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Mitch & Cian #1
A Miracle in the Library
Seventeen-year-old Mitch McCann has been trying to dodge his bullies for eighteen months. He isn’t out, but that hasn’t stopped the popular gang at school from tormenting him for being gay. Three weeks before Christmas, in a desperate attempt to shake his pursuers, Mitch flees into the abandoned community hall, only to discover the building is far from empty; inside he finds a fully stocked library as well as Mr. Nichols, the very welcoming librarian.The library turns into Mitch’s refuge of choice, where he can read books that answer his endless questions, without fear of encountering abuse. His peace of mind is shattered when nineteen-year-old Cian Leavy enters his sanctuary. Cian is the boy who made Mitch realize he’s gay, and he’s more attractive now than he was eighteen months ago, when Mitch literally ran into him.Will Cian unwittingly disrupt Mitch’s life again? Or has the scene been set for a miracle in the library?
84 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2018
23 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Helena Stone
35 books129 followersHelena Stone can’t remember a life before words and reading. After growing up in a household where no holiday or festivity was complete without at least one new book, it’s hardly surprising she now owns more books than shelf space while her Kindle is about to explode.
The urge to write did come as a surprise. The realisation that people might enjoy her words was a delightful shock. Now that the writing bug has well and truly taken hold, Helena can no longer imagine not sharing the characters and stories in her head and heart with the rest of the world.
Having left the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for the peace and quiet of the Irish countryside she divides her time between reading, writing, long walks, and her part-time job in a library. A grown-up daughter and her ever-loving and patient husband make sure she occasionally takes a break too.
You can find Helena here:
Website:
http://helenastone.blogspot.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.stone...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaStone63
The urge to write did come as a surprise. The realisation that people might enjoy her words was a delightful shock. Now that the writing bug has well and truly taken hold, Helena can no longer imagine not sharing the characters and stories in her head and heart with the rest of the world.
Having left the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for the peace and quiet of the Irish countryside she divides her time between reading, writing, long walks, and her part-time job in a library. A grown-up daughter and her ever-loving and patient husband make sure she occasionally takes a break too.
You can find Helena here:
Website:
http://helenastone.blogspot.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.stone...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaStone63
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 8, 2018
3 Stars
Teenager Mitch finds refuge in a secret library while escaping the wrath of his high school bullies. There, in the company of Mr. Nichols, the kind librarian, and in the pages of the books themselves, Mitch finds the support and strength he needs to embrace his true self and to face his future with a new positive outlook on life.
This journey of self-acceptance is helped along when Mitch is befriended by Cian, a slightly older boy who once found solace himself in the comfort of the mysterious library. Over the holiday period the two boys form a special bond in their shared experiences and a sweet romance begins to blossom.
This young adult M/M novella was a lovely read, providing a dash of magic and wonder to my holiday reading.
Teenager Mitch finds refuge in a secret library while escaping the wrath of his high school bullies. There, in the company of Mr. Nichols, the kind librarian, and in the pages of the books themselves, Mitch finds the support and strength he needs to embrace his true self and to face his future with a new positive outlook on life.
This journey of self-acceptance is helped along when Mitch is befriended by Cian, a slightly older boy who once found solace himself in the comfort of the mysterious library. Over the holiday period the two boys form a special bond in their shared experiences and a sweet romance begins to blossom.
This young adult M/M novella was a lovely read, providing a dash of magic and wonder to my holiday reading.
November 30, 2018
Such an incredible story... and so tear-inducing as well... heart-warming and sweet... the perfect magical holiday tale!
Want to read
December 8, 2020Kindle freebie 12/8/20
November 24, 2021
A Miracle in the Library welcomes readers in from the get-go. It’s a holiday read with a bit of love, a dash of magic, and books, books, and books, of course. Which all adds up to a win in my book. :)
Mitch ducks into the abandoned community center to shake some bullies, but discovers that the building isn’t empty. Mitch finds a library! A safe space filled with books and advice along with a librarian who listens and seems to know just what he needs. A librarian named Mr. Nichols. Klaus Nichols. Hmm…Could it be?
This library to the rescue tale shines with Christmas spirit, acceptance, and heart. It’s full of surprises! I adored watching Mitch find a friend or two in the Library and come into his own outside the Library as well.
“We lose ourselves in books; we find ourselves there too.”
Check this story out!
December 6, 2018
Awww, this was a perfect Christmas miracle story... it gave me all the warm and fuzzies :)
December 28, 2018
Short but sweet
What a lovely little short read about a young man finding sanctuary in a library.
Realizing you may be different is hard, getting bullied for can be harder. For Mitch, discovering his truth and unraveling who he is was not easy. With the help of a kind librarian and a friend, Cian, being proud of it was made possible.
What a lovely little short read about a young man finding sanctuary in a library.
Realizing you may be different is hard, getting bullied for can be harder. For Mitch, discovering his truth and unraveling who he is was not easy. With the help of a kind librarian and a friend, Cian, being proud of it was made possible.
December 7, 2018
3.5 stars
Read
December 18, 20183.5 stars
This one is all about the Christmas magic helping Mitch come to accept himself and find the strength to move forward without fear. It's a short but sweet story.
Take my rating with the caveat that I don't read much YA, but I couldn't resist the title setting. If sweet YA, first romance, is your thing and you like that holiday magic put this on your list.
This one is all about the Christmas magic helping Mitch come to accept himself and find the strength to move forward without fear. It's a short but sweet story.
Take my rating with the caveat that I don't read much YA, but I couldn't resist the title setting. If sweet YA, first romance, is your thing and you like that holiday magic put this on your list.
December 10, 2018
This was a sweet story overall but much too short to really get a chance to embrace these guys fully.
I also think it was maybe a bit shallow and felt like the problems Mitch faced were oversimplified for the sake of expediency and by the smile of a cute boy.
I also think it was maybe a bit shallow and felt like the problems Mitch faced were oversimplified for the sake of expediency and by the smile of a cute boy.
December 11, 2018
4.5 stars. Mitch's need for refuge leads him to a place that gives him so much more. He finds clear information as he learns about his sexuality, gains a mentor and friend in Klaus and meets Cian. Mitch changes as he learns about and accepts himself, gaining confidence and growing into a relationship with Cian.
December 15, 2020
A short, completely predictable, but nonetheless very cute holiday read.
While A Miracle in the Library is the first novella in a series, it is certainly an enjoyable stand alone read.
While A Miracle in the Library is the first novella in a series, it is certainly an enjoyable stand alone read.
November 29, 2018
This is such a lovely story. Mitch's struggle is so relateable to any teenager who has struggled with insecurity, especially about coming out. The sanctuary the library offers is exactly what Mitch needs and the timing seems almost miraculous. Cian's sudden appearance is quite timely too, and it all flows nicely in the perfect coming of age story with a touch of magic. Set around the holidays, it's a feel-good romance for when you're looking for something sweet and heartwarming.
October 26, 2019
This was a sweet holiday story and a good start to Mitch & Cian’s story. It does deal with bullying though, but it’s not bad. But still, if it’s a trigger, be careful.
Mitch was running for his life, when his body was about to give out. He couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t run anymore. He looked around and found a building and hoped and prayed that it would be open so he could hide or at least be around people. Thankfully, it opened. And a library appeared. He was in awe. But what really surprised him, is the librarian, Mr. Nichols, seemed to know exactly what he needed. He looked through the books and found the ones on how to come out and how their experiences were. The more he read, the braver he felt. Especially when he met Cian. At first, he was really nervous. But the more he got to know Cian, the more he wanted him. It seemed like this library was a miracle for him. But as the holidays came and went, the library was no longer there. And Mitch isn’t quite sure what to think. Especially when he finds out Cian knew it was coming.
A miracle of the holidays. Ole Saint Nick being where he needed to be when someone needed him the most. Mitch’s life was pure hell with the bullies. And I felt so horrible for him. He wanted to share things with his mom, but with it just being the two of them from day one, he didn’t want to add more stress to her life. What he didn’t know, his mom would love him no matter what and would take out anyone who messed with her baby. But he had to come to that point himself. He had to discover himself and be happy and proud of who he was. And with being in that library, reading those books, he found who he really was and wanted to be and it gave him hope for a better future. Especially with Cian.
This is a real sweet holiday story. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect book to curl up with.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Mitch was running for his life, when his body was about to give out. He couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t run anymore. He looked around and found a building and hoped and prayed that it would be open so he could hide or at least be around people. Thankfully, it opened. And a library appeared. He was in awe. But what really surprised him, is the librarian, Mr. Nichols, seemed to know exactly what he needed. He looked through the books and found the ones on how to come out and how their experiences were. The more he read, the braver he felt. Especially when he met Cian. At first, he was really nervous. But the more he got to know Cian, the more he wanted him. It seemed like this library was a miracle for him. But as the holidays came and went, the library was no longer there. And Mitch isn’t quite sure what to think. Especially when he finds out Cian knew it was coming.
A miracle of the holidays. Ole Saint Nick being where he needed to be when someone needed him the most. Mitch’s life was pure hell with the bullies. And I felt so horrible for him. He wanted to share things with his mom, but with it just being the two of them from day one, he didn’t want to add more stress to her life. What he didn’t know, his mom would love him no matter what and would take out anyone who messed with her baby. But he had to come to that point himself. He had to discover himself and be happy and proud of who he was. And with being in that library, reading those books, he found who he really was and wanted to be and it gave him hope for a better future. Especially with Cian.
This is a real sweet holiday story. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect book to curl up with.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
December 5, 2018
Delightful
For a last minute writing project, this story sure packs a punch. It's sweet and deep, and full of the magic of Christmas. I'd definitely recommend it for filling in an hour and to get you into the Christmas spirit.
For a last minute writing project, this story sure packs a punch. It's sweet and deep, and full of the magic of Christmas. I'd definitely recommend it for filling in an hour and to get you into the Christmas spirit.
December 12, 2018
Miracle or not, it's good
I wish I had experienced something like this when I was 18. It all works out eventually, of course, but some help along the way is a good thing.
I wish I had experienced something like this when I was 18. It all works out eventually, of course, but some help along the way is a good thing.
November 30, 2018
It was easy to relate to Mitch, who had to run home after school every day to escape his bullies. Then one day when he's too exhausted he seeks refuge in the abandoned community centre where he finds a Christmas miracle: a supportive librarian and books to suit his needs. And even something more. Well written and sweet.
December 3, 2018
3.75 stars
November 30, 2018
This is a wonderful holiday story, especially for all of us book nerds who intimately understand how special a library can be. If you need a shot of warm and fuzzy feeling, this story will do it! Mitch and Cian’s story put a smile on my face and in my heart, thank you Ms. Stone :-)
March 16, 2019
I featured Miracle in the Library as part of my series of Random Tales of Christmas 2018 but was unable to read it before the holiday, how it missed my After Holiday Christmas Reads list is beyond me . . . too many Christmas cookies I guess😉😉. But as I often say, there is never a wrong time to read stories of the holidays so I may be a few months late according to the calendar but finally I jumped in.
Now, its no secret that I rarely read Young Adult, not that it is a bad genre I just probably could count on two hands the number of YA stories I've read since I was 16, I'll be 46 in October so that's 1 every 3 years on average. You can imagine that when I read one it sticks with me and Miracle is no different.
Miracle in the Library is a sweet and insightful holiday read that will entertain no matter when you pick it up. Heart, friendship, discovery, and with just a touch of holiday magic makes this short novella a must.
Now, its no secret that I rarely read Young Adult, not that it is a bad genre I just probably could count on two hands the number of YA stories I've read since I was 16, I'll be 46 in October so that's 1 every 3 years on average. You can imagine that when I read one it sticks with me and Miracle is no different.
Miracle in the Library is a sweet and insightful holiday read that will entertain no matter when you pick it up. Heart, friendship, discovery, and with just a touch of holiday magic makes this short novella a must.
December 12, 2020
While reading book two I discovered I'd never added book one to my 'Read' list, so my date of reading is guess work. Anyway, this was a nice short story highlighting gay bullying, a Christmas miracle, and a blossoming romance. Mitch is a sweet teen who hides his gayness from his mother but at school it seems to have been discovered and he is mocked and bullied relentlessly. One day after school he's fleeing, trying to our run the approaching bully's, it is then he finds salvation and a new lease on life. A very enjoyable and sweet story.
December 4, 2019
Hidden Treasures
I already knew I would love this book because of the title and the dedication but this library, well, it’s simply magical. It embodies everything I love about libraries and librarians. Mitch and Cian are so sweet together. I loved how Mitch was able to overcome his fears in all their varied forms. I can’t wait to see what’s next for him and Cian. A beautiful story about finding and accepting yourself.
I already knew I would love this book because of the title and the dedication but this library, well, it’s simply magical. It embodies everything I love about libraries and librarians. Mitch and Cian are so sweet together. I loved how Mitch was able to overcome his fears in all their varied forms. I can’t wait to see what’s next for him and Cian. A beautiful story about finding and accepting yourself.
December 11, 2020
Such a warm sweet read.
Young love is so sweet. That first look and first kiss take your breath away. And the magic of a library is something I’ll never forget. I truly believe that libraries are very important even with all that they have now. For me though it’ll always be the books.
Young love is so sweet. That first look and first kiss take your breath away. And the magic of a library is something I’ll never forget. I truly believe that libraries are very important even with all that they have now. For me though it’ll always be the books.
December 16, 2020
3.5*
I think we could all use a little Christmas magic this year, and what better place to find it in than a library! This is a sweet YA story, that apparently leads into more NA books for this couple, which I look forward to reading.
Mitch needed an escape from his bullies and he found it, and more, when he sought refuge in the local community center turned library. But all was not as it seemed! I enjoyed sweet tale about love and acceptance. I can't wait to read more about Mitch and Cian.
I think we could all use a little Christmas magic this year, and what better place to find it in than a library! This is a sweet YA story, that apparently leads into more NA books for this couple, which I look forward to reading.
Mitch needed an escape from his bullies and he found it, and more, when he sought refuge in the local community center turned library. But all was not as it seemed! I enjoyed sweet tale about love and acceptance. I can't wait to read more about Mitch and Cian.
December 9, 2018
This was a nice little story about a boy who figures out how to come out to his family in small-town Ireland. I liked the characters and the author clearly had some fun writing the librarian in the story, being a librarian herself.
I recommend this as a fun little festive read.
I recommend this as a fun little festive read.
December 15, 2018
An incredibly sweet Christmas love story.
A Miracle in the Library was a beautiful little story involving two of my favourite things, a library and a gorgeous love story. I lost myself in this book and had a big smile on my face when I finished it.
A Miracle in the Library was a beautiful little story involving two of my favourite things, a library and a gorgeous love story. I lost myself in this book and had a big smile on my face when I finished it.
December 17, 2018
Great Christmas Romance
This is a sweet short story with an uplifted tone and holiday spirit. Add in a touch of fantasy for old St Nick and we have a great coming of age or coming out tale.
This is a sweet short story with an uplifted tone and holiday spirit. Add in a touch of fantasy for old St Nick and we have a great coming of age or coming out tale.
October 20, 2019
A story with Christmas miracles, on finding just what you need the moment you need it. Which in this case is a librarian resembling Santa and the crush Mitch have had on his mind for far too long.
It's decidedly sweet and leaves you feeling hopeful.
It's decidedly sweet and leaves you feeling hopeful.
January 1, 2019
3.25*
January 12, 2019
Awww....that was so sweet. What a heartwarming little Christmas short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews