Police Chief Delaney Reed loves the holidays in Ordinary, Oregon, the beach town where gods vacation and monsters reside. But this year, she has a lot on her plate. It isn’t just the creature who follows her home, or the terrible storm barreling toward town. It isn't that Mrs. Yates’s penguin has been stolen. Again.
It’s that her boyfriend, Ryder Bailey, has been gone for two months and is growing more distant. She's beginning to think she knows why.
But when a demon, a dragon, and a god bearing unusual gifts get thrown on top of her to-do list, Delaney decides to roll up her sleeves and make this holiday unforgettable. One disaster at a time.
Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
OMG I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! I know that it's only a novella but I think fans of Ordinary Magic series must NOT miss this one. It's sweet, it's cute, it's tender, and OMG SO ROMANTIC!! The Christmas present that Ryder gave to Delaney was THE BEST (be still my heart, that man wins a million points from me!)
It's a delightful story -- it has dragon that takes form as a piglet (). The part where Ryder's dog, Spud, is giving the dragon his stuffed toys so the dragon can hoard it and Spud can befriend the dragon is WAY TOO ADORABLE. It also has missing penguins (!)
And I really need Bathin and Myra to work on their sexual tension, darn it!
I can't wait for more stories coming from this universe...
I love the the town of “Ordinary,” Oregon, the Reed sisters and the crazy gods who vacation there. “Paper Stars” is a cute little Christmas novella about Delaney Reed and her greatest desire for Christmas.
Delaney’s boyfriend, Ryder has been working in Bend, Oregon for two months and she feels as though their relationship is slipping or is it. He promises to be home for Christmas but as we all know something always seems to challenge happiness.
Meanwhile, Delaney and her sister enters a cave in search of a creature that frightened one of the residents. What they find is terrifying and adorable. Of course the demon, Bathin is none too pleased. I have a sneaking suspicion that this new resident is going to play a key role in upcoming installments.
This was a lighthearted, fun read with all of the elements that have made this series a success including the ever stolen penguin. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I love the Reed sisters, who are the police that keep the vacationing gods and the monsters in the town of Ordinary in line. Delaney Reed, the police chief, has a lot of responsibility, but this close to Christmas, she’s missing her boyfriend, Ryder Bailey, who has been out of town for two months. If only she could hear those three little words from him, all would be right with the world. These stories always have some humor in them, usually a bit of suspense or danger, and a scoop of romance as well. I especially enjoyed the hilarious scene in the diner with the old man and his obscene gestures, while Delaney was on the phone with Ryder. Of course, there are always strange things going on, including the annoying demon that owns her soul, a dragon that looks like a pig, a missing penguin statue and a trickster god giving her gifts. But there’s also Christmas magic in the air, so all will come right in the end.
A really sweet christmas story. Being police chief brings it's own problems. Like the fact that a cave explorer swears he saw a dragon/monster in the local caves. This leads to her and her youngest sister finding a dragon that has taken on the guise of a dragon. When the dragon attaches itself to her, she has no option but to take it to the home she shares with Ryder. Maybe it will stop her missing him whilst he's away working. With christmas a few days away, when he rings and says he will be coming back she's ecstatic. However time passes and he still hasn't arrived. A call from him has her frantic. He's hurt! How will they get him home safely? Will christmas live up to what she wants?
Cute, with a sweet ending. 3.7 Goodreads; 4.2 Amazon.
I was in the mood for a quick, light holiday tale, and this novella suited me well. There are funny lines and moments (including an embarrassing one (though TBH, I don't see how she could not realize)), family and townsfolk (and the "famous" concrete yard-penguin), an adorable dragon-pig 🐷 with some connections yet to be explained, both snow wishes (from the irrepressible Jean) and storm worries (can Ryder safely make it back in time for Christmas?), and romantic uncertainty turned to comfort and joy. There were just a few minor errors, mainly re. punctuation and such. Ordinary is a fun place to "visit".
Ryder has been away for two months working and Delaney misses him like crazy. This is their first Christmas together but it looks like circumstances will force them to spend it apart. Delaney is not alone she still has her sister's and the town to watch over including finding Mrs Yates penguin, who has been kidnapped again. Then Delaney gets the best news ever Ryders coming home for Christmas but then there's a terrible storm and Ryders late. Delaney's holiday may be over unless the magic of the town and the season can combine to give Delaney her hearts desire.
I almost think the pig steals the show, well, dragon. Devon Monk is a true bard, and her way with words is magical. So, of course when she paints the scene of best dog Spud and new bestie Pig, snoozing atop the dragons stuffed toy treasure hoard.......it's a story stealer. I look forward to reading more about Spud & Pig and Delaney & Ryder in the next book.
This short story is told from the POV of Delaney Reed, just as the novels of Ordinary Magic are. It's a sweet Christmastime story involving Delaney & her relationship with Ryder Bailey, longtime crush & current boyfriend. This story does not contain as much magic or gods as the main series, but it's a very enjoyable read with a really touching ending.
I enjoyed this author’s series “Ordinary Magic” very much; so much that I was reluctant to devour the final short story. However, I am pleased to find she has other books, and hope to find the same wit, strong women, and imagination as the Ordinary Magic books.
This is a nice romantic yarn which is typical for Ordinary. That is to say it's pretty strange for anywhere else. If you get the holiday blues, this story will make you feel better. If you love the holiday season, you'll love the pig.
A little mystery, a little suspense, a little romance all brought together at Christmas in Ordinary. Throw in a few magical creatures, a few laughs, & a few tears & you have a delightful Christmas story for the Reed Family & friends.
Reading this is like taking a holiday vacation to somewhere you go every year. You have known the people/characters for a while but only see them on your vacation. You get to catch up with their lives and celebrate the holidays with them.
This was a sweet story for the holidays that made me laugh out loud until I squeezed and made me mushy in some places. I hope that these characters keep pestering Devon Monk for many more stories! I love Ordinary and it's entire cast of weird and wacky characters.
Delaney misses her boyfriend Ryder and wants him home for Christmas. He is 3 hours away and has run off the road. The solution involves a demon and a dragon rescue.
I love the short stories between books, this way it makes the wait between books more tolerable. This is a great Christmas story in Ordinary. The about time is for the "I love you"
Devon Monk has written a wonderful short about Christmas and how we all have special wishes at this time of year. I really loved this paranormal story and think everyone who reads it will love it too.
I really e noted this.nice and simple,a feel good story. Went too fast though. I could really real with it being a bit longer,the characters didn't have a chance to develope.