Dear Stranger

by Elise K. Ackers

A beautiful love letter to the most troublesome of holidays...

Soft-hearted Reese Ahearn is single for Valentine’s Day. Again. But that’s not going to stop her from spreading the holiday’s sentiment on the streets of Melbourne with short, sweet, anonymous love letters, left for strangers to find.

The last thing she expects, however, is a reply…

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance

21 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Elise K. Ackers is a freelance editor and a fiction author published with Harlequin’s Escape Publishing and Penguin Random House, and indie published across multiple platforms.

She's a magnet for unusual accidents, way too competitive about laser tag, and an enthusiastic couch commentator. She tends to end up on a plane when she's bored and owing to a broken internal compass, she needs to factor getting lost into her travel time.

Spend long enough talking to her and she’ll want to know your MBIT type. Spend too long talking to her and she’ll convince you to adopt from an animal shelter.

You can find more of her work at elisekackers.net or connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for her newsletter for exclusive content, giveaways and more: http://alturl.com/gub48

Elise was a finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year and Romantic Novella of the Year awards, and winner of the Chanticleer CLUE Awards for Mystery, Thriller and Suspense.

Reviews

[Bgurl (don't h8 me cuz I'm honestful) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Stranger, by Elise K. Ackers: 5 "Random Kindness" Stars



REESE AHEARN WRITES ANONYMOUS LOVE LETTERS to strangers and leaves them in random places all over Melbourne. She hopes her words will bring happiness. Make lonely people feel less alone. She neither expects a response, nor has she ever gotten one.

Until Ian Mitchell sees her “forget” what appears to be a valentine at a coffee shop. When he picks it up, however, he discovers the card is intended for him. So, he opens it. And reads it. And when he’s done, he knows his life – and Reese’s – will never be the same again.

Dear Stranger, by Elise K. Acker, is a story about loneliness. And Happenstance. And Love. But most of all, it’s about how the smallest random act of kindness can transform people’s lives in the biggest of ways.

For information about my rating system, see my profile page.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet read ❤️

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

At just 21 pages this novella really is a short read based around Valentine's day in Melbourne, however there is nothing that really makes you feel that this is based in Melbourne.

It's a really sweet story about a Valentine dateless woman who likes to leave letters to those who do not have a Valentine's to share with, hoping to send them some love.

Ian is one such finder of a letter that she leaves behind her in a coffee shop and is so taken with her kindness that makes his day, he decides to reply and hand her the note in person.

Its a bit of whimsy for the Valentine's holiday short enough to read in your lunch hour.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review live at 6:30am Australian ESST.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you allow fate to play a part in your life who knows how your life can change. Ian and Reese didn't realize that a letter could change their day for the better.
Very short and sweet but a nice idea.

[Bridget Osei-Owusu · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's amazing, will follow Reese's footsteps

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, set in a Melbourne. I’m half inclined to leave letters around the city now too.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

INITIAL THOUGHT
So after reading so many books of similar genre I fancied reading something different, and I found this. Approaching the book I wondered if may remind me of Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares . . .find out if it did in my Review.

MY REVIEW
As I said in "INITIAL THOUGHTS" I fancied reading something different, and I found this. novella on Netgalley, requested it and was accepted for it.
The cover has the image of a happy couple kissing each other, perhaps representing some of the couples Reese saw whilst delivering her special love letters.
Would the cover make me want to know more about the book? The cover along with the title would certainly pique my interest.
So the main character in this novella is Reese, she finds once again alone on Valentines Day but still wants to cheer up others liker her. So she writes little "love notes" that should cheer up the coldest hardest hearts.
This novella is about her leaving these "love notes" around where she works, and a man named Ian picks one up. Ian see's Reese leave the not on a coffee shop table. . . Upon reading the note Ian decides to do a reply to it. He tracks or "stalks" Reese so he can give her the note. Suddenly neither Ian or Reese are alone for Valentines Day. Will what they have discovered in each other last?
I don't want to say more about the novella as it would totally give away every surprise and twist away. I enjoyed the style of writing, it really makes you feel warm and mushy! As a divorced person you could say my heart is kind of cold and somewhat hardened but this novella certainly melted it a little and made me smile.
I mentioned in my Initial Thoughts that the blurb had made me think about Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares, and yes the sentiment of this novella is similar, plus it is also set around a holiday time and brings together lonely people.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes,it is a pleasant, short read that leaves you feeling cozy and warm! Would I recommend the novella? I would, it's short and sweet. Would I want to read more about the characters of this novella? If a book was written with Reese and Ian in I would definitely read the blurb and want to find out what happens after "Dear Stranger" Would I read other books by this Author? Yes, as I really enjoyed the writing style and imagery of the novella.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Stranger is the first book of Elise K. Ackers that I’ve read, and I’m pleased to say it won’t be the last. For the past six months everywhere I go, I’ve seen this authors name or spotted one of her books somewhere, so when the opportunity to read and review this novella came around Valentines Day I jumped at the chance. I’m glad I did, for Dear Stranger is a light, quick romantic read that hits all the right spots.

Reese might be single, but that’s not going to stop her from enjoying the day, especially not this day, for today is Valentines Day. Despite not having a significant ‘other’ to celebrate the day of love with, she dresses up in a romance worthy dress and goes about her day in much the same manner as she does every other day. The only difference being that she’s living small gestures of love and hope for others in similar situations to herself, by leaving love letters for strangers in random spots. Like Reese, Ian is simply going about his day as well, that is until he notices Reese at the coffee shop. What pique’s his curiosity into action however is the note she leaves unassuming on a table. Insistent he gives it back to her, but also curious for himself, he grabs the note before anyone else can take it. Warmed and touched by the note’s sentiment, he spends the day trying to track down the mysterious letter write.

This novella warmed my insides and made me smile like a fool. As a self proclaimed hopeless romantic, I can’t recommend this narrative enough. It’s short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to pique your interest – just as the notes do for Ian. And that cover, man I love that cover. It’s simple and beautiful, full of hope and with the promise of love. Just like the writing. Dear Stranger is the perfect read for fellow romantics or someone just looking for a good read by an author whose definitely leaving her mark on the Australian Industry.

For more information on Elise K. Ackers and her other books, head on over to goodreads or visit her website. To purchase your very own copy of Dear Stranger visit Escape Publishing or Amazon.

This review was originally posted on my blog, The Never Ending Bookshelf and can be found here: http://nevendbookshelf.wordpress.com/...

[Sam Still Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Escape Publishing for the eARC of Dear Stranger.

I love Elise K. Ackers’ writing. She has a fantastic ability to write gorgeous characters and beautiful stories. Dear Stranger, a sweet Valentine story is no exception. She manages to infuse into this story the essence and feeling of Melbourne, flesh out characters with quirks and good intentions and start a promising romance. Wow.

Dear Stranger takes place on Valentine’s Day. Reese is single – her date is with the television and a takeaway – but she’s a genuinely nice person. So much so that she’s written anonymous Valentine’s letters and will be leaving them in Melbourne’s CBD for strangers to find. She hopes that will brighten their day. So in a heart patterned bright dress she sets out on her mission.

Ian notices the girl dressed in splashes of colour in the café and is intrigued. When she leaves, there’s an envelope on the table. Was it a mistake? Ian opens Reese’s letter and is immediately determined to find this girl and reply to her letter. Will he find her? Could this be an entirely different Valentine’s Day for both of them?

This book is simply gorgeous. I didn’t want it to end! I’d love to read more about Reese and Ian – perhaps they could have a sequel? I was really impressed that as the reader, I learnt a lot about them in such few pages. I really warmed to them both. Plus, I felt like I was in Melbourne itself with the rain, the good coffee and the people going about their business. I was a little disappointed to find myself in my house on the other side of the country when I finished Dear Stranger.

If you’re looking for a lovely story that will refresh your jaded soul in a lunchtime/commute/evening, I’d suggest Dear Stranger.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

[Monica Cullip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Stranger
Elise K. Ackers
I was given this story in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick little Valentine's Day romance story. It had all the perfect elements of such. It was a light, happy, romantic read.
Reese Ahearn does not have a significant other in her life right now and she as such she feels a certain compassion for others in the same position as she is. Someone might feel lonely at holiday season with no one to send then cards or flowers. For this reason every holiday Reese creates twelve special cards with heart felt notes or short letters and puts them in random places such as a shelf at the book store, left on a table at the cafe or tucked into a newspaper at the newstand.
Ian Mitchell is in the cafe on Valentine's Day and is attracted to Reese when he sees her sitting at a table by herself. When she leaves an envelope behind on her table, he picks it up on his way out.
It is one of her Valentine notes and now he is intrigued. The search is on for him to find out who she is.Where is she from? Why is she doing this? Will he be able to find her? What will he do if he can find her?
This was a sweet little romantic story. A perfect pick me up for a quick read. We were able to get a glimpse into these two characters. She has such a beautiful personality leaving all those notes. How thoughtful that was, what an joy it would be to be on the receiving end. How lucky Ian is to be able to give some cheer back to her. I really enjoyed it. I would rate it a 4/5

[Rose Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Stranger keeps being mentioned as a "novella." Honestly, I'm putting it in the short story category. It's not long enough to novella. You can finish it in one sitting easily. Novellas give at least some depth to characters. This, not so much. However, it was cute--something you can read around Valentine's Day to warm your heart. Very Hallmarky.

Reese puts out Valentine's letters around the city just because she thinks it's a nice thing to do. She hopes it helps lonely people and brightens their day. When Ian sees her set one down, he reads it and is hooked. He's seen her around before and decides that he must go up and talk to her. Perhaps this Valentine will actually lead to love?

The story is too short to really say much more than it was a cute distraction to the world. I liked it and think it served its purpose. The idea may have worked much better as an actual novella with more in-depth characterization, but that just didn't happen here. Regardless, if you're looking for a cute, clean romance, this is a short one you might enjoy.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you in the mood for a bit of happiness ? Wanting a quick read ? Dear Stranger by Elise Ackers brings together not only a quick read but a story that is so inspirational and happy , a tale that makes you go awh as you read it and think OMG , that's such an awesome idea and I could do something like that. This is a quirky Valentine's day read and starts with Reese Ahearn and her letter writing idea , every Valentine's day and other public holidays - Reese writes 11 letters and places them around in spots for people to find them, the letters are Love Letters from an Anonymous showing people that no matter what they are loved and somebody is thinking about them today. This Valentine's Day though, Reese's life will be changed as a domino effect begins when one of her letters is picked up by Ian - he is compelled to find the person who wrote this letter and give her one in return and who knows fate and destiny may have another plan up their sleeve when these two come in contact.
I really loved this quick read and the idea and it has my mind whirling around as of ideas similar to this that I can do for others.

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

FIRST THOUGHTS:

I just love little stories like this. Makes me smile :)

REVIEW:

Sometimes, a kind gesture from a complete stranger can change the course of your day, or even your life. In Dear Stranger, this is precisely what happens for Ian and Reese.

Reese has always been in the habit of leaving valentines for people to discover on Valentine’s Day, just because. She leaves one for Ian, who is moved by what she has written, so much so that he makes an effort to find her and write her something back.

It is a beautiful, simple, and brief tale. But the warm feeling of joy that lingered after it ended was lovely to experience! It is stories like this that remind me there can be good in the world, even in the smallest little things… like a valentine a stranger has left that you discover by accident and realize was meant precisely for you. I’m definitely inspired to do something similar now!

{If you liked this review, check out Alexa Loves Books for more!}

[Kate Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

To read more reviews like this one check out my site www.homelovebooks.com

I enjoyed this little novella, it was definitely a cute story. I liked the idea of Reese writing these love letters to random people and just dropping them off for people to find. It's a nice idea to help make people's days better.

I thought it was really cute that Ian went so far out of his way to make sure he would be able to see the woman with the letters again, and it was even better that he spent so much time writing his response.

The only thing that bummed me out about the novella was that there was so much build up to them coming together, and then once they got together and started talking to each other, the story was over. I wish the story had gone on just a little bit longer, that we could have seen more of what happened after they started talking to each other. Other than that it was a quick, cute, and enjoyable story.

[Read Adult Romance (readadultromance.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more reviews like this at Read Adult Romance

I received this copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Stranger is a short novella (novella is short already, no?) about a woman - Reese - not despising Valentine's Day even though she is single and instead dresses up even more and drops Dear Stranger letters at places in hope to cheer them up on this (maybe) gloomy day.

She drops one off on a table at a coffee shop which Ian promptly picks up since he had his eyes on her from before. Since he actually sees her leaving it there, it is not as hard it would be to track Reese down if he found the letter in another way.

It is a super sweet short read. Great for Valentine's Day! I give it a 4/5 for the story, despite it was really short :(

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually complain about novellas, especially ones this short, because I always feel like I’m cheated. And even though we don’t get the “and then…” of their story, I actually think that the ending was absolutely perfect. This is the story about two people who are alone and looking for someone else. It’s about their feelings and motivations. And it’s about what happens when fate delivers them into each other’s path. I don’t need to know what happens next because I know it is going to be wonderful. I finished Dear Stranger with a smile on my face and one in my heart, which makes it the perfect romance in my mind.

Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress....

(Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)

[Ali Hickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful novella! Sometimes you just need a story to lift you up, and that's exactly what "Dear Stranger" does. This is the first works of Elise K. Ackers I've read and I can't wait to discover more. This is a sweet, romantic and clever novella with a beautiful message - how much more lovely might this world be if we all were able to just reach out and spread a little more happiness. Not because we think we'll get something back, but because our pleasure in knowing that we may have brightened someones day. More positive vibes in the world - something to aspire to, a story that inspires me.

[Fiona Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet short story set around Valentine's Day. The heroine, Reese, leaves letters around the city hoping to bring a little love into the lives of lonely strangers.

One of those strangers is Ian, who sees her leave a letter and reading it, decides to answer it, and maybe also answers an unspoken wish.

I really enjoyed this though it was very short. I should mention it finishes at 71% of the kindle book with the rest being advertisements for other Escape Publishing books.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely! I loved the promise of a romance between Reese and Ian. I thought it was wonderful and thoughtful that Reese wanted to spread happiness and love by leaving letters for people to find on Valentine's Day. I would love if this story was longer, but it was awesome the way it was!

For full review, visit Books, books, and more books at:

http://deerereadergirl.wordpress.com/...

*NetGalley provided this book in return for an honest review*

[M.A. Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, tender little story. Perfect for any romantic out there. It's difficult to manipulate a short story into being something truly worth reading, but this is a prime example of what happens when it all goes right.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different to anything I've read before. it is very short and I wish it was longer but it left me feeling magical, hopeful and full of love. I can't wait to read more from this author

I received this in exchange fir an honest review from net galley

[Melindeeloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this, it was sweet but super short. A woman leaves love letters for strangers on Valentine's Day and catches the eye of a man who finds one and writes her one back. There's just the promise of a HEA.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

a heart warming short story.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehh too abrupt

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! I liked the writing style and would have enjoyed reading more of this story had it been longer.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet, very short story. I liked everything about it and just wish it had been (much) longer so I could spend more time with the characters and see where their story went.

[Rukhsar (rukhsandbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick read.
Was craving some romance and this gave it to me.
I also love writing letters to strangers so this gave me some sappy hope and faith in my currently nonexistent love life.

[Juliet Madison]

Loved this gorgeous short story! Great concept and beautifully written.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute short story