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Winter Wonders
Filled with short stories from several different genres, this anthology will host a plethora of fantastical creatures and characters. The list of participating authors is an amazing one filled with award winning and acclaimed authors.
All proceeds of this novel will go toward a remarkable charity that fights illiteracy and encourages young people to read.
All proceeds of this novel will go toward a remarkable charity that fights illiteracy and encourages young people to read.
340 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 22, 2012
Let me start off by saying, I don't usually gravitate towards short story collections. I usually feel if the story was good, it could have been a novel in its own right and been better. However, when I heard that one of my favorite Young Adult writers, Christine Fonseca had a short story in this collection with more backstory on the seers from her Lacrimosa saga, I had to buy it and am glad I did.
The stories I enjoyed the most from this collection definitely were the ones I recognized had novels attached with them. The first of course being Enigma by Christine Fonseca. It centers around Lorelei, the sister of Nesy and gives a little more clarity and detail to what happened in the past and how she knew she was a seer. I love reading some of the scenes that were in Lacrimosa from Lori's point of view in this short, as well as finding out more about her. Great read!
Karen Amanda Hooper's The End of the World was a backstory to some of the characters from her very unique Tangled Tides novel. The wedding of Rownan and Vienna was so sweet seen through the eyes of Treygan, Rownan's brother.
Finally, Blood on the Snow by Heather McCorkle was an intriguing story about shapeshifting dragons. I look forward to reading her full length novel to continue this story when it comes out next year!
Two Contemporary stories I enjoyed were:
As You are by Crystal Salmen is a novelette that made me all sniffly when I read it. Its a heartbreaking piece about friendship, loss, heartbreak and devotion. I look forward to reading more by her!
The other was The Fat Files by Jodi Burrus. Great story that gives one pause to think..if you could have exactly what you wanted, did you really want it at all or was it just the acquisition or the thought that you SHOULD want it? Loved the main character in this one.
I liked things about all the stories in this book. very diverse authors with varied writing styles and subjects. There would definitely be a story or two for any reader here!
The stories I enjoyed the most from this collection definitely were the ones I recognized had novels attached with them. The first of course being Enigma by Christine Fonseca. It centers around Lorelei, the sister of Nesy and gives a little more clarity and detail to what happened in the past and how she knew she was a seer. I love reading some of the scenes that were in Lacrimosa from Lori's point of view in this short, as well as finding out more about her. Great read!
Karen Amanda Hooper's The End of the World was a backstory to some of the characters from her very unique Tangled Tides novel. The wedding of Rownan and Vienna was so sweet seen through the eyes of Treygan, Rownan's brother.
Finally, Blood on the Snow by Heather McCorkle was an intriguing story about shapeshifting dragons. I look forward to reading her full length novel to continue this story when it comes out next year!
Two Contemporary stories I enjoyed were:
As You are by Crystal Salmen is a novelette that made me all sniffly when I read it. Its a heartbreaking piece about friendship, loss, heartbreak and devotion. I look forward to reading more by her!
The other was The Fat Files by Jodi Burrus. Great story that gives one pause to think..if you could have exactly what you wanted, did you really want it at all or was it just the acquisition or the thought that you SHOULD want it? Loved the main character in this one.
I liked things about all the stories in this book. very diverse authors with varied writing styles and subjects. There would definitely be a story or two for any reader here!
December 27, 2012
Before I begin this review, I wish to thank Heather McCorkle for providing me with a ecopy of this book. She is so generous and I'm honoured to have been chosen to read this for review.
This collection of short stories are so wonderfully written and amazingly captivating. They will accommodate any tastes and what's even great is that the remarkable anthology has a common theme throughout. Winter. When I think of winter I think of snuggling up on my couch with a great book and a mug of chai latte to tantalise my senses and enhance my reading experience. Winter would have to be my favourite season, and since it's summer down under, I loved reading these stories that had snow falling in the backdrop or the frost setting on a window…sigh. I was so there, in every story and I really enjoyed diving in and discovering something different in every one. Some I wanted to discover more about, hoping that there will be a continuing story and others I savoured, relishing in the sweetness of it's size. They were just enough.
What is even more beautiful about this wonderful anthology is that we are graced with such amazing authors, giving us a taste of stories that are yet to be read, or a continuation of stories we have grown to love already. It is an experience in itself and even though each story is varied and the writing styles of every author is different, it's still flows fluidly. I highly recommend everyone to grab a mug of hot liquid and this book, and curl up in your favourite reading spot and dive right in. You will thoroughly love the journey of Winter Wonders.
This collection of short stories are so wonderfully written and amazingly captivating. They will accommodate any tastes and what's even great is that the remarkable anthology has a common theme throughout. Winter. When I think of winter I think of snuggling up on my couch with a great book and a mug of chai latte to tantalise my senses and enhance my reading experience. Winter would have to be my favourite season, and since it's summer down under, I loved reading these stories that had snow falling in the backdrop or the frost setting on a window…sigh. I was so there, in every story and I really enjoyed diving in and discovering something different in every one. Some I wanted to discover more about, hoping that there will be a continuing story and others I savoured, relishing in the sweetness of it's size. They were just enough.
What is even more beautiful about this wonderful anthology is that we are graced with such amazing authors, giving us a taste of stories that are yet to be read, or a continuation of stories we have grown to love already. It is an experience in itself and even though each story is varied and the writing styles of every author is different, it's still flows fluidly. I highly recommend everyone to grab a mug of hot liquid and this book, and curl up in your favourite reading spot and dive right in. You will thoroughly love the journey of Winter Wonders.
November 16, 2012
This is a very unique anthology filled with genres to suit every taste, all tied together with a winter theme. You'll find everything from contemporary love stories, tragedies, and triumphs to steampunk cyborgs, dystopian worlds, and dragons. I laughed, I cried, I shivered, I cheered. An amazing group of authors coming together for an amazing cause (the entire profits from the sales go to a literacy charity, how cool is that?!). Now I've got to go get all these authors' other books!
December 30, 2012
A multi-author short story anthology that can hold up as a whole is something truly rare and special, and I’d go so far as to call Winter Wonders the best I’ve read. I’ll freely admit that I bought it for the entries by fellow Literary Counsel authors Tina Moss and Yelena Casale, and it would have been well worth it just for those, but the collection really is rock solid from beginning to end.
For the sake of space, I’ve narrowed down (with difficulty and in order of appearance rather than preference) my five favorites out of the rest.
“The Definition of Insanity,” by Anne Riley, is a simple glimpse of an American student rediscovering herself while in Spain as an exchange student, told in an irresistibly clever and vibrant voice.
“Degenerate,” by Alexandra Shostak, strikes a fascinating compromise between sentient and non-sentient zombies, following a victim of a zombie virus that kills through slow, full-body necrosis, rather than simple fever, before the reanimation. The soon-to-be zombie’s physical and mental degeneration are depicted very effectively through an epistolary narrative.
“The Fat Files,” by Jodi Burrus, paints a light and sweet but respectful picture of an ordinary struggle with self-image and the fine line between healthy and disordered eating.
“Pink Snow,” by Krissi Dallas, tells a classic princess and the geek love story, through the eyes of a heroine who somehow manages to be both very princess-y and very lovable. Her geek admirer is charming even without the hidden super powers that give the whole story a little extra kick.
“The Sound of Snow,” by Jamey Robert Stegmaier, is a powerful tearjerker of a father-daughter story, set over the course of eighteen years in an isolation experiment, where speech is forbidden.
The anthology consistently keeps up its winter theme as well as its high quality, making it a great, cozy, under the covers read. As I write this review, there are still cold months ahead, so the timing couldn’t be better to grab a copy. The proceeds going to literacy efforts don’t hurt its case either.
(This review and others originally posted on www.facebook.com/FJRTitchenell)
For the sake of space, I’ve narrowed down (with difficulty and in order of appearance rather than preference) my five favorites out of the rest.
“The Definition of Insanity,” by Anne Riley, is a simple glimpse of an American student rediscovering herself while in Spain as an exchange student, told in an irresistibly clever and vibrant voice.
“Degenerate,” by Alexandra Shostak, strikes a fascinating compromise between sentient and non-sentient zombies, following a victim of a zombie virus that kills through slow, full-body necrosis, rather than simple fever, before the reanimation. The soon-to-be zombie’s physical and mental degeneration are depicted very effectively through an epistolary narrative.
“The Fat Files,” by Jodi Burrus, paints a light and sweet but respectful picture of an ordinary struggle with self-image and the fine line between healthy and disordered eating.
“Pink Snow,” by Krissi Dallas, tells a classic princess and the geek love story, through the eyes of a heroine who somehow manages to be both very princess-y and very lovable. Her geek admirer is charming even without the hidden super powers that give the whole story a little extra kick.
“The Sound of Snow,” by Jamey Robert Stegmaier, is a powerful tearjerker of a father-daughter story, set over the course of eighteen years in an isolation experiment, where speech is forbidden.
The anthology consistently keeps up its winter theme as well as its high quality, making it a great, cozy, under the covers read. As I write this review, there are still cold months ahead, so the timing couldn’t be better to grab a copy. The proceeds going to literacy efforts don’t hurt its case either.
(This review and others originally posted on www.facebook.com/FJRTitchenell)
December 30, 2012
I really loved this collection of short stories. I think you should all go read it!! I think there was a lot of diversity in it. There are paranormal stories and even true to life stories.
My favorite stories were:
The Definition of Insanity by Anne Riley
As You Are by Crystal Salmen ... seriously had me feeling so much towards the main character.
Enigma by Christine Fonseca
At Least It's Snowing by Jen Stayrook ... WOW!
The Fat Files by Jodi Burrus
Pink Snow by Krissi Dallas
The Sound of Snow by Jamey Stegmeier .. So emotional. Seriously loved it.
A Piece of Blue String by Lee Straus
If you've read it, you will notice, most of the ones I love are the more realistic ones. I did like pretty much all of the stories though. Some I wanted more from to really judge them though.
I look forward to reading more from these authors.
My favorite stories were:
The Definition of Insanity by Anne Riley
As You Are by Crystal Salmen ... seriously had me feeling so much towards the main character.
Enigma by Christine Fonseca
At Least It's Snowing by Jen Stayrook ... WOW!
The Fat Files by Jodi Burrus
Pink Snow by Krissi Dallas
The Sound of Snow by Jamey Stegmeier .. So emotional. Seriously loved it.
A Piece of Blue String by Lee Straus
If you've read it, you will notice, most of the ones I love are the more realistic ones. I did like pretty much all of the stories though. Some I wanted more from to really judge them though.
I look forward to reading more from these authors.
November 17, 2012
I had a chance to read several of the stories in the anthology before this was all put together, and I have to say - everyone is in for a real treat. There is a story for every reader here, and they are excellent. WOOT!!!
As for my story, it's a companion to the Requiem Series, and a chance to tell a story I've been wanting to tell for a while...
As for my story, it's a companion to the Requiem Series, and a chance to tell a story I've been wanting to tell for a while...
December 27, 2014
Tis the season for giving and that is the intent behind Winter Wonders. Was an honour to join such a solid roster of talented authors for this charity anthology - all proceeds go to Literacy Inc. Enjoy wintery tales with heart!
April 20, 2015
Captivating, Poetic & Haunting! I Loved It! A Wonderful Read!
May 15, 2017
Winter Wonders (paperback)
Authors: Alexandra Shostak Anne Riley, Heather McCorkle, Christine Fonseca, Connie Keller, Elle Strauss, Harley May, Jamey Stegmaier , Jen Stayrook, Jodi Burrus , Judith Graves, Karen Amanda Hooper, Krissi Dallas, Mercedes M. Yardley, Natalie Cone, Regan Leigh, T.S. Tate, Yelena Casale, Tina Moss, Crystal Salmen, Crystal Harris
ISBN-10: 1939469007
ISBN-13: 978-1939469007
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Compass Press (December 1, 2012)
Stories:
Definition of Insanity,
Degenerate,
Screwing Up Mongolia,
As You Are, Enigma,
At Least It's Snow,
Steadfast Steam Soldier,
The Fat Files,
The End of the World,
Pink Snow,
The Want of Stars,
Blood on the Snow,
The Sound of Us,
A Piece of Blue String,
Angels in the Snow,
Blood Sparrows,
The Library,
Til Hunt Be Done,
The Opera House,
Amarok's Bite
Authors: Alexandra Shostak Anne Riley, Heather McCorkle, Christine Fonseca, Connie Keller, Elle Strauss, Harley May, Jamey Stegmaier , Jen Stayrook, Jodi Burrus , Judith Graves, Karen Amanda Hooper, Krissi Dallas, Mercedes M. Yardley, Natalie Cone, Regan Leigh, T.S. Tate, Yelena Casale, Tina Moss, Crystal Salmen, Crystal Harris
ISBN-10: 1939469007
ISBN-13: 978-1939469007
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Compass Press (December 1, 2012)
Stories:
Definition of Insanity,
Degenerate,
Screwing Up Mongolia,
As You Are, Enigma,
At Least It's Snow,
Steadfast Steam Soldier,
The Fat Files,
The End of the World,
Pink Snow,
The Want of Stars,
Blood on the Snow,
The Sound of Us,
A Piece of Blue String,
Angels in the Snow,
Blood Sparrows,
The Library,
Til Hunt Be Done,
The Opera House,
Amarok's Bite
March 31, 2016
*Definition of Insanity: (4/5) Pretty cute. If there was more, I'd read it.
*Degenerate: (3/5) Interesting concept, but I don't know.
*Screwing Up Mongolia: (DNF) Part of series and I was completely lost. Also thought the main character was a girl for quite a bit.
*As You Are: (3/5) Cute but I am highly annoyed by what motivates her at the end.
*Enigma: (DNF) Another series novella that made me feel like I was missing something major.
*At Least It's Snow: (2/5) Eh.
*Steadfast Steam Soldier: (3/5) Eh.
*The Fat Files: (4.5/5) Best story in the anthology. Was pretty cute.
*The End of the World: (3/5) Eh.
*Pink Snow: (4.5/5) Second greatest story in the anthology. Pretty cute.
*The Want of Stars: (3/5) Eh.
*Blood on the Snow: (3.5/5) Read already. But was still interesting to read a second time.
*The Sound of Us: (4/5) Interesting story that makes you think.
*A Piece of Blue String: (DNF) Eh.
*Angels in the Snow: (3/5) Eh.
*Blood Sparrows: (I have no idea/5) Why would a child grow up to meet her FATHER and FALL AS DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH HIM AS HER MOTHER? Why? And then maybe he'd MAKE HER A WEDDING BAND? Either I'm missing something here or this story got skewed quickly.
*The Library: (3/5) Coward.
*Til Hunt Be Done: (DNF) Eh.
*The Opera House: (DNF) Eh.
*Amarok's Bite: (2.5/5) This girl is pretty dumb.
June 22, 2013
I found myself liking all the stories! [Which is rare.] I really loved this collection of short stories. I think there was a lot of diversity in it. There are paranormal stories and even true to life stories.
My favorite stories was A Piece of Blue String
I especially liked the more relistic stories.
My favorite stories was A Piece of Blue String
I especially liked the more relistic stories.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews