We're back to Novelists in November, this time for a review of the anthology. The book has just released, so be sure to grab your copy and get started on these amazing stories!
Title: Novelists in November
Author: Wild Blue Wonder Press (publisher)
Genre: Contemporary and Historical Fiction
Rating: 4/5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
This anthology was the perfect read for late autumn. Each of the stories has its own special message, showcasing a variety of perspectives and experiences. While I didn't love every story, each one carries its own charm, with something in this collection for every reader.
"Melting Pot Thanksgiving" by Andrea Renee Cox
This was a great way to start off the collection! I loved the story of a mixed-heritage family celebrating this beloved holiday, and it has a great message of learning to embrace new ideas and welcome those who are different from us.
"And As She Talked" by Bethany Willcock
This one was lots of fun. There were many unexpected plot twists that kept me guessing throughout. I loved how it started off reading like a horror story but then turned out to just be a series of unusual events. Very creative!
"Reasons to Be Thankful" by Hannah E. Gridley
This one was so sweet! I really felt for Josie and her husband. I wished the ending could have been a little more resolved, but I think that was rather the point. It's a good, heart-tugging story that ensures the characters stick with you.
"Act in the Living Present" by Katja H. Labonté
I loved the Quebec setting of this story--an underrepresented one, for sure! I would love to read a full-length novel about Myriam and Rupert. Their story is a little sad, but with a beautiful message.
"My Heart Still Sings" by Faith D. Cox
This one wanted to be a novella instead of a short story. There's a lot going on, and there are so many time jumps that it gets a little confusing to keep up with everything. But the message of resilience and trusting God no matter what is a great one.
"Tollemache House" by Kellyn Roth
There's nothing terribly dramatic or complex happening in this sweet little story, and that's where its charm lies. This is just a story about two sisters-in-law realizing that they have more in common than they might think as they work together to resolve little life annoyances like one's house flooding. It was quite fun!
"Finding Beauty in the Suffering" by Katie Zeliger
The idea for this one required a lot of suspension of disbelief, but it was still fun to read. I loved the "story within a story" concept, and the characters go through some great development.
"The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne" by Shira J. Rodriguez
With a title like that, how could this not be an intriguing story? The twists in it are worthy of Jane Austen, with all the Yorkshire vibes of a good Brontë novel. I want to know more about these characters!
"Pages of Grace" by Heather Flynn
I always enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one was no exception. It has a great theme of trusting God with the unknowns, a reminder I really needed.
"The Sound of Healing" by Avrie Swan
This was such a sweet concept that definitely captured my interest. I was a little confused about the characters' backstory and would have liked more information about that, but it was still an enjoyable story. That ending is perfect.
"Between Moor and Mountain"
This was without a doubt my favorite in the collection. For one, it's set in Scotland, so I'm automatically sold. But even more than that, it's just a beautiful story. I resonated with the theme of letting go of the past and moving on, of learning to trust that God has given us everything we need to serve Him. It was just really well done, and I'll be thinking about it for quite some time.
I highly recommend this anthology for readers aged 12+!
Giveaway
Everyone who enters the blog tour giveaway for the release of Novelists in November will be entered to win a free paperback copy of the novel and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Enter the giveaway using the link below:
Rules
Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. This giveaway is open to US and international winners.
Media Tour Schedule
Monday, Nov. 11th
Intro Post by Kell @ Lilacs & Reveries
“Write Into Fall Tag” by Andrea @ Andrea Renee Cox & screenwriter87 (Twitter/X)
Anthology Spotlight + Interview with Andrea Renee Cox by Sara G. Miller @ Baking Up Stories
Interview with Heather Flynn by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Interview with Shira J. Rodriguez by Moriyah Cordova @ Fable Rose
Tuesday, Nov. 12th
Anthology Spotlight by M.C. Kennedy @ Graceful Reflections & Instagram
Anthology Spotlight by Faith Gilliosa @ Faith on the Farm
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Wednesday, Nov. 13th
Anthology Spotlight by Faith @ FaithDCox.com/blog & FaithDCox (X/Twitter)
Anthology Spotlight & Interview with Faith D. Cox by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Interview with Bethany Willcock by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Thursday, Nov. 14th
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox by Alena @ Alena Mentink
Anthology Spotlight by Lorelei Angelino on Facebook
Interview with Katja H. Labonté by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Friday, Nov. 15th
Resharing of “Write Into Fall Tag” by Andrea Renee Cox @ screenwriter87 (Twitter/X)
Anthology Spotlight by Riley G. @ Nerd of the Arts
Guest Post from Kellyn Roth by Rachel Leitch @ ProseWorthy
Anthology/Story Review by Moriyah Cordova @ Fable Rose
Monday, Nov. 18th
Interview with Kelsey Bryant by Faith Blum @ faithblumauthor (Instagram)
“Release Day Tomorrow” by Andrea Renee Cox @ Andrea Renee Cox & screenwriter87 (Twitter/X)
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (LAUNCH DAY)
“Introducing . . . Novelists in November” by Kell @ Lilacs & Reveries
Anthology/Story Review by M.C. Kennedy @ Graceful Reflections & mckennedy.author (Instagram)
Interview with Bethany Willcock by Faith Gilliosa @ Faith on the Farm
Anthology Spotlight by Moriyah Cordova @ Fable Rose
Anthology/Story Review by DevotedToHope @ Devoted To Hope
Wednesday, Nov. 20th
Guest Post & Giveaway by Faith D. Cox @ Deena Adams’s blog
Anthology/Story Review by Emma @ Emma Crooks + newsletter & Anthology Spotlight on emma.crooks.books (Instagram)
Thursday, Nov. 21st
Guest Post from Kellyn Roth by Cate VanNostrand @ Southern Story Scribbler
Anthology Spotlight by Naomi Sowell @ naomisowellwrites (Instagram)
Friday, Nov. 22nd
Wrapup Post by Kell @ Lilacs & Reveries
Resharing of “Release Day Tomorrow” by Andrea Renee Cox @ screenwriter87 (Twitter/X)Interview with Katja H. Labonté by Riley G. @ Nerd of the Arts
Guest Post from Kellyn Roth by Moriyah Cordova @ Fable Rose
Thank you for the review and spotlight of Novelists in November! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.