The Miracle

Through Hell and Back #3.5

by Felice Stevens

Ash and Drew are back in a heart warming holiday story!

With both Chanukah and Grandmother Esther’s ninety-fifth birthday approaching, the latkes are ready, the presents are wrapped, and bring on the delicious dinner. Ash Davis has a gift for Esther, and he hasn’t even told Drew what it is.
His husband has a secret of his own that might derail their holiday plans before they begin, but Ash and Drew have been together long enough to weather anything life throws at them. Not even a health scare can keep the Hell and Back family from celebrating the festival of lights and rejoicing in the miracle that connects them all.
Love.

This is an 18,000 short story featuring all your favorite characters from the Through Hell and Back series, a few surprise appearances and one jealous cat.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Christmas, Short Stories, Family

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

About the author

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miracle is book #3.5, the final book (novella) in this wonderful series by Felice Stevens. We’re back with Ash and Drew who I think are my favorites. And not only is it Esther’s ninety fifth birthday, but it is also Chanukah.



The holidays are almost upon them as well as preparing for their beloved Esther’s birthday. But it also turns into a stressful time for Drew and Ash as Drew has a very unexpected health scare. Ash and Drew have been together years by now and they are as close as ever. It’s this strength they share as a couple that helps them to get through it.



This was a very touching novella that made my heart so full. I’ve grown to love all of these characters so much but it’s Drew and Ash’s love that stands out in my heart.



I read this series as a box set but they are also available individually. You should start at the beginning and get to know all of these wonderful characters and fall in love just as I have.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first holiday story this season and I definitely picked a winner! I read this straight through in one sitting. I love holiday stories that are full of emotion and The Miracle gave me everything I wanted. Just like the holidays, it is full of conflicting emotions - happiness, sadness, love, and hope - and it captures them all perfectly.

I loved catching up with Drew and Ash (one of my fave Felice Stevens couples), and seeing where they are so many years after the rocky start to their relationship made me very happy. I just adore Ash and his character's growth, the way he dotes on Drew and how his relationship with Drew's grandmother Esther has continued to be a strong force in his life. I think everyone wishes they had an Esther in their lives to give them unyielding love and support.

Even though I had tears in my eyes through much of the story, they were both happy and sad. These characters and the family they have made have worked their way into my heart and I was so invested in wanting everyone to be happy. I could easily tell that this book was written from the heart.

I wouldn't recommend reading The Miracle without having read A Walk Through Fire since so much of what makes it special is seeing how far Drew and Ash have come. If you love Drew & Ash as much as I do, you are not going to want to miss this heartwarming Chanuka story.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about different ways the festive season is celebrated and this one sees two of my favourite people dealing with big issues as they approach milestone events.

Beautifully written romance from Felice, I loved every bit of it and found myself tearing up a time or two.

Short but fully fleshed out, delightful guest appearances from some of her other New York series' and a message of hope make this a winner.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Nov. 2023

5+ Stars Dr. Drew and Lawyer Ash were in A WALK THROUGH FIRE, in the marvelous THROUGH HELL AND BACK series.
Here we get to see them celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Esther is turning 95, slower but still feisty, and she has survived the Nazi's hatred of the Jews in Europe. Ash survived his past of hate/torture, plus he sees a therapist, but is still plagued by the nightmares at times.

Our men are deeply in love and devoted to each other and are making the world a safer place for LGBT+ folks and the underprivileged. There is stress with the Hanukkah/Christmas holidays, the birthday party, a yearly doctor's exam, and more.

There are emotional episodes that had me crying huge tears, but loving this story so much. Our men face everything together, with a Rabi's excellent aid, and with their family/friends help.

Ash and Drew are stronger than ever, giving us a raw, powerful, magnificent and blessed story. Author Felice Stevens, as always, gives us fabulous characters, a fresh, unique tale, hot sexiness, and we feel warm and happy.

I feel privileged to read about these characters and the intense passions. Tissues are a must.
Just WOW !
ENJOY !

=======

[Annery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess I've been in a sentimental mood, and I may have teared up more than once. *not sorry* For me, Ash Davis is one of those characters that live outside the page.

If you've read A Walk Through Fire or the rest of the Through Hell and Back series, you'll want to visit with the gang, and enjoy some Hanukkah miracles. As a plus we get Jonah & Gideon from Learning to Love.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You believed in me when I wasn’t worth saving. I can’t breathe without you. I need you and I’ll give you anything—everything you need.”

Felice Stevens pulled my heart string again, with this supposedly a fun holiday short story.
Ash and Drew had been through hell and back. Then something happened with their perfect life, that made me sad. This is a story about 'not keeping secret with your family', but it's hard for Drew to tell his family about 'his newfound secret he didn't want his family hear', especially on Chanukah and his grandmother's ninty-fifth birthday to come.
But at some point, he must tell them.
I liked how supportive Ash was with what happened with Drew, accepted and never questioned him. But Ash is Ash, he's a nagging husband to Drew (a positive nagging, don't worry).
But their family is something Drew and Ash can count on to, and I was happy that finally Drew told them about his secret, and had a support from all.
This was a wonderful family holiday story that I like to read in this season!
Recommended!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Review

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming holiday story,
The Miracle was a heart warming holiday story, Although it's part of a series, featuring an already established couple, I didn't feel lost or as if I was missing anything. It did make me want to go back, though, and read the previous books- I love these characters and it sounds like their stories will be very compelling!

You could really feel the love between Ash and Drew and I want to see where it all started for them. I loved how supportive and caring they both were, the same for their friends. What a wonderful family they've made, with those of blood and those they've found.

Kale Williams was a great choice for the narrator, his performance made a lovely story even moreso.

[Earlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acceptance and love

Wonderful short catch up with Drew and Ash. There love just draws you in with their connection being undeniable.
Ash still cannot believe the wonderful family he is married into. To prove this he made a grand gesture to Easter.
There is a moment when you would want to shed a tear.
Good catch up story.

[Felice Stevens]

The Miracle is now available on Amazon and is in Kindle Unlimited!
link below:
Universal Book Link:getbook.at/TheMiracle

[JD Crittendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living the Miracle of Love!

A sweet short tale that embodies the meaning of the holiday season and the continuation of love between Ash & Drew!

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel-good holiday story

The Miracle is about Ash and Drew and how they handle a crisis in their life as well as Grandma Esther’s ninety-fifth birthday. We get to see so many of the characters from the Through Hell and Back series whom we’ve all grown to love as the crew celebrates Chanukah together. Heartfelt with all the feels ~ loved it.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felice Stevens struck gold again! This was a great holiday story, and I loved catching up with everyone from the Through Hell and Back series. As much as I love reading Christmas stories, it's great to have Hanukkah ones as well. I love having that extra connection to the characters.

I recieved an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Zane Kage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five miraculous stars and all the love for a wonderful story. Chanukah reads during the December holidays are a treat; Chanukah reads catching up with some of my favorite characters? Even more so. Drew and Ash from A Walk Through Fire are back - and what a story they have to tell!

As they navigate life and its obstacles together and with their family (both blood and chosen), we see why love truly is a miracle. In just 18k, Felice Stevens has written a deep, emotional story that had me crying tears (both happy and sad) throughout. With surprise visits and old favorites - including and especially Esther (nobody writes grandmas like Felice) - this story is just one reason of many why this author is at the very top of my list.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleverly Heartfelt

Felice Stevens takes chances with your senses with all her works but she plays this one out on several levels--just read the blurb and you will get what I mean.

I am not going to go beyond what the blurb tells you about the secret which Drew is initially determined to keep from his family--especially his grandmother Esther--and friends. Just get this: It's a heartbreaker in most cases, but in this case his husband Ash and eventually a surprise visitor from another of Ms, Stevens' series bring Drew back down to earth and into reality.

This whole schtick might be a bit much for some people to believe, but if you're from New York, you will instantly identify that all of what happens in this novella is quite logical and likely to happen in any of the boroughs. By the time this one comes to an end, with all the troubles that seem to unwind with Drews friends and family coming together for Chanukah, I wondered whether I should convert!

Nah, lapsed Catholic though I am, I'd just rather be a guest in the wonderful households that Ms. Stevens continues to develop.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew hat das Leben von Ash unwideruflich verändert und er möchte vor allem Ester, Drews Großmutter, etwas zurückgeben. Das bevorstehende Chanukahfest bietet sich an. Doch über dem Glück von Ash und seinem Mann ziehen dunkle Wolken auf, die ihr Leben von einem Moment auf den anderen auf den Kopf stellen. Bei einer Routineuntersuchung wird bei Drew eine Krebserkrankung festgestellt. Die Diagnose zieht beiden Männern den Boden unter den Füssen weg.


Schlimm genug, dass sie damit irgendwie klar kommen müssen. Aber wie sollen sie es der alten Dame - Esther - schonend beibringen?


Das Wiedersehen mit Drew und Ash war wunderbar, zartbitter und sehr tränenreich. Ich muss gestehen, dass sie eins meiner Lieblingspaare sind und auch bei dieser kurzen Geschichte habe ich von der ersten Seite an mitgelitten. Als wäre es nicht genug, was Ash als Kind und Jugendlichen widerfahren ist. Wie schwer sein Weg auch war und wieviel er ertragen musste. Doch jetzt könnte er seinen geliebten Mann verlieren; den Mann, der ihn gerettet hat.


Ja, ich habe geheult. Mehr als nur einmal. Doch Felice Stevens hat natürlich für Drew und Ash ein Happyend geschrieben und es gibt ein Wiederlesen mit all den Helden dieser Reihe, aber auch einem bestimmten Rabbi und seinem Mann. ^^ Das Thema ist ernst, ja. Und vor allem wenn einen so jungen Menschen so eine Diagnose trifft, dann ist mal wie paralysiert. Doch die Geschichte beschäftigt sich auch mit Vertrauen, Familie und vor allem Liebe.


Eine großartige Weihnachtsgeschichte, die mich sehr berührt hat.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! What a heartfelt and emotional holiday read The Miracle was. Felice Stevens never stops to amaze me at how she can deliver a story that touches her readers heart strings on the most intimate levels while delivering a story that brings such joy and happiness to one's heart. The Miracle is one such book. OH, how I loved this holiday story. I must admit that I am a complete and total fangirl of Asher "Ash" Davis. He is my absolute favorite character of Felice Stevens, so to be blessed with a holiday story filled with love, triumph, and miracles featuring him and his husband Drew. Ash and Drew, esp, Ash has been through so much in his life, and to see that Ash and Drew's currently living such a happy life together was wonderful. However, The Miracle also brought such a nerve biting moments involving these two, and once again we rooted for them to overcome and to experience the holiday miracle.

I honestly cannot say enough how much I love this novella. I loved learning about all of the rituals of Hanukkah. I absolutely loved catching up with some of my favorite characters from the Through Hell and Back, and The Together series, and I especially love Esther. OMG!! We are all lucky that a character like Esther was created, because in her we can see the great capacity of love and forgiveness, and sassiness. If you want a story that is filled with love, warmth, hopefulness, family, and laughter, The Miracle by Felice Stevens is the story for you.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and heartwarming Chanukah novella in the well-loved Through Hell and Back series. From the first book, my favorite couple was Ash and Drew, and especially Ash stole my heart, broken as he was. But he found the perfect partner in Drew. In this novella, the roles are reversed as Drew gets a health scare, but Ash is there for him all the way. I was bracing myself for an emotional journey, but as devastating as it was, Miss Stevens didn’t expand too much but kept the entire story lighthearted. Not that the story wasn’t moving but not heart-wrenchingly so. It was more about the family dynamic and the meaning of Hanukkah.
It was a pleasure to read about Ash, Drew, and the family again. Grandmother Esther is my absolute favorite person in the world, maybe because she reminds me of my mother, who also survived the horrors of war but always kept believing in the good of people.
Miss Stevens’s writing draws you into a story from the first page. She creates wonderful characters who are real-life people and not some cardboard figures.
Sadness and joy go hand in hand, but as always, the love for each other and their extended family are at the core of this story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls at the heartstrings

Ash Davis is my favourite of Felice's characters. Probably his book was the first one I read by Felice. His story has stayed with me. When a heard a new novella was being released featuring him and Drew, I had to get it to find out what they had been up to. I wasn't disappointed, all the characters are back and in rare form. Esther is still as feisty as ever, Jordan still puts up with Ash for Drew's sake, and Domino the cat, still doesn't like Ash.

In this story life throws them for a loop and they have to lean on each other, their friends and even their faith to get them through.

Loved it! Even though it brought me to tears at times while at other times I just to shake some sense into them both. Anytime Felice wants to check on Ash, Drew and their friends, I'm all for it!

[Jenn's Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ FIVE STARS!!!

I love that this author always has a strong family dynamic in her stories. And revisiting this bunch and the wise Grandma Esther, which everyone adores, was such a wonderful treat. This story really pulls at your heartstrings. It showcases that family, blood related or not, forge together when in need and offer nothing more than love and support. And Ash and Drew's love shows how true love and marriage should be. It's beautiful, loving, caring and always being the shoulder your partner needs even when your barely holding it together yourself.

Oh gosh. Even in a short quick read Felice takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. I didn't think it was possible to love Ash and Drew more and yet here I am all up in my feels.

*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing makes me happier than getting a new story for my favorite characters. I love that this year, we got to catch up with Ash and Drew. Ash is one of Ms. Stevens' most popular characters. He's also the most broken. At least he was until he found his happily ever after with Drew.

It's been a while since I read Drew and Ash's story but it didn't matter. As soon as I started reading The Miracle, it felt like no time had passed. I fell right back into their world. These guys literally went through hell and back before falling for each other so it was sweet to see them so happy. It was cute to see Ash nagging Drew about his doctor appointment and Drew teasing Ash about his non-relationship with Domino the cat. This isn't all light and fluffy though. The boys have to deal with a serious health scare. If you're like me, you don't like anybody or anything messing with your boys. But as much as I hate these challenges, I know that my boys will grow closer and stronger because of it and that's never bad.

Ms. Stevens couldn't go wrong by giving us more of Ash and Drew. Honestly, I'd read an entire novella of them sitting at home doing nothing but talking and making love. They're just so good together. I did love catching up with the rest of the gang though, especially Esther. That lady is a bonafide treasure just like this novella.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good holiday novel and when an author brings back two of my fave characters for a Hannukah story, all I can say is "Do Not Disturb for the next few hours." In The Miracle we catch a glimpse into the lives of Ash and Drew, still very much in love but they soon learn of some devastating news. Their love and support for each other allow them to get through it together. We also have a chance to catch up with their friends and brothers. We see how much they have all become each other's family and have grown steinger together, even to the point where old nemeses have disappeared. Truly a story full of miracles.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaningful heart warming holiday story.

Christmas brings to mind the meaning of life and love. For Ash and Drew
a birthday for Grandmother Esther brings special meaning to the gift Ash
has for her. But dire news from Drew also brings to light the marriage vows
they've exchanged; especially the "in sickness and health" part. This means
that Ash and Drew on there for each other and their love will hold them together
no matter what hand life deals to them. Ash's gift to Esther is especially meaningful
but one will just have to read this to discover this gift's significance. This book was
a pleasure to read and this review is done voluntarily for the ARC I received.

[Barbara Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥💫💥💫💥5 A True Miracle Story Stars💫💥💫💥💫

Felice Stevens stories are always wonderful and this one is filled with love, tradition, holiday and birthday festivities, family and of course miracles. Drew's 95 year old grandmother pulls the entire family together to celebrate not only her birthday but the miracle outcome from a scary medical diagnosis for Drew. 1-click for more with Drew and Ash and their families.

[Enlightenup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt Holiday Story

can't remember ever crying while reading a holiday story, it's a Miracle 😁. Some sad tears mostly happy tears. The Miracle is Now my top holiday read. It was great to see all our guys together and of course the Miracle that is Esther. I loved the religious aspect, it was just right and full of hope. Ash And Drew remain my favorite couple of the Through Hell and Back series. Time for a reread! 💙💜
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[Marguerita Howze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash and Drew

Felice has a way of writing that gets you involved in the story and you're just waiting to see what happens. This book captured me from the first page. This story is about miracles and the season for those miracles. It's a novella so hurry up and one click to see what's happening in their world right now.

[Barbara M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miracle: A Comtemporary Gay Ha...

The was absolutely fantastic, loved from the first few pages I was locked it, wish it was longer. Definitely a must read, a beautiful love story, have the Kleenex handy, because your going to need them, drama, loving friends and this Author will keep you turning those pages! So many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝📚💙🥰🔥🎭🤩🎶

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has loved the Asher Davis (and the whole Through Hell and Back series) as much as I did, this Hannukkah story is a precious gift. Naturally it's not Felice Steven's style to just write a fluffy festive holiday story and in The Miracle we still get all the roller-coaster of feelings we are used getting from this wonderful author.

[Adiehardbearfan Da bears · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series to remember

I've read all four books and can't express enough on how many feelings they each put you through while reading them. Love, pain, heartache, sorrow, happiness, and excitement. It's all there. Beautiful how each of these books bring the true meaning of forgiveness and family. They are a definite must read. So happy they're on audible too.

[booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant, sweet, slightly angsty, Christmas story this was!
What I love about this author is how she is always able to pull at the heartstrings, making you wonder if the characters will get a HEA or not.
This is no different. Yes, the heartstrings weren't pulled on as hard as usual (I think she was going easy because it's a Christmas story) but it did give them a gentle yank.
It was great catching up with all the characters, especially Esther!!
LOVED IT

[George Ehrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Gift

The story was truly a gift. It's great to read about old friends from the past and relive the memories. I would like to send all a Happiness and Blessings in this Holiday Season.