Book Review By Crystal J. Casavant-Otto
I was recently approached by friend and author Jennifer Snow. She asked if I’d be willing to judge her annual Snow Globe contest, a short story contest for Christmas themed works. I love Jennifer’s books and could hardly say no. I truly enjoyed the experience and felt so moved by one of the submissions that I practically begged Jennifer to allow me to write a review. I hope this review convinces you to check out Christmas Clash by Dana Volney. Whether you read this story before or after the holidays, you’ll be sure to love it! (I am excited to see who is announced as this years winner on January 1st! Winners will be announced here: http://snowglobeawardcontest.vpweb.ca/contest-participants )
REVIEW:
Christmas Clash had me hooked from the very first pages. I loved the opening and the dialogue of the first paragraph; it really set the mood and foretold of the tension between main characters. The stiff dialogue in the beginning was perfect since the Candace and Luke were certainly not friendly toward one another. As the story developed and I learned more about the characters, I felt the interactions were believable and added to the authenticity of the relationship.
The overall plot of Christmas Clash kept me guessing. Just when I thought I knew how the story would unfold, I learned something new and wasn’t quite so sure where things would end up. The twists and turns of the story added to the excitement for me as a reader. The characters were well written and the dialogue as well as the setting really appealed to me. Christmas Clash is a fabulous holiday read but can certainly be enjoyable regardless of time of year.
Book Description: For the first time in her life, Candace Ellison is determined to stand on her own two feet. When the city council’s new convention center project threatens to demolish her new flower shop, Kiss from a Rose, she vows to win the fight without help from her wealthy and well-connected family.
But to keep her doors open, she’ll have to turn to an even unlikelier source—Luke Carrigan. Problem is she hasn’t been able to get along with the guy since that fateful day they met . . . back in kindergarten.
There’s more than building blocks and coloring books on the line now though. Luke’s recently inherited his family pub, and isn’t about to let the city put a wrecking ball through years of memories and tradition. This is his chance to show his family he can be more than just the fun-loving, favored son . . . except Luke’s not exactly singing “Jingle Bells” at having to strategize with spoiled Candace.
The only hope they have is in finding some common ground. Will this Christmas bring miracles or the destruction of everything these old rivals love?
Amazon Link
Product Details:
• File Size: 734 KB
• Print Length: 134 pages
• Publisher: Crimson Romance (November 3, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00O99SLDG
Author Bio:
Dana Volney lets her imagination roam free in Wyoming where she writes romances and helps local businesses succeed with her marketing consulting company. Surrounding herself with good friends, family, and boating on the lake whenever she can, she thrives on moments and memories created with loved ones, especially on sun filled days. That's when Wyoming's charm really sinks in. Dana is bold, adventurous and--by her own admission--good with plants, having kept a coral cactus alive for more than one year.
Find out more on www.DanaVolney.com
Crystal is a church musician, business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Reedsville, Wisconsin with her husband, three young children (Carmen 7, Andre 6, Breccan 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 200 Holsteins. The Otto family is expecting an addition with Delphine Elizabeth Otto in February 2015!
You can find Crystal blogging and reviewing books and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and keep up with her WOW! tours and blog posts at: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
Read More »
I was recently approached by friend and author Jennifer Snow. She asked if I’d be willing to judge her annual Snow Globe contest, a short story contest for Christmas themed works. I love Jennifer’s books and could hardly say no. I truly enjoyed the experience and felt so moved by one of the submissions that I practically begged Jennifer to allow me to write a review. I hope this review convinces you to check out Christmas Clash by Dana Volney. Whether you read this story before or after the holidays, you’ll be sure to love it! (I am excited to see who is announced as this years winner on January 1st! Winners will be announced here: http://snowglobeawardcontest.vpweb.ca/contest-participants )REVIEW:
Christmas Clash had me hooked from the very first pages. I loved the opening and the dialogue of the first paragraph; it really set the mood and foretold of the tension between main characters. The stiff dialogue in the beginning was perfect since the Candace and Luke were certainly not friendly toward one another. As the story developed and I learned more about the characters, I felt the interactions were believable and added to the authenticity of the relationship.
The overall plot of Christmas Clash kept me guessing. Just when I thought I knew how the story would unfold, I learned something new and wasn’t quite so sure where things would end up. The twists and turns of the story added to the excitement for me as a reader. The characters were well written and the dialogue as well as the setting really appealed to me. Christmas Clash is a fabulous holiday read but can certainly be enjoyable regardless of time of year.
Book Description: For the first time in her life, Candace Ellison is determined to stand on her own two feet. When the city council’s new convention center project threatens to demolish her new flower shop, Kiss from a Rose, she vows to win the fight without help from her wealthy and well-connected family.
But to keep her doors open, she’ll have to turn to an even unlikelier source—Luke Carrigan. Problem is she hasn’t been able to get along with the guy since that fateful day they met . . . back in kindergarten.
There’s more than building blocks and coloring books on the line now though. Luke’s recently inherited his family pub, and isn’t about to let the city put a wrecking ball through years of memories and tradition. This is his chance to show his family he can be more than just the fun-loving, favored son . . . except Luke’s not exactly singing “Jingle Bells” at having to strategize with spoiled Candace.
The only hope they have is in finding some common ground. Will this Christmas bring miracles or the destruction of everything these old rivals love?
Amazon Link
Product Details:
• File Size: 734 KB
• Print Length: 134 pages
• Publisher: Crimson Romance (November 3, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00O99SLDG
Author Bio:
Dana Volney lets her imagination roam free in Wyoming where she writes romances and helps local businesses succeed with her marketing consulting company. Surrounding herself with good friends, family, and boating on the lake whenever she can, she thrives on moments and memories created with loved ones, especially on sun filled days. That's when Wyoming's charm really sinks in. Dana is bold, adventurous and--by her own admission--good with plants, having kept a coral cactus alive for more than one year.
Find out more on www.DanaVolney.com
You can find Crystal blogging and reviewing books and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and keep up with her WOW! tours and blog posts at: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
