This was my first time reading Colleen Coble’s work. I can see why she has so many reading fans. 😉 I’m really curious now to get my hands on a full-length novel of hers. These two Christmas novellas made the perfect holiday bundle. They were both light and entertaining reads, just perfect for a cozy night by the fire. I read the entire book in one night!
All is Calm was intriguing from the start and sweetly romantic. I liked several of the characters, especially Brendan. 😉 I loved the idea of a ranch pairing abused children with horses. What a neat concept! I didn’t see some twists coming and I applaud the author for how she pieced it all together. Christmas was a tiny backdrop for the story, but it fit nicely.
All is Bright felt a bit more mysterious to me. It started off with a dramatic entrance and caught my attention. I flew through the pages to uncover the secrets. The suspense felt just right. I’m really becoming a fan of this genre! 😉 Delilah was a likeable character, very sweet and considerate of others. I didn’t quite connect with her and Tom as much as I did the previous couple, but I was still rooting for them to reach their “Happily-Ever-After”.
For me, sometimes a “light read” means a sweet and simple story that’s easy to read, but lacks a certain depth. Those stories aren’t necessarily bad. Each story has its place. But this Christmas collection was much more. It was short and sweet, but it still offered a believable romance and intriguing plot, even with less pages to deliver the tale.
I do prefer full-length novels, but this novella collection was enjoyable and certainly showed me the quality of the writer. I will be watching for more of her stories!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and the TNZ Fiction Guild for my copy of “All is Calm, All is Bright”. Also, I want to thank BookLook Bloggers for a copy of “All is Bright”. 😉
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
All Is Calm
It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.
Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury.
Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.
All Is Bright
A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?
As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks.
Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day.
It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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If you missed my recent chat with Colleen, you can still read the interview here…
Savanna, thank you for your wonderful review! I’ve not yet read Colleen’s books. I must change that soon! 😉
Yes, definitely grab a book of Colleen’s when you get the chance, Caryl. I know you’d enjoy her stories! 😉
Colleen has written some excellent books. I look forward to reading more of them.
Hi Edward! Thanks for reading my review. I know I’m looking forward to reading more of hers. 🙂 Have a great week!
Oh Savanna, you simply MUST read her other books!! I LOVED her Rock Harbor Mysteries, she keeps you up late at night and turning pages faster than Superman…..lol!! I didn’t want the series to end. Yes, they’re in they suspense category, but she pulls it off so well, it keeps you on the edge but yet grounded in all the action. I can’t recommend her enough. I’ll be checking out some more of her books soon, she’s one of my newest “favorite” Christian suspense authors 🙂
Awesome, Trixi! I’m sure if you love her other books, I know I will! 😉 So glad you stopped by, my friend. What are you reading right now?
I’m reading an ARC of Jessica Patch’s “Fatal Reunion”. She just signed with Love Inspired Suspense and since I have been on her street team, I’m helping to promote it as well. She does have other books too, but I’m so excited that she has the opportunity to publish with LI!! I’m celebrating right along with her. 🙂 I don’t remember how many books she’s contracted for (3?) but so far I am enjoying the one I’m reading. Love Inspired are my go-to books and I have at least 200 on my shelf…all genres. Historical & Suspense vie for first place, such wonderful authors and stories. You might check them out sometime, if you are so inclined 🙂 I know like me, Historical are your top reads and there are MANY LIH books/authors to choose from 🙂
Blessings, Savanna!
Sounds good, Trixi. 😉 I LOVE historicals! Isn’t it fun to be on authors’ street teams? Keep reading, my friend! I know you’re an encouragement and support to many. 🙂
Aren’t novellas great? One reason I enjoy novellas is because I would like to get a “taste” of an author’s style. I’m glad you have now added Colleen’s
name to your “authors to look out for” mix. 🙂 I haven’t read All is Calm, All is Bright yet, so looking forward to it too!
You’re absolutely right, Annie! Novellas are really starting to grow on me. 😉 Thanks for visiting! I hope you get to read this Christmas collection soon.