The Book: The Key to Love

The Author: Meg Mims

The Story: Artist Jennette Jacobson clashes with a handsome visitor at a gallery show. He claims that artwork is just “more junk to dust.” Ouch. When she finds a small metal object on the floor, she uses it later in a new collage.

Her world soon crumbles with family problems and a friend’s betrayal. And wouldn’t you know that the same hunky guy claims he lost an important key the night of the show! When Steve Harmon offers to buy Jenn’s work, she refuses to sell. He’ll just trash it to free his precious key.

Or is it possible that key will unlock her future happiness?

Review by Tifferz: Ms. Mims creates a wonderful love story filled with emotional characters who are dealing with real life struggles. I found myself relating well with both Jennette and Steve. Jennette deals with a unexpected betrayal.

Steve is dealing with a the death of his mother.I was wooed by all the deliveries, very sweet. I thought Steve’s dad was so fun at dinner. I was left with a smile on my face but, I really want more. I think Ms. Mims should write a sequel. I want to see how things turn out.

This is a fun read that I would read again. It is clean no swearing or sex. Just kissing!

Review by Wordwonk: Mims packs every page of her story with amazingly rich, specific details about artwork, locations, fabric and even food. The Key to Love is a sensual feast, oozing with authenticity as to its setting and subject matter.

The centerpiece is a key, which ends up bringing two seemingly different people together. I really enjoyed discovering the characters’ vulnerabilities and charm. This romantic novella is a real winner, as satisfying as a cup of Hot Cinnamon Spice tea with a freshly baked chocolate chip scone.

The Book: The One That Got Away

The Author: Kellianne Sweeney

The Story: Everyone wonders about life after death. Most people tend to choose to believe in God, reincarnation, or the ghostly spirit world. Some choose something completely different.

Others don’t choose to believe that there is anything at all. It is, however, a powerful question and one that ordinary people and scholars alike have struggled to define and explain now and throughout history.

The wondering and hoping are timeless. I believe that ultimately, we just won’t know until we get there. This is a story. A story about how these beliefs could perhaps be connected. A story about a regular person given the opportunity to play with the big puzzle.

Review by Lisa Rosenberg: Fantastic. I never saw which twist was coming next and it kept me wanting more. It was so beautifully imagined and I know it will stay with me for a long time.

Something about its feel reminded me of Possession by A.S. Byatt, which I also loved.
Beautifully done!

Review by Andy Holloman: Kellianne Sweeney’s novel, The One That Got Away, is a well-crafted and intelligent story and truly hooked me within the first few pages. I loved the opening sentence – “Did I ever tell you that I thought you were dead when you were born?”

Sweeney constructs a story that weaves in and out of different settings with fluidity and purpose. Each chapter left me with questions and I appreciate a story that develops in this way. Since I’m a writer myself, I take great interest in how an author lays down the “tracks” of their plotting. Sweeney’s “tracks” kept me intrigued and interested in her storyline as well as her characters.

I highly recommend this excellent novel and look forward to reading more of Sweeney’s great writings.