A Perfect Nanny

by Marian D. Schwartz

Out of Print

A PERFECT NANNY is the first in a series of GIFFORT STREET short stories.

Meddie, the Whittaker’s nanny, suddenly disappeared without giving notice.

Hired temporarily by Arnold Whittaker after his wife, Bernice, had a difficult delivery with their first child, Meddie proved to be so good with the baby and capable around the house that they couldn’t believe their good fortune at having found such a perfect nanny. They kept her on and were delighted that she showed as much devotion when their second daughter was born.

As their girls grew, Bernice and Arnold came to think of Meddie as part of the family, so when she disappeared they were puzzled and upset. Not only was Meddie a perfect nanny and housekeeper, she always seemed to know what was going to happen before it actually occurred. That’s what made her quick departure even harder to understand. Where had she gone and what did she know that she wasn’t willing to tell them?

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories

38 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2013

About the author

I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Reading was my escape from the legendary Buffalo winters and probably contributed to my becoming a writer. You can find my books on APPLE, BARNES & NOBLE, WALMART and KOBO.

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy little tale.

Ok I admit it, I was curious.
I read, I would say without exception romance books, I like romance in all forms and never feel the need to stray, but there was something about this book. The first time I noticed it I read the blurb and dismissed it as not for me, then I read the reviews both were very good so I read the blurb again and paused but again decided it wasn't for me, but then I figured it's only 25 pages so I'd just go for it.
This said it's obviously a different read for me but it's a compelling read none the less and I have to say I was completely engrossed.
It's a well written but unsettling tale, why only 3 stars, well that's partly due to the length if I'm being honest I struggle with rating short books do they deserve the same rating as a full length one, I don't think so but then I have on occasion made exceptions.

[Chris The Story Reading Ape · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts innocently enough, something happens to stir up an old, almost forgotten memory, then follows this memory seen through young eyes.
The finale gives it a creep factor!

See my review also at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Nanny-M...

http://www.amazon.ca/product-reviews/...

http://www.amazon.com.au/product-revi...

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but a great story. A creepy tale that warns that you should always go by your gut instinct

[Cynthia Rodrigues · Rating 1 out of 5]

This very short book is more like a short story. It is written from the Point of View of Elizabeth, a woman who is now a grandmother. She was a child when her neighbours, the Whittakers, hired Meddie as their housekeeper and nanny. Meddie knows everything that happens on Giffort Street.

Meddie is cold to everyone except the Whittaker girls, Candace and Margaret. The nanny has free rein in the Whittaker household. So strong is her influence that she is the one who decides the age gap between the children.

When Elizabeth’s father dies, her mother takes up a job and sends her off to spend time with Meddie and Margaret, until Elizabeth’s older brother, Will, comes home.



That’s all I can say about it. It seemed as if it was just getting warmed up when it ended abruptly. I felt cheated. All that mystery built up for nothing. In the end, no resolution at all.

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I downloaded this short story without knowing anything about the author. I would like to give it a better rating as it was well written and held my interest. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the ending. I admit that it is the genre for which I lack enthusiasm rather than this particular work. It just feels like the author stopped writing at the beginning of a very promising novel. I have found that I feel this way with many short stories.

Since I was so impressed with the writing I decided to look at other works by the author. There is another work but is described as 33 pages so I think I will skip that one rather than risk a second disappointment.

[Kaylie Sudlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't overly impressed with this short story as I felt that it could of gone on a bit longer just to explain a few things, it just left me hanging and expecting a bit more. However, I did enjoy the concept of something making an old memory arise. I just wanted to see it go somewhere I suppose. All in all I read it all and was written well and for a free e-book I shouldn't complain, but it had the potential to be even better!

[Timothy Coplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant introductory short story to a series of stories written in a unique format that promises to become a favorite to fans of serial short stories.

Human memory: it's funny what triggers it and it's sometimes eerie what hind sight reveals thought the memory process.

My interest has been piqued and I look forward to what the author has to offer throughout the body of work that this title is tied to.

[Lori Conrad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Odd

I did not enjoy this very short story at all, it did not make any sense at all, jumped around too much

[Julie Watkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

disappointing rubbish. glad I didn't pay for it. terrible ending too

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this author had a good idea but didn't explore it enough. Disappointing ending.

[Willi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very strange outer limits type book.This story made me go "Hmmmmm".It was VERY interesting and odd!

[Eileen Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strange

This was a strange story. But will make you think twice about who watches your children, and cares for them.

[kathleen hillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect story about a perfect nanny

The words flew by and I did not want the story to end. I liked how easily the characters wore their role. Great story development.

[Bren Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Quite entertaining in a strange sort of way. Very interesting ending, leaves you wanting to know what comes next.

[Jeanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so much more story there. Way too short and no ending.

[Debbie LaCroix · Rating 1 out of 5]

A perfect nanny

Didn't make sense. No story to it. Too many questions left in unanswered. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wouldn't read again

[Just · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that is the introduction to a series of short stories. It was an interesting read but the ending was too abrupt. Probably picked up in the next one?

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark topic , written in a suggestive way .

[Donna Sanders · Rating 1 out of 5]

For a short story it was ok but with no closure as its meant to be an introductory to the series.