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Four women, four short stories #1
Catching the Light
A compelling and heart warming set of four short stories by Mary Grand, author of ‘Free to Be Tegan’.
The New Arrival
Rachel has moved to the Isle of Wight determined to become invisible. Hiding a shameful secret she cultivates a ‘cold polite smile as effective as an electric fence.’ However, unexpectedly, into her life comes a loving, crazy, individual: Lottie the cocker spaniel. Everything is about to change.
Catching the Light
Erin thinks she has found her fairytale prince. However, the honeymoon in a remote cottage in Wales shatters the dream. For the first time in her life Erin discovers the mystical world of fairies.
Belonging
Megan works in a Theatre for the Deaf. She is Deaf. Her language is British Sign Language. One evening she meets John, who is hearing, and two worlds collide. This is the story of the struggles, joys and tears of their remarkable relationship.
The Outing
This was to be the most important day of Kay’s life. However her mission to be free from years of guilt reveals so much more than she could possibly imagine.
Free to Be Tegan
Also included is an excerpt from the author’s full length novel ‘Free to Be Tegan’.
Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.
Reviews of Free to Be Tegan
“An excellent debut novel, can’t wait for the next one.”
“Powerful and beautifully written and I look forward to reading further books from Mary Grand.”
“Loved the book …. I was gripped and couldn't put it down.”
“It was very thought provoking and emotional with lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book.”
The New Arrival
Rachel has moved to the Isle of Wight determined to become invisible. Hiding a shameful secret she cultivates a ‘cold polite smile as effective as an electric fence.’ However, unexpectedly, into her life comes a loving, crazy, individual: Lottie the cocker spaniel. Everything is about to change.
Catching the Light
Erin thinks she has found her fairytale prince. However, the honeymoon in a remote cottage in Wales shatters the dream. For the first time in her life Erin discovers the mystical world of fairies.
Belonging
Megan works in a Theatre for the Deaf. She is Deaf. Her language is British Sign Language. One evening she meets John, who is hearing, and two worlds collide. This is the story of the struggles, joys and tears of their remarkable relationship.
The Outing
This was to be the most important day of Kay’s life. However her mission to be free from years of guilt reveals so much more than she could possibly imagine.
Free to Be Tegan
Also included is an excerpt from the author’s full length novel ‘Free to Be Tegan’.
Tegan, aged twenty seven, is cast out of the cult, rejected by her family and the only life she has known. She is vulnerable and naïve but she also has courage and the will to survive. She travels to Wales, to previously unknown relations in the wild Cambrian Mountains.
Reviews of Free to Be Tegan
“An excellent debut novel, can’t wait for the next one.”
“Powerful and beautifully written and I look forward to reading further books from Mary Grand.”
“Loved the book …. I was gripped and couldn't put it down.”
“It was very thought provoking and emotional with lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book.”
ebook
Published January 10, 2016
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About the author
Mary Grand
19 books270 followersI grew up in Wales. Later I taught in London and then worked with Deaf Children in Hastings. I now live on the beautiful Isle of Wight with my family.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 25, 2023
3.5*
This was a lovely little read about 4 women and their troubled lives. The storys were simple but very unlifting in quality.
The imagery produced within really has you feeling where you are. You can sympathise with each character and each persons input adds to the story well. Lessons can be learned if both women and men were to read this. It illuminates a few worrying situations and makes us think of how some people have had to live or cope.
All different situations but all very clear in their meaning. Choose to be free❤
This was a lovely little read about 4 women and their troubled lives. The storys were simple but very unlifting in quality.
The imagery produced within really has you feeling where you are. You can sympathise with each character and each persons input adds to the story well. Lessons can be learned if both women and men were to read this. It illuminates a few worrying situations and makes us think of how some people have had to live or cope.
All different situations but all very clear in their meaning. Choose to be free❤
September 27, 2017
This is the first audiobook I narrated.
It contains four quite different stories, some hard-hitting, some romantic and some very gritty. Not always a happy end which is refreshing but certainly food for thought here.
Its a book for delving into and it did bring a tear to my eye as I read it.
Try the audio if thats your thing - if not the book is worth a read.
It contains four quite different stories, some hard-hitting, some romantic and some very gritty. Not always a happy end which is refreshing but certainly food for thought here.
Its a book for delving into and it did bring a tear to my eye as I read it.
Try the audio if thats your thing - if not the book is worth a read.
March 19, 2016
Real rating: 3.5 stars
An enjoyable collection of four short stories written by my Goodreads buddy Mary Grand!
The New Arrival
When Rachel's neighbour falls ill, she is not overjoyed to look after her cocker spaniel for a while... But a beautiful friendship forms.
This was a really sweet story, with a lovely idea of bringing people together through common interests.
Catching the Light
Steve seems the ideal husband- mature and intelligent with impeccable manners- but he is not as perfect as he first appears.
I enjoyed the supernatural aspect, but felt this one ended somewhat abruptly, and wasn't fully satisfied.
Belonging
Megan was born deaf, and when she meets John, who can hear properly, it is instant love. But can their love stand the trials?
This was my favourite of the stories, and it really made me think of what it would be like to be deaf- something I'd never really considered before. I just wish this one could have been longer, so I could see a bit more of John and Megan's love.
The Outing
Kay has been racked with guilt for years, and today is the day she will make the journey to right her wrongs.
Perhaps this could have been expanded into a more in depth story, but ooooh I love a good twist!
Overall, I enjoyed this collection... Just two little peeves...
There were two Johns and two Megans in two different stories, and I didn't know if they were the same! :O Only a minor issue though.
It could've done with a proofread- just a full stop missing there, the incorrect verb form here etc.
An enjoyable collection of four short stories written by my Goodreads buddy Mary Grand!
The New Arrival
When Rachel's neighbour falls ill, she is not overjoyed to look after her cocker spaniel for a while... But a beautiful friendship forms.
This was a really sweet story, with a lovely idea of bringing people together through common interests.
Catching the Light
Steve seems the ideal husband- mature and intelligent with impeccable manners- but he is not as perfect as he first appears.
I enjoyed the supernatural aspect, but felt this one ended somewhat abruptly, and wasn't fully satisfied.
Belonging
Megan was born deaf, and when she meets John, who can hear properly, it is instant love. But can their love stand the trials?
This was my favourite of the stories, and it really made me think of what it would be like to be deaf- something I'd never really considered before. I just wish this one could have been longer, so I could see a bit more of John and Megan's love.
The Outing
Kay has been racked with guilt for years, and today is the day she will make the journey to right her wrongs.
Perhaps this could have been expanded into a more in depth story, but ooooh I love a good twist!
Overall, I enjoyed this collection... Just two little peeves...
There were two Johns and two Megans in two different stories, and I didn't know if they were the same! :O Only a minor issue though.
It could've done with a proofread- just a full stop missing there, the incorrect verb form here etc.
April 19, 2016
Catching the Light is a collection of four independent short stories by Mary Grand. It revolves around women who have made a discovery in their lives. The first story is about a relationship with a dog, the second about an abusive relationship, the third was about a deaf girl finding love, and the last story is a woman carrying years of guilt.
Personally for me, my favourite story was the third one. I loved the way italics are used to indicate use of a sign language, as it generated some surprising humour surrounding John and his awkwardness over signing.
The last quarter of the book is devoted to the first three chapters of another book 'Free to be Tegan'.
I want to thank the author, Mary, for introducing me to this book.
Personally for me, my favourite story was the third one. I loved the way italics are used to indicate use of a sign language, as it generated some surprising humour surrounding John and his awkwardness over signing.
The last quarter of the book is devoted to the first three chapters of another book 'Free to be Tegan'.
I want to thank the author, Mary, for introducing me to this book.
March 6, 2016
Catching The Light: Four women, four compelling short stories is a delightful book of four short stories about the power of friendship.
I stumbled upon this little treasure purely by accident one day whilst on Twitter and I'm so glad that I did.
Each story is written in a seemingly simple style but they are all thoroughly engaging and the characters are very easy to relate to.
The New Arrival and Belonging were my favourites. The first is an enchanting story about Rachel who has moved to a new area to escape her past and is trying to remain unnoticed, but when she takes in Lottie, her elderly neighbours spaniel, she finds a whole new world opening up to her.
Belonging is a thought provoking read which tells the story of Megan who is deaf. When she meets John who is hearing they start a relationship and each of them struggle to understand the other's world. I learned a lot about what it means to be deaf and the struggles that people with this condition have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Mary Grand's stories are wonderfully descriptive and it's very clear that she has a fondness for both Wales and the Isle of Wight.
If you enjoy a good short story then I can highly recommend this book.
I stumbled upon this little treasure purely by accident one day whilst on Twitter and I'm so glad that I did.
Each story is written in a seemingly simple style but they are all thoroughly engaging and the characters are very easy to relate to.
The New Arrival and Belonging were my favourites. The first is an enchanting story about Rachel who has moved to a new area to escape her past and is trying to remain unnoticed, but when she takes in Lottie, her elderly neighbours spaniel, she finds a whole new world opening up to her.
Belonging is a thought provoking read which tells the story of Megan who is deaf. When she meets John who is hearing they start a relationship and each of them struggle to understand the other's world. I learned a lot about what it means to be deaf and the struggles that people with this condition have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Mary Grand's stories are wonderfully descriptive and it's very clear that she has a fondness for both Wales and the Isle of Wight.
If you enjoy a good short story then I can highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2016
Having read Mary Grand’s first novel, ‘Free to be Tegan’ I was eager to read her latest collection of short stories, and they didn’t disappoint.
My favourite is the story of Megan, who is deaf. I found her decisions really interesting, and not what I would have expected. I learned a lot about deaf people and how they have their own community. Megan meets a hearing person and their worlds are so different.
The story of Rachel was another interesting one. I don’t own a dog, and have never wanted to either, but the friendships in this story made me want one. It’s not just about dogs though, Rachel has a secret… I won’t spoil it…
The story of Kay is another tale with a secret. It’s really clever how Mary Grand slowly reveals what has happened to Kay in the past.
In the story of Erin, the setting is beautifully described with a hint of magic…
All in all a thoroughly good read and I would highly recommend. All four stories are very different, and all equally enjoyable.
My favourite is the story of Megan, who is deaf. I found her decisions really interesting, and not what I would have expected. I learned a lot about deaf people and how they have their own community. Megan meets a hearing person and their worlds are so different.
The story of Rachel was another interesting one. I don’t own a dog, and have never wanted to either, but the friendships in this story made me want one. It’s not just about dogs though, Rachel has a secret… I won’t spoil it…
The story of Kay is another tale with a secret. It’s really clever how Mary Grand slowly reveals what has happened to Kay in the past.
In the story of Erin, the setting is beautifully described with a hint of magic…
All in all a thoroughly good read and I would highly recommend. All four stories are very different, and all equally enjoyable.
August 6, 2019
Really enjoyed this! Catching the light is a collection of four short stories centered around four women,the first is a story about rachel and Lottie the dog she takes in,the second centers around newlywed Erin who discovers her husband is actually a controlling and abusive brute, the third a touching story about Megan a deaf woman who starts up a new relationship, and Kay a married woman living with a secret. The stories are well written and enjoyable I'm glad I finally got round to reading them,my favourite story I think was Rachel's but all of them are good I recommend
May 26, 2016
Mary Grand has done a great job of making each of her characters and plots distinct from one another. I enjoyed each of these four stories in its uniqueness.
May 16, 2020
Enjoyable short stories
I enjoy every now and then short stories .It was refreshing to be enlightened by beautiful imaginary views of the Isle of white .I once spent the summer there in my younger days camping .Fond memories
I enjoy every now and then short stories .It was refreshing to be enlightened by beautiful imaginary views of the Isle of white .I once spent the summer there in my younger days camping .Fond memories
May 4, 2020
This was a very light and easy read which included stories that people can relate to and hopefully will help woman see things for what they are in their own lives.
June 17, 2017
Enjoyed reading the short stories which told good stories of the women and how they coped. Thanks for the reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
Catching the light
The four stories were good about power to have it all also about being deaf and learning how to handle that.also about being controlled and abused and a love story
The four stories were good about power to have it all also about being deaf and learning how to handle that.also about being controlled and abused and a love story
May 27, 2016
Catching The Light by Mary Grand is a mass market contemporary collection of four short stories.
The New Arrival is a sweet story about man's best friend. It shows the power of the unconditional love of animals. They love expecting nothing in return and offer healing for wounded souls. "A best friend is some-one who loves you when you forget to love yourself."
The story has the themes of loss and hiding, hurting and healing. It is a story of new beginnings and shows how friendships can form through the national pastime of dog walking.
Catching The Light has the difficult theme of domestic violence but it is sensitively tackled. Sometimes one's true character is revealed when it is just too late. There is the need of good friends to rely on and to help.
There is also a mythical element to the story.
Belonging is a gentle two fold story about a young deaf woman trying to fit into a hearing world and a young hearing man trying to fit into a silent world. It is important to be who God created us to be. We do not want to just 'fit in', we want to 'belong'.
There is a tension created between the signing and the hearing world when one is forced to be moulded into something they have no desire for.
There is the theme of the unconditional love of a mother for her child.
The Outing deals with the theme of guilt. Guilt if not dealt with appropriately will eat away at a person causing them to feel shame. A guilty conscience is not as easy to remove as one would think.
There is also a narcissistic theme where one is quite happy to sacrifice everyone and even one's own principles in order to achieve personal goals.
These were four very different short stories containing very different themes. My personal favourite was The New Arrival as I loved the bond between one woman and her dog.
A word of caution to Christian readers, as this is a mass market paperback there are themes and words that may cause offence.
The New Arrival is a sweet story about man's best friend. It shows the power of the unconditional love of animals. They love expecting nothing in return and offer healing for wounded souls. "A best friend is some-one who loves you when you forget to love yourself."
The story has the themes of loss and hiding, hurting and healing. It is a story of new beginnings and shows how friendships can form through the national pastime of dog walking.
Catching The Light has the difficult theme of domestic violence but it is sensitively tackled. Sometimes one's true character is revealed when it is just too late. There is the need of good friends to rely on and to help.
There is also a mythical element to the story.
Belonging is a gentle two fold story about a young deaf woman trying to fit into a hearing world and a young hearing man trying to fit into a silent world. It is important to be who God created us to be. We do not want to just 'fit in', we want to 'belong'.
There is a tension created between the signing and the hearing world when one is forced to be moulded into something they have no desire for.
There is the theme of the unconditional love of a mother for her child.
The Outing deals with the theme of guilt. Guilt if not dealt with appropriately will eat away at a person causing them to feel shame. A guilty conscience is not as easy to remove as one would think.
There is also a narcissistic theme where one is quite happy to sacrifice everyone and even one's own principles in order to achieve personal goals.
These were four very different short stories containing very different themes. My personal favourite was The New Arrival as I loved the bond between one woman and her dog.
A word of caution to Christian readers, as this is a mass market paperback there are themes and words that may cause offence.
June 29, 2016
This is a collection of 4 short stories, all featuring women, who are disappointed in themselves, or their lives.
My favorite is THE NEW ARRIVAL. Rachel has moved to the Isle of Wight to get away from a bad experience. She’s hoping no one notices her and so far its worked. Until the day her neighbor knocks on her door looking for someone to take care of Lottie, the cocker spaniel. The dog’s owner is in the hospital and has no local family. Rachel’s not sure why she said yes, but having Lottie to take care of changes her whole life.
CATCHING THE LIGHT is a tale about Erin, who marries a man she really doesn’t know. But she finds out soon enough how abusive he is. There’s a touch of supernatural involved in changing her life.
BELONGING is the story of Megan who works in the Theater For The Deaf. She is Deaf and falls really hard for a hearing man, John. Their two worlds are so totally different and all she yearns for is someone to accept her the way she is.
Kay is on a mission in THE OUTING. She has suffered feelings of guilt for so many years and today that will all change …. Much more that she could ever have imagined.
All the stories are well written. The author did a good job with just the basics … but longer stories with the backstories fully detailed would make for good reading, as well.
My favorite is THE NEW ARRIVAL. Rachel has moved to the Isle of Wight to get away from a bad experience. She’s hoping no one notices her and so far its worked. Until the day her neighbor knocks on her door looking for someone to take care of Lottie, the cocker spaniel. The dog’s owner is in the hospital and has no local family. Rachel’s not sure why she said yes, but having Lottie to take care of changes her whole life.
CATCHING THE LIGHT is a tale about Erin, who marries a man she really doesn’t know. But she finds out soon enough how abusive he is. There’s a touch of supernatural involved in changing her life.
BELONGING is the story of Megan who works in the Theater For The Deaf. She is Deaf and falls really hard for a hearing man, John. Their two worlds are so totally different and all she yearns for is someone to accept her the way she is.
Kay is on a mission in THE OUTING. She has suffered feelings of guilt for so many years and today that will all change …. Much more that she could ever have imagined.
All the stories are well written. The author did a good job with just the basics … but longer stories with the backstories fully detailed would make for good reading, as well.
February 8, 2016
This is a short collection of four stories.
The first, The New Arrival, is a sweet story about a woman who is escaping her past developing a bond with a dog, Lottie, a Spaniel, after the dogs owner can't look after her. Based on the island, it was a good read.
Catching the light is a somewhat depressing story about a woman making a bad choice in her marriage. The addition of the supernatural did not really work for me.
Belonging was my favourite story, about a deaf girl who finds love. This story has the potential to be made into a longer, deeper story.
The Outing was interesting and had a clever twist in the end. Again, this has the potential to be extended into more.
Overall, a varied collection of four stories that were an enjoyable free read which I found on the top 100 Amazon free charts.
I have to add that the preview to her full length novel is very intriguing ... :)
The first, The New Arrival, is a sweet story about a woman who is escaping her past developing a bond with a dog, Lottie, a Spaniel, after the dogs owner can't look after her. Based on the island, it was a good read.
Catching the light is a somewhat depressing story about a woman making a bad choice in her marriage. The addition of the supernatural did not really work for me.
Belonging was my favourite story, about a deaf girl who finds love. This story has the potential to be made into a longer, deeper story.
The Outing was interesting and had a clever twist in the end. Again, this has the potential to be extended into more.
Overall, a varied collection of four stories that were an enjoyable free read which I found on the top 100 Amazon free charts.
I have to add that the preview to her full length novel is very intriguing ... :)
March 11, 2016
Having enjoyed this author's first novel, I was looking forward to these four short stories and Grand did not disappoint.
'The New Arrival' is one for dog lovers, poignant and sweet, an easy read any time.
'Catching the Light' is a moving story, the reader concerned at the very beginning as to how it will end ….and the ending is unexpected!
The other two stories, 'Belonging' and 'The Outing' were the ones I really enjoyed! 'Belonging' allows the reader to view life through new eyes, with a new perspective, challenging ones perception of how others think and feel while we feel the main character's pain in 'The Outing', share her feelings and set against the backdrop of the beach, we experience the burden she has carried and the hopes that were dashed.
Four stories and an excerpt from her novel to enjoy...there's nothing not to like.
'The New Arrival' is one for dog lovers, poignant and sweet, an easy read any time.
'Catching the Light' is a moving story, the reader concerned at the very beginning as to how it will end ….and the ending is unexpected!
The other two stories, 'Belonging' and 'The Outing' were the ones I really enjoyed! 'Belonging' allows the reader to view life through new eyes, with a new perspective, challenging ones perception of how others think and feel while we feel the main character's pain in 'The Outing', share her feelings and set against the backdrop of the beach, we experience the burden she has carried and the hopes that were dashed.
Four stories and an excerpt from her novel to enjoy...there's nothing not to like.
March 28, 2016
The title of this charming book says it all! These are truly four well-crafted, enchanting stories. Although Ms. Grand is a talented author in her own right, her writing reminds me of the stories by Maeve Binchy. Ms. Grand has given us characters that we learn to care about as we see them take on life's challenges, whether small or big. The stories are flavored with pleasing descriptions of the setting of each story, bits of local color which add to the overall charming quilt of the stories. The main character of each story, as well as the supporting cast are well developed and I found myself bonding with each one of them. I read the first story and thought- that's my favorite. But then the second one became my favorite- and so on.This is a lovely book for you to enjoy and it would also be a beautiful gift to give to someone. Highly recommend.
April 15, 2016
Catching the Light: Four women, four compelling short stories
Different stories about women and the choices they make that they sometimes wish had been different.
Some are disturbing to me as the women are being not only punished for not being what the spouse really want but hitting her.
Glad other things intervened to help her get out of the bad situation. Enjoyed one other where the woman is sitting for a dog due to the woman who became hospitalized.
Love how she's able to go outside and find others with same passion for their pets.
Different stories about women and the choices they make that they sometimes wish had been different.
Some are disturbing to me as the women are being not only punished for not being what the spouse really want but hitting her.
Glad other things intervened to help her get out of the bad situation. Enjoyed one other where the woman is sitting for a dog due to the woman who became hospitalized.
Love how she's able to go outside and find others with same passion for their pets.
April 15, 2016
Catching the light is a book of 4 short charming stories about 4 different women and the lives they they are living and wish that they could be different.
I especially liked the story of Rachel who comes to live on the Isle of Wight. Where she wants to be left alone. But by chance, she takes in her elderly neighbours dog (because they are in hospital) called Lottie and a whole different life begins.
This is the first Mary Grand book I have read and really enjoyed, with her heart warming stories and they kept me entertained through out and it wont be the last.
I especially liked the story of Rachel who comes to live on the Isle of Wight. Where she wants to be left alone. But by chance, she takes in her elderly neighbours dog (because they are in hospital) called Lottie and a whole different life begins.
This is the first Mary Grand book I have read and really enjoyed, with her heart warming stories and they kept me entertained through out and it wont be the last.
February 13, 2016
Four stories about four women with problems. Each story is very different from the others, and each has something to say about our society.
I found them all interesting and enjoyed the way they were told, especially those in which the storyteller held some of the information back.
I felt all the stories finished too quickly and could have been expanded. But they were long enough to make me think about the issues tackled in them and that, I think, is a sign of a good short story.
I found them all interesting and enjoyed the way they were told, especially those in which the storyteller held some of the information back.
I felt all the stories finished too quickly and could have been expanded. But they were long enough to make me think about the issues tackled in them and that, I think, is a sign of a good short story.
February 25, 2022
Most women I know would find that at least one of these short stories would resonate with them. All of the stories touched me, not because I have lived through the same experiences but because the author, in so few well chosen and impactful words, makes us feel the emotions, and psychological pain, that her female protagonists are experiencing. whether or not the readers have been through something similar themselves. I can’t pick a favourite. All were equally well written and easy to read.
March 5, 2016
Good collection of varied short stories that are heart touching and fun to read, included is a bonus sneak preview of a novel which sounds really interesting. All in all I would say the stories were well written and will keep readers engaged. The author did a great job with this collection. It is hard to go into each story but I will say all are worth the read!
January 28, 2016
Mary Grand has an engaging style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel 'Free To Be Tegan' and her latest collection of short stories are equally pleasing. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
January 20, 2016
I am new to Mary Grand and thoroughly enjoyed her short stories. Each is unique and insightful, leaving the reader wiser and empowered. I will be reading her other works and recommend Mary to all.
January 30, 2016
A delightful collection of four very different stories about four very different women. Lovely settings too, beautifully described.
May 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book I can't decide which one is my favorite but I have downloaded free to be Tegan
March 19, 2018
Principally, as stated in the sub-title, the book comprises four short stories about different women however, it also includes an introduction to the author’s novel ‘Free to Be Tegan’.
It is difficult to do justice to this series of short stories without including spoilers which, would be a real shame for prospective readers. Each story is based upon the emotional and psychological experiences of the four different women each story is based upon. Though, fictional, it must be said many women would be able to identify with the protagonists and their plights.
The writing style is deceptively simple because it quickly draws the reader into the tale and engages their emotions without them really noticing until pass the first page or two. These stories could easily be biographical and draw out many experiences some readers will be able to identify with, regrettably not all positive. One story contains an element of what appears to be fantasy but in such a realistic manner as to produce a satisfactory end (the writer of this review, through their own experience, was able to particularly identify with this, one of the more disturbing tales).
This is an enjoyable collection written in an easy style that carries the reader along without effort. Anyone interested in women’s emotions and how they view their, sometimes unenviable, situations will enjoy this book. The extract from the beginning of the author’s novel ‘Free to Be Tegan’, that follows the four short stories, does not disappoint as it shows a different perspective to one young woman’s challenges and certainly wets the readers appetite to read the complete story.
It is a shame more cannot be said without the danger of including spoilers but then these are short stories that may be read easily within one sitting.
It is difficult to do justice to this series of short stories without including spoilers which, would be a real shame for prospective readers. Each story is based upon the emotional and psychological experiences of the four different women each story is based upon. Though, fictional, it must be said many women would be able to identify with the protagonists and their plights.
The writing style is deceptively simple because it quickly draws the reader into the tale and engages their emotions without them really noticing until pass the first page or two. These stories could easily be biographical and draw out many experiences some readers will be able to identify with, regrettably not all positive. One story contains an element of what appears to be fantasy but in such a realistic manner as to produce a satisfactory end (the writer of this review, through their own experience, was able to particularly identify with this, one of the more disturbing tales).
This is an enjoyable collection written in an easy style that carries the reader along without effort. Anyone interested in women’s emotions and how they view their, sometimes unenviable, situations will enjoy this book. The extract from the beginning of the author’s novel ‘Free to Be Tegan’, that follows the four short stories, does not disappoint as it shows a different perspective to one young woman’s challenges and certainly wets the readers appetite to read the complete story.
It is a shame more cannot be said without the danger of including spoilers but then these are short stories that may be read easily within one sitting.
December 19, 2016
These were four short enjoyable stories with The New Arrival and Belonging my two favorites. I always love a good dog story (The New Arrival) and it was interesting to read a story with a deaf character to see things from their point of view (Belonging).
May 12, 2018
Good quick short stories
Enjoyed these 4 short stories very much. Would recommend this book. Would read books by this author again. Quick read for a wet Saturday afternoon.
Enjoyed these 4 short stories very much. Would recommend this book. Would read books by this author again. Quick read for a wet Saturday afternoon.
December 6, 2018
very enjoyable read - lovely stories
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