Synopsis:~
Someone had noticed me. A secret admirer? A man with a good heart, who saw how much I actually do need help, even though I never admit it, and how much Sydney needs someone to teach her that men can be nice—that some of them stick around, no matter how hard life got. Maybe I knew him. Maybe he’s been around for a while. Maybe this is the beginning of a beautiful story—a romance full of hope and second chances and love. Maybe…
A secret Santa gift left on Kale Brennan’s front porch opens up a fresh view of her ordinary life, and perhaps a fresh view of God. Maybe her ordinary life matters, maybe God sees her —as does a new, single teacher who has her seven year old daughter gushing. But as she embraces new possibilities, a staple in her life—a man who is both kind and steady, and necessary for her injured daughter’s recovery—also snatches her attention in an unexpected way. Will the one pursuing her with his secret gift and kind gestures be the one her heart longs for in the end?
My take:~
So, I’m reviewing a Christmas novella in January! My excuse is that this contemporary love story is so moving and authentic, it should be read all year round. I’d heard of Jennifer Rodewald in my bookish travels, but Ordinary Snowflakes is my first foray into her stories. It won’t be my last!
There’s an authenticity to the characters, prose, and emotions in Jennifer’s writing that was a joy to read. Kale’s inner struggle with fear, the way she questioned her worth as a mother, and wondering about her appeal to the men in her life reflect most women’s battles with the same insecurities. At times I became frustrated with Kale’s constant self-doubt, because I knew much of it was unfounded, but isn’t that the truth for each of us? We see the value in those around us, but rarely in ourselves. Kale’s attraction to two men is genuine, and thankfully is deftly handled and didn’t fall into any eye-rolling, love triangle ridiculousness. Ordinary Snowflakes is a warm and tender love story with great characters, including a little girl who is often a scene-stealer! I’m hunting down Jennifer Rodewald’s back list now.
With thanks to the author for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Jennifer’s website
Buy at Amazon: Ordinary Snowflakes
January 13, 2017 at 3:29 pm
I’ve read all of Jennifer Rodewald books and they are each and every one phenomenal.
January 14, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Sarah Monzon » Good to know, Sarah 🙂
January 13, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Jennifer’s great! I think I’ve read all of hers except this one. Must fix that!
January 14, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Sally Bradley » If you love them all, Sally, I’m sure I will too xo
January 14, 2017 at 4:09 pm
She deals with real-life stuff, Rel. I’m thrilled to see more books like that getting out there and doing well. Readers want them.
January 14, 2017 at 1:27 am
Rel, Thank you so much for taking the time to read AND review Ordinary Snowflakes! I’m so very honored, and glad you enjoyed Kale’s story. 🙂
January 14, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Jen » It was a lovely treat, Jennifer – looking forward to more 🙂
January 14, 2017 at 3:40 am
I have the honor of critiquing with Jennifer, and all her books are so lovely, this one included 🙂
January 14, 2017 at 6:49 am
This sounds really good! =) Have to add to TBR! Thanks!
January 14, 2017 at 8:45 am
Ordinary Snowflakes was the first book I have ever read by Jennifer Rodewald and there was nothing ordinary about it! It made it on my list of 2016 favorite novellas and I’m anxious to read more of her books!
January 14, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Diana Flowers » You and me both, Diana!
January 14, 2017 at 9:56 am
Ok Rel – – I’m NOT a novella reader. I’ve tried’em and don’t like’em. I’m an “all in” kinda gal and novellas leave me feeling cheated. I like a story with depth and plot twists and swoon-worth romance, and as we say in the south “grits & guts” – and usually novellas don’t fill the bill for my reading tastes. And I realize that there are “different strokes for different folks” – so novellas may fall short for me – but be the right recipe for someone else. With that being said – with your endorsement and reading the reviews on my kindle, and I’m a sucker for a Christmas story (I am already counting down the days to Christmas 2017) I’ve downloaded a sample of Ordinary Snowflakes and will give it a shot. Who knows…. I may have to repent from my aversion to novellas.
January 14, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Pam – Florida » I understand your hesitation with novellas, Pam. But if you get the right one, then they are a wonderful read. I’d say Jennifer’s hits the spot! Let me know xo