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Where Trains Collide
Inspirational New-Adult Contemporary Romance Novella
Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.
Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.
All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul's reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.
Questions that could change the course of her life.
A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.
Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.
Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.
All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul's reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.
Questions that could change the course of her life.
A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
123 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 6, 2018
Where Trains Collide was a highly anticipated read for me. It's been a few years since Amber Stokes released a book, and I've really enjoyed her previous stories, so I was looking forward to reading this one. It did not disappoint and was worth the wait.
I loved how the book started (with a blog post entry!). It was a fun way to get into the story and I liked the MC right away. The romance was sweet (I love second chance romances!) and it was wonderful to see how everything would unfold.
All in all, a great read. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it. It was a lovely novella. Can't wait for the next book!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy from the author for my honest review. I was not require to write a positive review, only my honest opinion. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I loved how the book started (with a blog post entry!). It was a fun way to get into the story and I liked the MC right away. The romance was sweet (I love second chance romances!) and it was wonderful to see how everything would unfold.
All in all, a great read. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it. It was a lovely novella. Can't wait for the next book!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy from the author for my honest review. I was not require to write a positive review, only my honest opinion. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 8, 2018
Trisha had a dream, a painted masterpiece of what her future might be -- until all her hopes finally burnt out.
Ever since I read my first Amber Stokes book back in 2016, I knew I needed more! So when Amber announced the release of her latest novella, Where Trains Collide, a couple months ago, I signed up as a reviewer without a moment's hesitation! And oh, my friends, I'm so glad I did. <333
Where Trains Collide tells the story of Trisha Knolane, a college student who has little hope of a happy ending. Haunted by the stress of homework and classes, she gives in to her impulsive side -- and ends up on a train to Oregon, longing to find renewed strength. If only her ex-boyfriend weren't on the train, too.
THIS BOOK!!!! Oh my word.
The characters were amazing. So human, so relatable. Trisha's pressure in college, the life she wants compared to the life she has. Paul's goodness and chivalry was charming, and the two's romance was absolutely darling!
The setting was sweet and adventurous. From the very start of the story, when Tricia anxiously awaits her train, I could just feel the anticipation, from the darkness of the night, grayed by the streetlamps, to the mounting thrill of a new experience. All the little nods to Humboldt County, and the immersive descriptions of Oregon, completely captured my heart.
But my favorite thing about this book was the message.
You see, this book came at such a perfect time for me. Trisha's internal battle over her student life and her future were SO. CRAZY. RELATABLE. Watching her journey (both emotionally and travel-wise) changed me. And I totally cried while reading it! (Which, for the record, I consider a plus. This book had a serious impact on me!)
Where Trains Collide changed my heart for the better. It taught me that God has a plan -- for your life, and for mine. He doesn't forget. He never changes. He knows our stories... and our stories aren't finished, yet.
On that note, GO READ THIS! I'm 110% certain you'll fall in love with it. ^_^
NOTE: I received a free copy of Where Trains Collide from the author, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Read my original review at: https://the-book-sprite.blogspot.com/....
Ever since I read my first Amber Stokes book back in 2016, I knew I needed more! So when Amber announced the release of her latest novella, Where Trains Collide, a couple months ago, I signed up as a reviewer without a moment's hesitation! And oh, my friends, I'm so glad I did. <333
Where Trains Collide tells the story of Trisha Knolane, a college student who has little hope of a happy ending. Haunted by the stress of homework and classes, she gives in to her impulsive side -- and ends up on a train to Oregon, longing to find renewed strength. If only her ex-boyfriend weren't on the train, too.
THIS BOOK!!!! Oh my word.
The characters were amazing. So human, so relatable. Trisha's pressure in college, the life she wants compared to the life she has. Paul's goodness and chivalry was charming, and the two's romance was absolutely darling!
The setting was sweet and adventurous. From the very start of the story, when Tricia anxiously awaits her train, I could just feel the anticipation, from the darkness of the night, grayed by the streetlamps, to the mounting thrill of a new experience. All the little nods to Humboldt County, and the immersive descriptions of Oregon, completely captured my heart.
But my favorite thing about this book was the message.
You see, this book came at such a perfect time for me. Trisha's internal battle over her student life and her future were SO. CRAZY. RELATABLE. Watching her journey (both emotionally and travel-wise) changed me. And I totally cried while reading it! (Which, for the record, I consider a plus. This book had a serious impact on me!)
Where Trains Collide changed my heart for the better. It taught me that God has a plan -- for your life, and for mine. He doesn't forget. He never changes. He knows our stories... and our stories aren't finished, yet.
On that note, GO READ THIS! I'm 110% certain you'll fall in love with it. ^_^
NOTE: I received a free copy of Where Trains Collide from the author, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Read my original review at: https://the-book-sprite.blogspot.com/....
June 6, 2018
Where Trains Collide was a sweet love story of weekend train rides and second chances. I didn't fall head over heels in love with the story, but it was sweet and fun. Kind of predictable too, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. ;) Oh, and I loved seeing Derrick and Samantha from How a Star Falls! :D
I really enjoyed all the details about the train and the area. At the time I read this book, I was about to visit that area of California and Oregon, so recognizing some of the names and such were lots of fun. :) Such a beautiful part of the world, too!!
Trisha was sweet and I related to her in several ways. Especially the "holy cow I have no idea what God wants me to do with my life" feeling. I enjoyed how that worked out and played a part.
Paul was...okay? I didn't really 'feel' him or find him nearly as amazing as Trisha did, but toward the end I connected with him a bit more.
A sweet lil' novella—4 stars!
**I received a copy of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
I really enjoyed all the details about the train and the area. At the time I read this book, I was about to visit that area of California and Oregon, so recognizing some of the names and such were lots of fun. :) Such a beautiful part of the world, too!!
Trisha was sweet and I related to her in several ways. Especially the "holy cow I have no idea what God wants me to do with my life" feeling. I enjoyed how that worked out and played a part.
Paul was...okay? I didn't really 'feel' him or find him nearly as amazing as Trisha did, but toward the end I connected with him a bit more.
A sweet lil' novella—4 stars!
**I received a copy of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
October 5, 2020
(4.4)
It's adorable and I love it. If you're looking for something sweet, simple, and relatable, this is for you.
Recommended 13+ for romance
It's adorable and I love it. If you're looking for something sweet, simple, and relatable, this is for you.
Recommended 13+ for romance
June 7, 2018
I love a spontaneous adventure, but the main character in this book sure doesn't! That doesn't stop her from escaping for a quick getaway to visit her brother and friend when life becomes too much. We get to know her as she departs and even more when she encounters her boyfriend from three years ago. I thought it was interesting that we learned some of her flaws and his through their interactions on the train and at their destination, but also why they worked so well together. I liked how the book showed the importance of maturing during those young adult years when it's time to make life decisions. Even the absence of making a decision is a decision in itself. Reading this book made me think back on my college days and wonder a few what if's. The author captured not only the anxiety of that season but also the high emotions that accompany romantic relationships. A quick read but with many lovely moments!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
June 3, 2018
Where Trains Collide is a delightful novella about hope, second chances, and stepping away from a comfort zone. Trisha’s viewpoint is relatable and wonderfully emotionally developed even within the shorter timeline. Amber’s world-painting skills shine in this story – I felt like I was seeing the world pass by through the train windows and experiencing the wilderness and idyllic Oregon coastal setting.
I appreciated that the story is not a “perfectly resolved” stretch of time but rather an in-between of hope, paths colliding, possibilities, and a few revelations for Trisha. And, I dearly loved all the little normal things in the book: reading, trains, coffee, blogs, and a quaint (real-life) lighthouse. I highly recommend this story for lovers of adventure, second chances, dreams, and sweet new adult romance.
Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
I appreciated that the story is not a “perfectly resolved” stretch of time but rather an in-between of hope, paths colliding, possibilities, and a few revelations for Trisha. And, I dearly loved all the little normal things in the book: reading, trains, coffee, blogs, and a quaint (real-life) lighthouse. I highly recommend this story for lovers of adventure, second chances, dreams, and sweet new adult romance.
Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
July 2, 2018
To say that I'd been anticipating this release would be putting it very mildly! And it was definitely worth waiting for. :) There is such sweetness in watching these two characters find each other again. It's not an easy journey for the two of them, but oh so wonderfully real!
It was Trisha I connected to immediately. You'd wonder how I, being an adult long beyond college age, could understand her fears and uncertainties, probably. But I do! Sometimes I wonder if we ever truly get life figured out because just when we think we have it, something gets thrown in to push us a bit off course. That's where Trisha is at the beginning of the novella. Uncertain who she even is at the moment and so full of this pull of something that she doesn't understand. It's a very insecure and precarious feeling! And so she throws caution to the wind and runs away for the weekend.
But then. Oh but then! When Paul enters the picture, I empathized with all the awkward she felt. And their initial conversations are a struggle. (Not due to bad writing! On the contrary, Ms. Stokes allows the reader to feel precisely what the characters are going through at these moments.) Yet as we watch the two continue to get pulled together, things begin to change. There's still fears and uncertainties there, yet slowly they begin to open up and be their true selves with one another. And that's when all the delight begins to happen!
The romance bits are, naturally, some of my favorites. ;) The shortness of their reconnection is enhanced by their past which is felt in all the unspoken moments between them. It's an undeniable connection that neither has ever let go of completely. And when they look at each other....ah my heart! There is so much there in the air between them and it kept me turning page after page to see where the next conversation would go!
All in all, this was a lovely way to spend a couple hours. If you're looking for a story that's short yet full of delightful romance that will make your heart smile, this one is perfect for you! So what are you waiting for? Go forth and buy it! :)
**I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
It was Trisha I connected to immediately. You'd wonder how I, being an adult long beyond college age, could understand her fears and uncertainties, probably. But I do! Sometimes I wonder if we ever truly get life figured out because just when we think we have it, something gets thrown in to push us a bit off course. That's where Trisha is at the beginning of the novella. Uncertain who she even is at the moment and so full of this pull of something that she doesn't understand. It's a very insecure and precarious feeling! And so she throws caution to the wind and runs away for the weekend.
But then. Oh but then! When Paul enters the picture, I empathized with all the awkward she felt. And their initial conversations are a struggle. (Not due to bad writing! On the contrary, Ms. Stokes allows the reader to feel precisely what the characters are going through at these moments.) Yet as we watch the two continue to get pulled together, things begin to change. There's still fears and uncertainties there, yet slowly they begin to open up and be their true selves with one another. And that's when all the delight begins to happen!
The romance bits are, naturally, some of my favorites. ;) The shortness of their reconnection is enhanced by their past which is felt in all the unspoken moments between them. It's an undeniable connection that neither has ever let go of completely. And when they look at each other....ah my heart! There is so much there in the air between them and it kept me turning page after page to see where the next conversation would go!
All in all, this was a lovely way to spend a couple hours. If you're looking for a story that's short yet full of delightful romance that will make your heart smile, this one is perfect for you! So what are you waiting for? Go forth and buy it! :)
**I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 9, 2018
Wow, this was such a sweet romance! Definitely one of my favorites this year. 😀
I’ve been wanting to read an Amber Stokes book for awhile, so when I got the chance to, I was thrilled! I started reading it one night and finished it within an hour- it was so captivating. Where Trains Collide without a doubt met my expectations and even exceeded them. The characters are very loveable- they’re crafted so well and I found myself relating to Trisha, the main character. And Paul! At first I wasn’t sure if I liked him because Trisha didn’t really like him, but I quickly fell in love with his characters. ❤ Amber did such a good job with them.
And the romance was so sweet! I like that it wasn’t a perfect “oh-hello-I-haven’t-seen-you-in-awhile-and-now-I’m-falling-in-love-with-you-again” but more of a realistic romance with ups and downs. Really well-done. ❤
Overall, I enjoyed this contemporary romance so much! Definitely a must-read if you’re into contemporary romance (and even if you’re not, I’d still recommend picking it up! it’s sooo good). ❤ 4.5 stars.
*FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.*
I’ve been wanting to read an Amber Stokes book for awhile, so when I got the chance to, I was thrilled! I started reading it one night and finished it within an hour- it was so captivating. Where Trains Collide without a doubt met my expectations and even exceeded them. The characters are very loveable- they’re crafted so well and I found myself relating to Trisha, the main character. And Paul! At first I wasn’t sure if I liked him because Trisha didn’t really like him, but I quickly fell in love with his characters. ❤ Amber did such a good job with them.
And the romance was so sweet! I like that it wasn’t a perfect “oh-hello-I-haven’t-seen-you-in-awhile-and-now-I’m-falling-in-love-with-you-again” but more of a realistic romance with ups and downs. Really well-done. ❤
Overall, I enjoyed this contemporary romance so much! Definitely a must-read if you’re into contemporary romance (and even if you’re not, I’d still recommend picking it up! it’s sooo good). ❤ 4.5 stars.
*FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.*
April 18, 2018
Once more, Stokes amazes me with her ability to make a novella feel like such a rich and full story. In the pages of Where Trains Collide, I came to feel like I really knew Trisha Knoeland Her struggles and triumphs made her feel like a real person; one I wouldn’t mind hanging out with on a train ride to Oregon! Her struggle with making decisions about her future is one most all of us can relate to. And when life gets that overwhelming, who doesn’t want to throw caution to the wind and get away for a while?
I adored the setting of the book; the backdrop of an autumn in the Pacific Northwest made for the perfect getaway for Trisha and I loved reading about the route through the autumn foliage dotted with the silver streaks of waterfalls. Stokes paints a wonderful picture of the Pacific Northwest that will make readers want to plan a trip there this fall.
Though the cast of main characters is small, they provide the base for a truly heartfelt novella. While Paul might not have been my favorite hero, I did come to like him more toward the end of the book than when he was first introduced. I appreciated that he encouraged Trisha to make her own decisions instead of allowing her to let him make choices for her. And having read How A Star Falls, I enjoyed revisiting Derrick and Samantha and was happy to see that they got on so well with Trisha and Paul.
All in all, Where Trains Collide was a lovely novella boasting characters I wouldn’t at all mind reading more about. Fans of light, sweet romance will find this to be the perfect thing to read on a crisp autumn afternoon… or any other time of year.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I adored the setting of the book; the backdrop of an autumn in the Pacific Northwest made for the perfect getaway for Trisha and I loved reading about the route through the autumn foliage dotted with the silver streaks of waterfalls. Stokes paints a wonderful picture of the Pacific Northwest that will make readers want to plan a trip there this fall.
Though the cast of main characters is small, they provide the base for a truly heartfelt novella. While Paul might not have been my favorite hero, I did come to like him more toward the end of the book than when he was first introduced. I appreciated that he encouraged Trisha to make her own decisions instead of allowing her to let him make choices for her. And having read How A Star Falls, I enjoyed revisiting Derrick and Samantha and was happy to see that they got on so well with Trisha and Paul.
All in all, Where Trains Collide was a lovely novella boasting characters I wouldn’t at all mind reading more about. Fans of light, sweet romance will find this to be the perfect thing to read on a crisp autumn afternoon… or any other time of year.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 4, 2018
I think my favorite part of this novella is that the cover matches the story perfectly :)
Stokes manages to fit a very sweet story into only a few chapters. I think anyone who has ever been to college or faced indecision of some sort will relate to Trisha, she just needs a weekend breather to put things about her future into perspective. I wouldn't have had the courage she had to hop on a train without telling anyone, for a surprise meetup with a friend.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between Trisha and Paul. It goes from extremely awkward, to real, to forgiveness and then sweetness. The lighthouse scene was also incredible, I felt like I was standing on the beach with her crying out to God.
I've been waiting a long time to read this book, and I'm glad I waited. I didn't realize it would be a novella, but still thought it was a pleasant read.
I received an eARC from the author. This review is voluntary. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Stokes manages to fit a very sweet story into only a few chapters. I think anyone who has ever been to college or faced indecision of some sort will relate to Trisha, she just needs a weekend breather to put things about her future into perspective. I wouldn't have had the courage she had to hop on a train without telling anyone, for a surprise meetup with a friend.
I really enjoyed the dialogue between Trisha and Paul. It goes from extremely awkward, to real, to forgiveness and then sweetness. The lighthouse scene was also incredible, I felt like I was standing on the beach with her crying out to God.
I've been waiting a long time to read this book, and I'm glad I waited. I didn't realize it would be a novella, but still thought it was a pleasant read.
I received an eARC from the author. This review is voluntary. All thoughts and comments are my own.
May 25, 2018
Finishing up reading this last week gave me the sweetest feeling. The author has done such a great job with yet another intriguing novella! I liked Trisha and Paul from the start but I especially love how they learn and grow. A novella you don't want to miss!
April 16, 2018
review to come soon
May 29, 2018
Review to come.
December 17, 2018
Ahh … it’s truly good to be back in Amber Holcomb’s book land. 🙂 It’s been too long, if I may say!
I’ve read everything written by Holcomb, and Where Trains Collide was a long time in coming for me. I remember when her WTC writing process began, as well as its subsequent hiatus; suffice it to say, its launch makes me exceedingly happy!
I read (and listened to the audiobook for) How A Star Falls upon its 2014 release, and loved seeing its main characters appear secondarily (is that a word?) in WTC. A lovely tie-in and story wrap-up for fans of that novel! If you’ve not read it yet, do check it out. While not required reading prior to WTC, doing so adds quite a bit of depth to this delightful novella.
WTC reads quickly, and easily finishes in less than an afternoon. It will make you want to take a train ride. And visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. And just explore the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach holds my heart forever, but Heceta Head gives it a run for its money in this armchair-travel opportunity.
Endearing characters, theological punches, and and a picturesque setting combine to make When Trains Collide a rousing success. I may or may not be binge-reading the rest of Holcomb’s books all over again in the coming weeks!
I received a free copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read everything written by Holcomb, and Where Trains Collide was a long time in coming for me. I remember when her WTC writing process began, as well as its subsequent hiatus; suffice it to say, its launch makes me exceedingly happy!
I read (and listened to the audiobook for) How A Star Falls upon its 2014 release, and loved seeing its main characters appear secondarily (is that a word?) in WTC. A lovely tie-in and story wrap-up for fans of that novel! If you’ve not read it yet, do check it out. While not required reading prior to WTC, doing so adds quite a bit of depth to this delightful novella.
WTC reads quickly, and easily finishes in less than an afternoon. It will make you want to take a train ride. And visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. And just explore the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach holds my heart forever, but Heceta Head gives it a run for its money in this armchair-travel opportunity.
Endearing characters, theological punches, and and a picturesque setting combine to make When Trains Collide a rousing success. I may or may not be binge-reading the rest of Holcomb’s books all over again in the coming weeks!
I received a free copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
February 7, 2015Cover Reveal for "Where Trains Collide" will be on my blog, The American Anglophile" (linked on my profile), Feb. 8.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews