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Shoveling Snow
Ben and Caroline barely recognize each other any more. Their once solid relationship now broken and beaten by unfathomable events, leaving only a shell of past promise. When pressure cracks the last vestiges of their bond, Ben hastily leaves their Southern California home, pointing the car east to what he hopes is the edge of the Earth. After driving until he can no further, he settles in the small, coastal town of Swintonport, Maine to lose himself in quiet and anonymity, renting the quaint guesthouse of Maggie and her ten-year-old daughter, Smoof. But when tragedy strikes his landlord’s family, Ben is confronted with a sobering truth reminiscent of the one he left behind.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2014
38 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Brett Sills
2 books22 followersBrett Sills is a screenwriter/copywriter from Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 6, 2014
To see my full review:
http://abookvacation.com/2014/08/03/r...
This is an intriguing novel in which our three dysfunctional main characters must learn to lean on one another in order to heal. A man, Ben, running from a relationship, a teacher, Rose, wishing for a connection with her estranged son, and a young girl, Smoof, wishing for her mother's recovery all tie unlikely bonds to one another as the novel unfolds.
Initially, readers are only given the overview of each character, but as the novel progresses, we are given deeper insight, and as the truth comes out concerning the Ben's reason's for running, the Rose's reasons for estrangement, and the Smoof's heartbreaking family circumstances, the puzzle pieces begin to click and it leaves readers with feelings of hope for the future.
It's a very well written piece, more so for those who enjoy adult fiction (not because of anything sexual--that's just the genre) as the novel truly focuses on the adults in the story as they attempt to overcome their past in order to help young Smoof have a brighter future. It’s a story that will make you think, and while the end is a bit abrupt, leaving me with a yearning to know more/read more, based on the characters and all they’ve been through, it is indeed perfect.
http://abookvacation.com/2014/08/03/r...
This is an intriguing novel in which our three dysfunctional main characters must learn to lean on one another in order to heal. A man, Ben, running from a relationship, a teacher, Rose, wishing for a connection with her estranged son, and a young girl, Smoof, wishing for her mother's recovery all tie unlikely bonds to one another as the novel unfolds.
Initially, readers are only given the overview of each character, but as the novel progresses, we are given deeper insight, and as the truth comes out concerning the Ben's reason's for running, the Rose's reasons for estrangement, and the Smoof's heartbreaking family circumstances, the puzzle pieces begin to click and it leaves readers with feelings of hope for the future.
It's a very well written piece, more so for those who enjoy adult fiction (not because of anything sexual--that's just the genre) as the novel truly focuses on the adults in the story as they attempt to overcome their past in order to help young Smoof have a brighter future. It’s a story that will make you think, and while the end is a bit abrupt, leaving me with a yearning to know more/read more, based on the characters and all they’ve been through, it is indeed perfect.
April 1, 2014
My self-esteem isn't that bad!
July 2, 2014
Ben is running away from his home and his wife in California and drives until he can no longer drive. He rents a guesthouse in Swintonport, Maine. The guesthouse belongs to Maggie and her daughter, 10-year-old Smoof. Smoof is the object of an odd obsession by her teacher, Rose. Each character is damaged in some major way and is determined to escape their situation. SHOVELING SNOW is a touching and poignant novel about learning to deal with life’s complications. I felt for each of these characters because, while I may not now nor ever share their exact situations, I do understand. Who hasn’t wanted to run from responsibility or painful situations? I absolutely loved Smoof and I could see a lot of my younger self in her personality. SHOVELING SNOW is a book which will tug at your heart and inspire you to be better. I could definitely see this as a movie.
October 1, 2014
Full Review at www.onceuponabookblog.com
***4 Stars***
This book was received from the Author in return for an honest review
What struck me with the characters in this book was how well the intricacies of human shortcomings were portrayed. How decisions made, right or wrong can impact lives, how not communicating, or being afraid or unable to communicate can create divides in relationships that are sometimes unable to be repaired.
How people, no matter their age, profession or lives can end up in a place that they never in a million years thought that they’d be (in this case for Ben at least, this is literal as well as figurative) How sometimes life is just not fair, and people don’t always bounce back. These characters sometimes had me hating them, they definitely did not all redeem themselves 100% by the end of the book. That was how it was supposed to be though, the realness of it. Life doesn’t ever just get resolved and end up in a tidy package; just like characters don’t always learn every lesson they need to and become better people from it.
By the end of this book I had resolution in most areas, yet a million questions in others, the book was finished but I hadn’t quite come to terms with it. If I was a cat, curiosity would’ve killed me. But I know this wasn’t an over the top HEA type of book, and I actually don’t mind that fact...that’s life!
***4 Stars***
This book was received from the Author in return for an honest review
What struck me with the characters in this book was how well the intricacies of human shortcomings were portrayed. How decisions made, right or wrong can impact lives, how not communicating, or being afraid or unable to communicate can create divides in relationships that are sometimes unable to be repaired.
How people, no matter their age, profession or lives can end up in a place that they never in a million years thought that they’d be (in this case for Ben at least, this is literal as well as figurative) How sometimes life is just not fair, and people don’t always bounce back. These characters sometimes had me hating them, they definitely did not all redeem themselves 100% by the end of the book. That was how it was supposed to be though, the realness of it. Life doesn’t ever just get resolved and end up in a tidy package; just like characters don’t always learn every lesson they need to and become better people from it.
By the end of this book I had resolution in most areas, yet a million questions in others, the book was finished but I hadn’t quite come to terms with it. If I was a cat, curiosity would’ve killed me. But I know this wasn’t an over the top HEA type of book, and I actually don’t mind that fact...that’s life!
August 10, 2016
A very interesting book...a young man escapes his life in California and heads to Maine. He has no idea when he sets out where he's going but ends up in a small fishing village. He talks a local fisherman into hiring him and finds a small guest house to live in
His landlord is a woman who has also escaped her old life and her 10 year old daughter who is older than her years and angry at the world
This is an interesting study of human nature, emotions and the coming together of strangers in a time of need.
His landlord is a woman who has also escaped her old life and her 10 year old daughter who is older than her years and angry at the world
This is an interesting study of human nature, emotions and the coming together of strangers in a time of need.
April 15, 2014
Hooked from page 1. I could not stop reading this book till I read every single word!! I had a love hate relationship with almost all of the characters till nearly the end, where I understood who they were and fell in love with them all. I felt elated and deflated Happy beyond words and then so sad I was almost sobbing. As an avid reader this is absolutely one of my favorites! Mr Sills You have done it again!!!
December 3, 2014
Free ebook. A story about three dysfunctional people that need each other in order to heal. A young man leaves his home in California and ends up in a small fishing village. He finds a guest house to rent from a woman Maggie and her 10 year old daughter Smoof. Another character is Smoof's teacher Rose whom had her own secrets but tries to help Smoof. There are some heartbreaking moments in the book and a tragedy. I was immersed in this poignant and touching novel.
December 17, 2015
This was a really enjoyable story. There is a little girl named Smoof and that just catches your eye and makes you want more. She is 10 years old taking care of her mentally ill mother. The adult characters are trying to figure her out and slowly she trusts a new neighbor man who is lost in his own tragedy. It all comes together so nicely and then it takes a different turn - keeping you reading. To sum it up, not always is there a happy ending, but the right one.
April 9, 2014
Even better than his first novel! This story pulls you in from the first page. Love the way Mr. Sills interwove the lives and problems of his characters. They are unforgettable! Will be thinking about Smoof for a long time to come. Hopefully, a sequel is in the works. I highly recommend this book. Couldn't put it down. Would make a great movie!
May 22, 2014
One of those weekly Amazon free offered books that turned out to be a memorable read. I love a story that contains an over the edge precocious, brilliant child, with a protagonist who fights the attraction and is running away from life. Those who have lost, those who are seeking and those who finally figure it all out and the story ends.
May 21, 2014
For those of us who have wanted to run away to a better place
This is a very well written book with complex characters and relationships. I'm not proud of it, but I recognized myself in some of the actions of the characters. If you are looking for a light cheerful read, this isn't the book you want. I am really glad I found it.
This is a very well written book with complex characters and relationships. I'm not proud of it, but I recognized myself in some of the actions of the characters. If you are looking for a light cheerful read, this isn't the book you want. I am really glad I found it.
May 23, 2014
A man running from his past, a 10 year oil girl who is the adult, the mother who was a child,and a teacher without a past. It doesn't sound like much, but the writing grabs you and pulls you in and you keep wondering what is on the next page. The ending is neatly tied up, like a nice bow, with a mostly happy ending.
May 30, 2014
Mesmerizing
Mesmerizing
Shoveling Snow is a mesmerizing tale starring a very unlikely, precocious, and irreverent heroine who is more than wise beyond her years. It generates some tough questions and some even tougher answers, and bares some heartbreaking truths. I would have given it five stars, but the editing left a little to be desired.
Mesmerizing
Shoveling Snow is a mesmerizing tale starring a very unlikely, precocious, and irreverent heroine who is more than wise beyond her years. It generates some tough questions and some even tougher answers, and bares some heartbreaking truths. I would have given it five stars, but the editing left a little to be desired.
April 5, 2014
Another great book by Brett Sills. I was fortunate enough to get an ARC. So refreshing to read a book that stays with you, which is how his writing resonates with me. It'll stay with me... at least some of it... probably forever.
January 16, 2015
Don't discount this book because it's a Kindle freebie...interwoven storylines with a lovable young girl named Smoof who is precocious and downright funny. Read it even if only to enjoy getting to know her. You will laugh, cry and gasp.
January 10, 2015
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did...you know-- those freebies are often disappointing. A fairly complex character study, especially Smoof. Precocious beyond her years, she frequently cracked me up. I'd love to see a sequel--she seems to have a happy future, but what about Ben??
April 2, 2014
An AMAZING book by an amazing author. An enlightening and emotional read, and I loved every minute of it!! Highly recommend this book! My new favorite:)
May 28, 2014
Beautiful, if heartbreaking story. Having suffered the loss of an infant a year ago, this story hit hard. Very well done.
June 19, 2015
This was a heart-breaking but warm, funny and inspirational story. A lot of emotion, pain and loss, but also humor, smartness and warmth. I truly enjoyed this one.
May 31, 2014
Loved this book, the characters each unique very well written .
July 22, 2014
I loved this book. It was funny, sad and loving. I can't wait for you all to meet Smoof, the most fantastic ten year old girl.
December 3, 2020
EBk-M, Kindle, @ 2014, read 12/2/20. Fiction, Contemporary. A man with Father-issues runs from his wife in California to a small coastal town in Maine to leave his problems behind and for a little peace and quiet. While there, he forms a bond with the 10 year old daughter of his landlord, and with her teacher, each with their on set of problems. Like an onion, this story gets peeled away layer by layer until the puzzle pieces finally fit together. Well done! 4☆'s = Very Good.
May 6, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much . Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much . Shelley MA
September 10, 2018
The layers of life
Like the layers of snow we must remove a layer at a time to find the value in our own soul!
Like the layers of snow we must remove a layer at a time to find the value in our own soul!
March 5, 2015
Somewhat of an unusual tale of how a youngish guy from California meets a 10 year old precocious girl in Maine and how they influence each other's lives.
Ben's past is revealed over the course of the story, answering questions I had. I think the thing that bothered me is Smoof and her name. I wanted to know why she was given that very unusual and made-up name. Although it fits her in a way, not enough is revealed about her family to satisfy me in that regard. Also, I've known precocious kids like her and they usually fill up empty minutes with reading a book or magazine they always carry with them. How else would she know about blowjobs and autoerotic aphyxiation? She certainly didn't learn them from the friends she didn't have.
But overall, I enjoyed the story and insights into human nature. While left open, the end for Ben was satisfying and I was left with hope for Smoof.
Ben's past is revealed over the course of the story, answering questions I had. I think the thing that bothered me is Smoof and her name. I wanted to know why she was given that very unusual and made-up name. Although it fits her in a way, not enough is revealed about her family to satisfy me in that regard. Also, I've known precocious kids like her and they usually fill up empty minutes with reading a book or magazine they always carry with them. How else would she know about blowjobs and autoerotic aphyxiation? She certainly didn't learn them from the friends she didn't have.
But overall, I enjoyed the story and insights into human nature. While left open, the end for Ben was satisfying and I was left with hope for Smoof.
May 21, 2014
Free Kindle read...
Im not sold on the snow symbolism, but the story was actually kinda cute despite the attempts at profound symbolism.
Ben has a crisis and runs far far away, where he meets a delightfully odd little girl who is older than her years. She proceeds to frustrate him and teach him. The reader is left to wonder how it all actually works out... which is frustrating but kind of fun at the same time.
Wondering if the author is British, with the references to the lobster printed "sweaters".... I think he meant "sweatshirts".... Can't believe that we didn't get explanation for Smoof's name till the very very end! (At least it came, I'd be mad if it was never explained).
Cute, entertaining, quick "pass-the-time" read
Im not sold on the snow symbolism, but the story was actually kinda cute despite the attempts at profound symbolism.
Ben has a crisis and runs far far away, where he meets a delightfully odd little girl who is older than her years. She proceeds to frustrate him and teach him. The reader is left to wonder how it all actually works out... which is frustrating but kind of fun at the same time.
Wondering if the author is British, with the references to the lobster printed "sweaters".... I think he meant "sweatshirts".... Can't believe that we didn't get explanation for Smoof's name till the very very end! (At least it came, I'd be mad if it was never explained).
Cute, entertaining, quick "pass-the-time" read
June 7, 2014
I could actually picture this book as a TV movie. I liked the characters a lot. However, I thought it needed one more rewrite to take it from better-than-mediocre book to really memorable one. There were some editing problems that made me cringe, ie. using the word "passed" instead of "past." So for me it was Close But No Cigar.
I'm getting jaded reading Goodreads Authors, I think. Many just aren't up to the standards of published authors in the old-fashioned world of printed books.
I'm getting jaded reading Goodreads Authors, I think. Many just aren't up to the standards of published authors in the old-fashioned world of printed books.
September 4, 2016
This is a story about four dysfunctional people whose lives collide for a short time in a small town in Maine. Smoof is a 10-year-old precocious (often inappropriate) girl, Maggie is her mentally ill mother; Ben is a heart-broken artist and Rose is Smoof's teacher with her own difficult past. The book moves somewhat slowly in the beginning; however, by the end, the reader learns why everyone behaves the way they do.
August 1, 2014
This book left a lot to be desired by the end of it. There is no real ending or resolution to anything. The author lets you fall in love and get attached to the characters, and then provides no resolution. The characters are confronted with, or face their demons and then...nothing. Disappointing ending after all the buildup
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews