Winter Memorial

Holly #1.5

by C.C. Warrens

This is a short story, approximately 60 pages long, featuring the characters from the Holly Novels that falls between Criss Cross (book 1) and Cross Fire (book 2). In the paperback version, there is a three chapter preview of Cross Fire. A winter memorial, held to recognize fallen officers, becomes slightly more than they bargained for when hard feelings and unresolved issues rise up.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2018

About the author

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

Reviews

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story to segue "Criss Cross" and "Cross Fire". This tells a bit about what happened to Jace's brother. Very short story (I started and finished in in one 40 minute bus trip), but great information to connect the books! You could probably read this one by itself, but I wouldn't recommend it.... and you could read the series without this short story, but it does add some depth to various aspects of the overall story. And.... it's free when you sign up for the author's newsletter, so no reason not to read it!

[Eva North · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this last week and had it not been for life, I would have been able to finish it in one setting. This was good but a little confusing to me storyline wise. Am definitely continuing the series, I’m too invested now

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story that takes place after the first novel, Criss Cross. In Winter Memorial, Holly, Detective Marx, best friend Jace and police officer Sam attend a banquet to honor fallen officers, including one killed protecting Holly. Events at the service bring both Holly and Jace face to face with people that help them address their past. This brings about some healing-through grace and forgiveness. A nice little addition to Criss Cross.
Thanks to the author for the copy of Winter Memorial. Opinions stated are my own.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story takes place between books one and two of the Holly novels, Criss Cross and Cross Fire. The characters are attending a memorial evening for fallen heroes. Jace learns something about how her brother became comatose. Holly reveals the immense guilt she feels about a fallen officer’s death. I’m looking forward to book 2! Book 1 was fantastic! Book 3 hasn’t been released as of yet, but it’s coming soon!

[Carol Pummell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I have read all of CC Warrens Holly books and preordered the next one of the Justice books. I just can’t get enough! I love the characters, the story line and the love of Jesus that shines throughout her books.
I just wish she could write faster!
I can’t give enough praise to CC Warren for her stories, her imagination and the love she puts into her books.
I just want the step brother to get what he deserves!

[Christine Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story that fits between books 1 and 2 in the series. Subscribers to CCWarrens newsletter receive this story for free. I think it could be read alone. I was amazed at how the author managed to fit in a major issue in its pages and say something worthwhile about it. Looking forward to books 2 and 3

[Dawn Trainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific short story!

I loved this short story in Holly's series! Touching, faith, forgiveness, perseverance.

CC is a prolific worry with quality and talent beyond words!!!

You don't feel as though you are reading fiction. You feel as though you are living it!

Prepare to become immersed!!!

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob had been killed in the line of duty, protecting Holly, a curious redhead. She thinks she can handle situations when they head south.

This short story sold me. I'm ready to get into the rest of the series. Holly is an interesting character who runs into dangerous situations, probably without thinking. Great characters. Thrilling plot.

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story by C. C. Warrens fills in a bit of backstory for Jace, Holly Cross's best friend. All the characters we've come to know and love are up to their usual antics in the somber setting of a memorial dinner for fallen police officers. It's a lovely teaser that makes us want a longer story to indulge in.

[Jaycee Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect segue between the first two books!

I loved how this was told from the third person perspective, letting us glimpse a little inside everybody’s heads. Also nice that Jace found some answers about her brother. I love this series!

[Teresa Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters!!

This is the second time I've read this series since November. I fell in love with them because they seem so real. Marx is so protective of Holly and that's so sweet! I'm glad that we got to know what happened to Sam because I hate unfinished business.

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This glimpse into the backstory of Jace's family and how her brother landed in a coma provided welcome insight between books one and two in the Holly series. Although short, this story delivers a powerful punch. I love the characters in this series and can't wait to move on to book two!

[Vicki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story fits between Criss Cross and Cross Fire. It’s very well written. It’s the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. Impossible to put down!

[Anita Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book like the others by this author. A sneak peek at what happened and many questions were answered in this continued saga of Marx and Holly and friends.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished my first book by C.C Warrens, Criss Cross. I felt that I needed more, it ended too soon. And to my surprise, I found this ebook short story in my library.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable short story of when we allow fear to dictate our action instead of doing the right thing.

[AlwaysByTheBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jace and Holly attend a memorial service for fallen officers two months after Holly was nearly killed by a serial killer, the last thing they expected was to find the truth behind the brutal attack that left Jace’s brother in a coma.

This short story is book 1.5 and falls between book 1, Criss Cross, and book 2, Cross Fire.

I just ordered Cross Fire and wanted to read something short, so I decided to read this short story and I’m so glad I did!

It was so much fun to see Holly, Jace, Marx, and Sam back again! I absolutely loved these characters in book 1 and can’t wait to see them in book 2.

There is something so real and raw with how C.C. writes her characters where you can relate to them on such a deep level. My heart broke for Jace as she found out what happened to her brother and I just wanted to hug her.

Holly and Jace are so sweet together and I adore their friendship. The friendly banter between them makes me giggle every time!❤️🤭

And Marx. I just love his character so much! He is so patient with Holly and is always silently protecting her because he doesn’t want to see her scared. I love the unique banter between Holly and Marx. It cracks me up but it’s also really sweet. Plus, who doesn’t love a good southern accent?!🫡

I can’t wait to start book 2 in this series! If you’re looking for a great thriller with hope, courage and secrets, you have to pick up this series!🔥

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book helps to set the background for Holly and some of her friends.
It is full of the same quirks, banter, and suspicious stuff that happens whenever Holly is around. CC Warrens doesn’t disappoint the reader because this book is packed full of drama.
CC Warrens has created a community of people and friends that seem real, and we want to see what is happening in their lives.
If you love suspense, action, drama, heart-dropping moments as well as, fun spunky times, then this is the book for you to pick up.
I recommend you first pick up the first book in the Holly Cross series. It will give you a better background.
If you love books that will keep you spellbound until the very end, then this is one for you!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

This is a companion short story to the Holly Novels series I’ve been posting about by C.C. Warrens. This is technically volume 1.5 and should be read in between Criss Cross and Cross Fire.

Holly’s best friend is Jace whose brother was brutally beaten one night, leaving him incapacitated. This short story gives us a greater glimpse into what happened on the night of his attack.

This read takes less than an hour, and even within these few pages Holly can’t help but risk her safety for answers to protect someone she cares about. I just love her fierce personality.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[KC Roussos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filling in the Blanks

I love C.C. warrens style of writing. Each page leads me to the next and wanting more.

She has the ability to foreshadow things that you had no idea were things and then completely explain the, often in a short story.

I love the fact that her story reflects so much of God and emotion, without a smothering over abundance of either.

This and Criss Cross were the first books I had time to read in years.

I hope C.C. continues to develop her characters on long walks with her husband!

[Charles H Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added character depth

With each book, I become more sympathetic to Holly, our main heroine. At first, I thought of her as selfishly doing as she pleased at the sacrifice of safety for those trying to help her.
Now, as the author further develops her history, I am much more empathetic. I feel that Holly is so much braver than I would be in her shoes.
I especially enjoy the bible based moral lessons the author peppers throughout each book and story.
Thank you CC and WC for being the wonderful people you are!

[Flor Gisela Vázquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter Memorial is a very short story. It’s nice to know why Jace’s brother is in that condition. I had hoped, however, that this short story would bring some sort of resolution and justice to Scott’s case. It does not, and therefore, I was disappointed. Hopefully, it will happen further along in the series.

“Life is a temporary gift-a fragile, fleeting moment in time. And when that moment is over, and that person’s soul moves on, nothings of them remains but an empty shell and a memory.”

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very well written short story. I see that it is a short story between two books and now I really want to read them. I like the characters and I love the story. It makes you smile and smirk at some of the comments. It also makes you sad and realize that you are lucky. With not having background on the book before this it can stand alone as a short story. I can't wait to see what happened before this story and I really want to see what happens next.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not much you can say about such a short story without giving spoilers. It is always great to enter Holly's world and see what is happening. I have read all of C. C. Warrens's books, except this one, but I recommend reading it in the order it was intended to get the most out of it.
Criss Cross
Winter Memorial (Short story)
Cross Fire
Crossed Off
Injustice for All
Holly Jolly Christmas
Imperfect Justice
Cross the Line
Crossroads

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again!

I read this out of order and was concerned that it wouldn't be as fulfilling as if I had read it in the right order. But, it didn't matter. It was great how Warren weaved in another storyline. It made sense and I was glad to read it and discover this new storyline with these awesome characters!

[Linda Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!!

I'm loving Holly's escapades.can't wait for the one....They keep me yearning for.more reading time and I'm loving Holly's escapades.can't wait for th v! in another chapter.

[Jim Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good short story in which Holly attends a memorial for police officers who had fallen in the line of duty. She tries to run from the ball only to get herself in trouble yet again with Marx, a NYPD detective. I have loved everything I've read so far by Ms. Warrens.

[Paula Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Memorial short story C.C.Warren's

I enjoyed this short story a lot. The story line was good and the characters were great, following them along in the series. I recommend it to anyone to read.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Memorial is a quick read and is a segue. Marx, Holly, Jace, and Sam attend a winter memorial for fallen officers. The story tells how Jace's brother ends up in a coma and why. And of course, Holly finds herself getting into trouble as usual.
Great read.

[Becky Jewkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a writer!

I just finished reading C.C. Warren's last Holly story. I read them all back to back because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Mrs. Warren's is a magnificent writer who had me crying, laughing, and loving her characters. I want more!