Review: Originally Yours

Originally Yours book cover on blue background

I have such a soft spot for novellas. In between longer books, they're perfectly-sized stories that I can get into, and depending on how well they're written, read through in almost no time. With Christmas coming up in just a little over two months, I thought that Carolyn Miller's short story (available for free to newsletter subscribers) would be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Book Synopsis

Two opposites discover they have more in common than they realize at Christmas...

Gloria Wilcox is getting ready to leave her small Wisconsin town and return home for Christmas—and all the family drama there. Her best friend's recent interest in handsome-but-sports-mad Josiah Abrahams doesn't bother her. At all.

But when time spent together proves that Josiah is much nicer than she's always assumed, Gloria has to protect her own heart, as well as her friend's. Besides, everyone knows that opposites can attract, but whether they can last is another story.

As a snowstorm threatens their Christmas plans, these two find more in common than they realize. Perhaps they can find magic under the mistletoe after all...

Source: BookFunnel

Book Thoughts

It's not often that I read a novella that leaves such a big impression, as Originally Yours did. This could be due to Gloria and Josiah attending Bible college, or it could be that their sweet and charming story fits the bill for Christmas romance. It could also be that Carolyn Miller completely captures the joy and wonder of first relationships along with the turbulent emotions of crushes. I also think it's the sincerity of her characters and how well they demonstrate their faith. As a Bible college graduate, I can see Gloria and Josiah reflected in my former classmates, which makes their story all the more heartwarming, especially given that their story takes place around the same time.

If this book is the prequel to the Original Six Hockey Romance series, then I know that I am in for a treat. I love that within this short story, it felt like the characters were fully fleshed out and that it left you wanting more. A few Australian-isms in the book reminded me that the author is not from North America, which means that she has the incredible ability to write in any number of settings. This adorable opposites-attract story has me excited for what's next and whether I will get to see Gloria and Josiah again!

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 Christian Publishers B&H Publishing Group Previously offered the B&H/Lifeway Blogger program which has since closed Availability: Professors and instructors Link: B&H Academic Book Requests Baker Publishing Group Availability: U.S. and Canadian residents Genre: Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction Imprints: Bet...

Review: The Good Gift of Weakness

I am so glad that the author reached out to me about The Good Gift of Weakness: God's Strength Made Perfect in the Story of Redemption as it was exactly the book that I needed to read in this season of my life. Many thanks to Harvest House Publishers and Eric Schumacher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis This overview of the theme of weakness in the Bible offers readers practical encouragement and hope as they learn to view their frailties as part of God’s plan and purpose for their lives. Our culture deifies strength―and sadly, the church does too. Who has the most successful ministry, the largest congregation, or the godliest family? Our misplaced faith in human strength is a false hope with no basis in Scripture. But a closer look throughout the Bible reveals the central role human frailty plays in the redemption story. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s power is made perfect when peo...

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, y...