What a thoroughly charming story! A presumably young-ish man inherits his Aunt Sally's home, and discovers a community he never knew existed. The story weaves magic and illusion and discovery in a somewhat predictable, but interesting, way.
I did not give it five stars for one technical reason, and reading the author's notes at the end, I was not surprised. The story is self-published, and lacks a competent editor. The story line flows, and the characters are not bad at all, but *many* sentences, paragraphs, and chapters suffer from tense inconsistency. A sentence will begin in past tense and morph to present; a paragraph may run through a few reversions. There is a place in writing for each tense, and a place for changing in order to convey a point or an emotion. This is not that place.
Aunt Sally's Gnomes is a quaint short story about a man, appears to be the author, who inherits a house from his Aunt Sally. Most of the story is memories of a week-long visit when he was a child. He had been "introduced" to the gnomes, though they never spoke to him. Aunt Sally wrote a letter explaining about the gnomes, but Dean has the typical adult reaction and does not believe her. His quirky Aunt Sally. As he investigates the house and immaculate garden, he notices some strange things and comes to believe. I highly recommend Aunt Sally's Gnomes to anyone and everyone.
I would like to think this story to be true in its nature. It's just more fun that way.. I loved being in the old house checking out the contents of Aunt Sally's rooms and even more so in the back garden with the Gnomes. While I have heard that gnomes are quite grumpy and unpleasant I would much rather believe in Leopold and his family of friendly German speaking Gnomes.. I love the idea that this could all be real.. you just never know.
I didn't want to put this book down. It had my attention all of the way through it. I pictured the descriptive areas of the house inside and out. The garden and shed, would be a place I would love to see and visit. I would recommend this book for all readers, both young and old!
I spent a delightful day reading this sweet book. It brought back memories of staying with my grandmother in the summer. The author does a laudable job in describing the house and garden. I loved the parts with the gnomes. I really wish there had been more chapters with their adventures. I would not hesitate to read more from this author.
Totally different and wonderously uplifting. Thoroughly enjoyed the tale of the gnomes and will make me now pause and admire any I see in the future! Well written, and I'm sure. with a skip in the author's stride as he wrote. Will definitely seek out more of his '$99' gems!
I so enjoyed the story. I didn’t want it to end. As an adult I found the Borrowers series and was totally hooked on them. Because of them I built my first dollhouse. Sadly I wasn’t able to keep them and my mom sold them. One was bought by my boss. Anyway I would love to read more about the gnomes.
So, gnomes are real! Absolutely delightful introduction to a world of creatures often overlooked. We see them often enough, then immediately move on to other things, never giving them a second thought. Can't wait to see where Mr. Jarvis takes us from here. On to the second book.
What a great story! I enjoyed all the details about the gnomes and their life. Dean was very funny as he tried to understand the little people. I can understand why they asked him not to help with the garden work. He did awful things to the rose bush. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
Aunt Sally was a jewel! I too pretend Ed my stuffed animals were alive! when I left for the day or longer , after assembling them on my bed I would leave a dish of water and some bread or something!
Loved the book and her details about the rooms, etc! I look forward to reading more of them! Thank you for such a fun story!
I've read just about everything, but this was the first gnome story. And let me say that it's well worth reading! I laughed, I cried about Aunt Sally and was completely fascinated with the gnomes. Thank you so much Dean, I truly enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more written by you!!
This is a delightful little story that I wished would continue before I even reached the end. Wonderful characters, humor, and imagination! I so wanted my own Aunt Sally with all her peculiarities and obvious dedication. I love this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone!
This is a delightful tale about a young man with a special aunt who leaves him with a surprising inheritance! I enjoyed the joyful discoveries that he makes as he grows in understanding that a wonderful colony of entertaining creatures is found in Aunt Sally's backyard! Sometimes we just need to read something light and fun - and this is it! If you need a break, spend some time with Aunt Sally's Gnomes!
Being a lover of all things "gnome", I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I think anyone with an affinity to gnomes and their mysterious mythology would enjoy reading this short story.
This is a funny easy reading story that was a great read. It is well written upbeat story based upon a man inheriting his aunts house and the gnomes that she so loved. If you want a short upbeat read this is a must read.
What a lovely story. Who doesn't love a gnome? I did have to mourn Aunt Sally for a bit. We need more Aunt Sally's in the world. If you're reading my review, you need to read this book. It will cleanse the palate.
It's an adult fantasy story about the gnomes that lived and worked with Aunt Sally. Aunt Sally had recently passed away and the author inherited her home and the responsibility for helping take care of the gnomes who did the yard work and gardening, as well as getting rid of garden pests. The author could, of course, hardly believe that the gnomes were real, but soon became convinced.
I loved this book. The story is short and sweet. It was informative and interesting. Need more stories long me this weather they are true or not. Up to the person which way they believe
Well, it was a very short but delightful read. What a fantastic tale with such detailed descriptions of everyday life in the gnomes house. Reminded me of a book from my childhood in the 60's , The Borrowers. Looking forward to the other short stories!
I totally enjoyed reading about Aunt Sally's Gnomes. I'm one who believes Gnomes are real. I fantasize all things that appear inanimate become animated as is soon as My back is turned and especially when I go to sleep at night.
I don't know what category this falls in, other than something like a "storybook," but it was very cute and very quick to read. I would definitely consider reading other books by him.
Cute. Short. I like the the quirky relative left her house to nephew, most of the Cozy enheritsnce books I have read leave the inheritance to a niece/grandaughter
This was a fun read. I loved the fact that Dean was able to come to believe and understand the important part he was to hold and play in the lives of the gnomes.