An Ali Advent Release Day Review: An Unexpected Sanctuary (2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers) by Cassie Decker

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

An aggressive super-flu pandemic wipes out a majority of the population over the course of one Christmas holiday—and brings Tobin and Kyle together. For almost a year, they’ve been trekking across the country from Colorado toward a sanctuary in upstate New York. Kyle’s survival skills have kept them alive, and Tobin wants to repay the man he loves with a very special gift of his own making. He sneaks off in search of the last few pieces… only to get himself and Kyle kidnapped by a desperate stranger. With their journey to New York on hold—possibly indefinitely—they’ll need to accept that home isn’t always defined by a place as much as the person you’re with.

This was one of my favorite stories in the Dreamspinner Advent anthology this year. It was my first time reading this author so I had no idea what to expect. The story starts with Tobin and Kyle coming into a small town as they try to find some shelter from the cold weather. Kyle is focused on finding them a safe house and Tobin is distracted by his desire to finish a gift for Kyle. Neither realize that while they’re focused on these things, someone is watching them.

There was just the right amount of tension at the beginning. It’s an apocalypse story so I definitely want to be a bit on the edge of my seat whether it’s Christmas time or not. The author provided that as well as a story that also ends up having a touching and sweet aspect to the romance. I liked both of the MC’s and the world the author created. I actually would have happily read a story about these two’s relationship prior to this story.

There is nothing scary or gory in this so it’s fine for those of you who don’t do typically do apocalypse type books. The main focus is the romance and the holiday.

Cover by Paul Richmond: The cover to this was the standard one of the Advent book and it was done by Paul Richmond. I thought it was well done and fits the holiday spirit. Since it is the generic one for the entire anthology it did not fit this story specifically

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 33 pages
Published December 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640803015
Edition LanguageEnglish

By Scattered Thoughts

At over 50, I am ruled by my terriers, my gardens, and my projects. A knack for grubbing about in the woods, making mud pies, and tending to the injured worms, bugs, and occasional bird and turtle growing up eventually led me to working for the Parks. I was a park Naturalist for over 20 years, and observing Nature and her cycles still occupy my hours. From the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Spring to the first call of the Snow Geese heading south in the Fall, I am entranced by the seasons. For more about me see my bio on my blog.

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