Book Description:
Writer’s block and a looming Christmas novel deadline have romance novelist, Sarah Jones, heading for the other side of the world on a whim.
Niklas Toivonen offers cosy Lapland accommodation, but when his aging father falls ill, Niklas is called upon to step into his father’s work clothes to make children happy. Red is quite his color.
Fresh off the airplane, a visit to Santa sets Sarah’s muse into overdrive. The man in red is not only entertaining, he’s young—with gorgeous blue eyes. Much like her new landlord’s, she discovers. Santa and Niklas quickly become objects of research—for her novel, and her curiosity.
Though she’s written countless happily-ever-afters, Sarah doubts she’ll ever enjoy her own. Niklas must find a way to show her how to leave the pain of her past behind, so she can find love and faith once more.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I love Christmas romance stories and Poles Apart didn’t disappoint. Sarah is impulsive, and she books a three week trip to Lapland, Santa’s home town, over Christmas. She’s desperate to overcome writers block and meet her looming deadline. Sarah believes Lapland will provide the inspiration for her Christmas romance novel. A white Christmas is a very different proposition to the summer Christmas weather she’s accustomed to back home in South Africa.
Niklas, the owner of the cabin she rents in Lapland, is surprised and entranced by Sarah when they first meet in rather unusual circumstances. Sarah isn’t familiar with Finnish customs, especially the avanto, which creates humorous moments in the story. We meet reindeer, and Niklas’ golden retriever dogs are adorable.
I loved the way the romance between Sarah and Niklas evolves, and how the faith element intertwines with the mythology and legend of Santa. The story has a lovely underlying Christian message that keeps the focus of Christmas on Jesus. I recommend Poles Apart to readers who enjoy fun and light hearted Christmas romance novellas set in exotic locations.
Poles Apart is currently available in the Snowflakes and Mistletoe box set on Amazon.com for 99 cents.
Jill Weatherholt says
Thanks for the great review, Narelle! This is a must read for me, as I love to read books where the main character is a writer. :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Glad it’s on your TBR pile, Jill. Hope you enjoy it :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Jill, I agree, it’s fun to read stories about writers. I can totally relate to Sarah’s deadline stress, lol. I hope you enjoy Poles Apart :)
Valerie Comer says
I enjoyed this novella within the box set. Getting a feel for Lapland was a real treat! Good job, Marion!
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Valerie. It was fun researching Lapland and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to do so. It’s not exactly the place someone from South Africa would go to on holiday, so it was a real treat and great experience and one I could not waste … it needed a story.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Valerie, I agree, the Lapland setting was fabulous! :)
Beth Gillihan says
Sounds like a great read. Thank you for the review!
Marion Ueckermann says
Hope you get to read it some time, Beth :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Beth, You’re very welcome, and I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read it :)
Katy C. says
I really enjoyed this one!
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Katy. So glad you did.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Katy, I agree, and I read it all the way through in one sitting :)
Melissa says
Love that the story has a Christian message that keeps the focus on Jesus. I am adding this to my “to read” list. :-) Merry Christmas!
Marion Ueckermann says
Hope it’s not too far down in the TBR pile, Melissa :) May you have a blessed Christmas, too.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Melissa, I hope you’ll have a chance to read it soon :)
leemcclain1234 says
Love the premise! Haven’t read it yet, but can’t wait.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Lee, I hope you’ll have a chance to read it this year :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Hope you get to read it soon, Lee :)
Linda Herold says
Nice post!
Narelle Atkins says
Thanks, Linda :) I’m glad you enjoyed it.
D K Stevens says
I would Enjoy reading Poles Apart!
Marion Ueckermann says
Hope you get to read it, DK. I’m giving away a free copy to one lucky commenter on Inspy Romance today on my post, Walking in a Winter Wonderland.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi D, I hope you’ll have a chance to read it :)
Ann Ellison says
Such a fun Christmas story – I loved it.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Ann. I had as much fun writing it. Glad you enjoyed reading Poles Apart :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Ann, I totally agree! :)
Trixi says
Thank you for the review of “Poles Apart”, it would be one I’d enjoy too! I may just have to go buy the entire boxed set so I can enjoy ALL of the stories :-)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Trixi, You’re very welcome, and enjoy the box set! It’s a great deal :)
Andrea Byers says
Sounds good and I do have the box set it comes in. :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Andrea, I started reading the Snowflakes and Mistletoe box set from the back. I don’t usually read box sets in alphabetical order, and I’ll need to decide which story to read next :)