All Is Calm, All Is Bright

This was such a great read! And way too short! :) I really enjoyed each page... getting to know the characters, watching them learn about each other and then, of course, fall in love. What a wonderful story of grace, God's work in our lives and being willing to offer second chances. With a little mystery, faith and romance, this is a perfect read this Christmas!

Who can resist a story by Colleen Coble. Her realistic characters and gentle tone always soothe the soul. This is a beautiful book for the holidays - either for yourself or someone you love.

This is a great Christmas romance with a murderer trying to ruin the holidays. This is a Christian fiction that isn't preachy at all. If I hadn't seen the publisher I might not have known. Enjoy the suspense and intrigue as this small island brings in the Christmas season.

I always enjoy catching up with previous characters, as well as following up on secondary characters from previous books. This set of books was a wonderful addition to two fantastic series! Wonderfully written!

Loved these stories! Full of suspense, romance, and fun. Great little mystery Christmas stories. I liked the characters and the story of each book. Quick reads but entertaining! I really enjoyed both stories.

Seems I have been missing out on a very good author. This was my first read by her but it will not be my last. This is actually two novellas. It is full of mystery, intrigue and romance. A very enjoyable holiday read.

If you've read Colleen Coble's other books, you know her superb talent of making settings, characters, and stories come alive. These Christmas novellas are no different. All is Calm and All is Bright are filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and miracles that kept me turning the pages.

I love stories that take place during the magical Christmas season, especially when they can be read in one sitting. In this two-for-one book, I revisited Ms. Coble’s previous settings: Bluebird Ranch and, my favorite, Hope Beach.

Autumn has just arrived, but after reading these holiday-seasoned novellas, I'm already eager for Christmastime!

Thank you to Net Galley for offering me a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

All Is Calm, All Is Bright, by Colleen Coble, are Chrisstmas novellas in her Lonestar Mystery series and Hope Beach series, respectively.

In All is Calm, Lauren Everman is a lady on the lam. As a murder witness, Lauren is hiding from the murderer by seeking refuge at Bluebird Ranch where she had found refuge as a teenage foster child. Special ops marine Brendan Waddell has also sought out his friends who own the ranch to spend a restful holiday as he recovers from a major injury gotten in the line of duty. However, rest is not the order of the day as the killer discovers Lauren's whereabouts and now more lives are at stake.

In All is Bright, Delilah Carter, who runs the Tidewater Inn, is run off the road and into icy Atlantic waters to be saved by local surfers. Who would want to do such a thing to Delilah? She is always there for the people of Hope Island. She works hard and keeps to herself for the most part. Sheriff Tom Bourne makes it his business to watch over Delilah, but is that enough to thwart an unseen enemy?

Both stories are well written with unexpected twists and beautiful holiday backgrounds. It was a pleasure to read these unconventional holiday stories. These are good holiday reads.

All is Calm/All is Bright: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection

Fans of Colleen Coble’s former series will enjoy returning two of her more memorable settings in this collection of two Christmas novellas. Bluebird Ranch (The Lonestar Series) and Hope Beach are filled with characters from past books, and it was fun to check in on a few of them.

In All is Calm, Lauren Everman returns to the Bluebird Ranch which was her haven as a foster child. Now she uses it as a place to hide out after she runs from her previous employer. The owners of the ranch are happy to have her aboard with her experience and sixth sense with horses. Brendan Waddell, a special ops Intel marine who is visiting his friends on their ranch. A place that pairs abused, unwanted horses with children who have experienced hardships, the Bluebird is idyllic. But what is Lauren hiding? Why is she so skittish? As Brendan gets to know Lauren, he’s certain of one thing: Love at first sight is real.

A romantic wedding on Hope Beach gives Delilah Carter the opportunity to give her friend Elin Summerall everything she wants in All is Bright. But when someone tries to run her off the road and into the ocean, painful memories of her past surface. The combination of the aggressive drive and the strange phone calls Delilah’s been getting, concern Sheriff Tom Bourne. He’s had a soft spot for the beauty who is out of his league for a couple years. As they spend time together, and Tom learns of her tragic childhood, he’s determined to give her the perfect gift for Christmas. Will his surprise arrive before the person out to get her succeeds?

Both of these books were delightful, engaging reads. The double edged sword of a novella is that they are a quick read, and that they end too quickly. I did enjoy that the ground work had already been laid for these two novellas as readers already have a history with the settings.

***Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGally in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lauren is on the run from a killer, and Bluebird Ranch seems like the perfect place to hide out. And with her gift with horses it is also a great place for her to lend a hand and help with the kids.

Brendan needs a place to recover from his on the job injuries, and Bluebird Ranch seems like a peaceful place to recuperate, and spend the holiday. Brendan suspects that Lauren is hiding something, and he doesn't want her putting the kids at the ranch in danger.

Will they be able to bond together, and fight off the killer who wants to silence Lauren?

I like the good communication between Brendan and Lauren at the try to figure out their next move, and how to stop the killer.

Brendan is a decisive man of faith, who is good at his job and will do anything to keep Lauren safe.

I liked Lauren too, she's had to be strong and make her own way in the world since the death of her mom.

This is a great story filled with faith, suspense, adventure, and plenty of mystery.

In the second novella, when Vanessa tells the town sheriff, Tom of Delilah's accident, he rushes to Tidewater Inn too see if he can help. Tom lost his wife ten year ago, and he's been thinking about getting to know Delilah better for a long time.

Delilah has been receiving mysterious phone calls for a while,and Tom is determined to help her get to the bottom of it. I liked how the work together to solve the mystery, and how it brings them together. I've been wanting to read Tom and Delilah's story for quite some time, so this was a real treat!

Overall, a fast-paced adventure, filled with romance, and I loved revisiting Tidewater Inn again!

NOTE: The two novellas are not connected.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Love the way Colleen Coble combines mystery, suspense and love. This was a condensed version of stories that I felt could have been longer. I like the fact that the characters were introduced in other books. I know readers will enjoy reading about Christmas weddings. This book makes for a quick read and leaves you wanting more.

All is Calm and All is Bright are two novellas combined into one bundle (book). The cover description does an excellent job of giving us enough of each story to draw us in… so I’m not going to do any more tease on these stories.

Each has a mystery, a bit of romance and are part of two series by Ms Coble. You’ll run into characters that you’ve enjoyed from these series in the past. All is Calm is from the Lonestar series and All is Bright connects to the Hope Beach series.

I enjoyed both novellas very much. I love a good mystery, combine that with romance and Christmas then you’ll always have a winning combination for me.

I would gladly recommend this novella combination to anyone who enjoys a really good, intriguing mystery and loves a well defined romance. Add Christmas into the mix and you’re all set for a fireplace reading session.

*I received an e-ARC of All Is Calm, All Is Bright from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

These are two novellas in one book. I didn’t realize that when I requested it, my fault. Apparently, All is Calm is from the Lonestar series and All is Bright connects to the Hope Beach series. I haven’t read either of these series but I still enjoyed these two novellas. You have a little mystery, a little love, and a Christmas theme. Let’s be honest, my request was solely based on Christmas!! I saw the cover and said YES!!!! and knew nothing about the books. While it wasn’t what I suspected, the stories are pretty juicy for being short. At times I felt they were both a little rushed, but aren’t all novellas?

The first novella story has just a teeny bit of Christian faith thrown in, but nothing offensive, annoying or preachy. It is a murder mystery. The second novella is about a girl that is stalked and driven off a road. They try to dig up things from her past to figure out who is stalking her. Both were very quick reads once you got in to them.

Bottom Line: I would suggest these novellas if you have read either series or enjoy this author. If you are looking for a quick and interesting read, I would check these out! I really enjoyed both stories and the style of writing.

*I was provided a copy of All is Calm, All is Bright by the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

All is Calm, All is Bright Colleen Coble

Book Summary: All Is Calm It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch. Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury. Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.

All Is Bright A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”? As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks. Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day. It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?

Review: All is Calm - A great story about the Lonestar state. I thought originally it was going to be a historical book, but was pleasantly surprised it was modern day. I liked Lauren a lot. The added bonus of Carly and the animals was pleasant. The lead character in most novels have some friends so it was nice that Lauren did too. I was not as sold on Brendan as much. I liked him, but I was not over the moon for him, personally. I do not thing that there was anything in the story to make that so. I just found him to be too good. The mystery was a real thriller. I love a mystery that is involved. Between Lauren’s cousin and her wimpy husband I found that part to be fun. The unravelling of the mystery was the most suspenseful and how it was woven into more of the story than anticipated. A definite story to remember.

All is Bright - I like this story the best. It seems to me that some of these novellas put together get better and better or the 2nd story can’t beat the first. This time I read them in reverse order and loved the second best. Delilah was great. She had a lot of challenges and made no fuss over them. Tom was believable and wonderful all in one. I just loved the story and the stalker was a surprise. Not one I would have guessed. The clues were so small that reading the other books, which I did, should have helped me but I missed it.

Both stories were fantastic and fun to read. I am so glad I had the opportunity to do so. I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

This book is actually two novellas in one. All Is Calm and All Is Bright. First for All Is Calm...I have loved every Colleen Coble I have read and this one was no exception. This is a novella. This is a romantic suspense. Lauren is a witness to a murder and is hiding out at Bluebird Ranch, a ranch for abused children and horses, where she had visited as a foster child. Brendan, a Special Ops Intel man who is recovering from an injury is visiting his friends who own the ranch. With he and Lauren, it is instant attraction. You will enjoy this book.
All Is Bright....another romantic Christmas based story. Delilah is the manager of Tidewater Inn and has been planning an amazing wedding for her friend, Elin. After receiving several odd phone calls, Delilah's car gets ran off the road and into the ocean. Sheriff Tom who is attracted to Delilah wants to protect her. Another wonderful romantic suspense novella and a joy to read!

All Is Calm, All Is Bright by Colleen Coble is full of holiday romance along with a very good dash of suspense and intrigue. Well worth the reading!

Just imagine ... slipping off to your favorite reading spot to read this book while sipping your favorite holiday beverage and enjoying some of those delicious cookies that are calling your name ... Pure relaxation!

Thank you to Nelson Thomas Publishing and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love the intrigue and romance in this holiday collection by Colleen Coble. It is a page-turner from beginning to end!

A wonderful Christmas story! I liked the characters and the stories in these stories. Christmas stories can tend to be sappy, but this book is not that way at all.

Colleen Coble has a gift for a heartwarming story with a hint of suspense. This is a wonderful Xmas read that will touch your heart. Its a nice relaxing read for the holidays with a cup of tea.. As always the writing of Ms. Coble is divine intervention , sweet and without violence. Its a wonderful read.

Two short Christmas stories, filled with suspense mystery and intrigue. A great read to keep you warm in the coming cold! Both stories were interesting, and not just s carbon copy of the other.

Great holiday romance from Colleen Coble. It was great to revisit characters from her earlier books. Romance, suspense, Christmas shopping, family drama--these short stories have it all. Nice to see Delilah and Tom finally get a story of their own. Will happily recommend to all my customers looking for a nice heartwarming Christmas story.

All is Calm and All is Bright are two novellas by Colleen Coble. All Is Calm takes us back to Bluebird Ranch where they team up abused children with abused horses. Lauren runs to Bluebird Ranch to hide out when she witnesses a murder. Brendan also shows up at Bluebird ranch to heal from an injury. He is hoping to heal and figure out what will happen to him if he cannot return to Special Ops. Although he knows Lauren is hiding something he also is drawn to her. All Is Bright takes us back to Tidewater Inn where we met Delilah, manager of Tidewater Inn. She is a neat woman and likes to mother everyone. She is planning the wedding for Elin. The book opens with her being run off the road. Tom is the local sheriff who has been sweet on her but will not act on it. He is investigating the strange things happening to her. The relationship between Delilah and Sheriff Tom was very enjoyable.

Colleen Coble has done it again, she keeps me turning the pages until there are no more, and then I can’t wait for her next book.
These are novellas from two of previous book settings, the Bluebird Ranch and Tidewater Inn, and yes we have met some of these characters before, so you are in for a real treat. There is romance, weddings, and reuniting with old friends, and of course, danger around each corner, and not know where it is coming from. Who or whom would want to kill these sweet people? It takes awhile to find out, and while there are a few hints along the way, you still keep wondering and hoping no one we love will be murdered.
Pick this one up for a time when you want to savor and have a little time for reading, you can read each one in a single sitting, but all can be read alone. Enjoy.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson and was not required to give a positive review.

Fun trip back to Bluebird Ranch and Tidewater Inn to catch up with the characters there. The first novella is All Is Calm and is a murder mystery in a Christmas setting at the Bluebird Ranch. The second novella is All Is Bright and is a mystery leading up to and just following a Christmas time wedding at Tidewater Inn.

Both stories contain all of our favorite characters from the corresponding series. I enjoyed both of these light Christmas reads that moved the story along. If you've not read the series that they belong to you can still read and enjoy these delightful stories.

Colleen coble is a wonderful writer. This is a great Christmas tale perfect for the season or anytime of the year