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Something #1
Something in the Air: A Homecoming Romance
Daniel thought war was tough. That was till he fell in love.
What if it's true that you can never really go home? Returning from a soul-crushing war, Daniel Dragan is determined to put the past behind him. But with his beloved uncle dead and the town’s economy in a slump, there may not be much to keep him in San Prospero, California.
That is till he is startled by veterinarian Willow Dixon at the roadside lookout above their hometown’s new factory.
A desperately needed job offer there may offer Daniel the chance he needs - but all is not as it seems at the factory and Willow, determined to save the inhabitants of her animal sanctuary, wants the factory's operations stopped. Sometimes the road home is neither the one we expect. Nor the one we left behind...
Something in the Air is the first short story in the soul-stirring series from Ben Starling. The journey continues with the novel Something in the Water, to be released on January 21, 2016.
Sign up to be the first to know when more great stories from Ben are released.
What if it's true that you can never really go home? Returning from a soul-crushing war, Daniel Dragan is determined to put the past behind him. But with his beloved uncle dead and the town’s economy in a slump, there may not be much to keep him in San Prospero, California.
That is till he is startled by veterinarian Willow Dixon at the roadside lookout above their hometown’s new factory.
A desperately needed job offer there may offer Daniel the chance he needs - but all is not as it seems at the factory and Willow, determined to save the inhabitants of her animal sanctuary, wants the factory's operations stopped. Sometimes the road home is neither the one we expect. Nor the one we left behind...
Something in the Air is the first short story in the soul-stirring series from Ben Starling. The journey continues with the novel Something in the Water, to be released on January 21, 2016.
Sign up to be the first to know when more great stories from Ben are released.
- GenresRomance
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2015
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Ben Starling
33 books182 followers
BEN STARLING is an author, multi award-winning public speaker and performance storyteller.
He has featured as an expert commentator on the BBC, ITV, Sky News, BBC Radio World News Service, and on international broadcast radio networks. In 2019, he was selected as a Gold Ambassador by the world's largest public speaking organisation, and also received their prestigious Triple Crown and Gold Speaker Awards. Prior to his work as an author and professional speaker, Ben worked in finance, and as an entrepreneur.
Ben graduated from Oxford University with an MA (Oxon), and an MPhil in Management Studies.
And just for fun: Check out the videos (column on left below). Ben performs live, storytelling to a rapt audience. Click More videos, to see Ben boxing in a Suntory Whiskey ad he was featured in while at Oxford University. (Ben is the boxer on the left.) This period piece was filmed after the release of ‘Chariots of Fire’.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2015
MASTERFUL LABOR OF LOVE
Just as a blank canvas has spatial constraints but can be brought to life by expert hands, turning it into a self-contained miniature world, so too can a short story take on a life of its own. In "Something in the Air," Ben Starling masterfully worked within the spatial constraints inherent in short stories by means of an economy of words. Yet, the story flowed, as does a superior novel, and the reader gets the feeling that there is all the time in the world and that he is, indeed, reading an unhurried novel with excellent character development. The author's words were chosen so carefully that the characters smoothly evolved into living, breathing, loving people with whom the reader could identify.
Just back from the war, Daniel and his old love, Willow, find each other, and their love becomes rekindled. Parallel to the rebuilding of their love, is the attempt to rebuild their neglected, decrepit small old town into a new, viable community in which their love could flourish, and they were working to that end. But they could go only so far--as in a classical Greek tragedy-- when their efforts were thwarted and had to be abandoned.
This story will make you laugh, dream, hope, cry, yearn, and tenderly hold your interest throughout. Most of all, it will make you crave the publication of Mr. Starling's new novel. I can hardly wait!
Just as a blank canvas has spatial constraints but can be brought to life by expert hands, turning it into a self-contained miniature world, so too can a short story take on a life of its own. In "Something in the Air," Ben Starling masterfully worked within the spatial constraints inherent in short stories by means of an economy of words. Yet, the story flowed, as does a superior novel, and the reader gets the feeling that there is all the time in the world and that he is, indeed, reading an unhurried novel with excellent character development. The author's words were chosen so carefully that the characters smoothly evolved into living, breathing, loving people with whom the reader could identify.
Just back from the war, Daniel and his old love, Willow, find each other, and their love becomes rekindled. Parallel to the rebuilding of their love, is the attempt to rebuild their neglected, decrepit small old town into a new, viable community in which their love could flourish, and they were working to that end. But they could go only so far--as in a classical Greek tragedy-- when their efforts were thwarted and had to be abandoned.
This story will make you laugh, dream, hope, cry, yearn, and tenderly hold your interest throughout. Most of all, it will make you crave the publication of Mr. Starling's new novel. I can hardly wait!
September 27, 2016
This book had a great start, but then it really fizzled in the end. I liked the lead up, but then I was left wondering: That's it?
Ben Starling created 2 wonderfully flawed main characters, although he destroys their lives fairly handily throughout the book. I enjoyed both characters and they were brought to life well within the pages. The back story was great and the leading up to something was great but then Boom.
Ben states that the events in this book continue on in Something in the Water, having read that I was a bit confused by this statement as there is maybe a possibly vague tie to events. Perhaps I am missing some integral piece. Something in the Water was exquisitely done and I probably should have read this one first.
Overall I'm stuck at a 3.5 stars, mainly because it feel like the story just stopped and kind of said: the end.
** I received a copy of this book for free with the For Love of a Book Read & Review Opportunity Program
Ben Starling created 2 wonderfully flawed main characters, although he destroys their lives fairly handily throughout the book. I enjoyed both characters and they were brought to life well within the pages. The back story was great and the leading up to something was great but then Boom.
Ben states that the events in this book continue on in Something in the Water, having read that I was a bit confused by this statement as there is maybe a possibly vague tie to events. Perhaps I am missing some integral piece. Something in the Water was exquisitely done and I probably should have read this one first.
Overall I'm stuck at a 3.5 stars, mainly because it feel like the story just stopped and kind of said: the end.
** I received a copy of this book for free with the For Love of a Book Read & Review Opportunity Program
January 19, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Please see GenuineJenn.com for more reviews.
If you like to read novella's or short stories this is a great little story of love. This story feels like it picks up where another book may have left off. We are meeting the two main characters who knew each other years ago. I was a little confused how many years it was since they last seen each other, in the end I think it was around 3 years. Their romance advances and Daniel decides to find work and stay at his uncles place.
I found it was a fast paced story and it was over before I knew it. I was a little upset with the ending as I would have loved the story to continue a little longer. I also wish we would have learned more of a back story to Daniel's post traumatic stress disorder. We can only assume that he has it as he doesn't want to spend the night asleep with Willow.
I give this book a 3 star out of 5.
If you like to read novella's or short stories this is a great little story of love. This story feels like it picks up where another book may have left off. We are meeting the two main characters who knew each other years ago. I was a little confused how many years it was since they last seen each other, in the end I think it was around 3 years. Their romance advances and Daniel decides to find work and stay at his uncles place.
I found it was a fast paced story and it was over before I knew it. I was a little upset with the ending as I would have loved the story to continue a little longer. I also wish we would have learned more of a back story to Daniel's post traumatic stress disorder. We can only assume that he has it as he doesn't want to spend the night asleep with Willow.
I give this book a 3 star out of 5.
October 11, 2015
Brought to the reader, by author Ben Starling, is a truly beautiful portrayal of two, who have found each other after years apart, Daniel and Willow. Their true to life, complex relationship is full of passion, uncertainty, surprises, hidden hurts from the past, revelations, hope, faith, and a great love of the purest nature and heart rendering. Something is in the air and it is something nefarious at the heart of this story that endangers Daniel, Willow, and all living things. There are demons and devils in sheepskin here that must be ferreted out and our hero, Daniel, must find a way.
September 6, 2016
Mehreen Ahmed's review
Something in the Air by Ben Starling is a stirring short story of many layers of disquiet. Set in a post-apocalyptic scenario of a small town in California, this town is on the brink of an economic disaster. Out of this Dickensian England almost, like the phoenix, rises a love story with Willow. A relationship once lost but reborn in the ashes. However, there are conflicting issues that appear to be a deterrent in this reunion which is the crux of the dramatic conflict - a veterinarian who wants the very factory closed which is also the source of the protagonist's only source of income. How would the couple fare under these challenging circumstances is a matter for time to unfold, as the story proceeds towards an interesting finale.
Something in the Air by Ben Starling is a stirring short story of many layers of disquiet. Set in a post-apocalyptic scenario of a small town in California, this town is on the brink of an economic disaster. Out of this Dickensian England almost, like the phoenix, rises a love story with Willow. A relationship once lost but reborn in the ashes. However, there are conflicting issues that appear to be a deterrent in this reunion which is the crux of the dramatic conflict - a veterinarian who wants the very factory closed which is also the source of the protagonist's only source of income. How would the couple fare under these challenging circumstances is a matter for time to unfold, as the story proceeds towards an interesting finale.
May 30, 2016
Something in the Air is a thought provoking novella filled with many different themes to ponder. Is it a story of star-crossed lovers or is it a tale of corporate greed and the destruction of our environment.Dan Dragen is a returning Viet-Nam vet who comes home to investigate the mysterious death of his beloved uncle. He reconnects with the one girl who always held his heart. Sweet romance ensues, but the tenderness is overshadowed by the strange emissions coming from the town factory. Fish and animals are dying, there is a toxic smell, and now the woman who has become the center of his life has a persistent cough.
Though it is only a short story, Starling packs a lot in his well written plot. Dragen is an interesting character that I'm sure has more stories to tell.
Though it is only a short story, Starling packs a lot in his well written plot. Dragen is an interesting character that I'm sure has more stories to tell.
August 5, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the group 'For Love of a Book', in return for an honest review.
Short plot summary: Daniel returns home from his deployment at Quang Tri and finds himself reconnecting with his past crush, but things are hanging over his head, like his Uncle Steve's death, the pain and suffering he experienced while deployed, and the shiny new factory looming in the backdrop. He struggles to find a job, but finally lands one at the local factory on the earthmoving team. Things progress with Willow, but obstacles are dwelling just below the surface.
The way this story left off has me craving more. I need to know what happens next, which actually surprises me. I snickered when I found out it was a "romance" type book, but actually became so engrossed that even while sick, I ended up finishing the novella in one sitting. Let's just say I wish it was longer and I'd really love to know what is in that hair dryer box.
https://gyazo.com/83abdd145b9b1207d29...
Short plot summary: Daniel returns home from his deployment at Quang Tri and finds himself reconnecting with his past crush, but things are hanging over his head, like his Uncle Steve's death, the pain and suffering he experienced while deployed, and the shiny new factory looming in the backdrop. He struggles to find a job, but finally lands one at the local factory on the earthmoving team. Things progress with Willow, but obstacles are dwelling just below the surface.
The way this story left off has me craving more. I need to know what happens next, which actually surprises me. I snickered when I found out it was a "romance" type book, but actually became so engrossed that even while sick, I ended up finishing the novella in one sitting. Let's just say I wish it was longer and I'd really love to know what is in that hair dryer box.
https://gyazo.com/83abdd145b9b1207d29...
February 4, 2016
A masterfully crafted short story with multiple layers of conflict and undertones of corruption. When protagonist, Dan Dragan, returns to his hometown following the untimely death of his uncle, he takes the only job he can get - at the town's main plant. After an old relationship is re-kindled with veterinarian, Willow, Dan learns that his uncle opposed the plant following the discovery of toxic chemicals being emitted into the water and air. While Willow continues to ignore her strange new allergy, Dan risks more than just his job when he sets out to confront the owner of the plant. This is a story of love and heartbreak. The characters are well-developed, and the underlying theme of the detrimental impacts of pollution leaves a lingering shadow in the reader's mind. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I cannot believe this ebook was only about 20 pages long, there was so much content for a short story. Daniel returns home after the Vietnam War and finds the girl he thought he had loved and lost Willow working at the local vet clinic.
The book deals with various subject matters, war, loss, love, and corruption it is beautifully written.
I also appreciated how the cover art matched the ending of the book.
Wow! I cannot believe this ebook was only about 20 pages long, there was so much content for a short story. Daniel returns home after the Vietnam War and finds the girl he thought he had loved and lost Willow working at the local vet clinic.
The book deals with various subject matters, war, loss, love, and corruption it is beautifully written.
I also appreciated how the cover art matched the ending of the book.
October 21, 2015
Really loved this book. made me laugh, get mad and cry. A very heart warming story of a love rekindled. Really " witty" animal names that I would never have thought of. can't wait for the next book to see what else awaits the reunited couple. A must read book.
October 10, 2015
Very well presented short story that was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. This is highly recommended for all of you romance lovers who prefer a more tasteful or smut free story!
As of yesterday, this book was free direct from the writer!
As of yesterday, this book was free direct from the writer!
October 10, 2015
Something In The Air earns a well deserved 5 stars!
Would I read it again?
Happy ever after?
Who would I recommend it to?
On To The Story
Okay, so this story is set during the Vietnam war. Our hero is Daniel Dragan who has just returned home from serving in Quang Tri.
The first person he comes across is Willow, the girl he thought he'd lost. After a long enlistment, Daniel comes home to a different town. A town that is now overtaken by a huge factory which is having a devastating affect on the towns environment.
Daniels uncle was devoted to preserving their little town but passed away before Daniel returned home. Despite being hugely overqualified, Daniel accepts a menial job at the factory, which he was extremely grateful for, despite being offered more exciting prospects in New York. He is a true gentleman and doesn't want to leave his lovely girlfriend Willow, who is now a Vet living in a small hut on the animal sanctuary she has built. It doesn't take long for her to admit to having always loved Daniel. Ahhh!
The way the author has introduced the impact of pollution in this book was very well done. It was informative without feeling like you were being lectured. Ben Starling's love of wildlife is apparent throughout the book but again was in no way intrusive. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will come away from this book without gaining at least a little more knowledge about environmental factors. I do feel that these facts were vital in this book as it does have a direct impact on both the H&h.
Danny and Willow's love story was simply beautiful. They reunited almost instantly, but it felt very organic and not at all forced. They are two wonderfully decent people who you just can't help falling in love with.
As you'd expect from any story, there are some difficult issues to overcome, for the happy couple, and I'll warn you now, it'll make you cry. BUT , there is a happy ever after of sorts. I'm personally hoping there'll be a follow-up book, as even though it ended on a beautiful moment, I know that I'll be wondering what happened to them after the final page. (Yes, I am a greedy girl, I know!) I need to know why Daniel is the way he is? does he ever tell Willow?
Will Ben ever tell me?
I adored the scene in the diner with Helicopter and Poison Ivy. Hillarious! And Willows animals made me want to jump into the book to give them some treats and a huge hug.
The writing style of this book was beautiful. It flowed so easily from one page to the next with absolutely no distractions. There are no cheesy pickup lines, but more than a few witty jokes and comments that'll be sure to make you smile.
My favourite quote from the book was from Uncle Steve, "Wrap up your past and you'll unwrap a perfect present.” How cool is that? I know it's one I'll use again in life... Thanks for that, Ben!
Overall, this is a short, sweet story that'll cost you just 99p. It'll take you a couple of hours to read, what have you got to lose? I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series... I just wish I hadn't read the 5 chapters that Ben included, as I have to wait until January to see how it all turns out.
Would I read it again?
Happy ever after?
Who would I recommend it to?
On To The Story
Okay, so this story is set during the Vietnam war. Our hero is Daniel Dragan who has just returned home from serving in Quang Tri.
The first person he comes across is Willow, the girl he thought he'd lost. After a long enlistment, Daniel comes home to a different town. A town that is now overtaken by a huge factory which is having a devastating affect on the towns environment.
Daniels uncle was devoted to preserving their little town but passed away before Daniel returned home. Despite being hugely overqualified, Daniel accepts a menial job at the factory, which he was extremely grateful for, despite being offered more exciting prospects in New York. He is a true gentleman and doesn't want to leave his lovely girlfriend Willow, who is now a Vet living in a small hut on the animal sanctuary she has built. It doesn't take long for her to admit to having always loved Daniel. Ahhh!
The way the author has introduced the impact of pollution in this book was very well done. It was informative without feeling like you were being lectured. Ben Starling's love of wildlife is apparent throughout the book but again was in no way intrusive. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will come away from this book without gaining at least a little more knowledge about environmental factors. I do feel that these facts were vital in this book as it does have a direct impact on both the H&h.
Danny and Willow's love story was simply beautiful. They reunited almost instantly, but it felt very organic and not at all forced. They are two wonderfully decent people who you just can't help falling in love with.
As you'd expect from any story, there are some difficult issues to overcome, for the happy couple, and I'll warn you now, it'll make you cry. BUT , there is a happy ever after of sorts. I'm personally hoping there'll be a follow-up book, as even though it ended on a beautiful moment, I know that I'll be wondering what happened to them after the final page. (Yes, I am a greedy girl, I know!) I need to know why Daniel is the way he is? does he ever tell Willow?
Will Ben ever tell me?
I adored the scene in the diner with Helicopter and Poison Ivy. Hillarious! And Willows animals made me want to jump into the book to give them some treats and a huge hug.
The writing style of this book was beautiful. It flowed so easily from one page to the next with absolutely no distractions. There are no cheesy pickup lines, but more than a few witty jokes and comments that'll be sure to make you smile.
My favourite quote from the book was from Uncle Steve, "Wrap up your past and you'll unwrap a perfect present.” How cool is that? I know it's one I'll use again in life... Thanks for that, Ben!
Overall, this is a short, sweet story that'll cost you just 99p. It'll take you a couple of hours to read, what have you got to lose? I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series... I just wish I hadn't read the 5 chapters that Ben included, as I have to wait until January to see how it all turns out.
November 2, 2015
Dan Dragan returned from Vietnam to his hometown of San Prospero, California. His uncle, Steve Dragan, had recently died. Dan questioned the reason of his uncle’s untimely death.
Authorities ruled out foul play concerning Steve’s death. He had been drinking while operating his boat. Yet Dan countered his uncle was a teetotaler.
Dan had not planned to remain in California. He would repair his uncle’s derelict house and head for New York. But then he reconnected with his high school infatuation, Willow.
With candor and good humor, a friendship kindled into an intense emotional attachment between Willow and Dan. However, Willow, a veterinarian, had an unusual allergy that she continued to dismiss.
Through Willow, Dan discovered his uncle had been in opposition of the town’s plant, California Chemical and Dye. Steve had discovered the plant emitted toxic chemicals in the air, killing living organisms.
The plant’s bible toting, CEO, Samuel Moody, who spewed Old Testament verses to his employees, had hired half the town’s young men.
Dan, an engineer, obtained work at the plant on the Grounds Work team. He questioned digging 10 foot trenches and installing pipes that spewed an unknown substance into the water. In addition, he questioned why Moody bused in strangers to work the night shift.
Without the knowledge of townspeople, Moody’s factory chimney discharged poisonous emissions only at night.
Tensions rose when Dan risked his job as he confronted what Moody concealed in his plant operations.
Something in the Air is a well written short story. It is not cluttered or unnatural. The story revealed appropriate description concerning presentation of its central characters, Dan and Willow. Both characters are well fleshed out.
At the beginning, the author identified the main theme. Upon opening the door of his uncle’s derelict home, a placard on the floor states: “You Could Die from their Dye!”
Although fiction, the book indicated real challenges of our lifetime—what could be our children and grandchildren’s fate if we do not eradicate climate change at its source.
Authorities ruled out foul play concerning Steve’s death. He had been drinking while operating his boat. Yet Dan countered his uncle was a teetotaler.
Dan had not planned to remain in California. He would repair his uncle’s derelict house and head for New York. But then he reconnected with his high school infatuation, Willow.
With candor and good humor, a friendship kindled into an intense emotional attachment between Willow and Dan. However, Willow, a veterinarian, had an unusual allergy that she continued to dismiss.
Through Willow, Dan discovered his uncle had been in opposition of the town’s plant, California Chemical and Dye. Steve had discovered the plant emitted toxic chemicals in the air, killing living organisms.
The plant’s bible toting, CEO, Samuel Moody, who spewed Old Testament verses to his employees, had hired half the town’s young men.
Dan, an engineer, obtained work at the plant on the Grounds Work team. He questioned digging 10 foot trenches and installing pipes that spewed an unknown substance into the water. In addition, he questioned why Moody bused in strangers to work the night shift.
Without the knowledge of townspeople, Moody’s factory chimney discharged poisonous emissions only at night.
Tensions rose when Dan risked his job as he confronted what Moody concealed in his plant operations.
Something in the Air is a well written short story. It is not cluttered or unnatural. The story revealed appropriate description concerning presentation of its central characters, Dan and Willow. Both characters are well fleshed out.
At the beginning, the author identified the main theme. Upon opening the door of his uncle’s derelict home, a placard on the floor states: “You Could Die from their Dye!”
Although fiction, the book indicated real challenges of our lifetime—what could be our children and grandchildren’s fate if we do not eradicate climate change at its source.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
This review is also posted on my blog: http://danielletaraevans.blogspot.com...
My rating for this book is 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5.
This story was a wonderful read for a multitude of reasons. I loved the setting and the time period - in a small town after the Vietnam War ended. I loved the realism, the characters, and the story line. And most of all, I loved the romance.
The author really makes you feel for the characters, which is not always easy to pull off in a short story. Daniel returns home from war, and he reunites with the woman he was with before he left. And even though we never actually meet Daniel's uncle, I really liked his character and was able to get a strong sense for who he was. I also felt that the conversations were well done and realistic.
Not only is this a sad but touching romance story, it also shows the devastation and harm that can be caused by companies motivated by greed.
My only complaint is that I wanted to read more, and I hope the author takes that as a compliment because it is one! This was a well-written short story that I'd definitely recommend to others.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
My rating for this book is 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5.
This story was a wonderful read for a multitude of reasons. I loved the setting and the time period - in a small town after the Vietnam War ended. I loved the realism, the characters, and the story line. And most of all, I loved the romance.
The author really makes you feel for the characters, which is not always easy to pull off in a short story. Daniel returns home from war, and he reunites with the woman he was with before he left. And even though we never actually meet Daniel's uncle, I really liked his character and was able to get a strong sense for who he was. I also felt that the conversations were well done and realistic.
Not only is this a sad but touching romance story, it also shows the devastation and harm that can be caused by companies motivated by greed.
My only complaint is that I wanted to read more, and I hope the author takes that as a compliment because it is one! This was a well-written short story that I'd definitely recommend to others.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this ebook by the author in return for my review.
While quite short this story is very sweet. It's a fairly typical romance story but there was just something so gentle yet poignant about this one, that I found myself really routing for the couple after only a few pages.
The characterisation is definitely the strong point of this story, something that always makes a book good for me. If I can understand the characters and find a way to like them then I can read pretty much any genre out there and Ben doesn't waste his words when it comes to making you adore his characters.
I was left feeling a little disappointed by the end but with a short that often happens. A good short is always far too short. It may have been a little rushed with the ending and not quite finished, but given that this is meant to be an introduction to a series and a short to boot that could just be because of the style. I'm definitely not going to knock it down any stars because of it.
I really can't wait to read more by this author.
While quite short this story is very sweet. It's a fairly typical romance story but there was just something so gentle yet poignant about this one, that I found myself really routing for the couple after only a few pages.
The characterisation is definitely the strong point of this story, something that always makes a book good for me. If I can understand the characters and find a way to like them then I can read pretty much any genre out there and Ben doesn't waste his words when it comes to making you adore his characters.
I was left feeling a little disappointed by the end but with a short that often happens. A good short is always far too short. It may have been a little rushed with the ending and not quite finished, but given that this is meant to be an introduction to a series and a short to boot that could just be because of the style. I'm definitely not going to knock it down any stars because of it.
I really can't wait to read more by this author.
October 22, 2015
This novella was gifted to me by the author, Ben Starling, when I showed an interest. I loved the cover and was in the mood for a romantic mystery.
The main characters Daniel and Willow were charming and very real, and the way the author handled the romantic scenes really impressive! There were strong messages about how mans greed can threaten our planet, something I know is close to the authors heart.
I must confess to being a little confused by the mysterious hair dryer, and must have missed something there.
I am not a huge fan of short stories, as they are never quite long enough for me somehow. This story could have been so much longer, as I for one, wanted to know if disaster would be avoided and that Willow really would be okay. I get the feeling this story or its theme may continue somewhere else along the way, and I shall be looking forward to it!
The main characters Daniel and Willow were charming and very real, and the way the author handled the romantic scenes really impressive! There were strong messages about how mans greed can threaten our planet, something I know is close to the authors heart.
I must confess to being a little confused by the mysterious hair dryer, and must have missed something there.
I am not a huge fan of short stories, as they are never quite long enough for me somehow. This story could have been so much longer, as I for one, wanted to know if disaster would be avoided and that Willow really would be okay. I get the feeling this story or its theme may continue somewhere else along the way, and I shall be looking forward to it!
October 8, 2015
I discovered Ben Starling on facebook and as an avid reader and lover of short stories (I love O. Henry and Poe), I thought I'd give "Something in the Air" a try. I wasn't disappointed! The book is clever, poignant, sexy, sad, funny and beautifully crafted. A returning Vietnam vet (soldier) and a veterinarian (animals) re-meet in their small hometown in California. Is the factory that provides livelihoods actually the blessing it seems? Or will it tear the lovers apart? The feeling I got from the book is lingering and I will be on the look out for more by this talented author. I think I've made a bit of a discovery with this one.
January 15, 2016
I thought this was a great short story. It was funny, romantic, and intense all at once. I'm only giving it four stars because I REALLY wanted to understand the hairdryer! But maybe that's something wrong with my mind, not the story.
Let's call it four and a half stars!
Let's call it four and a half stars!
August 1, 2016
You can find my full review for Books & Quills Magazine posted on their Facebook page. Happy Reading.
Review
Review
November 15, 2015
Sweet, short and romantic with a serious underlying focus on protecting the environment and taking responsibility.
January 16, 2016
Really love character based stories. Interesting plot that was quite touching and reminiscent. It left me thinking.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews