A January Bride by Deborah Raney Review

 

 Book Description

What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser's 'pen pal' friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper - but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner - a man who's likely many years her senior - and who she's never even met.

Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she's far from being a prospective date---even if he were ready to date again, which he's not.

When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another's identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.

My Thoughts on This Book:

 This is the second novella I've read from the Year of Weddings Series. I've truly enjoyed both of them and this series has become one of my favorites. Each story is written by a different author with a wedding as the focus behind the storyline. This story brought a smile to my face through each turn of the page. Reading Maddie's and Art's daily notes to each other without meeting was such a treat. Art's quirky little cat brought some charm to the storyline. Can you imagine using a home of someone you've never met, and making your own assumptions on who they are? That's what Madeleine did. Thinking he was older and a perfect, safe person to help her while writing her new novel. While Maddie's home was being renovated she needed somewhere quiet to write her upcoming novel. Her deadline fast approaching, Art, allows her to utilize his bed and breakfast while he's working as a professor at the university.

As we all know this is a story about weddings so the ending was a bit predictable but getting to it was worth the read. Full of fun, this quick read will keep you smiling all the way to the end!

I received a free download ebook copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given.