Description
Novelists in November is a Christian short story collection featuring eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ and pursuing hope, joy, and inspiration. This anthology contains touching stories from contemporary and historical fiction authors with a mix of romance, women’s fiction, and mystery!
Faith Aquino –
Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox:
This sweet story about a writer dealing with family problems had me in its grasp til I finished the last sentence. I loved how Sarah’s family was formed from different cultures, how relatable her mother’s wishes for her was, and just the family conflict itself is well written.
And As She Talked by Bethany Willcock:
I couldn’t put this story down until I found out how it ended. What makes this story so interesting is the fact that poor Autumn doesn’t know how on earth she is seeing things that come out from her own imagination for her stories, and we readers are pulled into her head to experience the fear and wonder of every event that just convinces her even more of how much she ought to take a rest from writing. A wonderful mystery story to read.
Reasons to Be Thankful by Hannah E. Gridley:
Can I just say I love how this ended? But obviously you’d want to at least get the gist of the story which is a struggling writer in the midst of wanting a child so much. The ending, though slightly sad, was satisfactory.
Act in the Living Present by Katja H. Labonté:
Myriam’s character and struggles to find her purpose in life was so relatable. And though the story came more slowly than I would like to have read, it was well done that this was one of the most memorable stories.
My Heart Still Sings by Faith D. Cox:
Oh, wow… This story had me in tears. I plunged into this book, expecting a calm, sweet story. But no, this one drove me on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me with a theme I’ll hold on to during dark hours. I love how Kaylee went from hating writing to finding her voice in the end, and how much writing matters.
Tollemache House by Kellyn Roth:
Effie’s relationship with her sister-in-law was so interesting to read. Even though Alexandra seemed a little aloof at times, I really like her bluntness and how she pushed Effie to write.
Finding Beauty in the Suffering by Katie Zeliger:
Rowena is a character that practically steps out from this short story. It was fun traveling with her to Germany and encountering strange people and the pain that often comes with writing yourself into your stories.
The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne by Shira J. Rodriguez:
What a sweet short story. Though also sad and true-to life, I loved how Lavender found who she was and loved “recklessly” even when she wouldn’t be loved back.
Pages of Grace by Heather Flynn:
I was surprised to find this quite romantic, yet it contained its novelist theme. Though Winnie only appeared briefly, she must be the character I liked best.
The Sound of Healing by Avrie Swan:
Out of all the short stories, besides My Heart Still Sings, I probably liked this one best. To quote, “Tell me one of your stories. A nice one, where the hero defeats the villain and rises up in a cloak of glory.”
Between Moor and Mountain by Kelsey Bryant:
This last short story was a perfect close to the whole anthology. Leslie finding that every imperfect word she writes could also lead to healing was so heartfelt.
All in all, Novelists in November is an anthology I believe every struggling writer and artist out there needs to read. Filled with sadness, loss, hope, faith, love, and finding God’s purpose for you in life, this eleven short stories are sure to bring you tears, laughter, and strength to keep on writing even when writing is hard.
*FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this anthology from the publisher. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Sharon Hughson –
This collection of Christian short stories grants insight into the world of writers. It might surprise you to find real life interferes with deadlines and inspiration.
As with any collection, some stories engaged me more than others. My favorites happened to be the first and last ones in the anthology. Overall, it gets 3.5 to 4 stars from me.
I love sibling stories. And the main character in the first story was a single woman who was also a foster mom and full-time novelist. How? You’ll have to read to discover the answer.
The final story has a woman taking a dream trip to Scotland and finding the inspiration she lost thanks to a destructive romantic relationship. I felt like I was there. It almost made me want to try haggis.
Each story weaves spiritual truth with plot lines and character growth. Whether you prefer historical, mystery, or romance, this book has something for everyone.