E.J. Bennett's Blog

Irish Shorts: Nora's Escape and other true stories of love, loss and romance by Maria Hall Book Description Six true stories from an Irish Catholic family caught in the iron grip of a changing world. Told with unvarnished honesty, dry humour and a good dose of drama, we meet a young girl as she escapes her oppressive father to start life anew in the wilds of New Zealand. We see a family’s Christian values tested upon discovering their house broken into, and the culprit lurking close by. The decades pass, and world wars turn into religious ones as author Maria Hall travels to bomb-blasted Belfast in search of her heritage and connection to one of Ireland’s most famous artists. But is their family hero the man they thought him to be? These are just some of the treasures revealed by Hall as she picks through family legend and fact to uncover tales of resistance, love and survival across three awe-inspiring generations.My Review 5 *****Nora's Escape If you like short stories that hold some truth and also history then these shorts are for you Nora's Escape is well written and captivating. The story is told through Nora's mother, Agnes's eyes. The story of Nora is well told, Agnes explains why she helped her daughter escape. The short tells a story of religion and love. A mother's struggle and a father stuck on old fashion rules. All in all I enjoyed Nora's story of freedom from an over bearing father. The Wartime Bride The Wartime Bride, had me griped from the first line "Mum, Ryan's dead," Instantly I wanted to know who was dead and why? This story follows on from Nora's Escape through Nora's Daughter Pat's eyes. A naïve young girl who loses her husband and learns to love and live again. The Midwife The Midwife tells the story of one of Pat's home birth's, the struggles she had and the mistake of the midwife. From this story you get to see more of Pat's and Nora's personalities. Two headstrong women. The Intruder This story shows just how big of an heart Pat has, although she already has five children to take care of, she allows a young man to move in with them. Offering him a better life than he has, with a new start. Told through the eyes of Pat's daughter Maria. A story of kindness, trust and regret. The Matriarch The Matriarch is told through Maria's eyes, it holds many catholic beliefs, and the consequences of sins. The story shows just how much a strong character Nora was in her daughter and grandchildren's lives. The Lavery Connection The last short story tells the story of a family hidden secrete. Maria uncovers the secrete while vising her Aunt and researching her Irish routes. I enjoyed reading the generations of this families stories. The struggles they faced. The loved ones they lost. What I loved most of all was the strength and kindness this family held. A story that shows how times change with each new generation and just how much our ancestor's (Grandparents and so on.." have an effect on ourlives even years after they are gone. A great true historic read. E.J Bennett

Review for book 2 in the Bramble Wood's Royal Tea Shop series! By Ivy RuthvenBook DescriptionOlivia has adjusted to her life in Knightswood, balancing both school and her shifts at Bramble Wood’s teashop. Ryan Hargrove is steadily becoming her closest friend, but the air of mystery around him thickens. Before she can confront her own feelings, Olivia must overcome the new challenges that have come along with the winds of fall. The student president of St. Paul’s Academy is showing a lot of interest in Olivia. It is hard to understand whether he’s a friend or foe. With Ryan’s persistent disapproval of the new boy in picture, can Olivia keep a steady head and follow her heart? Discover the wonderful world of Bramble Wood’s Royal Tea Shop where romance, delectable pastries and hot tea are served up every day. This is a sweet and clean YA contemporary romance series that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike!My Review!5 Star *****If you liked book one then you will love Fall’s Whisper. In the second instalment to the series we get to know more about Olivia and watch her grow. The author as done a great job portraying the teenager with, mood swings. Let’s face it teenagers emotion’s are all over the place and Ivy Ruthven portrays this perfectly in this story.My best part was the scavenger hunt, it was fun but also held a bit of terror.If you have read my review for book 1 you will recall I wrote that I didn’t really like Ryan, well he has redeemed himself in this book. However another obnoxious manipulating teen boy takes his place.I really enjoyed book 2. It is full of action, mystery and friendship. Plus the romance between Olivia and Ryan gets underway.Still I don’t know what Ryan is hiding. Can’t wait to find out in book 3. All in all a good read, that kept me flicking the pages.If you would like to purchase Fall's Whisper then click here!E.J Bennett

My review for Mermaid's IslandBy Steve Finken 5 stars ***** Absolutely loved the cover of this book!Loved the description in this short story, the author described everything well to the point where I felt envious of the main character Mariana for being in such a beautiful place. The story held a magical feel right to the end.Marina is doing what she does every morning while on the island visiting family. Her own solitary routine when something unusual and amazing happens. I won’t say more as I don’t want to give the story away, but what I will say is that this short story does have a meaning, one that is very important to protect our environment. How they have weaved that meaning into this magical story is very good.One of the things I liked about this short story was the poem inside. It was a surprise and gave the story that extra enchanted feel.What I didn’t like about the story is something so small that doesn’t affect the read. The author doesn’t mention the age of Mariana. I like to know the age of the characters I am reading about.If you love fantasy stories that are well written and enchanting then this story is for you. I definitely recommend.If you would like to check this story out for yourself then you can purchase the bookhereE.J Bennett

Review for The Marunkoff Equation By Victor Acquista4 Stars ****The first impression I got from this short story from the first paragraph was that the author was highly educated with a wide vocabulary that keeps the story engaging and sophisticated.Within the first few pages I was hooked. I was lost within the mystery and wanted to know more. Where did the professor go? What had happened to him? Did his experiment go wrong? I had many questions and needed to read on to find the answers. What I didn’t like about this story was the cover. The cover for me isn’t one that shouts come read me. But as people say never judge a book by its cover as this certainly was a great read.All in all I enjoyed this short story and I even learned a few new words. It has interesting characters, a government cover up and extremely well written.If you like SCI FI stories and nutty professors then this read is for you.E. J Bennett

As an Author it is important to us that we are giving readers what they want in a book. Readers input helps us to improve our writing and also gain new skills. Here are some of the things that as a writer is important to us? *Does the opening paragraph pull you in? *Is the story engaging Ect One of the things I like to see in reviews is what the reader liked about my book but also what the reader didn't like. Telling an Author what you didn't like about a book helps us to not keep letting the things readers don't like crop up in other books.With all that said, I have shared the first few paragraphs of Scarred By Betrayal.As readers does the beginning of the story pull you in?Does it make you want to read more?Or does it simply do nothing for you?Please share with me your comments, ideas or what you think. Or any thoughts you have, your feedback, views and opinion's are always welcome. “Henry,” Ruth struggled to say the one word. Her voice was barley audible, but in the silence of the room, Henry heard her loud and clear. Stood in the door way to his parent’s bed chamber, he rushed to her side and knelt before the bed. He clasped her cold and bony hands in his own. Henry held his breath and waited for his mum to say more. Anything he just wanted to hear her sweet voice. Tell him everything was going to be fine, like she had so many times before. Instead her breathing became rigid and she gave him a small smile. All his hope in that moment shattered. Ruth’s eyes slowly closed as she took her last breath. It was a sound that would stay with Henry for the rest of his life. Sharp and piecing, it exploded in his head and echoed in his mind. The raspy sound she had made cut his soul into two. His heart dropped to his stomach and he felt physically sick watching the life drain from her body.Grief stricken Henry jumped up from the floor. “Do something!” he yelled to the doctor who stood in the corner of the room with his head bowed. He made no sound. His gaze was glued to the ground. Anger swelled inside Henry. With three big strides he was across the room. The doctor’s eyes grew wide as Henry clutched his crisp white shirt in his hands. With the tips of his toes just touching the floor and Henry’s face just a millimetre away, he whispered, “There is nothing I can do,” his voice held a hint of pity.Henry didn’t believe him, he couldn’t. With eyes a blaze he dragged the doctor to his mother’s bedside. The doctor shook his head. Henry was a light with rage by that point. He was a doctor. His job was to save people. Yet all he had done was let the people of the town down. One by one the life was sucked from them. With all their money and social status, still it wasn’t enough to save Ruth.Without any warning Henry’s hands clenched into fists and swung back picking up speed. However his hand never made contact with the Doctor as his father had caught his raised fists, pushing Henry’s hands behind his back. Henry ranted and raged, his words a gibberish mess coupled with the odd curse.Please help me improve my writing by commenting and offering your input as readers.Scarred By BetrayalE.J Bennett

I have just finished reading New Home (Bramble Wood's Royal Tea Shop Book 1)By Ivy Ruthven4 stars ****This story is wrote in first person, not everyone's cup of tea but the way that the author as weaved the words of this book it certainly makes for a good read. The description was clear and made me feel like I was actually there watching the story play out in my mind. I have to say I was engaged within the story right from the start. It begins right in the middle of the action, but don't worry it is easy to understand and follow. Character development starts from the first page and within the first chapter I had already gained feelings of hate for Uncle Kevin. Oliva gives of the impression of an headstrong girl, with her own mind and a strong character while her mother is the opposite, she seems weaker, someone who walks in the shadows of others. James Oliva's brother is the typical younger sibling, yet he as an air of mystery about him. Someone who keeps his problems and feelings to himself causing an explosion. The story starts of with a teenage girl Oliva, who goes from riches to rags. Throughout the course of the story we see Oliva grow as a person and become independent. Juggling a new school and a Job. Her life as become difficult but she holds her head high even while experiencing an inner struggle.The only thing I didn't like about this book was the character of Ryan, he seemed like a possessive young man but also kind and caring. His good points did weigh out his bad points in the end.All in all a great read that I would recommended if you are looking for a young adult romance book.You can purchase the book hereE.J Bennett

When I was a little girl, maybe around six to seven years old, the one thing I always wanted was a cat. My dad took me to my uncles who's cat had not long since had a litter. I instantly fell in love with a ginger kitty. I asked my dad if I could keep him who replied "Why not, he his used to dogs," My uncle at the time also had a German Shepherd the same as us. I took this bundle of joy home, my little ginger as I called him, My dad showed him to our dog Ricky, who wagged his tail and couldn't wait to smell the cat. Ginger hissed and scratched our Ricky on the nose. From that day forward, the cat stayed upstairs and if he did come down our Ricky would show his displeasure. As time went on and my Ginger and Ricky didn't get on my mum thought it was best to take the kitten back to my uncle's. At the time I was heart broken, looking back now she was right. It was no life for him to be alone all day, then again while we slept at night. Years went by and still I wanted a kitten, a cat that I cuddle of my own. At twenty one I was living alone with my three month old daughter, her father was in the army and only home some weekends. My dad bought me a dog, a German Shepherd named Lexi although I loved her dearly I thought any hope of having a cat was gone. when my daughter turned six, I got my first kittens, Shadow and Misty, I was terrified that my dog would eat them. I gradually introduced them and now they are best friends. I realize now that at the time of getting my first kitten that they were not introduced the right way.Now I am the proud owner of two tabby cats and two ragdolls, and I still have my biggest fur baby of all Lexi. I almost gave up hope of ever getting a cat, believing in the myth that cats and dogs hate each other and would never get along. But even though it took years to get my cats. Sometimes never giving up hope makes your dreams happen in the end.E.J Bennett.

Recently I wrote and published a short story called Back to December. The story I wrote was just over five thousand words, I sent the story out to two ARC readers and I have to say I am delighted that both these readers read between the lines and got the story perfectly.Writing shorts can be hard work sometimes more so than full length novels, with so much to say yet keeping the story from expanding and going other places can be daunting. Back to December is a short story that is set around Christmas time. It is a story that shows what happens in the past can sometimes set your future. With love and magic Back to December shows how much times have changed. When I say times and don't just mean with technology but also the way people interact and behave. If you are looking for a short Christmas read then please take a look at Back to December. I would like to thank Jessica's Reading Room for her honest review and taking the time to read Bella's story. Note this Review as been copied from Jessica's Reading Room website. If you would like to read the review for yourself then please copy and past the link into your web browser - http://jessicasreadingroom.com/short-... Review:I am quickly becoming a fan of E.J. Bennett’s short stories. I like that I am able to read these short stories read during my lunch break! Bennett is a talented writer: She is so descriptive in her writing that I feel I am there and can see everything happening as I read the story.Bella is a grumpy old woman, but rightfully so. She lost the one thing that was important to her. Mysteriously she goes back in time and has an opportunity to change things. Will she accomplish this or not? We see the transformation Bella makes over the course of this short story as she went from the grumpy old woman to a young lady I was rooting for that I was wanting to succeed! This is a short story of 5155 words, so I can’t really say more. Just go get this short story!Special thanks to E.J. Bennett for sending an arc copy to read and review. I really enjoyed it!E.J Bennett