The January Bride by Deborah Raney

The January Bride by Deborah Raney

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser's 'pen pal' friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper---but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner---a man who's likely many years her senior---and who she's never even met.

Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she's far from being a prospective date---even if he were ready to date again, which he's not.

When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another's identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.

 

Here’s my review of this heartwarming novella:

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Deborah Raney and her publisher for sending me a copy of "The January Bride" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

In “The January Bride” by Deborah Raney, leading lady Maddie is proving that an author can’t write “anywhere”!  After giving up her loft in New York to stay in her sister’s home near their mother, Maddie learns that preparing a home to be sold is not a quiet, relaxing place to commit thoughts to paper.  So, at the urging of her thoughtful neighbor, Ginny, she uses a room at the former bed-and-breakfast as an office where her creative juices can flow.

Deborah Raney tells a beautiful story and gives insight into the craft of writing through her protagonist.  This novella is an engaging savor-this-in-one-sitting type of read.  Her characters are likable, she transports you to the musty Tudor with her narrative, and she grabs and keeps your attention as romance and plot twist together to create a surprising read that will make you smile.