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Songs of the Season
Silver Bells
Elvis croons from the radio as Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town in 1971. Michelle Penn has started a new job at a tiny weekly newspaper, and the boss’s son, Rob, is quickly making her forget all about her former sweetheart in Vietnam. Rob feels trapped working for his father and dreams of working for a bigger newspaper. But now that he’s met Michelle, she is what he wants most of all. Unfortunately, Rob is forbidden by office policy to date her, but if he were to quit his job, he’d have nothing to offer her. As snow blankets the town, it seems that the gifts Rob and Michelle most desire—each other—are out of reach. But then they didn’t count on a small Christmas miracle.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2013
426 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books686 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 5, 2023
Silver Bells is such a fun, charming story. Usually I do not read books set in the early 70's, but this is one of the few exceptions.
The Plot
Fun and quick-paced, though still slow enough to let the reader soak in the story. Simple in a good way and the reader isn't bombarded with a million subplots that are difficult to remember.
Setting
The newspaper office and smaller town-feel are what put the "charming" in this review. Something quaint and just pleasantly homey. I didn't get all of the fashion references (although I do know what bell bottoms are, and lemme tell you, they're hideous. Don't wear them. They are a travesty to fashion and make your figure look lopsided.), but it was really fun to see the forerunners of modern-day appliances (like microwaves! That scene will keep you in stitches.).
Characters
Michelle "Mish" Penn wants one thing: to be a wife and mother. But life hasn't allotted her that quite yet, so she settles for the next-best thing: being a news reporter at the local paper. Mishaps and oopsies abound, along with a cantankerous coworker with permanently-twisted panties, a fashion maven who mans the front desk, and an equally-glowery boss who can't seem to understand that Michelle just wants to be there to work. Not flirt with handsome coworker Rob, who also happens to be Boss' son.
Michelle and Rob were such a cute couple, and I thought it was really sweet how Raney had Rob interact with Eden. We need more male characters who are good with kids. And what I really, really liked was how Michelle wanted to be a wife and mom. In so many books, women have these grand business aspirations, and while those aren't bad in and of themselves, there is something beautiful about being a wife and mom, and I believe that is where women have the most impact and influence (Proverbs 31, anyone?). So that was probably one of my favorite things about this book. Just the pure emphasis on how wonderful being a homemaker is.
Faith
The faith element wasn't heavily applied, but it was there. Gentle and light.
Content Warnings:
A woman's death is discussed, though not in detail; a woman is abused; a man is an abuser and narcissist; and woman is grazed with a bullet.
Conclusion
In a world where the nuclear family and old-fashioned values are frowned and spit on, this book is a breath of fresh air. Set in a time when my parents weren't even alive, it was interesting to go back about fifty years and see how the world was then. I really enjoyed Silver Bells, and I think you will too.
The Plot
Fun and quick-paced, though still slow enough to let the reader soak in the story. Simple in a good way and the reader isn't bombarded with a million subplots that are difficult to remember.
Setting
The newspaper office and smaller town-feel are what put the "charming" in this review. Something quaint and just pleasantly homey. I didn't get all of the fashion references (although I do know what bell bottoms are, and lemme tell you, they're hideous. Don't wear them. They are a travesty to fashion and make your figure look lopsided.), but it was really fun to see the forerunners of modern-day appliances (like microwaves! That scene will keep you in stitches.).
Characters
Michelle "Mish" Penn wants one thing: to be a wife and mother. But life hasn't allotted her that quite yet, so she settles for the next-best thing: being a news reporter at the local paper. Mishaps and oopsies abound, along with a cantankerous coworker with permanently-twisted panties, a fashion maven who mans the front desk, and an equally-glowery boss who can't seem to understand that Michelle just wants to be there to work. Not flirt with handsome coworker Rob, who also happens to be Boss' son.
Michelle and Rob were such a cute couple, and I thought it was really sweet how Raney had Rob interact with Eden. We need more male characters who are good with kids. And what I really, really liked was how Michelle wanted to be a wife and mom. In so many books, women have these grand business aspirations, and while those aren't bad in and of themselves, there is something beautiful about being a wife and mom, and I believe that is where women have the most impact and influence (Proverbs 31, anyone?). So that was probably one of my favorite things about this book. Just the pure emphasis on how wonderful being a homemaker is.
Faith
The faith element wasn't heavily applied, but it was there. Gentle and light.
Content Warnings:
A woman's death is discussed, though not in detail; a woman is abused; a man is an abuser and narcissist; and woman is grazed with a bullet.
Conclusion
In a world where the nuclear family and old-fashioned values are frowned and spit on, this book is a breath of fresh air. Set in a time when my parents weren't even alive, it was interesting to go back about fifty years and see how the world was then. I really enjoyed Silver Bells, and I think you will too.
December 14, 2017
This was such a sweet story! It was a little predictable, but sometimes I enjoy that in a book. It gives you a sense of nostalgia.
Deborah Raney made the characters, Michelle and Rob so likable, which is what made the story so sweet.
Deborah Raney made the characters, Michelle and Rob so likable, which is what made the story so sweet.
December 5, 2013
Deborah Raney never fails to deliver a well writtten and enjoyable book. This one was quite good and fascinating in that she set it during the early seventies, and that was the time I remember well. It was a wonderful story and I enjoyd it.
I always buy Deborah Raney's books because I know I will never be disappointed. I've been reading her books since her very first.
I always buy Deborah Raney's books because I know I will never be disappointed. I've been reading her books since her very first.
August 25, 2018
3.5 stars. A really swet story, that I so loved! Also, I adored the fact that it was set in KS, near my town! The romance was the downside (again. :P) Too much touching/kissing for me, but that's just personal conviction.
The spiritual elements to the story were lovely, and the plot kept me reading. :)
The spiritual elements to the story were lovely, and the plot kept me reading. :)
December 5, 2017
This is the best Christmas themed book I've read this year! I will be looking for more from Deborah Raney.
October 14, 2022
I enjoyed the characters and storyline of this 1970's novel by Deborah Raney. One of my favorites of hers so far. If you're a fan of clean Christian Romance, give it a try.
December 3, 2021
What a sweet story! Although it does not all occur at Christmas time Ms Raney doedt talk about it towards the end of the book. This is a sweet, love story. I enjoyed this book!
December 17, 2018
2.5 stars
"Soon it will be Christmas day" . . .. a sweet, simple, small town romance that serves as a poignant reminder that the joys of the Christmas season ring all the year round, if there are ears willing to listen.
"Soon it will be Christmas day" . . .. a sweet, simple, small town romance that serves as a poignant reminder that the joys of the Christmas season ring all the year round, if there are ears willing to listen.
October 25, 2022
Oh, The Memories!!!
In this retitled light Christian romance Deborah Raney takes us back to days when microwave ovens were a novelty and Selectric typewriters eased our fingers from the pounding needed on manuals. Clean, romance, humor, and humanity to remind us life is complex--that's Deb Raney at her best.
In this retitled light Christian romance Deborah Raney takes us back to days when microwave ovens were a novelty and Selectric typewriters eased our fingers from the pounding needed on manuals. Clean, romance, humor, and humanity to remind us life is complex--that's Deb Raney at her best.
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September 16, 2014Silver Bells is set in the fall of 1971. At the risk of revealing my age to everyone who reads this review -- oh, who cares? -- I'll divulge that I was born in November of 1971. It was rare and refreshing to read a book set in this particular time period. I had lots of fun imagining my parents as contemporaries of the hero and the heroine of the book.
The story picks up right as Michelle is beginning her first day of work as a newspaper reporter in a small Kansas town. She soon meets Rob, the handsome sports reporter in the next cubicle over. Over the course of the novel, Michelle and Rob establish a friendship, fall for each other, then struggle against the boss's edict that employees of the paper aren't allowed to date. I particularly enjoyed the sub plot involving a young mother whose abusive husband is sent to jail. Rob and Michelle's kindness toward the young mother and her little girl never failed to stir my emotions. I was rooting for a happy ending all the way through!
Congratulations, Deb, on your Carol nomination for this novel!
The story picks up right as Michelle is beginning her first day of work as a newspaper reporter in a small Kansas town. She soon meets Rob, the handsome sports reporter in the next cubicle over. Over the course of the novel, Michelle and Rob establish a friendship, fall for each other, then struggle against the boss's edict that employees of the paper aren't allowed to date. I particularly enjoyed the sub plot involving a young mother whose abusive husband is sent to jail. Rob and Michelle's kindness toward the young mother and her little girl never failed to stir my emotions. I was rooting for a happy ending all the way through!
Congratulations, Deb, on your Carol nomination for this novel!
November 25, 2013
When the book started out, I thought, "Oh my, a cute contemporary silly-girl-meets-handsome-boy" story," and while that is right, it also develops a bit of meat as the story progresses.
Michelle is breaking into the world of newspaper journalism and meets the son of the newspaper's owner. But rules are "hands off." Michelle goes out with said handsome son on a story run and becomes engrossed with sadness at the plight of the young mother and her child. A friendship eventually develops between Michelle and the young mother and that is where the meat of the story begins to show forth.
Deborah Raney has written an entertaining and good story. She has developed characters who seem like folks you'd like to know. Also, she has brought forth social issues (abuse) that need to be told.
DISCLOSURE: I won this book on a blog giveaway and the review is complimentary to the blogger and the author. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 22, 2013
Unfortunately this was a bit of a disappointment for me, especially since I LOVED Deborah Raney's Face of the Earth.
But for Silver Bells...The 1970's setting added nothing to the story. The book didn't have a Christmassy feel to it - it happened to be Christmastime at the very end of the book. The setting was a little bitty small town (where an ice cream truck is front page news), yet the main character didn't recognize people that she went to school with, just a few years ago. Also, the story was predictable and some facets of the story didn't really go anywhere. But the biggest thing that bothered me in this book is the characters, who seemed too innocent, too sweet to be real. That's exactly what causes me NOT to pick up Christian fiction books sometimes - the fear of syrupy sweet characters and story lines with no meat. I do like a sweet story, and this one was that, but I found too many flaws to recommend.
But for Silver Bells...The 1970's setting added nothing to the story. The book didn't have a Christmassy feel to it - it happened to be Christmastime at the very end of the book. The setting was a little bitty small town (where an ice cream truck is front page news), yet the main character didn't recognize people that she went to school with, just a few years ago. Also, the story was predictable and some facets of the story didn't really go anywhere. But the biggest thing that bothered me in this book is the characters, who seemed too innocent, too sweet to be real. That's exactly what causes me NOT to pick up Christian fiction books sometimes - the fear of syrupy sweet characters and story lines with no meat. I do like a sweet story, and this one was that, but I found too many flaws to recommend.
October 10, 2014
This was a sweet Christmas story. This story had the predictable back and forth, up and down relationship between the H/h. I prefer a more steady, progressive, I'm falling in love with you and that's ok relationship. Or the passionate love at first sight...lol. It was set in 1971, which is different. Most stories I read are either historical or present day, so 1971 was odd. All in all it was a simple Christmas read that was just ok. I would probably try something else by this author.
I received this book for free from the publisher through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I received no compensation for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
I received this book for free from the publisher through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I received no compensation for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
December 28, 2014
This book was set in 1971, the year I graduated from high school. The author did an excellent job of capturing
the ideas and trends of that era. It was a time when many people met their future husbands in high school and married soon after graduation. Young men either went to college or were drafted into a war no one cared to fight. The author skillfully used the pop culture references to help authenticate the time period.
The story is a beautiful love story. It's a funny, feel good read. I picked it up from Amazon looking for a Christmas read, but there is really very little about Christmas in it. Nevertheless, I'm very glad I found it and found a new favorite author.
the ideas and trends of that era. It was a time when many people met their future husbands in high school and married soon after graduation. Young men either went to college or were drafted into a war no one cared to fight. The author skillfully used the pop culture references to help authenticate the time period.
The story is a beautiful love story. It's a funny, feel good read. I picked it up from Amazon looking for a Christmas read, but there is really very little about Christmas in it. Nevertheless, I'm very glad I found it and found a new favorite author.
November 18, 2015
I wanted to love this as I was looking for a Christmas story for the season and since this was an ACFW finalyst book I think I expected more. It was an easy to read sweet story, but not a book that I love loved.
December 12, 2017
Silver Bells by Deborah Raney opens in small-town Bristol, Kansas in August 1971. Michelle Penn has had to leave college after two years because her parents can’t afford to send both her and her brother, and they hope that having her brother in college will keep him out of Viet Nam. Michelle has found a job as the city reporter in Bristol’s small newspaper. She meets the sports reporter at the desk next to hers, and after she makes a comment about the boss’s son, she’s chagrined to learn that’s him. “First day on the job and she was toast. Burned-to-a-crisp toast.” Thankfully, the boss’s son, Rob, thinks the whole thing is funny.
He shows her the ropes and takes her along for a breaking case, which involves a domestic disturbance. While he’s snapping pictures, she’s supposed to be getting details, but compassion for the battered wife and daughter stop her in her tracks. She talks Rob into using the least graphic of the photos and goes back later to see if she can help the woman.
Later she humanizes the paper a bit by putting a fun, good-feeling photo on the front cover. At first the editor is not pleased that the cover photo did not involve politics or sports, but the response is so positive that he grudgingly assigns her the cover photo from now on. But he does warn her that he has a policy against employees dating.
Unfortunately, Michelle has already taken a liking to Rob, and he is attracted to her as well. They’re thrown together often to cover stories, but Rob’s father once again warns Michelle away from Rob and threatens her with losing her job. Rob wonders if it’s time to get out from under his father’s thumb so he can live his own life the way he wants to.
My thoughts:
This was a sweet, funny, touching, clean romance. I loved the banter between Rob and Michelle. The faith element was woven in naturally as the characters learned to seek and then to trust God with their situation. The 1970s were the era of my teens, and I enjoyed the touches particular to the times that Deborah incorporated. This era is not often written about, so it was refreshing from that aspect as well. The plot ends at Christmastime, making it a perfect Christmas read.
He shows her the ropes and takes her along for a breaking case, which involves a domestic disturbance. While he’s snapping pictures, she’s supposed to be getting details, but compassion for the battered wife and daughter stop her in her tracks. She talks Rob into using the least graphic of the photos and goes back later to see if she can help the woman.
Later she humanizes the paper a bit by putting a fun, good-feeling photo on the front cover. At first the editor is not pleased that the cover photo did not involve politics or sports, but the response is so positive that he grudgingly assigns her the cover photo from now on. But he does warn her that he has a policy against employees dating.
Unfortunately, Michelle has already taken a liking to Rob, and he is attracted to her as well. They’re thrown together often to cover stories, but Rob’s father once again warns Michelle away from Rob and threatens her with losing her job. Rob wonders if it’s time to get out from under his father’s thumb so he can live his own life the way he wants to.
My thoughts:
This was a sweet, funny, touching, clean romance. I loved the banter between Rob and Michelle. The faith element was woven in naturally as the characters learned to seek and then to trust God with their situation. The 1970s were the era of my teens, and I enjoyed the touches particular to the times that Deborah incorporated. This era is not often written about, so it was refreshing from that aspect as well. The plot ends at Christmastime, making it a perfect Christmas read.
December 25, 2017
In case you're in need of a sweet, historical romance,
Silver Bells by Deborah Raney
will fill the need nicely. Christmas isn't its major theme, but it does resolve very nicely right around Christmas time. And it's a novella, so it makes for a pleasant seasonal short read. But what attracts me to this story most is how it is filled with good clean humor. The witty dialogue drives this book from beginning to end.
Robert Merrick III works as a managing editor at his father's paper, the Bristol Beacon. Yes, Rob was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but right now he is working his way up from the bottom in the business. He does expect to inherit the business some day, but in the meantime, he tries to keep life real. So even though he stays with his dad, he is living on his hard-earned salary.
Michelle Penn is the new recruit. She wasn't able to finish college, so after two years she goes to work as a reporter to save up enough money to continue what she started. Unfortunately, Robert Merrick Senior makes the job more difficult for her because he assumes all females are after his son. Every time she turns around, she is being censored by the overbearing father. What is frustrating is that she is not interested in dating anyone yet. She had one painful relationship where she got dumped while the boyfriend went off to Vietnam.
Still, Rob is interested in Michelle. And she is comfortable around him. He wants to date her, but her reluctance is frustrating and the office policies are inhibiting. Every time he wants to get together with her, she suffers the consequences from his father's censure. Her job is on the line.
One of my favorite chapters was when Rob was driving Michelle to a work assignment and they got a flat tire. The conversation between them was so funny. And it was a turning point for the two of them as well. This is a fun to read light-hearted story of two people who fit with each other in spite of their differing backgrounds and circumstances.
Robert Merrick III works as a managing editor at his father's paper, the Bristol Beacon. Yes, Rob was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but right now he is working his way up from the bottom in the business. He does expect to inherit the business some day, but in the meantime, he tries to keep life real. So even though he stays with his dad, he is living on his hard-earned salary.
Michelle Penn is the new recruit. She wasn't able to finish college, so after two years she goes to work as a reporter to save up enough money to continue what she started. Unfortunately, Robert Merrick Senior makes the job more difficult for her because he assumes all females are after his son. Every time she turns around, she is being censored by the overbearing father. What is frustrating is that she is not interested in dating anyone yet. She had one painful relationship where she got dumped while the boyfriend went off to Vietnam.
Still, Rob is interested in Michelle. And she is comfortable around him. He wants to date her, but her reluctance is frustrating and the office policies are inhibiting. Every time he wants to get together with her, she suffers the consequences from his father's censure. Her job is on the line.
One of my favorite chapters was when Rob was driving Michelle to a work assignment and they got a flat tire. The conversation between them was so funny. And it was a turning point for the two of them as well. This is a fun to read light-hearted story of two people who fit with each other in spite of their differing backgrounds and circumstances.
May 27, 2018
I loved this book!! First of all, I was interested because it was set in 1971. You don't see many books set in the 70's. Also, when I started reading it, I realized the main character and I were the same age. (Okay, just told how old I am!!) :-) I enjoyed the cultural references. In this age of cell phones and computers, we forget about the time when typewriters were a THING, microwaves were a novelty, and dripaltor coffee pots were a mystery. Even a mention of Whip N' Chill!! The only one she didn't get right was talking about buying a telephone for someone and paying a year's worth of phone bills. In 1971 phones were still leased from the phone company. I know this because I was working at the phone company in 1971. Aside from this small error I enjoyed the book very much.
I had never read anything by Deborah Ramey before; I just stumbled across this at my local library. I will certainly be looking for more of her books in the future. If you like sweet romantic stories and like reading a little about what life was like in the seventies, you will enjoy this book.
I had never read anything by Deborah Ramey before; I just stumbled across this at my local library. I will certainly be looking for more of her books in the future. If you like sweet romantic stories and like reading a little about what life was like in the seventies, you will enjoy this book.
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March 2, 2025free ebook had marked to read
i dont know why its changing to 'silver bells' it was 'all the promises'
i hate when they change the name of the book!!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont think either title fits this book
its during the viet nam war. her boyfriend from hs broke it off with her before he went to viet nam
she went to college but had to stop, her dad couldnt afford both her and her brother going, so her brother went so he didnt have to go to viet nam
she got her first job as a reporter at the local newspaper. the man in the next cubby was the boss son. the boss told her she was not allowed to date him
they liked each other so it became a problem
they went out on a police call, a man beat his wife. turned out the wife knew her from hs and had a 2 yr old daughter and was preg. the man got home from jail and went to the newspaper and shot and the girl got wounded in the arm
the boss and the police told her not to have anything to do with her friend but she didnt listen
the boss' son is looking for another job, he wants to date her
he took the other job but unhappy there
her x boyfriend came back from viet nam on leave , he wants her back
she decides she doesnt want the x, she likes the paperman
so he comes back to his dads paper and asks to marry her
i dont know why its changing to 'silver bells' it was 'all the promises'
i hate when they change the name of the book!!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont think either title fits this book
its during the viet nam war. her boyfriend from hs broke it off with her before he went to viet nam
she went to college but had to stop, her dad couldnt afford both her and her brother going, so her brother went so he didnt have to go to viet nam
she got her first job as a reporter at the local newspaper. the man in the next cubby was the boss son. the boss told her she was not allowed to date him
they liked each other so it became a problem
they went out on a police call, a man beat his wife. turned out the wife knew her from hs and had a 2 yr old daughter and was preg. the man got home from jail and went to the newspaper and shot and the girl got wounded in the arm
the boss and the police told her not to have anything to do with her friend but she didnt listen
the boss' son is looking for another job, he wants to date her
he took the other job but unhappy there
her x boyfriend came back from viet nam on leave , he wants her back
she decides she doesnt want the x, she likes the paperman
so he comes back to his dads paper and asks to marry her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2017
Set in the early 1970s, this novel brings together Michelle, who's trying to forget the guy who dumped her just before leaving to serve in Vietnam, and Rob, her boss's son at the newspaper where she's trying to make a name for herself as a reporter. You can't help but want the two of them to get together -- they're just so cute. When they encounter one of Michelle's former schoolmates who's in an abusive relationship, they're caught trying to figure out ways to help her that won't get anyone in trouble. Great dialogue, clean romance (though it's hard for me to get around the idea that a book set in the 70s is considered historical fiction!)
January 5, 2018
So-So Story
I've recently read a few other books by Ms. Raney and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I was disappointed that this book didn't measure up. Not sure why it was set back in the 70s. I remember the bellbottoms, the orange juice can curlers, and the music referenced, but those things seemed to get in the way of the story, such as it was. There isn't a lot of action and it's pretty obvious how things will turn out from the first chapter. Do read Ms. Raney's other books, but give this one a pass.
I've recently read a few other books by Ms. Raney and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I was disappointed that this book didn't measure up. Not sure why it was set back in the 70s. I remember the bellbottoms, the orange juice can curlers, and the music referenced, but those things seemed to get in the way of the story, such as it was. There isn't a lot of action and it's pretty obvious how things will turn out from the first chapter. Do read Ms. Raney's other books, but give this one a pass.
November 10, 2019
I love this story set in 1971. For many readers Silver Bells is historical fiction, but for me it is a part of my life—small town Midwest, Viet Nam, Karen Carpenter… This sweet romance and story of family, sprinkled liberally with humor is a joy to read. The spiritual theme concerning God having a plan for each individual is well illustrated in Michelle’s life and is as applicable in real life as it is in the story. I highly recommend it to readers who want to connect to a time in the not-so-distant past.
November 9, 2023
This could be a dangerous book
I have one problem with this book. Twice I sat down expecting to read one or two chapters before going to bed -- and came up for air to discover several hours had passed while I was "under the influence". (I shouldn't have been surprised. Deborah Raney's books tend to do that to me.)
The story starts with Michelle on the first day of her new job at her town's weekly newspaper, where she meets - and unintentionally insults - the boss's son. Then an incident happens just outside, and the story takes off from there.
I have one problem with this book. Twice I sat down expecting to read one or two chapters before going to bed -- and came up for air to discover several hours had passed while I was "under the influence". (I shouldn't have been surprised. Deborah Raney's books tend to do that to me.)
The story starts with Michelle on the first day of her new job at her town's weekly newspaper, where she meets - and unintentionally insults - the boss's son. Then an incident happens just outside, and the story takes off from there.
December 3, 2017
Sweet, fun book
I enjoyed this story set in a small town in Kansas. Michelle seemed so much like some of the best girls I grew up with here in Nebraska, that I felt like I was reading about friends instead of invented characters!
Set mostly in the weekly newspaper office owned by the father of Rob, a guy Michelle worked with there, this ingenious story kept me reading right up till the end. Do yourself a favor and read this delightful book!
I enjoyed this story set in a small town in Kansas. Michelle seemed so much like some of the best girls I grew up with here in Nebraska, that I felt like I was reading about friends instead of invented characters!
Set mostly in the weekly newspaper office owned by the father of Rob, a guy Michelle worked with there, this ingenious story kept me reading right up till the end. Do yourself a favor and read this delightful book!
June 13, 2020
Easy entertaining read
This Book kept me up at night so I could find out what was coming next. It brings you right in to the story. A clean, sweet book with some predictable scenes. I enjoyed the banter between Rob and Michelle. Rob's dad, who was also the boss, was a bit too harsh but mellowed toward the end. Lot's of twists to keep you wondering where the story was going. All in all a good reason to miss some sleep.
This Book kept me up at night so I could find out what was coming next. It brings you right in to the story. A clean, sweet book with some predictable scenes. I enjoyed the banter between Rob and Michelle. Rob's dad, who was also the boss, was a bit too harsh but mellowed toward the end. Lot's of twists to keep you wondering where the story was going. All in all a good reason to miss some sleep.
June 21, 2020
Sweetness in print
It was precious, and a beautiful reminder to me, watching Michelle grow and appreciate more the things she had taken for granted. Though I know Becky and Eden helped her muchly in that, Rob did as well, especially when he shared his greatest secret. Rob and Mish were sweet learning more and more of one another, finding their love was real and full of all the promises!
I highly recommend.
It was precious, and a beautiful reminder to me, watching Michelle grow and appreciate more the things she had taken for granted. Though I know Becky and Eden helped her muchly in that, Rob did as well, especially when he shared his greatest secret. Rob and Mish were sweet learning more and more of one another, finding their love was real and full of all the promises!
I highly recommend.
June 25, 2020
A joy to read
Rob and Michelle met the first day of her new job at the local weekly newspaper . They became great friends but when his father kept reminding her that there would be nothing between her and his son if she wanted to keep her job there didn't see much hope. This is a sweet romance with lots of heart. I guarantee if you want a sweet Christian romance you'll be glad you picked this one!
Rob and Michelle met the first day of her new job at the local weekly newspaper . They became great friends but when his father kept reminding her that there would be nothing between her and his son if she wanted to keep her job there didn't see much hope. This is a sweet romance with lots of heart. I guarantee if you want a sweet Christian romance you'll be glad you picked this one!
November 11, 2020
I "bought" this book through BookBub. I have read this author several times and always enjoy her writing. This story took place in KS during my growing up years so the references to music, cars, etc from that time period made the story more enjoyable. This provided some thought-provoking about journalism and how innocent people caught in a tough situation are treated and portrayed.
September 19, 2021
Prolific Author
I've read several books written by Deborah Raney. This one was such a good read. As always, her characters were asking God to lead them to live a life pleasing to Him.
This was such a good read because it brought back what it was like to live in the early 1970's. The musical references added much enjoyment.
I've read several books written by Deborah Raney. This one was such a good read. As always, her characters were asking God to lead them to live a life pleasing to Him.
This was such a good read because it brought back what it was like to live in the early 1970's. The musical references added much enjoyment.
May 20, 2023
A Christmas Eve to remember
This is a wonderful story for all to read about how God brought 2 people together working in a newspaper office. A wonderful Christian love story. It was hard to put down for Debra wrote it so you have to keep reading to see what happens in the end. Happy ending on a Christmas Eve.
This is a wonderful story for all to read about how God brought 2 people together working in a newspaper office. A wonderful Christian love story. It was hard to put down for Debra wrote it so you have to keep reading to see what happens in the end. Happy ending on a Christmas Eve.
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