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Learning Curves #1-2
The Learning Curves Omnibus
This omnibus contains all of the original published stories in the Learning Curves series. It also includes a few previously unpublished Learning Curves short stories!
Learning Curves Elena Mendez has always been career-first; with only two semesters of law school to go, her dream of working as a family lawyer for children is finally within reach. She can't afford distractions. She doesn't have time for love.
And she has no idea how much her life will change, the day she lends her notes to Cora McLaughlin.
A freelance writer and MBA student, Cora is just as career-driven as Elena. But over weeks in the library together, they discover that as strong as they are apart, they're stronger together. Through snowstorms and stolen moments, through loneliness and companionship, the two learn they can weather anything as long as they have each other--even a surprise visit from Elena's family.
From solitude to sweetness, there's nothing like falling in love. College may be strict...but when it comes to love, Cora and Elena are ahead of the learning curve.
Wrapped Up In You It's been two years since Cora and Elena of LEARNING CURVES discovered how easy it is to learn to love--but with Christmas just around the bend, they're going to have to learn to cope when both their families descend on their household for the first time ever. With her brothers and parents underfoot and a million dishes to cook, it's hard enough for Elena to plan her double surprise for Elena, even harder when she has to corral her wayward brothers into it--but when Cora's own surprise plans tangle with Elena's, it may be impossible to tie up the holiday in a neat little bow.
There's mayhem and laughter, warmth and unexpected turns--and even if it all doesn't go according to plan, neither Cora nor Elena care so long as they can stay wrapped up in each other.
The Ghosts of Halloween Halloween is a holiday that is both loved and reviled by people all over America. It's one of Cora's favorite holidays, and a massive source of anxiety for Elena. Between the two of them, they get up to all sorts of hijinks and wind up falling even more head over heels for each other in The Ghosts of Halloween.
The Ghosts of Halloween collection is made up of three sweet slice-of-life short Past, Present and Future. Each tells the story of a different Halloween that Cora and Elena have gone or will go through together.
Cora forgets about a planned Halloween party she's supposed to attend with Elena. Will she make it in time for the festivities?
Elena gets a surprise invitation to her new job's Halloween party - and costumes are mandatory. Will they come up with appropriate costumes in time for the party?
Five years after the events of Learning Curves, Elena takes her niblings trick-or-treating. The last house they visit has a bit of a surprise in store.
Learning Curves Elena Mendez has always been career-first; with only two semesters of law school to go, her dream of working as a family lawyer for children is finally within reach. She can't afford distractions. She doesn't have time for love.
And she has no idea how much her life will change, the day she lends her notes to Cora McLaughlin.
A freelance writer and MBA student, Cora is just as career-driven as Elena. But over weeks in the library together, they discover that as strong as they are apart, they're stronger together. Through snowstorms and stolen moments, through loneliness and companionship, the two learn they can weather anything as long as they have each other--even a surprise visit from Elena's family.
From solitude to sweetness, there's nothing like falling in love. College may be strict...but when it comes to love, Cora and Elena are ahead of the learning curve.
Wrapped Up In You It's been two years since Cora and Elena of LEARNING CURVES discovered how easy it is to learn to love--but with Christmas just around the bend, they're going to have to learn to cope when both their families descend on their household for the first time ever. With her brothers and parents underfoot and a million dishes to cook, it's hard enough for Elena to plan her double surprise for Elena, even harder when she has to corral her wayward brothers into it--but when Cora's own surprise plans tangle with Elena's, it may be impossible to tie up the holiday in a neat little bow.
There's mayhem and laughter, warmth and unexpected turns--and even if it all doesn't go according to plan, neither Cora nor Elena care so long as they can stay wrapped up in each other.
The Ghosts of Halloween Halloween is a holiday that is both loved and reviled by people all over America. It's one of Cora's favorite holidays, and a massive source of anxiety for Elena. Between the two of them, they get up to all sorts of hijinks and wind up falling even more head over heels for each other in The Ghosts of Halloween.
The Ghosts of Halloween collection is made up of three sweet slice-of-life short Past, Present and Future. Each tells the story of a different Halloween that Cora and Elena have gone or will go through together.
Cora forgets about a planned Halloween party she's supposed to attend with Elena. Will she make it in time for the festivities?
Elena gets a surprise invitation to her new job's Halloween party - and costumes are mandatory. Will they come up with appropriate costumes in time for the party?
Five years after the events of Learning Curves, Elena takes her niblings trick-or-treating. The last house they visit has a bit of a surprise in store.
204 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2021
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Ceillie Simkiss
8 books89 followers**PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT ACCEPT FRIEND REQUESTS ON THIS ACCOUNT. IF YOU WISH TO KEEP UP WITH MY REVIEWS, PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER**
Ceillie Simkiss is an author from southern Virginia. She started writing fiction as an escape from her day job as a small town journalist, and has been at it ever since, with the support of her partner, her dog and her cats.
Ceillie Simkiss is an author from southern Virginia. She started writing fiction as an escape from her day job as a small town journalist, and has been at it ever since, with the support of her partner, her dog and her cats.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 15, 2021
This is a collection of stories about two young women who meet in college while taking the same class. This was my second time reading at least two of these and the stories retained their warmth and humor. The women are almost opposites, with some significant differences, but develop a friendship that becomes more. I liked both women together and singly. If you’re looking for a book that has characters who are not models or wealthy or the other usual stereotypes, look no further. Cora is small and anxious but willing to move forward. Elena is large and loves to cook and eat. I think Elena has more self-confidence; I know she has a large, loving family. This collection tracks their romance from meeting to planning their lives several years later. There are many charming moments between the two of them as well as with their families. Some of the family scenes were really amusing, but the love is what really stands out for me.
I received an ARC for review.
I received an ARC for review.
August 16, 2021
My first read of the author's work.
In Learning Curves we're introduced to the main characters Elena and Cora. Both are career focused and attending the same college. The winds of fate blow and a friendship begins, growing stronger over time to love. Coverage of various aspects of ethnicity, diversity and physical challenges and characteristics was interlaced with romance, humor, yummy food, drink and love of family.
Wrapped Up in You concentrated on the duo, love cemented, hosting Christmas festivities. So much to do and deal with both families. How will everything go. A dog, "planned" surprises will it all go smoothly? More food, humor, love and all things good feature in this one.
Ghosts of Halloween -Quickies that showed Halloween doesn't delight everyone. There's angst, humor and most of all, Elena working through her anxieties. All is good at the end.
In totality, these stories are sweet romances with rambunctious family (or not) with the inevitable HEA. Best read in sequence to thoroughly enjoy the love, family and how the two grow and mesh together. A book cover that nicely fits the narrative.
I rec'd a copy from the author and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
In Learning Curves we're introduced to the main characters Elena and Cora. Both are career focused and attending the same college. The winds of fate blow and a friendship begins, growing stronger over time to love. Coverage of various aspects of ethnicity, diversity and physical challenges and characteristics was interlaced with romance, humor, yummy food, drink and love of family.
Wrapped Up in You concentrated on the duo, love cemented, hosting Christmas festivities. So much to do and deal with both families. How will everything go. A dog, "planned" surprises will it all go smoothly? More food, humor, love and all things good feature in this one.
Ghosts of Halloween -Quickies that showed Halloween doesn't delight everyone. There's angst, humor and most of all, Elena working through her anxieties. All is good at the end.
In totality, these stories are sweet romances with rambunctious family (or not) with the inevitable HEA. Best read in sequence to thoroughly enjoy the love, family and how the two grow and mesh together. A book cover that nicely fits the narrative.
I rec'd a copy from the author and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
January 21, 2023
Fascinating
Cora and Elena’s journey was filled with love and support. I especially loved the fact that Elena was overweight and that didn’t appear to be an issue for anyone. One small critique I had was that Elena’s size was mentioned quite often. I’m not sure if that was necessary. I also learned about ACE and its ramifications in a relationship. My favorite part of their entire journey was the profound love for each other and with both families. A very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and any other works by Ceillie Simkiss. Thank you Peace
Cora and Elena’s journey was filled with love and support. I especially loved the fact that Elena was overweight and that didn’t appear to be an issue for anyone. One small critique I had was that Elena’s size was mentioned quite often. I’m not sure if that was necessary. I also learned about ACE and its ramifications in a relationship. My favorite part of their entire journey was the profound love for each other and with both families. A very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and any other works by Ceillie Simkiss. Thank you Peace
August 16, 2021
This an Omnibus of short stories about Cora and Elene. You’ll go through a lifetime with them.
From the first time they met, their first kiss, trough their first everything each with their own baggage and family rituals.
I love each and every one of their family members, they are all colorful and full depth characters.
This is a great debut, I hope to read more about Ceillie’s stories in the future.
From the first time they met, their first kiss, trough their first everything each with their own baggage and family rituals.
I love each and every one of their family members, they are all colorful and full depth characters.
This is a great debut, I hope to read more about Ceillie’s stories in the future.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews