Into the Fire

Well, yes, I've done something that I rarely do. Actually two things. One: I read a novella. Two: It is a Christmas novella. 

Those who know me well have learned that in spite of how much I love Christmas, I don't read novellas and I don't read Christmas novels nor do I watch Christmas movies. And there's inevitably the collective sounds of gasping at those admissions. 

But, for Becky Wade's writing, I made an exception for You and Me.

Connor Bryant has returned to Misty River after a 16 year absence to take care of his mom who's been diagnosed with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease). He's an established artist and teacher now, but left his southern California environs to come home. One thing he never left behind in those years away from home was his desire to make a long-term relationship with the girl he fell in love with in 7th grade. Shay Seaver has held his heart through all those years, oblivious to the fact that she'd made any impact on him past their friendship. 

Connor takes a different tactic with Shay to try to read what her desires are for a man and building a relationship – since she's dated significantly beyond what Connor's ever attempted. As his tactic requires they spend time together incorporating her suggestions, she realizes there's a chemistry between them she missed in their sometimes awkward youth, but now it seems like she's too late for their relationship to gain traction.

Well, you know, this is a novella so there's not a lot of time for dreariness and heartbreak. Besides it's a Christmas novella after all! 

So you know the drill. And it's fun to walk – or read – through it. It's also meaningful to watch two old friends discover things about themselves in the process that resolve feelings while creating new ones. You and Me is a sweet Christmas romance done by a well-qualified author in Becky Wade who always does justice to the beauty of romance and the seriousness of love.  

Father, please continue to bless Becky's life, her writing, her projects, her home and family. Keep her safe and full-up with the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.