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Beautiful Imposter
Hardworking, devoted wife Jessica races home from her hectic corporate schedule to spend an unexpected take-five the boss gave her with none other than her loving husband Byron. But the gut-wrenching scene she finds on the bedroom floor knocks the wind out of her. Betrayed, angry, wounded, it’s all she can do not to drag Byron to the nearest lawyer and demand divorce. As the evening unfolds Jessica opens her heart to the man she thought she once knew, and takes a chance on love. Can they work through his infidelity? And if so, what will it take for her to forgive him? Time, it is said, can heal all wounds. Can it really . . . heal all wounds?
Beautiful Imposter is an adult contemporary short story with mature language and scenes.
Beautiful Imposter is an adult contemporary short story with mature language and scenes.
ebook
First published August 8, 2013
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shippe
1 book12 followersI enjoy traveling. Seeing new sights and sites. Eating new foods. Sometimes torturing myself with something that's so heinous that I might regret it later, especially if there's a record of it on someone's cell phone. I enjoy reading a wide variety of books, from Kahlil Gibran to Hemingway to Tolkien to Gibson. I can handle just about any song. And on the not so rare occasion I'll add it to my constantly growing music library.
Oh, and I have a blog: The Zany Adventures of a Domestic Dad! It's wild. Wacky. If you have ear plugs, ship 'em. I'll pay for the stamps. My kids never stop screaming!
Oh, and I have a blog: The Zany Adventures of a Domestic Dad! It's wild. Wacky. If you have ear plugs, ship 'em. I'll pay for the stamps. My kids never stop screaming!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 3, 2013
Beautiful Imposter is a wonderful short story about a married couple and their unusual struggles. All emotions were conveyed in this short read, which, in itself, is a show of talent on the author's part. I felt the excitement that Jessica felt as she counted the steps and the seconds to finally being with her husband for a few hours, whom she was irrevocably and totally in love with...then anxiety waiting to see if he would be there waiting for her and ready for a passionate session of love making. But, for what she actually finds?...Shock, anger and frustration followed with the secret she learns her husband, Byron has been keeping from her. For Byron, I felt sympathy after seeing a bit of his POV. However, confusion followed and for quite some time as some details seemed to be missing. After finally realizing what happened both to Byron and to Jessica, sadness and heartbreak assumed my thoughts when learning of tragedy striking in the midst of their reconciliation. Fear of what may be yet another tragedy involving Jessica had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. When David, here employer, is brought more up front and center in the story, I find myself hoping for a happy ending, which is assumed to be the case, but not elaborated on.
I would like to see Alex give a more detailed version of this story to fill in the blanks and to move forward with the outcome of the characters involved.
This short story would be an ideal teaser/introduction to another book on a much larger scale.
On the other hand...leaving circumstances to the readers imagination is sometimes a wonderful thing. I was like everyone else here, confused at first, but left relieved and full of hope at the end of the book.
Five Stars for a well played tug on the imagination and fulfillment of emotional fruition.
I will most definitely keep following Alex's work. Good luck with your future writings!
~CB
I would like to see Alex give a more detailed version of this story to fill in the blanks and to move forward with the outcome of the characters involved.
This short story would be an ideal teaser/introduction to another book on a much larger scale.
On the other hand...leaving circumstances to the readers imagination is sometimes a wonderful thing. I was like everyone else here, confused at first, but left relieved and full of hope at the end of the book.
Five Stars for a well played tug on the imagination and fulfillment of emotional fruition.
I will most definitely keep following Alex's work. Good luck with your future writings!
~CB
July 22, 2013
I was given an ARC of Beautiful Imposter for honest review:
Beautiful imposter is short and sweet, and Alex did a wonderful job painting a picture of the struggle between a married couple. There was some POV confusion throughout the story. I wasn't quite sure who's POV it was coming from, but his descriptions and emotions were very good. I felt the emotions and pain that swamped them throughout. It moved so fast though, I really would like to see more of the story. More of what happened with Jessica and Byron, and possibly more of a connection between Jessica and David at the end.
As a new author, Alex is very talented, and I think he will only improve from here! Look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
Beautiful imposter is short and sweet, and Alex did a wonderful job painting a picture of the struggle between a married couple. There was some POV confusion throughout the story. I wasn't quite sure who's POV it was coming from, but his descriptions and emotions were very good. I felt the emotions and pain that swamped them throughout. It moved so fast though, I really would like to see more of the story. More of what happened with Jessica and Byron, and possibly more of a connection between Jessica and David at the end.
As a new author, Alex is very talented, and I think he will only improve from here! Look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
July 19, 2013
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
First off, I thought it was great. I found myself feeling for the characters, eyes welling up, anger and in awe. At first I was a little confused but once the story progresses it all comes together.
Its short and sweet, wish something would have happened between Jessica and David, maybe a sequel?? ;)
If you're looking for a short story before bed, this is definitely a recommendation. Can't wait to read more from this author.
First off, I thought it was great. I found myself feeling for the characters, eyes welling up, anger and in awe. At first I was a little confused but once the story progresses it all comes together.
Its short and sweet, wish something would have happened between Jessica and David, maybe a sequel?? ;)
If you're looking for a short story before bed, this is definitely a recommendation. Can't wait to read more from this author.
July 24, 2013
Beautiful Imposter is a short and sweet story. At first I was a little confused but later in the story it ended up coming together. I'd like to see more of this story….more of what happened with Jessica and Byron and if anything progressed between Jessica and David. I look forward to reading more of Alex Shippe's work in the future.
August 22, 2013
A Beautiful Impact....
This book is so Beautifully Written you won't want it to end......
It was Captivating, Heartbreaking & Tragic.. ..a story of Surviving, Healing & Forgiving......learning to move forward with Friendship, Love & Hope.
Truly Touching in every way!
I don't normally read a lot of short stories but this book held so much emotion & depth.... that it felt different.
The story is so compelling it will really pull on your heart strings in a powerful way, considering the book is a short one, it has the ability to do this from the very start. I don't want to say to much about the story because it will give to much away but the book surprised me straight off and was different from the storyline I thought it would take, which is what I look for in a book.
The characters, although you don't get a full insight to them ( which I hope we do in the next book) were compassionate, loving and supportive in such a special way that you felt their sadness and despair with them, it simply leaves you wanting more of their story.
It was a story filled with so much emotion, it's certainly a book that will make you FEEL whilst your reading it. You don't often find a book that is able to do that in such a beautiful way but this book has that kind of impact and it is certainly one of those books you will want to read again.
Whilst reading this book I really felt the grief, guilt and pain along with the characters but also relief in the beautiful words and quotes that described forgiveness, it was truly touching in many parts. It also held small parts of humour which I also enjoy in a book and takes away a little bit of the true sadness that you feel when reading it.
You only hope something like that never happens to you but that was the beauty of this book, it had the ability to make you imagine those feelings and make it feel so REAL.
The writing was flawless, powerful and clever, you have a truly amazing talent.
I only hope the story continues which I'm hoping it will by what I read at the end of the book.
Magic!
This is an author I am certainly looking forward to reading more from in the future!
This book is so Beautifully Written you won't want it to end......
It was Captivating, Heartbreaking & Tragic.. ..a story of Surviving, Healing & Forgiving......learning to move forward with Friendship, Love & Hope.
Truly Touching in every way!
I don't normally read a lot of short stories but this book held so much emotion & depth.... that it felt different.
The story is so compelling it will really pull on your heart strings in a powerful way, considering the book is a short one, it has the ability to do this from the very start. I don't want to say to much about the story because it will give to much away but the book surprised me straight off and was different from the storyline I thought it would take, which is what I look for in a book.
The characters, although you don't get a full insight to them ( which I hope we do in the next book) were compassionate, loving and supportive in such a special way that you felt their sadness and despair with them, it simply leaves you wanting more of their story.
It was a story filled with so much emotion, it's certainly a book that will make you FEEL whilst your reading it. You don't often find a book that is able to do that in such a beautiful way but this book has that kind of impact and it is certainly one of those books you will want to read again.
Whilst reading this book I really felt the grief, guilt and pain along with the characters but also relief in the beautiful words and quotes that described forgiveness, it was truly touching in many parts. It also held small parts of humour which I also enjoy in a book and takes away a little bit of the true sadness that you feel when reading it.
You only hope something like that never happens to you but that was the beauty of this book, it had the ability to make you imagine those feelings and make it feel so REAL.
The writing was flawless, powerful and clever, you have a truly amazing talent.
I only hope the story continues which I'm hoping it will by what I read at the end of the book.
Magic!
This is an author I am certainly looking forward to reading more from in the future!
October 8, 2013
wow what can I say about this short story?! first off it deff wasn't what I was expecting. there was so much packed into these short pages and Alex did an amazing job telling this story and with a beautiful play on words. I was shocked at how much emotion he slapped me in the face with in a short period of time and pages. This story is a poignant telling of a couple dealing with the ups and downs of marriage. or so you think. Jessica who is so in love with building her career and spends countless hours and days at work comes home early to relax before celebrating the day everyone has been waiting for. snagging that huge client. she hopes that her husband is there so they can spend some quality time together and so she can hear his praises of her job well done that she had worked years towards...The story begins to become construed at this point making u believe one thing is happening when its another. I'm not one to ruin a story for anyone so if u wanna know read it. its only 30 something pages. In these short pages be prepared to be angry, heartbroken, depressed, delusional, full of angst, full of insight and finally lifted by hope. Im really looking forward to the next book and learning more about Jessica, David and Byron.
As a new author on the block I enjoyed this writing style. u completely sucked me in and I had no problem differentiating between pov. what u did was completely had me thinkin wth is going on then go oooooooooh I see. good for u. not many authors can throw me for a loop :) I would suggest better editing to fix the grammar mistakes and maybe going with a diff structure to help those who had character confusion while reading....unless that abrupt switching is what u were going for to aid in the telling of the story. regardless great job. I cant wait to read more.
As a new author on the block I enjoyed this writing style. u completely sucked me in and I had no problem differentiating between pov. what u did was completely had me thinkin wth is going on then go oooooooooh I see. good for u. not many authors can throw me for a loop :) I would suggest better editing to fix the grammar mistakes and maybe going with a diff structure to help those who had character confusion while reading....unless that abrupt switching is what u were going for to aid in the telling of the story. regardless great job. I cant wait to read more.
November 10, 2013
Well this story was not at all what I was expecting. As I began reading I already knew that Jessica was about to stumble across Byron, her husband, in an awkward if not heart breaking situation. So I was already guarded and prejudging hubby...but even as Jessica dealt with her discovery I was none the wiser to the twist that Mr Shippe had up his sleeve.
To Soothe her woes Jessica pours herself a glass of wine...and what comes next is the real unexpected angle to the story. This is where we meet David and learn the reality of the story...and I must say a very very clever plot!
Mr Shippe is an articulate writer whose story telling is enticing yet still cryptic enough to ensure the reader stays intrigued to the very end. A great story filled with all sorts of emotions.
I look forward to seeing what else Mr Shippe has in store!!!
To Soothe her woes Jessica pours herself a glass of wine...and what comes next is the real unexpected angle to the story. This is where we meet David and learn the reality of the story...and I must say a very very clever plot!
Mr Shippe is an articulate writer whose story telling is enticing yet still cryptic enough to ensure the reader stays intrigued to the very end. A great story filled with all sorts of emotions.
I look forward to seeing what else Mr Shippe has in store!!!
August 18, 2013
Beautiful Imposter is a short and sweet story that gives us a little taste of everything. There is the frenzied, hardworking Jessica; the love of her life Byron who is conflicted about his feelings; the nice, understanding boss, David who lost his wife. This story is a travel through roughly a year of time and it moves quickly. We are left wondering what the future holds for those left behind…. I also started to wonder what was real?.... All in all, I enjoyed the book; but I enjoyed it more the second time. This is a quick read so I encourage you to feel the book as you read it, and reread it to discover things you didn’t see or understand before.
The author has assured me there is more in store!
The author has assured me there is more in store!
August 20, 2013
This is a short story, a novella, full of sadness, sweetness and an interesting story.I read it last night in about an hour, it was a page turner from every point of view and I will surely re-read it for details. The characters were simple, everyday people you would fine just looking around you, people who found different reasons to keep on doing the things they do.
It would be wonderful if the author wrote more about these people, a prequel and a sequel.
It would be wonderful if the author wrote more about these people, a prequel and a sequel.
November 4, 2013
The story was sad, but a good story told. It had a lot going on for such a short story. I was sometimes confused when it goes from present to 6 months later without warning. I think for all the detail put into it, it could have been made into a much longer story. I look forward to the next installment.
September 19, 2013
Hmm. Confusing short story, I may reread it to be clear on some things. Interesting introduction to the characters for the upcoming book(s) though...
July 20, 2016
So confused with this book. It felt like I was actually reading 2 or 3 different books, as things just seemed so disjointed.
April 2, 2014
Started good, but then it felt like a new story was being told. It left me feeling confused.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews