Is it too soon to read Christmas fiction? Absolutely not! Especially when there’s a 3-novella collection of authors who continually deliver great mystery/suspense! The Last Noel features stories by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberly Woodhouse. All three have different styles, but the theme of forgiveness and the plot device of second chance at love tie them together in a complimentary way. I loved each unique voice. First up is Do You See What I See? by Hamaker. This novella is all about fast-paced suspense and dangerous situations! Main characters Oakleigh and Joseph never stopped loving each other. When Oakleigh and the two children of her best friend/foster sister are threatened, Joseph was the one to call. I loved the protective natures of both MCs and the lengths they went to protect the vulnerable. This novella examines foster care in a realistic manner. The second story is Do You Hear What I Hear? by Jayna Breigh. I have come to love Breigh’s characters through her full-length novels. This story doesn’t scrimp on developing MCs Elise and Jack. Their love is just waiting for forgiveness to uncover it. And you are going to love Elise’s grandmother! Breigh uses the woman to bring about the healing they both need. This one is more romantic mystery, than suspense. I love the legal drama foundation of this one. The magic of the holiday season as depicted in its Asheville, North Carolina setting is just what you want in a Christmas read. The third novel is Do You Know What I Know? by Kimberly Woodhouse. I loved that Woodhouse set this novella in both south Louisiana and Alaska. I have been to both places, and her descriptions brought my memories back. I also loved the food references and cooking scenes. This one is part Food Network competition and part Hallmark movie, with a good dose of serious bad guys. LOL. I rooted for Faith to heal from the betrayal that gutted her and reach out to love. Warning: you will be hungry after reading this book. Luckily there’s a link to great recipes!
As stated, forgiveness is the overarching theme in the novella collection. It’s really hard to give, but brings such freedom to the one who forgives. The Last Noel explores that through the varied stories in such a great way. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery/suspense and the Christmas season. 😉
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the ebook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
“Do You See What I See?” by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright’s estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
“Do You Know What I Know?” by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the “friendly” competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?
Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews.
Jayna Breigh is an award-winning writer of Romantic Legal Dramas – Suspenseful, Twist-Filled Mystery/Thrillers with Romance. She practiced “Big City Law” in Los Angeles for over a decade. Jayna loves funny, inspirational and painfully cute social media. The only real life drama allowed—British period pieces and games of Wordfeud.
Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers along their journey to publication. She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, and Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.
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