Springtime in Surrey | Giveaway, Book Review, & Sneak Peeks!

I knew I would love this…

But I didn’t realize how much. 😭

This anthology is full of beautiful, faith-filled novellas and the unparalleled magic of the England countryside! 😍 Here are my short, slightly chaotic, bullet-point thoughts on each story!

(Oh, and before we begin, can I just say I think novellas are wildly underrated and underappreciated? They can be just as memorable and can take you on as delightful of an adventure as any full-length novel.)

Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum

• I love how this started out – the emotion and conflict was so engagingly written. Though there were times I didn’t connect with Elinor, I could still feel how Elinor was just going through the motions, surviving, not living. You could feel the problem building up until that breaking point moment – there was a lot of suspense, honestly!
• Andrew was so sweet and had such a generous, caring heart. I love how it started off with genuine concern for Elinor’s needs, and he could relate with how he’d lost his father. He’s so respectful and thoughtful. And CUTE. 😜
• The theme of resting in Jesus was beautifully told through the struggles the characters faced and the peace found in the end!

The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox

• The aesthetic in this was utter PERFECTION. A wrought-iron table, teacup, a breeze, lichen, a cottage…someone transport me to that setting, please.
• The opening scene with Moira was heart-tugging and well-crafted, and the way ballet took over so much of her life felt so realistic and was told in such a masterful, relatable way. Even if you’ve never done ballet (*raises hand*) you’ll sympathize with her, feel her pain and desires.
• Adrian is a darling, endearing fellow. His POV brings a nice touch of humor to the story, which I love. His romantic gestures were rather heart-melting. (And the comedic act he did in Chapter 5 felt straight out of an old black-and-white movie! I loved it! That kinda thing can be hard to write, what with all the gestures and movements and all, but the author nailed it. )
• The theme was powerful and relatable, and I could put myself in Moira’s place with my passion as a writer. Artists often find their sole identity in their work. It can be hard to distance ourselves from that and let go enough to live life and follow all of God’s callings. I loved how Adrian had a parallel arc, with letting go of his dream to choose what God had placed before him.
• The prose was lovely and vibrant!
• All in all, I adored this story and found it very solid, sweet, and heartfelt, with a delightful touch of enchantment. I can’t wait to read more by the author!

If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines

• Set during World War II, in England. I knew I’d enjoy this, straight off the bat. The historical details were sprinkled in just the right amount, creating an accurate and just-vivid-enough picture of life in 1941 England.
• This story felt incredibly realistic, and Joan was such a sympathetic character. The characterization was on point (as was the conflict). She was such a self-sacrificing person, so human, such a sweet mother figure to Oliver and Lottie. The emotional beats flowed so naturally.
• That sequence where Oliver and Lottie find out the news was SO heart-wrenching and well-written. (*gives Oliver all the hugs*)
• The reunion scene…MY HEART. What strikes me most about this story is how ridiculously REALISTIC it feels. It’s told in such a way that I can easily see it being played out on the silver screen, yet it’s also believable enough that I could see it also happening in real life. *chef’s kiss* Such a beautiful, captivating story with solid, relatable themes!

Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson

• Ahhh I loved this one!!! Told in rich, vibrant, and balanced prose, her characters immediately grabbed me with their well-developed conflicts and personalities.
• Johnson is a queen at writing comedic scenes – like that falling-out-of-the-car escapade. It was hilarious and delightfully awkward. I adore meet cutes like that. The progression of her and Trevor’s romance was paced incredibly well, considering how it was strangers-to-lovers AND in novella form! She nailed it.
• Romances with an older couple are rare, so I enjoyed this breath of fresh air! It felt completely believable and realistic. There was just something mature about these characters’ conflicts that felt their age, if that makes sense. The message of laying down your worries and surrendering them to the Lord was faith-building and let’s be real, something everyone needs to hear. Those themes were powerfully played out through the characters’ arcs.
• And the aesthetic. *swoons* Can please I visit that setting????
• Overall, such a sweet story with intriguing, realistic characters, a poignant, truth-filled message, and an ending that will leave your heart glowing!

The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté

• The writing style is the first thing that stood out to me. It’s delightfully vintage and old-fashioned, immersing the reader in the 1903 era and making it feel like it was written then. I love it!
• Catriona’s predicament was most distressing and, I must admit, immediately hooked me; Ewart was introduced in a state of equal miserableness; but when they meet, the way they grow each other is so beautiful. Cat is blunt and passionately truthful, shining a light on the lies poisoning Ewart’s entire worldview, and he spiritually challenges and uplifts her. And that lays a rock-solid foundation for their romance! Though it was subtle for the majority of the story, that darling scene in the epilogue was sooo sweet!
• The quick wit of the characters was purely delightful. Why can’t people speak like that nowadays??? *sobs* We gotta bring that back. Ewart and his sister provided such wonderful comic relief with their bantering. *happy sigh* I love good sibling relationships in books.
• As mentioned, the spiritual content in The Tussie-Mussie was strong and unashamed, without feeling forced or dry.
• I love how Katja tells her stories, and this one was no exception. I can’t wait to read more by her in the future!

The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch

• I shan’t lie, I’d been waiting to read this novella ever since I read Rachel’s post about writing strong female characters. It was so creative and original, with a subtle, skillfully incorporated theme that hit hard!
• The writing. Flawless and perfectly fitting the atmosphere.
• Besides the whole atmosphere of the story, the characters were the best part of it. They were odd ducks, and even appeared mismatched…yet at the same time, they fit together like puzzle pieces. And Jessamy’s relationship with her mom felt so realistic and natural. Jessamy herself was an incredibly relatable heroine, flawed and convinced that she will always be a misfit. Yet she learned that there was room for her to belong. There was no one she needed to conform herself to be like.
• The aesthetic. The tea shop. The tea-inspired word choices. MY GOODNESS. It was oh-so-deliberate and lovely.

Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Matthews

• I did not expect to love this so much. The whole breathless mood of anticipation and joy this story started out in was a hook all in itself, and I quickly caught on quickly to Margaret’s excitement. Starting off with that high made the rest of the story hit even harder, and I loved the parallels/callbacks in the beginning and the ending of the story!
• The writing was old-fashioned and polished, with choice descriptions that clearly evoked just the aura the writer intended, and the backstory was woven in very naturally. (Gotta shout that out, as it can be quite a tricky feat sometimes.)
• The romance was sweet and gentle with its fair share of teasing dialogue, which I adored. I would have liked a kiss or two, seeing as how they were separated for so long and were just about to get married, but the author was still able to show their affection and chemistry without that.
• There was a boy named Oswald. Instant points in this story’s favor. (That’s my baby brother’s name XD) Speaking of, I have a soft spot for heroines with a lot of younger siblings. 😛 How it was written felt quite realistic. (I speak as one with many younger siblings. 😇)
• The theme of trusting in God during trials while you are also battling with sorrow and longing was so powerful and extremely relatable. Definitely one of my favorite aspects of this story, along with the magical descriptions of nature! (The sunrise reunion scene at the end…🥰️ Just gorgeous.)

Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth

• My poor, dear, spunky Rosalind. I really felt her hurt at how Matthias seemed to be eager to be rid of her company. The emotions came across vividly, powerfully. And yet also I felt darling Matthias’s conflict just as vividly as Rosalind’s – and frankly, it was quite agonizing. The heartbreaking struggles he had with PTSD were portrayed so believably. He really needed Rosalind to draw him out of that – she was the perfect fit for him.
• The theme resonated with me, and the title captures the essence of it: courage to stay. To face the fears that plague us. To hold on to God’s promises. And not to run away at the slightest hint of vulnerability.
• Matthias describes Rosalind’s eyes as such “fragments of sunshine working their way down in an old-growth forest.” IS THAT NOT THE MOST GORGEOUS THING EVER? And I know exactly what he’s talking about, that flickering of light filtering down from soaring green trees. So yeah, I loved the writing style. It was balanced and beautiful, with an old-fashioned touch that fit the time period.

OVERALL

This collection combines the charm of springtime in County Surrey (and all the delightful British countryside vibes that I love) with an original, diverse cast of characters and a strong faith content. From swoony romances to unbreakable friendships, from Sherlock Holmes-style mystery to heart-melting WWII-era fiction, this anthology of novellas makes the perfect read for a lazy afternoon or two where you want to escape into the world of County Surrey, England and make friends with relatable, endearing characters.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

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About the Anthology!

Springtime in Surrey, the first collection releasing with Wild Blue Wonder Press, is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.

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the eight novellas

Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum

An orphaned young woman must fight to survive after WWI breaks out, praying her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did years ago.

The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox

A former ballerina seeks hope amongst her lost dreams, as a sheep farmer tries to bring her joy.

If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines

An exhausted mother balances her duties to both her biological and evacuee children with preparation for an unexpected visit from her soldier husband.

Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson

A destitute woman is pursued by an unexpected suitor and finds blessings from God in the way she least expected.

The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté

A disgraced debutante flees to the country, only to meet a reclusive writer who may change her life forever.

The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch

An insecure university student returns to a tea shop after a mysterious letter summons her there.

Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews

A hard-working sister-of-seven struggles with contentment as her marriage is postponed by her fiancé’s absence.

Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth

A young bride chases her husband into the forest to rescue him from himself, which goes about as well as one would expect.

The Authors of Springtime in Surrey!

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Enter to win the giveaway!

The authors of Springtime in Surrey are hosting a huge giveaway with not one but two winners—a US winner and an international winner—over the course of the blog tour!

From July 25th to July 31st, follow the tour, commenting on posts, and subscribe to the authors’ newsletters and blogs! The winners will be announced on August 1st and contacted by email!

US Prizes

A print copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a spring-themed mug, a bookish ornament, a spring-themed candle, an inspirational journal, and tea.

International Prizes

An ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a gift card, an ebook of choice by Erika Mathews, an ebook from the winner’s Amazon wishlist, an exclusive epilogue of The Tussie-Mussie, and a phone wallpaper.

Rules

Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. Two winners—one US and one international—will be randomly selected at the end of the giveaway and contacted by email. The winners must be comfortable sharing their shipping addresses. Any and all information provided through the giveaway will be used only for the purposes stated.

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Behold, the sneak peeks!

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Feel free to check out Wild Blue Wonder Press on Instagram and Facebook, participate in the social media bookish challenge, or browse the other posts on the blog tour using the …

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 24th

Kickoff Post at Lilacs & Reveries

Interview with Katja H. Labonté at Sheep Among Wolves

Interview with Faith Blum at Library Lady’s Kid Lit

Launch Announcement at Writing to Inspire

Interview with Rachel Leitch at Words & Wildflowers

Three-Novella Review at Miraculous Homeschool

Tuesday, July 25th (LAUNCH DAY)

Collection Spotlight at Of Blades and Thorns

Collection Spotlight & Single-Novella Review at Review from the Stacks

Collection Review at Emily Yager

Collection Review at The Book Dragon’s Alcove

Collection Review at Story of a Christian Girl

Wednesday, July 26th

Two-Novella Review at H.S. Kylian

Collection Review at Abbigail B.

“Tips from Editing 7 Novellas in a Month,” a Guest Post by Kellyn at Joyfully Natasha

Collection Review at Imperial Scribis

Thursday, July 27th

“Why We Wrote Stories Set in Surrey,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at A Handful of Quietness

Collection Review at Library Lady’s Kid Lit

Collection Spotlight at Kelsey’s Notebook

Single-Novella Review at Vanessa Hall

Interview with Andrea Renee Cox at Story of a Christian Girl

Friday, July 28th

Two-Novella Review at Read Review Rejoice

Collection Spotlight at Writing to Inspire

Single-Novella Review at Joyfully Natasha

Collection Review at Graceful Reflections

“Why I Love Writing Women’s Fiction,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Abbigail B.

Saturday, July 29th

Collection Review at Saraina Whitney (you’re here, m’dear!)

Collection Review & Collection Spotlight at Little Blossoms for Jesus

“Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Library Lady’s Kid Lit

Wrapup Post at Lilacs & Reveries

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Are you entering the giveaway? Don’t you love those delightful quotes? (Well, some are rather sad. 😭 Don’t worry, the endings of the stories bring hope! 😉 ) What about this anthology are you most excited about? Are you one of those lucky people who have traveled to England?