A January Bride

Book description:  "What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser's 'pen pal' friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper - but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner - a man who's likely many years her senior - and who she's never even met.

Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she's far from being a prospective date---even if he were ready to date again, which he's not.

When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another's identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom."

My review:  One of the good things about a novella is that I can read the whole book in one sitting.  Not wanting to put this book down, I did just that.  There were some pretty funny twists and turns in this book, and I never felt like the story was rushed.  Although this was a very predictable story, the plot was unusual and fun.  I could have kept reading, but at the same time I felt like the author did a great job developing her story in so few pages.  This is a novella that I can give five stars!  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.