“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” — Dale Evans
A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for Blue River, Oregon—her childhood home and a vault of tender memories. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when she’s left stranded in the mountains’ vast, untamed wilderness. Desperate and alone, she seeks shelter at a cottage and finds herself in the arms of a mysterious stranger.
Dr. David Drake was once a renowned cardiovascular surgeon. But a devastating tragedy has left him scarred both inside and out, unable to use his hands to operate again. For the past five years, his Blue River cottage has been his sole escape—a safe haven where he can shut out the world, bury himself in his grief, and reunite with his son’s memory.
Together they are summer and winter. Fire and ice. And yet a poignant connection forms between them. Jeseca awakens David and thaws his heart with a romance hot enough to melt snow. But before David and Jeseca can fully embrace each other, they must wade through darkness and confront the ghosts of their pasts …
Equal parts steamy and heartfelt, A Kindled Winter brings the spirit of the holidays to life with a passionate story of second chances and healing love.
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”
A Kindled Winter is a short story of two people who find love in unexpected circumstances.
On her way to visit her mother for Christmas in Blue River, Oregon, Jeseca Reed stumbles upon Dr. David Drake, a damaged man who lives his life surrounded by loneliness.
The two of them come from different worlds: after he lost his beloved family and the job he dedicated himself to, David got used to being withdrawn, guarded and being away from people. On the other hand, Jeseca is his opposite: she comes from a big city, she’s surrounded by people every day, she’s full of life.
But the one thing they have in common is that both of them lost the people they had loved.
“Ever since the accident, he’d distanced himself from humanity—and rightfully so. He’d found a fragile contentment within his self-imposed solitude—and, in an unexpected twist of fate, Jeseca Reed was changing everything.”
I think that the author proved she can write contemporary romance as well as she does historical romance. Given the fact that the story is short, she kept it simple and very easy to follow. She focuses on the two characters and how their relationship develops: from two complete strangers, their relationship grows in just a matter of days.
“Then David surprised himself and flashed her a genuine smile. It was the first smile he’d gifted anyone since the accident, and he momentarily felt his heart open to this strange woman.”
One thing I liked was the strong connection between Jeseca and David. She is capable to make him open up to her and confront his past, and realize that he may have a second chance at love and happiness after all.
“Suddenly, David was struck with a ridiculous thought. He yearned to wrench away those hideous glasses, press his lips against the smooth patch of skin between her brows and inhale her lemony scent…
I’ve been alone far too long…”
I think the message the author transmits is that everyone should be given a second chance, because these are rare and we should take the opportunity to right things whenever they go wrong.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a well-written novel or just a short story based on the things that really matter in life.
I live in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, my goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of eleven years. I enjoy writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.
Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been my passion for longer than I can remember. Before learning how to read or write, I would dictate stories while my mom would jot them down for me. I hold a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, I ensure every character is given a soul.
I endeavor to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes my stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.
My dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through my words. ♥
2 comments:
Wow! Thank you so much for reading and the beautiful review! <3 <3 <3
My pleasure! I'm glad you enjoyed it! <3 :)
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