Showing posts with label Short Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Short Stories. Show all posts

9.26.2023

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows ~ Review

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows
A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
By Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams,
      and Misty M. Beller

There is nothing better than a Christmas book, and Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows offers 3 stories within its pages. In each, love is not an expectation as three couples agree to marriages of convenience. But with Christmas taking center stage in each story, you know a little bit of romance will make its way into each.             
Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund is a must-read for fans of her Colorado Cowboys and her Colorado Cowgirls series. In this story Weston Oakley gets his chance at marriage when Serena Taylor decides he'd be the perfect father for her son. And with his claim that he'd be married by Christmas her need for a husband couldn't have come at a better time. But will the secrets between them destroy their chance for love?

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams finds Minnie stuck in town while her intended rides out a blizzard hours away in his cabin. Meanwhile she makes a place for herself in the small town when disaster strikes. Aiding Doctor Jeb Dawson and befriending his son gives her glimpse at life she's always dreamed of but never had. No matter what the future holds this is one Christmas she'll never forget. But will she finally find a place to belong and be wanted? 

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller finds Two Stones, a Salish warrior, making a deathbed promise to his dearest friend, to marry his daughter Heidi. But marriage is the last thing Heidi wants. Not now that she is widowed and free of her late husband. But she needs protection and agrees to marry Two Stones but only for the protection it provides against the danger Virginia City provides to any and all unmarried women. But could her father's final plea actually be the life she has long desired?

These delightful Christmas tales of Historical Fiction are just what you are looking to find under your pre-Christmas TBR list. Each is a standalone novella that introduces the reader to a series by each author. Reading the previous books in the various series isn't necessary to enjoy these Christmas tales. Experience talking here as I've only read Jody Hedlund's coresponding series and enjoyed all three with no issues.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Book:           
From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Order a copy at https://a.co/d/fXtnNwO

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams

Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard 
two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller
Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.

9.06.2023

The Dread Penny Society ~ Review

The Dread Penny Society
The Complete Penny Dreadful Collection
By Sarah M. Eden

The completed works of the Dread Penny Society has been released. Who or what is the Dread Penny Society, you say? Only a group of the Victorian-Era's greatest writers of Penny Dreadfuls, who also battle the villainy of London when not writing, of course.

This delightful collection pulls the various installments from the Dread Penny series into one edition so that the stories are presented in a continual thread. I loved reading them as they were randomly presented in the novels by Sarah M. Eden. But this is so nice to read them each from start to finish in a single sitting. 

I have to admit, before this series, I had never heard of Penny Dreadfuls other than a passing comment in a book. It is fascinating to compare the author's original tales to some I was able to locate online. No doubt about it, these stories would indeed been popular, highly anticipated serials. And if you like tales that give you chills while walking just this side of the unknown but don't stray into the gruesome, you'll want to check this book out. But you may be looking for something else to read into the wee hours of the night, if ye be planning on sleeping, that is. This is a page-turner, for sure and for certain.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.




About the Book:
This beautiful, cloth-covered hardcover collector’s anthology compiles all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s five-book Victorian romance series. Included in this edition are three new, never-before-released stories.

Each short story is written in the style of the Victorian fiction that became so popular during that time period. From ghost stories to adventures to mysteries, Sarah weaves these gothic tales among her romantic storylines, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Dread Penny Society series (The Lady and the Highwayman, The Gentleman and the Thief, The Merchant and the Rogue, The Bachelor and the Bride, and The Queen and the Knave).

1.08.2023

A Return to Hawthorne House ~ Review

A Return to Hawthorne House
A Hawthorne House Novella Collection
By Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return to Hawthorne House is a collection of shorter stories mostly set before A Noble Masquerade. There are three stories Always a Lady, The Lady's Maid, and A Lady of Esteem (which is only in the print edition, not the digital edition). I read the digital edition, as that is what I preordered (I had previously obtained A Lady of Esteem). 

Always a Lady finds Miranda in the midst of her Season, but she isn't catching the eyes of any gentlemen; rather, her mother is. Specifically, the Earl of Blackstone has singled her out. But is the Earl looking for another chance at love? Or is he sabotaging Miranda's chances so his own daughter will win the hand of the Season's most eligible bachelor? 

This is the lovely story that was only hinted at throughout the Hawthorne House series as Miranda, Georgina, Trent, and Griffith all search for love, as their parents did.

In The Lady’s Maid, Trent takes over the home that Amelia Stalwood had called home. The servants were more like family than servants, and they are taking Trent into their fold. One of the servants, Lydia Smith had been Amalia's companion and a parlor maid and was content with her work. But when Trent's valet turns out to be the one man Lydia had feelings for, she's not sure she'll be able to stay. When Finch is ordered to work closely with Lydia, all the feelings and dreams that she's been hiding for years could come true or ruin everything. 

But working for the Hawthornes could provide unexpected surprises - after all, they all believe in love matches, not marriages of convenience. Could this trickle down to their servants? Or are some boundaries uncrossable? 

A Lady of Esteem is Amalia's story - a forgotten ward raised by servants and her chance at finding true love. This story takes place between Always a Lady and The Lady's Maid and before A Noble Masquerade. There are some interesting mistakes in regard to Amalia and her status as a ward. Her friendships with servants throughout the Ton have resulted in a unique insight into the various homes of the elite of society. If you get the digital version of A Return to Hawthorne House, you need to get A Lady of Esteem if you have not previously purchased it (it explains a few points in A Noble Masquerade and An Elegant Facade).

This is a delightful collection that anyone who enjoyed the Hawthorne House books won't want to miss.

About the Book:
Always a Lady

Despite the fact that her daughter is not cooperating, Caroline, Duchess of Riverton is determined to ensure every one of her children marries someone they love as much as she loved their late father. William, the widowed Earl of Blackstone, is delighted to have his days of escorting daughters approaching an end. The last thing he expects is to find himself drawn to a woman who is just starting such a journey. Are they each too set in their ways to grasp this chance to have a second love?

The Lady’s Maid

When Lydia Smith began her career as a parlor maid, she knew love and marriage wasn’t likely in her future. Dreaming about the boy next door as she dusted seemed harmless until he started working as the new valet under the same roof. When Finch needs her help with a special project, will it give them a chance to defy expectations and find love or ruin their happiness forever?

BONUS - Print edition only - A Lady of Esteem

11.15.2022

The 2023 Story of the Month Club is here!

 The Story of the Month Club is a fun new subscription that is happening now.
Well, the sign-up is happening now, 
and the stories are happening throughout 2023!

 4 authors

12 months

1 new exclusive story every month in your inbox!



Are you looking for the perfect gift for the reader in your life?
Well, this is it.
A year of stories
One story a month. delivered on the 15th to the inbox of your choice.


Get a brand new, exclusive, never-before-seen story every month! 
And you can read it on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone! 
Plus, you’ll get a surprise on your birthday, be eligible for exclusive 
giveaways, and more! 
You can even gift a membership to a friend, family member, coworker, 
or anyone who loves to read.

The membership is only $30 for an entire year of stories, surprises and more! 
And it's available to purchase as a gift! 
We just need the recipient's email! 
Get--or give--a year's worth of entertainment, anticipation and fun for only $30! The Membership opens up on November 15th and closes on December 29, 2022.

Want to sign-up?
There is a limited time to do so.
Registration closes on December 29, 2022
so don't wait.

 4 authors and 4 distinct writing styles to keep
you delighted all year long.


4.28.2022

Cindy Ellen ~ Review

Cindy Ellen 
Wunstaponia #3 
By Rachel Roden

Cindy Ellen's life was fairly good though the loss of her mother was hard. When her father remarried a lovely and delightful widow with twin daughters it seemed they would once again have a happy home. 

But, as with all Cinderella retellings, all happiness must come to an end, and when it did Cindy Ellen was forced into near servitude in her family's general story. The one bright spot was when Old Prospector Dan would make his quarterly visits to Wunstaponia. Dan's stories would brighten Cindy's day and bring back happy memories of her late father.

When the Mayor holds a ball to celebrate his younger brother's return to Wunstaponia, Cindy thinks that she'll have a chance to attend but alas, her greedy step-mother and step-sisters have taken everything as their own. What's a girl to do in a fairy-tale-retelling when no magic is involved? Cindy is about to find out in this delightful short story that hits all the well-known key points of Cinderella while crafting a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own. 

Releases April 28th 

Book Description: 

Once upon a time, way out west... 

Cindy Ellen runs the local store, selling supplies to foresters, ranchers, and prospectors while her stepmother gives her never-ending orders and spoils her stepsisters. She can't do anything right, even as she's the only one doing anything. Can one ball change her life forever? Perhaps not, but at least it might give her one night of freedom. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099BC33F3/ 

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com

Find the rest of the Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087JNLXKR 



Author Bio: Rachel Roden is a natural storyteller, capable of weaving the most hilarious of fairy tales. She fell in love with the Lone Ranger in her teens, but ended up with a basketball referee instead. A homeschool mom of four, she also teaches with VIP Kids and tutors any other kid who wanders across her path. She might also be the sole human who still uses math after college. 

Find her online at: Blog || Goodreads || YouTube || Instagram || Twitter




1.14.2022

Fiona Quinn Quick Mysteries ~ Reviews with giveaway

Join us for this review tour from Jan 10 to Feb 4, 2022!


Enjoy All Four Fiona Quinn Quick Mysteries:

Banking on a Murder
A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
By C.S. McDonald

The Memorial Day weekend is kicking off and Fiona is about to enjoy a get-together with an old friend. It's been years since Priscilla Conroy has been in the neighborhood but thanks to a not-so-pleasant divorce she is back in Pittsburgh. 

But when Priscilla never emerges from the bank, Fiona starts thinking, which may or may not be such a good thing. Did Priscilla blow her off, get knocked off by her ex? So many possibilities and no way to get answers. But Fiona, being Fiona, just can't let her mind rest and makes several trips to the now closed for the holiday bank. Everything looks fine and dandy except for the little old lady who keeps frequenting the ATM, but whatever. Until the whatever gives Fiona a new thought!

Banking on a Murder is a fun a quick read that can be enjoyed over a long lunch break. The story is entertaining and at places very amusing. I have to admit that I did not expect the conclusion that occurred and I'd say most people in a similar position would not expect this outcome either. The story is easy to follow and even if you have never read any Fiona Quinn mysteries before you won't get lost in not knowing what happened previously.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:


Book Title:  Banking on a Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 30 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  January 31, 2018
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)


Book Description:

Fiona’s old college chum, Priscilla Conroy, has recently moved back to the Pittsburgh area after a most unpleasant divorce. Fiona was looking forward to reconnecting with her friend to help cheer her up and the two had made plans to meet at the bank where her friend worked after it closed—only Priscilla never shows up for the lunch date. Thinking the worse, Fiona is beside herself and spends the entire Memorial Day weekend searching for her friend. Did her ex-husband abduct her? Has she been murdered? Somehow Fiona knows that the key to Priscilla Conroy’s disappearance lies within the bank. But how can that be?

Join Fiona Quinn for a quick mystery that’s sure to keep you guessing!

Buy the Book:
Amazon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harriet's Heist
A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
By C.S. McDonald

Fiona is flying down to visit with her parents and at her arrival, her mother informs her that her downtime is booked with a case that needs Fiona's attention to detail and her expertise. After all she is dating an FBI agent or was it the CIA? Nope, Nathan Landry has been a valuable addition to the President's Secret Service detail. (Oh, boy!) 

The gated retirement community that Fiona's parents call home has become a target to jewel thieves and Nancy Quinn is positive that her daughter Fiona can get the case sorted and solved in the few days that she is visiting. 

And when Nancy decides to "help" let's just say it does not good well. And Harriet is soon deeply involved in the case. If you don't know who Harriet is - she is Fiona's white Maltese.

Harriet's Heist is a fun a quick read that can be listened to over a couple of lunch breaks or a long commute drive. The story is entertaining and at places very amusing. Fiona's mother, let's just say I'm sure Fiona is glad that they now live in Florida. The story is easy to follow and even if you have never read any Fiona Quinn mysteries before you won't get lost in not knowing what happened previously.

The narration by Maren Swenson Waxenberg is excellent, the pacing is good, and the voices of each of the characters are identifiable. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title:  Harriet's Heist:  A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 51 pages
Length: 1 hr, 11 minutes

Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  August 14, 2018
Formats Available for review: audible download, ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Jan 10 to Feb 4, 2022
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

Book Description:

Fiona Quinn arrives at her parent’s home in Daytona, Florida for a short visit only to be informed that their usually quiet retirement community has been besieged with robberies—cash, jewelry, and more. Her mom told all the neighbors Fiona is a wiz at catching bad guys.

Yikes!

Can Fiona crack the case? Hopefully, but what’s an amateur sleuth supposed to do when her Maltese, Harriet, shows up decked out in the stolen goods?

Double yikes!

Join Fiona, her parents, Harriet, and some pretty crazy old ladies for a real jewel of a quick mystery!

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~  
Audible
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Crystal Clear Confusion
A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
By C.S. McDonald

The last few nights Fiona has awakened in the middle night. But she just can't get rid of the nightmare. The lion haunts her sleep and nothing can stop it. 

When Fiona's neighbor, Astrid catches wind of Fiona's bedtime woes she offers her assistance. But Astrid's help is, shall we say, unconventional and less than helpful. Can Fiona discover what fear is keeping her sleep at bay? Or will insomnia become her normal state?

Crystal Clear Confusion is a fun and quick read that can be listened to over a couple of lunch breaks or a long commute drive. The story is entertaining and at places very amusing. And beware of neighbors baring crystal balls! The story is easy to follow and even if you have never read any Fiona Quinn mysteries before you won't get lost in not knowing what happened previously.

The narration by Maren Swenson Waxenberg is excellent, the pacing is good, and the voices of each of the characters are identifiable. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

 
Book Details:

Book Title:  Crystal Clear Confusion:  A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 37 pages
Length: 1 hr, 22 minutes

Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  January 15, 2019
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

Book Description:

Yikes! Fiona’s been having a recurring nightmare and it’s driving her to distraction—so much so that she’s allowed her kooky neighbor, Astrid Dingle, to search for the answer through her crystal ball. What could be the cause of the dream, and what lengths will Fiona go to get to the crux of it all? You’ll be chasing dreams with Fiona, Detective Landry, and Astrid in this fun quick mystery!  ​
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Christmas Cameo
A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
By C.S. McDonald

When an old cameo is found in Fiona's late Uncle Wilbur's, Fiona finds herself looking to discover who Uncle Wilbur bought it for.  Who is D.A.S.?  

As far as Fiona knows Uncle Wilbur never married but the inscription on the brooch hints at one. When her boyfriend Detective Nathan Landry offers to help out Fiona is a little skeptical but accepts his offer. Can they find D.A.S. in time for Christmas?

The Christmas Cameo is a fun, quick read that can be listened to over a couple of lunch breaks or a long commute drive. The story is entertaining. There is an interesting encounter with a pickpocket that is more than a little amusing. The story is easy to follow and even if you have never read any Fiona Quinn mysteries before you won't get lost in not knowing what happened previously.

The narration by Maren Swenson Waxenberg is excellent, the pacing is good, and the voices of each of the characters are identifiable. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

 
Book Details:

Book Title:  The Christmas Cameo:  A Fiona Quinn Quick Mystery
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 32 pages
Length: 1 hr, 16 minutes

Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  November 13, 2019
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

Book Description:

A lovely cameo brooch is discovered in Fiona’s late Uncle Wilbur’s house two days before Christmas. The pin bears a romantic Christmas message from Wilbur for his new wife with the initials, D.A.S.
How very strange! To the family’s knowledge, Uncle Wilbur had never been married. So, who is this mysterious woman? Now, Fiona is on a holiday mission to locate D.A.S. and deliver the belated gift. 
The question is, what happened to the marriage? Is D.A.S. still alive after all these years? And if so, can Fiona find her before Christmas?
 
 

3.10.2021

Fantasy and Fairytales: Short Story Anthology

Fantasy and Fairytales: 
   Short Story Anthology 
(Short Story Challenge Anthologies)
By Michelle Francik, 
Victoria Fletcher, 
Ichabod Ebenezer,
C. O. Bonham, 
Meagan Myhren-Bennett, 
Carol Koris,
Jeff Bacon, 
J. L. Rowan, 
Deborah Lansford, 
Kristi Asher,
M. Quinn Evans, 
Virginia Barilla, 
Jessie Jellins,
and Francine Muzykant

Available today on Amazon at https://rb.gy/4pjfpa
Enjoy this collection of fantasy and fairytales. 
When you finish reading let me know what you think of my story
The Luminous Tales: Tears of the Dragon.




I have not yet made my way through all of the other stories but 
the ones that I have are really good.
Review to come soon.