Novelly Upon a Time (2019)

Novelly Upon a Time (2019) by Sarah Monzon is another home-run novella! This book will come in eBook form, and is roughly 100 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious six-year old at home, this book took me one sitting to devour. I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Novelly Upon a Time 5 STARS. This book is a Contemporary Christian Romance.

This novel is set to release on January 3, 2019 by Radiant Publications.

About the Book

Author Harper Jones prides herself on the impeccable research she does for her novels, so when early reviews come pouring in claimer her romance reeks of inauthenticity, her editor suggests getting her nose out of books and get some real-life smooching experience. But her plans to do just that are thwarted by her archnemesis from high school who has recently returned to town. Now she’s left with an impossible decision—kiss her worst enemy or kiss her three-book contract goodbye.

Goodreads

My Thoughts

I adore stories where I get a sneak-peak into the minds of authors. I had so much fun laughing with/at Harper and Kate as they conducted “research” to help Kate with her current WIP. I wasn’t even shocked by their tactics because I’ve heard enough author research stories to know that authors many times will go to great lengths to make sure their books are as authentic and accurate as possible. I will say that the entire “research” scene had me laughing out loud! And, I find it hilarious what Harper feels is good enough research for kissing scenes. Really, I could re-read chapters 1-3 again and again just to have a hearty laugh!

Kyo is my new favorite book boyfriend! He is a fantastic dreamboat of a hero. Kyo is a man in uniform, and naturally that makes him a bit studly. The chemistry he has with Harper is flammable and is felt from the second they are on scene together. All this makes for a great hero, but I lost my heart when he confesses his truth to Harper. I melted into a puddle of wonderful, sobbing tears right in the middle of my kitchen (that’s where I was reading the book!). The best part of Kyo for me is that he is a man who sees. He sees Harper for exactly who she is, broken pieces and all, and loves her hard anyway. It’s completely beautiful, and made this reader’s heart exceptionally happy!

I so appreciate the theme this novel imparts — love covers a multitude of sins. This theme is beautiful and timely in and of itself, but the best part is how it is delivered. Kyo’s grandparents are some of the best characters in this novella. They are immediately endearing. It is through Kyo’s grandparents that Harper begins to thaw a little. Harper has erected some serious walls around her heart, and for good reason. But after years of having these walls Harper has become very blind to the feelings and thoughts of others. Her walls have made her self-focused. Through Kyo’s grandparents, Harper is shown that love is powerful. It’s so powerful it has the ability to break through walls, mend fences, and fix broken parts. Love is all about perspective and choice. We can decide to see the true nature of a person — the goodness and the flaws — and choose to love him or her for exactly who that person is. Or we can choose walls, bitterness, and preconceived notions. At the end of the day, a life truly lived is a life filled with love because love forgives and heals. Love is the right choice! This is a much-needed reminder in today’s world.

Novelly Upon a Time is a wonderful read that I highly recommend. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, cry a little, and make you swoon a bit then this is the book for you!