Category Archives: Short Stories

WHEN STARS WILL SHINE

HeLPING OUR HEROES ONE PAGE AT A TIME

Compiled by EMMA MITCHELL

DESCRIPTION

When Stars Will Shine is a collection of short stories from your favourite authors who have come together to deliver you a Christmas read with a twist.

With true war tales that will break your heart, gritty Christmas crimes that will shake you to your core, and heart-warming tales of love lost and found, this anthology has something for everyone. And, with every penny made being sent to support our troops, you can rest assured that you’re helping our heroes, one page at a time.

From authors such as Louise Jensen, Graham Smith, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Lucy Cameron, Val Portelli, and Alex Kane, you are in for one heck of a ride!

When Stars Will Shine is the perfect Christmas gift for the bookworms in your life!

BOOK CONTENTS

  • Fredrick Snellgrove, Private 23208 by Rob Ashman
  • Four Seasons by Robert Scragg
  • The Close Encounter by Gordon Bickerstaff
  • Believe by Mark Brownless
  • What Can Possibly Go Wrong? by Lucy Cameron
  • Mountain Dew by Paul T Campbell
  • The Art of War and Peace by John Carson
  • A Gift for Christmas by Kris Egleton
  • Free Time by Stewart Giles
  • Died of Wounds by Malcolm Hollingdrake
  • The Christmas Killer by Louise Jensen
  • The Village Hotel by Alex Kane
  • A Present of Presence by Hr Kemp
  • The Invitation by Billy McLaughlin
  • Brothers Forever by Paul Moore 
  • Girl in a Red Shirt by Owen Mullen 
  • Pivotal Moments by Anna Osborne
  • Uncle Christmas by Val Portelli
  • Time for a Barbeque by Carmen Radtke
  • Christmas Present by Lexi Rees
  • Inside Out by KA Richardson
  • Penance by Jane Risdon
  • New Year’s Resolution by Robert Scragg
  • Family Time by Graham Smith

MOMO’S REVIEW

This is a book for EVERYONE. There are so many short stories that I know there will be something for YOU…. The stories are mostly very short so can be read while taking a short break and a cuppa, whilst others are a bit longer and may require a biscuit or two – now there’s your excuse for a cuppa and a nibble so what’s stopping you?

This amazing book brings together some authors you may have read or heard about and puts them next to authors you may not know or would every find anywhere else but once you read them here you will be running off to find what else they have written. I discovered many new authors through reading this book and also the links I made whilst being involved in the pre-publication chats. Please check out below where I have tried to include links below to help you search for more information on each author included in the book.

The sub heading ‘ Helping our Heroes One Page at a Time’ gives a good indication that there will be stories of war, troops and of course the cover also indicates a Christmas theme. Yes there were several stories that did indeed cover these topics, then there were the others. Each author has their own style and has given us a piece of themselves in this book.

I was lucky enough to be given a proof copy of this book via one of the authors and was able to share word of the book way before it was finally published. I enjoyed reading each and every story – some had me in tears, others gave a warm cosy feeling inside. I admit I have a favourite but I am not sharing it but I would love to know which one you like best…. please drop a note below to let me know!

When Stars Will Shine is an awesome collection of short stories pulled together by the fabulous Emma Mitchell, and I am very happy to recommend for all readers.

BUYING LINKS

Amazon 🇬🇧 https://amzn.to/2P61gmw
Amazon 🇺🇸 https://amzn.to/35QguSs

REVIEW SHARED

I have been unable to share this review on Amazon and am repeatedly given this error message:

We apologize but Amazon is not accepting reviews on this product from this account. If you would like to contact us about this decision, please email community-help@amazon.com.

This is despite me purchasing the book in both ebook and paperback formats from two different Amazon accounts. I have again emailed to ask WHY? and am awaiting a response.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Authors if YOUR links below are wrong or incomplete please advise.
I could not find links for everyone, sorry, happy to update/amend as necessary.

Roar by Cecelia Ahern

Escape with these uplifting short stories from bestseller Cecelia Ahern

 

SYNOPSIS

I am woman. Hear me roar.

Have you ever imagined a different life?
Have you ever stood at a crossroads, undecided?
Have you ever had a moment when you wanted to roar?

The women in these startlingly original stories are all of us: the women who befriend us, the women who encourage us, the women who make us brave.

From The Woman Who Slowly Disappeared to The Woman Who Was Kept on the Shelf and The Woman Who Returned and Exchanged her Husband, discover thirty touching, often hilarious, stories and meet thirty very different women. Each discovers her strength; each realizes she holds the power to make a change.

Witty, tender, surprising, these keenly observed tales speak to us all, and capture the moment when we all want to roar.

MOMO’s REVIEW                   

Roar is collection of thirty short stories, each telling the tale of a woman dealing with challenges.  It is a quirky book, with wide ranging appeal,  that tells the stories in such a way to make you laugh, cry but mostly think…… and then think some more. 

I believe the type of stories here will have readers viewing them from their individual perspective – friends may get something totally different to you from reading the same story.  For instance I could identify with some whereas others were not quite my style whereas others who have read this book feel differently.  That is what reading is all about after all. We all delve into a book to get our own little piece of another world….

Overall the book is very well written and enjoyable.   I would recommend this to friends who enjoy short stories rather than full length novels. Due to this being short stories I missed the gripping urgency I enjoy when reading a book and need to know what happens…. I kinda missed that feeling with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this collection.

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Roar
  • AUTHOR: Cecelia Ahern
  • PUBLICATION DATE:  1 November 2018
  • PUBLISHER: Harper Collins UK; HarperFiction
  • LENGTH: 353 pages
  • ASIN: B07C1HWVHW
  • ISBN-10: 0008283494
  • ISBN-13: 978-0008283490

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cecelia Ahern’s Roar

Cecelia Ahern’s website

Cecelia Ahern on Amazon, Facebook, GoodReads, Twitter

 

🎄 Christmas In Venice 🎄 by Meadow Taylor

A short story

Olivia’s Christmas trip to Venice, Italy, should be a holiday dream come true. But when her unattended luggage becomes the focus of a handsome Italian policeman’s bomb investigation, she worries she won’t even make it out of the Marco Polo Airport.

Practically handcuffed to the best-looking man she’s ever seen, can Olivia convince him she isn’t a terrorist before he writes her off for good?

Christmas in Veniceis the perfect little treat to start the holidays off with a smile.

(This short story is adapted from the first chapter of Meadow Taylor’s full-length novel, Midnight in Venice)

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

Christmas in Venice is a brilliant short story.

A very well written taster to the full novel, Midnight in Venice.

The title is slightly misleading…. this novella takes place ahead of Christmas and after Olivia leaves her luggage unattended and ends up causing a national security concern she doesnt actually reach Venice but spends the whole book inside Marco Polo Airport!

It will certainly give you a laugh as we enter the festive season.
BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Christmas In Venice: A Short Story
  • AUTHOR: Meadow Taylor
  • PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Publishers
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 4 December 2012
  • ASIN: B00ADVB4YC
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 100 pages

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meadow Taylor is the author of the romantic novels Midnight in Venice, The Billionaire’s Secrets, and Falling for Rain, as well as the short stories Christmas in Venice and Christmas in Bruges.

Meadow Taylor loves to hear from her readers – please email her at meadowtaylor1@gmail.com and join her Facebook page at Meadow Taylor Books and on twitter as @MeadowTaylor1.

You can also find Meadow Taylor on Goodreads and Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

🎄 Entertaining Angels 🎄 by M.J. Logue

A Christmas Novella

SOMETIMES, FINDING LOVE IS AS EASY AS KNOWING WHERE YOU LAST HAD IT…

Winter, 1660.

Retired from the Army after twenty years of service, Major Thankful Russell’s whole life till now has been made up of war and intelligence. And now in peacetime, he suspects no more war and, on current showing, precious little intelligence.

The idea of spending Christmas surrounded by drunkenness and debauchery at His Majesty’s court is more than he can bear – and so he begs leave, to spend a quiet family Christmas at home.

The problem is, he doesn’t have a family. And nor, with his scarred face and his shyness, does he ever expect to have one.

But when an accident of fate returns him to the only place he’s ever called home, it’s down to his old commanding officer’s daughter to teach him that not everyone sets so high a value on the outer wrapping of the most precious gift of all….

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

This is not my normal read but something drew my attention to it and I downloaded it a couple of years ago.  I enjoyed it at the time and I read it again this past weekend and it was as good as I remembered.

Entertaining Angels is a lovely tale of sensitivity and kindness.

Whilst this is described as a Christmas story, and does takes place around Christmas it is a touching story about a broken man, and his gradual recovery through the love of a family.

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Entertaining Angels: A Christmas Novella
  • AUTHOR: MJ Logue
  • PUBLISHER: Rosemary Tree Press
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 24 October 2016
  • ASIN: B01MPX4AYO
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 72 pages

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MJ Logue is a writer, mad cake lady, re-enactor, historian.

Been slightly potty about the clankier side of Ironside for around 20 years, and lists amongst my heroes in this unworthy world Sir Thomas Fairfax, Elizabeth Cromwell and John Webster (for his sense of humour.)

When not purveying historically-accurate cake to various re-enactment groups across the country, M.J. Logue can usually be discovered practising in her garden with a cavalry backsword.

Often to be found loitering, in an ill-tempered manner, at A Sweet Disorder (www.asweetdisorder.com) – dp along and pass unhelpful remarks!

You can interact with MJ Logue on her website, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

🎄 Bah, Humbug! 🎄 by Heather Horrocks

A Christmas Street Romantic Comedy Novella

Lexi Anderson is an up-and-coming, Martha Stewart-type TV hostess whose two kids love the Jared Strong adventure novels, which happen to be written by their new neighbor, Kyle Miller.

For the first time in his writing career, Kyle has writer’s block–until he sees the snowman on his lawn and realizes it’s the perfect solution to his plot problem. He digs in and discovers two things: one, his villain’s weapon will fit inside a snowman’s body, and two, this particular snowman was supposed to be the backdrop for Lexi’s next show.

From this improbable beginning comes friendship, but can there be a happy ending for a woman who is afraid to get close again and a man who has shadows from his childhood?

Families join together and hearts are healed as this couple goes walking in a winter wonderland.

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

Bah Humbug! is a feel good easy read short story. It is a well written light-hearted and enjoyable Christmas read.

Fans of the festive tales will enjoy this heart-warming Christmas which has all the necessary ingredients for the perfect christmas story!

Available on Amazon kindle right now for FREE

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Bah, Humbug!
  • AUTHOR:Heather Horrocks
  • PUBLISHER: Word Garden Press
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 9 September 2011
  • ASIN: B005ME39HU
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 96 pages

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m an author who had a somewhat unorthodox upbringing. I was raised in South America and the Middle East, and wrote my first stories as a teenager in Kuwait, where my sister and I proved it really is hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. I wrote my first novel in three months on a typewriter when I was 21, I used every romance cliché possible (including amnesia — need I say more?), and never rewrote anything, which is why it’s so much fun to pull it out occasionally when I need a good laugh. I wrote sporadically until my youngest child (who is now 18) was two, when I decided it was time to either actually start writing, or to stop saying I was a writer. So I took a class and started doing the scary things that writing requires. Now I’ve written about twelve novels and several children’s books.

You can interact with Heather Horrocks on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

Naughty Elf #1 by Tiger Lily

Part 1 of 5 

Ginger Mingus is an elf.  Engaged, up for promotion, and on Santa’s nice list.

Three weeks until Christmas, Jack Frost comes knocking on her window and convinces her to come outside and play his wicked games. Games that lead Ginger to the most delicious sensations she’s ever experienced.

Games she desperately wants to play again, but that would mean becoming a naughty elf.  A very, very, naughty elf!

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

I was looking for something different today.  Something light and fun.  This was certainly different from anything I would normally read!!

Jack Frost and Ginger Mingus are the lead characters in this kinky short story with fantastic imaginative Christmas euphemisms.

Great read, however book one leaves you hanging so you need to go get book 2 to find out what happens next!  Although there is a box set available (link below).

Reviews of the full five parts will be published sometime in December!

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Naughty Elf #1
  • AUTHOR: Tabitha Levin writing as Tiger Lily
  • PUBLISHER: Lily Books
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 17 December 2013
  • ASIN: B00HE5NEUM 
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 36 pages

To Buy Naughty Elf #1 at Amazon: http://amzn.eu/d/4aUzMWi
To buy Naughty Elf – Parts 1-5 Bundle at Amazon: http://amzn.eu/d/bFWFfjN

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tabitha Levin writing as Tiger Lily

You can interact with Tabitha Levin on her website – tabithalevin.com, Twitter and Amazon and as Tiger Lily on website – tigetlilyauthor.com and Amazon

 

 

 

 

Pinecones and Promises by Jane O’Brien

A Christmas Novella

Nate Finnegan has never been a fan of Christmas. His homelife as a child did not include pine trees and holly wreaths. It was not that he disliked Christmas; he just didn’t have an opinion one way or another.

When he decides to move to Michigan to work on a pine tree farm while going to college, he meets the Sparks family. For them Christmas is not only an occupation, it is the best part of the year and what family is all about. Soon their enthusiasm becomes infectious, and Nate has a big change of heart.

Molly Sparks, the pine tree farmers’ daughter, is exactly the girl Nate has dreamed about falling in love with, and having a family like the Sparks is something Nate has been waiting for his entire life. But as the young couple soon begin to discover, things aren’t always as easy as they first seem.

Will the promises they make to each other ever be fulfilled? Or will Nate be left forever hoping for something unattainable? It takes a Christmas miracle to work out the details of this sweet and tender love story.

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

This is such a sweet promising Christmas gift.

The perfect Christmas novella where the author has created lovable characters in this beautiful location which all together makes such a sweet story.

Reading this left me feeling warm, cosy and looking forward to the coming season full of magic.

I highly recommend this book to get you in the Christmas spirit.

  • TITLE: Pinecones and Promises
  • AUTHOR: Jane O’Brien
  • PUBLISHER: Bay Leaf Publishing
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 14 October 2018

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane O’Brien resides in West Michigan where she was born and raised. She is married and the mother of two daughters, both authors in their own right. She’s had a variety of jobs and hobbies including: piano teacher, librarian, genealogist, gardener, and quilter.
O’Brien loves to write about her experiences living along the Lake Michigan shoreline as a youth, and then later in the woods near inland lakes and rivers. She takes pride in being able to introduce her readers to her beautiful state.
You can interact with Jane O’Brien on website, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

Life After Men 🎣 by Karen Charlton and Jean Gill

A Silver Sex Kitten Short Story #1

Heart-warming comedy for the mature woman – because you’re never too old to have fun.

Shy and recently-widowed, Carys Newham is anxious and excited in equal measure when her friend, Moira, suggests they take up a challenging new hobby. Despite Carys’ already strained relationship with the local wildlife, the two friends tackle up and go fishing in the Yorkshire countryside.

After all, if ten year-old-boys can do it, how hard can it be?

As Carys and Moira pursue their dream to catch their own supper, secrets are unearthed, young men are scandalised and maggots are liberated. In their determined quest for pan-fried trout, the two women narrowly avoid both the bomb disposal unit and arrest.

Moving and deliciously funny, Life After Men is the first short story in The Silver Sex Kittens Series, which features five single friends in their fifties who have ordinary lives but extraordinary adventures

From writing duo Karen Charlton (author of the bestselling Detective Lavender mysteries) and Jean Gill (author of the award-winning Troubadours Quartet) Fans of Marian Keyes, Liane Moriarty and Nick Spalding will love The Silver Sex Kittens.

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

OMG What a scream!!!!

This is the funniest book I have read this year!  Everything is just so true and life-like experiences.  Chick-Lit for the mature women?  Not sure I like how much of this book I can relate to given that statement. I cried with laughter more than once whilst reading.

The two characters, Carys and Moira, are brilliant. The second short story is planned for 2019 and will tell us more about Moira in Moira’s Highland Fling.  I can’t wait to read the second book and hear more about Moira and what these two get up to on their trip to Scotland.

In my opinion, there is one serious problem with the book…. it is not long enough.  I wish the story was longer. I know it’s a short story but I didn’t want it to end.

We are advised at the end of this story that there will be stories about all the Silver Sex Kittens as the series continues.  Ohhhh so exciting!!!

This should be converted to a film or TV series…. can you tell I got very carried away within the 65 pages!

Thank you to #TBC, The 13th Sign and Karen Charlton and Jean Gill for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: Life After Men
  • SERIES: A Silver Sex Kittens short story #1
  • AUTHOR: Karen Charlton & Jean Gill
  • PUBLISHER: The 13th Sign
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 26 October 2018
  • ASIN: B07HW1L6CJ
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 65 pages

REVIEW PUBLISHED

GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

You can interact with Karen Charlton on her website and on Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon

You can interact with Jean Gill on her website and on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon

The Little Book Café: Amy’s Story by Georgia Hill

Amy’s Story is the final instalment of The Little Book Cafe series so wrap up warm this Autumn and treasure this wonderful book.

Amy, the manager of The Little Book Café, is a hopeless romantic who had her heart broken, but quietly refuses to give up on love.

With her friends Tash and Emma, not to mention their shared love of books and delicious cake from the café next door, Amy might just find the courage to fall for a real life romance this time…

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

I really enjoy my visits to The Little Book Cafe.  This is the third book in The Little Book Cafe series and tells Amy’s story.

Georgia Hill has written many many wonderful books.  She is able to create a world that I would happily live in. Wonderful characters, beautiful animals, fun neighbours and love around every corner…. what more could you want?  I would highly recommend this author who writes sweet reads.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Georgia Hill for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

BOOK DETAILS

  • TITLE: The Little Book Café: Amy’s Story
  • AUTHOR: Georgia Hill
  • SERIES: The Little Book Café #3
  • PUBLISHER: Harper Impulse
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 19 October 2018
  • ISBN: 9780008281281
  • FORMAT: ebook
  • LENGTH: 136 pages

REVIEW PUBLISHED

NetGalley, GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Georgia Hill can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads,  and her own website.

 

 

 

 

 

Lines of Remembrance by Jack D. Harrison

A Short Series of Verse, for Those Lost in the Great War

Lines of Remembrance was published especially for 2018.

It is perhaps the most significant year to us ever, and rightly so, because it marks the end of five years of centenary events based around the Great War. Siegfried Sassoon’s poem “Aftermath” (published during the 1920s), asks “Have you forgotten yet?” This book helps answer that question (at least from the author’s perspective). It is hoped that we will never forget the sacrifices and hardships of everyone involved during the years 1914–18 and for those left behind at home.

Lines of Remembrance partly serves as a second volume to Jack’s first book (of verse) and is also well suited to fit the sombre and, for many, the bleak season of autumn, with thoughts of the end of long summer days, and the cold, dark winter nights ahead. What better book, then, to curl up with during those long, dark nights? Engendering thoughts of those lost before their time, during 1914–18 and for all wars and conflicts. Thoughts also of ghosts and memories of those no longer alive but still with us, in spirit. But there are some reminders of happy times, of summer and, for some, better times. Let us also remember that for many people today, the approach of autumn and winter brings feelings of dread and (often) loneliness.

It is not a collection of ghost stories, though they’re included, to help remember the dead (friends, loved ones, and others). Nor is it a book about the Great War, though the author hopes we will never forget, keeping faith with them, to ensure they rest.

Lines of Remembrance is meant as the author’s intention to never forget and to keep that faith. Only you, the reader, can determine whether that intention succeeds.

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

As we celebrate Remembrance Day 2018, the 100th Anniversary this is a truly exceptional piece of work.

The images are so atmospheric and fit perfectly with Jack’s words.

Simply perfect. We will remember!

ABOUT THE BOOK

  • TITLE: Lines of Remembrance
  • AUTHOR: Jack D. Harrison
  • PUBLISHER: AuthorHouse UK
  • PUBLICATION DATE: 23 October 2018

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have been unable to find anything online regarding this author.  There is a page at the end of this book which I am unable to share but you can read it when you buy the book! Jack is on Facebook at Jacks Scribbling Page and more can be read on the Publisher website (link above).  I will update this page when/if I do find more details about this very talented man.

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Lines of Remembrance: A Short Series of Verse, for Those Lost in the Great War
by Jack D. Harrison
Link: Amazon

 

Other books by Jack D. Harrison:

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Memoirs of a Signalman
by Jack D. Harrison
Link: Amazon

 

 

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Rhyming Lines: The Poems of Jack D. Harrison
by Jack D. Harrison
Link: Amazon