Completions and Connections: A Romantic Holiday Novella

by Kathryn R. Biel

Christine's list of resolutions contains many clichés. Try something new. Buy a pair of heels. Get a promotion. Fall in love. Seems simple, especially when Christine meets Patrick, the man who could be Mr. Right. He's got the right a job, a sense of humor, a love of all things Indiana Jones, and best of all, he's actually taller than Christine. But busy schedules take over and gets in the way of Patrick and Christine's budding romance. Life interferes, as it has a way of doing, and Christine wants to throw in the towel. Is the magic of the Christmas season enough to renew Christine's faith in love?

Genres: Romance

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

Kathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.


Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).

Reviews

[Laura Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tis the season for a fun, flirty story

A super fast-paced and adorable holiday story that had me flipping the pages to find out if and how Christine and a tall/dark/handsome and nearly perfect stranger can finally coordinate schedules and get together already.

Driven and career-oriented, yet struggling to "have it all," Christine is relatable and recognizable as someone who could be either your BFF or reflection. The love interest was uniquely occupied and crushable. I'd definitely pine for him all year, too.

I also enjoyed the homage to The Waitresses. There was just enough of a nod to the song to be fun--like looking for clues on a scavenger hunt--but not so much it was predictable.

Cute and fun, a great read to bright b up your day.

[Kindle Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a love story but the relationship isn’t quite there yet. It’s strange, yes, but it’s what gives this short story its unique approach to encapsulate that bit of reality that plagues relationships. It explores (or challenges) how far can one believe in the hackneyed adage “if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
Furthermore, it brings on the “out of sight, out of mind” vs. “absence makes the heart grow fonder” debate.
It’s a bit crazy and exaggerated, but certainly amusing if you get the pop culture references.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute holiday - adjacent novella, beginning and ending with a holiday season.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to kick start your holiday reading season, then Completions & Connections by author Kathryn R. Biel is the perfect entertaining holiday romance novella to read in one afternoon!

Author Kathryn R. Biel weaves a delightful holiday romance tale that follows Christine's year long journey of fulfilling her list of New Year's resolutions and finding love! This is a sweet little novella that is just right to get you in the holiday mood with its fun mixture of drama, humor, and romance. The reader is easily drawn into Christine's journey, you can't help but cheer her on as she checks off the items on her New Year's resolution list, and finds an unexpected romance in the arms of Patrick, even though it does have its challenges! This was such a fun story about the challenges in life and romance, it kept me smiling and laughing, and left me wanting so much more!

Completions & Connections is a fun, flirty, and thoroughly enjoyable holiday romance novella that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

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[Yocelyne Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was longer!!

Why can't this book be at least 200 pages haha I need to what happens after.... I would totally read a part 2 to this novella

[D.G. Driver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and quick read. I wanted to get through at least one holiday sweet romance this year, and I've enjoyed another book by the author, so I chose this one. It's fun but not terribly deep. If you're looking for something super light and quick to get your Goodreads Challenge finished, I recommend it. I don't know that it's super believable that two people would have absolutely no time to get together over a course of a year and still want to keep trying, but the concept was fun and the ending satisfying.

[Jimette Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great hit and miss romance in our chaotic life's.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was in the mood for a holiday-themed story and really needing something with a happy ending. Sometimes you pick up the right story at just the right time — for me today that was "Completions and Connections" by author Kathryn R. Biel.

I did receive this novella as an arc in exchange for an honest review and I'm really glad I had the chance to read this gem today as I prepare to finish wrapping Christmas presents and plan my holiday baking schedule. If you're looking for a fun holiday romance as a stocking stuffer for someone on your list (or maybe one for yourself) you can't go wrong with "Completions and Connections."

Author Biel jumps the reader right in with Christine's new year resolution list, and I'm sure there are at least two or three of this character's resolutions that will look familiar to you. Number six is one I'd like to add to my personal list. I connected with Christine personally, because I'm also a list-maker. Seriously, I really liked Christine. She's funny and real.

We get to spend a year with Christine, from her memorable January run-in with Patrick to their December reunion in one of the most unlikely places. It's the chaotic months in between that I truly enjoyed — Biel's style is witty, fun and I enjoyed the build-up to Christine's much deserved happily ever after.

I highly recommend "Completions and Connections: A Romantic Holiday Novella by Kathryn R. Biel. It's a fast, fun read that's perfect for the holidays or any day of the year!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is a list-maker and this year her resolutions are pretty much filled to the brim with cliches , such as try something new , fall in love , go on a holiday. When her friend decides to help with the try something new in January- the pair head to skiing. Christine believes she is making a fool out of herself , until she meets Patrick who is A) taller than her 5ft 11 and B) he is an Indiana Jones fanatic. Has Christine finally met her romantic match and will she be able to tick falling in love off her checklist ? As the year goes by, though love doesn't come as easy as it should as both Christine's and Patrick's schedules don't seem to mesh and they keep missing one another - this happens for most of the year until Christine is ready to give up on love and she meets Patrick in the Supermarket. Will Christine finally be able to tick off falling in love ? Can the pair make it work with their schedules and lives ?

Find out in this lovely holiday novella , that if you are wanting a quick romantic read with a bit of laughs , then Completions and Connections is the book you have to read and will be ticking off your TBR checklist.

I loved this book as it was sweet and in a way I could relate to Christine and the whole awkward timing as sometimes you meet someone like that and you plan to meet, but things keep on piling up and eventually - they fizzle away until you hear /see them again.

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, fun holiday read!

Christine and I are so much alike! We are lists girls! I love lists! Completing them truly gives me so much joy! I know, so weird!


I know how a crazy busy life can sneak up on you and spiral out of control. One day you find the man you believe to be your prince charming, the next minute you find yourself busy for months on end and he as well with his conflicting schedule! Will they ever get to date and truly fall in love? Is it in the cards?


I will say Christine better make some time for Patrick, he's a total catch! He is employed (that's bigger than you know these days!), he's sweet, and even east on the eyes! If she blinks, he cold be gone and she will be lonely forever!


Grab a glass of wine and sit back and enjoy this adorable budding romance!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completions and Connections is an entertaining novella, spanning one year. Kathryn wrote it in tribute to one of her favourite Christmas songs, Christmas Wrapping by The Waitress. I wasn’t familiar with the song, so looked it up after I finished reading, and it’s a fantastic tribute! I liked Christine and mentally encouraged her not to give up on Patrick. Ok, so maybe I verbally encouraged her too, but no one else was present to confirm or deny that fact. They were so good together but seemed destined to be kept apart.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. This was the first book I’ve read by Kathryn and I already have another couple of her full length novels lined up to read soon.

[Suzie Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet holiday novella that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The story spans a year and follows Christine as she attempts to mark things off of her new years resolution list. Just when she thinks she has met the guy she could fall for, life gets in the way and keeps them apart. As the year is drawing to a close she meets him again and this time... well I'm not going to give it away, you will have to read it and find out. You will be glad you did, it's perfect for the holiday season.

[Kathryn Rauhauser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know it’s a Novella, but it felt like the entire book was the main character complaining about how busy she was and telling us that she’d been texting the guy but rarely actually showing the conversations. The plot was cute but the execution left a lot to be desired.

[Michele Vagianelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this fun holiday novella! It is a great story to curl up with and read in front of the fireplace. A great addition to Ms. Biel's work!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Review to come.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine needs her own novel.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick story

You don't have to read this one first, but definitely after book one at the latest! It explains what goes on in the side character in Made for Me., Christine's story. The author is terrific with relationships and real life. I can totally relate to the hectic life and workaholic aspects.

[Ela Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

The fact that I didn't realize this was a story based on MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG until it got to November is a fact that will cause me frustration for the rest of this month, at least. Overall, an enjoyable read that was upgraded by the fact that it's based off Christmas Wrappings.

[Joan E. Toste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Every book written by Kathryn R. Biel is a delightful experience. It is as if a friend of yours is relating her life situations to you. Easy to get drawn in with every tale.

[Allie Glerum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Novella, Perfect for the Holidays

This was a very cute and quick read. Great character development and plot line in less than 100 pages. Perfect for that quick, Christmas read you've been looking for!

[Sherri S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

This is about the date that almost never happened. Or a series of unfortunate events when real life happens. It was almost cuteness overload. It was fun. Each hiccup in their journey was met with such grace and wit. Definitely recommend!!!

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A meet cute where the couple doesn't get together through various circumstances. Well written but not fab! It was fun and I enjoyed reading it, but didn't find it gripping.

I'll try the next in the series as I have it, but will have to see if I like it more.

[chloegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, short story. I liked it enough, but by July I was getting annoyed with Christine and how "busy" she was. Cute ending and I can only hope these two finally make some time for each other!

[KDinSC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

This was inspired by that Christmas song by the waitresses, and a fun preview for the series. Christine and Patrick's story.

[Justina Hevia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your place or mine?

Now I know about Christine, Maryn, and Michele. All really cute stories and very insightful to each one of the girls.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and sweet romantic novella.

[tammys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute novella. Two people with demanding jobs who have lots of trouble connecting. Both mcs are likable and you want to see them together.

[Books_n_critters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and sweet story. I'm very late to the party, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

[Anna Konopko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but it just seemed to miss something. There wasn’t a lot to grip me to it and I found myself skimming a lot of the book.

[Leslie Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a flirty and fun read. The meet cute moment and the all the mishaps that stop the MCs coming together are constant. I was like let them meet up!! Great read.