76 Seconds

by Bree M. Lewandowski

If you're surviving, then you're living. Right?

In a dingy studio apartment, Nora might have said yes. Sure, the bills were coming faster than she could pay and she hadn't eaten a fresh vegetable in months, but she had a job and she had Strawberry. A little gray cat who made life okay.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2019

About the author

Having lived all her life in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, author Bree M. Lewandowski incorporates all aspects of her life in her writing. A ballet dancer at a young age, continuing to teach ballet through her career as an author, she often turns to the tumultuous world of dance to find threads of a story. In love with classical literature, her writing not only pays homage to the style of writers like Dumas and Hugo, she also believes in creating main characters who are larger than life. Yet, struggles with body image, mental and emotional health, and the strained relationships so many have also play in and out of Lewandowski's writing. In the end, all these attributes combined, she loves to tell a love story.

Reviews

[Elise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story about Nora, a young woman who rents a tiny studio apartment and struggles to pay bills with the little money she earns as a cleaning lady. She has just one love in her life--a little cat named Strawberry.

Unable to afford brand-name cat food, Nora starts buying cheaper food from the dollar store, and Strawberry gets sick. Is the food to blame, or something else? Although she has very little money, Nora takes Strawberry to a veterinary clinic, where Doctor Julien Andre runs some tests and gives Nora a small bottle of antibiotics. Julien is kind and handsome, and when he sees Nora in the local library and asks her out for coffee, she readily accepts.

The antibiotics don't help. Nora finds blood in Strawberry's litter box. Desperate to save her cat, Nora gives the last of her cash to a taxi driver and takes Strawberry back to Julien's clinic. An x-ray reveals bladder stones that require surgery, but Nora has no money. Can Julien help? Will Strawberry survive? Read this touching story to find out.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am not a big fan of cats (I know right?) I am a big fan of this author. In this short story I felt the anguish and remembered the tough time when I had to chose what my money was spent on. Trying so hard to make it all work and having that friend, her cat, that she had to do whatever was necessary to make sure she was alright, she's struggling. Something about her touches him and makes him want to get closer and to know this beautiful woman who has stolen his heart. I love that the author didn't feel the need to add distractions. It's the perfect short story leaving you wanting more even though the story hit all the spots.

[Nikki]

Nora has had Strawberry, her cat for 11 years. She had been her one constant in life. It has been tough on her living in get small studio apartment, but she is independent and taking care of herself the best that she can. When Strawberry gets really sick, she has no idea what she still do or how she can afford it, but her baby needs her. And she will stop at nothing to make things better.

Julien os the doctor that comes to their aid. He is an attractive, intelligent man who is kind, loving, and considerate. He will stop at nothing to save Strawberry.

A quick read. I enjoyed it. I would love to see what happens from there.

[Kriti | Armed with A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cat mom, this story tugged at my heart strings. The thought of my cat, Fiona, being sick terrifies me. Through Nora I learned some logical things that I would do if I was in that situation. This is a sweet story about a young woman whose cat and books form her world. She is trying to be positive and make ends meet and somehow, she is making it work. But when Berry falls sick, Nora is faced with new challenges. Enjoy this 30 min read about loving our pets like family and finding people who care for us.

I am grateful to the author for giving me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I throughly enjoyed it!

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 2 out of 5]

As it is a short story, I understand that the author has to cram a lot of info into a few pages, which is often a downfall with these kinds of stories. I felt as if the characters were being played out in a frazzled nature and although the storyline is decent for a quick romance, I felt as if it were somewhat lacking. I still don't understand the title of the book. If the context was mentioned, then it must have been a few quick words and I obviously missed the point.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Bree M. Lew; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hot steamy erotic romance story perfect for a quick afternoon read.
A great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though short this story was full of emotion and the beautiful writing that pulls a reader in from word one. I had moments of tears and hope throughout the read. An added bonus is that it's short enough to read in a hour for a quick escape from life. A must read for all cat-ladies out there.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet and moving story about Nora and her cat Strawberry trying to make ends meet then something awful happens. Then Julien enters their life like a knight in shining armor to save the day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daydreams exist for moments like this.

To have always struggled is a despair like no other. Many maintain hope with stories just like this. Nice guys finish best.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet short story.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow

Love simple exist in different stages at different time in anyone life.

This story was simple, quick and shows how love happens when least expected.