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There's Something About Marysburg #3
Sweetest in the Gale
3 stories + 3 couples = 6 lonely hearts finding happily-ever-after at last.
"Sweetest in the Gale": Much ado about love...
Candy Albright has always stomped confidently through the halls of Marysburg High, passionate and loud and entirely devoted to her students and her various English department initiatives. From his first day as her colleague, Griff Conover couldn't look away, despite his best efforts.
After a summer apart, though, Candy returns to school a changed woman. Muted. Dimmed. Bowed by a grief Griff recognizes all too well, but doesn't yet understand. And when they're thrown together to coordinate a poetry project, he can't resist the urge to read between her lines once and for all--even if doing so means he'll have to confront his own loss...and his own lonely, longing heart.
"Unraveled": The more tightly wound a man is, the faster he unravels...
Math teacher Simon Burnham--cool, calm, controlled--can't abide problems with no good solution. Which makes his current work assignment, mentoring art teacher Poppy Wick, nothing short of torture. She's warm but sharp. Chaotic but meticulous. Simultaneously the most frustrating and most alluring woman he's ever known. And in her free time, she makes murder dioramas. Murder dioramas, for heaven's sake. But the more tightly wound a man is, the faster he unravels--and despite his best efforts, he soon finds himself attempting to solve three separate mysteries: a murder in miniature, the unexplained disappearance of a colleague...and the unexpected theft of his cold, cold heart.
"Cover Me": First comes marriage...
Elizabeth Stone has no health insurance. No savings. No one to turn to when she finds a lump on her breast...except James Magnusson, her friend of over twenty years. When he offers her a marriage of convenience for healthcare coverage, she'd be a fool to say no. But given the emotions she's buried for so long, saying yes might lead to a broken heart.
James won't take no for an answer. Not when marriage could save Elizabeth's life, and not when he's finally realized how much he needs her. Even during his doomed first marriage, James considered Elizabeth a special friend--one he had to keep at a safe distance. Now he's free, and Elizabeth is his wife...but will they finally have the chance to be together, only to have everything torn apart?
Content guidance for "Cover Me": This story contains discussions of breast cancer, an on-page mammogram and biopsy, and a definite happily-ever-after.
This book contains one entirely new story ("Sweetest in the Gale") and two stories previously published in the He's Come Undone and Rogue Acts anthologies. The latter stories have been lightly edited since their original publication, and "Unraveled" has a new epilogue.
"Sweetest in the Gale": Much ado about love...
Candy Albright has always stomped confidently through the halls of Marysburg High, passionate and loud and entirely devoted to her students and her various English department initiatives. From his first day as her colleague, Griff Conover couldn't look away, despite his best efforts.
After a summer apart, though, Candy returns to school a changed woman. Muted. Dimmed. Bowed by a grief Griff recognizes all too well, but doesn't yet understand. And when they're thrown together to coordinate a poetry project, he can't resist the urge to read between her lines once and for all--even if doing so means he'll have to confront his own loss...and his own lonely, longing heart.
"Unraveled": The more tightly wound a man is, the faster he unravels...
Math teacher Simon Burnham--cool, calm, controlled--can't abide problems with no good solution. Which makes his current work assignment, mentoring art teacher Poppy Wick, nothing short of torture. She's warm but sharp. Chaotic but meticulous. Simultaneously the most frustrating and most alluring woman he's ever known. And in her free time, she makes murder dioramas. Murder dioramas, for heaven's sake. But the more tightly wound a man is, the faster he unravels--and despite his best efforts, he soon finds himself attempting to solve three separate mysteries: a murder in miniature, the unexplained disappearance of a colleague...and the unexpected theft of his cold, cold heart.
"Cover Me": First comes marriage...
Elizabeth Stone has no health insurance. No savings. No one to turn to when she finds a lump on her breast...except James Magnusson, her friend of over twenty years. When he offers her a marriage of convenience for healthcare coverage, she'd be a fool to say no. But given the emotions she's buried for so long, saying yes might lead to a broken heart.
James won't take no for an answer. Not when marriage could save Elizabeth's life, and not when he's finally realized how much he needs her. Even during his doomed first marriage, James considered Elizabeth a special friend--one he had to keep at a safe distance. Now he's free, and Elizabeth is his wife...but will they finally have the chance to be together, only to have everything torn apart?
Content guidance for "Cover Me": This story contains discussions of breast cancer, an on-page mammogram and biopsy, and a definite happily-ever-after.
This book contains one entirely new story ("Sweetest in the Gale") and two stories previously published in the He's Come Undone and Rogue Acts anthologies. The latter stories have been lightly edited since their original publication, and "Unraveled" has a new epilogue.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2020
About the author
Olivia Dade
25 books4,401 followersOlivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her delightful family and their ever-burgeoning collection of books.
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
June 14, 2021
As a romance reader with zero restraint, I read my arc the evening it landed on my e-reader. Sweetest in the Gale is a collection of a brand-new novella (“Sweetest in the Gale”) and two previously published novellas (“Unraveled” and “Cover Me”).
“Sweetest in the Gale” navigates grief as two English teachers organize a school-wide poetry initiative. In “Unraveled,” sparks fly when a tightly-wound math teacher mentors a chaotic art instructor in an opposites attract romance-slash-murder-diorama-mystery. And in “Cover Me,” a decades-long friendship suddenly turns into a marriage of convenience when an uninsured woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Set in the fictional town of Marysburg in Virginia, Sweetest in the Gale is a veritable treasure trove of swoons, sighs, and sobs (I frequently experienced all three while reading). The stories are as beautiful as the anthology cover, and you can see how beautiful the cover is (shout-out to cover artist Leni Kauffman)! I’d definitely recommend Sweetest in the Gale to lovers of contemporary romance, particularly those who appreciate throughly decent and kind individuals falling in love.
“Sweetest in the Gale”
Content Notes:
“Oh, this was undiluted pleasure. To share a common language, to exult together in a searing turn of phrase, to find a kindred soul in poetry.”
Okay, this is really, REALLY sad. But it also made me super happy? Is that an oxymoron? In my experience, grief storylines are bright when they’re paired with a happy ending. It fills me with hope when characters shrouded in darkness come together and search for a light at the end of a tunnel.
Huh. That was almost... poetic of me. Very on brand for this novella.
(Please ignore me, that’s the worst/most clichéd thing I’ve ever written. My attempts of using flowery/metaphorical language for this poetry-themed novella review failed miserably. Folks, this is why I majored in economics and government in college.)
ANYWAY. I really enjoyed this story. I’ve loved every story set in Marysburg High School. The protagonists always remind me of my favorite teachers: passionate with an infinite capacity for generosity. I said this in my review for Teach Me, but that’s why I love this series so much. The attentiveness and care they show to students is precious; the leads being good teachers is why I root so passionately for their happily-ever-afters.
I don’t want to spoil the romance too much, but here are some things I enjoyed about it: meddling principals devising poetry initiatives in an unsubtle attempt at matchmaking. An appreciation of literature that includes modern contributions (and not just “classics” from Dead White Men). So much pining and respect from both sides, even when their love is mired with grief. Lexiconic debates about the “monster” in Frankenstein and vehement agreement about Byron’s fuckboi/asshole status. And so, so much more. The beautiful cover depicts a scene toward the end of novella; it made me really happy to have a visual representation while tearing up with joy.
“Unraveled”
Content Notes:
Note: I read “Unraveled” in another anthology and am copying my review over. For those who have already read it, there’s a new epilogue and it’s ADORABLE. Don’t forget to check it out.
“Her touch had incinerated him so thoroughly, he might as well be the house in her diorama. And the burn had left him feeling anything—anything—but gentlemanly and professional.”
I’ve enjoyed Dade’s work before but I think that her Marysburg school series is my favorite. I’m biased because I went to school in the same suburban Central Virginia area; the setting feels unnervingly familiar to my experience. I have fond memories of high school (I know! Shocking!) and don’t mind experiencing nostalgia via fiction.
It’s so fun! Murder dioramas! Goth softball players! Gossipy teachers and scandalous past events that led to a mysterious firing! Starchy math teacher paired with infuriating, carefree artist! This is tailor-made to my interests. I kinda loved how the author abandoned the concept of a bleak moment. It doesn’t exist, and it works so well without it.
I was a bit disappointed that Poppy never has a POV scene. I’m not a big fan of single POV romances in contemporary settings (the story is entirely from Simon’s 3rd person/past tense POV), so my desire for Poppy’s perspective is more about personal reading preferences, not a failure of the execution. YMMV.
“Cover Me”
Content Notes:
“Then he raised his head, arm still tight around her waist, and she dimly registered the hush of a half-dozen stunned wedding guests. All people who knew the situation. Who knew this wasn’t a real marriage, blindingly sweet kiss notwithstanding.”
I don’t have much to say about “Cover Me,” but that’s not because I didn’t like it. The breast cancer storyline hit close to home because of my family history/struggles with breast cancer. It’s beautifully written, but maybe it’s TOO personal for me to really enjoy it?! I don’t even know. I was stressed out the entire time. This is more a “me” problem than the novella being unenjoyable. YMMV, because I think most readers would like this story. The political discussion around healthcare insurance, particularly the scene with the congressman, was brilliant.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“Sweetest in the Gale” navigates grief as two English teachers organize a school-wide poetry initiative. In “Unraveled,” sparks fly when a tightly-wound math teacher mentors a chaotic art instructor in an opposites attract romance-slash-murder-diorama-mystery. And in “Cover Me,” a decades-long friendship suddenly turns into a marriage of convenience when an uninsured woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Set in the fictional town of Marysburg in Virginia, Sweetest in the Gale is a veritable treasure trove of swoons, sighs, and sobs (I frequently experienced all three while reading). The stories are as beautiful as the anthology cover, and you can see how beautiful the cover is (shout-out to cover artist Leni Kauffman)! I’d definitely recommend Sweetest in the Gale to lovers of contemporary romance, particularly those who appreciate throughly decent and kind individuals falling in love.
“Sweetest in the Gale”
Content Notes:
“Oh, this was undiluted pleasure. To share a common language, to exult together in a searing turn of phrase, to find a kindred soul in poetry.”
Okay, this is really, REALLY sad. But it also made me super happy? Is that an oxymoron? In my experience, grief storylines are bright when they’re paired with a happy ending. It fills me with hope when characters shrouded in darkness come together and search for a light at the end of a tunnel.
Huh. That was almost... poetic of me. Very on brand for this novella.
(Please ignore me, that’s the worst/most clichéd thing I’ve ever written. My attempts of using flowery/metaphorical language for this poetry-themed novella review failed miserably. Folks, this is why I majored in economics and government in college.)
ANYWAY. I really enjoyed this story. I’ve loved every story set in Marysburg High School. The protagonists always remind me of my favorite teachers: passionate with an infinite capacity for generosity. I said this in my review for Teach Me, but that’s why I love this series so much. The attentiveness and care they show to students is precious; the leads being good teachers is why I root so passionately for their happily-ever-afters.
I don’t want to spoil the romance too much, but here are some things I enjoyed about it: meddling principals devising poetry initiatives in an unsubtle attempt at matchmaking. An appreciation of literature that includes modern contributions (and not just “classics” from Dead White Men). So much pining and respect from both sides, even when their love is mired with grief. Lexiconic debates about the “monster” in Frankenstein and vehement agreement about Byron’s fuckboi/asshole status. And so, so much more. The beautiful cover depicts a scene toward the end of novella; it made me really happy to have a visual representation while tearing up with joy.
“Unraveled”
Content Notes:
Note: I read “Unraveled” in another anthology and am copying my review over. For those who have already read it, there’s a new epilogue and it’s ADORABLE. Don’t forget to check it out.
“Her touch had incinerated him so thoroughly, he might as well be the house in her diorama. And the burn had left him feeling anything—anything—but gentlemanly and professional.”
I’ve enjoyed Dade’s work before but I think that her Marysburg school series is my favorite. I’m biased because I went to school in the same suburban Central Virginia area; the setting feels unnervingly familiar to my experience. I have fond memories of high school (I know! Shocking!) and don’t mind experiencing nostalgia via fiction.
It’s so fun! Murder dioramas! Goth softball players! Gossipy teachers and scandalous past events that led to a mysterious firing! Starchy math teacher paired with infuriating, carefree artist! This is tailor-made to my interests. I kinda loved how the author abandoned the concept of a bleak moment. It doesn’t exist, and it works so well without it.
I was a bit disappointed that Poppy never has a POV scene. I’m not a big fan of single POV romances in contemporary settings (the story is entirely from Simon’s 3rd person/past tense POV), so my desire for Poppy’s perspective is more about personal reading preferences, not a failure of the execution. YMMV.
“Cover Me”
Content Notes:
“Then he raised his head, arm still tight around her waist, and she dimly registered the hush of a half-dozen stunned wedding guests. All people who knew the situation. Who knew this wasn’t a real marriage, blindingly sweet kiss notwithstanding.”
I don’t have much to say about “Cover Me,” but that’s not because I didn’t like it. The breast cancer storyline hit close to home because of my family history/struggles with breast cancer. It’s beautifully written, but maybe it’s TOO personal for me to really enjoy it?! I don’t even know. I was stressed out the entire time. This is more a “me” problem than the novella being unenjoyable. YMMV, because I think most readers would like this story. The political discussion around healthcare insurance, particularly the scene with the congressman, was brilliant.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
4.5 this surprised no one more than me.
my favorite of the Marysburg series, filled with so much humanity.
my favorite of the Marysburg series, filled with so much humanity.
August 30, 2020
This bundle is a wholeee 3 novellas and ill be honest only 1 really stood out to me!!! So im read just that one for now.
And my rating is just for THAT NOVELLA.
Cover Me- Elizabeth and James ⭐⭐
This novella I should have set my expectations low. I just wish these two wouldn't have spent so much time PINNING for one another.. dude got married had some kids now divorced.. and Eliza well she went on dates and was single forever... now that she has a scare of cancer and tells James.. now he offers to marry her to get insurance.. now both are angsty thinking the other only cares as friends. both are wrong.. i just wish it didn't take them this long to finally tell one another "hey I love you". So much wasted time.. 😭😭😭😭
Angst, no om/ow drama, no cheating, drama, semi sex, no virgins
Recommend- ehhh
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Slowish burn
Breast cancer
47h/47H
Pinning
Mentions alcoholism
Hea
Epilogue
And my rating is just for THAT NOVELLA.
Cover Me- Elizabeth and James ⭐⭐
This novella I should have set my expectations low. I just wish these two wouldn't have spent so much time PINNING for one another.. dude got married had some kids now divorced.. and Eliza well she went on dates and was single forever... now that she has a scare of cancer and tells James.. now he offers to marry her to get insurance.. now both are angsty thinking the other only cares as friends. both are wrong.. i just wish it didn't take them this long to finally tell one another "hey I love you". So much wasted time.. 😭😭😭😭
Angst, no om/ow drama, no cheating, drama, semi sex, no virgins
Recommend- ehhh
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Slowish burn
Breast cancer
47h/47H
Pinning
Mentions alcoholism
Hea
Epilogue
July 22, 2021
**30 Books in 30 Days**
Book 29/30
Olivia Dade seems to be one of those authors who is just really consistent. I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from her, and some of it (Teach Me in particular!) I’ve outright loved. I am absolutely salivating for the release of All the Feels in October. I just have such a good feeling I’m going to love it so much.
This was a fun collection of novellas that range from the silly and sweet to the more serious side of the spectrum. Because the characters are middle-aged, and Dade seems incapable of creating characters that can’t help but behave like mature adults, the result is a refreshing experience of stories you don’t normally see in romance. Her characters are very profession focused and emotionally mature. It’s just nice.
“Sweetest in the Gale” – A grieving teacher and her co-worker who has always been drawn to her outspoken personality fall in love over poetry. 4/5 stars
“Unraveled” – The least substantial and silliest of the collection (in a good way!). A new teacher transfers into Marysburg and her mentor is the most snobbish man in the school. She makes murder dioramas (so cool!) and he melts. It did bother me that they couldn’t wait to hook up until they got home. Also, it felt forced in the narrative that they hooked up at all, but maybe that’s just my ace self shining through at the moment. 3.5/5 stars
“Cover Me” – This is the one that got to me the most, and it’s also the shortest. I wish it had been longer! James offers to marry Elizabeth, who he’s been good friends with for almost thirty years, so she can share his health insurance when she finds a lump in her breast. They soon realize they want the marriage to be real. This just missed the five star mark for me because I wanted more from the middle part where they’re both thinking about wanting to be together but aren’t. Basically I wanted more pining. 4.5/5 stars
Book 29/30
Olivia Dade seems to be one of those authors who is just really consistent. I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from her, and some of it (Teach Me in particular!) I’ve outright loved. I am absolutely salivating for the release of All the Feels in October. I just have such a good feeling I’m going to love it so much.
This was a fun collection of novellas that range from the silly and sweet to the more serious side of the spectrum. Because the characters are middle-aged, and Dade seems incapable of creating characters that can’t help but behave like mature adults, the result is a refreshing experience of stories you don’t normally see in romance. Her characters are very profession focused and emotionally mature. It’s just nice.
“Sweetest in the Gale” – A grieving teacher and her co-worker who has always been drawn to her outspoken personality fall in love over poetry. 4/5 stars
“Unraveled” – The least substantial and silliest of the collection (in a good way!). A new teacher transfers into Marysburg and her mentor is the most snobbish man in the school. She makes murder dioramas (so cool!) and he melts. It did bother me that they couldn’t wait to hook up until they got home. Also, it felt forced in the narrative that they hooked up at all, but maybe that’s just my ace self shining through at the moment. 3.5/5 stars
“Cover Me” – This is the one that got to me the most, and it’s also the shortest. I wish it had been longer! James offers to marry Elizabeth, who he’s been good friends with for almost thirty years, so she can share his health insurance when she finds a lump in her breast. They soon realize they want the marriage to be real. This just missed the five star mark for me because I wanted more from the middle part where they’re both thinking about wanting to be together but aren’t. Basically I wanted more pining. 4.5/5 stars
February 9, 2023
I loved each of these novellas. There was something so vulnerable about each. Hopeful stories of healing and honesty!
December 18, 2022
this is the third book in the there’s something about marysburg trilogy and contains three short stories: “sweetest in the gale,” “unraveled,” and “cover me.” each short story follows school faculty members falling in love in their own ways. i think my favorite was “unraveled,” in which a math teacher mentors the new art teacher, who has unconventional methods to teaching.
each story was perfectly paced, in my opinion, as i was able to care for the characters while not feeling like something was missing.
i’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
each story was perfectly paced, in my opinion, as i was able to care for the characters while not feeling like something was missing.
i’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
Read
February 18, 2024This is a collection of short stories in the "There's Something About Marysburg" series by Olivia Dade.
All are novellas with older couples and plus-size heroines.
"Sweetest in the Gale"
Both characters in this short story are teachers who work at the same high school. The heroine is known for her spunky personality, but when she comes back after summer break the hero notices that the spark in her eyes has dimmed. He is determined to help her.
-teachers
-widower
TW: grief over the death of a loved one
"Unraveled"
By far my favorite in this collection! Both characters work at the high school in town. The hero is a math teacher who is assigned to observe the heroine's art class. She makes mini dioramas of crime scenes where views try to solve the murder. I just adored watching the hero become smitten with the heroine. Ugh, I loved it!!
-Opposites attract
-Teachers
"Cover Me"
Both characters have been friends since college, but this story is about them getting in a marriage of convenience. The heroine thinks there is a possibility she might have cancer, but her lack of health insurance blocks her from getting tests done. The hero swoops in with the idea that the two get married to give her the health insurance she needs.
-Friends to lovers
-Marriage of Convenience
-Baker Heroine
-Plus Size Hero
TW: medical discussions, possible cancer
All are novellas with older couples and plus-size heroines.
"Sweetest in the Gale"
Both characters in this short story are teachers who work at the same high school. The heroine is known for her spunky personality, but when she comes back after summer break the hero notices that the spark in her eyes has dimmed. He is determined to help her.
-teachers
-widower
TW: grief over the death of a loved one
"Unraveled"
By far my favorite in this collection! Both characters work at the high school in town. The hero is a math teacher who is assigned to observe the heroine's art class. She makes mini dioramas of crime scenes where views try to solve the murder. I just adored watching the hero become smitten with the heroine. Ugh, I loved it!!
-Opposites attract
-Teachers
"Cover Me"
Both characters have been friends since college, but this story is about them getting in a marriage of convenience. The heroine thinks there is a possibility she might have cancer, but her lack of health insurance blocks her from getting tests done. The hero swoops in with the idea that the two get married to give her the health insurance she needs.
-Friends to lovers
-Marriage of Convenience
-Baker Heroine
-Plus Size Hero
TW: medical discussions, possible cancer
March 29, 2022
Reread March 2022
I feel like I may have been a bit harsh on the third story in this anthology my first time around. I said that it would maybe be a two-star but that is not true. It's probably like a three and a half. The only real issue with it is that it doesn't fit in this anthology and that there isn't enough on page discussion about the advancement of their relationship. This is a friends to lovers with a marriage of convenience for health insurance policies. And it goes from like cuddling and platonicness to all of a sudden they're having sex without any conversations and it's just weird. I needed a little bit of a bridge there. But it's still fine it's not a bad story and I genuinely liked it. Past me was just being a little bit snobby about it 😂
Original review
I don't even know how to write this because I loved two of the three stories and , oh well I didn't dislike the third one, but it felt really flat for me. Maybe I'll just talk about each story individually.
The first story, sweetest in the gale, is about Candy Albright who we get glimpses of in the other marysburg books and I was so happy to see her get her own story. Candy is English teacher extraordinaire who constantly goes to bat for classics and making sure that people are reading and understanding them correctly, especially Frankenstein. With a little bit of matchmaking from their principal, Candy and fellow English teacher, Griff, get assigned to work on a poetry thingamajig for the school. Candy is kind of reserved at first but in this one it is Griff who is struggling emotionally. Both of them are dealing with grief. Candy's sister has just died and to be expected she is kind of an emotional wreck. Griff is still working through the grief of his wife's death a few years past and the two of them work through their grief together and also find new ways to continue even without their loved ones. This one is a little heavy, but also incredibly sweet. There's a lot of literary references and poetry if that's your thing. In regards to rep, Candy is fat and Griff is hard of hearing. This is a cishet romance. I love this one, it totally could have been its own book. It is also the longest of the three stories.
The second story, unraveled, is the nerdy math teacher falls in love with the quirky art teacher story of my dreams. Simon is the head of the math department at the school and he is very analytical. He is seemingly uptight and follows all the rules and everything gets blown off it's axis when he is assigned to be the mentor for the new art teacher Poppy. Now these characters are both in their late forties and the mentor / mentee system is apparently something that happens to all new hires no matter their level of teaching experience. Poppy is quirky and interesting and kind of a mess, literally, and she just challenges all of Simon's assumptions. Poppy is a fan of crime podcasts and murder and the unit that Simon ends up auditing for her class is about building dioramas of murders to be used in crime scene investigation. This pairing was definitely an opposites attract but was so cute. Regarding rep, It is not specifically mentioned but it's hinted that Simon has some sort of anxiety disorder, and Poppy mentions being attracted to multiple genders, and this is the first time I've seen a main character in an Olivia Dade book be queer of some sort, and I was obviously here for it. Poppy is also fat as are all of Olivia Dade's women MCs. I pretty much just want all these teachers at the school to get their happily ever after. Content warning for emotional abuse from parents, off page, it's discussed as something that happened in childhood.
The last story is where it fell apart for me. The last story is called cover me and I just don't quite know how it fits into this series. Other than taking place in marysburg, we've never seen these characters before, they don't work at the school, there's no mention of any of the other characters from the series and it just felt out of sync to me. The story itself was fine, but it was too short and we didn't get enough time to connect with the characters. Elizabeth and James have been friends forever but during that time Elizabeth has not dated seriously and James was married for most of it. Elizabeth ends up losing her health insurance right when she discovers a mass on her breast and James proposes a marriage so that Elizabeth can have health insurance. This one goes from 0 to 100 so fast. At first they're just friends and then all of a sudden they're having sex and I was just confused. We needed a little bit more background about the relationship, especially one that's hinted at being so complicated. This is a happily ever after but there is CW's for cancer, chemo, and death of a parent. Rep: both are late forties early fifties and both are fat.
If I had to rate them individually, the first two would be five stars and the last one would maybe be a three star?. I'm probably just going to average this one out at a 4.5 star rating for the anthology? Can you call it anthology when it's only three stories? I don't know but they were cute. It was a nice way to spend my morning listening to these.
I feel like I may have been a bit harsh on the third story in this anthology my first time around. I said that it would maybe be a two-star but that is not true. It's probably like a three and a half. The only real issue with it is that it doesn't fit in this anthology and that there isn't enough on page discussion about the advancement of their relationship. This is a friends to lovers with a marriage of convenience for health insurance policies. And it goes from like cuddling and platonicness to all of a sudden they're having sex without any conversations and it's just weird. I needed a little bit of a bridge there. But it's still fine it's not a bad story and I genuinely liked it. Past me was just being a little bit snobby about it 😂
Original review
I don't even know how to write this because I loved two of the three stories and , oh well I didn't dislike the third one, but it felt really flat for me. Maybe I'll just talk about each story individually.
The first story, sweetest in the gale, is about Candy Albright who we get glimpses of in the other marysburg books and I was so happy to see her get her own story. Candy is English teacher extraordinaire who constantly goes to bat for classics and making sure that people are reading and understanding them correctly, especially Frankenstein. With a little bit of matchmaking from their principal, Candy and fellow English teacher, Griff, get assigned to work on a poetry thingamajig for the school. Candy is kind of reserved at first but in this one it is Griff who is struggling emotionally. Both of them are dealing with grief. Candy's sister has just died and to be expected she is kind of an emotional wreck. Griff is still working through the grief of his wife's death a few years past and the two of them work through their grief together and also find new ways to continue even without their loved ones. This one is a little heavy, but also incredibly sweet. There's a lot of literary references and poetry if that's your thing. In regards to rep, Candy is fat and Griff is hard of hearing. This is a cishet romance. I love this one, it totally could have been its own book. It is also the longest of the three stories.
The second story, unraveled, is the nerdy math teacher falls in love with the quirky art teacher story of my dreams. Simon is the head of the math department at the school and he is very analytical. He is seemingly uptight and follows all the rules and everything gets blown off it's axis when he is assigned to be the mentor for the new art teacher Poppy. Now these characters are both in their late forties and the mentor / mentee system is apparently something that happens to all new hires no matter their level of teaching experience. Poppy is quirky and interesting and kind of a mess, literally, and she just challenges all of Simon's assumptions. Poppy is a fan of crime podcasts and murder and the unit that Simon ends up auditing for her class is about building dioramas of murders to be used in crime scene investigation. This pairing was definitely an opposites attract but was so cute. Regarding rep, It is not specifically mentioned but it's hinted that Simon has some sort of anxiety disorder, and Poppy mentions being attracted to multiple genders, and this is the first time I've seen a main character in an Olivia Dade book be queer of some sort, and I was obviously here for it. Poppy is also fat as are all of Olivia Dade's women MCs. I pretty much just want all these teachers at the school to get their happily ever after. Content warning for emotional abuse from parents, off page, it's discussed as something that happened in childhood.
The last story is where it fell apart for me. The last story is called cover me and I just don't quite know how it fits into this series. Other than taking place in marysburg, we've never seen these characters before, they don't work at the school, there's no mention of any of the other characters from the series and it just felt out of sync to me. The story itself was fine, but it was too short and we didn't get enough time to connect with the characters. Elizabeth and James have been friends forever but during that time Elizabeth has not dated seriously and James was married for most of it. Elizabeth ends up losing her health insurance right when she discovers a mass on her breast and James proposes a marriage so that Elizabeth can have health insurance. This one goes from 0 to 100 so fast. At first they're just friends and then all of a sudden they're having sex and I was just confused. We needed a little bit more background about the relationship, especially one that's hinted at being so complicated. This is a happily ever after but there is CW's for cancer, chemo, and death of a parent. Rep: both are late forties early fifties and both are fat.
If I had to rate them individually, the first two would be five stars and the last one would maybe be a three star?. I'm probably just going to average this one out at a 4.5 star rating for the anthology? Can you call it anthology when it's only three stories? I don't know but they were cute. It was a nice way to spend my morning listening to these.
July 9, 2020
Sweetest in the Gale is an anthology of novellas by Olivia Dade, all set in her fictional Marysburg. Each of the stories is lovely. The first and the third ripped my heart out for different reasons.
In Teach Me, Dade introduced us to Candy Albright, an English teacher and Force to be Reckoned With. In “Sweetest in the Gale,” fellow Marysburg High English teacher, Griff has noticed Candy, but his grief for the death of his wife has disconnected him from other people.
He notices when she reappears after the Summer break considerably diminished. The dynamics of their relationship change as her emotional retreat draws him out of his own protective shell. Grief recognizes grief.
I love the way Griff considers Candy through the lens of literature and poetry. Griff advances and retreats back into life, afraid to love again but also unwilling to allow Candy to suffer her grief unsupported. It’s a lovely and quiet romance between two fully adult people with all the baggage and wisdom of a life lived. I fear I have made it sound more somber than it is. Candy and Griff are also quite funny as he winds her up about her many decided opinions.
The second story, “Unraveled” is also featured in the anthology He’s Come Undone, which you should immediately run out and buy. Now. Do it. Simon is asked to mentor the new Marysburg High art teacher, Poppy Wick. Poppy is not new to teaching, just the school. Everything about Poppy rubs Simon the wrong way – she is messy and casual. Simon is neat and tightly wound. He judges her by his own standards, gets everything wrong and has the rug pulled out from under him. Simon is also a fair person, so realizing he has badly misjudged Poppy, he sets out to observe her as she is and not according to his own narrow definitions. He is fascinated. Everything about her, from her murder dioramas to her professional competence to their shared love of teaching teens unravels Simon’s certainty and creates room for him to fall in love.
Again, this is a lovely story of two competent adults falling in love without a lot of drama, but with tremendous insight into how our minds and hearts work. Simon and Poppy are opposites in many ways, but they share a core of values that form the foundation of their relationship.
The final short story, “Cover Me” gutted me for different reasons than “Sweetest in the Gale.” Elizabeth and James have been friends for over twenty years, all through his disastrous marriage and recovery from his divorce. They have been content as friends. Their romance is jumpstarted when Elizabeth is diagnosed with breast cancer at a moment when she is uninsured. James insists they marry so that she can be covered by his insurance. Access to affordable healthcare and employment based health insurance are things about which I have strong feelings. I know too many people, myself included, who have not sought needed care because they couldn’t afford it. I have friends who have married when they didn’t necessarily want to so that they or their partner could have health insurance. When my mom was diagnosed with bone cancer it was only the unusualness of her diagnosis that allowed her to receive treatment. If it weren’t incredibly rare for a 60 year old woman to be diagnosed with osteo sarcoma, she would have died within a year and painfully. Fortunately, the cancer center that studied her case covered her palliative care. So yes, I read this story with tears streaming down my face.
Elizabeth and James had loved each other as friends, but never allowed themselves to consider further than that. Once he sees marriage as the solution to Elizabeth’s need, he is all in and forever on the marriage. He gives himself permission to fall in love. James is a champion cuddler, which also got me in my feelings, because I haven’t hugged anyone since early March and I miss it. Elizabeth doesn’t need much of a push to fall in love with the man she’s loved as a friend for decades.
Lets get the people who don’t support universal healthcare out of office and work on rebuilding a society where we don’t go broke taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Sweetest in the Gale has three lovely, soft and snugly love stories about adults. The paperback edition is out now and the ebook is out July 30th. I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In Teach Me, Dade introduced us to Candy Albright, an English teacher and Force to be Reckoned With. In “Sweetest in the Gale,” fellow Marysburg High English teacher, Griff has noticed Candy, but his grief for the death of his wife has disconnected him from other people.
Since that first Marysburg High School faculty meeting, almost a year ago, the sight of her marching down the hall, all martial intensity and unshakeable confidence, had heartened him, even on his worst days. She cared about so much. Students and colleagues and stories and language. She was a constant reminder that determination and belief still existed in his world.
He notices when she reappears after the Summer break considerably diminished. The dynamics of their relationship change as her emotional retreat draws him out of his own protective shell. Grief recognizes grief.
I love the way Griff considers Candy through the lens of literature and poetry. Griff advances and retreats back into life, afraid to love again but also unwilling to allow Candy to suffer her grief unsupported. It’s a lovely and quiet romance between two fully adult people with all the baggage and wisdom of a life lived. I fear I have made it sound more somber than it is. Candy and Griff are also quite funny as he winds her up about her many decided opinions.
The second story, “Unraveled” is also featured in the anthology He’s Come Undone, which you should immediately run out and buy. Now. Do it. Simon is asked to mentor the new Marysburg High art teacher, Poppy Wick. Poppy is not new to teaching, just the school. Everything about Poppy rubs Simon the wrong way – she is messy and casual. Simon is neat and tightly wound. He judges her by his own standards, gets everything wrong and has the rug pulled out from under him. Simon is also a fair person, so realizing he has badly misjudged Poppy, he sets out to observe her as she is and not according to his own narrow definitions. He is fascinated. Everything about her, from her murder dioramas to her professional competence to their shared love of teaching teens unravels Simon’s certainty and creates room for him to fall in love.
Again, this is a lovely story of two competent adults falling in love without a lot of drama, but with tremendous insight into how our minds and hearts work. Simon and Poppy are opposites in many ways, but they share a core of values that form the foundation of their relationship.
The final short story, “Cover Me” gutted me for different reasons than “Sweetest in the Gale.” Elizabeth and James have been friends for over twenty years, all through his disastrous marriage and recovery from his divorce. They have been content as friends. Their romance is jumpstarted when Elizabeth is diagnosed with breast cancer at a moment when she is uninsured. James insists they marry so that she can be covered by his insurance. Access to affordable healthcare and employment based health insurance are things about which I have strong feelings. I know too many people, myself included, who have not sought needed care because they couldn’t afford it. I have friends who have married when they didn’t necessarily want to so that they or their partner could have health insurance. When my mom was diagnosed with bone cancer it was only the unusualness of her diagnosis that allowed her to receive treatment. If it weren’t incredibly rare for a 60 year old woman to be diagnosed with osteo sarcoma, she would have died within a year and painfully. Fortunately, the cancer center that studied her case covered her palliative care. So yes, I read this story with tears streaming down my face.
Elizabeth and James had loved each other as friends, but never allowed themselves to consider further than that. Once he sees marriage as the solution to Elizabeth’s need, he is all in and forever on the marriage. He gives himself permission to fall in love. James is a champion cuddler, which also got me in my feelings, because I haven’t hugged anyone since early March and I miss it. Elizabeth doesn’t need much of a push to fall in love with the man she’s loved as a friend for decades.
Lets get the people who don’t support universal healthcare out of office and work on rebuilding a society where we don’t go broke taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Sweetest in the Gale has three lovely, soft and snugly love stories about adults. The paperback edition is out now and the ebook is out July 30th. I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
I love everything Olivia Dade writes. She has such real characters representative of real life. I liked the first story, and the beautiful snippets of poetry, but the second story, with a heroine who makes murder dioramas was a particular favorite. How could it not be? The third story was previously published, and I'd read it before, so I didn't reread. But I also remember that one as being a lovely story. I could happily spend more time in Marysburg and the school setting.
August 10, 2020
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**
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September 18, 2020
Oh, my heart. Why am I so late in discovering Olivia Dade? She writes so beautifully and so intelligently. I laughed, sighed, and cried while reading these novellas. I loved the fat rep, the age rep (MCs are late 40s), and the sensitive handling of grief and illness. These stories are smart and lovely and I can't wait to read more of Ms. Dade’s books.
July 22, 2020
Olivia Dade has become one of my very favorite authors writing contemporary romance, and this new collection of Marysburg stories only reaffirmed that status. The collection features one completely new work, and two stories previously published in other anthologies with slight modifications. Individual reviews of the works below.
Sweetest in the Gale
One of my favorite subgenres of romance is decent people being decent, and whenever I find an author who does this, I put them on my mental list with a great big gold star. And this whole Marysburg Cinematic Universe, that's exactly what I'm looking for. These aren't big stories. They're stories about grief and life and finding your place and they're not about 20 year olds and I just value them SO MUCH.
Candy and Griff's separate and together journeys through their grief really touched me, especially since I have been continuously working through my own grief about losing my grandmother two years ago. In these COVID times, those feelings have become even more complicated. And seeing the different stages of grief on the page, it meant a lot to me.
And I loved the background matchmaker principal and the discussion of poetry--I always mean to read more poetry and then I never do. I am vaguely hopeful of taking the list that they put together in the book and doing some exploration. All of this was just very quietly lovely.
I went to pretty good schools, but man, I wish I had been able to go to Marysburg High. What a beautiful look at what education could and should be, and at the people who are responsible for it.
Unraveled
I previously reviewed this entry here, and I don't have a great deal else to say because I remained utterly charmed by the murder dioramas, but the epilogue? That may be my new favorite in romance novel proposal ever. I don't even know what to say about how perfect it was.
Cover Me
Due to subject matter, I was not able to read this story.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sweetest in the Gale
One of my favorite subgenres of romance is decent people being decent, and whenever I find an author who does this, I put them on my mental list with a great big gold star. And this whole Marysburg Cinematic Universe, that's exactly what I'm looking for. These aren't big stories. They're stories about grief and life and finding your place and they're not about 20 year olds and I just value them SO MUCH.
Candy and Griff's separate and together journeys through their grief really touched me, especially since I have been continuously working through my own grief about losing my grandmother two years ago. In these COVID times, those feelings have become even more complicated. And seeing the different stages of grief on the page, it meant a lot to me.
And I loved the background matchmaker principal and the discussion of poetry--I always mean to read more poetry and then I never do. I am vaguely hopeful of taking the list that they put together in the book and doing some exploration. All of this was just very quietly lovely.
I went to pretty good schools, but man, I wish I had been able to go to Marysburg High. What a beautiful look at what education could and should be, and at the people who are responsible for it.
Unraveled
I previously reviewed this entry here, and I don't have a great deal else to say because I remained utterly charmed by the murder dioramas, but the epilogue? That may be my new favorite in romance novel proposal ever. I don't even know what to say about how perfect it was.
Cover Me
Due to subject matter, I was not able to read this story.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
незвично, звісно, читати любовні історії про значно дорослих людей (близько 50), але вони прямо таки манять своїм комфортом і адекватністю. до того ж, тут поєднання відразу трьох пар, які знайшли своє щастя одне в одному.
1. історія двох розбитих сердець – Гріфа та Кенді. вони мені сподобалися, дуже комфортні та милі. поступово розвивалися їхні стосунки та добре прописано, як вони відкривалися одне одному, ділилися найболючішим. вони варті щастя, яке отримали в обличчі одне одного. їхній історії я поставила 4/5.
2. в другій частині мене відразу підкупила весела, завзята Поппі і буркотливий Саймон. наскільки він намагався бути серйозним і триматися офіційно, але не вийшло :) все одно Поппі майже відразу його розтопила. особливо сподобалася кінцівка з ними та епілог. я навіть не зможу вирішити, хто мені сподобався більше. Саймон та Поппі чи Гріф та Кенді? тут теж на 4/5.
3. підвела мене вже третя, заключна, частина. де герої дружать 30 років, але зводять їх разом лише сумні обставини. а потім клацання пальців і вони вже зізнаються в коханні. тут все для мене нелогічно і незрозуміло. звісно, проблему авторка в цій новелі підняла вагому, і це добре. але сама історія героїв мені не сподобалася. тому 1/5.
в загальному книжка непогана, але мене трішки розчарувала остання частина, тому 3/5.
1. історія двох розбитих сердець – Гріфа та Кенді. вони мені сподобалися, дуже комфортні та милі. поступово розвивалися їхні стосунки та добре прописано, як вони відкривалися одне одному, ділилися найболючішим. вони варті щастя, яке отримали в обличчі одне одного. їхній історії я поставила 4/5.
2. в другій частині мене відразу підкупила весела, завзята Поппі і буркотливий Саймон. наскільки він намагався бути серйозним і триматися офіційно, але не вийшло :) все одно Поппі майже відразу його розтопила. особливо сподобалася кінцівка з ними та епілог. я навіть не зможу вирішити, хто мені сподобався більше. Саймон та Поппі чи Гріф та Кенді? тут теж на 4/5.
3. підвела мене вже третя, заключна, частина. де герої дружать 30 років, але зводять їх разом лише сумні обставини. а потім клацання пальців і вони вже зізнаються в коханні. тут все для мене нелогічно і незрозуміло. звісно, проблему авторка в цій новелі підняла вагому, і це добре. але сама історія героїв мені не сподобалася. тому 1/5.
в загальному книжка непогана, але мене трішки розчарувала остання частина, тому 3/5.
February 4, 2023
this series was so good!
July 26, 2020
Three lovely stories from Olivia Dade. This is an author who never ceases to charm me with her words.
June 25, 2020
Oh, did I love this collection of contemporary romance novellas. Olivia Dade's Marysburg stories are so kind and thoughtful, funny and compassionate and deeply grounded in reality (but with a lovely sense of hope). In this collection, two of the stories deal with really serious subjects (in one case, grief; in another, a breast cancer diagnosis) and treat them with the depth and gravity that those topics deserve, but they are also filled with warmth and kindness, moments of fabulous humor, and an underlying message of hope that feels entirely earned. In both cases, the issue feels grounded and utterly real, but the novella itself isn't depressing at all - it's beautiful.
In "Sweetest in the Gale," two English teachers who've both faced shattering losses fall in love over poetry (and now I want to look up every single poem they quote on their way into happiness); in "Cover Me," two old friends enter into a marriage of convenience for the sake of health insurance after a terrifying diagnosis, but they stay married and fight it through because they've ALWAYS been perfect for each other, and their journey is an absolute delight.
I'd already read the second novella from this book (and loved it) when it was first published in the multi-author anthology He's Come Undone, so I already knew that "Unraveled" was hilarious, quirky, and adorable (and would have been happy just to re-read it), but this edition adds an epilogue to that novella that's just perfect for both characters, funny and sweet and a real gift.
Each of these three novellas is a standalone story, but they all work really well together, like a series of hugs from a deeply practical and smart friend. I'm so glad I got to read this book early. I know it'll be a comfort re-read in the future.
In "Sweetest in the Gale," two English teachers who've both faced shattering losses fall in love over poetry (and now I want to look up every single poem they quote on their way into happiness); in "Cover Me," two old friends enter into a marriage of convenience for the sake of health insurance after a terrifying diagnosis, but they stay married and fight it through because they've ALWAYS been perfect for each other, and their journey is an absolute delight.
I'd already read the second novella from this book (and loved it) when it was first published in the multi-author anthology He's Come Undone, so I already knew that "Unraveled" was hilarious, quirky, and adorable (and would have been happy just to re-read it), but this edition adds an epilogue to that novella that's just perfect for both characters, funny and sweet and a real gift.
Each of these three novellas is a standalone story, but they all work really well together, like a series of hugs from a deeply practical and smart friend. I'm so glad I got to read this book early. I know it'll be a comfort re-read in the future.
January 13, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
“Sweetest In The Gale” was so sweet but also heart wrenching. I love seeing Griff and Candy fall in love and work through their grief together as well as apart. Also being able to see Candy soften a bit just made me so happy. Made me think of a day I would be able to soften and open up with the person I love.❤️
“Unraveled” was so much fun to read. I loved the opposites attract with the two of them and seeing them fall in love with each other for the things that make them so different. I really related to Simon so seeing him let go and fully fall into the love he had for Poppy was so heartwarming.
“Cover Me” was the best out of the three stories because I love a good friends to lovers especially finding each other again and coming back to each other kinda story! Elizabeth and James were so cute and were meant to be together. Their friendship and love for each other was portrayed so beautifully and I’m so happy they ended up together and had their happily ever after🫶🏿
Olivia Dade murdered the Marysburg series!🤩
“Sweetest In The Gale” was so sweet but also heart wrenching. I love seeing Griff and Candy fall in love and work through their grief together as well as apart. Also being able to see Candy soften a bit just made me so happy. Made me think of a day I would be able to soften and open up with the person I love.❤️
“Unraveled” was so much fun to read. I loved the opposites attract with the two of them and seeing them fall in love with each other for the things that make them so different. I really related to Simon so seeing him let go and fully fall into the love he had for Poppy was so heartwarming.
“Cover Me” was the best out of the three stories because I love a good friends to lovers especially finding each other again and coming back to each other kinda story! Elizabeth and James were so cute and were meant to be together. Their friendship and love for each other was portrayed so beautifully and I’m so happy they ended up together and had their happily ever after🫶🏿
Olivia Dade murdered the Marysburg series!🤩
August 9, 2020
4 stars for the "Sweetest in the Gale" story. I read "Unraveled" in the He's Come Undone: A Romance Anthology (5 Stars). I am saving "Covered" for when I'm feeling more emotionally ready to read a story with cancer.
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 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.
October 18, 2020
Overall: 3.5 stars
"Sweetest in the Gale": 3 stars
"Unraveled": 4.5 stars
"Cover Me": 3 stars
This is a collection of 3 stories, and while I enjoyed them all, the second one "Unraveled" was definitely my favourite. The relationship between the main characters felt a little more dynamic because it was an opposites attract situation, rather than the very sweet and safe friends to lovers romances of the other two novellas. The overall more light-hearted tone of book two appealed to me more than "Sweetest in the Gale" and "Cover Me", which were a little more melancholy and dealt with issues like grief, ill health and money issues.
But all three of the novellas were well written and well paced, and I appreciate the direction the author takes with her characters. I LOVE that they are all curvy heroines, and the cover artwork is gorgeous. And while, at 24, I don't necessarily relate to the older characters (all are in their mid/late 40s), it makes for a nice change and I can see why it would be really appealing for many romance readers who are in that same age demographic as the characters she writes.
Overall although I didn't necessarily connect super strongly to any of the characters, I enjoyed this a lot and would definitely read more from this author in the future!
"Sweetest in the Gale": 3 stars
"Unraveled": 4.5 stars
"Cover Me": 3 stars
This is a collection of 3 stories, and while I enjoyed them all, the second one "Unraveled" was definitely my favourite. The relationship between the main characters felt a little more dynamic because it was an opposites attract situation, rather than the very sweet and safe friends to lovers romances of the other two novellas. The overall more light-hearted tone of book two appealed to me more than "Sweetest in the Gale" and "Cover Me", which were a little more melancholy and dealt with issues like grief, ill health and money issues.
But all three of the novellas were well written and well paced, and I appreciate the direction the author takes with her characters. I LOVE that they are all curvy heroines, and the cover artwork is gorgeous. And while, at 24, I don't necessarily relate to the older characters (all are in their mid/late 40s), it makes for a nice change and I can see why it would be really appealing for many romance readers who are in that same age demographic as the characters she writes.
Overall although I didn't necessarily connect super strongly to any of the characters, I enjoyed this a lot and would definitely read more from this author in the future!
July 15, 2020
Sweetest in the Gale
Overall rating: 4 stars
Sweetest in the Gale is a collection of three very sweet novellas.
The first one is Sweetest in the Gale. This one tells the story of of Candy and Griff. They are two English teachers that find each other through the loss of a loved one. They discover in each other a love that is worth having again. I really liked how it was told from his POV only.
Second story is Unraveled. This is the story of Simon and Poppy. These two couldn't be more different. It was an opposites attract trope. I loved how they complemented each other and loved how Poppy expressed her artistic talent through dioramas that asked the viewer to solve a murder. Simon really learned that it's not wise to judge someone by their appearance. Poppy proved him wrong many times. These were my favorite scenes. This one is also told in his POV only.
Third story is Cover Me. This is the story of two longtime friends who decide to have a marriage of convenience to help Elizabeth with her insurance. I really couldn't connect with this one. It does deal with a very serious matter of breast cancer. I liked how the process of getting tested was explained but I feel that the romance between James and Elizabeth was a little lacking. This one has a dual POV.
Overall the three stories were entertaining and I loved how each one of them the MCs were in their 40's.
An ARC was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 4 stars
Sweetest in the Gale is a collection of three very sweet novellas.
The first one is Sweetest in the Gale. This one tells the story of of Candy and Griff. They are two English teachers that find each other through the loss of a loved one. They discover in each other a love that is worth having again. I really liked how it was told from his POV only.
Second story is Unraveled. This is the story of Simon and Poppy. These two couldn't be more different. It was an opposites attract trope. I loved how they complemented each other and loved how Poppy expressed her artistic talent through dioramas that asked the viewer to solve a murder. Simon really learned that it's not wise to judge someone by their appearance. Poppy proved him wrong many times. These were my favorite scenes. This one is also told in his POV only.
Third story is Cover Me. This is the story of two longtime friends who decide to have a marriage of convenience to help Elizabeth with her insurance. I really couldn't connect with this one. It does deal with a very serious matter of breast cancer. I liked how the process of getting tested was explained but I feel that the romance between James and Elizabeth was a little lacking. This one has a dual POV.
Overall the three stories were entertaining and I loved how each one of them the MCs were in their 40's.
An ARC was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2021
I really enjoyed all three of the stories in this book! I would have liked to have more of each of them - I really wish they could have been full length books. However, I respect that Olivia Dade didn't stretch them out just for the sake of making them longer. Each one told a good, complete story.
"Sweetest in the Gale"
This story let us see the soft underbelly of the hard shelled English teacher, Candy Albright, who we've gotten to know from the first book. And we have another English teacher, Griff Conover, who I don't remember from the previous book, but maybe he was in it. I don't think he was, as he's a newer addition to the Marysburg staff. I loved the way this story dealt with grief and loss, as well as the incorporation of so many quotes from both classics and more recent literature. I just want more of them! Hopefully in future books.
"Unraveled"
I started off really not liking Simon Burnham (Math Teacher). He reminded me of an administrator I once had, so quick to judge and assume the worst. But I grew to LOVE him because he also was quick to recognize his mistakes and to apologize for being an ass. And to work hard to make up for it, including calling others on their assery. Not to mention, getting to know him means understanding him and his reasons for needing so much order in his life. Poppy Wick is the new Art Teacher and loved her from the start. From playing hangman at the faculty meeting (been there, done that) to the way she is with her students, she's just lovable. Watching these opposites fall in love - along with some interesting mystery solving as a side story - was entertaining and left me hoping for more as well.
"Cover Me"
Even though this book takes us away from the staff of Marysburg high, it may have been my favorite of three. Perhaps because of the incredible Elizabeth Stone - she's brave, determined, caring. There's a scene were she's tells off a politician that had me cheering and wishing it could have been a real moment that I could have joined in on. James is also a great character, but I wish we got to know him better. In fact, this short I think had enough that it could have been a full length novel. Perhaps it would have been too emotional, with the breast cancer scare but I would have liked to have the back story and friendship decades long friendship between Elizabeth and James. This is the first relationship in the series built on a history and I would have liked to see it -- even if it was just flashbacks or something. That's my only complaint though.
The narration by Kelsey Navarro continues to be great and I would not hesitate to listen to more books she narrates. She brings the characters to life with distinct voices that convey some of their personality.
"Sweetest in the Gale"
This story let us see the soft underbelly of the hard shelled English teacher, Candy Albright, who we've gotten to know from the first book. And we have another English teacher, Griff Conover, who I don't remember from the previous book, but maybe he was in it. I don't think he was, as he's a newer addition to the Marysburg staff. I loved the way this story dealt with grief and loss, as well as the incorporation of so many quotes from both classics and more recent literature. I just want more of them! Hopefully in future books.
"Unraveled"
I started off really not liking Simon Burnham (Math Teacher). He reminded me of an administrator I once had, so quick to judge and assume the worst. But I grew to LOVE him because he also was quick to recognize his mistakes and to apologize for being an ass. And to work hard to make up for it, including calling others on their assery. Not to mention, getting to know him means understanding him and his reasons for needing so much order in his life. Poppy Wick is the new Art Teacher and loved her from the start. From playing hangman at the faculty meeting (been there, done that) to the way she is with her students, she's just lovable. Watching these opposites fall in love - along with some interesting mystery solving as a side story - was entertaining and left me hoping for more as well.
"Cover Me"
Even though this book takes us away from the staff of Marysburg high, it may have been my favorite of three. Perhaps because of the incredible Elizabeth Stone - she's brave, determined, caring. There's a scene were she's tells off a politician that had me cheering and wishing it could have been a real moment that I could have joined in on. James is also a great character, but I wish we got to know him better. In fact, this short I think had enough that it could have been a full length novel. Perhaps it would have been too emotional, with the breast cancer scare but I would have liked to have the back story and friendship decades long friendship between Elizabeth and James. This is the first relationship in the series built on a history and I would have liked to see it -- even if it was just flashbacks or something. That's my only complaint though.
The narration by Kelsey Navarro continues to be great and I would not hesitate to listen to more books she narrates. She brings the characters to life with distinct voices that convey some of their personality.
August 14, 2022
4.5 stars 🌟
Olivia Dade does it again!
Her stories are so real and wholesome and mature and adorable and I am running out of adjectives to describe how great her stories make me feel. And for this book, she opted to give us three stories instead of one.
The first one deals with grief. The second one deals with fitting in and acceptance. And the third one was a marriage of convenience for purposes of health insurance. And the moments between all the main characters were just amazing! If she ever opts writing these as full out novels, I'd be down to read more about them.
As for now, I'm glad to have spent time at Marysburg and I can't wait to go back there again when I undoubtedly decide to reread these books.
I highly recommend this book series !
Olivia Dade does it again!
Her stories are so real and wholesome and mature and adorable and I am running out of adjectives to describe how great her stories make me feel. And for this book, she opted to give us three stories instead of one.
The first one deals with grief. The second one deals with fitting in and acceptance. And the third one was a marriage of convenience for purposes of health insurance. And the moments between all the main characters were just amazing! If she ever opts writing these as full out novels, I'd be down to read more about them.
As for now, I'm glad to have spent time at Marysburg and I can't wait to go back there again when I undoubtedly decide to reread these books.
I highly recommend this book series !
October 5, 2020
What a gem of a book. One of the best novella collections I have ever read. And I did so in one sitting. Dade's romances are a rallying cry to be more empathetic, more socially aware and more confident in your own skin! I felt empowered by these lovely people finding their heart- mates amidst grief and illness and their own uncertainty. Wonderful!
December 5, 2021
Clearly didn’t read the blurb (or even the cover) and failed to realise this was a collection of three novellas BUT when I did make this discovery, I was pleasantly surprised. All 3 stories feature Dade’s signature charm, wit, and general soft-yet-steamy-ness that I’ve come to love.
December 2, 2023
Beware- story one shouldn’t be read at work or in public. I cried so much (but it was really good).
August 23, 2021
Fricking darling. Especially loved Elizabeth and James' romance, and cried my actual eyes out.
June 15, 2021
This book threw me off. After two lengthy novels focused on two cute couples, the third book in the series has three different stories and they were all very short.
It was a little disappointing and it caused me to stop reading for chunks of time.
I love the walks of life the characters all take, but it was just underwhelming.
It was a little disappointing and it caused me to stop reading for chunks of time.
I love the walks of life the characters all take, but it was just underwhelming.
August 6, 2020
TW: story 1 grief, story 3 health crisis
Tags: Older couple romance
Sweetest: 3/5
This is in the hero’s POV, I found it just a little bit difficult to follow the timeline and his train of thought but that’s probably because I wasnt fully engaged. This is a story about grief and I was reading in public, you know how it goes.Hardcore sex no problem, but give me emotions and I’m a public embarrassment . It's introspective and twee.
Unraveled: 5/5
Another hero POV. This dude is all logic and deliciously starchy because you know you’re going to see him unravel (heh). I’m a sucker for the Spock / McCoy dynamic and this was right up my alley. Very sexy, very cute.
Cover Me: 5/5
Sometimes contemporary romance could happen anywhere. This story is painfully American, due to the heartbreaking politics surrounding Healthcare. It’s almost unfathomable that someone needs to get married to get care. Because of the subject, while it wasnt my kind of escapist romance, it was still powerfully romantic.
Tags: Older couple romance
Sweetest: 3/5
This is in the hero’s POV, I found it just a little bit difficult to follow the timeline and his train of thought but that’s probably because I wasnt fully engaged. This is a story about grief and I was reading in public, you know how it goes.
Unraveled: 5/5
Another hero POV. This dude is all logic and deliciously starchy because you know you’re going to see him unravel (heh). I’m a sucker for the Spock / McCoy dynamic and this was right up my alley. Very sexy, very cute.
Cover Me: 5/5
Sometimes contemporary romance could happen anywhere. This story is painfully American, due to the heartbreaking politics surrounding Healthcare. It’s almost unfathomable that someone needs to get married to get care. Because of the subject, while it wasnt my kind of escapist romance, it was still powerfully romantic.
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