Niiki Lynn Barrett

Her Christmas Chance by Rachelle Ayala, A Christmas Snowstar by Nancy Radke & Paper Love: A Chicago Christmas by Aubrey Wynne

Her Christmas Chance -Rachelle Ayala

A lovely book of second chances & an unlikely romance from Rachelle Ayala. Bella is suffering from cerebral palsy & its complications. She has trouble walking & talking but wants to live her life without restrictions. Her family members smother her in affection & worry since they want her safe. She has a crush on Chance but doesn't think he'd ever have real feelings for her other than pity. Chance is an ex-con whose brother Lucky married Bella's twin sister, Tally. Chance is developing feelings for Bella but is sure she won't want to be with him if he tells her what he served time for. Can these two find their way to each other? Can their relationship survive?

This is another emotional book by Ms. Ayala. Both main characters have to find a way to realize they are worthy of love & trust in each other. Bella doesn't think anyone can see past her disabilities. Chance is afraid to open up to love because he doesn't feel he is lovable. I really enjoyed this quick read & would recommend it to anyone wanting a feel good romance.

A Christmas Snowstar - Nancy Radke

Widow Jacquie & her young son, Travis, go up into the mountains to cut a fresh Christmas tree. While they are there, they rescue a pregnant & laboring horse from wolves & end up getting caught with no time to get back to the ranch before a blizzard hits. Should they leave the horse & try to make it back or stay put? Can they survive?

This was a very good story of new beginnings, romance & survival. The characters are down to earth & likable. The author's narrative was descriptive & brought each scene clearly in your mind. Very pleasant quick read & a good addition to the set.

Paper Love: A Chicago Christmas - Aubrey Wynne

Joss is mourning both her mother & her previous life as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. She has been strong for both her father & her sister but she's lost her own way. She is substitute teaching & her best friend at the school, Becky, encourages her to come to a singles night & begin to socialize. Becky's brother Ben meets Joss & is interested in her. However, Joss investigates him on social media & thinks he's a player. She's already been cheated on once & doesn't want to take that chance again. Is Ben really a player? Can Joss get by her misgivings? Will Joss stay in the US or go back?

This is a wonderful story of the journey Joss has to take to find her way. She has to begin to trust herself & God in order to find her path to her future. As she begins her friendship with Ben, you see her character begin to come out of her shell, much like the turtles her mother loved. Ben has to realize that the things that matter don't just drop into your life, you really have to work for them. The biggest lesson he seemed to learn was about appearances & perceptions & how they can work against you. Wonderful story & a lovely book to read! Enjoyed it immensely.

I received an ARC for each of these stories from the authors in exchange for an honest opinion.… (más)

Unexpected Gift by Chantel Rhondeau: A love at first sight story, this Novella follows Dani, Cali's (from CPaK1) cousin. It's a heartwarming, cozy read, perfect for curling up next to a fireplace. Its the story of Christmas magic trumping the hurt cynicism of a broken heart.
*****
Her Christmas Chance by Rachelle Ayala: As a woman born with mild CP, after nearly strangling on the umbilical cord of her twin, Bella has been sheltered and pandered to her whole life. She has always felt like less of a person. Chance makes her feel whole, and the struggle of these two people, to make a life for themselves, is poignant and emotional. grab a tissue before you curl up with this excellent story.
*****… (más)