Silver Bells: A Christmas Novella

by Debby Mayne

Widowed Carol Scheirer never thought she'd find love again, but her late husband's closest friend Alex Knight manages to tug at her heart in a way she never thought possible. As much as she wants to experience romantic love again, she has to face her children who don't approve. Is it possible for Carol and Alex to overcome family obstacles and enjoy their own happily-ever-after?

In this inspirational Christmas romance set in Colorado, two mature people show how it's possible for anyone to fall in love at any age. There are additional complications as the family life dynamic changes.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

Debby Mayne has published more than 30 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, more than 1,000 web articles, and a slew of devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. For the past eight years, she has judged the Writers Digest Annual Competition, Short-Short Contest, and Self-Published Book Competition. Three of Debby’s books have been top ten favorites by the Heartsong Presents book club. Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July 2009.

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I was expecting a Christmas story. Besides a few pages at the beginning where it is Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day, the story takes place after Christmas and there really is no mention of Christmas except for that beginning. It’s a sweet story, but not what I would consider a Christmas story. The epilogue takes place the day after the next Christmas (and Christmas isn’t mentioned at all), and there is a remark that seemed totally out of place since Christmas wasn’t talked about. I also can’t figure out how the title ties in with the story. Maybe I’m missing something.

I did like the characters. I appreciated how Carol learned to stand up to someone. I liked how Alex was willing to take things slowly and to do all he could for Carol.
The story was enjoyable. There were a few mentions of kissing, but nothing descriptive. It is a Christian book with characters who pray, go to church, and actually live Christian lives.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer. "I bought a copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, SILVER BELLS is a cute story about an older couple. Alex has been a part of her life forever, her husband's best friend, and he took care of her since Paul died. Now he's ready to move on, but it seems Carol is still grieving, five years later.

Knowing Carol as he does, Alex starts taking baby steps to prepare her for a life together. I have to admire his persistence. Carol never even suspects a thing (which makes me wonder if she's a bit clueless, because some steps were so obvious.)

All in all a cute novella, easily read in a few hours. And even though it's spring when I read this, its never too late (or too early) for Christmas stories.

There is a weak faith message included.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the opening scene, I got the feeling that this would be a sweet little novella about finding love in unexpected places. It definitely was that, but there were layers I hadn't expected when it came to Carol's children, especially her youngest.
Above all, I appreciated that both Carol and Alex were firm in their faith and commitment to following God's plan for them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Christmas love story

I enjoyed this Christmas romance book. Good read and worth your time to read it. first time I have read a book by this author and I will read more of her books.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, clean with a straight-forward plot. No surprises, but that was O.K. Good for the genre. Subtle Christian message.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story from a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story of finding love where you least expect it was a wonderful tale that proves that if you’re lucky enough you can find love more than once in a lifetime. Carol wasn’t looking for love again when her true love passed away but she slowly found it in her husband’s best friend. Both Carol and Alex never imagine that they would start to have these feelings but when they did they didn’t know if it was right. Neither one didn’t want to disrespect their friend/husband so when they decided to let the family know but things don’t go as smoothly as they would like. Silver Bells shows us that it’s never too late to open yourself up to the possibilities of love again. I love that this story shows us that it’s never too late to feel and want that again later in life.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding love in your 60's

I liked the premise of this book of a widow and confirmed bachelor finding love later in life. I really liked the heroine and hero but the book fell a little flat to me. It was a sweet story. If you want a light and short Christmas read, this would fit that description.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

Silver Bells A Christmas Novella by Debby Maybe. This story is good to read, the plot and characters are both believable. Give it a try, I'm sure you will like this heartwarming story Yes older couples can find love once again or for the first time.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the woman who had lost her husband years ago.the family was close but each lived there own lives and she found love in a close friend

[Aerykah · Rating 2 out of 5]

No bad... not great... It was okay.

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet Christian story of romance between senior citizens at Christmas

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the style fairly pedestrian, with some of the characters' feelings changing too thoroughly too fast on a few occasions, but it's a warm and uplifting story, nonetheless.

[v.geniebrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

This was a really sweet book , the characters are vivid and alive. I am going to give it a full five stars.

[CarolynB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good story about a widow and her second chance for love.