Starlight Inn

by Annee Jones

Caught in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, Hope has no choice but spend the holiday at the Starlight Inn. Will she be touched by the magic of Christmas with a little help from a handsome stranger?

Hope Garland is at a crossroads. Nothing she does feels like it’s getting her to where she wants to be in life… It's time for a change. Leaving everything in Dallas behind was a difficult choice, but she’ll have to make sacrifices to get the life she’s always wanted, even if that means being away from home for Christmas so she’ll be able to make her first shift on time.

Determined to reach her destination, Hope doesn’t stop even when a snowstorm threatens. But after a near miss on the highway, she finally decides to pull over and have a coffee before she keeps going. But the snow isn’t showing any sign of stopping and Hope will have to spend the night at a nearby inn.

The Starlight Inn is the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve, and Hope is swept away in the comfort and cheer of the holiday—but can she put aside her worry over her new job and take the time to really appreciate what Christmas has to offer?

Like it or not, Hope is snowed in at the Starlight Inn. Could handsome stranger Nicholas White, also stranded by the snowstorm, help her put things into perspective? Can she set things right before it’s too late?

Genres: Romance, Christian

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

International bestselling author Annee Jones writes romance that ranges from sweet to scorching, sassy to dark, contemporary to fantastical. Perfect for your coffee break or midnight escape—quick reads for wild hearts.

Outside of writing, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit. She loves practicing Barre, relaxing in the sauna, and staying up way too late reading.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

Find out more about Annee and her books here: https://linktr.ee/anneejones

Reviews

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Christmas stories year round and this one is especially fun to read. It gave me a warm feeling of security, love and family as I felt like I was a visitor at the Starlight Inn. How fun it would be to stay there and enjoy the holidays with the people. Fresh snow made a beautiful picture as Holly looked outside. You can feel joy in the air as Christmas Day was here. She was feeling better about being here even though she missed her family.

I liked how the author delivers a sweet story that reminds us what Christmas is really about. Spending time with friends and family while reading about the birth of Christ brings happiness to everyone. Yes I cried at times reading the story. I’m not a big fan of holidays but this book made me smile and cry at the same time. The author shocked me with the ending and I have to say I loved it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starlight Inn is a heartfelt warm Christmas story with many surprises. The characters are very relatable, and I took to them right away. I thought this was a typical Christmas romance novel, but it was much more. There were lessons that the main character, Hope, learned about herself while on the journey.

Leaving for Chicago to start a new job didn't go as planned when a snowstorm stranded her, and a stay at Starlight Inn became part of her Christmas miracle. The ending was inspirational and sweet and wrapped everything up nicely. A very heartwarming and inspirational story with a strong Christian message.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It really was a surprise ending!
It is a nice short read. It made me cry a little but that is normal for me lately. This book is a good read to get a reader in the Christmas Spirit.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder of the important things in life

Hope takes a journey this Christmas...just not the one she had planned!
A sweet, heartwarming, festive romance which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute short story that has a lot of Christmas spirit. It has a Hallmark movie feel that I really enjoyed.

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a book to put you in the Christmas mood, you must check out Starlight Inn by Annee Jones.

The story opens with Hope Garland, a young woman at a crossroads in life. She accepts a job in Chicago, thousands of miles away from her family residing in Dallas. Traveling days before Christmas has her wondering if she made the right decision in taking the new job so far from home. Determined to shake the doubts, she presses on toward her destination until a snowstorm forces her to stop for the night.

The story gets interesting when Hope finds herself hunkered down at the local Starlight Inn. Enjoying time with complete strangers, who also feel awkwardly familiar, awakens the Christmas spirit in Hope. She also finds herself drawing closer to Nick White, another stranded traveler. Together they form a special bond by discussing family, life, and future goals. The time at the Starlight Inn causes Hope to re-evaluate everything she thought was important to her.

The story was a lighthearted, quick read with some fun twists and turns. It definitely got me in the mood to celebrate Christmas and everything that goes with it. Family, Hallmark movies, hot chocolate, cookies, and most importantly, Jesus!

I recommend giving Starlight Inn a read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review nor compensated for sharing my thoughts. I am disclosing this per FTC regulations.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy books by new to me Authors and the Christian Romance Contemporary genre. Starlight Inn by Annee Jones is the latest book that I have read that fits these. It is the 7th book in the Christmas at the Inn series. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I felt it read great as a Stand Alone novel.

Hope Garland is on her way to Chicago to spend time at home for Christmas. She crashes the car and is instead rushed to a nearby hospital in a coma. Hope believes she is OK and during the course of being in a Coma, she believes she is elsewhere. Hope is in the middle of a snowstorm, her car is totaled and she needs a place to stay. She discovers the Starlight Inn and decides to check in there. The Inn is run by the Kringles, there are many other guests there and they will be Snowed In for Christmas. She ends up falling in love with one of the guests. As she comes out of the Coma, a Dr. comes into her room. She realizes that the visions she had while in the Coma are all surrounding her in the room. A Snowglobe that has the sign for "Starlight Inn" in the globe is in her room. The Dr. looks like the man from her dreams. Will Hope recover from her Coma? Does she find real-life romance with the Dr?

I truly love books based on Christmas time. This is a short book and was an easy read. I do like how the author based the book on the "visions" that a woman sees while in a Coma. The book read like a sweet "Hallmark" movie story. I am now interested in reading the many other books in this series. GREAT BOOK!

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starlight Inn by Annee Jones captured my imagination and attention from the moment I began reading it. On her way to Chicago on Christmas Eve, Hope Garland finds herself caught up in a dangerous snow storm. She believes she is alright, but in reality she is rushed to hospital and is in her coma.

However, she believes she came through the wreck with no problems. Making her way off the highway, she finds a diner. In the diner, she finds herself needing lodging for the night. One of the owners of the diner refers her to Starlight Inn, which proves to be an incredible place to spend Christmas Eve.

The characters she encounters in the inn captured my imagination. Finding herself in the most incredible place to spend Christmas, she and the other guests find themselves eating cookies and drinking cocoa along with stringing popcorn,, and more. I found myself unable to put this book down. She finds herself falling in love with a stranger she meets at the inn. But in reality, she wakes up and finds the stranger is her doctor.

My only regret about this story comes from the fact the story ended. I wanted to read more about Annee and the doctor. So if you enjoy Christmas stories filled with magical times, wonderful people, and finding your true calling, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope feels nothing like her name. Her boyfriend cheated on her and dumper her. For her best friend no less. What can she do? Her life is falling apart! When she’s driving in a depressed state of mind on bad roads things get worse. She has a wreck. She’s in a coma. But to her, she’s still living life.

As she sleeps in the coma and lives out a good life in her dreams you’ll love being along for the journey. Once she wakes up, will her dreams actually come true?

This is part of a series but I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything while I was reading it. So, I think you could be safe reading it as a stand-alone all on its own.

I think this is a great book to read at this time of year. You’ll be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and what it really means. Plus it has a great reminder to slow down and enjoy your life.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing I enjoy more than a feel-good Christmas story... and Starlight Inn is certainly that. It is filled with magic and holiday cheer, as well as beautiful lessons on the importance of family and love during the holiday season.

This is a very quick read. From start to finish, I found this one took me only about an hour to read. This is great during the holidays when things can get rather busy! Oftentimes I've found with shorter stories like this though, it can feel incomplete or too rushed. I did not find that to be the case here. Yes, I might have enjoyed having a longer stories with these characters and getting to know them even better. However, it did feel like the story was complete as it was. I enjoyed the magic of it, and found myself picturing this perfect little Christmas inn (and frankly wanting to visit it myself).

If you enjoy a sweet holiday romance, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming, not-quite-novella-length Christmas story. Even though this book is shorter, you’ll find that it’s packed with all the things we love about Christmas: A beautiful, picturesque setting; warm and caring characters; and several fun Christmas traditions that we’ve come to expect in all the Christmas books that we love to read during this season of the year. When Hope Garland finds herself driving in the middle of a blizzard, she doesn’t realize that the events over the next several hours will cause her to completely rethink some decisions she’s recently made.

While I would have liked for this book to have taken a little bit longer with the development of the two main characters, that wasn’t the aim of this story. The plot to this book would make a great Christmas movie, and I especially liked the ending. If you are looking for a sweet and clean book with just a touch of Christmas magic, you’ll enjoy reading this one.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun story to read as we kick off the holiday season. Starlight Inn is written by Annee Jones. If you have not read a book by her - you are missing out. Her stories are so well written that you feel like you are standing there watching everything unfold. This is a sweet heartwarming story.

Hope Garland is driving home for Christmas - she has recently found out her fiance was cheating - she gets into a car accident and ends up in a coma. However, she does not realize that and she finds herself in the middle of a snow storm and she finds her way to the Starlight Inn. What a fun place this must be! I want to go visit. She had been worried about moving away from family - but the Starlight Inn made her not so sad.

This book is a quick and heartwarming read. I love reading anything that this author writes. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet novella offers a quick holiday read with a feel-good story that may lead the realistic main characters to find love. Hope Garland feels caught as she must leave her family during the Christmas holidays to drive to her new corporate job in Chicago. A snowstorm stops her winter journey and leads to her spending time at the Starlight Inn, where she’s swept up into the innkeepers’ special activities along with the other guests, including Nick White. The dear older couple who run the inn make you love Christmas too and want to join in the fun. The whole scenario seems unreal. Don’t read the book description if you want to be surprised by the end. The typical plot takes a twist and presents a touching conclusion. I enjoyed the Christmasy names of all the characters and the homemade Christmas gifts they made for each other. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starlight Inn is Annee Jones contribution to the multi author series, Christmas at the Inn. With the main character’s name as Hope Garland, I could not help but to enjoy this delightful novella. Even though her tale is short, it is full of sweetness and thought it was a great start for my Christmas reading list. I wanted to see what would happen with Hope and if she gets the life she has been seeking.
I am giving Starlight Inn five stars. Readers who are looking for a quick and clean holiday romance, will want to add this one to their Christmas reading list. I would love to read the others book from the Christmas at the Inn series.
I received a digital copy of Starlight Inn from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting by the electric fire with a warm cup of tea, I finished this sweet story.  I knew I was in for a treat as I began to read it.

Everyone usually loves Christmas tales and I was happy to have the opportunity to read this one.   Most of the characters in the story had names that are closely tied to the holiday season.  I would love to stay at this Inn.  

There are important messages in this short story.  I thought of Wizard of Oz when I read this.  The main character, Hope, is travelling to Chicago for a new job.  She comes to realize that "There is no place like home" as she drives farther and farther from her family in Texas.

Starlight Inn is a story that could become an annual tradition.  It's a feel good story that touches your heart.

I received this ebook to review from Celebrate Lit.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, charming and uplifting Christmas tale!

As I was reading I could almost feel myself in the quaint, snow-covered town where Hope is left in a lurch during a blizzard. I could easily picture myself stranded and having a great time at the Starlight Inn. Both the hosts and the other guests were enchanting. The novella had a wonderfully touching finish that made me happy for Hope, her family and her new friend.

I had never read anything by Annee Jones before, but I dare say this won't be my last time. I truly enjoyed how she was able to take a brief story and make you feel as though you had gotten to know the characters well. I found it to be truly impressive for such a short tale.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Starlight Inn
Author: Annee Jones
Release Date: November 16th, 2022
Page Count: 85
Format: Ebook
Start Date: December 18th, 2022
Finish Date: December 18th, 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I'm going to start this review out by saying that I am not a fan of Christmas stories at all. I really don't mind the holiday. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a Scrooge. I just don't care for all the stories and movies. This story however was too cute not to love! I wanted to keep reading it. I didn't want the story to end! I wanted to know more about every single character in this story. This book also made me question a lot of things. Do things happen for a reason? Are we missing the beauty of life due to our own expectations of ourselves? I could go on, but this is a book review not a philosophical debate. I really loved it.

[Elizabeth Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starlight Inn (Christmas at the Inn) is the 7th book in the Christmas at the Inn series, but considering I haven't read the other books, I found it to be an excellent stand-alone novella.

This sweet novella offers a quick holiday read with a feel-good story with many surprises that will remind you of what Christmas is all about! This read is worth checking out if you enjoy a sweet holiday romance! Although it is a quick read, I found it perfect for the busy holidays and didn't take away from the story or the characters. After reading and enjoying this novella, I will read more Annee Jones books.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Miriam Jacob]

"Starlight Inn" by Annee Jones is a heartwarming novel that appeals to all readers who look for real warmth, true simplicity and genuine authenticity in the stories they read. Annee speaks from the heart through her characters. Readers feel the actual emotions of the characters who spring to life on the page. In Annee Jones' passionately heartwarming stories, starry-eyed dreams do come true, and genuine love always wins against all odds! Annee has the awesome gift of weaving human emotions and feelings into the minds and hearts of her characters. In "Starlight Inn," the two main characters, Nick and Hope really identify with each other in a unique manner that touches the hearts of reader in a very special way. I recommend this book very highly to all our readers.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starlight Inn has all the feelings of a magical hallmark movie! Perfect short story to get you into the holiday spirit. Hope is headed to Chicago on Christmas Eve to start her new job the day after Christmas, when a snowstorm hits and lands her at Tidings Diner. Looking for a place to stay the night, the waitress recommends Starlight Inn. As soon as she arrives she’s greeted with a familiar feeling. She meets Nick and feels an instant connection. Everything about it makes her feel it’s magical and she gets a sense family and love from everyone.
This was a really good book, it was sweet, magical and perfect for the holidays.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starlight Inn feels like a tv movie, in a book. That makes it even better. Hope Garland is in a jam, and thus she leaves cozy Texas for...Chicago? Yikes! Winding up at the Starlight Inn wasn't part of the plan, but it will change her life. With an accident and some twists, and a coma, and things that no one expected, Hope's life becomes a sweet tale that is heartwarming and romantic. It has faith elements and even if it's cliche, it's full of hope.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book for review. Positive reviews are never required and this is what I thought about this book.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet romance book. I loved the story and the characters. The author did such a good job with some unexpected surprised.

I was in the mood for a good Christmas read and this fit the bill. The characters were realistic and relatable so I enjoyed them. It was just a feel good read that just hit the spot.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas story by Annee Jones. I liked that it had a “Hallmark” movie kind of feel. I liked the characters and how Christmasy the town was. I really liked how the author surprised us at the end with what was really going on and that there was a happy conclusion. I thought this was a cute, short story that is great for getting in the Christmas mood.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is travelling to her new job, missing out on her first Christmas ever with her family. When a snowstorm stops her travels, she finds herself stranded at the Starlight Inn.
Although stranded isn’t the word as Hope find the people and atmosphere so welcoming. She also meets Nick also stranded due to the snowstorm.
Hope sees her life through new eyes seeing what’s really important.
Great quick read with interesting twist.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story that brings to the forefront the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of slowing down to take in what's really important during the holidays. This book is a great start to my holiday reading list! I enjoyed the characters and the twists to the story. This is a delightful, quick read!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

[Baxygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book from this author for me so it’s still all new.
It was a cute story but seemed to be too cramped with setting the story in the first part.

I get it was a short story and the information needs to be there, I just felt it maybe didn’t need it all so quickly.

Cute quick read to ready us for the holidays

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 4 out of 5]

When driving to her next adventure, Hope gets stuck in a snowstorm and is forced to pull over. While staying at the Starlight Inn, she begins to question her future and with new friends like Nick, maybe there's hope for her yet.
This is a quick read and has a great twist!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Stacey Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Up until the final chapter I found this novella to be a cozy, warm christmas read. It had everything you wanted in a christmas story. But the final chapter, learning that none of the story was real and the FMC was in a coma the whole time... that absolutely ruined the book for me.
3.5 because up until the end I did find the book to be enjoyable.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas story! It's a sweet heartwarming read that was a joy to read. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, your favorite throw and settle in for a delightful read. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and the Christmas vibes were lovely, but the romance was too much insta-love for my liking.

Content warnings
coarse language: none
violence & gore: none
sexual content: none, sweet kisses only