by Davalynn Spencer
Only 17 and fresh from a Denver school for “girls”, Abigale Millerton has returned home after her grandparents’ death. And there is Seth, Seth Holt. The boy, now man, who was a best friend growing up even though they butted heads often. He would tell her what to do; she would stubbornly refuse — even when he was right.
Everyone thinks she will sell the ranch. Everyone but Seth. He knows she is just stubborn enough to stay. And he has to keep her safe. He has to. Because something is not right. She needs protection.
The author, Davalynn Spencer, classifies Just in Time for Christmas as a novella. It is a fully-developed novella. I cannot think of one scene or story development that was too short. The characters were well-described, even those that play a lesser role. The story just flows.
For me, Abigale’s age was a bit young for the role as she is hardly the “dainty hanky” type and “Ooooo, what is that awful smell!” She is wise beyond her 17 years. She grew up on this ranch and the year is 1875. The location — the high country in El Paso County, Colorado. Not the state. Not yet. Colorado territory.
Okay, this is a feel-good story. It’s Christmas. We like feel-good Christmas stories. But there is an antagonist, a mean & nasty one. There is far more to this “novella” than good friends now have, you know, that … tension. Not everyone is happy to see Abigale’s return.
Dog! I love Chester, the faithful dog her grandparents had and now belongs to Abigale. I love stories with animals, especially dogs. (See my About Me page.) And I like good people, the kind you’d like to know whether it’s 1875 or 2021.
I want to thank the author for adding Thundersnow to this novella. Brought back some memories of a blizzard in north Missouri years ago — and yes, there was thundersnow. Once you hear it, you won’t forget it. Another author kudo — using D.F. Stauffer’s and Arbuckles (which still exists) for certain foods. I appreciate research too.
There are two quotes I found to be moving and not for the same reason. I love books with wise words.
“Lonely and alone … were two completely different concepts.”
Just in Time for Christmas by Davalynn Spencer, pages 57 and 98.
“Faith is something we carry with us. Trust, on the other hand, is something we do.”
I read Snow Angel, the other book in the High-Country Christmas Novellas series, probably in 2018. But in the days when I didn’t rate the number of stars or write a review. I owe it to the author to read it again.
This review was unsolicited and the thoughts are entirely my own.
Merry Christmas — enjoy!
#JustInTimeForChristmas #DavalynnSpencer
Updated: 1/20/2022 – added featured image.
