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

Review: Shadow Light - Light Rising #1

This is the book that I was eager to reread as soon as I received the ARC. Shadow Light by Ivy Emerson is worth dropping everything for in order to meet Declan Cole and Tessa Lockwood in London, England. Honestly, this is Christian fiction that you'll want to have waiting for you as I cannot say enough good things about it (I mean, look at that cover!). Make sure you catch it as it releases on February 1, 2026! Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis I only ever wanted to stay in control. Run my security firm. Find the truth about the past I can’t forget. I told myself feelings don’t belong in this job— until she hired me. I only ever wanted to help people. Start over. Prove I could stand on my own again. I was in my brave-face, teach-myself-to-knit, can-do-anything season— until he walked back into my life. The shadows are closing in, dragging the past with them. But the truth we u...

Review: Christmas in the Castle Library - In the Castle Library #1

I am so grateful to have been gifted the In the Castle series based on a dear friend knowing my exact reading tastes. As a result, I'm not surprised that I absolutely fall in love with Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell . Christian fiction that has eternal meaning and clearly points to the Gospel through an immersive story centred on following Jesus Christ—what more could I ask for? 😊 Book Synopsis Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost ...

Review: Slow Theology

It's not often that I'll reread a book within the same week, making Slow Theology by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K. Gupta a new favourite for me. It's the exact pace I needed this season, where there's enough thoughtful content to chew on while providing broad encouragement to seek God more closely. Many thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Why slowing down is the secret to spiritual strength In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God's voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth. A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta offer a practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship. Addressing spiritual deconstruction and doubt with honesty, they show how to fortify your faith against cultural challenges through eight transforma...