Janice Althorpe is mourning the death of her employer, and fiance, publishing magnate Charles Fallmont. Today she is at Charles’ funeral, sitting alone, watching the proceedings from afar in the church. While Charles’ daughter Maureen welcomes Janice’s presence at the funeral, son Jackson resents Janice, seeing her as a gold digging opportunist who used his father. Janice faithfully attends the funeral until the casket is placed in the hearse, but an unexpected interruption urges Janice to leave the ceremony, in the process possibly placing her life in peril…
Marcia Carrington writes about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. She writes in a variety of genres, mainly romance but also, comedy, suspense, crime, paranormal, mystery, YA and NA. Her collection of thirty-four books vary in length from full-length works to novellas, novelettes to short stories.
Marcia's latest book is short story romance THE FUNERAL, released in September 2019, and will be venturing again into science fiction/paranormal territory with DREAM STATE, a novelette slated for release in December 2019.
Apart from writing and reading, Marcia also has a great love for coffee. The morning coffee has always been a staple for Marcia, and something which she cannot do without. There is just something about the fresh aroma of coffee early in the morning, and anytime for that fact, which proves irresistible to her.
Janice is attending the funeral of her employer .. the man she loved and was going to marry. She sits alone remembering her life with Charles. While Charles' daughter welcomes her, his son does not. He calls her a gold digger and she only saw his father as an opportunity to get rich quick.
The tears come, the smiles come. Although she will miss him more than anything,, she wouldn't have missed her life with him for anything.
As the casket is placed in the hearse, an elderly man approaches her, stumbles, and she reaches out to grab him before he falls. She winds up in back seat of his car, a driver up front.... and from there she is abducted. Did Charles' son plan this .. was her life in danger?
This is a very short read, less than 25 pages. Although a short story, the author has packed a lot of information and emotion into her characters. Grab a tissue .. you may need one.. or two.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this contemporary romance. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This was a quick read that was a tad unusual. The story opens with Janice Althorpe mourning the death of her fiancee., Charles Fallmont.
What happens when fate intervenes and the plans that you thought you had for the future are destroyed?
Trying to come to terms with Charle’s sudden death, memories keep surfacing whilst she is attending his memorial service.
Struggling to come to terms with what has happened, she is comforted by his daughter Maureen, and at the same time his son Jackson is sending her scathing glances.
The emotions that brought to the surface add to the intensity of the read. Just when you think you know what will happen, it all gets turned upside down.
*Love, sadness, and a plot twist I didn't expect!*
Two weeks have passed since Charles Fallmont's plane disappeared into the ocean. With her heart in pieces and the realization that the love of her life will never return, Janice Althorpe attends his funeral where she faces not only the memory of her lost love, but also the hostility of Charles's son Jackson who never accepted his father's new love. When her emotions overwhelm her, Janice takes a leave - the best decision she ever made.
Emotional. That's the first word I would choose to describe this short story. Combining the sad and depressing atmosphere at Charles's funeral, Jackson's uncovered hostility, Maureen's empathy, and of course the love between Janice and Charles. I especially liked the dialogues between Charles and Janice in her memory. The intimacy between both characters is depicted in a very beautiful way.
I rated The Funeral with four out of five stars, as I think there are some scenes that need improvement, as they feel unnatural. Nonetheless, these parts are not essential to the story, and only slightly affect the reading experience.
And the plot? Funeral stories usually combine love, grief, drama and most likely a new love. That's what I expected when I started reading the story. But I was wrong! I mean, of course there is sadness - it's a funeral after all - and love, but there is more to it, and I did not expect the plot twist when I began reading, as I thought the story would take a different direction. But that is as much as I'm going to write here, as everything else would take away the surprise.
Author Marcia Carrington has published many books about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. Marcia’s books are novellas cum short stories and that is one reason they are such a pleasure to read: she has an idea, develops it rapidly, lets us know the characters it affects, and ties it all up with a bow a the end. Stories of loss of loved ones traumas exist but few authors can present the aftermath of such a loss as well as Marcia - and in so few pages.
Establishing the ‘incident’ that marks the direction a story will proceed is an art and one that Marcia practices well. She opens her story with one of the more sensitive offerings of a funeral in progress. We sit with Janice Althorpe as she weeps through the funeral of her employer/fiancé Charles, being interrupted by a momentary visit from Charles’ supportive daughter Maureen, while ignoring the abusive stares of Charles’ evil son Jackson for whom the love between Janice and his father was simply a gold digger ploy. Janice recalls the meeting and courtship and love affair and proposal with Charles and as the funeral ends, Janice faces a disruptive exit – and a rewarding one!
To say more about the plot would destroy the fine dénouement, but in Marcia’s skilled hands this story comes vividly to life. Sensitivity of this nature comes naturally to Marcia. Her books may make a fast read, but the impact is lasting!
ONE MIND ALTERING THRILL!!! OMG! Marcia brings it when she comes, and she comes out swinging. Talk about an interesting speil that will knock you into next week. A myriad of swirling emotions burst forward. Drama, uncertainty and intrigue brings all the pieces together for one incredible ride. An interesting storyline and unbelievable plot kicks the baby up a few levels. A coiling eddy of activities and events keep you flipping page after page. The characters are realistic with qualities and depth that you hanging on. The scenes are so graphically descriptive and detailed it makes for an incredible backdrop. Amazing job Marcia, thanks for sharing.
Marcia Carrington writes another delightful novelette, The Funeral. This short read is packed with passionate emotions. Janice and her employer, Charles, find a connection and love that is rare, much to his adult son’s dismay. Just as they take the next step in their relationship Charles is ripped from her life.
The Funeral is sensational as Marcia Carrington shows that love may or may not always have a happy ending. Her characters are realistic as they face hardship from family members who wish to protect them. Again, I love Marcia’s quick reads that always puts a smile on my face and a feeling that these characters could have actually been real.
While this is only a extremely short story Marcia has the ability to draw you in from the first page and keep you engaged until you turn the last page
This is the story of Janice Althorpe she fell in love with her boss Charles Fallmount the moment she met him they where planning a future together even though his son Jackson thought she was nothing but a gold digger Now she is sitting at his funeral excepted by his daughter Maureen but glared at by Jackson When an old man stumbles she goes to his help and in the process puts herself in danger.
Marcia writes perfect little short stories, somehow she manages to preces a whole book into them. She has such a way with words, a marvelous flair that is like a flavour on ones tongue. So much feeling in this story so much said even in what was not said. Perfect love story and Charles is a really wise man.
This is a well written short novella packed with drama and intrigue. The author brings strong ,realistic characters and weaves a sad yet beautiful love story. She does a great job describing both her characters and scenes,moves the story quickly and smoothly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This may be a short story, but I really liked it. The writing was ok. I have read better and worse. However, that being said, It was a great love story. The characters were realistic and the story flowed nicely. I can see where this story could lead to others. If you have some time, read this short story, you won't regret it.
Although short, this story has a great twisted ending. I have read several books by this author and have never been disappointed. Starting with the funeral of Charles Fallmont, this tale is one to add to my favorites. I love the character of Janice Althorpe who is mourning the death of her employer, who was also her fiance. The author writes a great short story, readers will love.
ARC review For honest review. This is a story of jancie and at the funeral of her fiancee the love of her life Charles she finds herself thinking of him . This is what happened there With a twist. Awesome story
Sweet and tender - everyone is curious how they will be remembered after they die. Janice's love for Charles is evident as it is pure. It is about the man and his heart not the money or prestige. Beautifully written.
A very short story with a surprising happy ending. I admit, I would have loved this book more if it had been a little bit longer but I think the author’s ultimate purpose was to give the reader her point of view of how some things in life should not be taken for granted.
The Funeral by Marcia Carrington is a great read. This is story is very emotional so grab the tissues but I really enjoyed reading it very much. I recommend it to everyone who loves a heart jerking story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
The Funeral is a short and delight to read. I truly enjoyed reading this book and it was a delight. I enjoyed the characters and it was well written. It has a good storyline. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Janice is mourning the loss of her employer and love. His son believes she is a gold digger and causing trouble. There is a little drama and a really good twist at the end.