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

All the Cheese

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Review: The Maker of the Mountain

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Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...