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Stealing Fire
In glittery 1980s Los Angeles, once-celebrated Broadway lyricist Beau Kellogg is disillusioned, unhappily married and yearning for one last musical hit, while he writes advertising jingles for quick money. Meanwhile, in New York, idealistic young singer, Amanda Harary, works a demanding day job at a charming West Side hotel. From their first fiery phone conversation, sparks fly, and when they begin to talk late at night, miracles begin to happen.
They weren't looking for each other but what they find together is a once-in-a-lifetime understanding, impossible joy, and piercing heartache...until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.
Stealing Fire is a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.
They weren't looking for each other but what they find together is a once-in-a-lifetime understanding, impossible joy, and piercing heartache...until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.
Stealing Fire is a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.
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First published March 20, 2012
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About the author
Susan Sloate
23 books67 followersBestselling author of 26 published books, including FORWARD TO CAMELOT (with Kevin Finn), STEALING FIRE and REALIZING YOU (with Ron Doades). The original 2003 edition of FORWARD TO CAMELOT was a #6 Amazon bestseller, honored in 3 literary competitions and optioned for Hollywood film production. STEALING FIRE, the 2013 #2 Amazon bestseller, was a Quarter-Finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. REALIZING YOU, a 2013 self-help novel, gave her a chance to invent a new genre. Susan has also written 17 young-adult fiction and non-fiction books, including 5 biographies (Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Clara Barton, and two on Ray Charles), history, and 7 novels for girls' book series. Susan lives outside Charleston, South Carolina. Visit her online at www.susansloate.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 7, 2013
Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate is a Drake Valley Publication. This book was released in July,2013. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In New York, young Amanda is working at a hotel, but dreaming of Broadway. She grew up loving show tunes, while her friends listened to popular music. Amanda's dream is to perform on Broadway in a musical.
Beau Kellogg just turned sixty. He is feeling mean and angry. He once wrote lyrics for Broadway musicals, but now writes jingles for ads. He and his wife are married in name only, but he is forever stuck with her. He feels restless and dissatisfied with the hand life has dealt him and wants to try writing for one more musical while he still has time.
When Beau shows up in New York and stays in the hotel his old war buddy manages, he meet Amanda. After a nasty phone conversation, meeting Mr. Kellogg wasn't all that impressive. He was grouchy, demanding and unapologetic about it. But, Amanda handles herself quite well and before long the two of them are having long phone conversations. For the first time in years, Beau feels alive, really alive. But, he also feels guilty. Amanda is so young and has her whole life ahead of her. Their age difference, his situation with his wife and his desire to do more with his talent and career has Beau going hot and cold on Amanda.
Things go really well for a brief time, but reality jars Beau awake and he begins to do some serious thinking about his marriage and Amanda. When he finally makes a choice, it almost kills him.
For Amanda, Beau is the absolute love of her life. The age difference doesn't matter to her. His marriage really doesn't cause her severe guilt.
She is happy as long as she has a place in his life somewhere. But, Beau's complicated life may separate the two forever.
Mostly set in New York during the 1980's, this bittersweet story will have you glued to the pages. Characters drawn so well you will swear they are real people. You feel the frustration, anger, fear, conflict, and every other emotion you can think of, but mostly you will feel the power of true love.
Beau was a hard man for me to relate to at times. I could feel his nobility toward Amanda and his guilt concerning his wife, the absolute heartbreak at having to make choices he doesn't want to make, but at the same time, I felt that if he trusted Amanda enough to begin this relationship, he could have trusted her with the truth. Keeping the other part of his life from her is what really caused the heartbreak for Amanda. If she could have understood why Beau did the things he did, she maybe could have coped a little better. I found it hard to forgive him for that, but on some level I did understand his point of view.
As for Amanda, our hearts break for her. She is so innocent and so starry eyed over Beau, you just have a terrible sense of foreboding, while still hoping and wishing that things will turn out well for Amanda in the end.
Does Amanda ever realize her dream of making it on Broadway? Will she and Beau ever be able to find peace in their lives?
This is a very emotional story and I confess to having a huge lump in my throat as I finished the last page. I recommend this book to all adults that love to read. A good solid A.
In New York, young Amanda is working at a hotel, but dreaming of Broadway. She grew up loving show tunes, while her friends listened to popular music. Amanda's dream is to perform on Broadway in a musical.
Beau Kellogg just turned sixty. He is feeling mean and angry. He once wrote lyrics for Broadway musicals, but now writes jingles for ads. He and his wife are married in name only, but he is forever stuck with her. He feels restless and dissatisfied with the hand life has dealt him and wants to try writing for one more musical while he still has time.
When Beau shows up in New York and stays in the hotel his old war buddy manages, he meet Amanda. After a nasty phone conversation, meeting Mr. Kellogg wasn't all that impressive. He was grouchy, demanding and unapologetic about it. But, Amanda handles herself quite well and before long the two of them are having long phone conversations. For the first time in years, Beau feels alive, really alive. But, he also feels guilty. Amanda is so young and has her whole life ahead of her. Their age difference, his situation with his wife and his desire to do more with his talent and career has Beau going hot and cold on Amanda.
Things go really well for a brief time, but reality jars Beau awake and he begins to do some serious thinking about his marriage and Amanda. When he finally makes a choice, it almost kills him.
For Amanda, Beau is the absolute love of her life. The age difference doesn't matter to her. His marriage really doesn't cause her severe guilt.
She is happy as long as she has a place in his life somewhere. But, Beau's complicated life may separate the two forever.
Mostly set in New York during the 1980's, this bittersweet story will have you glued to the pages. Characters drawn so well you will swear they are real people. You feel the frustration, anger, fear, conflict, and every other emotion you can think of, but mostly you will feel the power of true love.
Beau was a hard man for me to relate to at times. I could feel his nobility toward Amanda and his guilt concerning his wife, the absolute heartbreak at having to make choices he doesn't want to make, but at the same time, I felt that if he trusted Amanda enough to begin this relationship, he could have trusted her with the truth. Keeping the other part of his life from her is what really caused the heartbreak for Amanda. If she could have understood why Beau did the things he did, she maybe could have coped a little better. I found it hard to forgive him for that, but on some level I did understand his point of view.
As for Amanda, our hearts break for her. She is so innocent and so starry eyed over Beau, you just have a terrible sense of foreboding, while still hoping and wishing that things will turn out well for Amanda in the end.
Does Amanda ever realize her dream of making it on Broadway? Will she and Beau ever be able to find peace in their lives?
This is a very emotional story and I confess to having a huge lump in my throat as I finished the last page. I recommend this book to all adults that love to read. A good solid A.
August 5, 2013
This May-December romance is unstoppable, filled with passion, regret, more passion, pleasure for the reader as well as the protagonists, suspense, tension, conflict and unexpected delights.
A caveat of the romance genre is a handsome young hero who inspires the same infatuation in the reader as in the heroine. This novel does the impossible, delivering a rude, grouchy, self-absorbed Broadway has-been, with a third strike against him, being married and committed to his beautiful but faithless wife. I kept screaming at Amanda, GET OVER this man. Heroines never listen to their readers, or Amanda would quickly realize the budding romance was beautiful, it was good while it lasted, but it CANNOT LAST. I rarely get so worked up at a heroine. I cheered when her friends and family told her to forget this guy. So why couldn't she give up and move on? Why didn't I give up on her and slam the book shut?
The answer is multi-faceted, and the author's story telling skill is Reason #1, but there's also the fascinating mystery of how things we loved in childhood haunt (or inspire, or comfort) us for life. In "Stealing Fire" (great title, taken from a great poem, look inside the book!), Beau Kellog is a brilliant lyricist, and early in Amanda Harary's childhood, she listened to his record over and over again, staring at the album cover, memorizing the lyrics. Losing this treasured album (sister breaks it by accident) only increases its "unforgettable" value. Things familiar to us in our earliest awareness leave a profound, life-long impact. Amanda never forgets the record she loved hearing as a child. When the composer of this obscure musical score appears in real life, what else would she do but fall in love? Never mind that the night they meet, he's in a bad mood and takes it out on an innocent stranger working the hotel switchline; never mind that he's married. Conversations between unseen strangers via middle-of-the-night phone calls set the stage for a budding romance that must flower, the consequences be damned.
Amanda's only flaw is that she's so thoughtful of everyone else, so self-sacrificing, and so humble. She suffers stage fright that cripples her singing career. Her adoration of Beau Kellog inspires him to rise up from being a has-been to a commercial success. I kept wanting to see him return the favor, but his cheating wife gets his loyalty and attention, not Amanda. Whatever she achieves, she earns the hard way, while for Beau, the fire and inspiration of being in love re-invigorates his stale musical career. Being unconditionally loved and adored by a beautiful young woman would be quite the ego boost, and poor Beau did need one, but then his ego is inflated to obnoxious, creative-genius, self-absorbed proportions. It's a stroke of sheer brilliance that Susan Sloate kept me turning pages in a story so frustrating and heartbreaking. Not a false note is ever struck. Amanda's passion and devotion are 100% authentic--and so compelling, I lay awake at night thinking about her.
The prose is clean and solid, a refreshing change from the slew of typo-ridden, grammatically challenged self-pubbed novels I've been downloading. The characters are fully realized, not cardboard cutouts, and certainly not cliches of the romance genre. Fans of Broadway are sure to love this novel just for the musical references. I kept wishing for a Kindle version that included links to you-tube recordings of the songs. Susan Sloate's song writing skills are as strong as her novel writing talent, which is considerable.
I can't say I ever learned to like the hero of this story, but he is all too true-to-life, and so is the long-suffering heroine. This novel would be a great addition to book-club and classroom discussions. The May-December romance, the age difference, really isn't the issue. The man's selfishness is. In real life, I know too many women like Amanda and too many men like Beau. This is a story that cannot be told too often. My only complaint is the ending.
Several years ago, I discovered Susan Sloate online because she was the only other person who'd reviewed a novel I loved and re-read a dozen times from age 13 to 18, and every few years, I continue to revisit the novel (never mind how many decades this has been going on). Susan is the first person I've ever found who shares my love for this obscure novel. "Good Morning, Young Lady" by Ardthy Kennelly (1950) is a Cinderella story set in the Old West, with Butch Cassidy capturing the imagination of a motherless girl who listens to a grouchy old neighbor tell stories about the legendary outlaw and his free-ranging exploits. In many ways, the epic themes I love so much about that novel also define Susan Sloate's "Stealing Fire." One of most unforgettable things about both novels is the ending. As a child, I believed Kennelly's was tragic, and I mentally rewrote the ending every time I read it. As an adult, I realize it's a happy ending, the best of all possible outcomes for the heroine. Likewise, "Stealing Fire" delivers a bittersweet but ultimately very satisfying conclusion.
If Susan Sloate ever uses her many talents to make this story into a musical, I'll be in the front row, cheering.
A caveat of the romance genre is a handsome young hero who inspires the same infatuation in the reader as in the heroine. This novel does the impossible, delivering a rude, grouchy, self-absorbed Broadway has-been, with a third strike against him, being married and committed to his beautiful but faithless wife. I kept screaming at Amanda, GET OVER this man. Heroines never listen to their readers, or Amanda would quickly realize the budding romance was beautiful, it was good while it lasted, but it CANNOT LAST. I rarely get so worked up at a heroine. I cheered when her friends and family told her to forget this guy. So why couldn't she give up and move on? Why didn't I give up on her and slam the book shut?
The answer is multi-faceted, and the author's story telling skill is Reason #1, but there's also the fascinating mystery of how things we loved in childhood haunt (or inspire, or comfort) us for life. In "Stealing Fire" (great title, taken from a great poem, look inside the book!), Beau Kellog is a brilliant lyricist, and early in Amanda Harary's childhood, she listened to his record over and over again, staring at the album cover, memorizing the lyrics. Losing this treasured album (sister breaks it by accident) only increases its "unforgettable" value. Things familiar to us in our earliest awareness leave a profound, life-long impact. Amanda never forgets the record she loved hearing as a child. When the composer of this obscure musical score appears in real life, what else would she do but fall in love? Never mind that the night they meet, he's in a bad mood and takes it out on an innocent stranger working the hotel switchline; never mind that he's married. Conversations between unseen strangers via middle-of-the-night phone calls set the stage for a budding romance that must flower, the consequences be damned.
Amanda's only flaw is that she's so thoughtful of everyone else, so self-sacrificing, and so humble. She suffers stage fright that cripples her singing career. Her adoration of Beau Kellog inspires him to rise up from being a has-been to a commercial success. I kept wanting to see him return the favor, but his cheating wife gets his loyalty and attention, not Amanda. Whatever she achieves, she earns the hard way, while for Beau, the fire and inspiration of being in love re-invigorates his stale musical career. Being unconditionally loved and adored by a beautiful young woman would be quite the ego boost, and poor Beau did need one, but then his ego is inflated to obnoxious, creative-genius, self-absorbed proportions. It's a stroke of sheer brilliance that Susan Sloate kept me turning pages in a story so frustrating and heartbreaking. Not a false note is ever struck. Amanda's passion and devotion are 100% authentic--and so compelling, I lay awake at night thinking about her.
The prose is clean and solid, a refreshing change from the slew of typo-ridden, grammatically challenged self-pubbed novels I've been downloading. The characters are fully realized, not cardboard cutouts, and certainly not cliches of the romance genre. Fans of Broadway are sure to love this novel just for the musical references. I kept wishing for a Kindle version that included links to you-tube recordings of the songs. Susan Sloate's song writing skills are as strong as her novel writing talent, which is considerable.
I can't say I ever learned to like the hero of this story, but he is all too true-to-life, and so is the long-suffering heroine. This novel would be a great addition to book-club and classroom discussions. The May-December romance, the age difference, really isn't the issue. The man's selfishness is. In real life, I know too many women like Amanda and too many men like Beau. This is a story that cannot be told too often. My only complaint is the ending.
Several years ago, I discovered Susan Sloate online because she was the only other person who'd reviewed a novel I loved and re-read a dozen times from age 13 to 18, and every few years, I continue to revisit the novel (never mind how many decades this has been going on). Susan is the first person I've ever found who shares my love for this obscure novel. "Good Morning, Young Lady" by Ardthy Kennelly (1950) is a Cinderella story set in the Old West, with Butch Cassidy capturing the imagination of a motherless girl who listens to a grouchy old neighbor tell stories about the legendary outlaw and his free-ranging exploits. In many ways, the epic themes I love so much about that novel also define Susan Sloate's "Stealing Fire." One of most unforgettable things about both novels is the ending. As a child, I believed Kennelly's was tragic, and I mentally rewrote the ending every time I read it. As an adult, I realize it's a happy ending, the best of all possible outcomes for the heroine. Likewise, "Stealing Fire" delivers a bittersweet but ultimately very satisfying conclusion.
If Susan Sloate ever uses her many talents to make this story into a musical, I'll be in the front row, cheering.
October 6, 2013
Favorite Quotes
"Then whom am I speaking to?"
"I'm the night operator. This is the main switchboard."
"Well, main switchboard, you must all sound alike down there. I could swear I talked to you earlier tonight."
Well, how about that. "You've got a good ear, 704. I was on duty earlier."
"Good Lord. How long are the shifts around here?"
"Eight hours for everybody else. I’m working a double today."
“Why?"
"Maybe I just love it here."
"I guess you do. But I hope you're well compensated."
Trust a man to think of money first. "That’s not my major concern."
"Glad to hear it."
“And for you, 704. Are you into trivia games?” He chuckled. “So you know who I am. That makes you one up on me. I don’t know who you are.” “Why do you want to know? Gonna complain to the boss?” “I wanted to thank you. I don’t often have a chocolate shake for breakfast, but it really hit the spot this morning. It was very thoughtful. And unusual. I never get service like this, not even at the Lorelei.
It didn’t occur to him to end the conversation. He was too busy trying to figure out the answer to the riddle. What kind of exercise could you do that didn’t give you those kinds of benefits? God knows, Jean was only interested in those most likely to increase your circulation, stimulate weight loss and give your skin some kind of much-vaunted ‘healthy glow’. That seemed to be her major criterion for taking up an activity—that, and who else was doing it. If expensive accessories went with it, that was a plus, too. He was silent for a long moment, thinking about it, and then... he heard her laugh. The sound was oddly fresh and stimulating, and once more he found himself becoming aroused. He could feel the blood rushing through his veins, and every one of his senses was filling up... he could open his mouth and drink in the air he was breathing; he could inhale all the sounds of the night and hear all the special fragrances.
I was given this book for an honest review.
When I first agreed to do this review I didn’t know what to expect. As I started reading it I was sure I would be able to finish is. But the more I read the more I liked it. There is heartbreak, joy, sorrow, and laughter, plus soul mates. I loved what she did in this story. It is not your typical love store, boy meets girl, their eyes meet and wow total magic. Do you think you could meet your soul mate by just listening to their voice? Well in this story that is exactly how it happened.
Meet Beau Kellogg, he is a man who has written lyrics for the musical stage. He is in his 60’s. He used to produce hit after hit but now he wasn’t as popular. Then you have Amanda Harary she love musicals and would love to sing but to pay for her music lessons she works at a hotel switchboard. Amanada is in her twenties. Can you see where this is leading?
At first they only can talk and listen to each other’s voices over the switchboard. You could say they get to know each other without their site. Imagine meeting someone and wanting to get to know they better maybe even falling in love just from listening to their voice. When they finally meet in person, the attraction between the two of them is there. Is this enough? Or will their age gape be too much? Think of Camelot and that is what you have here in this book. Are there truly a sole mate out there for everyone?
FOUR MUSICAL ANGELS
October 29, 2013
When Beau meets Amanda...in B flat!
4 Tony-like Stars...
Hotness factor: Delicious...Delectable...Classy
Okay, before I start my usual sassy rant, I've got to put this out there. I read the blurb! I signed up to this tour because of the blurb. I love musicals, I grew up watching them Singin' In The Rain is my favorite movie, West Side Story and The Band Wagon, Viva Las Vegas, Top Hat...
Then I forgot what it was about and I didn't read it again until I realized that Beau and Amanda would be the couple. Don't judge me, I loved Up Close & Personal, who didn't? And Mr Redford was sixty when the movie came out...
This was the longest book I've read in quite a while but I really wanted to know how it ends.The story is set in 1983 in L.A. and New York but the heroes don't meet right away. The author made a point develop their backstories first.
We learn a lot about Beau before he meets Amanda, he's married, he's a lyricist and he used to co-write successful musicals, he doesn't like Andrew Lloyd Webber (the horror!), he's sixty...he's not happy...HE'S MARRIED! Then you have Amanda, very young, living in New York, good at her job, dreaming of a singing career. It's not an usual courtship, the phone calls angle was very interesting as women (sorry for men reading this) we know that emotional relationship is the hardest. And when they finally meet meet...MAGIC!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Amanda and Beau. their scenes together were so much fun to read. They're so well written I almost feel bad for disliking Beau Kellogg, the man. And this is a compliment to the author because she created this amazing character. Beau Kellogg became very real to me this past week. I found him a very immature for a sixty year old man and quite in denial sometimes. A bit of a diva... I don't like to put any spoiler in my reviews so I would only say this. Toward the end of the book I really wanted to physically hurt him! Susan Sloate thank you for the rush! LOL
I don't have a lot to say about Amanda, for me Beau was the star of the show. The plots, twists and turns were more about him than her...like I said a real diva :) She's young and naive but only twenty-five so had a good excuse. Also if a Robert-Redford-like man (yes I'm sticking to this one) comes your way with swagger and talent are you going to turn him down? I think NOT!
I leave you with this food for thoughts. If Amanda was his age or God forbid if he was hers, would they have connected the way they did? Him as a twenty-five year old ambitious... Things happen for a reason Beau! Okay go get your copy and let me know what you think about Mr Kellogg.
I highly recommend the read.
**** I received an ARC for an honest review ****
4 Tony-like Stars...
Hotness factor: Delicious...Delectable...Classy
Okay, before I start my usual sassy rant, I've got to put this out there. I read the blurb! I signed up to this tour because of the blurb. I love musicals, I grew up watching them Singin' In The Rain is my favorite movie, West Side Story and The Band Wagon, Viva Las Vegas, Top Hat...
Then I forgot what it was about and I didn't read it again until I realized that Beau and Amanda would be the couple. Don't judge me, I loved Up Close & Personal, who didn't? And Mr Redford was sixty when the movie came out...
This was the longest book I've read in quite a while but I really wanted to know how it ends.The story is set in 1983 in L.A. and New York but the heroes don't meet right away. The author made a point develop their backstories first.
We learn a lot about Beau before he meets Amanda, he's married, he's a lyricist and he used to co-write successful musicals, he doesn't like Andrew Lloyd Webber (the horror!), he's sixty...he's not happy...HE'S MARRIED! Then you have Amanda, very young, living in New York, good at her job, dreaming of a singing career. It's not an usual courtship, the phone calls angle was very interesting as women (sorry for men reading this) we know that emotional relationship is the hardest. And when they finally meet meet...MAGIC!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Amanda and Beau. their scenes together were so much fun to read. They're so well written I almost feel bad for disliking Beau Kellogg, the man. And this is a compliment to the author because she created this amazing character. Beau Kellogg became very real to me this past week. I found him a very immature for a sixty year old man and quite in denial sometimes. A bit of a diva... I don't like to put any spoiler in my reviews so I would only say this. Toward the end of the book I really wanted to physically hurt him! Susan Sloate thank you for the rush! LOL
I don't have a lot to say about Amanda, for me Beau was the star of the show. The plots, twists and turns were more about him than her...like I said a real diva :) She's young and naive but only twenty-five so had a good excuse. Also if a Robert-Redford-like man (yes I'm sticking to this one) comes your way with swagger and talent are you going to turn him down? I think NOT!
I leave you with this food for thoughts. If Amanda was his age or God forbid if he was hers, would they have connected the way they did? Him as a twenty-five year old ambitious... Things happen for a reason Beau! Okay go get your copy and let me know what you think about Mr Kellogg.
I highly recommend the read.
**** I received an ARC for an honest review ****
January 27, 2014
From anyone on the outside, Beau and Amanda’s connection would not be truly understood, but was their accidental meeting on a hotel switchboard an act of fate, a gift to two lonely souls? A young woman dreaming of rising to the top as a singer, an older man who has seen the pinnacle of success as a lyricist, now reduced to writing commercial jingles, find a soul-deep bond that transcends the difference in their ages.
Beau has become a bitter old man, angry at the world, at how empty his life has become, from his sham of a marriage to the tepid career he now has. Will the youthful zeal, adoration and drive that Amanda possesses re-kindle his creative genius? Will Beau support Amanda in her dreams of stardom? Will they be able find true happiness in their May/December relationship or will the rocky path they follow be filled with too many obstacles to overcome?
Stealing Fire showcases the writing talent of Susan Sloate to perfection. Told through the eyes of Amanda and Beau, I felt I had an intimate look into a relationship that was filled with passion and intensely emotional moments riding the highs of joy and lows of sadness, as they each realize the gift they have been given. For Amanda, it was a crush that started as hero worship when she was a child, as Beau was the creator of her favorite songs. For Beau, Amanda’s youth boosted his damaged ego.
Ms. Sloate was masterful in her telling of this story, and in creating wonderful supporting characters that add insight into the “who and why” of Amanda and Beau. Without a hitch, the flow is expertly executed, filled with tension and shows her passion for the world she has created.
For Beau and Amanda, as well as this reader, the conclusion of Stealing Fire was bittersweet, but rings true as a love story with heart.
I received a review copy from Susan Sloate in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 12, 2013
Publisher: Drake Valley Press
ISBN-13: 978-1935970125
Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance
Number of Pages: 366
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Beau has become a bitter old man, angry at the world, at how empty his life has become, from his sham of a marriage to the tepid career he now has. Will the youthful zeal, adoration and drive that Amanda possesses re-kindle his creative genius? Will Beau support Amanda in her dreams of stardom? Will they be able find true happiness in their May/December relationship or will the rocky path they follow be filled with too many obstacles to overcome?
Stealing Fire showcases the writing talent of Susan Sloate to perfection. Told through the eyes of Amanda and Beau, I felt I had an intimate look into a relationship that was filled with passion and intensely emotional moments riding the highs of joy and lows of sadness, as they each realize the gift they have been given. For Amanda, it was a crush that started as hero worship when she was a child, as Beau was the creator of her favorite songs. For Beau, Amanda’s youth boosted his damaged ego.
Ms. Sloate was masterful in her telling of this story, and in creating wonderful supporting characters that add insight into the “who and why” of Amanda and Beau. Without a hitch, the flow is expertly executed, filled with tension and shows her passion for the world she has created.
For Beau and Amanda, as well as this reader, the conclusion of Stealing Fire was bittersweet, but rings true as a love story with heart.
I received a review copy from Susan Sloate in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 12, 2013
Publisher: Drake Valley Press
ISBN-13: 978-1935970125
Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance
Number of Pages: 366
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
October 2, 2013
Stealing Fire by author Susan Sloate is a poignant May-December love story of soul mates meeting that transcends time. This emotional tale follows the journey of Amanda Harary, a young actress/singer who works in a NY hotel and dreams of starring on Broadway, whose path crosses with sixty year old Beau Kellogg, a former Broadway composer/lyricist turned writer of advertising jingles. A late-night phone conversation between them over the hotel's switchboard leads to the beginning of an unlikely love affair that will leave the reader believing in soul mates, magic, and love at first sight.
Set in the 1980s with a broadway theme that transports the reader between NY and LA, author Susan Sloate captivates the reader's attention with this beautiful love story that tugs at the heartstrings. This is a bittersweet tale of a young woman who aspires to star on Broadway, and an aging former Broadway composer who yearns for one more Broadway hit to rejuvenate his disappointing life. Their journey brings a mixture of joy, love, success, and heartbreak ... but their connection lasts a lifetime. Stealing Fire is reminiscent of Somewhere In Time and Autumn In New York, both which I loved, so it was not surprising that this story would capture my heart and keep me eagerly turning the pages as Amanda and Beau's love story unfolds.
Stealing Fire is a love story that will appeal to all romantics at heart. It takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride as these two unlikely lovers deal with life's trials and tribulations. You can't help but feel for both Amanda and Beau, the emotional pull between them is breathtaking, while the agony of their life choices is haunting. Author Susan Sloate weaves a wonderful tale of true love that will have you feeling the full gamut of emotions, it will make your pulse race, and leave a lump in your throat with its bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
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Set in the 1980s with a broadway theme that transports the reader between NY and LA, author Susan Sloate captivates the reader's attention with this beautiful love story that tugs at the heartstrings. This is a bittersweet tale of a young woman who aspires to star on Broadway, and an aging former Broadway composer who yearns for one more Broadway hit to rejuvenate his disappointing life. Their journey brings a mixture of joy, love, success, and heartbreak ... but their connection lasts a lifetime. Stealing Fire is reminiscent of Somewhere In Time and Autumn In New York, both which I loved, so it was not surprising that this story would capture my heart and keep me eagerly turning the pages as Amanda and Beau's love story unfolds.
Stealing Fire is a love story that will appeal to all romantics at heart. It takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride as these two unlikely lovers deal with life's trials and tribulations. You can't help but feel for both Amanda and Beau, the emotional pull between them is breathtaking, while the agony of their life choices is haunting. Author Susan Sloate weaves a wonderful tale of true love that will have you feeling the full gamut of emotions, it will make your pulse race, and leave a lump in your throat with its bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
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September 10, 2013
Synopsis: “HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR SOULMATE?
In glittery 1980's Los Angeles, Beau Kellogg, a brilliant lyricist now reduced to writing advertising jingles, yearns for one last Broadway hit to compensate for his miserable marriage and disappointing life.
Amanda Harary, a young, idealistic singer out of synch with her contemporaries, dreams of appearing on Broadway, while she holds down a demanding day job at a small New York hotel.
When older man and younger woman meet in a late-night phone conversation over the hotel's switchboard, it is the beginning of something neither has ever found - an impossible situation that will bring them each unexpected success, untold joy, and piercing heartache... until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.
STEALING FIRE is, at its heart, a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.”
Review: I was given this book by Ashley’s Reading Bliss for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. The beginning started a little slow. I felt the joy and pain of Amanda’s emotions when they finally came alive. It was her beginning, her life as a child of a bitter mother that was so hard to take. Amanda was born in the wrong time and never the same as others.
Beau was a jerk. In Amanda’s eyes he was charming and for her, he tried to be a better man. Life and his choices made him, who he was, an egotistical artist with a family he hid from everyone even Amanda. When they began to talk at night, they started to feel things for one another. When they met in person, there was a spark and there conversation was easy. A long romance, Beau backed away from Amanda so she could have a better chance without him. He felt he wasn’t good enough for her. So he left and it hurt Amanda. That part broke my heart. Stealing Fire was a wonderfully written story and it gave me quite the book hangover. It was awesome and I would definitely recommend it to others. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you Susan for such a wonderful and emotional story, I love books like that.
In glittery 1980's Los Angeles, Beau Kellogg, a brilliant lyricist now reduced to writing advertising jingles, yearns for one last Broadway hit to compensate for his miserable marriage and disappointing life.
Amanda Harary, a young, idealistic singer out of synch with her contemporaries, dreams of appearing on Broadway, while she holds down a demanding day job at a small New York hotel.
When older man and younger woman meet in a late-night phone conversation over the hotel's switchboard, it is the beginning of something neither has ever found - an impossible situation that will bring them each unexpected success, untold joy, and piercing heartache... until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.
STEALING FIRE is, at its heart, a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.”
Review: I was given this book by Ashley’s Reading Bliss for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. The beginning started a little slow. I felt the joy and pain of Amanda’s emotions when they finally came alive. It was her beginning, her life as a child of a bitter mother that was so hard to take. Amanda was born in the wrong time and never the same as others.
Beau was a jerk. In Amanda’s eyes he was charming and for her, he tried to be a better man. Life and his choices made him, who he was, an egotistical artist with a family he hid from everyone even Amanda. When they began to talk at night, they started to feel things for one another. When they met in person, there was a spark and there conversation was easy. A long romance, Beau backed away from Amanda so she could have a better chance without him. He felt he wasn’t good enough for her. So he left and it hurt Amanda. That part broke my heart. Stealing Fire was a wonderfully written story and it gave me quite the book hangover. It was awesome and I would definitely recommend it to others. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you Susan for such a wonderful and emotional story, I love books like that.
September 26, 2013
I don't read romance novels too much, but this book sounded interesting. First off, it's set in the 80's, which I think is just super awesome (and not just because I was born in the 80s!). It was refreshing to have something set in another time period. What really caught my attention though, was the voice or style in this novel, how it was written.
(was given a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review)
Beau and Amanda love the good o'l days, back in the 50's when everything was great, or well, at least different. This theme and style is present throughout the whole novel. I felt like a guy from one of the movies back then could narrate this whole book, and end it with a, "here's looking at you kid." The novel is so well written that this theme and style are always present and apparent.
This story reminded me of Jane Eyre in a lot of ways. Although I don't know if it was intentional, the plot lines are somewhat similar. I've read modern adaptations of Jane Eyre but even though this book isn't one of them, I feel it could almost be, so if your a fan of it you would surely love this book as well.
The dialog in this book is great! I can't stand dialog that doesn't sound real and in this book it wasn't an issue. Amanda is witty and the conversations between her and Beau are funny, witty and entertaining, and seem real. Once again, very well written.
The story is written from Amanda and Beau's perspectives, and a few other characters as well. As an aspiring author myself I felt this was a novel I could learn from. Story structure, the dialog, and progression of the story were all top notch. If my own writing could read as well as this I know I'd be on the right track!
(was given a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review)
Beau and Amanda love the good o'l days, back in the 50's when everything was great, or well, at least different. This theme and style is present throughout the whole novel. I felt like a guy from one of the movies back then could narrate this whole book, and end it with a, "here's looking at you kid." The novel is so well written that this theme and style are always present and apparent.
This story reminded me of Jane Eyre in a lot of ways. Although I don't know if it was intentional, the plot lines are somewhat similar. I've read modern adaptations of Jane Eyre but even though this book isn't one of them, I feel it could almost be, so if your a fan of it you would surely love this book as well.
The dialog in this book is great! I can't stand dialog that doesn't sound real and in this book it wasn't an issue. Amanda is witty and the conversations between her and Beau are funny, witty and entertaining, and seem real. Once again, very well written.
The story is written from Amanda and Beau's perspectives, and a few other characters as well. As an aspiring author myself I felt this was a novel I could learn from. Story structure, the dialog, and progression of the story were all top notch. If my own writing could read as well as this I know I'd be on the right track!
October 16, 2013
This book is about a definite May/December romance. The age difference between the two main characters is quite large.
I liked that the book was set in the 80's. It's a change from the books I've been reading lately which are either set in the now or some time in the future. So it was a nice change for me to take a trip back in time, and not too far that I couldn't remember what it was like then.
Amanda works in a hotel and is a struggling singer. Although she is a strange mix, she has severe stage fright and doesn't seem to me to want to be in the spotlight. As someone who was a stage whore and would sing any chance I would get and tried out for every lead in every musical during my school days, I just can't imagine that dicotomy. But I'm sure it must happen, so I went with it.
Beau is a lyricist, he once upon a time wrote musicals. And now is stuck writing jingles for commercials. Oh how the mighty have fallen. He is old, he is crotchety and he is angry at well the world basically.
What a strange mix these two are. Yet for some unknown reason it works. Not just for them, but for the reader as well. I won't go into any more detail because I think you may just enjoy this book. I give it 4.5 stars, It didn't quite hit that 5 star mark for me, but it was still a very good book. I will say one thing the dialogue in this book was VERY well done, and quite entertaining.
Give this book a shot you will be pleasantly surprised.
Details/disclaimer: A review copy was provided for my fair and honest review. This free book held no determination on my final review.
August 17, 2013
This is categorically a book I wouldn’t have picked up (my tastes tend to run more towards paranormal and erotica), but I am SO GLAD I said I would review it. It was wonderful. I am glad to say that I read it.
The beginning started a little slow and I thought, well, I hope it gets better. What I didn’t expect was how it weaved through my brain as I read until I couldn’t put it down. I felt the joy and pain of Amanda’s emotions when they finally came alive. It was her beginning, her life as a child of a bitter mother that was so hard to take. Amanda was born in the wrong time, always out of step with those around her.
Beau was a bit of an ass. But through Amanda’s eyes he was charming and for Amanda he tried to be a better man. Life and his choices made him who he was, an egotistical artist with a family life he hid from everyone even Amanda.
When they began to talk late at night, over the phone, they recognized something in the other. Meeting in person gave spark to the interest the conversations had begun. A May-December romance, Beau backed from Amanda to be noble. He knew he wasn’t good enough for her so he wanted to do the right thing for her.
Stealing Fire wrapped its tendrils around me and didn’t let go. The characters of Amanda and Beau seemed so real. Their emotions, their fears came to life for me. A hauntingly lovely romance between a young woman out of step with time and a man all too conscious of the years between them.
The beginning started a little slow and I thought, well, I hope it gets better. What I didn’t expect was how it weaved through my brain as I read until I couldn’t put it down. I felt the joy and pain of Amanda’s emotions when they finally came alive. It was her beginning, her life as a child of a bitter mother that was so hard to take. Amanda was born in the wrong time, always out of step with those around her.
Beau was a bit of an ass. But through Amanda’s eyes he was charming and for Amanda he tried to be a better man. Life and his choices made him who he was, an egotistical artist with a family life he hid from everyone even Amanda.
When they began to talk late at night, over the phone, they recognized something in the other. Meeting in person gave spark to the interest the conversations had begun. A May-December romance, Beau backed from Amanda to be noble. He knew he wasn’t good enough for her so he wanted to do the right thing for her.
Stealing Fire wrapped its tendrils around me and didn’t let go. The characters of Amanda and Beau seemed so real. Their emotions, their fears came to life for me. A hauntingly lovely romance between a young woman out of step with time and a man all too conscious of the years between them.
October 26, 2013
**** I received an ARC for an honest review ****
Ok let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
This is the type of book that I was not expecting but I end up like in it, This book is about May-December romance, fill with passion, regret, suspense, tension, conflict and a unexpected delights. I really enjoy this book so much I couldn't put the book down.
I love the characters, and love it how this story turned out to be.
Stealing Fire is a love story that will go to well with all romantics at heart. I have to say this book had me on a emotional roller coaster ride, reading through everything that the characters where going through at the moment.
Amanda Harary is a young idealistic singer who has dreams of appearing on Broadway, while she has a day time job in a hotel in New York City. she is thoughtful, self-sacrificing, and humble but she has a little problem she has stage fright.
Beau Kellogg is a brilliant lyricist but now he is reduce to writing advertising jingles. He is old, angry and he was a jerk but Amanda saw him charming, and that's when he decide it that he was gone be a better man for her.
I really enjoy this book and I hope that when you read it that you get to enjoy it and fall in love with it as much as I did. THANK YOU AUTHOR SUSAN SLOATE for introducing me to this amazing characters and this great book.
Ok let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
This is the type of book that I was not expecting but I end up like in it, This book is about May-December romance, fill with passion, regret, suspense, tension, conflict and a unexpected delights. I really enjoy this book so much I couldn't put the book down.
I love the characters, and love it how this story turned out to be.
Stealing Fire is a love story that will go to well with all romantics at heart. I have to say this book had me on a emotional roller coaster ride, reading through everything that the characters where going through at the moment.
Amanda Harary is a young idealistic singer who has dreams of appearing on Broadway, while she has a day time job in a hotel in New York City. she is thoughtful, self-sacrificing, and humble but she has a little problem she has stage fright.
Beau Kellogg is a brilliant lyricist but now he is reduce to writing advertising jingles. He is old, angry and he was a jerk but Amanda saw him charming, and that's when he decide it that he was gone be a better man for her.
I really enjoy this book and I hope that when you read it that you get to enjoy it and fall in love with it as much as I did. THANK YOU AUTHOR SUSAN SLOATE for introducing me to this amazing characters and this great book.
October 23, 2013
I was immediately in love with this book for no apparent reason, can’t even begin to explain why. I just know this story touched me right down to my soul. Amanda and Beau, May and December, they were just right, no matter what age. Amanda had been pulled to the old Broadway music from the time she was a tiny girl, sang along with songs that were no longer even recognized. Beau was part of the team that created some of that music and he was looking to do it at least one more time.
I flat out recommend this book to everyone, I can’t say enough good about it. I cried at the sad parts, laughed at the happy parts, I was in for the ride of my life. I want to thank Susan Sloate for giving me her book to read and review, it was a pleasure. I still cannot stress how awesomely beautiful this story was, I am probably going on a bit much but I want more like this. I give this book 5 stars.
I flat out recommend this book to everyone, I can’t say enough good about it. I cried at the sad parts, laughed at the happy parts, I was in for the ride of my life. I want to thank Susan Sloate for giving me her book to read and review, it was a pleasure. I still cannot stress how awesomely beautiful this story was, I am probably going on a bit much but I want more like this. I give this book 5 stars.
October 17, 2013
I wouldn't recommend it for kids (my normal genre is YA), but I found this to be an enjoyable read. Sloate has a comfortable way with words and the characters are well developed. The situations are believable and captivating and it was difficult to put down. The pages went by faster than I expected.
March 17, 2014
4.5/5.0
Ms. Sloate pens an beautifully written, yet unusual story full of emotion, and angst.
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. Sloate pens an beautifully written, yet unusual story full of emotion, and angst.
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 9, 2020
The narrator won me over quickly in this audio book. She was easy to understand and the character voice variances excellent.
The setting is New York and Los Angeles, the 1980s. The main characters are an older man who once was quite famous in the music world, but is now struggling to find a niche for his music and lyrics. And a young woman who is working at a hotel desk as she waits for her big singing break.
Though Beau, our older man, is quite married, he is unhappy with life and his wife in general. And Amanda, the hotel clerk, is searching for someone to share her interests in singing and especially musicals.
Voila. Though rocky at first, these two people begin to gravitate toward each other. And at that time, I have to be honest, I began to bristle a little bit. I’m definitely not a fan of infidelity. But the story had my attention. I listened on. Nope. It didn’t get better. Letting one party know that you won’t leave your wife, and then letting the consequences fall to that party, didn’t feel like an answer.
But as I said, the story had captured my attention. And as I mentioned, the narrator added tremendously to my interest and now the story. Where was it going? The development of characters, the consequences to actions, the emotions, were believable and the writing was good. I eagerly continued listening.
Having the story told through the eyes of Beau and Amanda, made it easy to understand their emotional highs and lows. Sloate did a wonderful job of taking what might have been a predictable story and guiding the listener to a conclusion that will most likely cause new thoughts and considerations.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Susan Sloate. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The setting is New York and Los Angeles, the 1980s. The main characters are an older man who once was quite famous in the music world, but is now struggling to find a niche for his music and lyrics. And a young woman who is working at a hotel desk as she waits for her big singing break.
Though Beau, our older man, is quite married, he is unhappy with life and his wife in general. And Amanda, the hotel clerk, is searching for someone to share her interests in singing and especially musicals.
Voila. Though rocky at first, these two people begin to gravitate toward each other. And at that time, I have to be honest, I began to bristle a little bit. I’m definitely not a fan of infidelity. But the story had my attention. I listened on. Nope. It didn’t get better. Letting one party know that you won’t leave your wife, and then letting the consequences fall to that party, didn’t feel like an answer.
But as I said, the story had captured my attention. And as I mentioned, the narrator added tremendously to my interest and now the story. Where was it going? The development of characters, the consequences to actions, the emotions, were believable and the writing was good. I eagerly continued listening.
Having the story told through the eyes of Beau and Amanda, made it easy to understand their emotional highs and lows. Sloate did a wonderful job of taking what might have been a predictable story and guiding the listener to a conclusion that will most likely cause new thoughts and considerations.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Susan Sloate. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Read
November 8, 2020This book is so unexpectedly beautiful. It is a romance but neglects all of the typical tropes to give us something fresh and new. And it’s amazing in that you probably won’t love the main characters but you will still be invested in their lives and choices made. And the book is just so expertly woven that you won’t want to set it down (or stop listening in my case).
I really loved and hated these characters at the same time. Both Beau and Amanda were hard to love and made some pretty terrible life choices, but I couldn’t help but love them for that. They were perfect in their imperfections and that’s what made these characters so realistic. We’ve all made mistakes in life and sometimes they haunt us, trailing behind like an unfriendly ghost.
Since I listened to this in audiobook form I want to take a moment to talk about how much I enjoyed reading this book as an audiobook. The narration fit the story splendidly and it really brought this story to life. And all in all I was really invested in what might happen to the characters and seeing their lives unfold.
You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
I really loved and hated these characters at the same time. Both Beau and Amanda were hard to love and made some pretty terrible life choices, but I couldn’t help but love them for that. They were perfect in their imperfections and that’s what made these characters so realistic. We’ve all made mistakes in life and sometimes they haunt us, trailing behind like an unfriendly ghost.
Since I listened to this in audiobook form I want to take a moment to talk about how much I enjoyed reading this book as an audiobook. The narration fit the story splendidly and it really brought this story to life. And all in all I was really invested in what might happen to the characters and seeing their lives unfold.
You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
October 5, 2013
At one time, Beau Kellogg’s lyrics set the musical stage aflame, producing hit after hit after hit. But musicals have changed with time, it’s the 1980’s now, and at the age of sixty, Beau finds himself not exactly in demand, reduced to writing jingles for soft drinks and living in LA, when once he called New York home. But he does it because it’s the wish of his wife of many years, even though she no longer lights his fire.
Amanda Harary is a young wannabe singer who pays for her music lessons by working at the Lorelei Hotel in New York. In her mid-twenties, Amanda is an old soul in a young body. She knows all the old musicals by heart, and is especially fond of one that is long out of production, The Life and Times. With lyrics by Beau Kellogg.
Fate in the form of a soft drink jingle and an army buddy who owns a hotel bring these two together, and over the telephone they form a connection, and find themselves talking for hours at a time, never running out of things to say.
When they finally meet in person, there is an undeniable attraction between them. But is that enough when there is such a gap in age and experience? When Beau is married and not even available? Are there really such things as soul mates, and once we find that person, how hard should we cling in the face of incredible odds?
Reading Stealing Fire was like watching an old time musical unfold before me. In an old movie I watched once about screen writers, one of them, Jimmy Cagney, says there is a basic formula for romances: Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl. And that is so true here as you follow these two through the ups and downs of their relationships, on the edge of your seat and praying for their happiness.
Susan Sloate creates memorable characters in Beau and Amanda. The story is told primarily through their eyes. Beau is yearning for what he once had with his writing, although he’s given up on having true love... until he meets Amanda. Amanda works her fingers to the bone between her job at the hotel and working to fulfill her dreams of being a singer. These were people that I thought about even when my Kindle was closed, thinking ahead to what might happen next. I came to love them, and to wish only the best for them.
Supporting characters include Beau’s unfaithful wife, his current writing partner, Jules, and his past partner, Ben, who is dying and knows it, as well as Amanda’s boss and her friends. Amanda has a mother who can’t see her daughter for who she is, too caught up in her other daughter, who is a thoroughly unworthy object of her affection. It’s impossible not to like Beau and Amanda and root for them, even if the odds seem stacked against them.
Stealing Fire is about working for what you want, believing in yourself, and never giving up on your dreams, even if you have to rebuild them. I enjoyed reading this very much and would recommend it if you like good old-fashioned romance with heart.
April 19, 2014
I hosted a blog tour for Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate a few months ago. The more I read about Stealing Fire during the tour the more I just had to read this book. It just sounded like a really awesome story and let me tell you I really was not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed this book. I found myself not being able to set it down. I just could not wait to see what was going to happen next or how in the world this wonderful couple was ever going to find their way together.
Amanda Harary is trying to get a break in the musical business, however it's just not happening for her. So she is currently working at a hotel. She gets to met and talk to lots of interesting people and she is great at fixing any problem that may arise for their clients. When she meets Beau Kellogg, her life changes. She feels like she has met a real celebrity because she listened to the songs he wrote when she was a child. They were some of her very favorite.
I love how these two make a connection over the phone without meeting for quite a while. I love that Beau gives Amanda confidence and I love that Amanda gives Beau the peace and tranquility that he needs to be creative again.
There were so many things I truly enjoyed about this story. Their may be an age difference between these two but as I always say age is just a number. Does it really matter when you have found the love of your life? These two have a LOT of things that get in their way of being together. My heart broke for each of them many times through out the story. At one point I found myself with tears in my eyes saying to myself "please tell me this is not how this wonderful story is going to play out". It wasn't, the ending was not quite what I was expecting but I hope that it is leading where I think it was.
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Susan Sloate, however I did host several tours for her books. They all sound great and I would love to read more of her work. I found her voice to be one that I truly enjoyed reading. So I know I will be stalking blog tours to host Susan again when ever she has another tour and I'll be looking forward to reading what ever she has out.
I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Stealing Fire.
Amanda Harary is trying to get a break in the musical business, however it's just not happening for her. So she is currently working at a hotel. She gets to met and talk to lots of interesting people and she is great at fixing any problem that may arise for their clients. When she meets Beau Kellogg, her life changes. She feels like she has met a real celebrity because she listened to the songs he wrote when she was a child. They were some of her very favorite.
I love how these two make a connection over the phone without meeting for quite a while. I love that Beau gives Amanda confidence and I love that Amanda gives Beau the peace and tranquility that he needs to be creative again.
There were so many things I truly enjoyed about this story. Their may be an age difference between these two but as I always say age is just a number. Does it really matter when you have found the love of your life? These two have a LOT of things that get in their way of being together. My heart broke for each of them many times through out the story. At one point I found myself with tears in my eyes saying to myself "please tell me this is not how this wonderful story is going to play out". It wasn't, the ending was not quite what I was expecting but I hope that it is leading where I think it was.
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Susan Sloate, however I did host several tours for her books. They all sound great and I would love to read more of her work. I found her voice to be one that I truly enjoyed reading. So I know I will be stalking blog tours to host Susan again when ever she has another tour and I'll be looking forward to reading what ever she has out.
I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Stealing Fire.
November 2, 2014
Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate
Set in the 1980's Amanda Harary is young and working for a prestigious hotel. Her dreams are to some day be on Broadway way performing. While working as the hotel operator she strikes up some late night (phone) conversations with sixty year old Beau Kellogg, a well known lyricist.
Soon their relationship turns into more than friendship. Amanda can't keep her mind off of the dashing older man. Beau is desperately trying to revive his career and finds something special in Amanda. Will the two achieve what they want out of life? Find the careers they desire, and will they be able to make their relationship work or will it lead to self destruction?
An unlikely love match between Amanda and Beau made it interesting. I liked Amanda, even though was flawed. I liked that she was not the typical beautiful strong young lady, she has other qualities about her that were likable. At times I was not sure if I liked Beau, or if he was just so misunderstood.
I feel that those who love Romance will enjoy Stealing Fire.
Set in the 1980's Amanda Harary is young and working for a prestigious hotel. Her dreams are to some day be on Broadway way performing. While working as the hotel operator she strikes up some late night (phone) conversations with sixty year old Beau Kellogg, a well known lyricist.
Soon their relationship turns into more than friendship. Amanda can't keep her mind off of the dashing older man. Beau is desperately trying to revive his career and finds something special in Amanda. Will the two achieve what they want out of life? Find the careers they desire, and will they be able to make their relationship work or will it lead to self destruction?
An unlikely love match between Amanda and Beau made it interesting. I liked Amanda, even though was flawed. I liked that she was not the typical beautiful strong young lady, she has other qualities about her that were likable. At times I was not sure if I liked Beau, or if he was just so misunderstood.
I feel that those who love Romance will enjoy Stealing Fire.
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