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Bliss
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Christina McArdle must cast out the demons of her past and present or lose the love of her life.
In the prosperous community of Bliss, New Hampshire, in 1995, Christina McArdle is living a feminist dream. In short order she has become the first female partner of the venerable, male dominated CPA firm of Driscol, Ryan, Jensen and Palmer. The honor followed by her selection as the first female member of the prestigious Maplewood Country Club.
But Christina fears that her career success has come at a terrible price. Her husband, Ben, has lost sexual interest in her. Unable to ignite his passion for her and desperate for understanding of her own inhibitions, Christina turns to Dr. Rachel Morrisey, a sex therapist, who helps her uncover dark secrets from her past. Christina's path to recovery is blocked by a misogynistic pastor who traps her and many other women of her church in a shame bind that serves his purulent interests.
Her path to freedom requires Christina to break bonds from past and present or lose the thing she loves most in life—the love of husband and family.
Christina McArdle must cast out the demons of her past and present or lose the love of her life.
In the prosperous community of Bliss, New Hampshire, in 1995, Christina McArdle is living a feminist dream. In short order she has become the first female partner of the venerable, male dominated CPA firm of Driscol, Ryan, Jensen and Palmer. The honor followed by her selection as the first female member of the prestigious Maplewood Country Club.
But Christina fears that her career success has come at a terrible price. Her husband, Ben, has lost sexual interest in her. Unable to ignite his passion for her and desperate for understanding of her own inhibitions, Christina turns to Dr. Rachel Morrisey, a sex therapist, who helps her uncover dark secrets from her past. Christina's path to recovery is blocked by a misogynistic pastor who traps her and many other women of her church in a shame bind that serves his purulent interests.
Her path to freedom requires Christina to break bonds from past and present or lose the thing she loves most in life—the love of husband and family.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2014
1 person want to read
About the author
Spencer Dryden
12 books16 followersSome men are born great, others strive for greatness; still others have greatness thrust upon them. Spencer Dryden is none of these men. In fact, he is so unimpressive, he leaves no footprints on newly fallen snow. He was trained in fiction writing on the job with the many sales reports he produced for his managers, winning the coveted “keep your job contest” three years running. His expense reports are still considered masterpieces of forgery by the bankruptcy trustee of his former employer. He lives an unremarkable life in a suburb of a northern city. His friends and family would drop dead in horror if they knew of his secret life as a writer of erotica. He hates the family cat but still loves to pet his wife
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 10, 2014
Wow, what a fantastic story. What an ending! I love the way Pastor Dale got his comeuppance in several different ways. And the way that Christina's story tied with it and she could work out some of her stuff. Great 'meshing' details.
There were some really good descriptions in this book. And clever one liners. The 'logo' for the spirit water was a classic.
This is written by a guy, but he has some really good insights into women and their perspective on things. I loved some of the insights like: 'It's no wonder woman are angry.' This was regarding the cooking, cleaning, washing. It also shows a stay at home dad and again, very powerful insights from a male perspective. I liked that a lot. There were some very astute observations at the partners retreat weekend, first meeting too.
The build up and insights into the characters motivations has been very well done. I think, what struck me most, was that it was very real. Originally I wasn't sure where the ghastly holy roller stuff was going, but soon caught on what that was about. :-) It was done extremely well.
That first orgasm scene was spot on. I'm a woman and I have trouble describing them in any detail. In this, the female main character has a bad experience when she's younger with a nasty guy and bites off part of his ear. Very clever. If only we could clip a few ears that way, for easy identification!
Great descriptions in there too. ... About the character Ed - ...the way a blacksmith bends iron, with heat, constant pounding and leverage. Excellent!!!
Very powerful in parts of it.
The finale finish and the newspaper articles were excellent for the finish. And her arrival at Bliss. I liked all the wee tie ins with everything that was scattered throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book. I loved it. Thanks.
There were some really good descriptions in this book. And clever one liners. The 'logo' for the spirit water was a classic.
This is written by a guy, but he has some really good insights into women and their perspective on things. I loved some of the insights like: 'It's no wonder woman are angry.' This was regarding the cooking, cleaning, washing. It also shows a stay at home dad and again, very powerful insights from a male perspective. I liked that a lot. There were some very astute observations at the partners retreat weekend, first meeting too.
The build up and insights into the characters motivations has been very well done. I think, what struck me most, was that it was very real. Originally I wasn't sure where the ghastly holy roller stuff was going, but soon caught on what that was about. :-) It was done extremely well.
That first orgasm scene was spot on. I'm a woman and I have trouble describing them in any detail. In this, the female main character has a bad experience when she's younger with a nasty guy and bites off part of his ear. Very clever. If only we could clip a few ears that way, for easy identification!
Great descriptions in there too. ... About the character Ed - ...the way a blacksmith bends iron, with heat, constant pounding and leverage. Excellent!!!
Very powerful in parts of it.
The finale finish and the newspaper articles were excellent for the finish. And her arrival at Bliss. I liked all the wee tie ins with everything that was scattered throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book. I loved it. Thanks.
May 4, 2014
One of those short stories. You know, you get to the end and wish it had been longer.
I really enjoyed it, a snappy and engaging story combining a bit of mystery and some at times edgy adult stuff. The cast includes an accountant, a stay-at-home husband, a charismatic and ambitious evangelist.
I don't think hinting that the ending tends towards the happy end of the spectrum is too much of a spoiler.
Good work, Spencer!
I really enjoyed it, a snappy and engaging story combining a bit of mystery and some at times edgy adult stuff. The cast includes an accountant, a stay-at-home husband, a charismatic and ambitious evangelist.
I don't think hinting that the ending tends towards the happy end of the spectrum is too much of a spoiler.
Good work, Spencer!
April 29, 2014
Lucee Lovett’s Review of Bliss – by Spencer Dryden
Bliss is a strong thought provoking emotional intensifying story. A tale people can and will identify with; in the varied issues that move this remarkable piece forward. It leaves your senses emotionally stimulated with the array of characters served to stir the imagination. The main characters are: Christina a wife and mother, a savvy businesswoman who think on her feet, to the detriment of those who dare to test her bulldog spirit. Then there is Christina’s husband, Ben. A man proud to be a stay at home dad and because of this; recognise and sympathise with the plight of the female homemakers of the world. Also somebody I would do a swan dive after trampling on the heads of other women including his wife Christina; ending in a rugby tackle to the ground to claim him for myself. Last but by no means least; we have Pastor Dale Wheland, a charismatic man of God whose actions are far from Godlike nor even remotely Christian. These three very strong characters made for a very strong and compelling story. I bought this book for the starter and ending up with a three-course meal. Very enjoyable and a worthwhile read. My compliments to the chef. I am giving this book five stars.
Bliss is a strong thought provoking emotional intensifying story. A tale people can and will identify with; in the varied issues that move this remarkable piece forward. It leaves your senses emotionally stimulated with the array of characters served to stir the imagination. The main characters are: Christina a wife and mother, a savvy businesswoman who think on her feet, to the detriment of those who dare to test her bulldog spirit. Then there is Christina’s husband, Ben. A man proud to be a stay at home dad and because of this; recognise and sympathise with the plight of the female homemakers of the world. Also somebody I would do a swan dive after trampling on the heads of other women including his wife Christina; ending in a rugby tackle to the ground to claim him for myself. Last but by no means least; we have Pastor Dale Wheland, a charismatic man of God whose actions are far from Godlike nor even remotely Christian. These three very strong characters made for a very strong and compelling story. I bought this book for the starter and ending up with a three-course meal. Very enjoyable and a worthwhile read. My compliments to the chef. I am giving this book five stars.
July 31, 2015
I'm sad to see this book is no longer available.
I enjoyed the story line and characters. The bad folks were wicked and the good folks work together (ultimately) to put them in their place.
The pacing gets out of control at the end, but it's still a fine first novel by an aspiring erotic writer.
I enjoyed the story line and characters. The bad folks were wicked and the good folks work together (ultimately) to put them in their place.
The pacing gets out of control at the end, but it's still a fine first novel by an aspiring erotic writer.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews