Resolutions: Remaking Meredith/Never Say Never/Beginnings/Letters to Timothy

by Carol Cox, Yvonne Lehman, Peggy Darty

Introducing four brand-new novellas in modern settings that reflect on the anticipation of entering a new year--new calendar, new goals to accomplish, and a new chance at love. Rejoice in the transformation of a young woman in "Remaking Meredith" by Carol Cox. Throughout "Beginnings", Peggy Darty will have you laughing and crying as two lonely adults are laid up in the hospital over the holiday season.

Then, discover how setting goals brings together a church singles' class and sparks the flame of love in "Never Say Never" by Yvonne Lehman. Finally, in "Letters to Timothy", see how author Pamela Kaye Tracy unites five needy people with one pen pal letter.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance

351 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Carol Cox has an abiding love for history and romance, especially when it’s set in her native Southwest. As a third-generation Arizonan, she takes a keen interest in the Old West and hopes to make it live again in the hearts of her readers. A pastor’s wife, Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—within view of the family’s front porch.

Reviews

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your typical chrischun 4-popper, so popular in the 1990s, and so predictable as to be an easy, mindless read. And as per the usual, one is great, one is pitiful, one is 'meh', and the last one wants to be good, but can't quite make it.

First story is the wonderful one - 'Finding Meredith'. It's actually partially stolen from Grace Livingston Hill's "Crimson Roses" (one of my favorites)... it's just done shallower and less beautifully. Meredith is trying to improve herself to win her boss' eye, not knowing he's a lecher. Todd finds her list of 'resolutions', and helps her to achieve them, as a 'pet project' (←his way of NOT admitting he really likes her).

The second story is the sucky one - I skimmed most of it and came out not missing anything and liking less. Two people stuck in a hospital for no good reason. ((She has multiple broken ribs, he has a busted ankle. They'd give him crutches and her pain pills and they'd be home in hours, not kept days in a hospital. I know - I've busted multiple ribs.)) He's a workaholic and she wants attention. They do a lot of fighting, a lot of talking about the Bible, and end up together... while not really being all that dang romantic towards each other.

The third story is the 'meh' one - Amy wants to write a romance. ((It sucks.)) Jason is in her singles church group and is a book editor who she overheard saying, 'Every one has a book out there they think is awesome, and that they want him to look at'. So she feels like she can't talk to him about her book. Instead, there's this weird Interstate Rest Stop ministry that people would barely be interested in back in 1990, and not at ALL tolerant of in 2022. And he's got drowning fears, and naturally she's an expert swimmer/teacher. It was all too pat, too trite, and OF COURSE he loves her super sucky medieval romance... even tho he edits non-fiction. Because AMY. (((rolls eyes.)))

The last book wanted to be good, but had some issues. Rita has her 3rd graders matched up with old folk home penpals. David's grandpa is in the home, and can't use his hands well, so he helps write to Tommy. Tommy invites his penpal/grandson to church, but David's not a believer and doesn't want to be coerced into faith, so he's rankly. Worse, he's described as being kind of a scumball (long hair, skinny, torn jeans) and kind of distasteful, so what Rita wants to do with him, we never figure out. It was an idea with promise, but the execution is kind of... grubby feeling? I don't know. It wasn't what it could've been.

I've read worse. I've read better.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 4 stories that centered around New Years. Remaking Meredith is about trying to keep the resolutions you make on New Years. Beginnings is about a girl who has an accident and is in the hospital. Never Say Never is about Amy who wants to become a romance writer. Letters to Timothy is about a teacher whose students are writing letters to people in the nursing home.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 2 out of 5]

These stories are completely predictable and do not really provide compelling storylines. However, if you are simply looking for an easy read for the beach or before bed, these novellas are pleasant and do not require much from the reader. There is not much that is new or different here, but each story fits firmly within the Christian romantic fiction genre.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is that I was able to get through it! It was mind numbingly predictable, and so overly sweet that I wanted to throw up. Big reminder of why I don't typically read romance!