Sweetest in the Gale: A Marysburg Story Collection (There's Something About Marysburg Book 3)

I’m going to attempt something that I’ve rarely done because it’s not really in me. To be succinct. Mini-reviews, one sentence (!) each. Am I going to abuse the comma? Absolutely. Let’s go.Sweetest in the Gale: Even while focusing on the loss of a loved one (whether a partner or biological family), Ms. Dade managed to make this a lovely, uplifting and ultimately, emotionally satisfying romance between two colleagues that started this anthology off right.Unraveled: Previously released novella that I thoroughly enjoyed before (but on re-read loved even more) also featuring two colleagues who, on the surface, are polar opposites, but still manages to find love through murder dioramas.Cover Me: Longtime friends dive into a marriage of convenience when the heroine discovers a lump in her breast, this is the novella that I hesitated in reading because cancer but happy I did because it’s so very, very, sweet, hopeful, and sexily satisfying.The Bottom Line: All of these novellas will stay with me in varying ways, and I’m so happy I read them. Bonus - I read the first few pages of Spoiler Alert, and now it’ll be even harder NOT to crack that book open right away. If you’re looking for an author who can give you fat rep with sensitivity, as well as romance with heat AND heart, look no further - I don’t hesitate to recommend Ms. Dade’s books.**purchased**

This cover! Olivia has really been inspiring me, both with her talent and her way of taking care of her characters. Both Candy and Griff are grieving, in very different ways. Griff, becoming aware that the woman he knew as the stern yet vivacious leader is utterly without spark as the new school year begins, and falling for her as they grow closer, has to contend with what that means for his grief about his beloved wife. Told entirely from Griff's POV this was poignant, a bit tough to read, and super sweet.

This was not the typical kind of romance I read, and not the type of plot that usually pulls me in, so if I were rating just on my preference I would give it a three or four Star review. But the quality of the author’s writing was so high that I feel like I have to give it a five. The author’s word choice and writing style were impeccable. It drew me in, and even though I wasn’t particularly drawn in by the plots, the character development and writing were wonderful. As a writer, I feel like I will study this book to improve my own writing. Also, fantastic plus size woman rep!

Each novella was sweeter than the last, but I think Candy and Griff might be my new favorites. Only Olivia Dade could hand such serious subject matter in so short a time, and still make my Kindle melt! Whew.

Loved the first and second stories unreservedly (Sweetest in the Gale, Unraveled). The last, for all that it was so serious and important and I enjoyed their relationship and how the material was handled, wrapped up way too quickly (their relationship) for me to be fully satisfied with it as a story.