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Fortune Bay
Starlight and Tinsel: A Small Town Christmas Novella
IT'S STAR'S TURN TO SHINE!
A year to the day after her van broke down in Fortune Bay, Star isn’t sure why she’s still here, and why she’s moving into the cabin on the lake instead of moving on to the next town. She’s never lived in one place this long before, but when Eden, her van with Adam and Eve painted on the side, her inheritance from her hippy mom, rolled to a stop in front of Blue’s workshop, she figured her mother’s hand had guided her there and decided to stick around and find out why.
Turned out it wasn’t for Blue, he was taken, and it definitely wasn’t for the job. Slinging burgers in the café had never been on her Top 10 Careers list. So why was she here? If the universe didn’t send her a message soon, she was moving on to greener career pastures. As usual.
Harry felt like he’d been on the road forever, too. But now his only client and best buddy Marshall Mason’s career as an award-winning singer is over, due to a serious motorcycle accident, leaving Harry at a crossroads. Their plan was to launch a state-of-the-art recording studio—but now Marshall’s decided to settle down here, in the middle of nowhere—in Fortune Bay.
Harry kept the band on the road for 20 years. The life was getting old, and he was happy to settle down, but did it have to be in the forest in the Pacific Northwest? Why couldn’t it be in L.A.?
He’d never been the one in the band to get the girls, but over the years, there had been a few women in his life. Star, however, was a different kind of woman, the yin to his yang, and she just might be the one to get this bottled-up business man to slow down and smell the incense.
A year to the day after her van broke down in Fortune Bay, Star isn’t sure why she’s still here, and why she’s moving into the cabin on the lake instead of moving on to the next town. She’s never lived in one place this long before, but when Eden, her van with Adam and Eve painted on the side, her inheritance from her hippy mom, rolled to a stop in front of Blue’s workshop, she figured her mother’s hand had guided her there and decided to stick around and find out why.
Turned out it wasn’t for Blue, he was taken, and it definitely wasn’t for the job. Slinging burgers in the café had never been on her Top 10 Careers list. So why was she here? If the universe didn’t send her a message soon, she was moving on to greener career pastures. As usual.
Harry felt like he’d been on the road forever, too. But now his only client and best buddy Marshall Mason’s career as an award-winning singer is over, due to a serious motorcycle accident, leaving Harry at a crossroads. Their plan was to launch a state-of-the-art recording studio—but now Marshall’s decided to settle down here, in the middle of nowhere—in Fortune Bay.
Harry kept the band on the road for 20 years. The life was getting old, and he was happy to settle down, but did it have to be in the forest in the Pacific Northwest? Why couldn’t it be in L.A.?
He’d never been the one in the band to get the girls, but over the years, there had been a few women in his life. Star, however, was a different kind of woman, the yin to his yang, and she just might be the one to get this bottled-up business man to slow down and smell the incense.
126 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 20, 2020
33 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Judith Hudson
10 books279 followersJudith writes romantic women's fiction, women's fiction and mystery under the name of J.M. Hudson.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 29, 2020
This is my 3rd Fortune Bay book and with the previous two I fell in love with Star and Harry- the characters are well written and the story kept me engaged from page 1 to the end and I read it in one sitting. Well Done!
November 13, 2018
Starlight and Tinsel (The Fortune Bay Series)
This is a love story set at Christmas in Fortune Bay. That should have every Fortune Bay fan
scrambling for their Kindle. If you haven’t discovered the series then you are in for a treat.
These stories are heart-warming and very well-written. Starlight is a drifter, the daughter of a
hippy mom, still trying to find herself. Harry Brewster is an agent for his friend, Marshall, a
country western superstar. He’s been on the road all his life and doesn’t see the attraction of
small town life until he meets Starlight. Aunt Augusta, the friendly ghost, helps them find a
perfect solution. This story could be the start your Christmas shopping.
This is a love story set at Christmas in Fortune Bay. That should have every Fortune Bay fan
scrambling for their Kindle. If you haven’t discovered the series then you are in for a treat.
These stories are heart-warming and very well-written. Starlight is a drifter, the daughter of a
hippy mom, still trying to find herself. Harry Brewster is an agent for his friend, Marshall, a
country western superstar. He’s been on the road all his life and doesn’t see the attraction of
small town life until he meets Starlight. Aunt Augusta, the friendly ghost, helps them find a
perfect solution. This story could be the start your Christmas shopping.
December 1, 2019
This is the first book that I've read by Judith Hudson, so it's also the first book in the series that I've read. Although there are characters in the book from the previous stories, it made no difference to my enjoyment of this one. This is the story of Star and Harry, who have both had lives of wandering. They are attracted to each other, but both are scared of committing, not only to each other, but to putting down roots. Although it's only a novella, the story is well put together and well told. I enjoyed reading it.
November 27, 2022
A very sweet book
Christmas wishes and miracles do come true; in this book and in real life. A young woman that was a Gypsy with her mom travels around for 3 years after her mother passed. She lands in Fortune Bay and there is where she decide she doesn’t want a life of a gypsy anymore. She also decided that she wants to stay and that’s where her Christmas wishes come true.
Christmas wishes and miracles do come true; in this book and in real life. A young woman that was a Gypsy with her mom travels around for 3 years after her mother passed. She lands in Fortune Bay and there is where she decide she doesn’t want a life of a gypsy anymore. She also decided that she wants to stay and that’s where her Christmas wishes come true.
December 30, 2020
Star and Harry are two lost souls. Used to always being on the move thanks to her hippy mom, Star never feels like she belongs until she arrived in Fortune Bay. Problem is, she does not like her job. Harry is used to traveling with a band. When a band member can no longer travel, things change. Loved reading this story about two people trying to figure out their lives at Christmastime. Quick holiday read that will leave you wanting to know more about Fortune Bay and the people who live there.
September 14, 2024
The whole series was great
So glad Star and Harry got their own happy ending. They have been side characters that were polar opposites but sometimes opposites attract. It was a wonderful story to read
So glad Star and Harry got their own happy ending. They have been side characters that were polar opposites but sometimes opposites attract. It was a wonderful story to read
January 25, 2020
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Lovely likeable characters, great little town. Really enjoyed the little touch of paranormal. Will definitely want to read more by this author
January 16, 2022
I loved the whole fortune base series!
This series books Was great pure sweet Love stories. I've come to truly care about these people in this wonderful community.
This series books Was great pure sweet Love stories. I've come to truly care about these people in this wonderful community.
November 10, 2022
Starlight and Tinsel is a good rom-com and is perfect for reading curled up on a sofa with either a hot drink or a wine, it can be read in a day which is doubly perfect. Highly recommended
January 29, 2025
A sweet story
This last book was easy and fun to read. I enjoyed the whole series and will be looking into Judith Hudson’s other books.
This last book was easy and fun to read. I enjoyed the whole series and will be looking into Judith Hudson’s other books.
November 13, 2018
This novella is part of a bigger series, but you do not have to read those to enjoy this one. That said, you really should because they're great. There is no harsh cursing or on-page sex, so if those things bother you, you have nothing to worry about here.
For the last couple of books, Star has been the side character that I've been hoping to learn more about, and this novella didn't disappoint. I loved the deeper looks into Star's inner thoughts versus her outer persona, and watching her grow and change. Harry was restless and ready to leave Fortune Bay, but he also was seriously sweet and the way that he saw Star for who she was made me really adore him. Without spoiling anything, the grand gesture was so perfect. And of course, because this is a Fortune Bay story, Aunt Augusta played a part in bringing Harry and Star together and I loved that.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweet holiday themed love story between two great characters.
For the last couple of books, Star has been the side character that I've been hoping to learn more about, and this novella didn't disappoint. I loved the deeper looks into Star's inner thoughts versus her outer persona, and watching her grow and change. Harry was restless and ready to leave Fortune Bay, but he also was seriously sweet and the way that he saw Star for who she was made me really adore him. Without spoiling anything, the grand gesture was so perfect. And of course, because this is a Fortune Bay story, Aunt Augusta played a part in bringing Harry and Star together and I loved that.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweet holiday themed love story between two great characters.
November 5, 2018
This was a great addition to the Fortune Bay Series. It can be read as a standalone but I defintely recommend reading the rest anyway. They are all good. This one is a short novella so it makes for a great afternoon read. It is well written and has wonderful characters. I would classify it as a sweet romance, especially since it does not contain any graphic descriptions. I really liked Star and Harry and thought they were good together. I enjoyed this story.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
November 7, 2018
What a delightful Holiday novella. It’s a great read just before the holidays. The story has great characters, a believable story and the perfect setting. The characters are all realistic and likeable. In the story, Starlight is in a small town, Fortune Bay, all by herself. Since she lost her mother it’s only been her. Then she meets a very nice man, Harry, though a friend of hers. They get along very well but she always takes off and his love is the big city….or so he thought. So the story goes along with them getting to know each other and also themselves.
November 2, 2018
I cant say enough good things about this author and her Fortune Bay books. Miss Hudson has the ability to create characters that are interesting and believable so that you feel that you are visiting old friends and catching up with them whenever you read an installment.
This time its Stars turn. I enjoy this Christmas romance between free spirited Star and straight laced Harry.
I can't wait to see what happens in Fortune Bay next.
This time its Stars turn. I enjoy this Christmas romance between free spirited Star and straight laced Harry.
I can't wait to see what happens in Fortune Bay next.
November 2, 2018
Wild and free.....the perfect description that matches Harry & Star. I really like Fortune Bay community & love Augusta. They fit very well together and have to fight what is their norm to open their hearts to the new consuming feelings. Love is in the air and another one bites the dust, I enjoyed reading how they work through their doubt and quickly discover love is worth the risk.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily reviewing.
November 7, 2018
Neither Star nor Harry plan on staying in town. Star moves into the "haunted" just like characters from the previous books. She seems to have a unique relationship with this ghost. They are a cute couple who once they get together start to wonder if maybe they should stop wandering. There was angst but I thought it was handled pretty well - don't like long ones. A really sweet romance and loved catching up with some of the previous characters. Great cover.
December 11, 2018
A really delightful Christmas novella
This is actually the first book that I have read by this author and, therefore, in this series. I got the culmination of all the characters that have been in prior books and the lovely story of Star's romance and her special HEA. This was a very light, touching, free spirited read that leaves you smiling and feeling happy at this most Blessed of seasons! Just an easy, relaxing and quick read.
Vicki from Wyoming
This is actually the first book that I have read by this author and, therefore, in this series. I got the culmination of all the characters that have been in prior books and the lovely story of Star's romance and her special HEA. This was a very light, touching, free spirited read that leaves you smiling and feeling happy at this most Blessed of seasons! Just an easy, relaxing and quick read.
Vicki from Wyoming
January 6, 2019
Starlight and Tinsel is a heartwarming story about two highly-independent individuals who lived nomadic lives until they arrived in the small town of Fortune Bay. In each other, they find love and a sense of home.
Judith Hudson's richly descriptive prose pulled me into this story. From the first page, I rooted for Star, a woman who has had a hard life.
I recommend this novella for readers who like romantic, women's fiction.
Judith Hudson's richly descriptive prose pulled me into this story. From the first page, I rooted for Star, a woman who has had a hard life.
I recommend this novella for readers who like romantic, women's fiction.
November 2, 2018
Welcome back to Fortune Bay. Quirky, fun, romantic, holiday book. Great for all ages. Star, Harry and of course the matchmaker, Aunt Augusta. This is such a fun story. It was a short Novella that keeps you wanting more. I really enjoy these type of books. Makes you and keeps you in a happy mood! Highly recommend
November 6, 2018
Another Winner!
A wonderful little heartwarming story of finding love and what is really important, the people and places that really matter. This book was about coming home for Christmas by people who were life-long drifters and, a homecoming and a reunion of sorts for us readers who have read the rest of the series.
A wonderful little heartwarming story of finding love and what is really important, the people and places that really matter. This book was about coming home for Christmas by people who were life-long drifters and, a homecoming and a reunion of sorts for us readers who have read the rest of the series.
November 1, 2018
A great novella that gives us the romance we have been desiring for our newest favourite Fortune Bay resident, and also gives us a joyous peek into the lives of our old favourites from the series. Well written, as always, and delightfully sweet!
Read
November 1, 2018Delectable!!!
Star, the hippy with no place to go and a broken down van for a home finds her special HEA
This well written story line will have you longing for more!
Star, the hippy with no place to go and a broken down van for a home finds her special HEA
This well written story line will have you longing for more!
November 3, 2018
A sweet heartwarming romance story. Harry and Star what a couple they make. If you are looking for a quick sweet read this book is for you. And the bonus is it happens at Christmas time.
February 11, 2019
Community, Dreams and Love
It's enjoyable to find a literary world you wish you could live in too. The Fortune Bay books captured my interest from the first book to the last.
It's enjoyable to find a literary world you wish you could live in too. The Fortune Bay books captured my interest from the first book to the last.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews