M. K. Theodoratus - Doom Comes For a Sold Soul: A Tale of Andor

24. Doom Comes For a Sold Soul: A Tale of Andor by M. K. Theodoratus (2015)

The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 3

Length: 15 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started/Finished: 11 June 2017

Where did it come from? From Amazon

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 19 May 2017
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

Grant Highgrim is a struggling reporter looking for his next story - not necessarily a Pulitzer Prize winner, although that would certainly be terrific - he's just searching for the type of story which will give him a chance to pay his rent on time and occasionally eat a proper meal. He definitely doesn't expect to stumble upon the type of career-making story that his adsheet publisher dared him to try and get. According to the publisher, Dr. Henry Allsdipp is a Nobel Prize winner in Economics; he is also the oldest man alive and a confirmed recluse who has steadfastly and consistently refused all previous attempts to interview him. So, Grant's chance to reclaim his faltering dignity is on the line.

Only this assignment won't be quite as simple as just interviewing some cranky old man for his secrets to living a long life. Unfortunately, Grant has arrived at the nursing home on a particularly difficult day: the day when a demonic horde of flame-eyed beetles has come to claim the feisty doctor's soul. Suddenly, finding out the secret to Dr. Allsdipp's longevity takes a backseat to Grant's lifelong phobia of beetles and other creepy crawlies. Now the down-on-his-luck reporter must overcome his overwhelming revulsion to insects in order to conquer this malevolent infestation - and not only save his interviewee, but also his career, and their lives.

I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. I was definitely expecting the story to involve the collection of souls in some way, I just wasn't sure how that soul would actually be taken. Having said that, the form that the demons took seemed plausible for the storyline. I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

M. K. Theodoratus - Noticing Jamilla: A Tale of Andor

23. Noticing Jamilla: A Tale of Andor by M. K. Theodoratus (2014)

The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 2

Length: 18 pages 

Genre: Short Story

Started/Finished: 8 June 2017

Where did it come from? From Amazon 

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 19 May 2017

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

Cassy Mae has always known that her mother had left her hometown of Docket's Diggings right after graduation. As a matter of fact, her mother had preferred to live all the way across the country in the bustling city of Santo Francisco - with its high crime rate and cheap motels - rather than live in her hometown. Ma may not have ever wanted to return, but Cassy Mae really has no say in the matter. After her mother's death, she finds herself being shuttled back to Docket's Diggings and living with her elderly GrammyJo - doing her best to get through her last year of high school, and occasionally helping out at her grandmother's beauty salon.

Life may not have worked out exactly how she may have wanted it to, but that was just how it happened. Living with her mother may not have been an absolutely ideal situation either, but that really didn't matter - Cassy Mae was strong and fully capable of taking care of herself. Her mother had run away to escape from GrammyJo's magical juju, and so Cassy Mae is determined to have nothing to do with that sort of thing, herself. She had already learned from an early age that telling anyone - particularly her mother - that she could 'see colors' around people only led to trouble.

So, Cassy Mae has perfected her ability to hide in plain sight; keeping her talent to herself and trying not to become too much of a target to her classmates. So far she has managed to stay somewhat under the radar while at school, but staying clear of GrammyJo's various magical workings is proving to be slightly more difficult. She just finds the entire situation to be seriously disturbing, so she does her best to ignore it. However, the sudden arrival of 'The Markem' and her family threatens Cassy Mae's deepest-held secret - and she soon discovers that there is much more to fear in life than her GrammyJo's amulets and incantations.

Lydia Markem - a mysteriously wealthy transplant from Santo Francisco - seems to thrive on the townspeople's admiration of her and her family. It's true that the locals have never seen anyone quite like The Markem before, so they are dutifully awed by such affluence. However, her recent arrival has also brought with it a strange malaise that follows The Markem everywhere she goes. Cassy Mae can't decide if her GrammyJo's suspicions are influencing her own attitude, but she can't see anything around the woman: no colors, no darkness, no dullness - just...nothing!

As if that isn't alarming enough, The Markem's niece has also come to town. Although, she's much nicer than the rest of her family. Jamilla Markem seems charming, innocuous, and totally non-threatening - actually, she's completely different from her aunt in Cassy Mae's personal estimation. Surely GrammyJo is mistaken, Jamilla couldn't possibly hurt anyone.

However, Jamilla's strange fascination with her new friend abruptly takes a much darker turn. She insists on making Cassy Mae her special companion, and latches herself on to the girl like a shadow. Soon Cassy Mae finds herself caught between her grandmother's spells and the obsessive attentions of a stalker.

I must say that I really enjoyed reading this particular book. Although at eighteen pages long, it's more of a short story, I suppose. Having said that, I still found the story to be intriguing and well-developed for its length. I would give this book a definite A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Duncan Whitehead - The Best Man: A Dark Comedy

22. The Best Man: A Dark Comedy by Duncan Whitehead (2015)
Length: 35 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 5 June 2017
Finished: 6 June 2017
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Duncan Whitehead as I downloaded a copy of this book for free from his website.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 April 2017
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Brad Chance is quite the catch, at least according to his sister Claire. Not only is he handsome, fit, charming, and hilariously funny; but he is also a plastic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of children with facial deformities. However, although Brad is a successful doctor, a philanthropist, and an all-around nice guy; he still hasn't found 'the one'. He's looking for the same type of love that his sister so obviously shares with her husband...and apparently not having much luck in finding it.

That is until he meets someone while escorting his ten-year-old nephew and two of the boy's young friends to a Broadway show. Jenny Blythe seems like she is the perfect woman for Brad, and he can't help but hope that he will get the chance to see her again sometime soon. Suddenly, his life seems to be looking up for Brad, and he couldn't possibly be any happier. Until a twist of fate changes everything, and Brad finds himself living every man's worst nightmare.

After returning from completing some charity work abroad, Brad is shocked to meet up with his college roommate and best friend. Mike Bayless may well be a playboy, a flagrant womanizer, and a staunch commitment-phobe; but he also has a very important question to ask Brad when he finally returns home. He really needs a best man, and Brad seems like the obvious choice for the position. However, when Brad knows everything about Mike - from his darkest secrets to his strangest foibles - at the end of the day, who will really be the best man?

With a plot twist so shocking that it will leave readers speechless - and a sucker punch ending that will ultimately set their minds reeling - Mr. Whitehead once again delivers the perfect balance of dark humor, irony and tragedy.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I had no inkling how the story would develop and could not help but feel slightly sorry for the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Duncan Whitehead - You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato, She Says Murder: A Short But Sweet Mystery

21. You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato, She Says Murder: A Short But Sweet Mystery by Duncan Whitehead (2015)
Length: 16 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 3 June 2017
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Duncan Whitehead as I downloaded a copy of this book for free from his website.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 April 2017
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Dotty Wedgewood and Winnie Aiton have been close friends for years. They both have so much in common and enjoy each other's company immensely. When a shared love of gardening leads both women to enter the same competition, just how far will either of them go to win First Place? This mystery explores just how far someone can be pushed until they reach their breaking point.

Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It was an easy read for me and I must say that I wasn't really expecting the plot twist. I give this book a very strong A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

M. K. Theodoratus - Hear That Damn Owl?: A Tale of Andor

19. Hear That Damn Owl?: A Tale of Andor by M. K. Theodoratus (2014)
The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 7
Length: 12 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 9 May 2017
Where did it come from? From Amazon
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 3 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

Crayton is already in a foul mood as he travels along the back roads that lead to his hometown. His idiotic brother is lying comatose in the hospital after an horrendous car accident, and according to their mother the gravely injured man is apparently on his deathbed. Crayton is livid with this particular situation. After all, he's fairly certain that his brother was drunk at the time of his accident; so even if the fool is anywhere close to meeting his maker, he only has himself to blame - not Crayton.

Yet thanks to his meddlesome mother, Crayton is currently driving back to be by his brother's bedside. He is beyond furious with himself for his silent acquiescence to her demands, because he's answering the urgent maternal summons to see his brother under threat of immediate disinheritance. He's a grown man for heaven's sake; with a fast-paced career and his own life to live!

Actually to be perfectly honest, Crayton's not entirely sure why he came back here at all. He doesn't have the time to travel anywhere, let alone the patience to allow himself to be guilted into seeing his annoying family. In his mind, Crayton may need to play his role as a dutiful son and concerned brother for a while; but that certainly doesn't mean that he has to like it!

His dark mood plummets even further as he pulls into an old service station on the other side of the mountain - directly across from his home. Crayton immediately regrets having to stop there; even if it's just to get gas and some refreshments. From the lack of any modern amenities, to the incredibly superstitious locals; everything about the place just screams: 'Welcome to the Backend of Nowhere!'

To make matters even worse, Crayton begins to see a huge owl flying around the gas station; repeatedly divebombing vehicles around the parking area. While it is stunning to see such a massive creature flying around during daylight hours; Crayton finds the owl's constant screeching particularly unnerving. An elderly man - a down-on-his-luck decrepit storyteller - warns Crayton against crossing such an owl. Apparently, he knows from firsthand experience what a disgruntled owl is actually capable of doing; he has been the target of his own peculiar campaign of vengeance for most of his life.

However, as Crayton watches the giant bird carry out its deliberate campaign of harassment - taking an almost fiendish delight in targeting his own automobile; he can't help but become more and more enraged by the situation. When it seems as if he can no longer stand the creature's very presence, he takes matters into his own hands and does something incredibly drastic. After his initial actions have a small measure of success, Crayton is thoroughly relieved to see the last of the vengeful owl. He silently congratulates himself for handling the situation and dealing with the flying pest.

Surely, the folktales shouldn't be taken so seriously. After all, no one really believes them; they're only supposed to provide a dash of local flavor. However when strange things begin happening, Crayton can only hope that his imagination is playing tricks on him. Because if it isn't - and the folklore is actually true - Crayton isn't absolutely sure if he can escape the wrath of such a supremely determined owl.

Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It was a fast read, and I couldn't help but feel like the main character deserved to have his superiority complex knocked around a little bit. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

M. K. Theodoratus - Night For the Gargoyles

18. Night For the Gargoyles by M. K. Theodoratus (2010) (Revised Author's Editions 2011 and 2013)

The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 1

Length: 12 pages

Genre: Short Story

Started: 6 May 2017

Finished: 7 May 2017

Where did it come from? From Amazon

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 3 April 2015

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor by this author in the past.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

In the city of Trebridge, St. Edmund's Church has been sheltering parishioners for as long as most people can remember. The church has also provided a daylight sanctuary for the embattled guardians of the boundaries between the realms. Within the hallowed foundations of this church, humans have found all manner of peace, solace, and sanctuary - yet they have absolutely no idea of the true purpose of St. Edmund's.

Only the four gargoyles who guard the portal to the demonic realm of Gehennathh - Gillen, his scheming second-in-command Orvil, Treasa, and Frens - realize that St. Edmund's has provided so much more than just spiritual support to troubled souls through the years. The church has also been something of a sacred barrier against the malevolent forces that have always sought to escape from Gehennethh. This is why Gillen is so disturbed to learn of the imminent demolition of this sacred ground.

Demons and imps have attempted to prey upon the citizens of Trebridge for centuries, yet the foundations of St. Edmund's have provided divine protection against such demonic intrusion for generations. Gillen is loathe to acknowledge that he and his three fellow gargoyles are severely outnumbered; however this is exactly the type of situation in which they will soon find themselves. These humans just don't realize how much danger they will create for themselves if they demolish St. Edmund's to make way for a series of highrise condominiums.

So Gillen turns to his angelic commanders for guidance. Just as the angels continue to counsel the gargoyle to have patience with Orvil, they have promised to send reinforcements to guard against the subtle disintegration of the spiritual barrier over the portal leading to Gehennathh. While Gillen certainly welcomes his commanders' advice, the leading gargoyle still remains highly suspicious of Orvil's true loyalties. He needs to know that he can trust his fellow gargoyle to have his back during this coming battle.

With malevolent forces set to overwhelm Trebridge much sooner than anticipated, Gillen remains hopeful that the promised reinforcements will arrive as soon as possible. However, will that be soon enough to be of any help? Only Heaven knows...

Despite having this book on my TBR pile for just over two years, I have only just managed to read it now. I was completely drawn into the story immediately and found myself connecting with many of the characters. The author's note at the end of the story says that this is actually a vignette from a full-length novel: There be Demons.

Although the book seems to have been stalled in its publication, I would certainly have loved to read a full-length novel by this author. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would give this story a very strong A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Duncan Whitehead - Home For the Weekend: A Short Psychological Thriller

16. Home For the Weekend: A Short Psychological Thriller by Duncan Whitehead (2015)

Length: 13 pages

Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 29 April 2017

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Duncan Whitehead as I downloaded a copy of this book for free from his website.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 April 2017

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Ashley Banks has been blissfully married to her college sweetheart Tom for the past five years and they have two beautiful boys together - four-year-old Lou and eight-month-old Evan. Although she generally loves her work as an attorney, having to occasionally work such long hours can be terribly annoying. Especially when she just wants to get home to her family at a reasonable time for the weekend. 

Such is Ashley's predicament on this particular weekend. A colleague has just emailed her a copy of a contract for one of the firm's more influential clients and has requested that she read it over. Ashley is frustrated of course, but she reluctantly stays late anyway, and then sends them her thoughts and impressions of the contract. 

Ashley may be annoyed by her current situation, but she also cannot help but worry about when she will be able to go home and see her family. According to local law enforcement, there is a serial killer on the loose who has apparently abducted and murdered several women. While it seems as if their perpetrator primarily targets women who are driving at night - and presumably heading home - the police warn that people still must remain alert at all times.

However, Ashley knows that her husband and children are waiting for her. So she must find a way to quell the twinges of fear fluttering through her heart and drive home to see her family. All she wants is to be home with them for the weekend.

According to the author's note, the idea for this particular story came from Mr. Whitehead's journey along several unfamiliar roads. He was driving alone at night, when a "what if" scenario suddenly popped into his mind. The possible multiple points-of-view add some extraordinary twists to the plot.

To be perfectly honest, I really enjoyed reading this story; it only took me about ten minutes to read. It did take me several seconds to follow the switching points-of-view, but once I did I became intrigued by the story. I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Tia Nevitt - The Magic Mirror and the Seventh Dwarf

11. The Magic Mirror and the Seventh Dwarf by Tia Nevitt (2013)
The Accidental Enchantments Series Book 2

Length: 114 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started: 12 March 2017

Finished: 15 March 2017

Where did it come from? From Apple I-Books 

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 19 September 2016

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Prince Richard of Schwarzberg is a cursed man. Having initially accepted willing guardianship of the magic mirror that has been in his family for generations, Richard soon finds himself enslaved to both the mirror and to the whims of the cunning enchantress queen of Weissland. Twice a day for almost a decade - whenever the Lady Sybelle calls upon the spirit of the mirror - Richard is compelled to answer her three questions truthfully. Determined to discover a way to free himself from the Lady Sybelle's thrall - and desperate to protect other innocents from her evil sorcery - Richard leaves his father's realm and soon becomes 'The Lost Prince of Schwarzberg'.

All her life Gretchen has been teased for being small. Although she has learned to ignore the various cruelties of the townspeople - the taunts and comments, the pointing and outright stares - she secretly wishes that she could find a place to call her own. When she hears a minstrel's tale of a hidden farm populated by little people such as herself, Gretchen is cautiously optimistic. Could there possibly be a place out in the world where she would be seen as a person and not just as an oddity?

Determined to find this wonderful place, Gretchen sets out on her journey - and is eventually welcomed into their home by the mostly male inhabitants. The Klein family: Frau Marta, her husband Herr Dieter, and their sixteen-year-old son; and their four farmhands: Gunther, Klaus, Rudolph and Lars all act most appropriately towards Gretchen and are happy to meet her. Lars in particular woos her with his gentle and kindhearted nature and his quiet strength.

Delighted to have finally found acceptance among people who look like her, Gretchen soon settles into a peaceful routine at the farm. However, danger looms on the horizon when Gretchen meets a troubled young woman one morning, while on her way to market. After hearing the young lady's desperate story, she offers the runaway princess - Angelika of Weissland - shelter at the Little Farm.

Although Ange is safe for a few weeks, she soon feels compelled to return to her stepmother's castle. Determined to protect her late father's subjects from Lady Sybelle's cruelty, she resolves to provide as much assistance as she can in secret - in the guise of 'The Tattered Princess'. Wandering somewhere nearby, Richard initially finds himself admiring Ange's forthright manner and compassionate nature. However, as his feelings grow stronger, Richard soon finds himself falling in love with the beautiful princess.

When he is eventually compelled to tell the queen that she is no longer the fairest one of the realm, she is enraged by Richard's revelation. She vows to find Princess Angelika and destroy her, as well as anyone who might try to help the young woman. It soon becomes apparent that if either Gretchen or Richard are to have their own happily ever afters, they must team up to break the mirror's spell before the queen kills them all...

I have always enjoyed reading fairytale retellings, and this one was just as entertaining. I was intrigued by the plot of this story and avidly wanted to know how it would develop. I would give this novella a definite A! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often 

Amy Hearst - The Gladiator's Goddess

8. The Gladiator's Goddess by Amy Hearst (2014)

The Gladiators' Gifts Series Book 2

Length: 83 pages

Genre: Short Story
Started: 7 March 2017

Finished: 8 March 2017

Where did it come from? From Apple I-Books

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 19 September 2016

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed The Gladiator's Girl by the same author in the past.

Nardine has been a slave ever since her mother sold her at the age of eleven. Her master runs a school for gladiators in ancient Rome known as a ludus. Although she occasionally serves the master and his family whenever they travel to gladiatorial events; Nardine primarily divides her duties between the kitchens and the infirmary as both a cook and a physician's assistant.

She had always counseled her friend Celeste to be extremely careful about falling in love with a gladiator, as that sort of relationship could only lead to heartbreak in the future. Nardine knows this feeling from personal experience as she has lost her heart exactly twice in her lifetime - first to a gladiator named Matthias, then to another one called Gaius - and she has inevitably lost both men to the horrors of the arena. While losing Matthias was certainly heart-wrenching, Nardine is utterly devastated by the sudden death of Gaius.

Nardine privately believes that she has long been unlucky in love, so she truly cannot fault her mistress Cornelia for believing that she is actually cursed. However, despite suffering through such tremendous grief, Nardine also begins to believe that she has ultimately been blessed as well: she is finally pregnant. Yet a life of bondage is definitely no future for a child, so Nardine resolves that escape is the only viable option, no matter what the punishment will be if she fails.

Fleeing from his sorrowful past, Abedi has long wanted to be a gladiator. Now he is living his dream, and at one of the most prestigious schools in all of Rome. Yet despite relying on his strength, bravery and quickness while fighting in the arena, Abedi also cannot deny that there is always the possibility that he will be injured or worse.

Ultimately, Abedi will be tested to the very limits of his abilities and endurance. However, after meeting the beautiful Nardine working in the infirmary - the answer to his prayers - he will find the challenges that he has faced in the arena are only the beginning. Indeed, it is the promise of finally having a family of his own, an enduring love, and the prospect of freedom that will sustain Abedi throughout his time in the arena.

Actually, this book is quite a bit longer than the first book in the series. Although having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story as well. As I have said before, I usually enjoy reading anything having to do with ancient Greece and Rome, and it was intriguing to read more stories based in this particular historical period. In my opinion, this was a fast-paced and well-developed story despite its relatively short length and I would certainly give this novella an A!

 A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Mike Hartner - A Quiver of Character

3. A Quiver of Character by Mike Hartner (2016)
The Eternity Series Book 5
Length: 115 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 7 January 2017
Finished: 23 January 2017
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 8 October 2016
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

From all four books from The Eternity Series, here are several short stories featuring some of the minor characters who have inspired a certain amount of curiosity about their own stories. From James Stuart's cousin Bart and a particularly overconfident sea captain named Marek in I, Walter; to Crofter Shipping crew member Jose Corazon and Crofter family banker Michael Farnsworth in I, James; to the first female sea captain Mary Crofter Farquharson's four sons Keith, Kyle, Ian and Fergus in I, Mary; and Margret and Aileen - the adopted daughters of Reverend Angus Mackenzie in I, Angus - each of these characters have their own stories to tell beyond the books of The Eternity Series. And here are just a few of them: a baker's dozen of such background stories.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; it was refreshing to delve back into the world of The Eternity Series. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Kathryn Meyer Griffith - Christmas Magic 1959: A Short Story From my Childhood

1. Christmas Magic 1959: A Short Story From my Childhood by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2016)

Length: 19 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started: 1 January 2017

Finished: 2 January 2017

Where did it come from? I originally downloaded a copy of this book for free from Smashwords. I downloaded a second copy for free from Amazon.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 4 November 2016 from Smashwords; Since 9 November 2016 from Amazon.

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

The Meyer family had gone through its fair share of difficulties - yet even as it struggled to make ends meet - the Meyer children always felt surrounded by the love and admiration of their parents, their grandparents, and their siblings. Although money was tight, the Meyers had never experienced any sort of deprivation or neediness during their childhood. Now Kathryn Meyer Griffith, a prolific author for over forty years, reminisces about one of her most cherished childhood memories.

Christmas had always been a special time for the whole Meyer household. However, it would be the Christmas Season of 1959 that would perhaps provide many of the sweetest memories for the Meyer children. Perhaps no family member felt the Christmas spirit more than nine-year-old Katie Meyer. She loved absolutely everything about the holiday, but that Christmas Season of 1959 seemed even more magical to her because Katie had recently survived a life-threatening medical emergency.

This story is about one of Ms. Griffith's most cherished childhood Christmases; a very special Christmas Eve spent with her brother Jimmy, their other siblings, their mother, father and grandparents. It is a story of family, tradition, and everlasting love. With the recent passing of Ms. Griffith's brother Jim in 2015, she felt compelled to write this short story as a tribute to his memory as well as in honor of her family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this little vignette, and give it a solid A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Scott Bury - Torn Roots

7. Torn Roots by Scott Bury (2015)

Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 3

Length: 131 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started: 18 April 2016

Finished: 25 April 2016

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Scott Bury for sending me a copy of this book to read.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 August 2015

Why do I have it? I like short stories and Scott Bury is a new author for me.

After successfully closing a case involving murderous poachers targeting Maui's national park, Detective Pono Kaihale gladly accepts the temporary position of Acting Lieutenant in Hana on the island's rain-forest coast. He is looking forward to spending the next six months working on a much easier caseload and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. After all, as quiet as Hana seems to be, Pono is fairly certain that he will only be called upon to redirect lost hikers or to moderate the occasional lovers' spat: nothing too strenuous at all. The rest of his time there, Pono intends to spend enjoying the natural beauty of the southeast shore.

Yet by his second week on the job, Pono finds that the trouble that comes to Hana just takes on a different form. Hawaii is known for its volcanoes and pristinely beautiful sandy beaches. But Pono Kaihale realizes that in Hawaii, beauty and danger reign side by side. Apparently, it doesn't matter how beautiful the scenery is, the crimes remain the same.

As environmentalists, property developers, protesters, arsonists, kidnappers and a rogue Homeland Security agent converge on his new post, Pono feels like he's sitting directly in the path of a hurricane. And when a rookie FBI agent is assigned to the case, Pono realizes that the stakes have just been raised. Hana is not turning out to be the quietest post in his career; lives will be lost if Pono doesn't solve this mystery soon.

I really enjoyed reading this book - Mr. Bury delivers an action-packed plot and a well-developed yet fast-paced story for its short length. I certainly appreciated the flashes of humor that were present throughout the story. I would definitely give this book an A+! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

C. S. Feldman - Fey: A Fantasy Novella

5. Fey: A Fantasy Novella by C. S. Feldman (2015)
Length: 123 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 1 March 2016
Finished: 8 March 2016
Where did it come from? Many thanks to C. S. Feldman for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 6 November 2015

Why do I have it? I like short stories and C. S. Feldman is a new author for me.

Nessa Donnelly has been happily married to her husband Reg for four years. In all that time, she has never once mentioned her family - claiming only that she has been on her own for a long time. The truth is that Nessa Donnelly does have family - her father, Hugh and brother Orin - but she hasn't seen either of them for many, many years. Although she  doesn't understand what caused their initial estrangement, she can't completely quell the sneaking suspicion that it is her choice of career - a sculptress in a family of stonemasons - that has made her something of a disappointment to her father.

While it seems that her career doesn't exactly please her father, Nessa would say that she absolutely loves sculpting and honestly can't see herself doing anything else. She may not be content with the current state of their relationship, but she has somehow managed to come to terms with the way things are between herself and her family. Nessa never actually expected to see her eccentric father ever again, so it comes as something of a surprise to her to receive a phone call from the hospital in her hometown. According to his doctors, Hugh Donnelly lies in a persistently comatose state for which they have no explanation.

Although he is comatose, his vital signs seem to be deteriorating; so his doctors are hoping that Nessa can shed some light on her father's inexplicable condition. Horrified to hear that her father's condition is so dire, Nessa rushes back home to be with him. Since she had always believed that the Donnelly family came from hardier stock, she is beyond stunned to discover her father is actually perilously close to death. As much as she would like to help them, Nessa isn't exactly sure how much information she can provide to her father's doctors - after all, her brother Orin is much closer to their father than she is - so he would have a better understanding of their father's medical issues.

However, Nessa assures his doctors that she will do her best to help them discover what is wrong with her father. The search requires that she move back in to her childhood home for a while, and she is astonished when she sees the dilapidated condition of her father's house. As Nessa begins her research, long-buried family secrets emerge, and she slowly begins to realize that those secrets were kept hidden from her for a specific reason; a reason that she can't fully comprehend.

She also realizes that there is something in the woods behind her father's house; something that he never told her about. Although she doesn't know how she knows it, Nessa understands that there is actually something in the woods that defies any sort of logical explanation. She has the vaguely unsettled feeling that whatever resides in the forest has been there since she was a child.

And, in what is perhaps the most disturbing realization of all, Nessa slowly comes to believe that she is not quite as alone in her father's house as she thought she was...

It probably won't come as much of a surprise to my readers, but I really do enjoy reading stories based on Irish folklore. In my opinion, the plot of this story was intriguing and I was curious to see how it would develop. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found that the story was very well-developed and easily paced for its length - definitely an A! Actually, I'd be very interested in finding out if Ms. Feldman will write a sequel to this story.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Eden Baylee - Seal of a Monk

4. Seal of a Monk by Eden Baylee (2015)

Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 2

Length: 92 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started: 27 February 2016

Finished: 29 February 2016

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Eden Baylee for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 28 July 2015

Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed A Snake in Paradise by this author in the past.

Madelaine Lee - a divorced bank fraud management consultant - has spent the past year and several months dreaming about returning to Hawaii. Despite the terror she experienced during her last trip there, Lainey cannot deny that the beauty of the island paradise still calls to her. She imagines that the ancient jungles of Kauai could provide the perfect setting for self-discovery.

To celebrate her upcoming fiftieth birthday, Lainey decides to treat herself by booking another trip to Hawaii. This time she is returning in the capacity of mentor and guide for a silent meditation course on the Coconut Coast. Twenty-five women - including her best friend's troubled eighteen-year-old daughter, Kristin - will be under her care for the next ten days in a beautiful and remote location.

Lainey expects to find inner peace - for herself, as well as for the students under her tutelage. For the next few days, the ladies are introduced to the basics of meditation and set on the correct path toward enlightenment. However, four days into the course, one of the meditation students - Kristin - disappears without a trace...

As Lainey frantically tries to discover what happened to the girl, her mind is filled with numerous questions. Did Kristin leave of her own volition, or was she lured away somehow? Lainey is desperate for answers to these questions - especially when she learns of the existence of a secretive community calling itself 'TruthWay'. Ostensibly, 'TruthWay' seems to be hosting a course fairly  similar to Lainey's - open to anyone who might be seeking spiritual enlightenment - yet, she can't help but be slightly suspicious of the community's cult-like behavior.

As her desperation grows, she finds help from an unexpected source - a retired Navy SEAL named Maximillian Scott. Now, Lainey has two mysteries to solve: what actually happened to the missing teenager and can she possibly overcome her fear of what happened to her in the past. Can Lainey ever trust a man again?

This is actually the second novella that I've read by Ms. Baylee and I must say that I absolutely loved it. I loved the plot of the story, and appreciated that even though the novella was written within the same world as Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series, it was an entirely new and different story. I enjoyed reading another mystery featuring such a strong character as Lainey Lee - I could really appreciate how much she had grown since I read A Snake in Paradise in May of 2015. I give this novella an A+!

In fact, this is the second of six recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have three more novellas from the July of 2015 batch of releases set on my TBR pile and ready to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Christine Nolfi - The Shell Seeker

1. The Shell Seeker by Christine Nolfi (2015)
Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 2/Lei's Magic Series Book 2
Length: 105 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 30 December 2015
Finished: 4 January 2016
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Christine Nolfi for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 30 June 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by the same author in the past.

Leilani Texeira - a recent police academy graduate - is exactly two weeks away from accepting her newest assignment with the South Hilo Police Department in Hawaii. However, before Lei embarks on her future career, she reluctantly accepts a gift from her aunt Rosario: a five-day vacation at a relaxing Bed and Breakfast in South Carolina. While Lei truly appreciates her aunt's kindness, she isn't at all sure if she'll enjoy herself, because she is just so anxious about starting her new job. Lei still embarks on her vacation - but with absolutely no idea of how magical the trip will actually turn out to be for her.

Anyway, Lei arrives at the beachside Bed and Breakfast, and discovers immediately just how charming it is. Everywhere she looks, Lei sees signs of the laid-back, easygoing Southern lifestyle: the place is definitely a tourist's definition of absolute paradise. The hostess of the Bed and Breakfast is an honest-to-goodness Southern belle named Pixie, for heaven's sake! Ms. Pixie Delacorte is first and foremost, the quintessential genteelly-bred Southern hostess: offering up copious pitchers of sweet tea along with her Southern hospitality and gossip - oh, and she claims to have psychic powers as well!

However, there is so much more than magic in the air of South Carolina. Leilani Texeira - rookie police officer - will soon be drawn into her first case: the case of the Pirate Necklace. According to Pixie - the fount of all knowledge when it comes to the history of South Carolina - the legend of the Pirate Necklace can be traced all the way back to the eighteenth century. Apparently, the famed emeralds had once belonged to Edward Teach - the infamous pirate also known as 'Blackbeard'.

In the 1700s, the emeralds were spirited away from Blackbeard's ship sometime during the middle of the night by a resourceful young thief named Nathaniel. Since that time, the illustrious Pirate Necklace has belonged to an elite family in South Carolina's social scene - the Belvedere Family. Unfortunately, the necklace has been snatched once again. This time, the emeralds were stolen from the statuesque matriarch of the Belvedere family: Marie-Therese, a woman whose petty cruelty is only exceeded by her overwhelming arrogance.

Although Lei doesn't really care for the prim and proper socialite's icy demeanor, she feels an instant connection to Marie-Therese's stepdaughter: a highly-proficient, if struggling artist. It seems as if an supremely unlucky star has followed Sydney Belvedere for the majority of her life, and Lei finds that she can relate. If history continues to repeat itself, Sydney may always be star-crossed: because if the necklace isn't found soon, she stands to lose a treasure much dearer than the most precious gem. And it's only the magic of Lei’s intuition that stands between Sydney and her unspeakable loss.

So, back in April of 2015, I read Ms. Nolfi's first book in her Lei's Magic Series: The Shell Keeper. This second book in the series picks up relatively close to the end of the first book. I just want to say that in my opinion, The Shell Seeker was definitely worth the wait to read.

The characters and plot are all so well-developed; I found myself really caring for the characters and hoping that they would come through their various issues relatively unscathed. I definitely appreciated that the story itself was so well-developed for its length. I would give this novella an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Joyce DiPastena - An Epiphany Gift For Robin: A Short Medieval Christmas Story

33. An Epiphany Gift For Robin: A Short Medieval Christmas Story by Joyce DiPastena (2011) (Revised Author's Edition 2015)
Length: 18 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 10 October 2015
Where did it come from? From Amazon
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 14 July 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and had read and enjoyed The Lady and the Minstrel by the same author in the past.

The Marcel family is perhaps the poorest family living among all the peasants who farm the baron's land in twelfth-century England. Many would call the serfs who work for Lord Beckford nothing more than chattel, no better than the oxen that plow his lordship's fields. And indeed, as the baron and his household feast on Christmas goose, all seated around a blazing Yule log, Arthur and his family; his loving, yet long-suffering wife Mariot, and their three children - nine-year-old Gilbert, seven-year-old Robert, and four-year-old Charlotte - shiver together in the cold.

In a time when serfs are not meant to love or to dream of a brighter future, Arthur Marcel dares to do both. Twelve days after Christmas - on the gift giving day of Epiphany - he will make a tremendous sacrifice. And Arthur Marcel's simple act of love and kindness will subsequently change the future of one of his family members forever.

I must say that I have actually read this book twice - once in August, and the other in October. I always love reading the background stories of certain characters and this one was no exception. I had already read The Lady and the Minstrel by Joyce DiPastena back in June of 2015 - and it was really wonderful to meet up with some of these characters again, this time as children. I give this short story an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Emily Kimelman - A Keiki Mystery: Warrior Dog

29. A Keiki Mystery: Warrior Dog by Emily Kimelman (2015)

Kindle Worlds Novella: Lei Crime Series Book 4/The Keiki Mystery Series Book 1
Length: 60 pages

Genre: Short Story

Started/Finished: 4 August 2015

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Emily Kimelman's assistant Jen for sending me a copy of this book to read.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 27 July 2015

Why do I have it? I like short stories and Emily Kimelman is a new author for me.

Deep inside of all animals there dwells an innate fear of fire; and for the Rottweiller Keiki - Detective Leilani Texiera's most loyal friend and fiercest ally - the fear of fire is no less insidious or terrifying. As a decendant of the Drover Dogs of Rome, Keiki definitely understands the enormous legacy that she must honor. In ancient Roman times, these Rottweiller ancestors followed men into war, helped herd animals, and protected the flock from predators. All these tasks required a certain bravery and great skill to accomplish; yet it was also a noble responsibility for such creatures to undertake.

In more modern times, Keiki's role remains much the same. She must protect Lei and her family from any and all predators. They are members of her pack and rely on Keiki's indomitable strength and wily intelligence for their protection. This is a responsibility that Keiki takes enormous pride in and treats very seriously.

Yet, when the enemy that you must face is also one that fills you with the most shameful fear, what is a mighty protector to do? How will Keiki save her family from such a raging, uncontrollable beast? For the sake of her pack, Keiki must rely on her own protective instincts, and the assistance of some new friends in order to do what needs to be done. Because when you're only one dog - the protector of the pack - and facing off against a particularly devious enemy, your number one priority in this mission becomes crystal clear: protect the family.

I must say that while I do have at least five books by Emily Kimelman sitting on my virtual TBR pile, this was the first book by this author that I've actually had the pleasure of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; it was extremely fast-paced and very well-developed for its length, and I absolutely loved both Keiki's and Blue's character development. I give this book an A+!

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

M. L. Doyle - Hidden Poppies

27. Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle (2015)
Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 7
Length: 83 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 15 July 2015
Finished: 18 July 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to M. L. Doyle for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and M. L. Doyle is a new author for me.

When FBI Special Agents Marcella Scott and Ken Yamada are brought in to solve a kidnapping, initially they are curious as to the reason why they were specifically chosen for the case. To be honest, nothing about this particular case makes any sense. Who would abduct the child of a member of the military, yet wait for a period of time before sending out a ransom note?

Yet that is exactly the sort of case that FBI Special Agents Scott and Yamada are faced with. An army colonel's daughter isn't a typical target when it comes to the crime of kidnapping, but that's only the first of the variety of red flags that reveal themselves about this case. FBI Special Agent Marcella Scott knows that the word 'unusual' is remarkably synonymous with unpredictability, and she also realizes that unpredictability can quickly translate into any case becoming incredibly dangerous for those involved.

But this case isn't the only issue that must be resolved for the partners. Just when their wits need to be at their sharpest, Agent Scott's partner, Special Agent Ken Yamada is suffering from a serious case of déjà vu. And that feeling is quickly becoming a major personal distraction for him. Agent Yamada has had to make several painful decisions throughout his career; many of which have led to some very painful sacrifices for that career.

When the young girl's abduction brings him face to face with one of those sacrifices, Major Chuck Mathews, Agent Yamada begins to question all his choices. In their desperate search for the teenage girl, the agents will face numerous foes more than willing to use deadly force to protect themselves and their secrets. Yet what was hidden before will ultimately be revealed, and the truth can change everything.

Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle is actually the fifth novella that I've read from the Kindle Worlds Lei Crime Series, based on the books in the Lei Crime Mystery Series by Toby Neal. In my opinion, this novella was very well-written and I actually found this plot to be remarkably well-developed despite the length of the story. I would give Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle a definite A! and am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Eden Baylee - A Snake in Paradise

23. A Snake in Paradise by Eden Baylee (2015)
Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 8
Length: 67 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 25 May 2015
Finished: 30 May 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Eden Baylee for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Eden Baylee is a new author for me.

Madelaine Lee is a forty-something recently divorced woman, who is finally spreading her wings after spending way too many years trapped in a loveless marriage. For her fresh start in life, Madelaine is determined to make some changes about herself that will make her feel like an entirely new person. She changes her name to Lainey, and does something that she is absolutely sure her old self would never even have contemplated: she gets an intriguing, artistic and intricately done tattoo on her back and books a dream vacation to Hawaii.

Yes, Lainey has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. As a matter of fact, she and her new husband Elliot were supposed to go there on their honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in what Lainey sees as a poetic twist of fate, she is finally making the trip by herself - twenty-seven years later - as a gift to herself following a messy divorce.

Once she arrives on the Big Island, Lainey finds herself in absolute heaven - a true paradise of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue skies. She is having a truly amazing time, and even finds time for a little flirting and romance. After spending such a long time in a loveless marriage, Lainey is certainly eager to shed her fears and take a chance with Julian - a dashing and mysterious stranger ten years her junior. After all, it seems to Lainey that they shared an instant connection.

However, Lainey will soon find that romantic strolls along white sand beaches and leisurely swims in vibrant turquoise lagoons is not all Hawaii has to offer. Her budding relationship with Julian might prove to be a tempting distraction; a precious but fleeting chance at true love; or a date with the most charming snake in paradise. Will Lainey's Hawaiian vacation ultimately turn out to be a dream come true, or a waking nightmare?

I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fast-paced and subtly dramatic, I enjoyed Ms. Baylee's writing style and her development of such strong yet sympathetic characters. I give this book an A+! and I am eagerly waiting to read more from this author in the future.

This is actually the first book by Eden Baylee that I've read; although at 67 pages long, it really should be classified as more of a novella. In fact, this is the fourth of eight recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle set on my TBR pile and ready to read.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

M. K. Theodoratus - The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor

22. The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor by M. K. Theodoratus (2014)
The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 5
Length: 57 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 16 May 2015
Finished: 17 May 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy from Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 March 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and M. K. Theodoratus is a new author for me.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

Thirteen-year-old Delores 'Dumdie' Swartz feels like an outsider within her own family. She's the baby of the family, and is truly getting tired of being treated like one by everyone around her. She hates the nickname that her older sisters have burdened her with since childhood; she hates the fact that both sisters take an almost diabolical glee in teasing and humiliating her at every turn. And if that wasn't the worst part of her life to begin with, Dumdie also has to contend with her ability to see ghosts; an ability she has had since early childhood.

Even though she's been able to see ghosts since she was four-years-old, Dumdie is still not entirely comfortable with her so-called gift. Her fear that she will somehow walk through a pile of sticky ghost guts - and come away with them smeared all over her - causes Dumdie to cringe every time she encounters a spirit. Her desire for a normal life leads Dumdie to avoid the spirits as much as she possibly can; yet all her attempts at avoidance don't turn out quite the way she planned.

Dumdie's life is extremely lonely - her sisters alternately mock her strange behavior and studiously ignore her at school. Her parents are clueless, and she has absolutely no friends; she is a social pariah at school: basically a zero on the popularity scale, but a one hundred on the weirdness scale. The only solace she finds is working in the garden she and her family shares with her elderly neighbor, Mr. Carson.

However, Dumdie's solace is badly shaken when a couple of teenagers from her high school begin stealing pumpkins from Mr. Carson's garden. During one such theft, Mr. Carson is badly injured and later dies. From there, Dumdie's life takes a dark turn. She begins to understand that there are much stranger and darker things to be frightened of than ghosts.

The two teenage vandals who stole the pumpkins begin stalking Dumdie when they discover that she witnessed their confrontation with Mr. Carson in his garden. Dumdie may be frightened out of her skull by the football jocks who taunt her, but it's the evilness that lurks within someone specific that truly terrifies her. She senses something malevolent dwelling within Kyle - one of boys who raided the pumpkin patch - an entity that becomes more and more pronounced as Kyle stalks her. The more Kyle threatens Dumdie and tries to bully her into silence, the clearer she perceives the entity possessing him.

An unlikely group of girls befriends Dumdie after she helps them with their costumes for a production at the annual Pumpkin Festival. Although none of the girls know precisely what is going on with Dumdie, she finally finds the support and friendship she so desperately wants. Dumdie's fears eventually explode during the festival, when the demonic force currently possessing Kyle decides that it wants to possess Dumdie instead.

This is the first of M. K. Theodoratus' novellas that I have ever read and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I love reading stories about normal people who are dealing with seriously abnormal situations. While the setting seemed to be a typical suburban area anywhere in America to me, reading the background of this series, I have learned that this is actually an entirely different world called Andor. This is a world where demons and other supernatural and paranormal activity exists, and seeks to disrupt the peaceful existence of humanity as often as possible.

I really felt for Dumdie, and hoped she would be able to overcome her various fears and phobias in some way. I would give this book an A! and I already have two other novellas from this series on my TBR pile. I look forward to reading them both sometime soon.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often