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Short Stories #4
The Ten-pound Ticket
Australia, 1962: Susie has just arrived on the boat from England. She is clutching a newborn baby, but she has no wedding ring on her left hand.
The land is dusty and hot, and the work is hard and tiring. All Susie wants is to go home. But with no money, and no hope, how can she turn her life around?
The land is dusty and hot, and the work is hard and tiring. All Susie wants is to go home. But with no money, and no hope, how can she turn her life around?
- GenresShort Stories
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
233 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,961 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 6, 2018
I think that while I enjoyed the book a great deal, that was probably half of the problem when it came to rating it.
It ended far to abruptly for me. I know it’s called a short story for this exact reason, but I’d bought into the characters. The story was just getting somewhere, did Susie get home or was it another cruel trick or turn of fate.
Did she get home and face her parents or manage on her own with her son?
Did she ever find Abigail?
Now I will never know. Perhaps one day there may be a part two of Susies story through the eyes of another character perhaps? Wouldn’t that be something!
It ended far to abruptly for me. I know it’s called a short story for this exact reason, but I’d bought into the characters. The story was just getting somewhere, did Susie get home or was it another cruel trick or turn of fate.
Did she get home and face her parents or manage on her own with her son?
Did she ever find Abigail?
Now I will never know. Perhaps one day there may be a part two of Susies story through the eyes of another character perhaps? Wouldn’t that be something!
February 22, 2018
I love this author!
February 4, 2018
Such a beautiful story. The characters are full of depth and I found myself completely drawn in by the roller-coaster of emotions as the story progressed. The description of the surroundings filled my imagination in technicolour and the incredible story of love and determination, survival and hope is thoroughly gripping.
As a short story it's perfect, but once you pick it up it's very hard to put it down. I finished it in two sittings and found myself wanting to know more. Amanda's ability to draw you in and fall in love with the characters makes this another amazing book in the No Greater Love series. I'm off to download some more!
As a short story it's perfect, but once you pick it up it's very hard to put it down. I finished it in two sittings and found myself wanting to know more. Amanda's ability to draw you in and fall in love with the characters makes this another amazing book in the No Greater Love series. I'm off to download some more!
May 31, 2020
This short story follows Susie, a minor character, from Clover’s Child. It is a story that teaches that you don’t allows know who your friends are. The ending was surprising. I wish it would be a longer story.
July 15, 2020
I don’t normally read short story’s but this had been sat on my kindle for ages so thought I would read it. Not a bad storyline and I think could have been made into a longer read. Still not changed my mind on short reads though.
April 30, 2022
This was good, but it’s also what I dislike about short stories. Just when I was fully engaged in the story and characters, it ended abruptly. Disappointing in that it felt unfinished and I wanted more.
May 24, 2018
Started off good then it went flat. Characters were boring and dull. Predictable plot line for the era. In simple terms, it wasn't short enough for me.
April 20, 2020
Love your books
Read
June 24, 2021I found this book predictable and too simplistic .
December 22, 2021
I have loved everything I have read by this author and I really enjoyed this book, although I wish it wasn’t quite so short.
July 18, 2023
I don't like short stories, but felt compelled to read this as it followed on from a previous book I've read.
I'd like to know more about this character though!
I'd like to know more about this character though!
January 3, 2020
"Australia, 1962: Susie has just arrived on the boat from England. She is clutching a newborn baby, but she has no wedding ring on her left hand.
The land is dusty and hot, and the work is hard and tiring. All Susie wants is to go home. But with no money, and no hope, how can she turn her life around?"
A start reminder that having an illegitimate baby in the 1960's received a completely different reaction to that in the 21st Century. The mothers were shunned, the children called nasty names and life was doubly difficult when it came to finding a home or a job with no husband. The thought of a new fresh start in Australia would have been appealing to Susie and I understand her choices.
However, the book delves into a very primitive and uncomfortable existence for her and Susie has to learn to survive, keep her child alive and somehow find a way to escape this self enforced miserable existence. It was not a book to enjoy as it made for difficult reading at times, but is well written.
The land is dusty and hot, and the work is hard and tiring. All Susie wants is to go home. But with no money, and no hope, how can she turn her life around?"
A start reminder that having an illegitimate baby in the 1960's received a completely different reaction to that in the 21st Century. The mothers were shunned, the children called nasty names and life was doubly difficult when it came to finding a home or a job with no husband. The thought of a new fresh start in Australia would have been appealing to Susie and I understand her choices.
However, the book delves into a very primitive and uncomfortable existence for her and Susie has to learn to survive, keep her child alive and somehow find a way to escape this self enforced miserable existence. It was not a book to enjoy as it made for difficult reading at times, but is well written.
February 6, 2014
A shocking depiction of forced emigration, slavery and abuse. Susie is a single mother who when rejected by her family and society, boards, what she believes to be, a boat of hope to Australia. Then her nightmare begins.
The character of Susie, like all the main characters in the No Greater Love series, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Mrs Prowse has a knack for making roses bloom in savage gardens - loved it!
The character of Susie, like all the main characters in the No Greater Love series, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Mrs Prowse has a knack for making roses bloom in savage gardens - loved it!
February 10, 2016
Another great read!
Loves the gutsiness of Susie. Standing up for herself and baby boy. Good for you girl! What a good short story in this No Greater Love series. Can't wait to read the rest.
Loves the gutsiness of Susie. Standing up for herself and baby boy. Good for you girl! What a good short story in this No Greater Love series. Can't wait to read the rest.
February 20, 2014
Not to the authors normal standard. Bland and left me feeling disappointed, even the 'twist' at the end left me with a feeling of "so what"?
I think 2.5 is probably more accurate.
I think 2.5 is probably more accurate.
December 8, 2014
Ridiculous plot. Awful unlikeable characters doing completely stupid unrealistic things. Silly twist that was laughable.
July 31, 2015
I enjoyed this book in the main, however the end disappointed me. It had a sudden twist, which was sort of like, oh I only have a page left to write on I had best finish writing quick.
January 7, 2016
I quite like Amanda Prowse but I had not realised it was a short story. I wanted to know more and was disappointed when it ended.
December 29, 2016
A good story, I do enjoy Amanda Prowse's writing so it was a sure thing I would like it. Short review as its a short book :)
June 23, 2019
Heart strings pulled
I have just re-read this and again couldn't put it down, I love this story and have recommended it to a friend.
I have just re-read this and again couldn't put it down, I love this story and have recommended it to a friend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews