A CHRISTMAS WISH by Steven Manchester
Published by Fiction Studio Books, LLC
Publication Date: June 1, 2015
ASIN: B00Y7KNEXE
Pages: 91
Review Copy From: The Story Plant
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis: (via GR)
In this heartwarming holiday story, Steven Manchester, author of the #1 Kindle bestseller TWELVE MONTHS, takes us into the world of three of his characters from his novel GOODNIGHT, BRIAN (January 2013). Steph is on a search for truth in her heart as she faces the prospect of real love for the first time. Brian is out to enjoy his favorite season in a way that doctors never thought he could. And at the center of it all is their grandmother, affectionately known as Mama, a woman of remarkable commitment and charity who knows something very important about making Christmas wishes come true.
This brief, beautiful tale captures the promise of the holidays and the longing we all have for the magic of the season.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
Wanting to read a couple of Christmas stories this week, who better to read than one of my favorite authors, Steven Manchester. This is the Prequel to GOOD NIGHT, BRIAN, which I read in 2013.
Mr. Manchester, in 91 pages, warms the reader’s heart with the wise wisdom of MaMa, Angela DiMartino, the Italian matriarch. Mama is sensing that something is bothering her granddaughter during this holiday season. And with her infinite experience, knowledge and unconditional love teaches Stephanie the greatest gift of all.
Steve Manchester delivers another emotional read that will leave the reader thankful for Mama and her insight. I felt like I was going home, to have the chance, to see my own grandmother again.
Beautifully written!
THE THURSDAY NIGHT CLUB by Steven Manchester
Published by Fiction Studio Books
Publication Date: June 1, 2015
ASIN: B00Y7KNNJY
Pages: 144
Review Copy From: The Story Plant
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis: (via GR)
Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
Five friends, in their senior year in college, meet every Thursday night, sitting on Izzy and Ava’s porch playing cards, talking, teasing each other and making 25¢ bets. Then a fatal accident changes them forever. Jesse was always doing good deeds but never spoke of them. So to honor their friend, they make another 25¢ bet. By Christmas, each of the remaining four needs to complete the kindest deed in Jesse’s memory.
A touching story of friendship, love and the realization that altruistic acts will affect them as much, or more than the people they help.
Heartwarming! A lesson for us all. Steve Manchester is the master at writing about emotions and feelings!
I highly recommend this novella, not only at Christmas but year round!.
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I have read the Thursday Night Club, but I haven’t read the other one!
Thanks!