#409 ~Something Quite Beautiful

Something Quite Beautiful by Amanda Prowse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A first time read for this author, just to check whether her style etc., would fit me. I was pleasantly surprised and found this to be a decent paced and enjoyable short, which helped me make up my mind to give this author more attention.



View all my reviews

#487 ~ Four Christmases

Four Christmases by Loretta Livingstone

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well constructed short stories; two with a religious theme.

They were nicely done - after studying A215 Creative Writing Module at University, I know how difficult it is to achieve a short story ... it is way harder than most people would assume.


I purchased my copy through Kindle Unlimited, you can find it HERE on Amazon.

Hugs and Happy Reading.


View all my reviews

#470 ~ Our Triumph and Our Glory (Book 1)

Our Triumph and Our Glory by Megane Kilpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Megane is an old head on young shoulders. This short piece is beautifully written and outstanding. Currently, it's on free download, so please pick up a copy and support her.

Hugs
Kay
xoxo

#368 ~ Becoming a Lady

Becoming A Lady by Marie Higgins

My rating: 2 of 5 stars















I'm afraid, for me, this was a very flimsy read. I didn't feel it was particularly well written, or indeed researched.

I could pick holes a mile wide through some of the historical detail.

Poor conceived characters, one dimensional plot, and really not that substantial, even taking into account it was a short story.

Sorry, I hate it when this happens, I wish their could have been something positive to say - other than the cover was lovely, and hinted at a better quality product than was actually produced.


Product Details:

I downloaded this as a free Kindle file in March 2013.  At the time of writing this post it is available at a listed price of 77p HERE.  I will let you judge for yourself if you think it's good value for money.

70 pages in length - short story.


Errors/Bug Bears:

The whole way through the book initial capital letters were not used (or inconsistently used) in respect of words like, grandfather, father, brother, duke, etc.

There was also a lot of North American grammar: given that this is an historical book about England and the Aristocracy is not really good enough, however, the work began in North America, with a girl that was in all intents and purposes American, therefore it was probably a little more palatable:  it just doesn't sit well with me personally.

As far as I am aware the British Army does not have Scouting Officers, and given that Mr Seton was the Son of an Earl, he would have been a commissioned officer.  The same goes for his Brother, who was also serving with him, I strongly feel that he would not have been a Sergeant.

There were other grammatical and typographical errors, that given the poor mark this book received, I cannot be bothered listing down.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download on Amazon

A Duke's Entangled Enchantress

Phynix De Leon

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > romance

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Quite frankly, it wouldn't really matter if you downloaded this and hated it, it's only a short story (40 pages), but if it's as nice as the cover, then we are all winners:

Alanna is the great granddaughter of the Duke of Norfolk and the rich heiress of her father's ranch in America. After an accident leaves her scared and scared of riding again her father take's it into his own hands to try and help her find happiness.

This happiness come in the form of Lord Grayson who is a duke, who thanks to the death of his brother is left with a great debt, one that could only be paid off by the money of a heiress bride.

Together they struggle to find a balance, but will they?

If you want to download a Kindle copy whilst it's free click HERE.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Dancing with the Earl

Ashley Stormes

After the Masquerade

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance > Short Story

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author the the Blog*

You do realise that I am pre-programmed to picking anything that mentions "Dancing" and "Earl" in the title!

“You do realize that every man in our family who has married for love has recognized his wife immediately when first introduced? The feelings of lasting emotion may take a little while to develop to their fullest, but it is an almost instantaneous realization that the woman before you is the one, that she is the only one.”

Thus said Lord Thomas Gyrlington, Marquis of Ravenwood, to his son Lawrence in A Mask of Black Satin, the second novel in The Masquerade Series. Readers of The Masquerade Series have seen the Ravenwoods in full matchmaking fervour, but while Thomas and Margaret hinted at their courtship, they never fully explained their story. Now, in the first companion short story to The Masquerade Series, readers have the opportunity to see the sweet and passionate couple in their early days. This short story is not just for those that have read the series, however; anyone with a passing interest can use this as a springboard into The Masquerade Series.

Lord Thomas Gyrlington, Earl of Briarwood, and Miss Margaret Nettlby proudly present Dancing with the Earl, the first story in After the Masquerade. Read and laugh about what occurs when a loyal Scottish earl loses a card game to his best friend, and a soft-spoken English miss finds herself at the centre of his world.

So hop over to Amazon and download your free Kindle copy whist it's still free HERE.  What's the risk after all, its only a very short little thing.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon *ADDITIONAL*

Strength of a Giant

Tony Passarelli

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Science Fiction > Fantasy > Short Story

Indie Writer (Self-published)

I've just heard from my friend, Tony Passarelli, that his short story, Strength of a Giant, is available today for free Kindle download:

Heaven is at war, only the Seven Archangels stand between victory and defeat, for one of the Seven, Uriel, danger is closer than he knows!

Strength of a Giant is a short science fiction story about the enigmatic Son of God Emanuel and the Archangel Raphael. Will they be able to fight the evil plot of Jovian, who is an amalgamation of fallen angels, or has time run out? The final battle takes place within the Milky Way and our solar system will never be the same again... 

You can get a copy of the free download HERE, I believe that it will only be available today, however, it's also available on Amazon.com and Amazon Germany.

Please support him by downloading your copy.

Hugs

Kay

#375 ~ The Hardest-Easiest Story Ever Told

The Hardest-Easiest Story Ever Told

Matthew Treya

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Contemporary

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducting a New Author to the Blog*

Description:

A modern-day Dantean pilgrimage in short novella form.

Product Details:

I was really lucky enough to be sent a paperback copy of this under the First Reads Scheme at Good Reads.

Short story - 44 pages long.

You can download it HERE at Amazon.  The listed price is 77p currently for the Kindle version, or the Paperback is £2.85.

* * * * *

Summary/thoughts:

This is a really short review, for a short story.

The cover is beautiful image that wraps around both sides.

As far as the story is concerned, it was written in quite a flowery style.  I found it a little hard to keep track of what was going on the first time I read it, and then re-read it a few hours later and it fell into place.

Taking into account the whole product, i.e. plot and cover, and the fact that there were no Errors/Bug Bears, I would award it:

4 stars

It was a good read, but it didn't blow my mind.  It does, however, look pretty on the coffee table .... and creates the impression that I am a far deeper thinker than in reality!.

Happy Reading.

Hugs

Kay

#373 ~ Five Kisses

Five Kisses

(A Sweet Deception Novella)

Karla Darcy

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance > Novella

* Introducing a New Author to the Blog *

Description:

If you love Regencies with humor, wit, and fun, Downton Abbey and Jane Austen you’ll love The Five Kisses! This is the first book in the Sweet Deception Regency series and there's lots more to come. The question in The Five Kisses is: can the daughter of a professor with a very small estate interest the heir to an Earl in not just love but marriage? When 13 year old Chad stands up to a bully and rescues a kitten, Gillian saves him from a beating. A thank you kiss surprises them both. If she was older than 9, she might have fallen in love with him right there. But then…" The journey from friendship to love in this traditional Regency will warm the heart of any reader. 

Product Details:

I picked up a free Kindle download of this in March this year, and at the time of writing this post it's still available as a free Kindle download HERE.

I would class this as more of a short story than a Novella.

78 pages - 172 KB.

* * * * *

Summary/thoughts:

This was over in the blink of an eye ... no sooner started than it was gone .... which actually, was a real shame as it was an absolute delight.

Sometimes a piece of writing acts as an amuse bouche for the Author's other pieces of work, and this is the case here.

Karla Darcy provided me with a sweet and refreshing and happy piece of literature, and left me wanting more, much, much more of her work.

Check it out.

Rating:

As short as it was, it could earn no less than:

5 Stars

Errors/Bug Bears:

Not a single one.  Kudos to Karla for delivering a great quality product.

Hugs

Kay

#361 - In the Lord's Embrace

In the Lord's Embrace

Killian McRae

Smashwords > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance > Short Story

Description:

A missing moment from "A Love by Any Measure." Lord August Grayson and Maeve O'Connor have escaped the dictates of British and Irish society that kept their love regulated for far too long. On their journey through postbellum America, heading ever further west and to a life unknown, the final triumph of the reunion -a return to each other's embraces- eludes them. That is, until August finally understands what will set Maeve's mind, and body, at ease. 

Product Details:

Whilst I got this as a free Kindle download from Amazon back in March this year, I've just gone to get the link and it seems unavailable at the moment.

I have therefore included the link to the Smashwords store for the product.  Although, with the admission that I have no idea at what price it is listed.  You can download it by clicking HERE.

It's a short story of approximately 4,923 words in length.

* * * * *

Summary/thoughts:

It seemed strange to write this as a short story, and can only assume that it was perhaps as an afterthought, or to satisfy the curiosity of fans?  Does anybody know?

Nothing bad to say about it really, it was over in the blink of any eye.

Rating:

The same as for "Love by Any Measure" (#360 - my last review) at 4.5 or 4 star on Amazon and Good Reads.

Errors/Bug Bears:

There were a couple, but I didn't make detailed notes on them as I read it on the train.

Hugs

Kay

#352 - Desperate Measures ~ Candice Hern

Desperate Measures ~ Candice Hern

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance > Short Story

Indie Writer (Self-published)

Description:

Lydia Bettridge is a young woman suffering the pangs of unrequited love. To capture the attention of Geoffrey Danforth, the man who has stolen her heart but barely notices her, she has resorted to desperate measures with a seemingly clever plan. By engaging the help of Phillip, a friend of her brother's, to play the love-smitten fool in public, she hopes to pique the interest of her unnamed love. But when Geoffrey himself shows up to take Phillip's place, all her careful planning is turned upside down. What's a girl to do but to make the best of it?

Product Details:

Customers who enjoy the traditional Regency Romances of Georgette Heyer, Barbara Metzger, and Carla Kelly will enjoy this witty Regency short story by New York Times best selling author Candice Hern. 

This is a short story (less than 10,000 words) and not a novella 34 pages, and is currently still available as a free download HERE.

* * * * *

Summary:

A sweet little Amuse-bouche, over all most before it began, but lovely all the same.  It left me want to add more by this author to my list at Good Reads.

Personally, I love anything that has a "Lydia" in it ....  although my own one was named after Lydia from Pride and Prejudice!

Rating:

3.5 stars, but not quite making 4, purely because it could have been fleshed out a bit with more back story.

Errors/Bug Bears:

None really, other than one poorly written sentence at 7% that I noted down at the time as it came across as very poorly written, but I didn't note down the exact wording - I am now wondering if I should mention it at all!

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download

The Madman, The Witch and the Exectuioner's Apprentice ~ Edward Chilvers

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Short Stories

Published by: One Fine Day Reading

I was intrigued by the title of this one, although it is only a novella.  There have been no reviews, but oh well, it's not costing anything.  It's quite nice sometimes to read a novella, especially when you are a bit unsure about how it will pan out!

You can find it available as a free download HERE .

Get me ..... my rating is down to 6,949 today (>).  I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay

#338 (#56 of 2013) - A Delightful Arrangement ~

A Delightful Arrangement ~ Cecilia Gray

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance

Publisher:  The Alpha Division

Description:

Philip has a duty to marry Francesca. He has always protected his former neighbour and childhood companion, and now that she is of marriageable age, he will give her what she needs most - a real home where she is welcome and wanted.

Unfortunately for him....she is done with being dutiful.

After years of being an obedient daughter to a hateful father, Francesca jumps into her first Season. Francesca is ready to dance every dance, flirt with every bachelor and snatch what she wants most - a man she loves who will make her swoon.

Unfortunately for her...he now sees making her swoon as his duty, too.

And Philip takes his duties very seriously.

Product Details:

I snagged it as a freebie download at Amazon back in February 2013.  At the time of writing this post it's listed at 75p, and you can get it HERE.

It is very, very short though at 51 pages.

* * * * *

Summary:

Blink and you'll miss it, but having said that it was completely delightful.

A short review for a very short story (which I believe I only found about 1 typographical error in).

I snagged it for free.  The price point at the time of writing this is 75p, and I am sitting on the fence as to whether that's a little too expensive for what in effect is a very short story.

A 3.5 star read on the blog, but I will give it 4 on Amazon.

Hugs

Kay