A Very Merry Mystery: Colleen Coble’s Short Stories

 I adored this! So cute!! I knew these two novellas wouldn’t last me long, but I really enjoyed getting a taste of two different sceneries where some of Colleen Coble’s series take place! 🤠🏝️ *the emojis make sense with the book*

I just love Coble’s writing, and view her as an impressive author. I mean, the way she developed a heartwarming romance and exciting mystery in a couple chapters, as well as keep it realistically entertaining and still wrap it up conclusively? Definitely five stars in my book! In my experience with novellas and short stories (which is not a WHOLE lot, but still), the biggest struggle seems to be crafting a believable mini-plot with a conflict that can be resolved within a matter of pages, and well done. With Coble’s romantic suspense genre, the part that catches my praise is how the author makes “love at first sight” seem reasonable in such a real way, where it could actually happen. It’s not fake, is what I am trying to say. She avoids the tough cliches of storytelling. And it’s worth some attention! 👏🏻📚👩‍💻 Oh, and there’s discussion questions🤗

Short personal review of both stories…

🎄All Is Calm — Featured at the welcoming and restorative Bluebird Ranch in Texas, this sweet story intrigues you from the start. She’s got a quiet, mysterious past that she runs from, and he doesn’t know whether to trust his instincts or his thoughts that have been ingrained by his career path. Both in need of healing and resetting. I loved this one, it was so wholesome and funny. With a major threat pressing down, the story could go either way. Nothing better than a man who’s willing to step away from the world and follow God’s calling to protect a woman who’s being pursued by evildoers, right ladies? 😉🫶 Plus, it’s Christmastime! 🎁🎄

🎄All Is Bright — Switching gears, it’s Christmas at the Outer Banks! Alright, I gotta admit, this one what my fave. The humor is unmatched, the romantic tension (in the sweetest, most longing way) is to die for, all wrapped up in holiday chaos and a nerve-rattling mystery! Both considered out of each other’s leagues, and both too hesitant to make the first move. When circumstances force them to get to know each other, they find the risk might just be worth taking. If one of them isn’t killed first. This right here is why I don’t read spice, because who needs that temporary junk when you have a beautiful, heart-filled, long-lasting love? 💗 seriously, go pick this up, at least for next winter season!

Overall, a gorgeous 5 star two-pack novella! And now i need to start the Hope Beach and Lonestar series… ta-ta for now!