Yes, the timeline is rushed. Insta-love is happening; if you can't forgive it, this isn't the novella for you. (I normally can't either, but I was more than happy to for Nate and Juliet!) Similarly, years of family dysfunction are resolved after one or two conversations. If only reality worked this way (but isn't that what Christmas romance novellas are all about--a chance to improve reality?).

So if you can accept that a less-than-200-page novella (which takes place over less than two weeks) is going to put a rush on...well, all the things...then you'll love this novella. It is simply a delight. The characters are real and vulnerable, and the banter...the banter is perfection, intelligent and mature and genuinely funny. I would re-read this simply to relish the dialogue all over again.

I look forward to the rest of this author's work. I can't wait for more sharp dialogue. I can't wait to see how deeply she can develop characters and explore their mutual healing when she has the room of a full-length novel.