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Second Chance at Star Inn
Silent Night, Star-Lit Night: A Story
Welcome to Heywood, Oregon where three lost women find healing, hope and love under the bright light of the town's old Star Inn this Christmas season.
Jed Taylor knows how to cowboy up on the range, and on the sales’ floor of his family’s rapidly growing western and ranch store in Central Washington, which is exactly where he would normally be a week before Christmas… but when he heard Mia O’Loughlin was planning a trip north, pregnant and alone, Jed’s promise to her late husband kicked in. More Grinch than grace, he boarded a plane and headed to the coast, determined that his best friend’s widow wouldn’t make the long trek alone.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this, widowed, pregnant and all alone on the West Coast.
E.R. nurse and Red Cross emergency responder Mia O’Loughlin had always taken life in full stride, but losing her deployed husband the week before she realized they were expecting their first child knocked her off-kilter. With Christmas and her due date approaching, all she can see is getting back home to Kittitas County for the birth of her child… their child… and seeing her failing Grandpa Joe one last time. Determined to do it on her own, she reluctantly allows Jed to accompany her, mostly because the gruff cowboy showed up and won’t take no for an answer.
But when a blizzard grinds their progress to a stop in Northern Oregon, the light from an old inn beckons them into a town hunkered down to ride out the unexpected storm. With the help of the inn’s wise and wonderful “angel,” Mia realizes the old white church has been turned into a shelter. She insists on leaving the inn to help those forced out of their homes and off the highway. As she and Jed improvise to provide comfort to others, they begin to see that facing this once-dreaded Christmas together could be the very best way of all.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2016
5 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
131 books505 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2017
A sweet Christmas story that reminds me of the Nativity Story with a pregnant woman (widow this time) traveling with a caring man.
December 8, 2016
"Lack of chocolate noted. Remedy situation ASAP."
What a beautiful story Silent Night, Star-Lit Night by Ruth Logan Herne is! I mean, besides an opening about chocolate, just look at that cover, the title, and the image of the Christmas season floats to mine. And when you read the story, the love of our Lord Jesus, shone brighter than the star-lit night! A story of forgiveness, of second chances, and of love - what more do we need?
I don't know about you, but during the holidays, December especially, I love reading Christmas stories. The themes, the atmosphere and the imagery all brings this holiday season to life. That's the power of a good Christmas story, no matter the length of the book. Ruth Logan Herne gave us just that in this novella. True, I wish there was more to see when Jed and Mia returned "home," but it was enough, because they are home and learning what love is about, be it romantically or the love of family and friends, that's what Christmas is.
"...that's what true love was all about. Waiting and trusting."
Speaking of Jed and Mia, boy, o boy, do we not just love Jed? That cowboy sure knows what to say.
'"You let two women boss you around?" (Mia) "Sure did." He (Jed) flashed her a lazy grin...'
With Mia, how could we not relate to her innate desire to please others? How could we not relate to her pain in feeling unloved or not good enough? And with what happened in her life, how could we not understand her desire to be independent? We do and we relate. That's what great characters are. The supporting characters, from the nurse to Angel and Lorrie, are all well executed in their mannerisms to their insightful dialogues. In all, a great story to let the true Star shine.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
What a beautiful story Silent Night, Star-Lit Night by Ruth Logan Herne is! I mean, besides an opening about chocolate, just look at that cover, the title, and the image of the Christmas season floats to mine. And when you read the story, the love of our Lord Jesus, shone brighter than the star-lit night! A story of forgiveness, of second chances, and of love - what more do we need?
I don't know about you, but during the holidays, December especially, I love reading Christmas stories. The themes, the atmosphere and the imagery all brings this holiday season to life. That's the power of a good Christmas story, no matter the length of the book. Ruth Logan Herne gave us just that in this novella. True, I wish there was more to see when Jed and Mia returned "home," but it was enough, because they are home and learning what love is about, be it romantically or the love of family and friends, that's what Christmas is.
"...that's what true love was all about. Waiting and trusting."
Speaking of Jed and Mia, boy, o boy, do we not just love Jed? That cowboy sure knows what to say.
'"You let two women boss you around?" (Mia) "Sure did." He (Jed) flashed her a lazy grin...'
With Mia, how could we not relate to her innate desire to please others? How could we not relate to her pain in feeling unloved or not good enough? And with what happened in her life, how could we not understand her desire to be independent? We do and we relate. That's what great characters are. The supporting characters, from the nurse to Angel and Lorrie, are all well executed in their mannerisms to their insightful dialogues. In all, a great story to let the true Star shine.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
November 13, 2016
I love Christmas stories, I love novellas, and I love any book with Ruth Logan Herne's name on it. Silent Night, Star-Lit Night, written by Ruth Logan Herne is one of three stories in the "Second Chance at Star Inn". The other stories are Room at the Inn for Christmas, by Mary Connealy and Do You Hear What I Hear by Margaret Brownley.
This story is a wonderful sweet Christmas story set in an old Bed and Breakfast during a nasty blizzard. Mia O'Loughlin is a widow and close to nine months pregnant when she is beckoned home to her ailing grandfather. Jeb Taylor, her childhood friend, is sent to the west coast to drive Mia home to Roslyn, Washington. Along the way, they encounter a nasty winter storm and when their car comes across a snow bank in the road they strike out walking, following a bright star. That star leads them to the Star Inn Bed and Breakfast where 'magic' happens.
While I absolutely loved this story, I wanted more. Why? Because I fell in love with Mia and Jeb and would love to delve further into their story. These two characters both are strong willed, full of hurts from the past but with God's love and a little Christmas magic they overcome their hurts.
I would highly recommend this wonderful Christmas story to everyone.
On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my e-copy of this wonderful novella. I received it for free in order to read and give my honest review.
This story is a wonderful sweet Christmas story set in an old Bed and Breakfast during a nasty blizzard. Mia O'Loughlin is a widow and close to nine months pregnant when she is beckoned home to her ailing grandfather. Jeb Taylor, her childhood friend, is sent to the west coast to drive Mia home to Roslyn, Washington. Along the way, they encounter a nasty winter storm and when their car comes across a snow bank in the road they strike out walking, following a bright star. That star leads them to the Star Inn Bed and Breakfast where 'magic' happens.
While I absolutely loved this story, I wanted more. Why? Because I fell in love with Mia and Jeb and would love to delve further into their story. These two characters both are strong willed, full of hurts from the past but with God's love and a little Christmas magic they overcome their hurts.
I would highly recommend this wonderful Christmas story to everyone.
On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my e-copy of this wonderful novella. I received it for free in order to read and give my honest review.
November 12, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and Swerve for my ARC in exchange for honest review
Christmas story that would warm people’s hearts.
Mia was ready to give birth to her first child all alone in southern California in couple of weeks but her grandfather Joe was not doing so well who was her anchor when she was growing up. She wanted to go see him but didn’t know how, that’s when Jed showed up at her door step. Both were childhood friends and Jed always loved Mia but couldn’t express his feeling.
On their way to central Washington, they gets strained by snow storm and stays at the Star Inn. Everything should not go wrong goes wrong when they were at the Inn. Mia’s training couldn’t keep her steady in the inn, she was helping the whole town.
Delaying their trip for more days than expected, she couldn’t hurry enough to get to Grandpa Joe’s side. She didn’t have happy childhood nor family will support her situation. But just seeing Grandpa Joe kept her motivated enough to get to the town.
Jed have been having feelings for her but he didn’t know how to express it. He knew Mia’s husband and what kind of a man he was.
I just wished there were more back story to Jed or Mia. Nonetheless, it was filled with holiday spirit.
I would give 3 1/2 star for this read..
Christmas story that would warm people’s hearts.
Mia was ready to give birth to her first child all alone in southern California in couple of weeks but her grandfather Joe was not doing so well who was her anchor when she was growing up. She wanted to go see him but didn’t know how, that’s when Jed showed up at her door step. Both were childhood friends and Jed always loved Mia but couldn’t express his feeling.
On their way to central Washington, they gets strained by snow storm and stays at the Star Inn. Everything should not go wrong goes wrong when they were at the Inn. Mia’s training couldn’t keep her steady in the inn, she was helping the whole town.
Delaying their trip for more days than expected, she couldn’t hurry enough to get to Grandpa Joe’s side. She didn’t have happy childhood nor family will support her situation. But just seeing Grandpa Joe kept her motivated enough to get to the town.
Jed have been having feelings for her but he didn’t know how to express it. He knew Mia’s husband and what kind of a man he was.
I just wished there were more back story to Jed or Mia. Nonetheless, it was filled with holiday spirit.
I would give 3 1/2 star for this read..
November 6, 2016
This sweet second chance romance makes for a cosy Christmas read as two old friends reconnect over a road trip, a blizzard and charitable behaviour, with added explorations on family and love along the way.
Both Mia and Jed are likeable characters. Mia’s been through a pretty rough time, even without adding the fact that she’s due to give birth almost any day. Family troubles just seem to keep piling up on her, so it’s understandable that she’s less than happy to see Jed. She’s not afraid to apologise, though, and their time in Heywood proves just how good a person she is when she isn’t scared and panicking.
Jed is lovely. He’s a man who has a life full of responsibility and is used to caring for others. Sure, he can be bossy at times, but he isn’t arrogant, and I loved the way he supported Mia as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Throw in plenty of Christmas spirit, lots of snow and talk about family – both bad and good – and this makes for an easy read that’s a real treat to enjoy over the Christmas season.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley)
Both Mia and Jed are likeable characters. Mia’s been through a pretty rough time, even without adding the fact that she’s due to give birth almost any day. Family troubles just seem to keep piling up on her, so it’s understandable that she’s less than happy to see Jed. She’s not afraid to apologise, though, and their time in Heywood proves just how good a person she is when she isn’t scared and panicking.
Jed is lovely. He’s a man who has a life full of responsibility and is used to caring for others. Sure, he can be bossy at times, but he isn’t arrogant, and I loved the way he supported Mia as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Throw in plenty of Christmas spirit, lots of snow and talk about family – both bad and good – and this makes for an easy read that’s a real treat to enjoy over the Christmas season.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley)
January 15, 2017
A story filled with Christmas spirit!
I loved this warmth-filled novella—a reflection of the original Christmas story. The anxious journey home, the strength of family love shining through difficult situations, and the blessed arrival of a tiny baby all sparkle with the hope of the season. This second chance romance between Mia and Jed is so tender and sweet. Jed is a great hero, waiting patiently for Mia to realize her place in his life. The fortuitous stay at charming Star Inn, with innkeeper Angel preparing treats for afternoon tea, makes for a cozy holiday respite...definitely my kind of place…and this is my kind of story. I highly recommend Ruth Logan Herne’s warm-your-heart Christmas novella, Silent Night, Star-Lit Night.
Favorite quotes:
“I’ve learned to wait for a message from above, the Holy Spirit nudge that says, ‘Now.’”
“It’s never about the deserving. It’s about the giving and forgiving, and that’s really all a body need to know. To love, live, and forgive.”
*I received a complimentary e-book of Silent Night, Star-lit Night. I’m happy to post my honest review.
I loved this warmth-filled novella—a reflection of the original Christmas story. The anxious journey home, the strength of family love shining through difficult situations, and the blessed arrival of a tiny baby all sparkle with the hope of the season. This second chance romance between Mia and Jed is so tender and sweet. Jed is a great hero, waiting patiently for Mia to realize her place in his life. The fortuitous stay at charming Star Inn, with innkeeper Angel preparing treats for afternoon tea, makes for a cozy holiday respite...definitely my kind of place…and this is my kind of story. I highly recommend Ruth Logan Herne’s warm-your-heart Christmas novella, Silent Night, Star-Lit Night.
Favorite quotes:
“I’ve learned to wait for a message from above, the Holy Spirit nudge that says, ‘Now.’”
“It’s never about the deserving. It’s about the giving and forgiving, and that’s really all a body need to know. To love, live, and forgive.”
*I received a complimentary e-book of Silent Night, Star-lit Night. I’m happy to post my honest review.
November 14, 2016
A beautiful story of love, redemption and forgiveness, Silent Night, Star-Lit Night will you you breathless with the wonder of Christmas miracles. Pregnant Mia and her childhood fried Jed embark on a journey that quickly turns romantic when they find themselves snowbound in quaint little Heywood Oregon. Instead of complaining about their situation or their inability to get back home to Jed's store and Mia's failing grandfather, they avail themselves to help the local townsfolk. The lessons they learn in Heywood follow them as they finally make their way home to Roslynn. Hope lights their paths as Mia faces her estranged father, Jed, confronts his disgruntled uncle and a baby is born to unite them all. Sometimes romance and hope are waiting right around the corner if we only dare to make the turn.
December 14, 2016
Mia is a nurse--a very pregnant nurse. She comes from a troubled home. She ended up marrying a cheater. However, she did not find out that he was a cheater until she became a widow. Of course, this adds a monkey wrench to the grieving process. She is also a little embarrassed by the fact.
Jed, her husband's best friend, arrives on her doorstep. He insists on driving her home, a very long trip, instead of letting her drive alone. Through the trip, they discover tidbits about each other.
They become stuck in a snow storm. It is during that time that Jed falls in love with her. He just has to let her know that she can trust him.
There are a few leaps in reality in this book. However, it is a sweet tale. It makes for a great Christmas read, yet it would be enjoyable year-round.
Jed, her husband's best friend, arrives on her doorstep. He insists on driving her home, a very long trip, instead of letting her drive alone. Through the trip, they discover tidbits about each other.
They become stuck in a snow storm. It is during that time that Jed falls in love with her. He just has to let her know that she can trust him.
There are a few leaps in reality in this book. However, it is a sweet tale. It makes for a great Christmas read, yet it would be enjoyable year-round.
November 8, 2016
Another sweet glimpse into the Star Inn and Christmastime. Once again, plans go wrong and a very pregnant Mia finds herself stranded at the Star Inn with her friend, Jed. The set up for this was cute, but a bit cliche. With Mia's husband having died, Jed seems to swoop in to rescue her from all of the things. Yes, all of them. It was a bit much.
But Mia does her own fair share of saving while stranded in the little town. When a blizzard keeping the electricity out, her Red Cross training comes in handy in a very unusual way - and two little kids will never forget this Christmas.
I enjoyed the story, but it justs didn't stick to me. It wasn't as memorable or sigh-inducing as I had hoped it would be.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
But Mia does her own fair share of saving while stranded in the little town. When a blizzard keeping the electricity out, her Red Cross training comes in handy in a very unusual way - and two little kids will never forget this Christmas.
I enjoyed the story, but it justs didn't stick to me. It wasn't as memorable or sigh-inducing as I had hoped it would be.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
October 30, 2016
What a lovely Christmas story with wonderful characters and a beautiful setting! I liked Mia and felt so bad for her being a widow and expecting a baby. It was such a difficult time for her and with the holidays approaching, she wanted to go home to see her grandfather. I found Jed to be a good traveling companion for her and liked getting to know both as they started out on their journey.
Their stay at the Inn was a pure delight to read and I kind of wanted to stay there sometime in the future.
Ruth Logan Herne has become one of my favorite authors with her ability to craft likeable characters and storylines that are heartfelt and well written. In this book, she does it again in this charming book.
I received a copy from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
Their stay at the Inn was a pure delight to read and I kind of wanted to stay there sometime in the future.
Ruth Logan Herne has become one of my favorite authors with her ability to craft likeable characters and storylines that are heartfelt and well written. In this book, she does it again in this charming book.
I received a copy from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
January 29, 2017
This was another enjoyable holiday read for me.
The story progressed rather quickly, and it was very easy to follow along and enjoy what was all going on. I loved Jed’s character, and how he was willing to do whatever to help Mia. Mia’s character was one that took me longer to connect with because she was so closed off to everything it was crazy.
The blizzard was the best and worst thing that could happen to them, but they were able to work through it and ended out coming ahead in the long run.
Overall – a cute holiday read if your looking for one!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
The story progressed rather quickly, and it was very easy to follow along and enjoy what was all going on. I loved Jed’s character, and how he was willing to do whatever to help Mia. Mia’s character was one that took me longer to connect with because she was so closed off to everything it was crazy.
The blizzard was the best and worst thing that could happen to them, but they were able to work through it and ended out coming ahead in the long run.
Overall – a cute holiday read if your looking for one!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
October 25, 2016
What a perfectly wonderful Christmas story that is a good length for the busy holiday season. Mia is a young widow with a baby due in 2 weeks. She needs to head back home to see her Grandfather before he dies. When her childhood friend shows up to drive her home it seems like a Christmas miracle. With blizzards, detours and avalanches they discover that Christmas miracles can happen. Ruth Logan Herne has many books and several series and if you've never picked up any of her books, this is a perfect introduction. Enjoy this seasonal love story.
December 16, 2016
Such a wonderful book.
Loved this book. It is a story of a mother getting ready to have a,baby traveling back home with the best friend of her late husband who was killed in Afghanistan. Her husband wasn't faithful and she didn't want pity from her husband's friend who had been her friend growing up. Her grandfather was dying soon so this trip was important to her. Won't spoil the story any more. Highly recommended by me.
Loved this book. It is a story of a mother getting ready to have a,baby traveling back home with the best friend of her late husband who was killed in Afghanistan. Her husband wasn't faithful and she didn't want pity from her husband's friend who had been her friend growing up. Her grandfather was dying soon so this trip was important to her. Won't spoil the story any more. Highly recommended by me.
October 29, 2016
Wonderful Christmas story!
Ruth Logan Herne has blessed us with a heartfelt story of Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this uplifting story of Christmas spirit abounding in a small town and the birth of a child that brought healing to her family. A truly lovely story that I recommend you read.
Ruth Logan Herne has blessed us with a heartfelt story of Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this uplifting story of Christmas spirit abounding in a small town and the birth of a child that brought healing to her family. A truly lovely story that I recommend you read.
October 26, 2016
Long car trip back home with challenges ahead for Mia n Jed. Angel n Lorrie the characters of Heywood Star Inn have parts to play in this book. To go (return) home is a hard journey. A couple of unexpected attitude changes from her father surprise Mia. a short story that is a delight to read.
December 26, 2018
Great story!
A Sweet story and easy reading. It wasn’t totally predictable and didn’t draw out the ending. I would definitely recommend this book and especially the author.
A Sweet story and easy reading. It wasn’t totally predictable and didn’t draw out the ending. I would definitely recommend this book and especially the author.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews