Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – #Shortstories Hugh W. Roberts, #Crimestories Jane Risdon, #Historystories Lisette Brodey

Welcome to the Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair with a selection of books from personally recommended authors on my bookshelf I believe will make wonderful gifts for friends, family and for you.

The first book today is Glimpses.. the first short story collection of two that I can recommend as the perfect gift  by Hugh W. Roberts.

About the book

After publishing some of his short stories on his blog, Hugh W. Roberts, who suffers from dyslexia, received numerous requests to publish his short stories in a book. Here, at last, are 28 short stories that will take your mind on a rollercoaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.

‘Glimpses’ allows the reader a peek into the lives of everyday people who are about to have life lead them on an unpredicted path. From a mysterious deadly iPad app, to a hole in the fence that is not all it seems, to a strange lipstick that appears to have a life of its own, you will encounter terror, laughter, sadness, shock and many other emotions on journeys which promise a thrilling and gripping climax.

If you are a lover of shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected’, then you’re in for a real treat with this first collection of short stories from Hugh. Here’s what one reader has already said about the book. “If you’re looking for a thoroughly entertaining read, Glimpses is the book for you. Each story has been cleverly crafted; through Hugh’s wonderful imagination, he has the ability to whisk you away to many different worlds, past, present and future.

One of the reviews for the collection

Wilma Lettings 5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs up

A truly wonderful selection of short stories, an odd and eclectic range of topics and styles, but all of high quality writing and editing. The author mentions several times how he suffers from dyslexia and I would never have known.

Besides that issue, the stories take you away into different lives, from a ghost encounter, to complex marital issues (which seem to span a few stories, so interconnectivity adds to the interest) to the central and longest story “The Truth App.”, a personal favourtie of mine, along with the wedding stories.

Glimpses is an apt title, for these stories are not just glimpses into the characters but also into the mind of the author. Despite the change of genres and locations, there seems an underlying warmth and poetic perception of the world, sometimes more worldly than at other times, but always reflective and thoughtful. I’m not a big fan of short stories and prefer to get into lengtier literature so I can really get into the characters. Glimpses achieved in many a short story an engagement and connection between me and the characters that novels didn’t achieve.

Quite an achievement and a very enjoyable and touching selection. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Hugh W. Roberts

Find out more about Hugh Roberts and buy his books: Amazon UK – And on: Amazon US – Follow :Hugh Roberts Goodreads – Blog – Hugh’s Views and News – Twitter: @HughRoberts05

The next author today is Jane Risdon with her short story collection Undercover Crime Shorts that makes for an interesting read and I enjoyed very much.

About the collection

Under one cover for the first time a collection of Crime Shorts from Jane Risdon featuring previously unpublished stories which will have you on the edge of your seat. There is an extract from Jane’s forthcoming novel (series) Ms Birdsong Investigates Murder at Ampney Parva: Operation Matryoshka – with the title of Undercover – for those who’ve been awaiting this series about a former MI5 Intelligence Office, Lavinia Birdsong. There’s something for everyone who enjoys a good yarn and more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction.

One of the reviews for Undercover Crime Shorts

R. K. Wigal 5.0 out of 5 stars Spell binding crime shorts by a phenominal author

I love the stories in this book. Each one is a maze-like roadmap of intrigues, laden with twists, turns, and a surprise or two, that grabbed my attention right off the bat and didn’t let go. More than one had me glued to my seat in suspense. I could not divert my focus from the book until I finished reading it. The last piece, “Undercover,” is an extract from the author’s next novel which I cannot wait to read. As an author, Jane Risdon is a natural. She pens her stories in such a manner that you can see her characters up close in their surroundings, and you can follow the action as it takes place. Her writing style is most unusual in that she can write from the standpoint of an American, from that of one who is British, or from that of anyone of any nationality she chooses. I strongly recommend the book, “Undercover: Crime Shorts,” and I have the highest praise for its author, Jane Risdon. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Jane Risdon

Discover more about Jane Risdon and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US– Blog:Jane Risdon WordPress – Goodreads:Jane Risdon Goodread – Twitter: @Jane_Risdon – Facebook: Jane Risdon – Bookbub: Jane Risdon – WNB Network: Channel 6

The final book today is by Lisette Brodey…the mysterious and enticing The Waiting House: A Novel in Stories.

About the Book

From the author of Hotel Obscure …

Once an opulent hotel for lovers of the Hollywood lifestyle, today the imposing building survives, somewhere, as an apartment house for those who wait. Not all know what they’re waiting for, but the residents live in flawed concert with those of undetermined existence, among relics of the past, as they wait for answers, for lost loved ones, and for purpose.

While the stories feature different characters, many of whom are recurring, each tale couples with its own unique reality … and is narrated by Conrad, the “grand master.” There is an overall story arc: part literary fiction, part Twilight Zone … both with a healthy dose of dark humor.

If you step inside, you’ll meet Ava Elisabeth, now in her 80s. After 40 years in Paris, she has returned. But why? Darah, the owner, is tormented by the sudden reappearance of her estranged mother, Millicent.

Kenny finds a way to overcome the despair of his missing wife. Fiona lives in the shadow of her once-famous, movie-star mother. Former Santa, Alejandro, punishes himself with solitude and sadness. A disturbed woman, Carolyn, waits for her TV prince to come. And Lee is tortured by random people who slide down walls near his fourth-floor apartment. Under the same roof, each soul has a different story … but all live in The Waiting House.

One of the reviews for the book

Daisy 5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary In Every Way

Sometimes you just know by the title that a book is going to be extraordinary. The Waiting House didn’t disappoint. The eclectic setting of a renovated vintage grand hotel into an apartment building serves as the perfect backdrop. Each story is cleverly introduced by the characters in residence. And best of all, the author lets us inhabit their colorful world of past, present, and future.

The author delivers the unexpected from the first page. After reading a few exquisitely written chapters, you realize something. This book is different in every way. Every fantastic way you’d want a story to be different. Yet, the tapestry woven has you wanting to meet these residents with their quirks, scars, and flaws because they’ve been made honest and compelling.

The author writes at an altitude that many great classic writers did. Expect to want to read every book penned by the talented author. 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of books by Lisette Brodey

Discover more about Lisette Brodey and buy her books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Lisette: Goodreads – Website/blog: Lisette Brodey – Twitter: @LisetteBrodey – Facebook: Lisette.Brodey

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you are leaving with some books.. Sally