The Envelope

Stories from Bennett Bay

by Stephen del Mar

A tropical storm is battering Bennett Bay, a small town on Florida’s Gulf coast. Tony’s trying to close a sale on a house. The commission on this property will be a life changer but it just isn’t going to happen. He fights his way home through the storm to find a mysterious envelope waiting for him. Will it add more misery to a bad day or will it be a ticket to move on?

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Romance, Short Stories, LGBT, Amazon, Fiction

21 pages, ebook

First published April 26, 2013

About the author

Stephen del Mar is a fresh voice in Southern Gay Fiction. His Bennett Bay collection of books and stories explore life in that unique corner of the American South known as Florida. He also writes fantasy and science-fiction. Del Mar lives in the Tampa Bay region of Florida and enjoys Key Lime Pie and mango margaritas, but not at the same time. He also finds constantly barking Chihuahuas nearly as distracting to the writing process as Facebook and Twitter, but don’t tell his housemate.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It probably wasn't the best idea to read this story while my computer at work was chugging away uploading huge documents. Fortunately, I was alone and no one was witness to my tears.

I loved the close relationship Tony had with his sister and her husband. The deep love he felt for Lance and his sudden loss was very painful. The unpredictability of war, the housing market and Florida weather can change lives in a flash. The ending was a little uncertain for me too, but I hope that Tony found some closure.

This story can be downloaded for free on Smashwords

[T.A. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick to read, but long to linger. Grief, love, memories. Nicely told, love that I can just taste the characters like fine wine.

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, moving story, the end somehow left me feeling like something is wanting.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Envelope is a well written and engaging story about a man struggling to deal with the impact the death of his longtime life partner has on his life. More reality than fairytale, the main character is well developed, supporting characters are believable, and the back story is summarized in such a way adds depth to the content without leaving unresolved issues. Due to its short story length, the ending does not bring the reader to a clear and concise conclusion but rather details the main characters next step, leaving the rest to our imaginations. Sometimes this type of ending can feel like a cliff hanger, but surprisingly not, in this instance. I thoroughly enjoyed this authors quality writing style, detailed story development, and most certainly see the potential of The Envelope as a full length novel. However, that would defeat the purpose of short stories. I finished in one sitting, and found it to be one of the better short stories I have read in awhile.

[Marcia Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, emotional short story with some great scenes, well set up by the author for maximum impact. The last quarter of the narrative, while different in tone to the story beforehand, makes sense in terms of the protagonist and his mindset.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of remembrance, mourning, and moving forward.

[M.W. Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this on a whim. While not totally my thing, the story is nice. I liked the ending. I think many might find it disturbing or too vague, but I enjoy they sort mysterious ending.

Why the three stars? Too short to really get to know the characters. I thing some flashbacks to the relationship would have produced a stronger book.

Recommend: yes it’s a good story

[Tim Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good write

I’m very critical of all writing. So much new is sloppy and shoddy, especially gay fiction. This was the opposite. Well crafted and a good story. Had the piece been longer (it’s a very short story.) I would have enjoyed that too.

[Zeoanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short read but it packs a heavy punch to your gut. I so wish it was a longer story. I'd like to know their past and Tony's future. I'd love to see him find happiness with a new man.
Highly recommended if you don't mind hurt-comfort.

[Bobby Corry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story about loss.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review by Dan

This is a very short story. A really sad man who lost his partner 6 months previously to an IED in the Middle East, a really bad stormy day and a mysterious envelope. How do they all fit together? Nice short story, but I wish it was a little longer and gave us a little more closure at the end.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!

[Shadow Jubilee · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

This could have been a very moving short story but I could not connect with it emotionally and only became slightly affected the last 20% of the book. For the most part, I found this rather boring. I am sure others would appreciate the bittersweet ending.

Some other issues:
- Lack of commas, especially in direct addresses
- Font type
- Set vs. Sat: error or typo?
- Typos (e.g. bear rather than beer)

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish this was longer! We get dropped in on a story already in progress and very quickly learn that Tony recently lost his partner and has been trying to cope. While the story is powerful (especially considering its length), I really want to know more about them. A prequel, a sequel, something? There just wasn't enough time to really connect to the story before it was done.

[Ciara1973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely sad story. Way too short. I want to know what happen in Vermont. I overlooked the editing mistakes, for example Tony was called Max at one point. It needs a proofreading, but the writing was fantastic.

[Tailtiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5* Part of Stories from Bennett Bay: Collection One

[Averin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short story of love and loss and grief. Well-executed. An unusual choice as introduction to the author's Bennett Bay world which features in a LHNB story.

[NVTony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read which was easy read with compelling story line. Again could be applied to any couple.

[Janie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't give it more stars was because it broke my heart it was so freaking sad. Beautiful writing but I hate a story that doesn't have a happy ending.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Sweet

This is a very moving story of a love lost but not forgotten. You just get the sense that everything will eventually be okay.

[Viv Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't properly connect with the main character.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rats! You made me cry! Bit too short - I would have loved to have seen Tony a bit further along.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY, I LOVED IT.