Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch

Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch ISBN-13: 9780825477195 ebook: 336 pages Publisher: Kregel Publications Released: October 13, 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
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.

"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. Can they ever overcome 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 beautify but timid widow there.


My Review:
Joy to the World is a collection of three short story romances set in the Regency period. The main characters were all likable people. In the first story, a couple that wanted to be married now had a second chance at love. The heroine had to overcome her shame about hurting the man she loved when she rejected his marriage offer and find the courage to acknowledge that she still loves him. In the second and third story, the hero and heroine saw the beauty and good character of the other and built each other up. In the second story, two hurting people reached out and helped each other even though society rejected them. The heroine explained how she could still believe in God after everything bad that had happened, and this helped the hero break through the darkness in his life. In the third story, the heroine needed to break free from the stifling control of her mother-in-law. The kind, confident hero showed his interest in her life and opinions, which helped her find the courage to pursue the life she wanted. In each story, characters looked to God for guidance and comfort. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this enjoyable collection.


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