A novella is not an easy task to undertake, but that is what
all three authors did in WILD WEST CHRISTMAS: A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER/DANCE
WITH A COWBOY/CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER (HARLEQUIN HISTORICAL)
A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER by JENNA KERNAN
Dillen Roach did just fine by himself. Well, fine might be stretching it...just a bit. When he sent off a message to two different parties, he is shocked when he discover he sent them to the wrong individuals.
Alice Truett is given a mission. A mission that seems to be
a misunderstanding. One that just may lead to something she never expected.
DANCE WITH A COWBOY by KATHRYN ALBRIGHT
Truth be told, DANCE WITH A COWBOY by KATHRYN ALBRIGHT is
why I wanted to read WILD
WEST CHRISTMAS. I’ve previously read her books and loved them. THE ANGEL AND
THE OUTLAW still holds a warm spot in my heart. MS ALBRIGHT is truly a gifted
storyteller.
This
is the first I have read of MS ALBRIGHT’S books that is not of Christian genre,
and I have to be honest, I was a little surprised and worried. Especially when
the first story in WILD WEST CHRISTMAS has cuss words on the first pages.
I soon
realized my fears were unfounded. MS ALBRIGHT may have not woven in faith
elements, but she also didn’t weave in anything that a Christian would find
offense, or in question. For that, I applaud her. It is my belief that all
authors could do the same.
Kathleen
Sheridan is hesitant to see her in-laws. After all, the last time she saw them,
they weren’t very welcoming.
Garrett Sheridan is on edge at that thought of seeing his brother’s wife. What was she up to, moving back to their little community? Even more perplexing, why hadn’t she come to visit his family?
CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER by LYNNA BANNING
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything by LYNNA
BANNING, and I am terribly sadden to say that it will probably be the last. Not
because is wasn’t good. No, just the opposite. It was amazing. What will keep
me from purchasing her books in the future is the reason content.
I was shocked to see the word “Lord” and cuss words within
the same pages. However, I do appreciate that she didn’t use foul language I loathe
and that makes me cringe. The sexual content was far from the most explicit I’ve
read, but I could have certainly done without it.
Gale McBurney is a private man. A man with secrets he keeps
to himself. When he encounters the lovely Lilah Cornwell, all his plans to live
alone is blow to the wind.
Lilah Cornwell, shy around others, likes to keep to herself.
She does fine with her writing, and the flowers she loves to grow. When a
handsome cowboy arrives at her door, offering to fix and paint her picket
fence, she can’t decided if she loathes or likes the man.
MS BANNING is an amazing writer. I was blown away with the
unique – at least to me – format she chose to write in. I have read first
person, but I don’t recall ever reading first person in what I like to call “Cowboy”
stories. It isn’t just the fact that she wrote in first person that makes her writing
original. It’s the way she went about it. I loved that she started a new
chapter with each person/point of view. The way she wrote, it was as if you are
reading a personal journal, which was quite fascinating.
LYNNA BANNING spun together a complete story. Something not
many authors are capable of doing in so few words. Truly amazing. Any author wanting
to know what it takes to create a great novella, I’d urge you to read and study
what MS BANNING has done in CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER. She has captured what it
takes to write a complete and satisfying short story. Too often, they will
start out fine, but soon turn into a rush of drama, action, and words. Often
leaving you questioning the believability and feeling unsatisfied.
Now if only MS BANNING would try her hand at Christina
fiction, I’d have a new favorite author. At the very least, keep all the foul language
and sexual content out, and I’d be sure to purchase each she wrote.
*Please see my profile for more information on this review.
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