Surprisingly successful action-suspense author Garrett Wilson is struggling to write a summer novel in December. That is, until he witnesses his best friend, Nina, chase down a shoplifter and realizes that maybe his tough, attractive heroine might not be based solely in fiction.Geeky-chic Nina Trujillo finds herself contemplating a God she’s never believed in after her brush with danger taking … taking down a thief. That one decision could change the whole course of her life, and quite possibly, her feelings for the one guy she’s never considered more than a friend.
When Nina dives head-first into a series of Christmas projects and ideas for new traditions, she drags Garrett along for the ride. Will her newfound courage and all the extra time together bring their feelings out into the open, or will Nina escape back into the comfort of her fandoms and lose him forever?
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This was actually really good. I try to reserve my 5 starts for the amazing ones, but this was really good. I have read it several times and enjoy it more each time. I love how her characters are so real!
Love, Laughter, and Luminarias was a wonderfully refreshing story full of faith, fun, and two friends who finally realized their love for each other. This novella was immensely entertaining, with playful banter between Garrett and Nina, serious discussions regarding faith in God, and sweet romance.
The length of this story was perfect for an easy Christmas read. Having spent a couple of Christmases in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I personally enjoyed the various local traditions that were woven seamlessly into this story.
I loved watching both Garrett and Nina each come to their own realization of their feelings for each other. This was such a sweet story that is a great choice for the Christmas holidays.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This story is full of enjoyable moments that will touch your heart and bring delight to your soul. Garrett is a suspense writer struggling to finish his current book, Nina is a very carefree, independent soul, who just wants to feel like she belongs.
They really are two very different personalities and yet they have been friends for a long time. So, when they each start to realize they have feelings for the other one, they don’t know what to do about it. Also, throw in the mix, the newfound faith that Nina discovers and you get a sweet, heart-warming tale.
Jaycee Weaver is a wonderful author who spins beautiful stories. Whenever I pick up one of her books I’m blessed. She packs fun quirky moments and deep life lessons into each of her books. I appreciate that her books aren’t too preachy, but they are real, and I can relate to the characters and what they are going through.
One quote that tugged at my heart, was by Nina:
“I see other families having their traditions, and I feel like an untethered helium balloon. I have nothing to tie myself to anymore.”
Don’t we all at one time or another in our life feel this same way? It isn’t until we find purpose, community, and fellowship that we finally find our grounding. I hope as you read this book you will find what can bring you that same thing.
I totally enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend you pick it up to read.
Have you ever read a book and thought, I want tone friends with her! That’s the way this book makes you feel. Quirky, funny, and seriously nerdy… what’s not to love.
A fun and touching story
One of my favorite romance tropes is the best friends who never realized they were in love. And I believe this is one of my favorite books to use it!
Garrett and Nina were so much fun! He was a dorky bestselling author and she was a nerdy game store manager who loved cosplay. They had adopted each other in school and never stopped being friends. I loved that I loved Nina so much because she was so different from my normal favorite heroines – at least externally.
One of my favorite moments in the story (okay – they were all favorite moments!) was when Nina acted on pure adrenaline doing something heroic (no spoilers here!) and afterward realized what she had done. And that was the moment Garrett realized she wasn’t just a friend.
I appreciated so much that the author made it clear Garrett knew he couldn’t pursue a relationship with Nina beyond friendship because she didn’t have a relationship with the Lord.
Yes, I know Christmas has just barely passed. But if you consider this is a story that just happens to take place at Christmas, it is perfectly appropriate to read any time of the year.
I’m so excited to have seen a review for this book which inspired me to pick it up! Jaycee Weaver is a new author for me but you can expect to see more reviews for her here as I plan on reading many more of her books!
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