tragedy in someone's life.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
Joan is doing what she can to contribute to the war effort while her husband is fighting the war. She helps on a farm and has taken in some refugee children. The day comes when she learns her husband has leave but can’t get home. She is faced with choosing to help the children through a tragedy of their own or going to see her husband. She also faces some shocking information. Together the family figures out what life is now going to look like. Author Gaines handles some very difficult situations in a caring way.
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Meredith has been forced from her home because she has no money to keep it up. She takes a job at a local mansion turned hotel. She relies on the Lord for guidance. She meets a retired captain who is a guest at the hotel. Meredith and Trevor grow closer together. The story ends with a very happy surprise. Life doesn’t always have a happily-ever-after ending, but I am glad author Johnson gave this story the ending she did.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
The Roylett family is in poverty but does have some richer connections. So, Caitriona tries her hand at finding a good husband during the London season. Unfortunately, her brother is accused of a crime and, by family association, all of Caitriona’s chances at a good match disappear.
Ewart is a bit of a recluse who, due to family circumstances, is raising his sister away from society. When his estranged mother demands he prepare his sister for entering society, a chance meeting brings Caitriona as a governess for his sister.
Between the two of them, mysteries are solved with the help of the help of the person who took over for Sherlock Holmes.
Both Ewart and Caitriona have wounds to heal and author Labonte guides them to that healing.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
This novella has several nods to classic literature and its authors which many readers will enjoy. The story is not without stress - a seemingly impossible task, letters coming from the past (who wrote them), being accused of stealing someone’s writing, and more. Leitch does a great job of moving the story forward and keeping the audience guessing as to who wrote the letters and how the story will turn out.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
We all have tragedy in our lives at some point. Main character Margaret seems to have more than her share, however. Just when it looks like she will see some dreams come true another tragedy occurs making those dreams move farther away. Author Mathews exhibits a strong leaning on the Lord in the midst of tragedy throughout this story.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind was “supposed to� marry the brother who died. Instead she marries the younger brother (whom she actually had a crush on as a child). But Matthias is different now, because of what he witnessed in the war. Author Roth does an excellent job of building the tension between Rosalind and Matthias and bringing that tension to a resolution.
Springtime in Surrey is a collection of novellas whose primary audience is adults. Because of a few scenes in the book I would recommend librarians read the book first to determine if it is appropriate for their audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Springtime in Surrey. This is my honest opinion.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
After her mother dies, Elinor is left on her own, an orphan. She tries to do the work her mother started and later works as a nurse, but she does it under her own power - not relying on the Lord. Author Blum builds up the story to include an unexpected romance as well as a tragedy which forces Elinor to change the focus of her life.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
Moira suffered a severe injury which killed her lifelong dreams. She struggles with accepting the changes in her life until Adrian, a young man helping out on the next door farm, takes an interest in her. He is also struggling with unfulfilled dreams. Together they figure out how to move forward from disappointments. AuthorCox shows a clear understanding of tragedy in someone's life.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
Joan is doing what she can to contribute to the war effort while her husband is fighting the war. She helps on a farm and has taken in some refugee children. The day comes when she learns her husband has leave but can’t get home. She is faced with choosing to help the children through a tragedy of their own or going to see her husband. She also faces some shocking information. Together the family figures out what life is now going to look like. Author Gaines handles some very difficult situations in a caring way.
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Meredith has been forced from her home because she has no money to keep it up. She takes a job at a local mansion turned hotel. She relies on the Lord for guidance. She meets a retired captain who is a guest at the hotel. Meredith and Trevor grow closer together. The story ends with a very happy surprise. Life doesn’t always have a happily-ever-after ending, but I am glad author Johnson gave this story the ending she did.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
The Roylett family is in poverty but does have some richer connections. So, Caitriona tries her hand at finding a good husband during the London season. Unfortunately, her brother is accused of a crime and, by family association, all of Caitriona’s chances at a good match disappear.
Ewart is a bit of a recluse who, due to family circumstances, is raising his sister away from society. When his estranged mother demands he prepare his sister for entering society, a chance meeting brings Caitriona as a governess for his sister.
Between the two of them, mysteries are solved with the help of the help of the person who took over for Sherlock Holmes.
Both Ewart and Caitriona have wounds to heal and author Labonte guides them to that healing.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
This novella has several nods to classic literature and its authors which many readers will enjoy. The story is not without stress - a seemingly impossible task, letters coming from the past (who wrote them), being accused of stealing someone’s writing, and more. Leitch does a great job of moving the story forward and keeping the audience guessing as to who wrote the letters and how the story will turn out.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
We all have tragedy in our lives at some point. Main character Margaret seems to have more than her share, however. Just when it looks like she will see some dreams come true another tragedy occurs making those dreams move farther away. Author Mathews exhibits a strong leaning on the Lord in the midst of tragedy throughout this story.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind was “supposed to� marry the brother who died. Instead she marries the younger brother (whom she actually had a crush on as a child). But Matthias is different now, because of what he witnessed in the war. Author Roth does an excellent job of building the tension between Rosalind and Matthias and bringing that tension to a resolution.
Springtime in Surrey is a collection of novellas whose primary audience is adults. Because of a few scenes in the book I would recommend librarians read the book first to determine if it is appropriate for their audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Springtime in Surrey. This is my honest opinion.
August 1, 2023
Highest praise for this collection of novellas! Each one was wonderfully written! I loved all of the different time periods! The characters, oh my. Just fabulous! Each one touched my heart, and I became deeply invested in their stories. Many themes are brought up. Illness, handicaps, post-traumatic stress disorder. The best theme, though, is God's faithfulness! Faith and hope are intertwined into each story. It's so encouraging and uplifting! I will read these stories over and over!
I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 4, 2023
I loved this so much!!!
Review to come asap!
Review to come asap!
March 26, 2024
Unveiling Surrey's Secrets: A Journey Through Eight Novellas
Spring whispers through the pages of Springtime in Surrey, an anthology brimming with eight captivating novellas set in the idyllic English countryside. Each story, penned by a talented Christian fiction author, unveils a unique secret nestled within the charming villages and rolling hills of Surrey.
Unveiling Hidden Gems: This collection isn't a singular story, but a treasure chest overflowing with diverse gems. Uncover the unwavering spirit of a WWI nurse in "Jesus, I Am Resting" or witness the unexpected path to love in "The Cottage on the Hill." Craving a story closer to home? "If I Knew You Were Coming" explores the sacrifices and resilience of women during WWII.
Characters You'll Root For: The heart of each novella lies in its characters. From Elinor, the WWI nurse with a fierce compassion for orphans, to Jessamy, a contemporary woman discovering her voice in a quirky community, these characters become companions on your reading journey. Their struggles resonate, their triumphs inspire.
Faith as the Guiding Light: Like the warm sun on your face, a gentle current of faith flows through each story. Whether it's finding solace in prayer or trusting in God's guidance, these novellas offer a comforting reminder of hope and strength during life's challenges.
A Whisper of Caution: While suitable for most readers, a few stories touch on sensitive themes like war injuries and PTSD. One novella also features a brief, non-graphic intimate scene, making it more appropriate for readers 14 and older.
A Blossoming Read: Springtime in Surrey promises a delightful escape. Heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and a message of faith that takes root in your heart � all wrapped in the beauty of the English countryside. This diverse collection isn't just a book; it's a portal to a world where hope blooms alongside resilience, leaving you yearning to plant your own seeds of faith and watch them blossom long after the final page is turned.
I received a digital copy of Springtime in Surrey via Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Spring whispers through the pages of Springtime in Surrey, an anthology brimming with eight captivating novellas set in the idyllic English countryside. Each story, penned by a talented Christian fiction author, unveils a unique secret nestled within the charming villages and rolling hills of Surrey.
Unveiling Hidden Gems: This collection isn't a singular story, but a treasure chest overflowing with diverse gems. Uncover the unwavering spirit of a WWI nurse in "Jesus, I Am Resting" or witness the unexpected path to love in "The Cottage on the Hill." Craving a story closer to home? "If I Knew You Were Coming" explores the sacrifices and resilience of women during WWII.
Characters You'll Root For: The heart of each novella lies in its characters. From Elinor, the WWI nurse with a fierce compassion for orphans, to Jessamy, a contemporary woman discovering her voice in a quirky community, these characters become companions on your reading journey. Their struggles resonate, their triumphs inspire.
Faith as the Guiding Light: Like the warm sun on your face, a gentle current of faith flows through each story. Whether it's finding solace in prayer or trusting in God's guidance, these novellas offer a comforting reminder of hope and strength during life's challenges.
A Whisper of Caution: While suitable for most readers, a few stories touch on sensitive themes like war injuries and PTSD. One novella also features a brief, non-graphic intimate scene, making it more appropriate for readers 14 and older.
A Blossoming Read: Springtime in Surrey promises a delightful escape. Heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and a message of faith that takes root in your heart � all wrapped in the beauty of the English countryside. This diverse collection isn't just a book; it's a portal to a world where hope blooms alongside resilience, leaving you yearning to plant your own seeds of faith and watch them blossom long after the final page is turned.
I received a digital copy of Springtime in Surrey via Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
June 5, 2025
This was so heartwarming and cozy! I can definitely see myself rereading my favorite stories in the near future.
April 19, 2024
This is a collection of eight novels that all take place in Surrey, England in the beautiful time of rebirth, spring. Some are contemporary and others historical but each have women that have a relationship with God. Each story has something unique about it that draws you in, but my favorite is The Cottage on the Hill. I enjoyed that you could sit down read one story and then come back later and read another without having to devour it all at once. I think each person who reads this will find it enjoyable as there is something for all tastes in Christian fiction. A little romance, characters that deal with PTSD, a character with a disability, etc . I thought it was easy to read with stories that flowed and characters that were realistic.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
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