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Scarlett's
"When one finds something they cannot live without, one's human nature urges them to preserve it as long as possible. To keep it safe, keep it with them forever, no matter how unrealistic that may seem." Jaime Williams is a typical girl. A Star Trek junkie, avid Beatles fan and proud sonic screwdriver owner, all she has ever wanted in her life was to find a place where she belongs. After years of searching high and low, Jaime has finally found just that in the small town of Heightway, Pennsylvania. However, when she and the economy get into a scuffle and her funds have all but dried up, Jaime fears she may have to bid farewell to the one place she ever truly called home. Even though Jaime has given up on herself, her friends have not. Moreover, they will do whatever it takes to keep Jaime in Heightway for good... whether she approves of it or not.
- GenresFiction
241 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Collins
18 books98 followersI'm a character enthusiest and lover of storytelling. I've spent most of my life listening to the tales that people tell and studying what makes a book or characters alive and interesting. Writing is my love and the details the flavor. I hope that people enjoy what I can create.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 2, 2012
I found myself constantly smiling while reading this great book. I can't wait until part two comes out! This book reminds the reader of the simple, good things life has to offer and empowers the reader to fight for their dreams, just as Jaime does in this story.
April 7, 2012
I just got a kindle for my birthday and I was given fifty dollars to spend on whatever I wanted to read. After I got some of the books I've been eyeing I started looking for some cheaper ones to reach my fity dollar limit. That's when I found scarletts.
Now I hear a lot of things about indie authors. But after reading this book I can say none of them apply to this author. I've never heard of him before but his writing style and description is amazing. His characters are so unique yet so simliar to real people that you believe every word and every action like it was happening in front of you.
Scarletts is about a girl named Jaime Williams (or Wills for short!) who has to move because she cant afford to live in her house anymore. But she's happy where she is. Although shes a very creative author she won't publish any of her work because she seems to lack self confidence. But thats where the core of this story comes from. Her best friend Ash takes her binder of writing and sends it to a slef publishing company where he uses his own time and money to make her book a reality.
Is a very sweet sentiment. I constantly saw the friendship between Jaime and Ashton to be adorable. I thought there was some sexual tension there and I was right. But its not what you think. The story takes their relatinship in a whole different direction. I wont spoil amnything but Ashton will definately be a character who surprises you so keep an eye out for him!
The characters are just what I adore the most. There are so many of them that I love. Noel is a hearty jamaican girl who is so laughably feisty. I also love the character Sketch as he's so strange but in agood way. Wyatt is also one of my favorites because he seems so perfect. But behind that there's this character development going on that just makes you realize he's struggling with who he is just like everyone else. But even though these characters are great, my favorite has got to be Meg.
Where do I start? Is it the crazy and unstable personality that I adore? Or that deep down she really is a person with an enourmous heart? You never know what you're going to get with meg. One minute she's as unpredictable as the weather (think of replacing "what" with "twat" and other massively hilarious quotes that had me rolling) but then she's showing her vulnerable side as she displays that kids in school can be just total creeps. She had me rooting for her since the beginning. And sometimes she just stole the show. No character makes me laugh and cry like Meg. That's another thing. If you odn't tear up at least once while reading it would be shocking.
Scarlett's is just an amazing read. I loved it so much that it's taking up most of my space on Kindle. I'm reading it over and over again. And while it's not the longest book inthe world (250 pages) i can definately say it leaves you wanting the second one. Is there a second one? I hope so. The ending tends to drift toward a sequel. If you see this book (for only 99 cents at that) on the kindle, pick it up. You won't be disappointed I assure you. I will be reading all of A.L's books to see what he has to offer.
Well done Mr. Collins. You have thuroughly caught my attention!
Now I hear a lot of things about indie authors. But after reading this book I can say none of them apply to this author. I've never heard of him before but his writing style and description is amazing. His characters are so unique yet so simliar to real people that you believe every word and every action like it was happening in front of you.
Scarletts is about a girl named Jaime Williams (or Wills for short!) who has to move because she cant afford to live in her house anymore. But she's happy where she is. Although shes a very creative author she won't publish any of her work because she seems to lack self confidence. But thats where the core of this story comes from. Her best friend Ash takes her binder of writing and sends it to a slef publishing company where he uses his own time and money to make her book a reality.
Is a very sweet sentiment. I constantly saw the friendship between Jaime and Ashton to be adorable. I thought there was some sexual tension there and I was right. But its not what you think. The story takes their relatinship in a whole different direction. I wont spoil amnything but Ashton will definately be a character who surprises you so keep an eye out for him!
The characters are just what I adore the most. There are so many of them that I love. Noel is a hearty jamaican girl who is so laughably feisty. I also love the character Sketch as he's so strange but in agood way. Wyatt is also one of my favorites because he seems so perfect. But behind that there's this character development going on that just makes you realize he's struggling with who he is just like everyone else. But even though these characters are great, my favorite has got to be Meg.
Where do I start? Is it the crazy and unstable personality that I adore? Or that deep down she really is a person with an enourmous heart? You never know what you're going to get with meg. One minute she's as unpredictable as the weather (think of replacing "what" with "twat" and other massively hilarious quotes that had me rolling) but then she's showing her vulnerable side as she displays that kids in school can be just total creeps. She had me rooting for her since the beginning. And sometimes she just stole the show. No character makes me laugh and cry like Meg. That's another thing. If you odn't tear up at least once while reading it would be shocking.
Scarlett's is just an amazing read. I loved it so much that it's taking up most of my space on Kindle. I'm reading it over and over again. And while it's not the longest book inthe world (250 pages) i can definately say it leaves you wanting the second one. Is there a second one? I hope so. The ending tends to drift toward a sequel. If you see this book (for only 99 cents at that) on the kindle, pick it up. You won't be disappointed I assure you. I will be reading all of A.L's books to see what he has to offer.
Well done Mr. Collins. You have thuroughly caught my attention!
October 9, 2012
2.5 Stars
Jaime is struggling with money because of the economy when she decides to move. When one of Jaime's closest friends, Ashton, discovers a folder of her writing as she's packing, a plan quickly formulates to get Jaime to stay in Heightway. Ashton, along with Jaime's other friends and coworkers from the diner Scarlett's, they publish her book. Not only is Jaime able to stay, but all of the friends realize things about themselves that they never found before.
The author was nice enough to send me a signed copy of his book, along with bookmarks and signed cards. Thank you! I was ecstatic to receive it and you were right; it did make me smile. :)
Now, onto the review.
Unfortunately, the writing is full of errors that I eventually resorted to having a pencil with me so I could fix them as I read. I suggest to either get a better editor or look more closely for those mistakes.
A few things that I'd like to mention;
In one part in the book, Jaime is at a middle school talking to kids about her book. She befriends a thirteen year old who is in love with her book. But this thirteen year old didn't act like a thirteen year old.
I'm sorry, but I have to point this out because it bugged me. She was referred to as 'little girl' several times, and she acted like she was maybe seven, not thirteen. They gave her candy at one point to make her feel better.
Have you met a middle schooler lately? They usually act like they're 15 or more. (at least the girls do, boys on the other hand are more immature) ;)
Trust me, I remember when I was 13. We don't act like that. I remember being embarrassed if I even pouted in public, let alone burst into full blown tears and have to be comforted by several adults.
Nah, we did that when in private and away from the adults.
Another part; when they were in the mall and a racist verbally and physically attacks them. I live in a relatively safe (sort of) area, so I'm not sure if you can find these hard core racists anymore. There are definitely racists in the world, more than we humans want to admit, but ones that just randomly throw around the N word in a public mall?
He was also extremely sexist and homophobic, remarking on a woman and a gay man working.
When was this story supposed to be taking place, exactly? Because at that point, it was as if the story was taking place in the 1930's.
The story is very sweet, and I love the connection between the friends and characters. Several parts made me laugh and this writer has a lot of potential. I hope he can grow as a writer and publish more in the future.
Jaime is struggling with money because of the economy when she decides to move. When one of Jaime's closest friends, Ashton, discovers a folder of her writing as she's packing, a plan quickly formulates to get Jaime to stay in Heightway. Ashton, along with Jaime's other friends and coworkers from the diner Scarlett's, they publish her book. Not only is Jaime able to stay, but all of the friends realize things about themselves that they never found before.
The author was nice enough to send me a signed copy of his book, along with bookmarks and signed cards. Thank you! I was ecstatic to receive it and you were right; it did make me smile. :)
Now, onto the review.
Unfortunately, the writing is full of errors that I eventually resorted to having a pencil with me so I could fix them as I read. I suggest to either get a better editor or look more closely for those mistakes.
A few things that I'd like to mention;
In one part in the book, Jaime is at a middle school talking to kids about her book. She befriends a thirteen year old who is in love with her book. But this thirteen year old didn't act like a thirteen year old.
I'm sorry, but I have to point this out because it bugged me. She was referred to as 'little girl' several times, and she acted like she was maybe seven, not thirteen. They gave her candy at one point to make her feel better.
Have you met a middle schooler lately? They usually act like they're 15 or more. (at least the girls do, boys on the other hand are more immature) ;)
Trust me, I remember when I was 13. We don't act like that. I remember being embarrassed if I even pouted in public, let alone burst into full blown tears and have to be comforted by several adults.
Nah, we did that when in private and away from the adults.
Another part; when they were in the mall and a racist verbally and physically attacks them. I live in a relatively safe (sort of) area, so I'm not sure if you can find these hard core racists anymore. There are definitely racists in the world, more than we humans want to admit, but ones that just randomly throw around the N word in a public mall?
He was also extremely sexist and homophobic, remarking on a woman and a gay man working.
When was this story supposed to be taking place, exactly? Because at that point, it was as if the story was taking place in the 1930's.
The story is very sweet, and I love the connection between the friends and characters. Several parts made me laugh and this writer has a lot of potential. I hope he can grow as a writer and publish more in the future.
March 28, 2012
I ordered this book on my kindle for .99cents. Best dollar I've spent that's for sure. I was totally into this book from the beginning. I related completely with Jaime Williams as I could definately see myself in her actions and responses. I was emotionally sucked in several times along the way and had to grab for a kleenex. I will read this book over and over again certainly. If you need a pick me up or your having a bad day, read this book! I LOVED It!
May 6, 2012
After reading the books Scarlett’s I felt a good sense of true friendship that made me want to jump into this book and be a character. Knowing that there are friends that help you through good times and bad, this book makes you feel like you want to be a part of the experiences. I’m excited to read the continuation of Scarlett’s .
May 25, 2012
Jaime loves her job at a restaurant but when she's on the verge of losing her duplex, she has no choice but move back home. She doesn't want to lose all the great friendships at the restaurant but what can you do when the economy threatens to take your home? She's always been good to others. When a family in need goes to the restaurant, she offers to pay their meals. Now that she's the one needing help, her friend Ashton will step up to offer a hand. While helping her move, Ashton discovers a binder filled with her writing. Impressed, he decides to publish this book for Jaime without her knowing. Her life as she knew it will be about to change. If all goes well Jaime might not have to move after all!
A.L. Collins is back with his second novel but his first Y/A. Scarlett's is very different from his first fantasy novel Bastion : Prequel to War. This young man proves he's a very versatile and talented author.
Scarlett's is a perfect book for this upcoming summer. It's a light and easy read. More importantly, it's a feel-good story. I love the friendship between Jaime and Ashton and the rest of her co-workers. It makes you realize that good things can come to those who help others. Like the book description says, in the end Karma can be a wonderful thing! Reading this book put a smile on my face. The story is very realistic. The characters are dealing with real life problems which makes it easier for us to relate. I really enjoyed reading about the whole independent publishing process. There's also a surprise romance developing at the end of the book. Trust me, you won't be expecting it!
One my favorite character is without a doubt Meg. She's one of Ashton's friends and she's helping him with the publishing process even though she doesn't know Jaime. She's extremely funny. I love the part where Meg and Jaime go to school to talk about the book. Hilarious! The teacher doesn't seem to think Jaime is really a published author if she's independently published. I love Meg and Jaime's responses to the students and the teacher. Lots of laughs guaranteed! Meg is also very vulnerable. She knows first hand how kids can be cruel these days. I also like Ashton. Jaime is lucky to have a friend like him who's willing to pay to get her book published. He also took a big chance. What if Jaime didn't want the world to read her book? She lacks confidence but having her book published might just be what she needs in order to pursue her dream.
Scarlett's is amazingly written. This author never ceases to impress me. I really hope there's a sequel. I want to read more about these characters!
Scarlett's is now 99 cents on the Kindle. Great deal for a great book!
A.L. Collins is back with his second novel but his first Y/A. Scarlett's is very different from his first fantasy novel Bastion : Prequel to War. This young man proves he's a very versatile and talented author.
Scarlett's is a perfect book for this upcoming summer. It's a light and easy read. More importantly, it's a feel-good story. I love the friendship between Jaime and Ashton and the rest of her co-workers. It makes you realize that good things can come to those who help others. Like the book description says, in the end Karma can be a wonderful thing! Reading this book put a smile on my face. The story is very realistic. The characters are dealing with real life problems which makes it easier for us to relate. I really enjoyed reading about the whole independent publishing process. There's also a surprise romance developing at the end of the book. Trust me, you won't be expecting it!
One my favorite character is without a doubt Meg. She's one of Ashton's friends and she's helping him with the publishing process even though she doesn't know Jaime. She's extremely funny. I love the part where Meg and Jaime go to school to talk about the book. Hilarious! The teacher doesn't seem to think Jaime is really a published author if she's independently published. I love Meg and Jaime's responses to the students and the teacher. Lots of laughs guaranteed! Meg is also very vulnerable. She knows first hand how kids can be cruel these days. I also like Ashton. Jaime is lucky to have a friend like him who's willing to pay to get her book published. He also took a big chance. What if Jaime didn't want the world to read her book? She lacks confidence but having her book published might just be what she needs in order to pursue her dream.
Scarlett's is amazingly written. This author never ceases to impress me. I really hope there's a sequel. I want to read more about these characters!
Scarlett's is now 99 cents on the Kindle. Great deal for a great book!
June 13, 2012
Scarlett's is a cafe in Heightway, Pennsylvania, where Jamie Williams and a lot of her friends work. The staff knows the customers fairly well and are a close knit group in of itself. There isn't much that each of them wouldn't do for the other.
Jamie shares one side of a duplex and her friend the other side. Makes for a good arrangement. Now, though, Jamies funds have dried up and she needs to move. She no more wants to do that than her friends want her to. Where will she go? They cannot lose Jamie. Think of a way to help keep her here forever, is the plan of friend Ashton. Whilst helping Jamie pack one day, Ashton comes across a green folder with a story in it. He reads and is engrossed. "Did you write this?" he inquires of Jamie. "Where did you find this? I have been looking all over for it." She admits to writing this, mostly from her experiences. Unawares to Jamie, Ashton takes the manuscript and has plans for it. Who can be his co-conspirators? Ah yes, Sketch and Meg; the perfect pair.
So much planning and trying to figure how to get her book published. Will they be able to pull this off? How do all of her friends fit into the equation? This is a wonderful book of fantastic friendships, love, understanding, empathy, and it just overall made me happy in the long run.
I do think it needs a sequel to the book. I would look forward to see what happens to all the friendships made and how each life envelopes into a "tight little family".
Thank you A. L. Collins for such a great read.
Jamie shares one side of a duplex and her friend the other side. Makes for a good arrangement. Now, though, Jamies funds have dried up and she needs to move. She no more wants to do that than her friends want her to. Where will she go? They cannot lose Jamie. Think of a way to help keep her here forever, is the plan of friend Ashton. Whilst helping Jamie pack one day, Ashton comes across a green folder with a story in it. He reads and is engrossed. "Did you write this?" he inquires of Jamie. "Where did you find this? I have been looking all over for it." She admits to writing this, mostly from her experiences. Unawares to Jamie, Ashton takes the manuscript and has plans for it. Who can be his co-conspirators? Ah yes, Sketch and Meg; the perfect pair.
So much planning and trying to figure how to get her book published. Will they be able to pull this off? How do all of her friends fit into the equation? This is a wonderful book of fantastic friendships, love, understanding, empathy, and it just overall made me happy in the long run.
I do think it needs a sequel to the book. I would look forward to see what happens to all the friendships made and how each life envelopes into a "tight little family".
Thank you A. L. Collins for such a great read.
June 27, 2012
When I picked up this book, I had no idea it was like one of those stories featured in self-help books that make us believe that after a few pages you can solve your problems. I don’t think after I’ve finished reading the book I was convinced of this possibility, maybe because in real life our problems aren’t limited by pages but years. I never take self-help books too seriously, but this is a total different experience, and it was truly pleasant to read about this group of friends who are willing to do anything to be united.
Unfortunately, I found the same problems previously noted in one of the authors books, namely the poor edition work. Some grammar errors, too many paragraphs, and a lot of “Twat’s”. When this word first appeared I thought it was a grammatical error, but then it started to repeat continuously and it quickly became irritating. I think the edition of the book needed a little more attention.
Nonetheless, I found this to be a light and easy read, a feel good story about an altruistic girl who likes to help others and is fortunate to have friends in her life who “take action” instead of waiting around for her to escape from their lives. I wish I had friends like that. All in all, a simple book that talks about current problems in our society. The sense of humor was much appreciated, and the overall message that the simple things in life are the most valuable. The ending is appropriately open for the reader to decide how Jamie will react to this new twist in her life.
Unfortunately, I found the same problems previously noted in one of the authors books, namely the poor edition work. Some grammar errors, too many paragraphs, and a lot of “Twat’s”. When this word first appeared I thought it was a grammatical error, but then it started to repeat continuously and it quickly became irritating. I think the edition of the book needed a little more attention.
Nonetheless, I found this to be a light and easy read, a feel good story about an altruistic girl who likes to help others and is fortunate to have friends in her life who “take action” instead of waiting around for her to escape from their lives. I wish I had friends like that. All in all, a simple book that talks about current problems in our society. The sense of humor was much appreciated, and the overall message that the simple things in life are the most valuable. The ending is appropriately open for the reader to decide how Jamie will react to this new twist in her life.
April 26, 2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 4/26/12
Received my copy last night, and hope to start soon. Have 11 plus my current read in front. 5/8/12
Started today 6/26/12
Finished 6/29/12
Jaime Williams is a young twenty something that is being affected by the economy and stress of being a young adult on her own. She takes a job at the local diner, Scarlett's, as a waitress and hopes to fend off the bill collectors and find out what life is all about. She makes friends and almost feels like she is in a family again. When one friend stumbles upon some old writing of Jamie's while helping her to pack to move, he starts something that makes Jamie's life change in unimaginable ways.
I saw Y/A novel and thought, oh here is another teenie-bopper book. Not necessarily, these young adults are just that, Adults. Almost all of them are in their twenties. It tackles the life of those fresh out of high school and the challenges that they face entering "real life". The story was a bit simplistic and cheesy in parts, but still a fun read.
Received my copy last night, and hope to start soon. Have 11 plus my current read in front. 5/8/12
Started today 6/26/12
Finished 6/29/12
Jaime Williams is a young twenty something that is being affected by the economy and stress of being a young adult on her own. She takes a job at the local diner, Scarlett's, as a waitress and hopes to fend off the bill collectors and find out what life is all about. She makes friends and almost feels like she is in a family again. When one friend stumbles upon some old writing of Jamie's while helping her to pack to move, he starts something that makes Jamie's life change in unimaginable ways.
I saw Y/A novel and thought, oh here is another teenie-bopper book. Not necessarily, these young adults are just that, Adults. Almost all of them are in their twenties. It tackles the life of those fresh out of high school and the challenges that they face entering "real life". The story was a bit simplistic and cheesy in parts, but still a fun read.
July 19, 2012
Most of the book summaries I read for this said something along the lines of "a feel-good motivational novel". This is one hundred percent true! I found myself in tears and in stitches among its pages, and I was cheering for every character the whole way. Aaron's way with words never ceases to amaze me, and I am definitely looking towards reading the second book. Especially with the cliffhanger he left it on...
July 24, 2012
I thought it was great!! well written!!! way bryond his age....It touched on all the current issues a late teen early non teen is goin to encounter! I laughed and I cried!!! When a book makes you do that you know it is good!!
June 11, 2012
Firstly I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book, as I won it as part of First Reads.
Essentially this is a feel good story about a girl who goes out of her way to help others. This does not go unnoticed by her friends, who all pitch in to help her when the chips are down.
The story has a nice feel to it and the characters are warm and likeable, however it was a bit simplistic and the writing a bit spasmodic for my liking. The tone went from sounding normal to sounding like the author was on some sort of high i.e realistic sounding storytelling that suddenly drifted off into some wafflingly cheesy attempt at sounding profound. You know when you're listening to someone drunk or high talking? They get all dreamily profound and know all the mysteries of life? Whilst you're sober and thinking they're full of shit?? Well that's the best way I can describe where this story veered off to for a while, before returning to earth and sounding normal again.
I was also irritated by someone laughing, chuckling, giggling and/or smiling to themself on almost every single page. None of it was particularly funny!
Like I said earlier, the story had a nice feel to it and the whole notion of everyone chipping in to help each other was nice, however I just didn't feel that the writing or the execution was very good and let the book down.
Essentially this is a feel good story about a girl who goes out of her way to help others. This does not go unnoticed by her friends, who all pitch in to help her when the chips are down.
The story has a nice feel to it and the characters are warm and likeable, however it was a bit simplistic and the writing a bit spasmodic for my liking. The tone went from sounding normal to sounding like the author was on some sort of high i.e realistic sounding storytelling that suddenly drifted off into some wafflingly cheesy attempt at sounding profound. You know when you're listening to someone drunk or high talking? They get all dreamily profound and know all the mysteries of life? Whilst you're sober and thinking they're full of shit?? Well that's the best way I can describe where this story veered off to for a while, before returning to earth and sounding normal again.
I was also irritated by someone laughing, chuckling, giggling and/or smiling to themself on almost every single page. None of it was particularly funny!
Like I said earlier, the story had a nice feel to it and the whole notion of everyone chipping in to help each other was nice, however I just didn't feel that the writing or the execution was very good and let the book down.
December 19, 2013
Jaime Williams begins very early in the book to show her personality, which endears the reader to her. While the story develops and we discover more about her, the endearment is re-enforced. Ashton is equally likeable. Dialogue between characters was fun and entertaining. The other characters start to take a bit of the limelight and the story for me began to lose it's focus. This also steered the story into a slightly different direction. The friendship dynamics is a real plus and although some events that take place added some interest it was not quite enough to garnish a higher star rating for me. There are many aspects that I did enjoy so I do look forward to reading another story from this author. 2.5 stars
August 10, 2015
A good but somewhat predictable, read. Though I did find it distracting, instead of using the characters name, or the standard he and she. That they are instead are described by their occupation, with their quotes.
May 16, 2012
review to follow
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