Filled with three heartwarming and inspirational stories, Joy to the World is the perfect read for when you’re snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.
Book Blurb
In Joy to the World, three popular romance authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome both their obligations and their fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?
“Far as the Curse Is Found” by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he’d fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.
My Thoughts
I’m not quite sure where to begin. I loved this collection, and I think it may be the best novella collection I’ve ever read. Honestly, I wanted to read it mainly because of Erica Vetsch, but I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story. Allow me to share a few thoughts on each.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Carolyn Miller is a new author to me. I’ve heard of her but had never read any of her novels. After reading this novella, however, I’m excited to read more of her work! Miller has great characterization. From the beginning, I sympathized with Edith even thought I didn’t know quite what happened between her and George.
Miller does a great job developing their relationship and the path to grace and forgiveness, and she includes some great thought food for thought about God’s grace and forgiveness.
“Far as the Curse Is Found” by Amanda Barratt
Exceptional. Just exceptional. I loved watching Jenny and Dwight’s relationship grow. Barratt’s writing style shines in this poignant novella. I especially loved how relevant the themes are to modern-day readers.
The romance is well-developed, and Barratt did a great job of proving that Dwight and Jenny are a perfect pair. I liked Jenny’s determination to talk to Dwight about Christ, especially since Jenny doesn’t just talk. Jenny also shows the love of Christ, which I think is a great reminder to all Christians.
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
I cheated and read this one first because I was so excited about it! If you’ve read The Lost Lieutenant and The Gentleman Spy, you probably understand my excitement. Especially since this novella features Cilla, Marcus’s widowed sister-in-law. Getting to see all the beloved characters again is always exciting.
I think this romance was my favorite of the collection. I loved the spiritual thread about being seen by God. Cilla and Hamish both feel like they’re often overlooked, and the realization that God sees them, and that they see each other, made the romance deeper and more meaningful.
Overall, Joy to the World is a great romance collection perfect for Regency fans.
Further Information
You can order your own copy by clicking the book image above. Or you can go to your favorite retailer.
For more on Carolyn Miller, you can go to her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For more on Amanda Barrett, you can go to her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
For more on Erica Vetsch, you can go to her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
