Novelists in November: A Wild Blue Wonder Press Anthology

Wild Blue Wonder Press Anthology #2

by Kellyn Roth, Kelsey Bryant, Andrea Renee Cox

Novelists in November is a Christian short story collection featuring eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ and pursuing hope, joy, and inspiration. This anthology contains touching stories from contemporary and historical fiction authors with a mix of romance, women's fiction, and mystery!

Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock

Reasons to Be Thankful by Hannah E. Gridley

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonté

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth

Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn

The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan

Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Anthologies, Contemporary, Short Stories, Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

Kellyn Roth is the author of historical romance novels with strong Christian themes, a touch of humor, and messy situations that put the main characters through the wringer and force them to face hard questions. Her stories include The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a Christian Victorian family saga.

Kell is the founder and owner of Wild Blue Wonder Press, a small press with the mission of sharing fictional stories full of grace and truth. Their goal is to create stories that matter, to delve into the deepest and sometimes the saddest parts of life, and to return from the darkest valleys resplendent in the light of hope and the fullness of joy.

When not building her author career, Kellyn is likely drinking iced coffee with her husband, getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, or watching period dramas and facetious comedies with her border collie.

Find out more at https://kellynrothauthor.com/

Reviews

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited for this anthology and all the lovely authors! I've loved getting to put this together, and I'm so proud of all these authors!

My story in this collection is Tollemache House, a Regency short involving sisters-in-law and floods.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Yes, I have a book in this collection, but that does not influence my reviews. The following are my honest reviews.

Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox
I love the diversity in this story, and the portrayals of foster care. The kids were adorable and Sarah was an awesome mother. I also appreciated how Sarah handled her mother so respectfully but firmly. And of course the cozy writing vibes were epic. ;)

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock
We all know I adore Bethany Willcock's writing, and this story just strengthens my love for her stories. Autumn and Noah are such a great sibling pair, and Noah's kids are so cute. Most of all, I LOVED the fascinating mystery—so complex! I need more!

Content: mention of ghosts, but immediate declaration that they don't exist.

Reasons to Be Thankful by Hannah E. Gridley
What a cozy story! The Witness Protection + FBI angle added a layer to the story, and I appreciated how the author handled infertility and "unmet dreams." <3 I loved the writing parts best—the painting, the pens, and the deadline-induced motivation. ;) It was very relatable! All around awesome aesthetic.

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonté
Yes, that's my own story. I am thrilled about this one, because it's set in my home province and explores a part of me I’ve never let myself write about yet. I included a lot about my ancestors and history, but even more so it explores writing block and the young adult question of "what do I do with my life?" <3

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox
This was my first read by Mrs. Cox, and I don't think I've read any other stories about Olympic athletes, or swimmers, or physical therapy, so that was also a first! I admit I liked Kaylee extra just because I had a good friend named Kaylee as a kid, so that endeared the character to me. ;) And the final message was encouraging.

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth
I laughed my way through this whole thing, and I still look upon it as one of the funniest things Kellyn Roth wrote. Loved every second of it, and I really need a whole novel about these characters. I don’t know what else to say—that sums it up.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger
First: I love the title. Second: it was so cool to see a NaNoWriMo contest presented in fiction! And third: Rowena is my favourite female name ever. Also, who am I kidding? The castle was cool. But the best thing about this story was the message.

Content: mention of ghosts.

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez
I think this is the most beautiful short story I've ever read in my life. I loved all the Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights vibes. The moor. The locket. The drama. The sweet love. The gorgeous prose. The amazing message. And the ending. <3

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn
This is just so cozy and sweet and comfy! I love the small town and the lovely autumnal vibes. And as an editor, of course I was delighted by the editor rep! The friendship/romance was super cute, and the message was great, too. Delightful.

The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan
This author has the prettiest name, and her title is great too. Everyone here has great titles! I'm always down for a WWII story, especially when it concerns a lesser-known incident or group. I love Beka's story and the whole writing aspect (it's just so cool when fictional authors share their story ideas) and the ending was awesome.

Between Moor & Mountain by Kelsey Bryant
I've always wanted to go to Scotland, and this might have trebled my desire, because it's about visiting contemporary Scotland, and it was SO GOOD. It also gave me strong Mr. Pipes vibes at a certain point. I just loved the author's heart and her amazing message. It was such a great story to end on. <3

[Moriyah Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

[BEFORE READING]
EEK!!! I’m so so excited to read this anthology!!! I know it’s going to be so good and the perfect autumn read! And one of my besties is in this collection! *squeals and does a happy dance* I’m so excited right now!

[AFTER READING]
I loved this anthology!!! Review coming SOON!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox:
This sweet story about a writer dealing with family problems had me in its grasp til I finished the last sentence. I loved how Sarah's family was formed from different cultures, how relatable her mother's wishes for her was, and just the family conflict itself is well written.

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock:
I couldn't put this story down until I found out how it ended. What makes this story so interesting is the fact that poor Autumn doesn't know how on earth she is seeing things that come out from her own imagination for her stories, and we readers are pulled into her head to experience the fear and wonder of every event that just convinces her even more of how much she ought to take a rest from writing. A wonderful mystery story to read.

Reasons to Be Thankful by Hannah E. Gridley:
Can I just say I love how this ended? But obviously you'd want to at least get the gist of the story which is a struggling writer in the midst of wanting a child so much. The ending, though slightly sad, was satisfactory.

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonté:
Myriam's character and struggles to find her purpose in life was so relatable. And though the story came more slowly than I would like to have read, it was well done that this was one of the most memorable stories.

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox:
Oh, wow... This story had me in tears. I plunged into this book, expecting a calm, sweet story. But no, this one drove me on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me with a theme I'll hold on to during dark hours. I love how Kaylee went from hating writing to finding her voice in the end, and how much writing matters.

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth:
Effie's relationship with her sister-in-law was so interesting to read. Even though Alexandra seemed a little aloof at times, I really like her bluntness and how she pushed Effie to write.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger:
Rowena is a character that practically steps out from this short story. It was fun traveling with her to Germany and encountering strange people and the pain that often comes with writing yourself into your stories.

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez:
What a sweet short story. Though also sad and true-to life, I loved how Lavender found who she was and loved “recklessly” even when she wouldn't be loved back.

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn:
I was surprised to find this quite romantic, yet it contained its novelist theme. Though Winnie only appeared briefly, she must be the character I liked best.

The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan:
Out of all the short stories, besides My Heart Still Sings, I probably liked this one best. To quote, “Tell me one of your stories. A nice one, where the hero defeats the villain and rises up in a cloak of glory.”

Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant:
This last short story was a perfect close to the whole anthology. Leslie finding that every imperfect word she writes could also lead to healing was so heartfelt.

All in all, Novelists in November is an anthology I believe every struggling writer and artist out there needs to read. Filled with sadness, loss, hope, faith, love, and finding God's purpose for you in life, this eleven short stories are sure to bring you tears, laughter, and strength to keep on writing even when writing is hard.

*FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited by my friend Andrea, to be a part of the street team for Novelists in November, an anthology in which she has a short story. I am so glad that she invited me!
These stories were beautifully told, and a good mix of both contemporary and historical offerings. Most importantly, I could easily see how they brough the message of God's goodness and mercy into the lives of their characters.
I promise I am not being biased when I say that my favourite story was 'Melting-Pot Thanksgiving' by Andrea Renee Cox. My favourite line of the story (and the entire collection!) is: "The world is much better when love is present." When we remember that God is love (1 John 4:8), it brings a beautiful added dimension to that phrase!
(FTC: I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher to review; a positive review was not required, and the above review contains only my honest thoughts and opinions of said work)

[TheRoer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was…an amazing anthology! I enjoyed each and every story! I’ve always been a bit unsure how to write a good review for an anthology like this. There’s so much and several different stories but I’ll try to write what things stuck out to me:

Melting Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox—I enjoyed the family relationships and the gratitude here! ♥️

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox—Beautiful, Faith! I really enjoyed it! God can use you even in suffering and He can change your point of view about life too! 💜

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock—I loved the mystery and intrigue and the story was just so well written! 🤗 Great job, Bethany!

Reasons to Be Grateful by Hannah E. Gridley—I loved this story so much, Auntie! It was beautiful and amazing and wonderful! 🥰

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonte—ya did so well, Kats!! I loved loved loved this story and hall will too! 💕 🤗

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth—definitely loved the storyline and the historical aspect to it! Once again beautifully done story by Kellyn Roth! ❤️

Finding Beauty in Suffering by Katie Zeliger—beautiful, amazing and inspiring! Loved it! ❤️

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez—first time hearing a story by this author but I was so moved away and it just really really gripped me! It’s very sweet! 🥹 You did such an amazing job and I can’t wait to see what other amazing stories you have up your sleeve!

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn—loved the humor, friendships and everything else in here! It was one of my favorite stories!

The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan—beautiful moving story! The historical aspect of it was just really really well done!

Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant—sweet story and I loved the Scottish twain and everything about that!

I received an ARC copy of this anthology and all thoughts (as presented very uniquely 🤣) are my own! Now, it’s up to you guys to go and read it and support these amazing authors!! 🤩

[Andrea Cox]

September 15, 2024
Disclosure: I wrote one of the stories and copyedited the collection.

That being said, every one of the stories is charming, entertaining, and delightful. I can hardly wait to read them again in paperback.

November 19, 2025
One-year anniversary of publication. Reread my story "Melting-Pot Thanksgiving." Cried again! This time, it was Mama, rather than DJ, that did me in. Happy sigh!

[Heather Flynn]

I'm incredibly excited to read everyone's lovely stories! Being a part of this book and the beautiful process of working with everyone has been so fantastic!

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novelists in November is a collection of stories — a heartfelt exploration of authentic Christian living, creativity, and the beauty of finding purpose in Christ. Eleven talented authors bring us emotional tales of writers navigating their callings amidst life’s highs and lows, weaving themes of faith, hope, and resilience into every page.

Andrea Renee Cox’s Melting-Pot Thanksgiving, a standout gem, is a vibrant reminder that God works through our chaos. Sarah’s journey to craft an “imperfectly perfect” Thanksgiving while juggling family dynamics, foster care challenges, and writing deadlines mirrors the real-life balancing act many of us face. It’s an inspiring look at grace in the messy middle.

Heather Flynn’s Pages of Grace strikes a chord with anyone who’s felt worn thin by the demands of modern life. Emilee’s struggles to rediscover her passion for writing and reconnect with God remind us that His purpose for us often shines brightest when we feel most empty.

Katja H. Labonté’s Act in the Living Present is steeped in the charm of 1934 Québec, offering a deeply reflective tale of purpose. Myriam’s quest to make her life and writing meaningful resonates with anyone searching for significance beyond worldly success.

Faith D. Cox’s My Heart Still Sings is a raw and moving portrait of perseverance. Kaylee’s shattered Olympic dreams lead her to a different kind of race—one toward healing and God’s redemptive grace. Her journey through grief and newfound purpose offers hope to anyone who’s ever had to rebuild.

Bethany Willcock’s And As She Talked adds a touch of whimsy and mystery to the anthology, where an author’s story comes eerily to life around her. Autumn’s journey shows how God often speaks through the unexpected, reminding us to lean into His plans when ours falter.

Each of the eleven stories in this anthology uniquely uplifts the call to trust God’s plan, embrace hope, and step boldly into the creative gifts He’s given us. As a reader, I was struck again and again by the emotional depth and spiritual richness of these short yet impactful narratives. Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration, a dreamer in need of encouragement, or simply someone longing for a beautiful reminder of God’s hand in every chapter of your life, Novelists in November is a treasure trove you’ll want to return to often.

This anthology is a joyful reminder of the privilege and calling of glorifying God with every bit of our lives. Every page points readers back to the ultimate Author of our lives and encourages us to keep pursuing the stories He’s calling us to live for our good and for His glory!

This reader’s heart is grateful for this remarkable collection—a true gift for anyone seeking to glorify God through their talents and live out His story for their lives.

I received a digital copy of this anthology via the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Caitlin Miller]

Beta read Shira J. Rodriguez’s short story :))

[Havelah McLat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to read @wildbluewonderpress ‘s anthology and finished it last week! It was really good. I have couple I really like and find it entertaining, sweet, funny and encouraging at the same time.

[Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is so unique in that each story is about a writer and their struggles and victories. It makes me appreciate all the hard work they put into writing stories; as behind-the-scenes, it's not always easy. It was a privilege to be a part of the street team!
I also Love the cover!!!

Melting-Pot Thanksgiving was the perfect start in the anthology as I read it a week before Thanksgiving. I think anyone in tense family situations can relate to Sarah Jones’ relationship with her mother. I really like that foster care was included in this story as foster care and adoption are close to my heart.

And As She Talked was a great mystery to read! It’s so neat that Autumn draws her own written fictional characters. But it’s those drawings that bring confusion and puzzling events. I couldn’t wait to read the outcome!

I was drawn to the strong characters in Reasons to Be Thankful. Josie and her husband, Frank, are such a sweet couple. This story helped me see how hard it can be for writers struggling with writers’ block and deadlines, as well as painful situations. The ending was bittersweet, but that’s often how life is. There are roses with thorns, but God will see us through them.

I was excited to read Act in the Living Present as I knew it took place in Quebec, Canada’s French-speaking province. I personally don’t know of another book that mentions it nor do I know much about it. This story was really encouraging for me. Myriam and Rupert are siblings that are opposite in personality, but I really liked their banter and even serious discussions. They end up facing the unknown and painful questions, which is a little similar to what my family and I experienced this year. The lesson I gleaned from this story is to keep trusting God and doing what you can for Him, regardless of what it may look like.

Kaylee McKenzie in My Heart Still Sings seems like an average teenager except that she’s swim training for the Summer Olympics. The family relationships were pretty realistic as well as her high school life. After she suffers an accident and wonders what to do with her life, she learns humility and that God can still use her for His glory.

Tollemache House had the cozy feeling of reading a story set in England. Effie Adley struggles to write her next novel as it would go against the norm of what was then popular romance material. She takes up her brother-in-law’s offer to stay at his country estate, Tollemache House, to get inspiration. She goes with his wife, Alexandra, who isn’t fond of Effie. When a situation happens, Effie helps her sister-in-law which brings about an unusual result to her writing. This story was a good reminder that God can use unlikely people to help us with the gifts He’s given us.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering was very intriguing as it mostly takes place at a writing retreat in Germany. Due to Rowena’s grief, she’s not able to truly engage in it. Though I’ve never lost a close family member to death, I have experienced different losses. One thing I’ve learned, same as Rowena, is to not bottle up pain. It’s ok to grieve and open up to the comfort of God and those around you.

I just love the plot to The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne! It makes the reader think the story’s going to be about Lavender’s cancer journey, when it goes beyond that. The descriptions were very well written and the characters were so unique. I won’t give anything away but I really liked Lavender’s thoughts on love.

Pages of Grace was a really sweet story. I really enjoyed reading about Emilee’s friendship with Drake, and how well he supported her. The issues she faces at work and important decisions she needs to make are so relatable. Thanks to her friend, Winnie, and Drake, she learns the importance of seeking God first and pursuing His calling on her life.

The Sound of Healing gripped me to where my heart was literally thumping so fast. Rebeka’s past was heartbreaking, but I appreciate how the author didn’t shy away from sad historic events and yet wrote about it with sensitivity. Another aspect I loved reading about was the role the radio played in the 1950s. The ending to this story was just amazing and made me want to tear up-only my heart was trying to slow its beating first!

Between Moor and Mountain is so beautifully written. Though fictional, my heart went out to Leslie who had so much pain and missed her former walk with God. Though I faced very different circumstances, I too, at certain times of my life, asked similar questions that Leslie did. I love the theme of hope and the presence of God. This story takes place in Scotland, one of the three places I’ve always wanted to see, and it made me long to visit it even more. In addition, a painting is mentioned that might be one of my favorites now.

[M.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This anthology was the perfect read for late autumn. Each of the stories has its own special message, showcasing a variety of perspectives and experiences. While I didn't love every story, each one carries its own charm, with something in this collection for every reader.

"Melting Pot Thanksgiving" by Andrea Renee Cox
This was a great way to start off the collection! I loved the story of a mixed-heritage family celebrating this beloved holiday, and it has a great message of learning to embrace new ideas and welcome those who are different from us.

"And As She Talked" by Bethany Willcock
This one was lots of fun. There were many unexpected plot twists that kept me guessing throughout. I loved how it started off reading like a horror story but then turned out to just be a series of unusual events. Very creative!

"Reasons to Be Thankful" by Hannah E. Gridley
This one was so sweet! I really felt for Josie and her husband. I wished the ending could have been a little more resolved, but I think that was rather the point. It's a good, heart-tugging story that ensures the characters stick with you.

"Act in the Living Present" by Katja H. Labonté
I loved the Quebec setting of this story--an underrepresented one, for sure! I would love to read a full-length novel about Myriam and Rupert. Their story is a little sad, but with a beautiful message.

"My Heart Still Sings" by Faith D. Cox
This one wanted to be a novella instead of a short story. There's a lot going on, and there are so many time jumps that it gets a little confusing to keep up with everything. But the message of resilience and trusting God no matter what is a great one.

"Tollemache House" by Kellyn Roth
There's nothing terribly dramatic or complex happening in this sweet little story, and that's where its charm lies. This is just a story about two sisters-in-law realizing that they have more in common than they might think as they work together to resolve little life annoyances like one's house flooding. It was quite fun!

"Finding Beauty in the Suffering" by Katie Zeliger
The idea for this one required a lot of suspension of disbelief, but it was still fun to read. I loved the "story within a story" concept, and the characters go through some great development.

"The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne" by Shira J. Rodriguez
With a title like that, how could this not be an intriguing story? The twists in it are worthy of Jane Austen, with all the Yorkshire vibes of a good Brontë novel. I want to know more about these characters!

"Pages of Grace" by Heather Flynn
I always enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one was no exception. It has a great theme of trusting God with the unknowns, a reminder I really needed.

"The Sound of Healing" by Avrie Swan
This was such a sweet concept that definitely captured my interest. I was a little confused about the characters' backstory and would have liked more information about that, but it was still an enjoyable story. That ending is perfect.

"Between Moor and Mountain" by Kelsey Bryant
This was without a doubt my favorite in the collection. For one, it's set in Scotland, so I'm automatically sold. But even more than that, it's just a beautiful story. I resonated with the theme of letting go of the past and moving on, of learning to trust that God has given us everything we need to serve Him. It was just really well done, and I'll be thinking about it for quite some time.

I highly recommend this anthology for readers aged 12+!

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required.

It's difficult to review a collection as a collection when it's a lot of different stories, so . . . yes, I'm going to review each story. They won't be long reviews, but they will be something.

Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox
4 stars
This one touched my heart. I love the foster care aspect of it and that fact that Sarah was willing to open her heart to love and heartache and to do what she was called to do not what someone else wanted her to do.

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock
4 stars
A fun story. I had my suspicions and they turned out to be true although I hadn't figured out everything yet.

Reasons to Be Thankful by Hannah E. Gridley
4.5 stars
I did beta read this but reading it a 2nd time made it even better. I felt for this couple and all they'd been through and were facing, but there was hope and thankfulness.

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonté
3.5 stars
I liked the characters and the setting. I did feel as though the story needed to be longer since I was just getting to know Myriam and Rupert when things changed and I wanted to find out what happened next.

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox
3 stars
I'm not sure what I think about this story. I liked the message, but there were aspects of the story that bothered me. One was the mom's pestering that her daughter, who didn't like writing, enter a writing contest. All the girl knew was swimming and yet it seemed like the mom thought she should suddenly be interested in something else.

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth
3 stars
The setting and time period are not my favorite, but the story was still good.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger
No rating
I didn't finish this one. It was very odd and confusing, I wasn't interested in the main character, and it just felt weird to me.

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez
2.5 stars
Not bad but not a favorite. I had a hard time picturing the main character as an author.

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn
4 stars
Emilee pulled me in from the very beginning and I had to know what happened to her. The story was sweet and made me happy.

The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan
3 stars
This was interesting as it had some little known history in it, but I would have liked it better if I had learned some of the history in the actual story instead of wondering when and where the backstory took place.

Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant
3 stars
Enjoyed this one but was a little a little confused at the sudden ending. Maybe it was just me expecting more, but it was good.

[Hannah Grace Staton (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology from Wild Blue Wonder Press. Even though all of the stories share the common element of being focused on a struggling novelist during the month of November, each story has a delightfully distinct aura. Some are mysterious and brooding, while others are cozy and comforting—all capturing different shades of the autumn season.

All of the stories are well-written, with quirky characters, creative plots, and vibrant settings. The authors dig into deep themes like finding meaning in your calling, pursuing your dreams, and healing after loss—all woven into a beautiful tapestry.

My favorite stories from this collection are "Pages of Grace" by Heather Flynn, "Act in the Living Present" by Katja H. Labonté, and "My Heart Still Sings" by Faith D. Cox.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great November read! Very fall-ish feeling. I have to say, while expected writerly struggles, I was not prepared for the emotional punch several of these stories were packing. I really wish they could’ve been longer!!

[Rachel Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to have received an ARC for this! Real quick—I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I felt like this anthology had great diversity of stories. While not all of them were my cup of tea, I did appreciate the range of genres and styles.

My faves were:

-Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth (that had me hooked from the very start!)

-The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez (This was my most anticipated story in the anthology. It ate and left no crumbs. Absolutely zero notes)

-Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant (put your hands up for an explicitly Christian story that isn’t cheesy! Also the abuse survivor representation was ✨chef’s kiss✨

While I appreciate the diverse representations as well, some stories did contain some stereotypical rep (for instance, a disabled character’s story being used as ✨inspiration✨). It’s still a step in a good direction for Christian fiction! Some of the stories are more advanced in writing style than others (I appreciate how Wild Blue Wonder Press works with new authors as well as established ones).

Much applause to all the authors in this anthology!

[Bethani Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required.

Novelists in November is the perfect book for cuddling up with a blanket and cocoa on cold November evenings when you've reached your Nano word count for the day. Whether you want mystery, romance, Thanksgiving, motherhood, or finding healing in European countries, you'll find that and more in this charming collection of autumnal tales.

"Melting-Pot Thanksgiving" by Andrea Renee Cox
A beautiful place to start! It felt very thematic (to quote the founder's words in the following anthology) to start a melting-pot anthology with a Melting-Pot Thanksgiving. It also serves to remind us of the press's mission to provide stories for the melting-pot children of God. Heartwarming to the core!
Features foster family/found family, sibling bonding, new traditions/new adventures.

"And As She Talked" by Bethany Willcock
This one is quite possibly my favorite of the anthology. There's no such thing as ghosts, she says. It almost freaked me out because I thought I was reading a cozy family autumn story and suddenly, the main character goes mad. It was a rather daring combination, but it works.
Features brother/sister, aunt-and-niece sweetness, characters come to life, mysterious happenings, multimedia artist, and kittens.

"Reasons to Be Thankful" by Hannah E. Gridley
Josie is on deadline to write the story she no longer has in her after she had to leave her son behind. In an interesting way, this story feels low-stakes despite lives in danger. It's cozy but with a hint of something like danger, like a scent on the breeze.
Features healing in new friendship, government agents, longing for family, protecting loved ones.

"Act in the Living Present" by Katja H. Labonté
I've only ever read Katja's Novelists and Fingerprints stories, but what I love most about them is not that Myriam is so relatable (even though she really is), but the motherly mentor characters. "Older women...are to teach what is good, and so train the young women". Miss Potter meets dark academia maybe? It's an interesting combination with wonderful life lessons sprinkled throughout.
Features rainy days, finding one's place, realistic siblings, and learning to serve.

"My Heart Still Sings" by Faith D. Cox
A story of getting up and going on when the foreseen path goes horribly wrong. But more than that, of answering the call to be there for the ones who need you rather than sticking to the path you know isn't (but you wish was) for you. The side character was the heart of the show and you can't change my mind. Everyone needs someone like him.
Features a nearly Olympic swimmer, equestrian outing, mother/daughter relationship, and ink-phobia.

"Tollemache House" by Kellyn Roth
Delightfully low-stakes and relatable. It feels like something is missing (probably because this is supposed to turn into a series later, I think), but it's also complete. Not particularly cozy, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Features family business, sisters-in-law coming together, motherhood, going against the grain.

"Finding Beauty in the Suffering" by Katie Zeliger
The setting for this one didn't feel particularly realistic. A German castle for writers and artists would be cool, but it felt out of place in the collection. However, the message of grief and healing was beautifully handled. Rowena's analogy story spoke to the place in my heart that knows just how freeing stories can be.
Features German castles, questions of legend, learning to write again, grief and healing coming together.

"The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne" by Shira J. Rodriguez
Anastasia meets Anne of Green Gables, with maybe a side of Secret Garden. I know I said "And As She Talked" was my favorite, but this one might be my favorite. They are very close. Where the other one had my heart racing, this one had my heart crying, and I loved it. Plus, it was cozy. In the calm before the storm kind of way. It ended on a bittersweet note.
Features forbidden love, kindred spirits, a loyal "butler", found family (and it goes both ways).

"Pages of Grace" by Heather Flynn
A story of finding purpose where God has you wrapped in a blossoming relationship and tied with a pretty pink ribbon (AKA, the sweetest birthday date). This story will strike a chord if you've ever lost time for your passions or forgotten the special feeling of doing something for the joy of it rather than for the to-do list.
Features the Emilee Special, birthday surprises, and all things working together for good.

"The Sound of Healing" by Avrie Swan
A normal girl going through her normal life, but constantly confronted by the trauma of her past. And the one thing she thought could get her pain to go away turns out different than she thought it was. I won't give spoilers, but that ending was perfect. Another "all things work together for good". It's beautiful <3
Features diners and pancakes, post-war trauma, finding healing in unlikely places, and father-daughter bonding.

"Between Moor and Mountain" by Kelsey Bryant
Fear and trauma have stolen her dreams and her faith, and there is only one thing to do about it. Face it in Scotland. This story straddles the line between cozy and peaceful. And it made me want to reread The Martha Years series. It's always nice when reading makes you want to read. It's also a beautiful choice to draw the collection to an end at a new beginning.
Features stags and deer, Scotland hikes, relearning to pray, sane romance, and noticing the little things.

[Cat T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novelists in November was so cozy and precious. Some of my favorites were "Melting-Pot Thanksgiving", "And As She Talked", "Act in the Living Present" and "The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne", and "Between Moor and Mountain". I loved the depth of characters and themes explored in the short time we got with the characters. The settings were also so real and gorgeous! They were all so unique yet set in distinctly fall feeling stories.

*I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required.*

[Betty Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Writing from Young Authors!

I am impressed with the skills of these young women. As varied as their styles are, each shows her abilities and God-given talents through the short stories in this collection. Readers may pick their favorite stories, follow the authors, and read their full-length offerings. As an older author, I recognize the value of collections and collaborations such as these for both authors and readers. Kudos to those at Wild Wonder Press for all you do to encourage these ladies. Thank you, and God bless you.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whole collection was very enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. It's a perfect fall read (though I did read this collection a bit closer to Christmas, LOL), but it still gave me the cozy feeling it intended. Plus, I was able to sample several authors' work that I've never read before, which was super fun! I will put a short summary of my thoughts below of each story.

Melting Pot Thanksgiving, by Andrea Renee Cox: 2.5 stars. I liked the setting of this story with the foster children. DJ and Eun-Ji were so sweet. The pacing of the story felt good, but I just didn't connect with Sarah. I felt like the reasons for Sarah's mother's dramatics was a little...silly? And maybe that was the point for Felicity to realize she was in the wrong. I just didn't connect with this story like I wanted to.

As She Talked, by Bethany Willcock: 4/5 stars. Very enjoyable story. I really liked Autumn and her brother, Noah, and to little nieces. The story also had me wondering what was truly going on. That scene at night as Autumn was walking back to her room...you could definitely feel the tension and the anxiety the character was feeling. A chill even went down my spine! The story was wrapped up nicely and all loose ends tied into a neat little bow. I have enjoyed a few of Ms. Willcock's stories and this will most certainly not be my last.

Reasons to Be Thankful, by Hannah E. Gridley: 5/5 stars. Loved this story! It really touched my heart, especially in the season of life with my own health struggles. Josie and Tabitha's friendship was so sweet and seeing the progression of the story and seeing joy fill Josie and Frank's home, even in their season of struggle, blessed my heart. The story was very well-written and I enjoyed it!

Act in the Living Present, by Katja H. Labonte: 4/5 stars
Really, really liked this story so very much! This was a first story by Katja for me and it definitely won't be my last. I quickly grew to like Myriam and Rupert. The sibling pair was so sweet and I definitely related to Myriam quite a bit. some of her sarcastic comments had me chuckling and feeling a bit sheepish at my tendency for sarcasm at times. But most of all, I loved Myriam's character development throughout this story.

My Heart Still Sings, by Faith Cox: 2/5 stars

The setting of this story in regard to swimming was interesting and enjoyable as my youngest sister is part of a swim team. (Though she has no Olympic goals. :-) ) I'm afraid I struggled with enjoying this story as a whole, though. Kaylee was very bratty and unlikeable for me the first half of this story and I disliked how she treated her family. She stated somewhere later in the book that she was polite and respectful to her elders, etc., but there were several instances where I felt she was extremely disrespectful. I do understand the need to show character growth, and I was holding out hope for Kaylee and while there were attitude changes, I wish there were more respectful exchanges between herself, and her family shown instead of just her coach. I did appreciate her character growth at the end of the story though. And I really liked Kaylee's brother, Zach. He was adorable! Though I didn't particularly love this story, it doesn't mean someone else won't. So, I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

Tollemache House, by Kellyn Roth: 5/5 stars. Really enjoyed this story and the message behind it to write the story God places on your heart regardless of how popular it is or what other people think. Plus, writing only what our culture views as a guaranteed sell gets boring, am I right? I liked Effie and her growing relationship with Alexandra made me smile. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering, by Katie Zeliger: 2/5 stars. Much of this story just felt...weird and ghostly to me. I'm aware that everyone has different levels of comfort with the thought of ghosts, but I'm with Laney. I don't do them...even in stories. LOL. Also, the artists in the masks...that was just kind of a puzzle to me. I didn't really get that, and it sounded kind of...scary...to me. Also, Rowena's noticing of the main male character had me squirming a bit. For the character development exhibited in this story for Rowena, there seemed to be a lot of worldly thoughts. (And yes, I am aware of the fact she was struggling in her faith, but the five or six times it mentioned "she cursed" bothered me.) This story just wasn't my cup of tea, but I did like Laney and the lesson that Rowena ultimately learned. As someone who recently lost my father very suddenly, I understand the questions and agony of heart Rowena was going through. This story just wasn't for me in general, but someone else might really like it!

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne, by Shira J. Rodriguez, 4/5 stars. This story genuinely kept me intrigued and I really liked the friendship between Lavender and Rita. The writer's style felt somewhat like L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. This story was also sad, but I liked that the MC didn't wallow in her sad news that she received and decided to live life to the fullest. The mystery surrounded her birth kept me turning the pages. The end seemed kind of abrupt and I would have liked to see the conflict resolved a bit more. But maybe that just me and the author wanted to end it that way. Overall, I enjoyed this story.

Pages of Grace, by Heather Flynn, 5/5 stars. This story was so very sweet! I loved both Emilee and Drake, and Winnie was a very godly, wise friend. The Biblical message was also very nice. The sweet blossoming romance between Emilee and Drake was also very sweet and clean and I greatly appreciated that. Emilee's struggle to find time to write her story is probably something a lot of writers can relate to, but the character development through the story was well written and I just overall really loved this story.

The Sound of Healing, by Avrie Swan, 5/5 stars. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing. The surprise at the end I didn't see coming and thought it was an epic way to finish the story. Rebeka's journey in learning to write from her heart and not run from the truth of her past was sad, courageous, and intriguing all at the same time. Great job to this author.

Between Moor and Mountain, by Kelsey Bryant, 3/5 stars. I liked this story by Kelsey Byant. I've had the pleasure of reading a couple other stories by this au9thor. I really enjoyed the setting and the way the setting was described was very lovely. Tomsin and David were so cute and sweet together. And the main character, Leslie, as she sought to be able to find the ability to write again and most importantly grow closer to the Lord in the midst of her pain was something my own heart really needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection and I'm looking forward to reading the next one released! I give this collection 4/5 stars as a whole.

[Bella Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super sweet, cozy, and unique grouping of stories all revolving around writers in November.

I loved how each of these stories were SO different yet all worked together so well. The quality of the writing was fabulous and I really enjoyed this whole read!

My top 3 stories were: Pages Of Grace, The Sound Of Healing, and My Heart Still Sings. Well done all three of you!

(I did DNF And As She Talked because I'm not a fan a ghosts. 🫣)

Content: Mention of trying to conceive. Mention/flashback of emotional abusive boyfriend. Romance (touch, light noticing, a few kisses, not described.) I may be forgetting things. ;)

✨ 4.5 Stars ✨

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies with a theme. Novelist in November is a collection of stories with the theme of authors writing a book in November. The genre range from historical fiction in several eras to more modern day. Most of the stories run around 40 pages - short enough to read in one sitting.
Even if you are not an author, you will find encouragement in the stories. The authors in these stories deal with every day challenges (or in some cases tragedies) like you and I which, in their cases, play a role in the stories they are trying to write. In every case the author gets their book finished in spite of life events.
While written for adults, teen authors may be encouraged reading this anthology. The authors of the stories in Novelist in November are all young authors. There is nothing to keep Novelist in November from being placed in a K-12 Christian school.
I received a complimentary copy of Novelist in November. This is my honest review.

[Deena Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about each story was the main characters' love and pursuit of writing. As an aspiring author, this was an added bonus! It was also fun to be introduced to lots of new-to-me authors.

If you like short stories that relate to writers, you might enjoy this anthology.

[Sara Thren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, cozy collection of beautiful stories! While my favorites were those written by Bethany Willcock and Katja H. Labonté, I truly enjoyed all of the stories featured in this anthology! Highly recommend!

[Rebekah Allgood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! The stories are the perfect size, longer than I expected. I can't wait to read it again in the fall!

Authors make some great characters, and many of them were so relatable!

I didn't love all of the stories, but several were 5 stars! Overall, the book feels like a warm, cinnamony hug! I'd highly recommend!

[H.E. Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Review of “Act in the Living Present” by Katja H. Labonté

Although I haven’t read the anthology in its entirety, I definitely recommend it on the merits of this story alone. Labonté draws readers in with lifelike characters facing realistically complex circumstances. Myriam and Rupert will tug at your heartstrings from the moment you meet them, and the journey this brother and sister are forced to undergo will make you love them all the more. The story resounds with echoes of biblical truth in a way that’s believable for the story and powerful for the reader.

Note: I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Shira Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories is truly feast for the autumn-loving reader’s soul. Ranging from Cozy Autumn to Dark Academia, this collections has a story that will delight every reader. While many short stories I’ve read feel something like a scene cut out of a book (a sort of literary “deleted scene” to put in the bonus features in a dvd), each of these has a satisfying arc to it, with characters that linger in your mind far longer than you would expect them to.

They’re perfect for reading before bed while the warm lights are dim and you coax your eyes to sleep; each interesting and even suspenseful in their own right, but also quiet and introspective enough to not have you quivering from head to foot in shock and full of too many thrills and adrenaline for a decent night’s sleep. (Ask me how I know 😏 .)

*A Melting-Pot Thanksgiving* by Andrea Renee Cox

This story has had my heart for a very long time. I was honored to critique this lovely story before the book came out and every time I read this, I feel I can indeed smell the pungent turkey roasting in the oven and hear the sounds of the doorbell ringing with guests. If you want to transport yourself to the feeling of Thanksgiving, look no further than this story. The end never ceases to amazing me with it’s wonderful compassion and the way that Cox so effortlessly and quietly makes you fall in love with Sarah and her family as they navigate incorporating new traditions and cultural differences. As someone with a very mixed background, this story warmed my heart so much and gave me so much hope. A delightful opening to the Anthology.

*And As She Talked* by Bethany Willcock

This one shocked me. In the best of ways. I kept thinking that we weren’t going to “go there” with the mystery, but the more I read, the more baffled I felt. The protagonist, Autumn, is quirky and endearing and the whole cast of characters at Mossfern Lodge are just the sweetest. Think of your favorite cozy English country vibes coupled with Agatha Christy-worthy mystery and that is As She Talked. It’s a delightful romp full of clever wit. The drama and suspense really did have me hooked and I kept second guessing myself. Also… the kittens. Adorable.

*Reasons to Be Thankful* by Hannah E. Gridley

One of the things I loved about this story was how moving and raw it was. It felt lived-in. Like Josie was a real person who might live just next door and was going through just what the story told. The suspense here, while understated, definitely kept me turning pages and at once empathizing and admiring Josie and Frank’s faith and courage in such a difficult situation. It also had one of my favorite unresolved endings, something that is very difficult to pull off in stories but happens oftener than we’d care to admit in real life. So much respect for this story.

*Act in the Living Present* by Katja H. Labonté

I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that brings the spirit of old classics so beautifully to life as this one. It doesn’t feel like a historical novel; it feels like a story written by someone who grew up in the early 20th century and still has nostalgic dreams about it, the way you remember the haunting notes of a symphony after the strings have stopped quivering with sound. The friendship between these two beautiful main characters, Myriam and Rupert is so inspiring and endearing (also…*coughs* I may have a crush on a certain gentleman in this story. I really can’t help it. He’s so kind and wise and sweet…there, I’ve said enough. 🫣 ) Also the DELIGHTFUL perspective and setting of Quebec and the bilingual aspects made my heart so happy. It’s a setting that I hope I get to read more of, as Labonté explores it so beautifully.

*My Heart Still Sings* by Faith D. Cox

This story inspired me so much. As someone who has struggled with physical impediments or health issues seemingly interrupting my dreams, this resonated so deeply. I loved the realistic aspect of the story, where yes, there was loss, but there was a great deal gained. The I also loved Kaylee’s interractions with her family, which felt really quite accurate and real and her brother always had me laughing. Loved this story!

*Tollemache House* by Kellyn Roth

Roth has such a fun ability bring some sardonic tongue-in-cheek humor sprinkled with delightfully ridiculous characters you love to poke fun at and others which are so relatable, even in modern life, that you just can’t help sighing at and thinking “yep, you remind me of somebody.” Effie and Alexandra’s dynamic, while quiet, brings out a delightful tension and I loved how much of the story dealt with trying to understand and create a friendship out of a seemingly tense relationship. She has this beautiful ability to make the distance between historical times dissappear and suddenly make us realize we are all very human, ocupying the same quarters of space, just difference in time. Very Austen-esque and cozy. (Also the end…so sweet!!)

*Finding Beauty in the Suffering* by Katie Zeliger

Delightfully mysterious and dark academia-esque (which I adore!!). Absolutely LOVED the mystery and moody setting of an old castle. Laney and Rowena also make for the most delightful friendship duo. And Mr. Broussard is so mysterious and charming all at once. This story is full of delightful symbols and imagery and gave such a creative twist to contemporary academia stories.

*The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne* by Shira J. Rodriguez

And here we come to my own little story. I’ll admit, I’ve read it so many times during revision and narrating the audiobook version, it’s hard to read as the reader. I’d love to hear your own thoughts on this sweet story if you’ve read it in the comments.

*Pages of Grace* by Heather Flynn

This story. Besides the fact that this lovely author has become a dear friend of mine, this story has genuinely reached and touched my heart in such a unique way. I read this one recently in season where I very much needed to hear God’s voice. And guess what? He speaks through stories, too, because I genuinely broke down reading this story. It’s got such tender, sweet Hallmark movie vibes and Emilee is so relatable and her relationship with Drake is so adorable. I love everything about this story. Genuinely a sweet resting place for my heart.

*The Sound of Healing* by Avrie Swan

Ahhhh! This one had me constantly turning pages in anticipation. The beautiful 1950’s setting was so homey and warm, with exactly the nostalgic feels I love for fall. Also the mystery surrounding Rebekah and her hidden past kept piquing my curiousity and I remember wondering as I was reading what would happen next and if Rebekah’s story would in fact every get to the radio station. I have the most delightful memories of reading this story curled up in bed.

*Between Moor and Mountain* by Kelsey Bryant

A perfect end to the anthology. Bryant has such a talent for writing quiet, poigniant stories that heal your heart with a gentleness I’ve found in few books. If you love Willa Cather’s My Antonia, you will love this gentle story. (Also those opening lines are just *chef’s kiss*!!) Leslie’s journey of healing and path back to writing and finding God is so sweet and inspired me so much, with lovely poetic descriptions that guide your heart through the story.

LOVE all these stories and am so grateful I got to be a part of this 💕

[Alena Mentink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novelists in November anthology is a sweet collection of stories sure to touch your heart. What a gift to be able to read so many works by various authors who infuse Christ into their writing! All the fall vibes of this anthology paired with the deep faith content make this the perfect mood setter for the season.

Each story was a joy to read and I applaud each author for crafting a delightful story. Here are a few quick points I took from each story:

A Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox: I loved the incorporation of so many characters with diverse backgrounds, including foster children, people from other countries, and a "normal" American family. A very sweet story!

And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock: Such a fun story! The mysterious element had me guessing the whole way through the story, and I finished the last sentence with a smile on my face.

Reasons to be Thankful by Hannah Gridley: This story had such a unique premise. A housebound woman living in secret with her FBI agent husband--yes, I was instantly hooked and had to understand why these characters were doing what they were doing. Loved this story.

Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonte: This gave me a throwback to my days of reading Lucy Maude Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott. The writing style was charming and old fashioned, and the story followed a nice arc.

My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox: I wasn't expecting the twist in this story and enjoyed the depth and heart behind the healing that followed.

Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth: The setting came alive for me in this story. Loved the characters differing personalities and the subtle conflict. Effie's story dilemma about wanting to write a story about a happily married couple made me smile.

Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger: Now, the setting of this story struck me as eerie, along with a lot of the characters. I would call this one imagination-stretching since it had me trying to guess what was going on in this place. The ending was a nice touch.

The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira Rodriguez: The very title of this story drew me in. And then I read the first sentence, followed by the first paragraph and on down the page . . . it was hooking. The writing style was beautiful, written in a way that brought the main character's voice to life in a way I rarely see. The ending about made me cry, but it was a good, clean ache that's hard to explain. For such a short story, it impacted an incredible span of emotions inside me, everything from humor to heartache. A lovely story all the way through.

Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn: The friends-to-more trope was super sweet. The businesses felt real, from the diner with its friendly atmosphere to the publishing house with its frenzied pace. The ending put the perfect ribbon around this story.

The Sound of Healing by Averie Swan: This one. It was my absolute favorite. The backstory that wove through the main story was perfect. Just enough was revealed to raise a question, and then the answer wove its way into the story. The characters were a delight, and I could just see the family gathered around an old fashioned radio to get their evening entertainment. That last scene was a grand finale. Entirely. Perfect. This beautiful quote captures the feeling better than my words can: “Tell me one of your stories. A nice one, where the hero defeats the villain and rises up in a cloak of glory.”

Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Byrant: This story reminds me of a stream, gentle and meandering. It held a thoughtful, introspective bend. The Scottish highlands sprang to life on the pages.

Overall, Novelists in November is a collection you won't want to miss. Do yourself a favor and pick the book up now.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Christian short stories grants insight into the world of writers. It might surprise you to find real life interferes with deadlines and inspiration.

As with any collection, some stories engaged me more than others. My favorites happened to be the first and last ones in the anthology. Overall, it gets 3.5 to 4 stars from me.

I love sibling stories. And the main character in the first story was a single woman who was also a foster mom and full-time novelist. How? You'll have to read to discover the answer.

The final story has a woman taking a dream trip to Scotland and finding the inspiration she lost thanks to a destructive romantic relationship. I felt like I was there. It almost made me want to try haggis.

Each story weaves spiritual truth with plot lines and character growth. Whether you prefer historical, mystery, or romance, this book has something for everyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required.