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Violets in Winter: A Dane's Creek Christmas Novella
Dane's Creek, Oregon, 1875
"'It is not good for the man to be alone,' but I have been for as long as I can remember."
Pastor Edmund Doyle's duties are clear to unify the dying town of Dane's Creek, guide his flock, and bear everyone's burdens—alone. Suffocating under the weight of his own inadequacy, everything changes with the arrival of Lorelei Tarrant, the devout—and very pretty—schoolteacher.
Drawn by her deep conversations and sympathetic ear, Edmund finds himself confiding weariness and doubts he's never before revealed. Her candid, kindly answers earn his admiration, and his feelings quickly blossom into something deeper. But will Lorelei's fear of repeating past mistakes threaten their chance of happiness together?
Violets in Winter is a standalone sequel set in the Dane's Creek world, first seen in the Christmas in the Cascades anthology. With cozy Christmas vibes, slow-burn romance, and uplifting themes of faith and love, this 38,000 word Christmas novella with a HEA is the perfect book to read during the Christmas season!
"'It is not good for the man to be alone,' but I have been for as long as I can remember."
Pastor Edmund Doyle's duties are clear to unify the dying town of Dane's Creek, guide his flock, and bear everyone's burdens—alone. Suffocating under the weight of his own inadequacy, everything changes with the arrival of Lorelei Tarrant, the devout—and very pretty—schoolteacher.
Drawn by her deep conversations and sympathetic ear, Edmund finds himself confiding weariness and doubts he's never before revealed. Her candid, kindly answers earn his admiration, and his feelings quickly blossom into something deeper. But will Lorelei's fear of repeating past mistakes threaten their chance of happiness together?
Violets in Winter is a standalone sequel set in the Dane's Creek world, first seen in the Christmas in the Cascades anthology. With cozy Christmas vibes, slow-burn romance, and uplifting themes of faith and love, this 38,000 word Christmas novella with a HEA is the perfect book to read during the Christmas season!
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2025
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2025
5 stars. I haven't yet been able to read
Glad & Golden Hours
but this sequel read as a standalone, though it did leave me very curious about the backstory covered in the first novella. As a PK, I really enjoyed Edmund as a main character; pastor MCs are so rare and he was such a splendid man, with such beautiful faith, realistic tendencies, and a lovely name. (Anybody else thinking of Fanny Price's rhapsody about the name Edmund? No?) I also loved his romance with Lorelei, who was just as amazing and such a good fit for him. Their romance was just so sweet. <3 The plot kept me intrigued; the message was good; the humour was delightful... overall, this was the perfect Christmas read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
November 24, 2025
Such a sweet and tender winter love story! The character arc of Pastor Doyle was really wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to know the community of Dane's Creek. This is an excellent novella of faith, true love, community, and overcoming hardship.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
This was such a delightful sweet and cozy Christmas romance novella, easy to read in a couple days (or faster readers maybe even one day). Lots of encouraging Christian themes, the writing style flowed easily, the setting was lovely, and the historical aspects were detailed and interesting. Loved the main characters and the gently blooming romance. There were several delightful side characters as well that lent to a cozy small-town feel. All around, a heartwarming Christmas story full of the Christmas spirit and a sweet and tender romance.
*I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
*I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 20, 2025
This was a lovely, sweet story about a man finding love after waiting on God’s timing. The romance unfolds gently and thoughtfully, with a sense of hope and trust that feels both sincere and earned.
It was a joy to return to Dane’s Creek. This standalone is a beautiful addition to the story world, offering a fresh perspective while still feeling grounded in the familiar setting. Revisiting beloved characters was especially fun and added an extra layer of warmth to the reading experience.
A heartfelt and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys faith-centered romance.
⸻
*I received an advance reader copy of this book, but I am leaving this review of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
It was a joy to return to Dane’s Creek. This standalone is a beautiful addition to the story world, offering a fresh perspective while still feeling grounded in the familiar setting. Revisiting beloved characters was especially fun and added an extra layer of warmth to the reading experience.
A heartfelt and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys faith-centered romance.
⸻
*I received an advance reader copy of this book, but I am leaving this review of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
What a wonderful edition and sequel the the previous story line! Excellence bled throughout the pages of this heart-warming novella, leaving me wanting more. Is that considered gluttony? No, I think not — it’s just appreciating high quality and desiring a second helping. Yum! With more than 10 violets and stars, but limited to only 5 stars. Thank you to the author for the free ARC and swag!
December 11, 2025
I really enjoyed Violets in Winter! It’s such a sweet story with so much Scriptural truth woven into it! The characters are great, and the romance is so cute! *Spoiler*, Lorelei and Pastor Doyle are my favorite together! And that epilogue! Ahh, it’s such a wonderful ending. Marissa Adams is such a dear friend of mine and also such a talented author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2025
Cute and sweet story of a pastor and teacher finding love in a small town. This story gave a great example of what it looks and sounds like to follow God and love others.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews