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Shell House
A compelling new beach read from the authors of Mindful Writers Retreat. From new love to old love... even the love of a house plays host to generations of special events at Shell House. Beautifully situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Silver Lake, this magnificent home is the perfect setting for inner transformation and life-changing beach memories. From the Roaring '20s to modern times, the shifting sands lend a glorious backdrop to intrigue, bootlegging, a séance, an alien visit, and true love as precious as hidden treasure. Contributors Lorraine Donohue Bonzelet, Gloria Bostic, Deborah Hetrick Catanese, Jennifer D. Diamond, Judy England-McCarthy, Phil Giunta, Kimberly Kurth Gray, Hilary Hauck, Larry Ivkovich, Stephanie Keyes, S. M. Kraftchak, Cindy Moldovan, Amy Morley, Michael Morley, James Robinson, Jr., Larry Schardt, Carol Schoenig, Kathleen Shoop, Demi Stevens, Lisa Valli, Madhu Bazaz Wangu, Denise Weaver, and Michele Zirkle. Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute of Delaware (MERRinstitute.org)
332 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 8, 2022
Shell House is a beautiful anthology collection of stories and poems by various authors centred around a particular theme of a shell house and place.
This read gives off a real summer vibe, which is perfect in time for the holiday season. I loved the differing viewpoints each writer has around the theme of the Shell House and the unique and captivating stories each of them tell. There’s stories of love, memories and you are transported to differing times to share in many precious and exciting moments.
If you have a busy schedule this book is great as you can read a short story or poem as and when, and still feel like you are immersed. The writing is entertaining and I love books like this where you can be introduced to new authors and reacquainted with others.
A really entertaining read and makes me think about what stories and memories the house i live in could tell. Perfect for all readers who want escapism, a lighthearted read and enjoy stories around love and friendship.
This book felt like a real passion project for the writers, and it really shone through.
This read gives off a real summer vibe, which is perfect in time for the holiday season. I loved the differing viewpoints each writer has around the theme of the Shell House and the unique and captivating stories each of them tell. There’s stories of love, memories and you are transported to differing times to share in many precious and exciting moments.
If you have a busy schedule this book is great as you can read a short story or poem as and when, and still feel like you are immersed. The writing is entertaining and I love books like this where you can be introduced to new authors and reacquainted with others.
A really entertaining read and makes me think about what stories and memories the house i live in could tell. Perfect for all readers who want escapism, a lighthearted read and enjoy stories around love and friendship.
This book felt like a real passion project for the writers, and it really shone through.
August 3, 2022
Shell House is the fourth installment read of the Mindful Retreat Series, and I must say I am just in love with these collections. If you have not read my previous reviews and or not heard of the Mindful Retreat series, each book is a collection of short stories, poems, essays and more written by different authors. Each book centers around a chosen theme, in previous books it was holidays, and Shell House is a beach theme, centered around a house “Shell House”.
The great thing about this collection is since it’s all based around a particular place and house, each author picked a different time to create their story to tell. Some may be placed in 1920’s while others in the most recent times, making it even more fun to read. It’s almost as if we’re reading the life and history of the house itself, what it has actaully stood through over the course of it’s life. We often hear about family generations growing up on the same land and or house, and through the course of their years the small changes they make along the way, whether it be a crack in the wall, or new paint, or a tree out front, the story of it is passed along the way through the years.
That’s kind of what Shell house is, only not the same generations. It’s just really interesting to read how through different minds, the same house can hold a brand new story and life, yet it’s structure, the same. There are wonderful memories throughout Shell House and it’s all thanks to the authors of Mindful Retreat. I truly enjoyed reading each story and will enjoy them many more times!
From new love, to old love, friendships and special events, you get to enjoy reading about a house that has stood strong through not just the years, but through some science-fiction, fantasy, bootlegging even and architectural conservation. This book is filled with hopes, dreams, mystery and above all, Love.
I highly recommend Shell House to anyone who enjoys short love stories!
The great thing about this collection is since it’s all based around a particular place and house, each author picked a different time to create their story to tell. Some may be placed in 1920’s while others in the most recent times, making it even more fun to read. It’s almost as if we’re reading the life and history of the house itself, what it has actaully stood through over the course of it’s life. We often hear about family generations growing up on the same land and or house, and through the course of their years the small changes they make along the way, whether it be a crack in the wall, or new paint, or a tree out front, the story of it is passed along the way through the years.
That’s kind of what Shell house is, only not the same generations. It’s just really interesting to read how through different minds, the same house can hold a brand new story and life, yet it’s structure, the same. There are wonderful memories throughout Shell House and it’s all thanks to the authors of Mindful Retreat. I truly enjoyed reading each story and will enjoy them many more times!
From new love, to old love, friendships and special events, you get to enjoy reading about a house that has stood strong through not just the years, but through some science-fiction, fantasy, bootlegging even and architectural conservation. This book is filled with hopes, dreams, mystery and above all, Love.
I highly recommend Shell House to anyone who enjoys short love stories!
August 5, 2022
I am always in awe of the Mindful Writers Retreat Authors books. The collections of short stories are a fulfilling treat that leaves you in a state of reading bliss. Each time a new collection is released, I claim it as my "new favorite". That tradition continues because this book is excellent with its vast story topics.
There are two other outstanding things about these books besides the amazing stories. The first one is that if you don't have a lot of time, each story is quick enough to help you escape for a few moments. Then you can put it down and pick up another time for another quick read. The second is that each book always has the proceeds donated to a very worthy cause. With each book, I have fallen in love with new authors and found a deeper love for those I've read for years.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
There are two other outstanding things about these books besides the amazing stories. The first one is that if you don't have a lot of time, each story is quick enough to help you escape for a few moments. Then you can put it down and pick up another time for another quick read. The second is that each book always has the proceeds donated to a very worthy cause. With each book, I have fallen in love with new authors and found a deeper love for those I've read for years.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
August 11, 2022
What an amazing menagerie of short stories that pull you in and create a vivid world of amazing people all intertwined by one magical and timeless home that transcends human existence. The stories seem to randomly follow one another, however as you read further you pull each storyline together to help delve deeper into the historic background and existence of the Shell House. You can’t help but become so involved with each character. They are all so relatable.
The stories of family, intrigue, love, and heartache makes this collection a perfect summertime read. The backdrop of what is described to be a wonderful sea town has been a big part of making the stories interesting and beautiful. The Shell House stories unfold one after another engulfing you into all the secrets and experiences that occurred in the rooms of this mansion.
The stories of family, intrigue, love, and heartache makes this collection a perfect summertime read. The backdrop of what is described to be a wonderful sea town has been a big part of making the stories interesting and beautiful. The Shell House stories unfold one after another engulfing you into all the secrets and experiences that occurred in the rooms of this mansion.
August 2, 2022
What a wonderful compilation of stories from various authors all with a thread to Shell House! Although I rarely read all the stories in a compilation--I did this time. Kathleen Shoop, one of my favorite authors, actually has two in this group. I really enjoyed every single one of them. All the authors did a marvelous job.
Each of the stories is short enough that you will be able to read one in full--then if you have no more time--you can pick it up another day and read another one!
I also love that whenever these Mindfull Writers get together--they choose a charity for the proceeds. You can read about the one for this book down below. You can also read excerpts from three of the stories below!
Each of the stories is short enough that you will be able to read one in full--then if you have no more time--you can pick it up another day and read another one!
I also love that whenever these Mindfull Writers get together--they choose a charity for the proceeds. You can read about the one for this book down below. You can also read excerpts from three of the stories below!
August 4, 2022
This is such a fabulously different summer read! This book is a collection of short stories, poems and writings, all centering around the same amazing house, but through a long span of time. Because we get to watch the house age and change over time, it actually becomes one of the characters in the story.
I love the Mindful Writers Retreat series, and I adore how the theme of each book is different, yet they still invoke a lot of the same feelings. This book is outstanding and is chock full of wonderful stories.
I love the Mindful Writers Retreat series, and I adore how the theme of each book is different, yet they still invoke a lot of the same feelings. This book is outstanding and is chock full of wonderful stories.
August 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoy reading these books, each release is set upon a general theme and the incredible authors from the Mindful Writers Retreat conjure up their own imaginative pieces related to that topic which brings all the stories together. It always amazes me how the authors write such varied, and interesting tales within one theme, and I think that's what makes it so exciting for me to read, looking forward to the next story to enjoy.
Obviously, two of my all-time favorite authors are included in the Mindful Writing Retreat series, Kathleen Shoop, and Madhu Bazaz Wangu, so this is already a winner for me, having said I have been introduced to so many more incredible authors because of this series, and I am so grateful for that.
This latest release is summery beach themed incorporating the Shell House of Rehoboth Beach, with it's history along with each authors different avenue of imagination, I found myself visiting different era's, along with some colorful characters to enjoy reading about. Some of the stories will captivate you, others are more intriguing and thought-provoking, and some are inspiring such as Stephanie Keyes Wren and Sea Captain, just the first one to come to mind!
Another great read, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. The great thing with these books is that you can read them as many times as you like and always enjoy them again, and again.
Obviously, two of my all-time favorite authors are included in the Mindful Writing Retreat series, Kathleen Shoop, and Madhu Bazaz Wangu, so this is already a winner for me, having said I have been introduced to so many more incredible authors because of this series, and I am so grateful for that.
This latest release is summery beach themed incorporating the Shell House of Rehoboth Beach, with it's history along with each authors different avenue of imagination, I found myself visiting different era's, along with some colorful characters to enjoy reading about. Some of the stories will captivate you, others are more intriguing and thought-provoking, and some are inspiring such as Stephanie Keyes Wren and Sea Captain, just the first one to come to mind!
Another great read, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. The great thing with these books is that you can read them as many times as you like and always enjoy them again, and again.
August 9, 2022
Shell House is the newest collection from the Mindful Writers Retreat, and like the others I really enjoyed delving into each authors take on the theme - this time being Shell House, Beautifully situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Silver Lake, it is the perfect setting for stories ranging from the 20's to the present with stories of bootlegging, aliens and of course true love woven in between.
What I love most is each authors take on the theme, there were some truly great short stories in here and quite a few supernatural ones that I just loved! Wren and the Sea Captain, Lifting Fog and A Sunday Séance at the Sea were my favourites though they were all good in their own right. This collection allows the reader to dip in a out and chose stories at random that take your fancy or you can read from the get go.
4 stars
What I love most is each authors take on the theme, there were some truly great short stories in here and quite a few supernatural ones that I just loved! Wren and the Sea Captain, Lifting Fog and A Sunday Séance at the Sea were my favourites though they were all good in their own right. This collection allows the reader to dip in a out and chose stories at random that take your fancy or you can read from the get go.
4 stars
August 12, 2022
In this fourth installment of the Mindful Writers Retreat Anthology Series you will find a beautiful collection of short stories that circle around the city of Rehoboth and its famous Shell House. The authors include a bit of the history of Rehoboth and share experiences of different types of love. Stories that feature bootlegging, fantasy, science-fiction, architectural conservation, and many more to explore the ways people love. I really enjoyed these stories and the couple of recipes included! A perfect beach theme and read!
July 19, 2023
This perfect beach read is an anthology filled with short stories that you can read in an afternoon by the sea. It was fun to read about various people who may have lived in the Shell House and their adventures over the years.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews