Oh Baubles

by Harmony Kent

After a tragic accident one Christmas, Charlene loses her husband and her leg.

Scarred and damaged, the losses leave her lost and reeling, and a long recovery lies ahead of her.

When John, a hot young physiotherapist, comes into her life with his ripped abs and good-god good-looks, she can’t imagine he’d give somebody like her a second glance.

Then she falls for him.

Can Charlene overcome all obstacles to gain back her life and find true love once more?

Find out in this fun-filled, clean Christmas romance novella from award-winning author Harmony Kent.

Genres: Romance

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

About the author

Harmony Kent is an award-winning multi-genre author of non-fiction, author education, poetry, and fun fiction books that hook.

Along with being an avid reader and writer, she also offers reviews and supports her fellow authors. Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the publishing arena. Always on the look out for talent and excellence, she will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.

As well as writing, Harmony offers editing, proofreading, and book formatting services.
With her extensive knowledge, experience, and dedication, she assists fellow authors in achieving their literary goals.

Let's create books that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact!

Harmony lives in Cornwall, England.


Find Harmony wherever she is online at: https://harmonykent.carrd.co/

Reviews

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oh Baubles” is a charming holiday story that I read in one sitting. Charlene is involved in a horrific accident, leaving her a widow with a long recovery ahead of her. The details of Charlene’s recuperation and how she dealt with losing her leg helped me understand what she might be going through. I loved the relationship between Charlene and her sister, who pushed her to move on with her life, but it was the interaction between her and John that was the strongest. Their attraction was immediate, but they both held back for different reasons. This is the perfect read for not only the busy holidays but at any time of year.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, enchanting story sure to warm the heart. Charlene, a young widow, requires physical therapy due to a tragic accident in her past. She feels an immediate connection with John, her PT, but can’t believe he’d spare a second glance for her. Although this is a romantic story, I really enjoyed seeing the progression in Charlene’s character from beginning to end. The author delivered that change—and the build up of romance—in a believable manner. Watching Charlene transform as the book progresses is like watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from a cocoon. With its holiday setting, Oh, Baubles makes a charming novella for the holidays, but it will leave you with a warm feeling any time of year. Lovely!

[Chase Tatham · Rating 4 out of 5]

While romance isn't my usually genre, there was a lot to admire about this novella.
The choice to use a dual narrative to give us third-person perspectives on John and Charlene was really effective. Both characters are negative about themselves, but see the positives in each other. So John can see Charlene's strength with all she's been through, and we understand that rather than only seeing Charlene in a negative light.
I really liked the fact that Charlene is an amputee, but beyond that, a well drawn and believable character and more than her disability. Too often characters in romance are too perfect which makes them slightly more difficult to empathise with, but my sympathy was purely with Charlene. It was a bit of a shame when the author made her lose some weight and focused rather more on her good looks rather than her inner strength.
As I started the review, romance is not a genre I read regularly, but I found myself captivated by this story. I wanted to see the two of them get together, and the author did a grand job with the plot, presenting plenty of obstacles to overcome.
My one gripe would be that the title 'Oh Baubles' and the cover is a little deceptive. I picked it up looking to get into the Christmas spirit, but there's very little festive about the story.
As long as you're not looking for the same, and if you're after a quick romance read, I can recommend this novella.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The aftermath of a devastating tragedy leaves body, mind and emotional well-being in jeopardy, particularly when there are permanent physical reminders of the event. For a young woman in her mid-twenties, scarring and the loss of her leg, have understandably stripped Charlene of her self-confidence and self-belief.

How could anyone be attracted to the person she has become? Who could possibly look passed the visible scars of the accident that also broke her heart?

Thankfully the author created someone who might, because of his profession be sympathetic to Charlene’s circumstances and see her as a beautiful and vibrant young woman.

The challenge then of course is for both these star-crossed lovers to put aside their personal misgivings and realise that they have to take matters in to their own hands if they are to achieve happiness.

Harmony Kent was adept at bringing this story to a satisfactory conclusion, having steered the reader through the rollercoaster ride of emotions and challenges facing these two deserving characters.

A lovely lighthearted read.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Charlene had recently lost her husband in a car crash and her injuries were substantial. Hospital appointments were frequent as she had a prosthetic leg and needed surgery and physio. Viewing herself as disfigured, obese and unattractive she was astounded that someone could be attracted to her.
A sweet romantic novella that is beautifully written that both captures and holds your imagination. It's definitely a tale of mind over matter and is a really heartwarming story.Charlenes character goes from a timid, introvert person, hiding away with her disability and guilt of losing her husband ruling her life, into a strong determined and confident woman that shows you live alongside your disability and can enjoy life as much as anyone. John's character sees through her injuries and sees the beautiful person inside.
Read in one sitting, captivating read and look forward to reading more.

[S.P. Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This is such a beautiful romantic story. After losing her husband in a car crash, she's left with life altering injuries. But it's not only her scars that have to heal, her heart does too, and eighteen months on, she begins to have feelings for her physiotherapist. Trouble is, neither seem to be able to declare their feelings. Each worrying that the other is thinking something different to them. They just can't seem to get on the same page but after falling into each others paths, they seem to finally show how they truly feel only for it all to fall flat on its face again. You can't help but hope these two get together and in this hallmark worthy Christmas story you are along for the ride as soon as you open the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas themed romance and would love to read more about these characters.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual, entertaining, and perfect for Christmas. My turkey is overdone!!!

[Laura Lukasavage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet read

Charlene had no illusions as to how cruel the world could be. She had no doubt that it was entirely possible for the man she loved to be taken from her as soon as he’d professed his love for her. Life had taught her that much. Take nothing for granted.

Charlene has been through the hardest thing and at such a young age. Early 20s turned widow when her husband dies in a car crash saving her life, but her husband isn't the only thing she lost. With the loss of her leg and a scar running down the length of her face Charlene has no confidence and always questions why anyone would want to be with her now in her current state. Almost 2 years after her loss she meets John at the hospital and feelings stir. She tries to ignore them and beat them down, even gets angry with herself for feeling anything so soon after her husband's passing. John and Charlene eventually find themselves thrown head first into a world of feelings they weren't expecting but being young they think what all normal young people think "blank isn't into me because they didn't blank." So they both think the other has no feelings and continue to do a circle until John finally gets the courage to say it how it is.

The quote above was My favorite as it's true in life. Life can be cruel and anyone of us could die at anytime from anything so we shouldn't take life or the people in it for granted or think they will always be there because they won't. This for me was a great meaning behind the story.

However, for me I wanted a lot more of her feelings and thoughts and grief on the loss of her husband. I felt she showed plenty towards her looks and self-consciousness but for me I didn't really feel much on the loss of her husband at least not what I would have liked to see. The Other thing was at times I would get confused with the chapters as it would be John and then the next would be Charlene but they would go back a bit before the last event the current character was dealing with so it would take me a second to realize what was going on. Lastly, the ending. For me it was wayyyy to fast and rushed. For the most part this story was very sweet and even believable but then all of a sudden the gloves are off and it's "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." For me this was too fast. 8t felt like maybe they knew each other a few months so to rush into something like you want to marry the person kind of feeling when you only just told them how you felt, I don't know for me it was too fast and I wanted more.

However. Overall the story was simple and sweet.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, holiday story. The story opens with a powerful scene of Charlene being dismissed and humiliated as she hobbles to meet her surgeon for a hip replacement. Not only did she lose her husband in a car accident, she also lost one of her legs and her self-esteem. She gained weight from the lack of exercise/mobility, which was creating an issue for having the surgery. A thin, silver lining came with her physiotherapist, which just happened to be sexy and charming (at times). The author switches POVs so readers can see that both John and Charlene like each other and have no idea how to express themselves.

The miscommunication was both hilarious and frustrating. It's easy to feel for these two because they are their worst enemies because they allow their fears to prevent them from taking a chance. There was a moment or two where I felt John was out of character with his treatment of Charlene, but I also knew it was meant to move the story along with the miscommunication. Still, it felt harsh and made me wonder if Charlene should even want to be with him.

I don't like giving stories away, so I'll try to be vague about the ending. I am happy with the outcome, but I felt it was a bit too rushed with the depth of emotion and would have preferred perhaps a bit more subtlety or just the asking of a first date or something.

I was also a bit disappointed that Charlene lost all the weight and became the sexy lady at the end. The story started with her as an overweight amputee, and although I'm all for people losing weight and getting healthy, a part of me wanted her to learn to love herself as she was. After all, that is how John fell in love with her. Maybe that's silly of me, but I loved the fact that her character didn't fit the typical character you read about. Those are just my own thoughts; this paragraph didn't affect my rating because the author has every right to create her characters as she sees fit.

That being said, I enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend it to others. It is written well and is a great way to spend an afternoon. :-)

[Lauren Eason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet Christmas story about a woman trying to make sense of her new world after a tragic car accident. Her husband is dead, she lost a limb, and the new doctor might be into her. It’s been years since Charlene has been with anyone else and because of her condition, she’s unsure anyone will ever love her again.

I thought the story itself was cute and sweet, but I often found it frustrating. It’s a classic tale of two people with a severe lack of communication that makes it hard for them to be together. Charlene was hurt physically, emotionally, and mentally during her accident. It’s clear from her story that she’s lost love for herself and therefore makes it that much harder to accept that another person could love her. However, we can clearly see that John, her physiotherapist, has some sort of spark for her which Charlene writes off almost instantly as pity.

I did think the romance was there, but given the length of the novelette, I wasn’t sure I was as emotionally invested in their characters as I could’ve been. I think it was because I didn’t get to know their past that well. Charlene didn’t expound on the topic of her past or husband in a way I could figure out who she was before the accident. It made it a little hard to understand why she changed so much after. I also didn’t see a lot of John’s past which made it harder to fall in love with him along with Charlene, even though he was super sweet and caring.

All in all, I thought it was a nice Christmas read and a feel-good romance about two people finding love in an unlikely place. I also enjoyed the author’s writing style.

[Russ J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Charlene Matthers, a woman who barely survived a tragic traffic collision involving a drunk driver. She suffered a terrible scar on her face, fractured spine, punctured lung, ruptured bowels and lost her right leg. Worst of all, her husband Tim died while trying to save her. After a year and a half has passed, she still feels guilty about his death. During this period of recovery, she has to not only deal with the constant pain and immobility, but also the never-ending doctor appointments and rude doctors who have no sympathy. Moreover, she also discovers that she will require a hip replacement. However, just when it seems like her bad luck will never end, a handsome physiotherapist named John Andrews appears in her life. Without giving away any spoilers, I’ll just say the story takes off from there and has a wonderful ending.
The author, Harmony Kent, did a fantastic job with this novella! I empathized right away with Charlene due to the many details about her life that were cleverly detailed in the beginning chapters. I especially liked how the author revealed the main characters inner thoughts, fears and insecurities. It made Charlene and John seem real to me. The way the story was written, I often felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. This book has a positive, feel-good message that any reader would enjoy. I highly recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys a well written story with interesting characters and a positive vibe.

[C.A. Varian · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I enjoyed the story. I liked how it showed a woman who had been through absolute hell fight to move on with her life under extreme odds. For Charlene, losing her husband and her leg may as well have ended her life. She didn’t see a way to move past it. But she found someone who filled her with hope and excitement, helping her to move on. Neither individual seemed to know how the other one felt, which kept them second guessing themselves and their chances continuously. I often wanted to shake them and tell them to snap out of it, especially John. He tended to leave a lot of things unsaid that he couldn’t have made a huge difference if he would have just opened his mouth and told her how he felt. Same goes for Charlene but i think it’s more understandable why she didn’t speak up. Even with the trauma of Charlene’s past, the book was still light hearted for the holidays. They were getting in their own way. I rooted for Charlene the entire time. She’s a relatable character. I found the love story a bit rushed, and would’ve liked to see it build more and have the story extend past where it did. I would’ve liked to see how the relationship continued to evolve between the characters and how that affected their personal lives. I know there would have been lots of future events readers would love to read about with the couple, after watching them fall in love. Make it a novel and I’ll read it again!

[Jessica Kemery · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oh Baubles: A Christmas Romance Novella" by Harmony Kent is a quick fast read and a very solid little romantic novella.
Although this is meant to be a Christmas Romance, it doesn't really play that big a part in the story. The events of the story take place around Christmas, and they have cute names like Charlie Dickens that play off the Christmas theme, but I really didn't feel it really impacted the story that much.
This was a good story, but I found myself not really liking Charlene that much. For a widow that lost her husband in such a horrific way, I found her kind of unlikable. She was a little whiney and full of a lot of self-pity. Perhaps if I was a widow or something, I could relate more to the character. I keep waiting for her to have a moment of clarity, and it does come, but it just feels forced somehow.
I did love the character of John. He seemed like a likable sort of a bumbling goof. And I can relate to all her stories of mean nurses and doctors when she was recovering.
This was a sweet story, great for a quick read. If you like romance check this out, it's also a great way to introduce yourself to this author's style and prose. 4/5 for something to keep you entertained while you are stuck on your Great Aunt Velma's couch at Christmas.

[Hayleigh Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlene was in a car accident last Christmas that took her husband’s life and her lower leg. The physio who helped her rehab after her injuries is the same one who’ll help her after a hip surgery on the other leg. She’s attracted to John but her self-esteem is at an all-time low with the weight she’s put on, the scar on her face, and everything else about her that’s changed since the accident. Not only that, but she has heavy survivor’s guilt since her husband, Tim, sacrificed himself to keep her alive. John is also attracted to Charlene but can’t make a move while she’s his patient. It doesn’t help that he tends to make a fool of himself when she’s around and she seems to have zero romantic interest in him.

Told in dual POV, this novella provided a fun back-and-forth of Charlie’s and John’s internal struggles. It wasn’t all lighthearted moments, though, for two people with issues they’re trying to work through. Like any good romance story, the reader is frustrated by the MCs not just confessing feelings for the other already, but the HEA is all the more satisfying when they finally do. An entertaining and quick read with more depth to the characters than one might expect.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlene has survived a car crash, and the collateral damage was she lost both her husband and her leg in the crash. And with all she'd been through with coping, and therapy, it didn't leave her much of a self-esteem. Enter Dr. John her Adonis-like physiotherapist, and Charlene becomes attracted to him, at the same time she couldn't even fathom that he would be interested in a mess like her.

The book continues on with the encounters between these two characters, sometimes so close, yet so far, as we learn there is a mutual attraction, yet mishaps, misintrepted signs and setbacks seem to always get in the way of them getting together. The author does a great job of inviting us into all the thoughts these two characters have, and will keep us rooting throughout the roadblocks for them to finally get together.

More than just a romance story with some well developed characters and some insight as to what an amputee endures, both physically and mentally. A sweet holiday read you can enjoy in a two-hour sitting.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Harmony Kent's Oh Baubles (2019), Charlene is struggling to recover from a car accident that killed her husband and left her an amputee. Her injuries are severe but the affect on her life is much worse. She lost her job, gained so much weight she lost her self respect, and struggled to find any value to her ongoing life that would justify her husband giving his to save hers. Oddly, in her recuperation, she faces unusually unsympathetic and inept medical professionals:

"The nurse started off by putting the false leg the wrong way around. In the end, even patient Emily got annoyed and took it from her."

...with the exception of her physical therapist whose job it is to help her adjust to the physical changes and begin her life after the accident. He sees something in Charlene that is so buried she can no longer BF er find it. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a hunk and has an amazing smile. What happens next will make your heart sing. This is a delightful fun read for romance lovers.

[Annika Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often one comes across a book that is equally entertaining, informative and thought-provoking, but ‘Oh Baubles’ ticks all the boxes. The narrative switches between Charlene and John, both in the close third-person which helps us identify with both their emotions and thoughts. And there are plenty of these. Mutually attracted to each other, a series of confusions, misreadings and accidents mean that they fail to realise the romantic feelings they have for each other. I felt for Charlene both for the loss of her husband and her injuries. Even more was the abysmal uncaring behaviour of the doctor towards her - something which John, her therapist notices. The finale in the book is rewarding, romantic and once again, humorous. This is a book I bought on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read over one afternoon.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful sweet romance that can be read in one sitting.

Charlene is a young widow who lost her leg in a tragic accident. While in physiotherapy, she meets John whom she is immediately attracted to. But her self-esteem is a little low and she can't imagine him being interested in someone like her. However, the attraction is mutual. It took a series of series of misunderstandings and accidents for them to see the light.

There are bits of humor woven into the story, but one thing that touched me was the emotions Charlene went through during her recovery.

This is a holiday-themed book, but one that you can enjoy any time of the year. If you like sweet romance, I highly recommend this one.

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Baubles is Oh-So Satisfying

Christmas through Valentine’s Day is all about love, and OH BAUBLES is the perfect story for then… or any other day of the year.

This is the quintessential clean romance, perfectly balanced between his and her points of view and humorously revealing all their miscommunications and misunderstandings.

The heroine tugs at your heartstrings. She’s been through so much. You feel so strongly for her and root so hard for her happiness. The hero is every girl’s dream with just enough quirks to make him relatable and attainable. The two together make a perfect pair.

If you’re looking for a clean, fast, and fun clean romance, this is the one. It’s a “Christmas” read, but it gives the warm-and-fuzzies all year long.

[TMDGReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the enticing cover of "Oh Baubles" caught my eye, and immediately, I wanted to read the description. This story broke my heart and renewed my faith. The death of Charlene's husband was tragic, but when I read the details of how he died, it melted me. No wonder she was reeling at the loss of his love. I cheered for the hope of new love with John. Scenes are told from Charlene's and then retold, but from John's perspective, which is unique to me, but I'm not sure I liked replaying each encounter. A short story with a catchy title and plenty of human drama; it's worth reading. I would recommend it.

[Bette Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story to Get Caught Up In!
Author Harmony Kent keeps readers in a tizzy a story whose main character, Charlene, and her physical therapist, a possible love interest, never seem to get it together. That’s the charm of it all... Charlene, a widow suffering from emotional and physical trauma sees little hope for her future except for the kindness shown by her therapist who is leaving his position. Will hope prevail? Oh Baubles will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end. A great little story to get caught up in any time of year ~ Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children's picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are searching a story to dive into the Christmas period, this is the story for you.
"Oh, Baubles" is a story about loss, recovery, and finding your path after a traumatic event, but it's also about love, misunderstandings and insecurities.
How much our perception of ourselves can damage our potential relationship with new people?
I'm only sorry it's just a novella and not a full-length novel because with more pages there would have been more room to explore the themes and characters stories further.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never thought I'd say this about a Harmony Kent book, but I was disappointed in Oh Baubles. The story premise was intriguing, but the way it unfolded was cumbersome and I struggled to keep reading. I sympathized with the female character who was recovering from losing a limb in a car accident that also killed her husband. But, the way her physiotherapist behaved toward her was not believable and I got aggravated at him for acting childish. The story concludes with a satisfying ending. Love does always win!

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oh Baubles" is a sad and sentimental tale of loss, despair, and healing. Charlene suffered a tragic accident in which she lost her husband. In addition to guilt for having survived because of her husband's final heroic act, she received debilitating injuries, a prominent facial scar, and lost a leg. Almost two years later, she is still in pain and requires further treatment. Although this is a short read, it is not a light romance, but a poignant tale elevated throughout by the author's skilled writing. I highly recommend it!

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Baubles

A beautiful little romance. It doesn’t start there though. Charlene is burdened by guilt after her husband, Tim, dies in a horrific accident but saving her life. Here she is a 25 year-old amputee living with a body she can no longer control or recognize as her own. Scarred physically and emotionally, we follow her daily routines: and hoping, wishing something better to happen to and for her. A pull-at-your heartstrings story with an uplifting message! Highly recommended!

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This holiday season, I’ve reached for uplifting books, especially ones related to Christmas. Oh, Baubles was one of those novellas, and as hoped, it lifted my spirits and warmed my heart. This short read is a love story between two struggling individuals, who in the process of finding love, also manage to heal their buried grief. Kent writes beautifully and powerfully. Her words are well-chosen, her sentiments realistic, and the hope that emerges is life-affirming. I highly recommend the book.

[Victoria Zigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and enchanting tale, which is perfect for those Winter evenings when you want to curl up with a sweet romance story. If you're a fan of those feel good holiday romances, you should give this one a read.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the holidays