It always amazes me how authors write so differently. At times over the years, I’ve heard about a book that sounded very similar to one of my unpublished works, only to buy the other author’s book and read a story completely different than mine, even though the subject matter was the same. Case in point–with Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams, I joined four other authors to create the novella collection. Our theme–Christmas at the beach. We each chose different beaches and went to work. Today, I decided to share short excerpts of the hero and heroine meeting from each novella in the collection.
Mistletoe Make-believe by Amy R. Anguish
Lying in the church building.
Such audacity. And yet the desperation Charlie Hill’s family was fueling drove him on. He’d been raised to know better, but the very same people who’d equipped him with moral values had driven him to this brink.
He didn’t even know her. Wasn’t sure she’d be here long enough for this plan to work. But he had to try.
Charlie maneuvered his way down the aisle, past the confused glances of his relatives, and leaned over ext to the pretty blonde—the only girl in the building who wasn’t sitting beside someone. “This seat taken?”
Wide chocolate eyes met his. She blinked and gave a short nod before gathering her purse and scooting toward the middle of the pew. When she didn’t stop until the center, he swallowed a grimace, hiked up his courage a bit more, and followed her in.
Before she could move again, he dropped the bulletin on her lap.
“Oh, I already have—”
His finger tapped the hastily scribbled request on the bottom. No need to look at the words. He’d rewritten them a dozen times before giving up and hoping they conveyed enough of his misery that she’d take pity on him and agree.
To participate in his lie.
A Hatteras Surprise by Hope Toler Dougherty
For a moment, Ben Daniels was fifteen again. The tackle shop matched exactly the one in his memory. The same weathered planks. The same signs for bait and ice. A side portion had been added, but the front cast him back to ice cream cones and Popsicles with his siblings on melting afternoons.
“This is it. Nice job, man.” Talking out loud. To himself.
Must be more tired than he thought.
He exited his car to stretch as scenes from that long ago summer vacation flooded his heaf—climbing the Hatteras Lighthouse, riding the waves, and a little girl with blond braids who tagged along or, rather, led them on other adventures.
What was her name? Would she, like the tackle shop, still be here?
He smiled and shut his door, a refreshing breeze blowing off the sound. The extended weather report promised more temperate days like this one for the remainder of October. Fantastic. He rolled his shoulders and headed inside.
A beach music favorite he recognized from college greeted him along with a woman sporting cropped gray hair. “Good afternoon. What can we help you with today?” She turned from a rod and reel display and moved to the cash register.
“Hey.” He blinked, pulling himself to the present. “I’m looking for a beach cottage.”
“For rentals, Island Realty is back up the road a bit.” The woman jerked her head toward the way he’d just come.
“No, ma’am, I’m staying at the Teachy Bed and Breakfast. I’m looking for the cottage my family rented years ago. I don’t have the address, but it’s near this store.”
“When we talkin’, sonny?”
“2000 or so.”
“Pretty good chance the cottage is gone by now. Storms, rebuilding, and such.”
“Sure. I wanted to find it for old time’s sake. It was a special place, a special time for my family.”
A door behind the counter opened, and a woman with sandy blond hair stepped into the shop. He sucked in a breath.
A Penny for Your Thoughts by Linda Fulkerson
Three days later, Pennie followed her fellow passengers through Daniel K. Inouye International Airportís open-air walkway leading from the gate to the baggage claim area. A floral scent wafted through the air. Plumeria, she remembered from her impromptu crash course of what first-time visitors to Oahu should expect.
She stood, mesmerized by the sea of baggage floating across the conveyor belt, when a series of unexpected and unwelcomed thoughts flooded her mind. Jared should be standing next to her. She should be giddy with delight, a bride on her honeymoon. Tears fuzzed her vision, transforming the
stream of colorful suitcases into a blurry blob.
Pennie dabbed her eyes. After a few blinks, she recognized her bag and yanked it toward the edge of the conveyor. One of the wheels caught on the carousel’s side, and she tugged hard to free it. A loud pop echoed. She flew one way and the wheel flew the other.
“Woah there, little lady,” a voice boomed behind her as a pair of arms balanced her. “You okay?”
She steadied herself and nodded, realizing her rescuer was a soldier. “Th-thanks.” Pennie pointed to his uniform. “And thanks for your service.”
“My pleasure.” He gave a slight bow. “You here on vacation?”
“A sort of working vacation, yes.”
“If it’s your first time in Hawaii, I can give you a tour.” The young man winked.
Pennie wondered if crashing her rear on the floor would have been a better option than being rescued. “Um. Thanks, but Iím good.”
He chuckled. “I’lI bet you are.”
Heat rose up Pennie’s neck. “I have to go.” She spun away from him and jerked her hobbled luggage to an upright position, wishing she’d trimmed her packing list.
Pennie drug the suitcase behind her. Each whump-whump of the lopsided bag grated against her already frazzled nerves.
After scanning the area for one of those luggage cart rental racks and finding none, she hoisted the crippled case in her arms, balancing it along with her purse, laptop case, and backpack, and waddled toward the rental car counter.
By the time she neared the area, she was hung from hauling her bulging bag. Pennie set the suitcase down to catch her breath and noticed a man at the counter accepting a set of keys from the clerk. He brushed his hand through a head full of short-cropped curls dark enough to contrast with his well-
tanned skin and rushed through the exit.
Jared?
Mr. Sandman by Regina Rudd Merrick
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~ Albert Einstein
Taylor Fordham stared at her computer screen, eyes glazed over as she scanned facts and figures. Those
numbers equaled business for Pilot Oaks, the beautiful antebellum mansion-turned-bed-and-breakfast and event center owned by the Crawford family.
Once again, she’d stayed up too late last night, watching her Sci-fi show, StarPort: SP-1, imagining how her favorite characters could end up together.
What was wrong with her? She loved her job. After Mike—gotta get my mind off that—she chose to stay in Litchfield Beach, the Pawleys Island area, for Pilot Oaks. Nearby friends helped, but finding her niche in the hospitality industry and working for the Crawfords at their B&B made it worth staying.
“Excuse me …”
Her head whipped up when a masculine voice filtered through her brain fog. Taylor looked around the bank of miniature decorative snowmen on her desk, her nod to holiday decor. The heat on her cheeks felt anything but professional.
Way to go, Taylor.
“I’m so sorry.” She rose, smiling, her insides doing something weird when the brown-eyed, dark-haired young man smiled back.
He’s cute.
“Not a problem.” He gave her a half-smile. “I’m Ian Rutledge, here for the chef interview?”
Coastal Christmas Charade by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
“This will never do.” Lark scanned the massive great room.
The week after Thanksgiving and no Christmas decorations, with a winter wonderland wedding scheduled for next week. How had Gran and Gramps had any guests with the Shell House Inn in such a state of indifference? They’d obviously lost interest long before they officially retired. Though they slept soundly in their private quarters, their hearts were already in Dallas.
“Yip.” Peaches’ ears perked as she paced at the front door.
“Shh, you’ll wake up the old folks.” Lark nabbed her leash.
Peaches went into Pomeranian orbit, bouncing around her feet.
“You have to be still if you want to walk. Sit.”
The little orange powder puff sat.
“Good girl.” Lark snapped the leash in place and scratched behind Peaches’ ears. “I’lI need somebody to cover this place in lights before the bride, who’s more high-strung than you are, arrives. But a walk comes first.” She opened the door, and Peaches shot out at warp speed, pulling the slack tight. Straight
toward the water.
“At least we think alike.” Lark sighed, breathing in the ocean air as the gentle swish of the tide rolled in. Even though Christmas was right around the corner, here at Surfside Beach, Texas, the sunny, seventy-degree day tempted her to kick off her shoes and wade the coastline. A breeze off the water whipped her hair about her face, soothing her stress level.
But being here also reminded her of the last summer she’d spent here as a teen. The dark-haired boy with thick glasses.
And their kiss. Surprisingly sweet and promising. Until he’d learned the truth about her. Her cheeks heated. If only she could find him and apologize, explain her shallow teen reasoning for going along with the dare.
A racket sounded behind her. Like the steady rumbling thud of horse hooves? Lark turned around. A pale golden horse with a lone rider thundered toward her. Her pulse spiked.
Should she stand still or dodge?
“Yip, yip, yip.” Peaches launched into incessant barking.
The horse reared up with a panicked neigh.
“Whoa, girl.” A man’s voice soothed. Just before he sprawled into the sand.
Free of her rider, the horse pawed the ground, stopped long enough to drop foul-smelling-fertilizer, then bolted on along the shore.
“Nice.” The man sat up, spitting sand.
Five little authors, five different beaches, five completely different stories. It was a fun collection to put together and I’d like to do it again in the future. So tell me, do you like novella collections? Would your rather sample different authors in a collection or have one author per collection? What is your favorite type of novella–setting, holiday, or both? Answer one or all questions to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
Hi, Shannon! I do enjoy the multi-author sets, usually. It seems there are differences in how the lead editors approach the author selection, though. I have had a couple of bad experiences with contributors whose work I would not have thought would have made it to publication. Do editors feel uncomfortable drawing a line for quality? I generally don’t object to things like simple spelling and usage errors so I’m talking major language quality and story editing stuff.
However, I usually have no problem and like to read the multi-author sets. I have been introduced to a couple of the IR authors that way, too. It’s also nice because the sets often have a discounted price compared to the per book price.
I also like the single author sets (usually series compilations). That’s more of a matter of focusing on whatever the series is, though. The multi-author sets with a common theme are appealing, too. Actually, I don’t think I have read any multi-author sets without some kind of theme. I don’t have a preference about what that theme is, though.
I haven’t really payed much attention to the length issue (novel vs. novella) but I am finding the shorter length enjoyable as it seems more prevalent lately.
All told, thumbs up from me.
I like novella collections , I do like novellas that have a connection (location, theme etc) and by different authors. One I remember was about a location that had theme stays so there were a couple of people the stories (even if in the back ground) the first featured the characters running the accommodation place and the others had different people staying and different themes. It was good cos the place was the same although transformed but each story was its own story. Others I liked focus on town or and had shared people but each had different hero/heroine. Others have been a theme like the one you are in.
I like some that have some sort of connection even if it’s only small.
I like Christmas ones and even other holidays.
Hi Shannon! This avid reader and retiree enjoys novella collections with a common theme – setting, tradition, holiday, characters (family or friends). Many collections when offered are at a discounted price, especially when preordered or for a good cause. Collections with different authors is usually a fun way to explore new authors. Collections by one author is a way to read a series, especially by an author I don’t normally read or follow.
As a retiree, whose eyes get tired easily and who likes to read a book cover to cover in one sitting; novellas are the right length. Another plus in a collection by various authors is that if I don’t connect with an author or story; I can move on to the next story.
Living on the shores of Lake Michigan I enjoy reading about other beaches in our beautiful country. This retiree is intrigued by this collection. Would love to receive a copy, since my book budget is blown from now through Christmas; because I preordered too many books by the authors I already follow. Best wishes and Happy Writing.
I really like novella collections because I get to read books by authors I enjoy and I get the chance to discover new authors. It’s a great way to get introduced!
I enjoy collections with multiple authors because it’s a good way to get introduced to authors I haven’t read before.
I love these collections and Christmas ones are so good.
I like novella collections! It’s a great way to find out about new authors and get a feel for their writing style. I especially like Christmas ones!
I enjoy novella collections with different authors. That way I can experience their different styles. And sometimes I’m just in for shorter stories, not one long book.
Yes, I enjoy novella collections, whether united by theme or a single author, as long as they are well written.
I like multiple authors in one book.I like both holiday books and other kind of books but I only read clean romance, suspense Romance and wholesome romance books
I do enjoy novella collections and like both different authors & a set by the same author. Favorite setting is small-town but I enjoy a wide variety. And it doesn’t have to be holiday, it can be any time of the year.
I also like novellas set in a “theme” (Oregon trail, Regency Christmas, Mail-order Bride, etc) but have various authors contribute their stories set around that theme. Like what you have here….Christmas at the beach. It’s always fun to see the varying authors style of writing, I may even find a new-to-me writer :-)
That’s a wonderful sampling of your collection. I enjoy novella collections, especially this time of year when the Christmas ones come out. Its nice to be able to read shorter length stories and to try new-to-me authors. I really like the beach theme of this collection too. Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi, yes, I like novella collections. All of these sound great!
love holiday novella collections!
That’s interesting about editor selection, Lincoln. I’ve never thought about that. Scrivenings chose our 3 best selling Contemporary authors, plus the owner and me an editor. I edited all the stories except mine and the owners’.
To me, multi-author collections are a great way to discover new authors.
I don’t like the novellas that only come in e-book format, since I’m not a fan. I love paper books lined up on my shelf.
I read a multi autor collection years ago with no connection, Ausjenny. The stories were completely different, set in different places, the characters had no connection, and there was no theme. I enjoyed it though. It was the last book I loaned out because I didn’t get it back. I hate when that happens.
I love novella collections by the same author that includes an entire series too, Renate. You get the whole story in the right order and no waiting in between books. I guess I pretty much like any novella collection. Pretty much any Contemporary Romance book too. I just love books.
Agreed Lori. I’ve discovered new to me authors through collections, then ordered all their backlist.
Yes, Jessica. Because chances are, you’ll enjoy at least one of the authors. Usually more.
I answered you and it ended up all the way at the bottom for some reason, so I’ll just do it again. Yes, Jessica. Because chances are, you’ll enjoy at least one of the authors. Usually more.
I totally love everything about Christmas, Lucy. The whole world has to acknowledge Jesus’ birth, whether they want to or not. I love cold weather. I love all the family gatherings and food. And then there are presents. Add in books, and it’s the perfect time of year.
Ditto, Trudy. The only novellas I don’t like are the ones that only come as digital. I don’t feel like I really own a book if I cant see it lined up on my shelf.
Me too, on the shorter reads, Elizabeth. Christmas is the perfect time for shorter reads.
Agreed Dianne. If I enjoy the story and the author has done their job, I’ve been known to buy their entire backlist.
Same here, Kendra. I only read inspirational Contemporary Romance and Women’s Fiction. Occasionally, I’ll read clean, but I really like a spiritual thread too.
I like small-town too, Trixi. Maybe because I live in one. I can’t imagine being happy living in a big city. I guess it’s just what you get used to.
Christmas is a buy time of year, so novellas are perfect to fit in reading time, Megan. It was a fun collection to do.
Thanks Alicia. We had fun putting it together.
Me too, Denise. Shorter stories are a great way to fit reading time in a busy time of year.
I had so much fun seeing how different our stories turned out. And yet go so well together. :)
Writing is mostly a solitary endeavor, so I enjoyed the team aspect of working on a novella collection together. We wrote separately, but we came together in the end for a fun project!
I have read some and do enjoy them depending on what the stories are. I read one once where there was an element (blackout) with no other connection at all but each story focused on a blackout which could be anywhere from a few minutes to hours etc. It was interesting as some stories were great others not so great.
I have also read some where the only link was all were historical or contemporary.
I run the library at church and we have some books I love that have never come back and it is so frustrating especially when you know who has it but they deny they didn’t bring it back.
Me too, Amy. It was almost like we collaberated more than we did.
Agreed Hope. I feel likecwe all have a bond now.
The one I read was all contemporaries and that was the only theme. I can remember two of the authors. I could probably find it again.
Thank you for sharing. This sounds like a fabulous collection. I like to sample different writers in a collection. It gives me an idea of their writing style. I love beach reads. God bless you.
These all sound so good! I’m hooked lol. I enjoy collections no matter if they are multi-author or single author, no matter the subject. Sometimes a novelette is perfect too. Thanks for the opportunity.
I love beach reads too, Debra. It was fun to finally get the chance to write one.
You sound like me, She. I’m good with multi or single author collections. Say contemporary and you’ve got me.
I enjoy books with more then one author & different stories in it like this. I have many books just like this & would love it
These books are great & I enjoy all year round books with different authors in it.
It was a really fun collection to work on, Amy.
Me too, Sylvain. I do enjoy writing Christmas books though. This was my 2nd.
Christmas is coming and I’m ready to read some wonderful stories. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I enjoy reading stories from many different authors. I love reading stories themed around holidays too.
Me too, Jeanna. I love this time of year. It’s so cozy.
I’m glad Tammy. Me too, on both counts.
Beach! YAY!!!
I love novella collections <3
I would rather sample different authors in a collection!
What is your favorite type of novella–setting, holiday, or both? BOTH
I love beach reads, Natalya. It was fun to finally get to write one.