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A Kindled Winter
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” — Dale Evans
Spirited Jeseca Reed. Withdrawn Dr. David Drake. Each have known loss. Both have felt heartache.
A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for rustic 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.
Spirited Jeseca Reed. Withdrawn Dr. David Drake. Each have known loss. Both have felt heartache.
A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for rustic 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.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
About the author
Rachel L. Demeter
5 books478 followersThank you for stopping by my Goodreads page!
I live in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, my goofy lowland sheepdog, and my adorable snake Nagini. (GO Slytherins!) I enjoy writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love. My stories are darker than most traditional romance novels and contain a distinct Gothic flavor.
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. ♥
Don't be a stranger! I cherish my readers, and I absolutely love to connect and interact:
Official Site | Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ | Amazon Author Page
I live in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, my goofy lowland sheepdog, and my adorable snake Nagini. (GO Slytherins!) I enjoy writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love. My stories are darker than most traditional romance novels and contain a distinct Gothic flavor.
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. ♥
Don't be a stranger! I cherish my readers, and I absolutely love to connect and interact:
Official Site | Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ | Amazon Author Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 18, 2015
Gorgeous and unforgettable! Quirky Jeseca and the reclusive, darkly mysterious David Drake are a true "mismatch" made in heaven. They were a phenomenal couple and I absolutely loved watching them overcome their personal barriers and internal ghosts to find that special, heart stopping, once in a lifetime romance. The writing was immersive and oftentimes poetic. It was easy to imagine myself in Jeseca's shoes, racing through Oregon's rustic wildlife and white snow. Loved this deep, hope inspiring, gem of a Christmas story... <3
October 11, 2015
The magic of the holiday season and the pain of being alone with the darkest of memories and heartbreak bring two hearts together, each thawing the frozen depths of their souls with the warmth of new love. A Kindled Winter by Rachel L. Demeter is romance, second chances and learning to let go of the past to reach for promise of a brighter future.
“Twas the week before Christmas, the roads were a mess and Jeseca’s mind was on the bittersweet memories of the town she left behind and the sister she lost when she becomes stranded in the dark wilderness. The light of a cabin brought her to the door of David, a former surgeon who wears the scars of the night he lost more than his career; he lost his reason to live. Snowed in, this odd couple, she a damsel in distress, he, not exactly a knight in shining armor, tip toe around each other to avoid the risk of losing the protective shell they have each created.
Jeseca carries a lightness about her, in spite of her pain that David cannot help but be drawn to, but can she re-kindle his own light with the power of her generous spirit, quirkiness and a little Christmas magic? Will she break through his shields by sharing her own pain?
Grab a hankie for this one as Rachel L. Demeter once again writes from her own soul pouring life and emotion into this gentle romantic read. Feel the pain Jeseca and David endure, it is raw and relentless, and then journey deeper into their hearts to see the weight of the world slowly lifted with the power of love. Rachel L. Demeter weaves a beautiful tapestry of flawed humans who desperately need a second chance at love and life, who need to learn to forgive themselves for a debt they do not owe. Enjoy the light-hearted times, the reflective times and times when pulling back is necessary to re-group. ‘Tis the season for romance and miracles and Rachel L. Demeter has written the perfect holiday romance that could melt the heart of an iceberg.
I received an ARC edition from Rachel L. Demeter in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 1, 2015
Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing, LLC
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 130 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
“Twas the week before Christmas, the roads were a mess and Jeseca’s mind was on the bittersweet memories of the town she left behind and the sister she lost when she becomes stranded in the dark wilderness. The light of a cabin brought her to the door of David, a former surgeon who wears the scars of the night he lost more than his career; he lost his reason to live. Snowed in, this odd couple, she a damsel in distress, he, not exactly a knight in shining armor, tip toe around each other to avoid the risk of losing the protective shell they have each created.
Jeseca carries a lightness about her, in spite of her pain that David cannot help but be drawn to, but can she re-kindle his own light with the power of her generous spirit, quirkiness and a little Christmas magic? Will she break through his shields by sharing her own pain?
Grab a hankie for this one as Rachel L. Demeter once again writes from her own soul pouring life and emotion into this gentle romantic read. Feel the pain Jeseca and David endure, it is raw and relentless, and then journey deeper into their hearts to see the weight of the world slowly lifted with the power of love. Rachel L. Demeter weaves a beautiful tapestry of flawed humans who desperately need a second chance at love and life, who need to learn to forgive themselves for a debt they do not owe. Enjoy the light-hearted times, the reflective times and times when pulling back is necessary to re-group. ‘Tis the season for romance and miracles and Rachel L. Demeter has written the perfect holiday romance that could melt the heart of an iceberg.
I received an ARC edition from Rachel L. Demeter in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 1, 2015
Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing, LLC
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 130 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 23, 2015
I just loved it!! Rachel Demeter's literary style is quite good, she has a way of getting you vested in the characters that takes you thru the full emotional spectrum and she did just that with A Kindled Winter.
You will fall in love with Jeseca and David's story. They find love in the most unexpected set of circumstances. Its like they were destined to meet, here are two lost souls going thru life in the shadows. They so desperately needed to heal from the tragic events of their past. They miraculously find love, forgiveness,and redemption all because Jeseca happened upon David's doorstep that cold wintery night, when she sustained injuries from the car accident, during the storm. I believe their encounter was ordained by God.
Its a beautiful read and Rachel skillfully unfolds the story oh so delectably and I love that there is a happy ending. She not only writes good historical romance fiction but also did a great job with this modern day novella. Bravo, Rachel Demeter look forward to the next book!
You will fall in love with Jeseca and David's story. They find love in the most unexpected set of circumstances. Its like they were destined to meet, here are two lost souls going thru life in the shadows. They so desperately needed to heal from the tragic events of their past. They miraculously find love, forgiveness,and redemption all because Jeseca happened upon David's doorstep that cold wintery night, when she sustained injuries from the car accident, during the storm. I believe their encounter was ordained by God.
Its a beautiful read and Rachel skillfully unfolds the story oh so delectably and I love that there is a happy ending. She not only writes good historical romance fiction but also did a great job with this modern day novella. Bravo, Rachel Demeter look forward to the next book!
November 13, 2015
What a breathtaking, deeply moving and HOT holiday romance! This is the perfect story to curl up with beside a roaring fireplace. David and Jeseca were beautifully broken, each trapped by their personal demons, and aching for love - and their chemistry was off the charts. I could practically feel the flames leaping off the pages. Brody, David's English sheepdog, was beyond adorable and stole a chunk of my heart.
Don't be turned off by the book's shorter length - the characters and story are written with so much depth, texture and emotion... More so than many "doorstopper" books I've read. This one will definitely be on my holiday re-read list for years to come. Lovely, atmospheric, and highly recommended.
Don't be turned off by the book's shorter length - the characters and story are written with so much depth, texture and emotion... More so than many "doorstopper" books I've read. This one will definitely be on my holiday re-read list for years to come. Lovely, atmospheric, and highly recommended.
November 24, 2015
Grab your fav hot beverage and snuggle next to the fireplace with this steamy and emotionally charged holiday story. I fell hard for David and Jessica and burned through the book in several hours. It's a truly beautiful story about redeeming love, second chances, forgiveness, family, and sacrifice--and one you don't want to miss!!
November 13, 2015
This book was such a wonderful surprise. When I picked it up, I was expecting a fluffy, lighthearted Christmas romp, and I got so much more. Sure there were plenty of fluffy and adorable moments (the sugar cookie fight!), but what really impressed me and kept me glued to the pages was Jeseca and David's healing journey. It was emotional, gut wrenching, and brimming with honest emotion. You'll definitely want to keep a box of tissues handy. So happy I took a chance on this story, though I should have known it was going to be great, since I've read Demeter's other works.
A Kindled Winter is a lovely holiday romance that has earned a permanent spot on my shelf.
A Kindled Winter is a lovely holiday romance that has earned a permanent spot on my shelf.
November 27, 2015
A Kindled Winter by Rachel L. Demeter is a 2015 Black Lyon Publishing, LLC publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Kindled Winter is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, which can be one of the most difficult times of the year for some people, but can also be the most uplifting and heartwarming.
This story will take you on a journey with one couple who go from the depths of despair to finding a new beginning, faith, hope and love.
This story begins with a near tragedy, with Jeseca wrecking her car and finding herself stranded during a winter storm.
Dr. David Drake finds himself sheltering Jeseca after she comes across his cottage seeking refuge and help. With the lines down, and the storm showing no signs of letting up, Jeseca becomes his unexpected Christmas guest.
In a short frame of time these two lost and lonely souls will open up a whole new world for one another. But, before they can move forward the past must be laid to rest so that real healing can begin.
No doubt, Jeseca has suffered hardships and heartbreak in her life, but while still carrying around great burdens and sadness, her approach to life is a far cry from the way David has chosen to deal with his pain. This difference in personalities could create conflict, but instead Jeseca's openness and acceptance of him helps to bring David out of his self imposed exile.
This story is very emotional and deals with some very tragic situations. David's pain, literally jumps off the page and squeezes your heart. I was drawn to him right away, but I also dreaded the details that have to come out about his life because I knew I'd probably do the ugly cry.
Jeseca's story was equally compelling and her loss is just as deep, and very complex. Still, she shows an inner strength that keeps her moving onward with a lively and mischievous personality. I really liked her, (and not just because she likes Jane Eyre), and felt she was perfect for the insular David.
Despite the intense feelings of sadness and loss, the chemistry between David and Jeseca is pitch perfect. They complement one another wonderfully, and what starts off as an oppressive and gloomy atmosphere, slowly changes to one of hope and healing. Before you know it, you will find your heart filled with warmth and peace and happiness for this couple who miraculously found one another on a dark and stormy night.
This is a unique romantic tale, filled with a well of powerful emotions that sets it apart from the usual holiday fare.
A Kindled Winter is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, which can be one of the most difficult times of the year for some people, but can also be the most uplifting and heartwarming.
This story will take you on a journey with one couple who go from the depths of despair to finding a new beginning, faith, hope and love.
This story begins with a near tragedy, with Jeseca wrecking her car and finding herself stranded during a winter storm.
Dr. David Drake finds himself sheltering Jeseca after she comes across his cottage seeking refuge and help. With the lines down, and the storm showing no signs of letting up, Jeseca becomes his unexpected Christmas guest.
In a short frame of time these two lost and lonely souls will open up a whole new world for one another. But, before they can move forward the past must be laid to rest so that real healing can begin.
No doubt, Jeseca has suffered hardships and heartbreak in her life, but while still carrying around great burdens and sadness, her approach to life is a far cry from the way David has chosen to deal with his pain. This difference in personalities could create conflict, but instead Jeseca's openness and acceptance of him helps to bring David out of his self imposed exile.
This story is very emotional and deals with some very tragic situations. David's pain, literally jumps off the page and squeezes your heart. I was drawn to him right away, but I also dreaded the details that have to come out about his life because I knew I'd probably do the ugly cry.
Jeseca's story was equally compelling and her loss is just as deep, and very complex. Still, she shows an inner strength that keeps her moving onward with a lively and mischievous personality. I really liked her, (and not just because she likes Jane Eyre), and felt she was perfect for the insular David.
Despite the intense feelings of sadness and loss, the chemistry between David and Jeseca is pitch perfect. They complement one another wonderfully, and what starts off as an oppressive and gloomy atmosphere, slowly changes to one of hope and healing. Before you know it, you will find your heart filled with warmth and peace and happiness for this couple who miraculously found one another on a dark and stormy night.
This is a unique romantic tale, filled with a well of powerful emotions that sets it apart from the usual holiday fare.
November 3, 2015
Gorgeous writing and equally gorgeous characters! The perfect book for a snowy Christmas night!~
March 15, 2017
5 hands and hearts stars
Let me start off by saying that I LOVED THIS BOOK! It literally had everything I love about romance novels, all wrapped up in a beautifully written package. Thus, proving that Ms Demeter is not just a historical romance writer, but that she can write contemporary romance as well!
I like my heroes:
scarred on the inside ✓
scared on the outside ✓
with a sordid past ✓
low self esteem (except in the bedroom!) ✓
sexy ✓
I like my heroines:
also with a sordid past ✓
strong ✓
relatable ✓
funny ✓
Yep, she hit all of them!
What did I love the most about this novel (and pretty much every other novel she writes)? The way she describes things in the book. Take for example, an approaching storm. "Thunder boomed in the distance, growling like some caged beast. With each passing second, the rain grew heavier and the sense of unease reared inside of her gut. It crept beneath the surface of her skin and twisted around her pulsating heart. Even the beautiful scenery seemed to grow threatening and ominous."
In most other romance novels, you get something along the lines of how Ollie Williams from Family Guy reports the weather:
Trust me when I tell you, this book is not to be missed!
Now if you'll excuse me, on to her next book...
Let me start off by saying that I LOVED THIS BOOK! It literally had everything I love about romance novels, all wrapped up in a beautifully written package. Thus, proving that Ms Demeter is not just a historical romance writer, but that she can write contemporary romance as well!
I like my heroes:
scarred on the inside ✓
scared on the outside ✓
with a sordid past ✓
low self esteem (except in the bedroom!) ✓
sexy ✓
I like my heroines:
also with a sordid past ✓
strong ✓
relatable ✓
funny ✓
Yep, she hit all of them!
What did I love the most about this novel (and pretty much every other novel she writes)? The way she describes things in the book. Take for example, an approaching storm. "Thunder boomed in the distance, growling like some caged beast. With each passing second, the rain grew heavier and the sense of unease reared inside of her gut. It crept beneath the surface of her skin and twisted around her pulsating heart. Even the beautiful scenery seemed to grow threatening and ominous."
In most other romance novels, you get something along the lines of how Ollie Williams from Family Guy reports the weather:
Trust me when I tell you, this book is not to be missed!
Now if you'll excuse me, on to her next book...
November 22, 2015
Title: A Kindled Winter
Author: Rachel L. Demeter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
Having never read this author before, but this seeming from the synopsis like a story that I could really get behind, I wasted no time getting into it the second it dropped on my kindle and I have no regrets.
A Kindled Winter is so much more than a holiday romance. It’s so much more than two people falling in love period. It’s about two emotionally drained and broken by tragedies in their lives coming together after a chance moment brings them together and finding a way through the darkness that has become their lives in order to come out into the light again.
It was emotional draining at times, especially when both David and Jeseca bared their souls, speaking of their losses. It was humorous, almost infectiously so, but it was also very poignant, moving and full of feeling.
I was moved reading this story and also surprised. Because for a book that isn’t all that long in length, for what was there within its pages, it sure packed a punch. By the time I was finished, I had the same hung over type of feeling that I get from emotionally driven full length novels.
The way the author described the area and the care she took in depicting both of these characters and their pasts was phenomenal. I could close my eyes and picture the places that were depicted and these characters with as flushed out as they were, were truly brought to life for me on the page.
It was a beautiful story of learning to trust again, loving not only the person you’re with again, but loving and forgiving yourself along the way as well. Allowing yourself in the end to heal and like I said before, live in the light and be happy.
If you’re a fan of holiday romances, short reads that read like full books, and stories that encompass more than just love between two people, but a whole host of others things as well, I think you’ll enjoy this. I know I did.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read an ARC of this story. I enjoyed it immensely.
October 15, 2015
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” — Dale Evans
Rachel Demeter asked me to review her book, A Kindled Winter, and one look at her book description told me this would likely be an emotional read. I was right. In fact, these two amazing people - Jeseca and David - both suffered tragic loss in their pasts, which made parts of this story heartbreaking.
Blurb…
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.
My thoughts...
Honestly, A Kindled Winter starts out darker than your usual holiday stories, but that darkness made the light, when it came, that much brighter. That much more beautiful. Though I felt the pacing was sometimes a bit on the hurried side, overall this story warmed my heart and reminded me about the miracle of true love, and the magic of Christmas.
An ARC was provided by the author and in appreciation I’m giving her an honest review.
Rachel Demeter asked me to review her book, A Kindled Winter, and one look at her book description told me this would likely be an emotional read. I was right. In fact, these two amazing people - Jeseca and David - both suffered tragic loss in their pasts, which made parts of this story heartbreaking.
Blurb…
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.
My thoughts...
Honestly, A Kindled Winter starts out darker than your usual holiday stories, but that darkness made the light, when it came, that much brighter. That much more beautiful. Though I felt the pacing was sometimes a bit on the hurried side, overall this story warmed my heart and reminded me about the miracle of true love, and the magic of Christmas.
An ARC was provided by the author and in appreciation I’m giving her an honest review.
October 22, 2015
A Kindled Winter was really amazing. It was a beautiful story but also captivating and so passionate. I absolutely loved it and couldn't put my Kindle down!
Unlike the author's other books, which are historical, this one was a shorter contemporary holiday story. I thought Jeseca and David's connection was incredible. Both are grieving people they've lost but when they met they finally started healing.
It was really great to read and see how Jeseca slowly made David open up to her. They both had a lot of demons inside them but together they faced them head on. Also, can I just mention how totally adorable Brody, the dog, was. Favorite character of the book? Might be!
Although it was a contemporary story, it still had a dark gothic-like feel to it, which I loved. It was also a very steamy read. Jeseca and David's passion pretty much burst off the pages. Also, I teared up at the end because the characters really got to me and I genuinely felt overjoyed that in the end it was a happily ever after ending.
Overall, A Kindled Winter was a beautifully written holiday story that touched my heart. There's something about the way Rachel L. Demeter writes her characters — so intriguing, flawed and memorable — that just stays with me.
Unlike the author's other books, which are historical, this one was a shorter contemporary holiday story. I thought Jeseca and David's connection was incredible. Both are grieving people they've lost but when they met they finally started healing.
It was really great to read and see how Jeseca slowly made David open up to her. They both had a lot of demons inside them but together they faced them head on. Also, can I just mention how totally adorable Brody, the dog, was. Favorite character of the book? Might be!
Although it was a contemporary story, it still had a dark gothic-like feel to it, which I loved. It was also a very steamy read. Jeseca and David's passion pretty much burst off the pages. Also, I teared up at the end because the characters really got to me and I genuinely felt overjoyed that in the end it was a happily ever after ending.
Overall, A Kindled Winter was a beautifully written holiday story that touched my heart. There's something about the way Rachel L. Demeter writes her characters — so intriguing, flawed and memorable — that just stays with me.
November 30, 2015
Absolutely loved it! Passionate & uplifting, with memorable characters!
October 16, 2015
A Kindled Winter by Rachel L. Demeter takes its readers to a moment in time suspended by the shared pain of loss and the grief of its characters. The hero and heroine each hold the key to unlocking the other person's past, releasing them from their solitary purgatories. This book shares their journey in dealing with their previous history and finding their life's potential and happiness in the love of each other. Unlike this author’s prior works, which were historically based, her latest work is a contemporary short novel. Ms. Demeter clearly devoted as much attention to detail and research in her modern setting as she has in her historical novels. Filled with the lush, descriptive prose that this writer is known for, her writing speaks to her audiences’ hearts as well as their minds. A Kindled Winter is a powerful and moving story that skillfully and sensitively delves into the darker recesses of the soul.
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
October 31, 2015
What an emotional story!!!! This book bursts with humanity and love.
Jeseca seeks refuge during bad weather but she never expected to find everything in David Drake's home.
Formidable and elusive, David is not by any means someone who opens up. So, when he allows Jeseca to stay in his house until the storm passes, he never expected her to find her way into his heart.
David has known loss and devastation and he has deep scars, inside and out, as proof.
Jeseca has her own demons and memories to fight but together they find peace...and ultimately love.
This story celebrates love and encourages us to keep our Christmas spirit strong despite life's difficulties. I loved it.
The book was easy to read, the characters lovable and there was no heavy drama to drag the story out.
Do not miss this book. It will bring a smile on your face.
❤ 5 Stars ❤
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jeseca seeks refuge during bad weather but she never expected to find everything in David Drake's home.
Formidable and elusive, David is not by any means someone who opens up. So, when he allows Jeseca to stay in his house until the storm passes, he never expected her to find her way into his heart.
David has known loss and devastation and he has deep scars, inside and out, as proof.
Jeseca has her own demons and memories to fight but together they find peace...and ultimately love.
This story celebrates love and encourages us to keep our Christmas spirit strong despite life's difficulties. I loved it.
The book was easy to read, the characters lovable and there was no heavy drama to drag the story out.
Do not miss this book. It will bring a smile on your face.
❤ 5 Stars ❤
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2015
Stunning Christmas read that's sure to warm your heart & even bring tears to your eyes!!
October 12, 2015
Jeseca is on her way to her childhood home when she’s trapped in a rain storm after her car veers off the road. She stumbles onto a cottage inhabited by Dr David Drake.
From the very first paragraph you’re captured by the author’s descriptions into an almost ghostly, ethereal world that lends a certain intensity to this book.
David spends his time in the cottage and immerses himself in the sadness and memories of his son. The son that died in a horrible accident that left David scarred and his surgeon hands numb to feeling. I loved the broken David from the very beginning. Closed off to the world and holding onto his own numbness, his vulnerability and confusion was incredibly endearing. Who doesn’t love a broken hero?
Told from dual POV I found their shyness towards each other cute and I loved how Jeseca was able to turn his world upside down. My heart ached for David while reading about his need for this woman and his own self-loathing. I was smiling to myself through his inner monologue and his curiosity about this strange woman in his home.
Although reading the pages of their respective painful losses left me trying to breathe through the lump in my throat, their interactions were frikken adorable and I was rooting for these two all throughout. (The scene over Christmas had me laughing through my tears)
The chemistry between these two, Oh Lord, torturous at worst and was absolutely sizzling at best. I was begging for these two to get together and fanning myself during the sexy times. Intense, beautiful, passionate and romantic.
The author did an excellent job of creating two broken characters that are perfect for each other. I read this book in one sitting. Equal parts sadness, romance and sizzle, It’s a great, heartfelt and steamy short read for a cold night.
(ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
From the very first paragraph you’re captured by the author’s descriptions into an almost ghostly, ethereal world that lends a certain intensity to this book.
David spends his time in the cottage and immerses himself in the sadness and memories of his son. The son that died in a horrible accident that left David scarred and his surgeon hands numb to feeling. I loved the broken David from the very beginning. Closed off to the world and holding onto his own numbness, his vulnerability and confusion was incredibly endearing. Who doesn’t love a broken hero?
Told from dual POV I found their shyness towards each other cute and I loved how Jeseca was able to turn his world upside down. My heart ached for David while reading about his need for this woman and his own self-loathing. I was smiling to myself through his inner monologue and his curiosity about this strange woman in his home.
Although reading the pages of their respective painful losses left me trying to breathe through the lump in my throat, their interactions were frikken adorable and I was rooting for these two all throughout. (The scene over Christmas had me laughing through my tears)
The chemistry between these two, Oh Lord, torturous at worst and was absolutely sizzling at best. I was begging for these two to get together and fanning myself during the sexy times. Intense, beautiful, passionate and romantic.
The author did an excellent job of creating two broken characters that are perfect for each other. I read this book in one sitting. Equal parts sadness, romance and sizzle, It’s a great, heartfelt and steamy short read for a cold night.
(ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
December 29, 2015
Contemporary Romance Ridiculous!
This book has convinced me to update my reading system. For all these years, I've used one star for books I couldn't get myself to finish; and two stars for books I didn't really enjoy, but managed to finish.
Now that I'm doing the Seasonal Reading Challenge, I'm finishing books that do not deserve two stars. This one is the final straw, I just cannot give this book two whole stars.
This book is just one contradiction after another. It's raining hard enough that she can't see further than one foot in front of her car, yet she admires the golden light on the mountains and the rose colored sunset.
She just smacked her head in a car accident, is dizzy, weak and nauseous after hiking back to a house she passed a ways back, yet when the owner answers the door, she is consumed by naughty, naughty thoughts. Her words, not mine.
Another thing I found terribly annoying is the authors penchant for repeating descriptions. I count seven times for the hero being described as massive. All this in a novel just over 100 pages. Ms. Demeter is in need of a good thesaurus.
Finally, I seem to have come to the point where I need a modicum of realism in my fiction. Why must the hero be massive AND a world renown cardio-surgeon AND devastatingly handsome AND fall in love with the heroine in less than a week AND be miraculously cured of his grief over his son's death by his all consuming passion for the heroine in those few short days. Isn't that just a bit over the top?
Oh, one other thing. The story feels like a Gothic parody, with unexplained sightings of the heroine's decreased twin and both characters consumed by depression until love cures all .
I believe the story is clean in terms of language, but there are at least three intimate scenes, in detail.
This book has convinced me to update my reading system. For all these years, I've used one star for books I couldn't get myself to finish; and two stars for books I didn't really enjoy, but managed to finish.
Now that I'm doing the Seasonal Reading Challenge, I'm finishing books that do not deserve two stars. This one is the final straw, I just cannot give this book two whole stars.
This book is just one contradiction after another. It's raining hard enough that she can't see further than one foot in front of her car, yet she admires the golden light on the mountains and the rose colored sunset.
She just smacked her head in a car accident, is dizzy, weak and nauseous after hiking back to a house she passed a ways back, yet when the owner answers the door, she is consumed by naughty, naughty thoughts. Her words, not mine.
Another thing I found terribly annoying is the authors penchant for repeating descriptions. I count seven times for the hero being described as massive. All this in a novel just over 100 pages. Ms. Demeter is in need of a good thesaurus.
Finally, I seem to have come to the point where I need a modicum of realism in my fiction. Why must the hero be massive AND a world renown cardio-surgeon AND devastatingly handsome AND fall in love with the heroine in less than a week AND be miraculously cured of his grief over his son's death by his all consuming passion for the heroine in those few short days. Isn't that just a bit over the top?
Oh, one other thing. The story feels like a Gothic parody, with unexplained sightings of the heroine's decreased twin and both characters consumed by depression until love cures all .
I believe the story is clean in terms of language, but there are at least three intimate scenes, in detail.
Shelved as '08-read-again'
August 24, 2016
September 21, 2015
A Kindled Winter by Rachel L. Demeter is the third book I have read by this author, and I loved it, it did not disappoint! This is a contemporary Second chance romance if I had to put it in a category but it is so much more than that. It is a poignant, beautifully written novel about two people that have had some terrible things happen in their lives, and while one of them is still out in the public working, the other has shut himself up in a cabin in Oregon and only goes outside when he absolutely has to. This story touched my heart and be prepared, some of it is so sad that you will need to have a tissue close by!
Jessica Reed is on her way home for Christmas at her childhood home in Blue River, Oregon. While on her way there she thinks about how bittersweet it is to go home, While thinking about her sister on the way to her Mom's house, she gets in an accident! Stranded, she has to get out and walk to the nearest cabin or she will freeze to death.
Dr. David Drake who is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon lives in Blue River, Oregon also, where he has given up on living. For 5 years he has been alone in that cabin, just going out for food whenever necessary- it is his safe haven where he can shut out the world, and grieve for his son.
This is where Jessica finally makes it to by walking there in the terrible storm and she is so cold, tired, hungry and she really is lucky she remembered seeing smoke rising out of the chimney of the cottage. Once she gets there however the storm is so intense it snows them in for days.
As I read further into the book I could see that both these characters are damaged and haunted by their pasts, and they could see it in each other. Jessica is light to David's dark, and they are drawn to each other, and Jessica is able to get through somewhat to David, and he is enamored of her, they are enamored of each other, but scared that they are too damaged. Will they be able to admit to each other their darkest secrets and desires? Will they have a chance?
The characters in this book are both really well developed, and through the feelings they start having for each other we are able to see what is going on in their hearts and their souls. The plot is good, keeping the story going at a good pace and not lagging anywhere. This author has her own unique writing style that you will see emerging by reading the pages of this novel. The book is almost paranormal in the way she writes it.
This book is a standalone novel and does not end in a cliff hanger! Do yourself a favor and read this book, I know you will love it like I did. I gave this book 5***** awesome stars and look forward to the next novel by this author!
***This author also has written the following 2 books***-
Finding Gabriel, that takes place in France during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and the War, it starts out in 1815, but flashes back and forth between ten years before that time.
The Frost of Springtime is an amazing book that takes place during the Franco Prussian War, inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, before and after and tells of a love that transcends years.
See my reviews for these books on Goodreads and Amazon!
Jessica Reed is on her way home for Christmas at her childhood home in Blue River, Oregon. While on her way there she thinks about how bittersweet it is to go home, While thinking about her sister on the way to her Mom's house, she gets in an accident! Stranded, she has to get out and walk to the nearest cabin or she will freeze to death.
Dr. David Drake who is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon lives in Blue River, Oregon also, where he has given up on living. For 5 years he has been alone in that cabin, just going out for food whenever necessary- it is his safe haven where he can shut out the world, and grieve for his son.
This is where Jessica finally makes it to by walking there in the terrible storm and she is so cold, tired, hungry and she really is lucky she remembered seeing smoke rising out of the chimney of the cottage. Once she gets there however the storm is so intense it snows them in for days.
As I read further into the book I could see that both these characters are damaged and haunted by their pasts, and they could see it in each other. Jessica is light to David's dark, and they are drawn to each other, and Jessica is able to get through somewhat to David, and he is enamored of her, they are enamored of each other, but scared that they are too damaged. Will they be able to admit to each other their darkest secrets and desires? Will they have a chance?
The characters in this book are both really well developed, and through the feelings they start having for each other we are able to see what is going on in their hearts and their souls. The plot is good, keeping the story going at a good pace and not lagging anywhere. This author has her own unique writing style that you will see emerging by reading the pages of this novel. The book is almost paranormal in the way she writes it.
This book is a standalone novel and does not end in a cliff hanger! Do yourself a favor and read this book, I know you will love it like I did. I gave this book 5***** awesome stars and look forward to the next novel by this author!
***This author also has written the following 2 books***-
Finding Gabriel, that takes place in France during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and the War, it starts out in 1815, but flashes back and forth between ten years before that time.
The Frost of Springtime is an amazing book that takes place during the Franco Prussian War, inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, before and after and tells of a love that transcends years.
See my reviews for these books on Goodreads and Amazon!
November 30, 2015
A beautiful Christmas romance.
Jeseca Reed and David Drake are both troubled tortured souls who happen to find each other a week before Christmas just when they need each other the most.
On the surface Jeseca is coping with her tragedy better, she lives in Los Angeles and works in advertising, after all no one sees the nightmares which plague her every night.
Dr David Drake has become a recluse and avoids life the best he can, wallowing in his misery and self loathing.
These two are both in limbo but this year circumstances bring them together and together they find not only each other but themselves.
On the surface they are complete opposites, fire and ice but it turns out they have more in common than they realised.
This book is simply beautiful, I fell in love with both Jeseca and David and really wanted them to find each other under the layers of grief, it's beautifully written and really pulls you in, a true Christmas romance.
Thanks Judith for the rec
November 22, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...
“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.
“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.
December 27, 2015
The original review can be found on GenuineJenn.com. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts out like any other romance, chick lit, girl gets into car wreck and ends up at a house in the middle of no where with a hot guy. Okay, maybe they don't all start out like that, do they? Jeseca has some dark past issues she hasn't come to terms with and when she meets this dark and mysterious man, Dr. David Drake, who also has some dark issues, they click. This novel starts out as a girl gets rescued, needs to recoup in this hot guys house as there is a huge storm outside and she can't make it to her mothers house. Slowly we learn about the two main characters pasts that haunt them deeply. I really enjoy David and Jeseca's characters, I found the author did a great job in developing both of them and also leaving the reader wondering if/when we will find out more about their pasts. Then the author takes us on an amazing journey as these two characters fall for each other knowing that Jeseca will be leaving any day now. The romance is hot, very, very HOT! It really turns into a soft erotica novel when we hit the romance. If you don't like that kind of romance then this book wont be for you but if you do like it, this is a must read!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars a great Christmas romance!
This book starts out like any other romance, chick lit, girl gets into car wreck and ends up at a house in the middle of no where with a hot guy. Okay, maybe they don't all start out like that, do they? Jeseca has some dark past issues she hasn't come to terms with and when she meets this dark and mysterious man, Dr. David Drake, who also has some dark issues, they click. This novel starts out as a girl gets rescued, needs to recoup in this hot guys house as there is a huge storm outside and she can't make it to her mothers house. Slowly we learn about the two main characters pasts that haunt them deeply. I really enjoy David and Jeseca's characters, I found the author did a great job in developing both of them and also leaving the reader wondering if/when we will find out more about their pasts. Then the author takes us on an amazing journey as these two characters fall for each other knowing that Jeseca will be leaving any day now. The romance is hot, very, very HOT! It really turns into a soft erotica novel when we hit the romance. If you don't like that kind of romance then this book wont be for you but if you do like it, this is a must read!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars a great Christmas romance!
December 29, 2015
Sweet, tender and hot - a great combo! A beautiful story to read beside a fireplace on a cold winter's night. Jeseca and David's tragic backstories will pull at your heart; you can't help but root for them and yearn for them to find their much deserved HEAs.
December 7, 2015
*Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book for review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I was asked to read and review this book by the author, but I loved the cover at first sight and the synopsis enticed me so I said Yes. I'm glad I did. My Kindled Winter is a heart-touching story that really embodies the holiday spirit as two lost souls meet and dare to reach out to one another. Jeseca Reed and Dr. David Drake both bear the crushing weight of past tragedies in their lives. When Jeseca crashes her car near David's house during a torrential rainstorm and collapses on his porch, their worlds collide.
David wears his grief and guilt like armor as he hides, locked away from the world in his house in the mountains. For the first time in years, his safe world is invaded by a woman that stirs his emotions, both sexually and emotionally. While he fights to keep his distance, Jeseca's beautiful spirit invades his body, heart, and soul. But he doesn't believe he deserves her, doesn't believe he has the right to happiness so he hides behind his scars, both inside and out.
Jeseca is traveling to her mother's, her childhood home, for the holidays when she crashes her car and stumbles upon David's house. She wasn't expecting to be drawn to this stranger, wasn't expecting to feel a soulful connection to him but she does. She recognizes his pain, his loss, because she knows what it feels like. But how does she get him to open his heart?
As the days before Christmas wind down, two lost souls connect, fate steps in, and love is kindled from a spark into a flame. A Kindled Winter is a beautiful story of what can happen if you're willing to open your heart and let the love and light shine in, if you're willing to take a second chance at happiness, if you're willing to forgive yourself. Perfect story for the holidays! A Must Read!
My Rating: 4 Soul-Touching ♥'s
Reviewed @ Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
I wasn't sure what to expect when I was asked to read and review this book by the author, but I loved the cover at first sight and the synopsis enticed me so I said Yes. I'm glad I did. My Kindled Winter is a heart-touching story that really embodies the holiday spirit as two lost souls meet and dare to reach out to one another. Jeseca Reed and Dr. David Drake both bear the crushing weight of past tragedies in their lives. When Jeseca crashes her car near David's house during a torrential rainstorm and collapses on his porch, their worlds collide.
David wears his grief and guilt like armor as he hides, locked away from the world in his house in the mountains. For the first time in years, his safe world is invaded by a woman that stirs his emotions, both sexually and emotionally. While he fights to keep his distance, Jeseca's beautiful spirit invades his body, heart, and soul. But he doesn't believe he deserves her, doesn't believe he has the right to happiness so he hides behind his scars, both inside and out.
Jeseca is traveling to her mother's, her childhood home, for the holidays when she crashes her car and stumbles upon David's house. She wasn't expecting to be drawn to this stranger, wasn't expecting to feel a soulful connection to him but she does. She recognizes his pain, his loss, because she knows what it feels like. But how does she get him to open his heart?
As the days before Christmas wind down, two lost souls connect, fate steps in, and love is kindled from a spark into a flame. A Kindled Winter is a beautiful story of what can happen if you're willing to open your heart and let the love and light shine in, if you're willing to take a second chance at happiness, if you're willing to forgive yourself. Perfect story for the holidays! A Must Read!
My Rating: 4 Soul-Touching ♥'s
Reviewed @ Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
March 20, 2016
Once again I have fallen in love with the characters this gifted author, Rachel L. Demeter, has created. From the moment I began A KINDLED WINTER, I just couldn’t put it down. This was a journey of two tormented souls, Jeseca and David, each unable to move forward in life because of horrific family tragedies. Jeseca’s scars were all inside her heart and soul, while David’s were both on the inside and out. His bodily scars were a constant reminder of his great loss. I found this love story to be about finding and forgiving oneself through the process of discovering true love.
It’s evident that this was a very personal story for the author, even the dedication touched me.
This is a great book for anyone who enjoys emotional stories and characters that are impossible to forget.
It’s evident that this was a very personal story for the author, even the dedication touched me.
This is a great book for anyone who enjoys emotional stories and characters that are impossible to forget.
November 1, 2015
** This May Contain Spoilers **
A Kindled Winter
By: Rachel Demeter
I received this book as a gift for an honest review.
This is the second book that I have read of Rachel’s and I must say that I am not sure what it is about her books but once I start I just cannot stop. I went to bed at 2am last night because I could not stop. ☺ I would suggest Rachel Demeter books to everyone.
A Kindled Winter is a book about two people haunted by their past. Two people who take the blame for accidents that happened to their families and left them in dark places. David Drake a cardiovascular surgeon living in isolation, hurt, angry, scarred and just wants to be left to his grief. A man who loves to help and heal but feels he does not deserve happiness of any kind. Jeseca Reed traveling home for the holiday to spend with her mother in her hometown full of sad memories of her past. A bad storm causes Jeseca to have a car accident and she finds herself on the doorstep of Dr. David Drake. Displeased that this woman has invaded his home with all his memories. He cannot help but feel something for her in time. They both suffer from nightmares of the past and slowly share their past with each other. In this short time they discover that they both have a connection to each other and cannot left without one another. Jeseca’s love for David and David’s second at life he wants to have. He has goes and gets it. ☺
Another story of Rachel’s that I just adored.
A Kindled Winter
By: Rachel Demeter
I received this book as a gift for an honest review.
This is the second book that I have read of Rachel’s and I must say that I am not sure what it is about her books but once I start I just cannot stop. I went to bed at 2am last night because I could not stop. ☺ I would suggest Rachel Demeter books to everyone.
A Kindled Winter is a book about two people haunted by their past. Two people who take the blame for accidents that happened to their families and left them in dark places. David Drake a cardiovascular surgeon living in isolation, hurt, angry, scarred and just wants to be left to his grief. A man who loves to help and heal but feels he does not deserve happiness of any kind. Jeseca Reed traveling home for the holiday to spend with her mother in her hometown full of sad memories of her past. A bad storm causes Jeseca to have a car accident and she finds herself on the doorstep of Dr. David Drake. Displeased that this woman has invaded his home with all his memories. He cannot help but feel something for her in time. They both suffer from nightmares of the past and slowly share their past with each other. In this short time they discover that they both have a connection to each other and cannot left without one another. Jeseca’s love for David and David’s second at life he wants to have. He has goes and gets it. ☺
Another story of Rachel’s that I just adored.
November 1, 2015
This is an amazing book, beautifully written. I loved both the story and the characters. It is a tale of two incomplete people who complete each other. It's tragic and still very hope inspiring book. A heart-warming story with a little darkness which makes it just perfect. I think it is very entertaining and enjoyable holiday read and if you like romance novels then it is definitely for you.
Jessica is going to stay with her mom for the winter but on her way she end up stranded in the snow storm. With her car broken down, she has only one option i.e. to seek shelter. Then she remember seeing a cottage not far away and started to walk towards it...
David it staying at his cottage away from civilization. He is a recluse but when an injured woman ends up at his doorstep he has no option but to help her. Because of continued storm they get to spend a few days together which reveals a lot about them, not only to each other but to themselves as well...
What starts as just another winter break ends up being so much more for these two heart-broken people.
Jessica is going to stay with her mom for the winter but on her way she end up stranded in the snow storm. With her car broken down, she has only one option i.e. to seek shelter. Then she remember seeing a cottage not far away and started to walk towards it...
David it staying at his cottage away from civilization. He is a recluse but when an injured woman ends up at his doorstep he has no option but to help her. Because of continued storm they get to spend a few days together which reveals a lot about them, not only to each other but to themselves as well...
What starts as just another winter break ends up being so much more for these two heart-broken people.
November 2, 2015
I absolutely LOVE the way Rachel writes. She pulls you into the story and immerses you in their lives, their pain, their hope and their love. A Kindled Winter does all of this and more.
David has experienced a pain that no person should ever have to (telling you would give away the hardest part of the book and you really want to read it to find out!). He forces seclusion on himself so that he can almost punish himself for his past. His past has left him physically, emotionally and mentally scarred. No matter how hard he tries to escape his past, he feels tormented by it but almost wants to feel the pain as he feels that he almost deserves it. This is the type of pain so many can relate to when they have suffered a great loss. You feel alone, you feel like you should be punished and all you want to do is almost feel pain.
Jeseca is a breath of fresh air, almost literally as she lands on his front step after an accident during a snow storm. While she has her own painful past that sometimes surfaces throughout the novel, she has learned to move forward with this pain (even though she has not fully accepted her past).
Jeseca and David are both scarred and in pain but it is this pain that draws them together and helps them work through the worst of it and move forward. They need each other in order to move forward, to accept the past for what it was, to treasure the good and bad and to hope for the future. The ending was full of such hope that you almost don’t want it to end! I wanted more of their story. A Kindled Winter will leave you wanting and wishing for more (hint hint Rachel!!!). Well written, great story full of emotion that leaves you craving more – you can’t ask for a better read!
David has experienced a pain that no person should ever have to (telling you would give away the hardest part of the book and you really want to read it to find out!). He forces seclusion on himself so that he can almost punish himself for his past. His past has left him physically, emotionally and mentally scarred. No matter how hard he tries to escape his past, he feels tormented by it but almost wants to feel the pain as he feels that he almost deserves it. This is the type of pain so many can relate to when they have suffered a great loss. You feel alone, you feel like you should be punished and all you want to do is almost feel pain.
Jeseca is a breath of fresh air, almost literally as she lands on his front step after an accident during a snow storm. While she has her own painful past that sometimes surfaces throughout the novel, she has learned to move forward with this pain (even though she has not fully accepted her past).
Jeseca and David are both scarred and in pain but it is this pain that draws them together and helps them work through the worst of it and move forward. They need each other in order to move forward, to accept the past for what it was, to treasure the good and bad and to hope for the future. The ending was full of such hope that you almost don’t want it to end! I wanted more of their story. A Kindled Winter will leave you wanting and wishing for more (hint hint Rachel!!!). Well written, great story full of emotion that leaves you craving more – you can’t ask for a better read!
December 10, 2015
~*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*~
'A Kindled Winter' is the story of two people with heartbreaking pasts. Jeseca Reed and David Drake have both lost people they have loved and both blame themselves for it all. One night, a stranded Jeseca stumbles upon the home of David Drake, a surgeon, and from that moment, both their fates are sealed. Together, they overcome the guilt and sadness of their past and fall in love, as well.
I am not very fond of modern romances; they just aren't for me, but this was a wonderful story that definitely made me forget the modern setting and immersed me into the lives of the characters. Jeseca's and David's tragic histories were truly heartbreaking and I felt the raw emotion they had about the events they suffered through. What I really liked was that they were each revealing a little more and more about themselves the more they became more comfortable with one another. I really enjoyed the gradual relationship progress from them being strangers, to acquaintances, friends, and then falling in love. However, what I loved the most about this book and that it shows despite tragedy and loss, there's always hope for a better tomorrow and life can change unexpectedly for the better.
This book was a very quick read for me and was a lovely holiday romance! The book is very descriptive and I especially enjoyed this when reading descriptions of the snowy Winter Wonderland-type setting outside of David's home. There are some dark moments however as both characters reflect on their pasts but hope and love endure and win!
'A Kindled Winter' is the story of two people with heartbreaking pasts. Jeseca Reed and David Drake have both lost people they have loved and both blame themselves for it all. One night, a stranded Jeseca stumbles upon the home of David Drake, a surgeon, and from that moment, both their fates are sealed. Together, they overcome the guilt and sadness of their past and fall in love, as well.
I am not very fond of modern romances; they just aren't for me, but this was a wonderful story that definitely made me forget the modern setting and immersed me into the lives of the characters. Jeseca's and David's tragic histories were truly heartbreaking and I felt the raw emotion they had about the events they suffered through. What I really liked was that they were each revealing a little more and more about themselves the more they became more comfortable with one another. I really enjoyed the gradual relationship progress from them being strangers, to acquaintances, friends, and then falling in love. However, what I loved the most about this book and that it shows despite tragedy and loss, there's always hope for a better tomorrow and life can change unexpectedly for the better.
This book was a very quick read for me and was a lovely holiday romance! The book is very descriptive and I especially enjoyed this when reading descriptions of the snowy Winter Wonderland-type setting outside of David's home. There are some dark moments however as both characters reflect on their pasts but hope and love endure and win!
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