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While You're Awake
Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette
There’s no rest for the fearful.
Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.
Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?
This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.
There’s no rest for the fearful.
Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.
Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?
This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
1 person is currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Amber Stokes
7 books189 followersAmber Holcomb (Stokes) is a freelance editor and indie author who lives in eastern Washington with her adventurous husband. Previously, she worked in marketing for a Christian publisher for nearly three years. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and now fuels her work with words in this new season of life.
Where Trains Collide, While You're Awake, How a Star Falls, Forget Me Not, Bleeding Heart, and Bellflower are available for purchase on Amazon.
You can get a glimpse of the characters & settings of Amber's books on Pinterest: Where Trains Collide, While You're Awake, How a Star Falls, Bellflower, Forget Me Not, Bleeding Heart, Fairy Slippers, and Morning Glory.
Where Trains Collide, While You're Awake, How a Star Falls, Forget Me Not, Bleeding Heart, and Bellflower are available for purchase on Amazon.
You can get a glimpse of the characters & settings of Amber's books on Pinterest: Where Trains Collide, While You're Awake, How a Star Falls, Bellflower, Forget Me Not, Bleeding Heart, Fairy Slippers, and Morning Glory.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 5, 2016
While You're Awake was a super fun and sweet read! The character's extreme fear of bees was humorous at times, but I also couldn't help but feel for her because her fear controlled her life so much and made her lose sleep.
The romance was nice and I liked the ending...For a short book, it ended well. :) I also loved the dogs and how energetic Moon was. ;)
All in all, I loved this short read. It was fun and quick to read.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The romance was nice and I liked the ending...For a short book, it ended well. :) I also loved the dogs and how energetic Moon was. ;)
All in all, I loved this short read. It was fun and quick to read.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 22, 2016
I don't typically read contemporary romance, but WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE sounded intriguing. 'Cause a coffee-consuming Sleeping Beauty? Yes, please! And I'd had my eye on some of the author's books for a while, so when a friend sent me a copy, I was thrilled!
WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE was like peppermint tea. It was the perfect length (I suppose that part doesn't necessarily sound like peppermint tea, but otherwise, it was just like it *smiles*), and the plot and writing style were absolutely refreshing. Though I wasn't sure of the characters, at first, they won my heart and had me reading the rest of the novella with a grin; WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE is definitely worth the read. :)
You may want to know: There was some minor kissing, as well as the brief flashback to an event in which a man was shot and killed.
WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE was like peppermint tea. It was the perfect length (I suppose that part doesn't necessarily sound like peppermint tea, but otherwise, it was just like it *smiles*), and the plot and writing style were absolutely refreshing. Though I wasn't sure of the characters, at first, they won my heart and had me reading the rest of the novella with a grin; WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE is definitely worth the read. :)
You may want to know: There was some minor kissing, as well as the brief flashback to an event in which a man was shot and killed.
October 20, 2015
When I heard Amber Stokes had penned a new novelette—a modern day twist on Sleeping Beauty which involves coffee—I was immediately intrigued!
The story starts out with Ava, a freelance editor in her late twenties who has two major fears: Bees and inconveniencing people. When Ava comes home one day, her worst fear is confirmed. A swarm of bees are in her house and she has no one to turn to. Suffering from exhaustion because of her fear, she takes her pressing editing work to Coffee By Angels to escape from the bees. When a bee gets into the coffee shop, events unfold which cause Keegan, the barista to notice her fear and begin a friendship with Ava. Along with his two dogs, he attempts to break the "curse" that hovers over Ava. Their friendship gradually evolves into love.
A short, yet, very sweet novelette about overcoming your fears, While You're Wake is a perfect length tale to accompany a pot of tea or coffee on these cold October days.
"He brought up his own hand to help brush away the tears dripping from her chin. "Fear is fear. Anything that holds us back from life and the love we can give—all of it's powerful. No matter what causes it. Any kind of paralyzing fear should be acknowledged and then fought against, don't you think?" — While You're Awake by Amber Stokes
The story starts out with Ava, a freelance editor in her late twenties who has two major fears: Bees and inconveniencing people. When Ava comes home one day, her worst fear is confirmed. A swarm of bees are in her house and she has no one to turn to. Suffering from exhaustion because of her fear, she takes her pressing editing work to Coffee By Angels to escape from the bees. When a bee gets into the coffee shop, events unfold which cause Keegan, the barista to notice her fear and begin a friendship with Ava. Along with his two dogs, he attempts to break the "curse" that hovers over Ava. Their friendship gradually evolves into love.
A short, yet, very sweet novelette about overcoming your fears, While You're Wake is a perfect length tale to accompany a pot of tea or coffee on these cold October days.
"He brought up his own hand to help brush away the tears dripping from her chin. "Fear is fear. Anything that holds us back from life and the love we can give—all of it's powerful. No matter what causes it. Any kind of paralyzing fear should be acknowledged and then fought against, don't you think?" — While You're Awake by Amber Stokes
March 10, 2016
I just love the lyrical dream-like quality of the writing in this story. The focus is definitely on the emotions of Ava as she experiences fear, exhaustion, stress, friendship, and relief. I appreciated the sweetness between Keegan and Ava, how they want to be there for each other and just fall naturally into a relationship. It was easy to picture the story in my mind with the lovely descriptions of the setting woven in with the sometimes intense feelings of the characters. It was a delight to read and for only 99 cents is a must-buy ;)
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
October 29, 2016
This was a really cute, novella. :)
October 14, 2015
As soon as this writerly friend of mine shared with me about her venture into a Sleeping Beauty retelling, I knew it was going to be a memorable one. The premise based around a classic tale but with a contemporary, charming spin to it, While You're Awake is in short, a lovely novelette. I read it in one sitting with a huge cup of tea laced with honey--an appropriate sweetener for this tale.
Ava is a princess of a character who does not know it. She is one I was very closely able to relate to from her work with writing and her season of life as well as her personality. Not so much the underdog archetype many female heroines or modern princesses, Ava is a sweet, gentle soul and honestly? A heroine I quite prefer to the underdog archetype.
And Keegan, Angel Boy as Ava comes to nickname him, is one barista I wish I could find in my local coffee shop(s)! Down to earth, gallant and smiley, Keegan is an unlikely hero to Ava with her bee problem and forms an unlikely friendship that blossoms into the sweetest love story I've read in a while.
The theme of facing ones fear's--whether present or past, haunting ones--is so tenderly woven through out for both these characters, and their love story. It made it a joy to read as all was revealed and the happily ever after-esque ending came all too quickly.
Ava is a princess of a character who does not know it. She is one I was very closely able to relate to from her work with writing and her season of life as well as her personality. Not so much the underdog archetype many female heroines or modern princesses, Ava is a sweet, gentle soul and honestly? A heroine I quite prefer to the underdog archetype.
And Keegan, Angel Boy as Ava comes to nickname him, is one barista I wish I could find in my local coffee shop(s)! Down to earth, gallant and smiley, Keegan is an unlikely hero to Ava with her bee problem and forms an unlikely friendship that blossoms into the sweetest love story I've read in a while.
The theme of facing ones fear's--whether present or past, haunting ones--is so tenderly woven through out for both these characters, and their love story. It made it a joy to read as all was revealed and the happily ever after-esque ending came all too quickly.
October 14, 2015
I had the privilege of reading Amber Stokes' While You're Awake in an early stage, while it still had a different title but the same sweet tone!
I love and admire Amber's ability to take a contemporary setting and set a fairy-tale spin to it, complete with a darling coffee shop and a kind hero. In fact, I think I liked the hero best, just because he was so good to the heroine.
This story is different; it centers around a semi-traumatic event in the heroine's life that catapults her into her first meeting with the hero. Thus begins a short and sweet love story perfect for a chilly autumn afternoon!
I love and admire Amber's ability to take a contemporary setting and set a fairy-tale spin to it, complete with a darling coffee shop and a kind hero. In fact, I think I liked the hero best, just because he was so good to the heroine.
This story is different; it centers around a semi-traumatic event in the heroine's life that catapults her into her first meeting with the hero. Thus begins a short and sweet love story perfect for a chilly autumn afternoon!
October 8, 2015
Sweet and delightful! Full review to come soon.
October 20, 2015
Ava has an extreme fear of bees. When bees invade her little rental house Ava has nowhere to turn. Losing sleep but yet needing to keep up with her job as a freelance editor, Ava escapes her little home to a coffee shop in town.
Keegan works at Coffee by Angels and notices how tired Ava looks when she orders her coffee. When Ava has a mishap at the coffee shop Keegan offers to drive her home. Keegan has had tragedy in his past and has a desire and need to help people. He soon labels Ava “Tired Girl” and she labels him “Angel Boy”. Will the two be able to help each other overcome their fears?
Such a sweet novelette! I love the characters Ava and Keegan. They are such a sweet couple. While I don’t have an unnatural fear of bees I think that we can all agree that each of us has some fear in our life that can be crippling at some time or another. I love how caring Keegan is even in the midst of his own struggles that daily haunt him from his past. I think this was a good reminder that each person we come in contact with during our day has a story. We may not be able to become as involved as Keegan chose to become, but it doesn’t hurt to offer a kind smile or a word of encouragement to those we meet. While short stories and novelettes usually frustrate me because I feel the author isn’t able to develop the characters as well as I would like, I found that Amber managed to include a good background for both Ava and Keegan so that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything to bring the story together. Because I am always about the “Happily Ever After” I was quite satisfied with this re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale.
Keegan works at Coffee by Angels and notices how tired Ava looks when she orders her coffee. When Ava has a mishap at the coffee shop Keegan offers to drive her home. Keegan has had tragedy in his past and has a desire and need to help people. He soon labels Ava “Tired Girl” and she labels him “Angel Boy”. Will the two be able to help each other overcome their fears?
Such a sweet novelette! I love the characters Ava and Keegan. They are such a sweet couple. While I don’t have an unnatural fear of bees I think that we can all agree that each of us has some fear in our life that can be crippling at some time or another. I love how caring Keegan is even in the midst of his own struggles that daily haunt him from his past. I think this was a good reminder that each person we come in contact with during our day has a story. We may not be able to become as involved as Keegan chose to become, but it doesn’t hurt to offer a kind smile or a word of encouragement to those we meet. While short stories and novelettes usually frustrate me because I feel the author isn’t able to develop the characters as well as I would like, I found that Amber managed to include a good background for both Ava and Keegan so that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything to bring the story together. Because I am always about the “Happily Ever After” I was quite satisfied with this re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale.
October 23, 2015
Full review to come.
October 16, 2017
As anyone who has read this blog for any length of time could probably tell you, fairytales are a favorite of mine. Or in the words of Miss Dorcas Lane, they are my “one weakness.” To be truthful, like the beloved character on Lark Rise to Candleford who loved that phrase, ‘tis true I do actually have more than one weakness, but fairytales are certainly high on that list. When I discovered that blogging friend Amber Stokes was going to release her loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty, needless to say I was elated. It was time for a new story from her. (Selfish as that may sound, it’s true.)
The 50-some page novella tells the story of Ava, a young entrepreneur, who has suddenly become like honey to a group of bees. Every time Ava tries to go to sleep, the bees that somehow took up residence in her home seem to haunt her. Then there is Keagan. Keagan works at the local coffee shop Ava frequents and despite virtually knowing nothing about each other, the pair form a kind of friendship… with a possibility of so much more.
Because it’s so short, saying anything with ease about this novella isn’t fair. Giving away too much will essentially give away what you could simply discover for yourself in an hours’ time. Baring that in mind, my best intention is to keep this short. As with any novella length, from a reader’s perspective, the author already has an uphill battle from the very beginning, no matter the plot. Somehow this story feels very “full” irrespective of that. It’s beautifully told, hitting all of the right highs, and offers a poignant backstory for its hero that slips in unexpectedly to sure up the gaps and appropriately, tugs at our hearts.
The fairytale elements are few in a traditional sense, and the contemporary setting suits the characters and their motivations. With deft pacing and charming capabilities at telling the story, While You’re Awake is one of those pick-me-up reads you can enjoy in a matter of minutes. It has all the qualifiers of being on the edge of a more complete novel yet what it needs to say, it says and does so with skill. Bees may play a pivotal role, but leaving behind anything other than the sweetness of honey they do not.
Thanks to the author, I was provided a complimentary review e-copy of this novella.
The 50-some page novella tells the story of Ava, a young entrepreneur, who has suddenly become like honey to a group of bees. Every time Ava tries to go to sleep, the bees that somehow took up residence in her home seem to haunt her. Then there is Keagan. Keagan works at the local coffee shop Ava frequents and despite virtually knowing nothing about each other, the pair form a kind of friendship… with a possibility of so much more.
Because it’s so short, saying anything with ease about this novella isn’t fair. Giving away too much will essentially give away what you could simply discover for yourself in an hours’ time. Baring that in mind, my best intention is to keep this short. As with any novella length, from a reader’s perspective, the author already has an uphill battle from the very beginning, no matter the plot. Somehow this story feels very “full” irrespective of that. It’s beautifully told, hitting all of the right highs, and offers a poignant backstory for its hero that slips in unexpectedly to sure up the gaps and appropriately, tugs at our hearts.
The fairytale elements are few in a traditional sense, and the contemporary setting suits the characters and their motivations. With deft pacing and charming capabilities at telling the story, While You’re Awake is one of those pick-me-up reads you can enjoy in a matter of minutes. It has all the qualifiers of being on the edge of a more complete novel yet what it needs to say, it says and does so with skill. Bees may play a pivotal role, but leaving behind anything other than the sweetness of honey they do not.
Thanks to the author, I was provided a complimentary review e-copy of this novella.
October 10, 2016
Very sweet. Some romance-hand holding and a kiss-and the story did move quick since it was a novella, but I loved how Ava was afraid of bees and the fear that was shown as she endeavoured to overcome that. Keegan was nice too :) There's a hint of spirituality, but not as much as I would have liked.
June 4, 2017
A retelling of Sleeping Beauty that's unique, fast, and really sweet. The romance is clean, but it's not annoying or cliche. There's also really cute dogs.
Recommended 12+ for romance.
Recommended 12+ for romance.
January 21, 2016
This is a story that shows that love can find you anywhere, even if God has to use bees to do it (very funny, I know!) it’s also one that shows that [nearly] all kinds of fear can be overcome albeit by the power of love and healthy companionship.
Though a fast and easy read, which I read in one sitting, it doesn’t fall short of any element that makes a well put-together novella. This is what I adore about Stoke’s work! She manages to always give a story the full ingredients that it deserves, no matter how short she intends it to be. This is not a quality you find with most novellas out there.
Of worthy mention is the adeptly crafted setting. The sense of time and space, most especially time, was exquisitely accomplished. Whether reading professionally or not, I look out for this so that I’m fully grounded in the scene moments surrounding a character that an author tries to portray. I can say that I’m fully satisfied with this one! Clearly, you can’t g wrong with small-town romance if you put your heart to it as a writer!
Overall, While You’re Awake is a sweet story that lived up to its title (and cover design!)
Though a fast and easy read, which I read in one sitting, it doesn’t fall short of any element that makes a well put-together novella. This is what I adore about Stoke’s work! She manages to always give a story the full ingredients that it deserves, no matter how short she intends it to be. This is not a quality you find with most novellas out there.
Of worthy mention is the adeptly crafted setting. The sense of time and space, most especially time, was exquisitely accomplished. Whether reading professionally or not, I look out for this so that I’m fully grounded in the scene moments surrounding a character that an author tries to portray. I can say that I’m fully satisfied with this one! Clearly, you can’t g wrong with small-town romance if you put your heart to it as a writer!
Overall, While You’re Awake is a sweet story that lived up to its title (and cover design!)
March 29, 2016
So if you haven't figured out by now, Ms. Amber Stokes is one of my most favoritest writers! :D And this little novelette has risen to the top of my list. Based around the fairytale Sleeping Beauty, it's the cutest story of Ava and Keegan. Ava, unable to sleep because of her fear of the bees that are making themselves at home in her apartment, has let that fear completely overtake her life. When Keegan finds this out, his protective instincts kick in and what follows is a sweet story of these two finding more and more ways to be adorable together. ;) Trust me, if you have a need for a story that is guaranteed to make you grin, a hero who will make you swoon, and a heroine in need of reminding of how wonderful she is, this is the story for you! It's a quick and fun read that will make you wish for more when you reach the final page. And, considering what happened to cause Amber to create this story, most definitely worth your time! Read it! You won't be sorry. I promise. :)
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2015
When I read the synopsis of this novelette, I was intrigued. The words “re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty” grabbed my attention and made me want to read more. This sweet story certainly has the whimsical quality of a fairy tale, complete with a prince charming. Ava and Keegan’s story is charming, and I look forward to Amber Stokes’s next tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
September 12, 2024
Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite Disney movies (aside from The Rescuers, because Bernard is just the cutest thing!). I love the story, too. I tried watching Maleficent a while back, when it came out at Redbox; I was too cheap to go see it in theatres (plus I’m somewhat bipolar when it comes to Angelina Jolie), so when it hit The Box, I was right there.
I hated it.
Sorry, Angelina. But I couldn’t get into it. And I tried. Believe me, I tried.
But I digress. This is not a review of Maleficent (and it’s a darn good thing); I am merely setting the stage for my review of Amber’s “contemporary retelling” of Sleeping Beauty.
I actually had to hunt a bit for the parallels between the two. And Amber, I’m very glad about that. So many “retellings” these days are so gobsmackingly obvious that they may as well have just taken the original text and changed a few names.
No, Amber’s retelling was much more subtle. (I won’t put in any spoilers here. It’s a novelette; I read it in less than half an hour, so you have no excuse to just go read it.)
The descriptions were vivid (ewww!!! Bees!!! I’m duct taping every gap in my window screens as soon as I’m done with this review); the story length was perfect, at longer than a novella but shorter than a short story; and the humor was spot on. I caught myself laughing out loud at several spots, and that is hard to do.
The story was paced well, and involved lots of coffee (always an added bonus!). I’d really like to try a dark chocolate mochaccino now (thanks again, Amber). But wait! I have an espresso machine, and my “lattes” are really more like cappuccinos with the amount of foam involved. Good thing I keep quite a bit of Hershey’s dark chocolate syrup on hand. 😉
All in all, a very sweet story with good substance and believable characters. As always, I love reading Amber’s books, and this one did not disappoint. Of her shorter works, this one is my favorite!
I received an eARC of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I hated it.
Sorry, Angelina. But I couldn’t get into it. And I tried. Believe me, I tried.
But I digress. This is not a review of Maleficent (and it’s a darn good thing); I am merely setting the stage for my review of Amber’s “contemporary retelling” of Sleeping Beauty.
I actually had to hunt a bit for the parallels between the two. And Amber, I’m very glad about that. So many “retellings” these days are so gobsmackingly obvious that they may as well have just taken the original text and changed a few names.
No, Amber’s retelling was much more subtle. (I won’t put in any spoilers here. It’s a novelette; I read it in less than half an hour, so you have no excuse to just go read it.)
The descriptions were vivid (ewww!!! Bees!!! I’m duct taping every gap in my window screens as soon as I’m done with this review); the story length was perfect, at longer than a novella but shorter than a short story; and the humor was spot on. I caught myself laughing out loud at several spots, and that is hard to do.
The story was paced well, and involved lots of coffee (always an added bonus!). I’d really like to try a dark chocolate mochaccino now (thanks again, Amber). But wait! I have an espresso machine, and my “lattes” are really more like cappuccinos with the amount of foam involved. Good thing I keep quite a bit of Hershey’s dark chocolate syrup on hand. 😉
All in all, a very sweet story with good substance and believable characters. As always, I love reading Amber’s books, and this one did not disappoint. Of her shorter works, this one is my favorite!
I received an eARC of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2017
While You're Awake
by Amber Stokes
Ava's rental home has been invaded by one of her greatest fears, honey bees. Day and night, she can hear the buzzing of their wings, taunting her by their presence. Seriously tired from the lack of sleep her unwanted guests have caused, Ava packs up her laptop and heads to the coffee shop, Coffee by Angels, to sip a moccachino, get some freelance editing work done and maybe clear her head. While at the shop, Ava meets Keegan, or as she soon comes to call him, Angel Boy. Keegan knows something is wrong with Ava, whom he dubs Tired Girl, and knowing a thing or two about fear himself, just wants to help.
This was a really nice read. Seeing as it's a novella with around 50 pages, I was afraid I would miss the details and there wouldn't be much to the story, but I still felt like I knew these characters, which I love. Amber really has a way with words in which by saying little, she says it all. Though this novella is short, it still satisfies.
The romance in this story is well written. It's sweet and light, which gets an A++ in my book. I much prefer sweet romance to hot and heavy. And I like that there's just a tad bit of suspense as Ava deals with the honey bees, her greatest fear. There's just a touch of it and it helps to round out the story.
Honestly, this is one of the prettiest covers I've ever seen. Usually I'm not one for couple covers, but this one is gorgeous. I love the sunlight, the way Ava and Keagan look so happy together, Ava's dress, and Keegan reminds me so much of Gilbert Blythe (inside and out!).
All in all, While You're Awake is a delightful, quick read that any fan of Christian contemporary romance is sure to love.
by Amber Stokes
Ava's rental home has been invaded by one of her greatest fears, honey bees. Day and night, she can hear the buzzing of their wings, taunting her by their presence. Seriously tired from the lack of sleep her unwanted guests have caused, Ava packs up her laptop and heads to the coffee shop, Coffee by Angels, to sip a moccachino, get some freelance editing work done and maybe clear her head. While at the shop, Ava meets Keegan, or as she soon comes to call him, Angel Boy. Keegan knows something is wrong with Ava, whom he dubs Tired Girl, and knowing a thing or two about fear himself, just wants to help.
This was a really nice read. Seeing as it's a novella with around 50 pages, I was afraid I would miss the details and there wouldn't be much to the story, but I still felt like I knew these characters, which I love. Amber really has a way with words in which by saying little, she says it all. Though this novella is short, it still satisfies.
The romance in this story is well written. It's sweet and light, which gets an A++ in my book. I much prefer sweet romance to hot and heavy. And I like that there's just a tad bit of suspense as Ava deals with the honey bees, her greatest fear. There's just a touch of it and it helps to round out the story.
Honestly, this is one of the prettiest covers I've ever seen. Usually I'm not one for couple covers, but this one is gorgeous. I love the sunlight, the way Ava and Keagan look so happy together, Ava's dress, and Keegan reminds me so much of Gilbert Blythe (inside and out!).
All in all, While You're Awake is a delightful, quick read that any fan of Christian contemporary romance is sure to love.
October 20, 2015
Amber Stokes has outdone herself yet again!
I have read (and loved!) all of Amber Stokes books, so needless to say when I was offered the opportunity to review this book, I leaped at the chance! I was most definitely not disappointed, all of this author's books are amazing but in my personal opinion this is her best book yet! Ava and Keegan were such awesome characters, I found myself relating to Ava in many ways, and if you want to read about a swoon-worthy hero, look no further! Keegan is one awesome guy, some of the things he did for Ava totally made my heart melt!
I loved how Amber tackled rational versus irrational fears, and how they both are just as crippling, and that fear is fear, neither is more relevant than the other. I also absolutely love that this was a Sleeping Beauty retelling!
Overall, this was such a great book, I absolutely loved it and I cannot wait to read whatever else Amber has in store for us!
I highly recommend While You're Awake!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have done. My review was not required to be positive.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I have read (and loved!) all of Amber Stokes books, so needless to say when I was offered the opportunity to review this book, I leaped at the chance! I was most definitely not disappointed, all of this author's books are amazing but in my personal opinion this is her best book yet! Ava and Keegan were such awesome characters, I found myself relating to Ava in many ways, and if you want to read about a swoon-worthy hero, look no further! Keegan is one awesome guy, some of the things he did for Ava totally made my heart melt!
I loved how Amber tackled rational versus irrational fears, and how they both are just as crippling, and that fear is fear, neither is more relevant than the other. I also absolutely love that this was a Sleeping Beauty retelling!
Overall, this was such a great book, I absolutely loved it and I cannot wait to read whatever else Amber has in store for us!
I highly recommend While You're Awake!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have done. My review was not required to be positive.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
November 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this novellette! It's a creative story set in modern day but loosely based on Sleeping Beauty.
I admit, there were a few times the sweetness was unbelievable, towards the beginning. I totally wouldn't have let a guy drive me home alone. But I was quickly rooting for Ava and Keegan, cheesy nicknames aside.
I particularly loved how real Keegan's backstory was. There was one moment when it came out and he was asking questions of God, even though he knew the answer and knew it was "stupid to wrestle with it again and again and again," but "sometimes that's what it takes." This is something I've experienced in my own life and it really rang true for me.
Overall, this is a very well-written, very sweet story. Definitely recommended.
I admit, there were a few times the sweetness was unbelievable, towards the beginning. I totally wouldn't have let a guy drive me home alone. But I was quickly rooting for Ava and Keegan, cheesy nicknames aside.
I particularly loved how real Keegan's backstory was. There was one moment when it came out and he was asking questions of God, even though he knew the answer and knew it was "stupid to wrestle with it again and again and again," but "sometimes that's what it takes." This is something I've experienced in my own life and it really rang true for me.
Overall, this is a very well-written, very sweet story. Definitely recommended.
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