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The Christmas Miracle
The Christmas Miracle follows Peter Travis, a man marked by grief yet blessed with resilience, who navigates a life shaped by loss, love, and small miracles. He runs Briana’s Bistro, a place that holds both memories of a past love and the heartbeat of his present family. Through tender moments with his wife Laura and their children, strained encounters with troubling figures like Stephen Hobbs, and the unexpected bond with a boy named Terry, Peter’s world becomes a tapestry of sorrow, second chances, and quiet redemption. At its heart, the book reflects on love’s endurance in the face of tragedy, and how the spirit of Christmas can illuminate even the darkest corners of life.
I found myself moved by the writing. Barbara Avon’s style has a rhythm that feels both intimate and unpolished in the best way. She doesn’t shy away from heavy emotion, and the words carry raw honesty. Sometimes the prose wanders, slipping into almost dreamlike passages, and while that can slow the pace, it also makes the story feel authentic. I felt like I was sitting at Peter’s kitchen table listening to him unspool his life, full of regrets and blessings tangled together. There were moments I had to pause, the weight of grief so vividly drawn that it pressed on my chest. Yet the warmth of family and the small, ordinary joys gave the story its balance.
What lingered most for me was the way the book treats memory. Ghosts of the past aren’t just haunting, they’re guiding, shaping how Peter learns to love again. I liked how the bistro itself became a character, almost a shrine, where the past and present collided. At times, the melodrama was heavy, but I couldn’t deny how much I cared about these characters. Their flaws, their resilience, their hunger for meaning, all of it struck a chord. The dialogue, especially between Peter and Laura, felt tender and believable. And the introduction of Terry added a fresh spark, a reminder of hope in unlikely places.
This isn’t a story of neat resolutions. It’s a reminder that miracles don’t erase pain, they stand alongside it. I’d recommend The Christmas Miracle to readers who want a heartfelt, emotional ride, especially those drawn to family dramas and holiday tales with depth. It’s not a light read, but it’s one that leaves you holding tighter to the people you love, and maybe seeing the season with softer eyes.
Pages: 199 | ASIN : B08BN6LY9X
What May Lie Ahead
Life and Love on Mouse Island follows a 61-year-old New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island, leading her to sell her NYC home and move where she goes on a journey of rediscovery, connection, and an adventure starting life over. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Over the years, I have visited a number of islands both here and abroad. All seem to share certain qualities in common: a powerful sense of community, self-sufficiency, and strength that I find very appealing. That kind of interaction and interdependency enables people to reach out and count on each other to a degree that living in a large metropolitan area often doesn’t provide.
I knew I wanted to write a book for older women. Too often I have found romance novels focus on younger women in their 20s or 30s at the beginning of their lives. I wanted to focus on mature, grown-up women who had been through a variety of life experiences but were still looking forward to what may lie ahead.
My story ideas come from a number of different places. I have a varied work history (TV/radio producer, talk show host, writer/photographer, stand-up comedian) that comes in handy for background information.
My experiences help to add depth to my characters. In addition, I am an avid dog-lover and have worked with rescue and service dogs. So, dogs always play a role in my books.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
I really enjoy writing dialogue for my characters. It helps to define who they are and I relish the free-flowing interactions. Writing dialog can be both challenging and exciting as the characters’ voices can lead you in different directions you never expected.
Occasionally, a character will wander off track and I have to round them up and bring them back into the story. When that happens, the result can be fresh and fun. I generally keep to an outline I have in my head about what the theme of the book is going to be and who’s going to do what. When I am trying to plot a scene, especially a pivotal one, I sometimes daydream about it like a short film. I take a walk, a nap, or listen to music and let my mind wander. If I have trouble with an opening sentence and it is not perfect I insert a basic line, what I consider a spacer sentence. And come back to it when I have a better feel for it.
Probably the biggest source of questions that I ask myself when I’m writing is, “Is this authentic? Is this true?” The authenticity of the characters and of their voices and how they interact with each other is vitally important to me. I will often read sequences aloud to make sure that they sound the right note.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
My next book which I’m getting ready to start will be a sequel to this one and will focus on many of the characters that are featured in Life and Love on Mouse Island.
One of the main characters in the upcoming book will have Parkinson’s. I myself have Parkinson’s. It was diagnosed over 17 years ago. I want to focus on people living fulfilling lives regardless of the challenges they face.
Taking emotional risks when you are older feels scarier and more vulnerable than when you are in your twenties. Yet the rewards can be so much stronger and richer. It is well worth the risk especially when love enters the picture.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
That’s what sixty-one-year-old Isabel wants to know. A lifelong introvert, she gets the shock of her life when a woman she has never met leaves her a house. After a lifetime plagued by anxieties and worry, Isabel decides to take a leap of faith, sells everything, and moves from NYC to Mouse Island.
There are difficulties along the way. But with the help of new friends and a three-legged rescue dog, she begins to get in touch with an inner strength she didn’t know she had. Then there’s the question of who left her the house… the answer to that mystery may be hidden within the house she has come to know and love. And speaking of love…along the way, Isabel meets a man who could well be the love of her life.
Fall in love with Mouse Island.
Life and Love on Mouse Island
Life and Love on Mouse Island is a heartwarming tale about Isabel Flynn, a sixty-something New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Looking to start over after a long career in the city, Isabel arrives on Mouse Island only to be immediately challenged by everything from the rough sea journey to a crumbling front step and, eventually, a three-legged rescue dog. What unfolds is a story of rediscovery, connection, and the often messy but beautiful process of building a new life from the ground up.
Jannette’s writing is clear and inviting, with a warm tone that wraps around you like a knitted scarf on a cold morning. Isabel isn’t some glamorous heroine; she’s real. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, stubborn, messy. And yet, that’s what makes her so relatable. There were moments that made me laugh—especially her battle with an ancient toaster oven—and others that genuinely moved me. Watching Isabel slowly open up, face her fears, and grow into someone more courageous and whole was a journey that felt both authentic and uplifting. I found myself rooting for her the whole way.
But what really hit me hard was the quiet beauty of the relationships. They sneak up on you. A helpful handyman with unexpected depth. A mysterious artist with green eyes and a past. And of course, Sadie, the injured puppy who becomes the heart of the story. These characters aren’t flashy or overly dramatic, they’re gentle, flawed, and kind. And that’s exactly why it works. It feels like real life. Honest, complicated, and occasionally magical.
If you’re someone who’s ever thought about starting over or needed a nudge to believe you could, Life and Love on Mouse Island will speak to you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, character-driven fiction with a touch of humor and heart. I’d especially recommend it to fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or The Shell Seekers. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to make a new beginning, fall in love, or rescue a dog, or maybe even yourself.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0F6T924SK
Runaway Train: The Story of a Lapsed Salvation Army Girl Who Found True Love With an Alcoholic Street Kid
Runaway Train is a poignant and unfiltered memoir about Krista Cambers’s life journey through trauma, faith, and love, culminating in her relationship with Mark, a troubled but kind-hearted man grappling with addiction. The book takes readers from Krista’s unconventional childhood in Newfoundland to her turbulent adult relationships, and ultimately to her transformative bond with Mark. Along the way, it delves into addiction, redemption, and the human need for connection. This raw and honest narrative provides a vivid picture of life on the fringes and the resilience of love amidst chaos.
Krista’s writing is deeply personal, with a conversational tone that pulls you in like an old friend sharing their story. One of the book’s strengths is its openness. Krista doesn’t shy away from sharing her darkest moments. Her anecdotes, like the Christmas light debacle as a child or her tumultuous first marriage, are peppered with humor and heartbreak, creating a relatable and engaging narrative. The rawness of her struggles, like dealing with abusive relationships and her attempts to reconcile with her faith, makes her story resonate. A particularly striking moment is when she candidly recounts holding Mark’s hand during his final days, despite the wreckage of their shared past. This authenticity made the book hit home emotionally for me.
Mark’s story, interwoven with Krista’s, is equally compelling. His escapades, from panhandling and hopping trains to dealing with addiction, are vividly described, creating a portrait of a man both lost and deeply human. One standout moment is Mark’s recollection of his first train ride, filled with adrenaline and the allure of freedom, contrasted later with his battle against alcoholism. These moments reveal the fragility and depth of his character.
At times, the writing revisits similar themes, particularly around addiction and societal judgment. While these points are essential and thought-provoking, a slightly tighter focus could have helped keep the narrative’s momentum flowing. The memoir’s structure, shifting between Krista and Mark’s perspectives, occasionally feels a bit uneven, but this approach also reflects the complexity and rawness of their intertwined stories. These things mirror the messy realities the book portrays and may even enhance its authenticity for some readers.
Runaway Train is an emotional rollercoaster, offering a raw look at addiction, love, and redemption. Krista’s unwavering honesty and her ability to find light in dark places make this a compelling read. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate memoirs that tackle difficult subjects with sincerity and heart. Those interested in stories of resilience, unconventional love, and the human condition will find much to admire here.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B0DG8Q5HNW
Gray Divorce
The Scarlet D follows a recently divorced woman who travels across the country to start a new life in South Carolina. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long Enough to Love You (a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner) was my last book. It delves into a marriage ending on a raw and emotional level and introduces love later in life. I heard a common theme from readers: there are not enough stories about “older” women protagonists writing their own narratives in life and love. The Scarlet D continues that theme but on a lighter note. She’s a woman wanting a fresh start in life even though conventional wisdom and societal stereotypes would say she’s too old and should be grateful for her life. Moving across the country was symbolic of owning her destiny. She’s also different in that she’s the anti-woman scorned. So often, women are portrayed as victims. She isn’t and refuses to wear the label. It’s a lighter telling of love, sex, desire, and finding a place to call yours.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters and their experiences?
Of course, there is! I was going through a divorce when I started writing it and was a divorcee when I finished it. The feelings and emotions are real for me. I discovered love again along the way, too. I was able to take snippets of my old life and parts of my new life, sometimes giving voice or perspective to situations. But really, these are entirely fabricated characters with morsels of my own life baked in. It is fun to have people ask what parts are real or not!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The myth that we roll over and die in our fifties is so wrong! Gray divorce is front and center. Women are taking ownership of their lives. They are open to doing scary things like starting over on their own after marriages that lasted decades. We are allowed to challenge societal stereotypes and norms. Friendships are different as we age. Finding new friends is a challenging task. Scarlet is often uncomfortable in her own skin and finds herself in some awkward predicaments but finds a way to rise above it all. She is writing her own narrative, and that is huge! Everyone will not agree with how she does it, but we all have a path, and recognizing we have choices in the road we travel is a pivotal theme. I love being this age, knowing what I want and what I need, and no longer having to pretend to fit some mold. It’s liberating to come-of-middle-age!
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have several books in the concept phase. I have considered making The Scarlet D a series. Some fun, quirky characters deserve their own stories. I know I should stay true to one genre, but I have too many stories to tell. I will likely write historical fiction based on my uncle’s family memoir next. My mom is German and their family story is remarkable. She is in her eighties now, and I’d like for her to be able to read it. The story is of a boy who turned ten on the day World War II ended. I look forward to having the creative license to write that story.
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Who said starting over in your fifties wasn’t complicated?
Fueled by the unrealistic expectations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels, Scarlet sets her sights on South Carolina as the backdrop for her new beginning. After a thirty-year marriage, divorce offers her a chance to start over, far from the reminders of a past life.
Scarlet begins life on Sullivan’s Island, seeking like-minded women as she joins a divorced women’s book club. She finds herself in a world of unexpected complexities. When she reveals her past, judgment is harsh.
On Sullivan’s Island, Scarlet’s dormant desires are awakened as she meets Ben, an attractive younger man. However, a chance encounter with the self-assured, age-appropriate Beau opens her heart to the possibility of love. But will the unexpected arrival of the man who nearly broke her make her reconsider her choices?
As Scarlet settles into her new life, she dissects her past, embraces second chances, and finds herself open to the complications of starting over in her fifties.
From award-winning author Kirsten Pursell, follow Scarlet as she navigates self-discovery, love, and friendship later in life in this coming-of-middle-age romance.
The Scarlet D
The Scarlet D, by Kirsten Pursell, is an uplifting story of rediscovery and second-chance romance. Recently divorced after a 30-year marriage, Scarlet, the main character, embarks on a cross-country journey to start over and find herself anew. Reflecting on her past while traveling to her new home on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, Scarlet arrives ready to build a fresh chapter. She quickly settles into her new life, meeting new friends along the way, including Missy, who has a similar divorce story, and two intriguing love interests, Ben and Beau. Watching Scarlet navigate love and friendship in a new town made for an enjoyable, heartfelt journey.
Pursell does an exceptional job of crafting a story filled with unexpected twists and relatable characters, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Each character serves a unique purpose, making every interaction feel meaningful, with no filler personalities or unnecessary subplots. The novel beautifully captures Scarlet’s exploration of her past, balanced with her drive to embrace her future. This journey of reinvention is both inspiring and relatable, especially for readers who have experienced fresh starts in their own lives. Scarlet’s determination to live authentically and fully, without settling for a life of mere contentment, is powerful and inspiring.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was how Pursell wrote Scarlet as a strong, mature character who knows what she wants and refuses to compromise her happiness. There’s a refreshing message here for women of all ages: that love and fulfillment can blossom at any stage in life. Scarlet’s strength and resilience make her a truly admirable protagonist. The only element I found a bit far-fetched was the storyline involving Ben and Beau. Their circumstances occasionally stretched believability, which slightly detracted from the grounded realism of Scarlet’s journey.
The Scarlet D is an inspiring read, especially for women navigating new beginnings. Pursell’s storytelling is both entertaining and uplifting, creating a romance that highlights the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the excitement of finding love on one’s own terms. This novel is a must-read for anyone embracing change and open to the endless possibilities that come with it.
Pages: 218 | ISBN : 978-1737770589
The New Tenant
Despite entering the world of affluence through marriage, Angela, now a recent widow, finds herself in a dilapidated boarding house, subsisting on a meager stipend after being inexplicably omitted from her husband’s will. Feeling forsaken and disillusioned, she resigns herself to a subdued life until fate introduces her to a man named Jack Ford. Although initially disconcerted by Jack’s buoyant demeanor, she gradually yields to his genuine goodwill, marking the inception of an unlikely yet heartening friendship. Excitement for newfound possibilities brims in Angela’s heart, yet a mystery surrounds Jack; he has come to town with a concealed intent, oblivious to the significant implications it will have for numerous lives.
In Allison G. Smith’s compelling debut novel, The New Tenant, readers are ushered into Angela’s world—a working-class woman who climbs the social ladder only to find herself mourning not just the loss of her husband but the financial stability she once had. Smith artfully sketches Angela as a woman of ability and resilience who has nonetheless lost her zest for life, traversing her days in solitary contemplation in quest of meaning.
While Angela’s character is sympathetically portrayed, the novel could potentially be enriched by an augmented first act. Angela’s introduction to Jack, the pivotal character who redirects the course of her life, occurs within the first two pages. A more extensive exploration of her life prior to this encounter could render her persona more multifaceted and engaging.
However, where the story may fall slightly short in its initial setup, it compensates with a rich emotional core. The burgeoning romance is handled with a tender touch, and the affections among the secondary characters add a wholesome dimension to the narrative.
Though The New Tenant is relatively concise, some may argue that this brevity might be detrimental. A more detailed unfolding of the plot would allow readers to savor the enchanting romance blossoming between Angela and Jack, capturing the essence of a cozy, small-town love story that the author appears to aspire to create.
The New Tenant is an endearing tale of resilience, renewal, and romance. Its charm is found in its warm characters and sweet relationships. It is a promising start for Allison G. Smith, illustrating a story that is both short and sweet and leaves room for exploration and enhancement.
Pages: 157 | ASIN : B0C3WFB3V5
Second Chance -The Adventures of Gianni & Pepina
Dr. Gianni Pisano, a once up-and-coming medical doctor, finds himself in South France years later, succumbing to his vices. Embracing a life full of drugs and alcohol, he is adamant in making sure that his troubles are always out of his mind, particularly his wife’s tragic death a few years past. During his isolation, he meets Pepina Soler, a Catalonian woman that may just be his saving grace. As the two bond over what the south of France has to offer — food, nature, and art — they also learn a thing or two about life, love, and the second chances they offer.
Second Chance – The Adventures of Gianni & Pepina, by Giuseppe Scarpine, is a captivating story that will leave you longing for a summer getaway in rural France, all while contemplating universal questions we have asked ourselves for a long time. Combined with humorous lines and scenes here and there, this book keeps the feeling of its readers light as they look forward to the two characters’ next adventures in the coming pages.
For a person living in the city, a book set in an entirely different place was something I eagerly welcomed, and the author’s detailed explanation of the surroundings helped build my imagination. In a way, South France’s comfort to its citizens and tourists extended to its audience. Furthermore, the large number of characters was given an equal place in the story, for each contributed in one way or another. While some scenes are more memorable than others, the flow of the story made sense in such a way that despite the beauty and comedy of the book, its thought-provoking aspects will surely leave a reader’s mind creating questions and answers simultaneously. By the end of the story, not everything was answered, opening the events up for another book, but it still felt as if the events had a full-circle moment, leaving me with a smile on my face as I finally turned the last page.
This is highly recommended for anyone interested in reading about soul searching, travel, and lifestyle. The comedic approach will also serve as a great pull to potential readers since reading books about the said categories can sometimes be too focused on giving tips and advice. Second Chance – The Adventures of Gianni & Pepina can also be read by those in their 50s or older, for the characters will resonate with them and might give these readers inspiration to take on new adventures without the hindrance of age.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B09952D5FJ
