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Lightning Strikes #1
Lightning Strikes
After a storm, a major power outage leaves two at-odds neighbors dependent on each other. Forced to unite, will their animosity for each other crash like thunder or will they discover love as lightning strikes?
24 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2012
112 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Carlene Havel
27 books109 followersCarlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels set in Biblical times. She’s lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and all over the United States. Carlene worked for a banana importer, a software development company, and everything in between. She attended several colleges and universities, including one that—surprisingly--granted her a diploma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 13, 2013
Another freebie from Amazon that wasn't clearly marked as "Christian." I quit reading when they started praying while climbing down a storm drain to rescue a momma cat and kittens. I found them to be stupid people for a)going down a storm drain during a storm, b) endangering their lives to rescue cats. I love cats. I would have tried to rescue the bedraggled beggars as well. However, this just went way beyond nonsense.
September 4, 2014
Part 1 of a 3 part Writing Round Robin,
Books involved are: Lightening Strikes, After the Storm, and Blizzard Wedding.
Now, if you are not familiar with "round robin" writing, it's a BLAST. One writer starts the story, writes so much, then hands the story off to the next writer. There are NO RULES!!! The next writer can take the story wherever they want. When they are done, the story is passed along to a 3rd, writer, and so forth, until you run out of writers, or the story is completed. (hopefully both.)
The writers for this first book blended their ideas so well, you really can't tell where one writer ended, and another began. This story will clearly leave you wanting more, but remember, it's the first part of 3 of these sessions. All 3 books are free, and quick reads, so you don't have to feel like you have to "buy" the ending.
Now...Concerning this specific story...cute, creative, left me hurrying to read the next book. I would recommend to the writers, to go ahead, and bundle the 3 short stories together in a free short anthology, to avoid confusion for the reader.
Well written, writers!
Books involved are: Lightening Strikes, After the Storm, and Blizzard Wedding.
Now, if you are not familiar with "round robin" writing, it's a BLAST. One writer starts the story, writes so much, then hands the story off to the next writer. There are NO RULES!!! The next writer can take the story wherever they want. When they are done, the story is passed along to a 3rd, writer, and so forth, until you run out of writers, or the story is completed. (hopefully both.)
The writers for this first book blended their ideas so well, you really can't tell where one writer ended, and another began. This story will clearly leave you wanting more, but remember, it's the first part of 3 of these sessions. All 3 books are free, and quick reads, so you don't have to feel like you have to "buy" the ending.
Now...Concerning this specific story...cute, creative, left me hurrying to read the next book. I would recommend to the writers, to go ahead, and bundle the 3 short stories together in a free short anthology, to avoid confusion for the reader.
Well written, writers!
June 22, 2014
I was recently away on a project and didn't have much time to read. After finishing, I desperately needed something that would take away the stress. I was glad that I had downloaded Lightning Strikes. It was just what I needed. It was an interesting story line. A funny and well written, easy to read book. I really enjoyed it and would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes to read a short romance book.
April 16, 2013
A fairly cute novella, felt way too rushed though. The Christian elements really didn't seem to go with the story, just thrown in there. Maybe it will make sense with the next one. Cute cover. Makes me think of the song "I'm just a fellow, a fellow with an umbrella..."
Next book: After the Storm
Next book: After the Storm
July 27, 2014
I was ready for something very short (and sweet) and this is exactly what I got! It was like reading a short story in a magazine. This story was only 3 chapters. I have the next 2 novellas in the series already downloaded and ready. They are: After the Storm, and A Blizzard Christmas. You can download all 3 novellas for free at: www.prismbookgroup.com
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
February 11, 2013
This is a three chapter, short story. I guess for a short story it kept my attention but really needed to be a whole lot longer.
June 21, 2018
This book was pretty pathetic. Honestly, truly and utterly pathetic. Another freebie that is really not even worth the time and trouble of downloading.
Rachel is at home when the storms hits. Luke is home too, in the apartment above Rachel's place. Without electricity, Rachel cannot complete her column which is due in the next morning. Luke kindly takes her in for the storm's duration cooking her dinner and... saving kittens with her??
Both of these characters were shallow, stupid and one-dimensional. The plotline was just lame really. Who climbs down into an underground sewer during an upcoming storm? Even if it was to save some kittens, the stupidity of it overruled the kindness shown.
Plus, I so didn't get the memo that this book was Christian fiction - which is a definite no-no for me. The characters are made out to be oh-so-kind and wonderful and la-di-da because of their spirituality when they were simply shallow and a little self-centre and up themselves.
Overall this book was not worth reading. I am not going to be reading anymore of the series and will be deleting this off my kindle. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Ever.
Rachel is at home when the storms hits. Luke is home too, in the apartment above Rachel's place. Without electricity, Rachel cannot complete her column which is due in the next morning. Luke kindly takes her in for the storm's duration cooking her dinner and... saving kittens with her??
Both of these characters were shallow, stupid and one-dimensional. The plotline was just lame really. Who climbs down into an underground sewer during an upcoming storm? Even if it was to save some kittens, the stupidity of it overruled the kindness shown.
Plus, I so didn't get the memo that this book was Christian fiction - which is a definite no-no for me. The characters are made out to be oh-so-kind and wonderful and la-di-da because of their spirituality when they were simply shallow and a little self-centre and up themselves.
Overall this book was not worth reading. I am not going to be reading anymore of the series and will be deleting this off my kindle. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Ever.
May 11, 2018
Lightning Strikes by Josie Riveira and various author from Prism book group
This book start out with Rachel and she hopes to be promoted to the editors job at the publishing company.
The storm has hit, she's lost power, her story will have to be done in longhand and her phone is dead. Gage, the neighbor upstairs invites her up for dinner, from his grill and she accepts after a bit of hesitation.
They decide after to walk around outside and they discover something under the road and Gage goes to investigate. They also have talked and she learns what he does for a living.
She is light enough to help the stranded animals and he helps. This story doesn't really seem to end as there is a hint there are other adventures for them at the publishing site.
Like that many took part in this short story, seems seamless to me. Enjoyed it but really could've been longer.
Other excerpts from the authors are included at the end.
This book start out with Rachel and she hopes to be promoted to the editors job at the publishing company.
The storm has hit, she's lost power, her story will have to be done in longhand and her phone is dead. Gage, the neighbor upstairs invites her up for dinner, from his grill and she accepts after a bit of hesitation.
They decide after to walk around outside and they discover something under the road and Gage goes to investigate. They also have talked and she learns what he does for a living.
She is light enough to help the stranded animals and he helps. This story doesn't really seem to end as there is a hint there are other adventures for them at the publishing site.
Like that many took part in this short story, seems seamless to me. Enjoyed it but really could've been longer.
Other excerpts from the authors are included at the end.
April 15, 2022
Well written and aspirational
These authors have done a good job of creating believable characters operating naturally within a believable circumstance. I would be inspired to read more like this.
These authors have done a good job of creating believable characters operating naturally within a believable circumstance. I would be inspired to read more like this.
April 14, 2024
Very short story compiled by four Authors.All about a man and a woman,that venture out during a storm and power outage,to find a cat and her litter seeking refuge but becoming trapped inside a sewer,and the subsequent rescue of the felions.Such a short story,tis hard to review
May 10, 2017
Sweet, short novella.
June 11, 2018
Read in 15 minutes, I'm not sure this even constitutes a short story! It was like a first chapter, or one of those stories written for a magazine. Shame, as it held some potential.
June 23, 2018
Cute
This is a cute, fluffy, feel good story. A bit corny but cute and fun. Doesn't quite feel complete though. Otherwise cute.
This is a cute, fluffy, feel good story. A bit corny but cute and fun. Doesn't quite feel complete though. Otherwise cute.
January 7, 2020
Short story
Not much to this very short story. It’s nice but how no development of the 2 main characters. At least it was free.
Not much to this very short story. It’s nice but how no development of the 2 main characters. At least it was free.
December 18, 2022
Too short to call a short story but it's an ok look into the author.
March 13, 2015
Each day has the distinct possibility of being uniquely adventuress and hunger is a perfect catalyst and great motivator. Rachel Harmon is a young ambitious journalist working for a local rag known as This Week. I’m sure everyone has experienced one of those Friday the thirteenth days when absolutely everything seems to go wrong. After a very busy day where foregoing meals was the rule rather than the exception, Rachel arrives home just as a great thunder storm begins to break. Before her microwave oven has a chance to thaw (much less cook) her planned evening respite, the power fails leaving her in the dark and desperately hungry. As is often the case her redemption comes from above; in the form of Luke Ashton. Recognizing a person in need, he offers to share his steak and potato supper with her. After first refusing the offer, her depressing prospects and rumbling stomach soon changed her mind. Over a candlelight supper they discovered that they had much more in common that they originally imagined. After their meal they ventured out during a short break in the storm to witness how the sudden and unexpected loss of power affected a world overly reliant on energy. This excursion provides them a direct path to adventure. Easily readable and interesting characters make this short story a cut above many others. Small investment and high yield is good in business and choosing your next read.
August 9, 2013
Interesting concept — multiple authors writing in round-robin style, taking the story wherever they want. Much like a game we used to play as kids where someone starts the story with a sentence or two and then the next person takes it up. I assume that this was done in a single sitting, with very little editing. If that's the case, then it worked surprisingly well — even if there was editing, it was good. This short story or novella seems like a pretty typical clean romance story. The part that didn't fit was the character, Gage. Seems odd that Rachel would not have picked up on his snarkiness and mean streak while working with him and then dating him, but that may be simply the result of the way the book was written.
Neither this booklet nor the genre will ever rank high with me, but given that prejudice, it's an easy, fun read.
Neither this booklet nor the genre will ever rank high with me, but given that prejudice, it's an easy, fun read.
November 26, 2012
Lightning Strikes
Written in round-robin style by:
Carlene Havel, Bonnie McCune, Josie Riviera, Trinity Hart & Kim McMahill
Luke and Rachel are neighbors in a condo. Rachel is a workaholic and she considers her upstairs neighbor annoying as he's always happy and playing Christian music. When a storm hits and Rachel can't work on her laptop, heat her supper in the microwave or do much of anything….Luke invites her to eat with him. Quite an enlightening moment night for her.
Looking forward to the next part: After the Storm
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Written in round-robin style by:
Carlene Havel, Bonnie McCune, Josie Riviera, Trinity Hart & Kim McMahill
Luke and Rachel are neighbors in a condo. Rachel is a workaholic and she considers her upstairs neighbor annoying as he's always happy and playing Christian music. When a storm hits and Rachel can't work on her laptop, heat her supper in the microwave or do much of anything….Luke invites her to eat with him. Quite an enlightening moment night for her.
Looking forward to the next part: After the Storm
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
July 31, 2013
This book is a round robin style story written by Bonnie McCune, Josie Riviera, Trinity Hart, Kim McMahill, and Carlene Havel
This was a very short story and while I really liked parts of it, the rest fell flat for me. I think it was way to short to have so much packed into it and the Christian part of the book made no sense to me. I wish that Amazon, Goodreads, or someone would announce that a book is Christian before I start reading it. I like a good Christian romance but I really like to know when I am getting ready to read one. I liked the idea of rescuing the kittens and the momma cat but really, the danger in that was not even interesting. This book fell flat for me.
This was a very short story and while I really liked parts of it, the rest fell flat for me. I think it was way to short to have so much packed into it and the Christian part of the book made no sense to me. I wish that Amazon, Goodreads, or someone would announce that a book is Christian before I start reading it. I like a good Christian romance but I really like to know when I am getting ready to read one. I liked the idea of rescuing the kittens and the momma cat but really, the danger in that was not even interesting. This book fell flat for me.
January 31, 2013
This was pretty good. I liked the characters and the plot. The ending was good too. A more relaxing book that's good for a 'rainy day' read. I enjoyed reading this, although it was pretty short. I don't really think I would read it again but it wasn't a waste of time. It did bring guilt to me, I'm not really up-to-date in the religion department and this was a gentle reminder. Shame shame on me. Overall a good read with some spontaneous actions thrown in. (Kindle freebie) Enjoy
August 12, 2013
Okay , so this is the first in a series of three and I read the second one first ...duh me ! Glad it's a short story ;-)
Cute intro story and does leave you wondering what's next ( even though I knew-ha ha !).
Cute intro story and does leave you wondering what's next ( even though I knew-ha ha !).
December 30, 2014
A round-robin story created by several authors, this was surprisingly good. It not only held my interest and was complete on its own, but had romance, conflict, storms, power outages, and an animal rescue. I recommend it, and intend to read the rest of the series.
May 3, 2017
Cute, but little shorter than I thought...
May 21, 2013
It's more like a chapter than a book, but definitely worth it! Read the whole thing waiting for my hair to color, now on to the second book After the Storm during my lunch break.
June 19, 2013
this was a great short book.. a couple saved a mother cat and her kittens.. was to short but good
June 22, 2013
It's a 24 page novella what did I really expect
August 3, 2013
Very short 24 pages....I really could read more about Rachel and Luke. Loved the storm, mother cat and kittens...really could be vamped up. This had potential to me to be a great novella.
August 7, 2013
Short read. Very cute for what it was. There are two sequels to it. Read all three novellas in about 2 hours.
September 14, 2013
This is a short story. It was cute and refreshing. I read it on a stormy day and it was perfect! Clean and light read. I think this may be label under christian category, not sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews