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?
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.
Comments