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Oliver
Dear God...and Jesus and Mary... Even though eleven-year old Olivia is raised in a southern Baptist church she likes to cover all her bases when asking for a favor. Unlike her brother Oliver, she struggles with keeping her temper and staying out of trouble. But Oliver is special in more ways than one, and in the summer of '72 he shows Olivia that there's magic all around us. It's up to us to see it.
Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
31 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Haynes
30 books37 followersBiography
Mandy Haynes has spent hours on barstools, at backstage venues, and riding in vans listening to tales from some of the best songwriters and storytellers in Nashville, Tennessee. She now lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her three dogs, a turtle, and a grateful liver. Walking the Wrong Way Home was a finalist for the 2017 Tartt Fiction Award.
Mandy worked for twenty-six years for Vanderbilt University Medical Center before deciding to run away to Amelia Island. She started as a clerk, working in the mailroom and making thousand of copies of patients medical records - but worked her way up to finish the last sixteen years as a pediatric cardiac sonographer at Monroe Carroll Jr. Children's Hospital.
Some of her favorite memories include her time as a receptionist/administrative assistant in Addiction Psychiatry, break-room antics with her fellow refund clerks, and of course all of the families and children she met in cardiology.
Fans of Fannie Flagg, Sue Monk Kidd, Wiley Cash, Rick Bragg, Harper Lee, and Harry Crews might enjoy her writing style. These stories are for readers who like to chase their stories with a shot of whiskey while burrowed under a hand stitched quilt.
Mandy Haynes has spent hours on barstools, at backstage venues, and riding in vans listening to tales from some of the best songwriters and storytellers in Nashville, Tennessee. She now lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her three dogs, a turtle, and a grateful liver. Walking the Wrong Way Home was a finalist for the 2017 Tartt Fiction Award.
Mandy worked for twenty-six years for Vanderbilt University Medical Center before deciding to run away to Amelia Island. She started as a clerk, working in the mailroom and making thousand of copies of patients medical records - but worked her way up to finish the last sixteen years as a pediatric cardiac sonographer at Monroe Carroll Jr. Children's Hospital.
Some of her favorite memories include her time as a receptionist/administrative assistant in Addiction Psychiatry, break-room antics with her fellow refund clerks, and of course all of the families and children she met in cardiology.
Fans of Fannie Flagg, Sue Monk Kidd, Wiley Cash, Rick Bragg, Harper Lee, and Harry Crews might enjoy her writing style. These stories are for readers who like to chase their stories with a shot of whiskey while burrowed under a hand stitched quilt.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 19, 2022
If this sweet story of a brother and sister, who have an unbreakable bond to one another, doesn’t slap you upside your head to make you want to be a better, kinder person, then I don’t know what will. Things are not always what they might seem and Oliver looks for every opportunity to make things better for everyone-from those who might be too shy to find love and need an extra push or someone struggling with loss and loneliness and who just needs a miracle. Oliver is the magic we all need.
May 13, 2022
A novella to add to the books I love and the amazing author I am in conversation with today! #fridayreads Watch: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdgYOYAP...
April 22, 2022
Mandy Haynes effortlessly and brilliantly writes children, a feat at which many writers struggle and fail. In Oliver, her uniquely, lyrical voice sings the reader smack dab into this heartwarming story inhabited by Oliver and Olivia, a brother and sister whose special bond is symbiotically balanced upon the other’s abilities and perspectives. I dare you to not fall immediately in love with these characters, and fret over them as I did as they make their journey through this poignant summer from long ago.
June 5, 2022
Mandy Haynes' Oliver takes us back in time to a warm summer place where a boy and girl can ride their bikes all over town, observing, exploring, and enjoying each other’s company without adult interference. But it’s more than that. It’s about the magic that percolates in a child’s heart. It’s about fierce loyalty and sibling love and the way the moonlight unites us all. Oliver does not take long to read. But in that short space you will be transported to a very special world. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2022
Mandy Haynes had done it AGAIN - what a wonderful message on loving and helping others! We never know what burdens another carries - BE NICE!
Oliver and Olivia - what superb protagonists to deliver this message!
Thanks Mandy for another fine read! I highly suggest this book uplifting and delivers an important message for us all!
Oliver and Olivia - what superb protagonists to deliver this message!
Thanks Mandy for another fine read! I highly suggest this book uplifting and delivers an important message for us all!
May 17, 2022
Mandy Haynes’ writing always compels and moves me, and I blinked back tears as I turned the last page of her latest, Oliver. The characters are a gift and the impact of her storytelling spreads compassion to an audience-and world-in need of many more like her. Treat yourself to Oliver-and all of Haynes’ work.
October 30, 2022
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧? 𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧?” ~ Oliver
Oliver captured my heart!
Oliver is a short novella narrated by Olivia, Oliver’s sister. These siblings remind us to see the magic and joy in the world around us, even when the world is not so kind.
I loved the small-town, southern setting back in 1972. Olivia and Oliver’s personalities are different, but watching them together was fun and heartwarming. This is a sweet story, and everyone needs to read it! The world needs more of Oliver’s kindness and magic.✨
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @mandyhaynes for a spot on tour and the gifted book.
Oliver captured my heart!
Oliver is a short novella narrated by Olivia, Oliver’s sister. These siblings remind us to see the magic and joy in the world around us, even when the world is not so kind.
I loved the small-town, southern setting back in 1972. Olivia and Oliver’s personalities are different, but watching them together was fun and heartwarming. This is a sweet story, and everyone needs to read it! The world needs more of Oliver’s kindness and magic.✨
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @mandyhaynes for a spot on tour and the gifted book.
April 24, 2024
Sweet coming-of-age novel with Southern Charm.
April 27, 2022
Charming, Loving, and Magical.
July 12, 2022
Mandy Haynes has written a gem of a novella, OLIVER. Give yourself a treat and read it. She is a master at brevity and an even greater master at voice.
This story, from a younger sister's (Olivia) straightforward point of view, yields its silver lining once you begin to unravel it. I especially loved the quotes that prefaced each chapter, and the reader's guide. Both make this novella perfect for schools and libraries to order. It deals with tough topics like death and loneliness, but never with an adult’s heavy hand. Instead, with a child’s heart. Yet don't think the message is just for kids; though they know that kindness counts and that miracles happen. This is for the rest of us, too, the jaded and the ones who've stopped believing, people like the final character in the book, who can't deal with their pain without help and can't believe without two small miracle workers to "shine the light that shines on all of us," no matter what, who, or where we happen to be.
It takes a boy who cares about people even when they aren't kind to him...and considering Oliver is a boy with special needs, that is sadly too often...to shine that light. OLIVER will take you back to a place and time of neighbors helping neighbors and how to find happiness in small moments. And it’ll teach you how to get that moment back.
This story, from a younger sister's (Olivia) straightforward point of view, yields its silver lining once you begin to unravel it. I especially loved the quotes that prefaced each chapter, and the reader's guide. Both make this novella perfect for schools and libraries to order. It deals with tough topics like death and loneliness, but never with an adult’s heavy hand. Instead, with a child’s heart. Yet don't think the message is just for kids; though they know that kindness counts and that miracles happen. This is for the rest of us, too, the jaded and the ones who've stopped believing, people like the final character in the book, who can't deal with their pain without help and can't believe without two small miracle workers to "shine the light that shines on all of us," no matter what, who, or where we happen to be.
It takes a boy who cares about people even when they aren't kind to him...and considering Oliver is a boy with special needs, that is sadly too often...to shine that light. OLIVER will take you back to a place and time of neighbors helping neighbors and how to find happiness in small moments. And it’ll teach you how to get that moment back.
September 22, 2022
OLIVER: A Novella by Mandy Haynes
Ms. Haynes has created a memorable journey back to a time and place in the early seventies when childhood was filled with magic and dreams, bike rides and ice cream, as well as the undeniable bond of family and friendship. All of this, and more, has been woven together in a most moving, uplifting, and inspiring tale
which has touched my heart to its core.
Oliver and Olivia (Sissy), two young souls coming of age in the deep South~ siblings with a special connection, allow you to fall in love with their adventures, their story.
Sweet and innocent, yet spunky, these two are determined to make their world a better place in fighting off bullies and giving true love a wee push in the right direction, all in the name of hope and happiness.
It is no secret that Author, Mandy Haynes' previous stories have given us a feeling of warmth and wonder, through her compassion and loyalty to her characters~ and in OLIVER she has
created another heartfelt journey, filled with that same compassion, charm, loyalty and kindness, that is sure to make this one of your favorites... like it is mine.
5 Stars
#Oliver
#MandyHaynes
#ThreeDogsWritePress
Wild Sage Book Blog
Ms. Haynes has created a memorable journey back to a time and place in the early seventies when childhood was filled with magic and dreams, bike rides and ice cream, as well as the undeniable bond of family and friendship. All of this, and more, has been woven together in a most moving, uplifting, and inspiring tale
which has touched my heart to its core.
Oliver and Olivia (Sissy), two young souls coming of age in the deep South~ siblings with a special connection, allow you to fall in love with their adventures, their story.
Sweet and innocent, yet spunky, these two are determined to make their world a better place in fighting off bullies and giving true love a wee push in the right direction, all in the name of hope and happiness.
It is no secret that Author, Mandy Haynes' previous stories have given us a feeling of warmth and wonder, through her compassion and loyalty to her characters~ and in OLIVER she has
created another heartfelt journey, filled with that same compassion, charm, loyalty and kindness, that is sure to make this one of your favorites... like it is mine.
5 Stars
#Oliver
#MandyHaynes
#ThreeDogsWritePress
Wild Sage Book Blog
September 15, 2022
Read this if you enjoy
📖 novellas
🤝🏻 random acts of kindness
👧🏻 feisty protagonists
🍦root beer floats
•What it’s about
Oliver is a short story told from the viewpoint of 11 year old Olivia. One summer in 1972, she and her brother, Oliver, decide to change some lives for the better. With nothing better to do, Oliver and her start looking for people to pair together, then do acts of service in their names, making the town friendlier one job at a time! In the end though, Olivia learns just how special Oliver really is when he accomplishes something no one imagined possible.
•My thoughts
This was a quick read with a lot of sweetness spread throughout! Without the author telling us, it can be assumed that Oliver may have some form of autism. He’s regarding as the town idiot because he wasn’t allowed to graduate from high school. But Olivia knows that Oliver is smart and kind, and he shows us that in every act of kindness he displays during their summer break. I absolutely loved the ending. It was unexpected and hopeful, and definitely the best random act of kindness they did that summer.
📖 novellas
🤝🏻 random acts of kindness
👧🏻 feisty protagonists
🍦root beer floats
•What it’s about
Oliver is a short story told from the viewpoint of 11 year old Olivia. One summer in 1972, she and her brother, Oliver, decide to change some lives for the better. With nothing better to do, Oliver and her start looking for people to pair together, then do acts of service in their names, making the town friendlier one job at a time! In the end though, Olivia learns just how special Oliver really is when he accomplishes something no one imagined possible.
•My thoughts
This was a quick read with a lot of sweetness spread throughout! Without the author telling us, it can be assumed that Oliver may have some form of autism. He’s regarding as the town idiot because he wasn’t allowed to graduate from high school. But Olivia knows that Oliver is smart and kind, and he shows us that in every act of kindness he displays during their summer break. I absolutely loved the ending. It was unexpected and hopeful, and definitely the best random act of kindness they did that summer.
June 9, 2023
Oliver by Mandy Haynes is a marvel, quietly drawn and elegantly refined in its restraint. You instantly delve into the psyches of the twelve-year-old narrator, Olivia, and her older brother, Oliver. With Haynes’s gift for dialogue and understanding of voice, her young characters are credible and vibrant.
Scrappy, mischievous, brave, and funny, Olivia is fiercely and unabashedly protective of her brother. And Oliver, despite being discounted by almost everyone except his parents and sister, is wise and true, loyal and compassionate. Oliver, unaware of his fundamental goodness, brings out the “better angels” in others.
When Oliver follows his instincts and Olivia follows his example, sometimes in spite of herself, their acts of kindness begin to change the community. This winsome duo will have you cheering loudly for them and for Haynes, who could single-handedly bring back the novella as a literary form. Cheers for Mandy Haynes!
Scrappy, mischievous, brave, and funny, Olivia is fiercely and unabashedly protective of her brother. And Oliver, despite being discounted by almost everyone except his parents and sister, is wise and true, loyal and compassionate. Oliver, unaware of his fundamental goodness, brings out the “better angels” in others.
When Oliver follows his instincts and Olivia follows his example, sometimes in spite of herself, their acts of kindness begin to change the community. This winsome duo will have you cheering loudly for them and for Haynes, who could single-handedly bring back the novella as a literary form. Cheers for Mandy Haynes!
May 4, 2022
There’s so much to love about the young siblings in this charming novella. Olivia is spunky, opinionated, and fiercely devoted to her older brother, Oliver, who is pure innocence and empathy—the epitome of a compassionate soul. Ironically, while misunderstood by many in the community who see him as having special needs, what’s truly “special” about Oliver is his gift for noticing small, but important things and acting on the “needs” of others. He gives them “. . . a little push to notice each other. . . To be a little nicer to each other.” What the world certainly needs now! A genuinely enjoyable read, written by the queen of character development, Mandy Haynes.
August 15, 2022
Olivia and Oliver are siblings that have am undeniable bond. Olivia is sassy, but so devoted to her older brother. Oliver is a misunderstood, innocent boy who many define as 'special needs'. Oliver is special indeed, he sees the little things that most people don't notice and pushes people to notice them too and to be kinder.
This is a wonderful read for all ages. My 12 year old granddaughter was at my house when it was delivered and she read it before me. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more! If you're looking for a quick read that will pull at your heartstrings, look no further!
This is a wonderful read for all ages. My 12 year old granddaughter was at my house when it was delivered and she read it before me. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more! If you're looking for a quick read that will pull at your heartstrings, look no further!
October 2, 2022
A southern fiction novella about siblings Oliver and Olivia who are close and delivers the message of kindness and hope. The importance of being kind to others even when they may not be kind to you. A coming of age set in the south that will definitely pull your heartstrings, make you remember the magic of summer and shed a tear. This was poetic and wonderful told. Another great read from an author that always moves me deeply with her stories.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
May 12, 2022
Brilliant storyteller Mandy Haynes has done it again! In this charming novella, Oliver and his little sister Olivia learn the joys and pitfalls of doing "small things with great love" for neighbors in their small Southern town. Full of adventure, mishaps, and magic, Oliver transports us back to a gentler time. Haynes' gift for dialogue draws us in and leaves us laughing, crying, and wanting more. A delightful and moving read. Highly recommend!
July 23, 2022
Oh my goodness! I fell in love with Olivia and Oliver. They were a pair. So fun to read about their adventures. I love how they are supportive of each other. I love how Olivia is a little spit fire and Oliver is more sweet. I couldn’t put it down. I cried and laughed. So good.
I love how Mandy makes the story so relatable and you can definitely see these same people in your life. She is a master storyteller. Her stories come from life experiences and that makes them all the more special.
I love how Mandy makes the story so relatable and you can definitely see these same people in your life. She is a master storyteller. Her stories come from life experiences and that makes them all the more special.
October 16, 2022
Oliver by Mandy Haynes is a sweet novella about two siblings trying to make a difference in their small world set in the 1970's.
Oliver is told from the perspective of Olivia, who is 11. Her brother is Oliver, and they are interested in doing random acts of service.
This is a quick short story about siblings and overcoming challenges and making the world a better place.
This book was so sweet, and the ending was unexpected.
Check out this book and see for yourself.
Oliver is told from the perspective of Olivia, who is 11. Her brother is Oliver, and they are interested in doing random acts of service.
This is a quick short story about siblings and overcoming challenges and making the world a better place.
This book was so sweet, and the ending was unexpected.
Check out this book and see for yourself.
October 21, 2022
This is such a feel good novella that is perfect to read for a quick pick me up if you are feeling down.
Set in a small southern town in 1972, two siblings, Olivia and Oliver, sneak out a night to do acts of kindness.
The story is narrated by Olivia as she sings the praises of her older brother who town folks think of as having special needs.
Between their strong sibling bond, the fun southern dialogue, and Oliver’s big as the moon heart this book will keep you smiling for days.
Set in a small southern town in 1972, two siblings, Olivia and Oliver, sneak out a night to do acts of kindness.
The story is narrated by Olivia as she sings the praises of her older brother who town folks think of as having special needs.
Between their strong sibling bond, the fun southern dialogue, and Oliver’s big as the moon heart this book will keep you smiling for days.
October 26, 2022
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a novella and I am so glad that I read this one. Oliver's kind heart and his intuition are exceptional and this special character will stay with me for quite some time. I loved the bond he had with his sister. Their interactions made me laugh out loud while also tugging at my heartstrings. If the world had more "Olivers" it would definitely be a better place. Give yourself the gift of reading this lovely novella. You will be so glad you did.
October 31, 2022
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭!
A little story with a huge message. I loved this short story. Impossible not to fall in love with Oliver and Olivia. A beautiful and heartfelt story about family, childhood, innocence, kindness and magic that will capture your heart.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours l for this tour invite.
𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 by Mandy Haynes released April 12, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
A little story with a huge message. I loved this short story. Impossible not to fall in love with Oliver and Olivia. A beautiful and heartfelt story about family, childhood, innocence, kindness and magic that will capture your heart.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours l for this tour invite.
𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 by Mandy Haynes released April 12, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
May 22, 2022
A poignant story of goodness and hopefulness as told by a child in a small Southern town in 1972. The story builds on small acts of kindness by a loving brother and his 11 year old sister to a big win that saves a man's life. Well crafted with an engaging voice like that of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.
September 21, 2022
Mandy Haynes captures the voice and personality of the children in this book with effortless style. I fell in love with both characters, Olivia and Oliver. Their personalities reminded me of a movie made in the 90s about the 70s. I got a sense of nostalgia, heartbreak and triumph. Such a good book!
Thanks so much to Suzy Approved Book Tours for including me on this tour!
Thanks so much to Suzy Approved Book Tours for including me on this tour!
October 5, 2022
his Southern Fiction Novella follows siblings Olivia and Oliver during the Summer of 1972. Olivia and Oliver have a special sibling bond. They ride bikes to the movies and the drug store where the get their favorite root beer floats. I enjoyed following their adventures and kindness in helping others. This story brought joy to my heart and a smile on my face.
May 1, 2022
I'm a fan of 70s fiction, especially those set-in small-town America. Mandy Haynes' Oliver is all heart, and all that I love in fiction. I adored Oliver and Olivia and their adventures of kindness. A must read for our complicated times!
October 3, 2022
Oliver was such a wonderful Novella!!! It made me laugh, cry, and wanting more. The bond between brother (Oliver) and sister ( Olivia) is a very special gift they share that touched me deeply in many ways. It’s definitely one of my best books I’ve read so far this year!
October 5, 2022
A wonderful little story with a lot of magic. I truly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews