Reviews

A Calm Before the Storm by Rowan Altwood, Kelley York

yazaleea's review

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5.0

William and James are so precious and it hurts me to see William in pain and even if sometimes in life things don’t get better, I am desperate to see these fictional men happy and rid of all the things that hurts them… and they seem to be doing great, they even have a kitten now and I love them so much.

readingcrow's review

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4.0

Perfectly short and super cute

karentje's review against another edition

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5.0

A wonderful little holiday novella with two of my all-time favorite characters! I loved reconnecting with James and William! It makes the wait for their next book a bit easier to bear.

James is so determined to cheer up William, who's going through a difficult time, and make their Christmas one to remember. The whole "let's agree not to buy presents and save our money for sensible things" was so recognizable! We've probably all been there, and I can totally relate to the one who doesn't hold up there end of that particular deal.

I so enjoyed seeing James & William all domestic together, though there be ghosts too, of course.

The line of poetry in the beginning of the book was beautiful and absolutely perfect for them! I loved it!

Gimme more!

emmascc's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars
I love James and William so much, I really hope they get a third book.

acire_13's review

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fast-paced

3.75

linuswickworth's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jennjen's review

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5.0

“It’s familiarity. It’s love. A love that I hope William can still feel even when little else can reach him.”

I LOVE DEAR JAMES AND WILLIAM WITH ALL MY HEART

tortue_abroad's review

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4.0

3.5 A story focusing on the good times without ignoring their difficulties. I like that it was hopeful without making it seem like addiction is something that can just be waved away when its convenient.

kaje_harper's review against another edition

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4.0

A short sweet story set at the holidays, as William battles his addiction and James tries to make it a good Christmas, despite vows to be sensible and frugal. This wouldn't stand alone, but is a nice add on to the dramatic novels, showing us the guys in a more domestic moment.

brittaniethekid's review against another edition

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3.0

This is just a sweet little side story taking place during their Christmas after the 2nd book. This being a series about hauntings, I fully expected something to be wrong with the violin since it's mentioned how notably old it is by James in the very first sentence but... nope. It's just a violin and this is just a normal Christmas. James does get the money working for Preston's aunt doing odd jobs and helping in a seance but that's really the only supernatural element. William's addiction is getting a little grating and I feel sorry for James but that's love, I guess.