Appalachian Serenade (Ebook Shorts) (Appalachian Blessings): A Novella - eBook

Appalachian Serenade is a pre-qual to another book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, A Miracle in a Dry Season, that I have read and reviewed earlier this year. In the novella, you meet Perla Long when she's only fifteen and Casewell Phillips as a young man. The main characters in this short story are Robert Thornton and Delilah Morrissey.

Delilah and her sister Charlotte grew up in the hills of West Virginia. While her sister stayed in the area after she married, Delilah and her husband went to live in Chicago. Now, more than a dozen years later, Delilah is back after her husband's death. She is living with her sister, brother-in-law, and her niece Perla in the little town of Wise. Besides being a companion for Perla, she has no idea what to do with her life. But then she found a job working in the local General store. She felt life held some promise after all, that is until Ed's employers, the railroad company, planned to transfer him somewhere else. Delilah was faced with a decision. Should she move with her family, or stay in Wise?

Years ago, Robert Thornton took over ownership of his father's business, the General store. Robert loved his work and the opportunity to socialize with his patrons, who were more like family to him than customers. But he was frustrated because sometimes he was so busy he didn't have time to talk as much as he wanted to. So when Delilah Morrissey inquired one day if he needed help, he hired her on the spot. Before long, he couldn't imagine how he operated the store's business without a woman's touch. She nearly doubled his business. But more importantly, he was attracted to the widow. His yearning for her grew stronger the longer she worked for him. He wondered if she returned his feelings. One hindrance stood in the way of pursuing a relationship with Delilah; he had a secret that has kept him from marrying anyone these past years. He didn't know how she would react if she knew about it. At the very least, he didn't want to lose her friendship.

This is a sweet romance of two mature people beyond their 30's. The novella is short and only took me a few hours to read. I have already read Miracle in a Dry Season, and was delighted to have an opportunity to review this story and get the chance to get some background on Robert and Delilah. They play a major role in Book 1 of the Appalachian Blessings series.

One of the things I like about this tale is how well it complements the theme of community we find in the first story. Robert's store was already a hub of activity in his small town. When Delilah became part of the community again, she fit right in. She regained her sense of family and her participation further endeared her to the many customers she came in contact with. The ending of this romance was not really much of a surprise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

What if your dreams are not what God has planned for you? This is one of the deep questions that this novella delves into.

I really enjoyed this sweet story about second chances and realizing that God knows what is best for your life. The setting of 1945 West Virginia is quaint and the story just flows. I felt that I was able to connect with the characters, Delilah and Robert, and had compassion for them in the decisions that they needed to make.

A great thing about this novella is that it is an introduction to the Appalachian Blessings series. Another great thing about this novella is its price! It is free and I definitely recommend reading it.

I absolutely loved this short little novella. The characters are sweet and charming. The story is well written and interesting; the dialogue is full of Southern charm. I also appreciate the fact that the author shows the passage of time, even though the story is only 70+ pages.

Delilah and Robert were fun to watch fall in love. They both had ideals they had to overcome and they both had to learn to accept the hand that God gave them. Delilah is a very admirable character. She is modern, yet traditional. She is down-trodden, yet hopeful. Robert is much the same.

The best part of reading this sweet little novella was some of the charming sayings in the book! I'll list a few of my favorites below (and don't worry, they won't spoil the story for you!):

* "Why, thank you, Robert. That's a....regionally specific compliment."

* "We all need a little pretty in our lives."

* "Oh well, my mother always said if wishes were horses, paupers would ride."

* "Like a hound dog staring at the last piece of cornbread on the plate."

* "But I figure God knows better than I do, and this is the life he's given me. Might as well make the most of it."

I am so looking forward to diving into Miracle In a Dry Season shortly!