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Stranded
LOVE NEVER DIES. IT REMAINS BURIED UNDER THE HATE."God, this was so heartbreaking. When I read the description, I was expecting a to read about a fight to save a marriage and a family. You know, love transcending all and all that blah blah blah. Yeah, nope.
79 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2018
19 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Hermann
20 books57 followersS.J. Hermann is a writer of paranormal, science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy novels. He has the same taste in movies, television shows and books. He currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois,
Hermann is an avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. If there is a hockey game on television, you can bet that he will be watching, especially his favorite team the Chicago Blackhawks.
He is a Walking Dead fan and will read or watch anything about zombies. Max Brooks and Stephen King are his authors of choice.
Follow SJ on BookBub for latest new releases.
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-j-h...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Her...
Hermann is an avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. If there is a hockey game on television, you can bet that he will be watching, especially his favorite team the Chicago Blackhawks.
He is a Walking Dead fan and will read or watch anything about zombies. Max Brooks and Stephen King are his authors of choice.
Follow SJ on BookBub for latest new releases.
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-j-h...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Her...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 4, 2019
This is a beautiful story with elements of drama and horror at the same time. The author style is emotional, I can feel family bond through the lines. Various feelings are collected in a strong story which is unpredictable to the end. I was sad and it made me thinking while I was reading, could it be different if the main character was more cautious?
Strength is the basic factor to survive in hard circumstances and here the weakest is indeed the strongest.
Strength is the basic factor to survive in hard circumstances and here the weakest is indeed the strongest.
December 19, 2018
Stranded is the tale of the Langleys – a family going through rocky times as the parents, Pete and Jennifer, have reached the point where their impatience and disappointments in one another has eclipsed their love. While their young children, Emily and Kevin, deftly navigate the bickering, hoping for better times in the future.
At odds with one another, they set out for a trip to Grandma’s house for the Christmas holiday. The snowy weather creates both a beautiful landscape and an impending threat, as a big snow storm is brewing. Through a combination of resentment and bad choices the family becomes stranded in the storm where their very lives are at stake. And as the threat becomes more real, the walls that Jennifer and Pete have built between them over the years begin to tumble down. But is it too late?
Stranded is an emotional journey of one family’s fight against nature and their own demons. It is a bittersweet story that will make you want to hold your loved ones close.
At odds with one another, they set out for a trip to Grandma’s house for the Christmas holiday. The snowy weather creates both a beautiful landscape and an impending threat, as a big snow storm is brewing. Through a combination of resentment and bad choices the family becomes stranded in the storm where their very lives are at stake. And as the threat becomes more real, the walls that Jennifer and Pete have built between them over the years begin to tumble down. But is it too late?
Stranded is an emotional journey of one family’s fight against nature and their own demons. It is a bittersweet story that will make you want to hold your loved ones close.
December 22, 2018
The Langley family are almost ready for the holidays. They just have a trip to make. That trip is the worst decision they ever made. This is an intriguing story with a great ending that will make your heart ache, but getting to that ending is well worth the journey. Great feel to a well written short story.
Want to read
May 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/8/2019)! 🎁
December 12, 2018
Last night, Author S.j. Hermann made me cry... But, oh, such a great story!!
A touching beautiful Christmas story that reminds us all what family is all about.
A touching beautiful Christmas story that reminds us all what family is all about.
March 4, 2023
I don't get it really
This was a bummer. The epilogue didn't really explain everything and what happened to the rest of her family was just so depressing. I wish I'd never read it. So sad and..... sad! No HEA
This was a bummer. The epilogue didn't really explain everything and what happened to the rest of her family was just so depressing. I wish I'd never read it. So sad and..... sad! No HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2018
Hope Floats
I gave this story a five star rating because I'm such a lover of hope. I liked how the author travelled back and forth to show the characters' different life events spreading different emotions across the story and not just feeling cold and stranded all throughout. It was like bringing out the lighter and lovable sides of the characters. Among all the characters, Pete was my favorite. He's my kind of glue that's all I can say about him along with Emily who was a fountain of optimism. I loved how she didn't break until the end. Life is not always green lights, a car in full tank and a breezy drive thru. Sometimes you get caught in between traffic, a flat tire and yes stranded, but the good thing here is that life do turn.
I gave this story a five star rating because I'm such a lover of hope. I liked how the author travelled back and forth to show the characters' different life events spreading different emotions across the story and not just feeling cold and stranded all throughout. It was like bringing out the lighter and lovable sides of the characters. Among all the characters, Pete was my favorite. He's my kind of glue that's all I can say about him along with Emily who was a fountain of optimism. I loved how she didn't break until the end. Life is not always green lights, a car in full tank and a breezy drive thru. Sometimes you get caught in between traffic, a flat tire and yes stranded, but the good thing here is that life do turn.
November 20, 2018
Dear Sir, I'm gonna need you to take this back and rewrite it!!!! Lol. Do you know how hard it was to read this at work without being sent home for looking like a freaking crazy person? God, this was so heartbreaking. When I read the description, I was expecting a to read about a fight to save a marriage and a family. You know, love transcending all and all that blah blah blah. Yeah, nope. With all that being said, this was an extremely well written short story. It wasn't rushed or unbelievable. You could actually feel the author's words. You felt the characters' pain, regrets, and hopelessness. First time reading this author and definitely won't be the last.
November 18, 2018
Just wow. If I could rate this more than five stars, I would. It’s been months since a story has affected me so much. I’ve ugly cried where my family kept asking what was wrong. This author knew how to spin a tale especially where a married couple and children are involved. I love how he managed to make winter out to be the monster, and damn was it true in this story. At first, I was pissed at the wife for being so disconnected from her husband. Yet, in the end all the anger faded to nothing but sadness and hope.... Hope for survival. Amazing read. I look forward to more of his works, especially if it’s like this.
January 28, 2019
Stranded tore at me. It's so easy to forget what matters, to let stupid annoyances fester until they become all-consuming. This book is a not so gentle reminder that if we don't address the little grievances, they become a great, big, huge, enormous ones which can easily destroy our happiness. The Langley family are beautifully portrayed. A typical family, flaws 'n' all - a weary couple who have forgotten why they fell in love, and their two kids who can't stop squabbling - who are suddenly faced with a situation they cannot control. There are a multitude of emotions packed into this short story, but are so subtly layered, you feel each one and - to me - love, hope and the faith you can overcome and endure, were the themes which resonated throughout the narrative. A poignant, gripping, and truly impactful book!
May 30, 2019
Bittersweet
A fast read that will leave you pondering long after you finish. Are your relationships strong? Do you harbor an anger that could sustain you through life's hardships? Or would you give it up, for a lasting peace?
A fast read that will leave you pondering long after you finish. Are your relationships strong? Do you harbor an anger that could sustain you through life's hardships? Or would you give it up, for a lasting peace?
November 20, 2018
_________Ugly Cry Alert________________
The one thing I like to do with Author SJ Hermann's books is to go in blind by not reading the blurb. So I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was not expecting to cry a bucket-full of tears. I am crying as I write this review.
Stranded has brought out all of the emotions in me. I am trying to reel them in to write a coherent review, but I am totally failing.
This tale is so good. The storyline, the actions and reactions of the characters are very relatable and realistic. This story is art.
I am walking away with these thoughts: Cherish your life. Always forgive. Hug your love ones, daily.
The one thing I like to do with Author SJ Hermann's books is to go in blind by not reading the blurb. So I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was not expecting to cry a bucket-full of tears. I am crying as I write this review.
Stranded has brought out all of the emotions in me. I am trying to reel them in to write a coherent review, but I am totally failing.
This tale is so good. The storyline, the actions and reactions of the characters are very relatable and realistic. This story is art.
I am walking away with these thoughts: Cherish your life. Always forgive. Hug your love ones, daily.
December 10, 2019
EDIT: I was about to post my review but had to add in this last comment after looking at other reviews. Apparently, I’ll be the oddball out of the author’s previous reviewers. With all the five and a few fours, I only thought the story was okay. I’ve read stories like this before as, again, (mentioned below), this isn’t an original idea. It was well-written but just meh.
I’d seen this audiobook advertised a couple of times on a Facebook group I follow. I decided to give it a listen-to. The idea behind the story wasn’t anything new, a family freezing to death in their car after an accident. While the idea was terrifying (imagining yourself in that situation), I guess I had hope for something more, unexpected. I don’t know. I think the author could have added so much more to this short story just to get the terror across. For example, I didn’t feel there were enough complaints from the kids about being hungry. There was more (per the audiobook version) of Jennifer feeling like crap with all the coughing and mentions of rib pain than the kids. The majority of the time they seemed to sleep. I get that it was all they could do but still. Boring. It’s like they’re in a car accident, crash, and just sit there doing nothing until they die.
The narrator did a pretty good job. I’d listen to her again. No complaints here.
Questions/Comments:
I don’t believe Pete would have lived as long as he did. 1. He had no coat on. 2. The window was down. 3. The wind and snow were constantly blowing on him. What did he make it, like 2 ½-3 days? I think he would have frozen to death sooner.
Why was “drinking” snow that much different or not wanted by the characters? It was better than nothing. Snow is water!
Why did they not try to move the backseat to get to the trunk?
Why hadn’t Pete moved to the passenger’s seat, not that it would have helped that much but still?
What family trip/outing doesn’t involve bringing snacks and drinks? Especially when there are kids!
Jennifer still loves Pete… even though she constantly treats him like garbage. Makes sense to me. At least Pete tries. Why did they ever have a falling out to where she can’t seem to stand him at all?
Instead of putting the blood clot that she coughs up on the floor, she swallows (barf) it. Why?
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
I’d seen this audiobook advertised a couple of times on a Facebook group I follow. I decided to give it a listen-to. The idea behind the story wasn’t anything new, a family freezing to death in their car after an accident. While the idea was terrifying (imagining yourself in that situation), I guess I had hope for something more, unexpected. I don’t know. I think the author could have added so much more to this short story just to get the terror across. For example, I didn’t feel there were enough complaints from the kids about being hungry. There was more (per the audiobook version) of Jennifer feeling like crap with all the coughing and mentions of rib pain than the kids. The majority of the time they seemed to sleep. I get that it was all they could do but still. Boring. It’s like they’re in a car accident, crash, and just sit there doing nothing until they die.
The narrator did a pretty good job. I’d listen to her again. No complaints here.
Questions/Comments:
I don’t believe Pete would have lived as long as he did. 1. He had no coat on. 2. The window was down. 3. The wind and snow were constantly blowing on him. What did he make it, like 2 ½-3 days? I think he would have frozen to death sooner.
Why was “drinking” snow that much different or not wanted by the characters? It was better than nothing. Snow is water!
Why did they not try to move the backseat to get to the trunk?
Why hadn’t Pete moved to the passenger’s seat, not that it would have helped that much but still?
What family trip/outing doesn’t involve bringing snacks and drinks? Especially when there are kids!
Jennifer still loves Pete… even though she constantly treats him like garbage. Makes sense to me. At least Pete tries. Why did they ever have a falling out to where she can’t seem to stand him at all?
Instead of putting the blood clot that she coughs up on the floor, she swallows (barf) it. Why?
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from S.J Hermann.
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. Stranded is an emotional journey of one family’s fight against nature and their own demons. It is a bittersweet story that will make you want to hold your loved ones close. I highly recommend this book
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. Stranded is an emotional journey of one family’s fight against nature and their own demons. It is a bittersweet story that will make you want to hold your loved ones close. I highly recommend this book
December 1, 2020
I'm going to say this was a HORRIBLE holiday for this young girl!😭
Having said that, I'm not saying it was a horrible book. This is a very emotional one though. These 2 can't get it together and they don't see what it's doing to the kids most of the time. I thought there would be some unexpected horror waiting for me because I have read several books by Hermann. BUT this one caught me off guard. Yes, it was horrifying, but for me, it was the emotional kind of horrifying. So grab a blanket and some tissues because you'll need them.
Having said that, I'm not saying it was a horrible book. This is a very emotional one though. These 2 can't get it together and they don't see what it's doing to the kids most of the time. I thought there would be some unexpected horror waiting for me because I have read several books by Hermann. BUT this one caught me off guard. Yes, it was horrifying, but for me, it was the emotional kind of horrifying. So grab a blanket and some tissues because you'll need them.
July 10, 2019
This book is a very short story. But it packs a lot in it. It is about a little girl named Emily. Who is the oldest of two kids. Her mother and father don't see eye to eye on anything. After years of fighting they are drifting apart. Wanting to spend time with his mother he decides to being the family on a trip to Grandmas for Christmas. Not everything goes as planned.
November 17, 2019
A Fantastic read that kept me on the edge of my seat. This read pulled me in right from the start to finish. Theres twists and turns. And it kept me guessing what was going on till the end. I definitely recommend this listen. The Narrator does a fantastic job. And the Author did a fantastic job at bringing the story to fruition.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
May 9, 2019
What a very sad story, it had me in floods of tears.
It's very well written with some really great characters in it.
I've read work by S J Herman before but nothing this vivid and sad.
Looking forward to reading more of his books though
It's very well written with some really great characters in it.
I've read work by S J Herman before but nothing this vivid and sad.
Looking forward to reading more of his books though
June 12, 2020
OMG this book!! I really can't say much without giving anything away (and I hate spoilers) so I will keep it simple...read this book it was amazing. Just have tissues nearby.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2018
Stranded is a beautiful short story. It touched my heart with its simplicity.
The characters are very real and admirable.
The story preaches us that there are issues in every family but that doesn't mean that there is no love between them. LOVE NEVER DIES.
The characters are very real and admirable.
The story preaches us that there are issues in every family but that doesn't mean that there is no love between them. LOVE NEVER DIES.
July 7, 2021
Way to sad....can't read anymore like this one! My brain can't handle to much grief.
December 12, 2021
I don't know what this was but at least it's over with 😂
January 19, 2023
Reading this heartbreaking story I wasn’t prepared for what happened to this family. The description alludes to the fact that Pete and Jennifer, the parents, are a bickering couple. Their children, Emily, and Kevin find their arguing upsetting.
The Christmas trip to their grandmothers house turns out to be a horror. If you’re looking for a light, holiday read this isn’t it. There are so many emotions touched upon, and I found myself weeping at the situation.
I rated the piece five stars because it is compelling, and the author has layered so much emotion throughout.
The Christmas trip to their grandmothers house turns out to be a horror. If you’re looking for a light, holiday read this isn’t it. There are so many emotions touched upon, and I found myself weeping at the situation.
I rated the piece five stars because it is compelling, and the author has layered so much emotion throughout.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews