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Review: A masterpiece of redemption and hope. That love and kindness are rewarded, and that lust and selfishness are punished.

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.

Meet Lisette Brodey:

Lisette was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. She spent ten years in New York City and now resides in Los Angeles.

She’s a multi-genre author of nine novels and one short story collection: Crooked Moon (General/Literary Fiction); Squalor, New Mexico (Coming-of-Age/Literary Fiction); Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! (Women’s Fiction/romantic comedy), The Desert Series: Mystical High; Desert Star; and Drawn Apart (YA paranormal/magical realism), Barrie Hill Reunion (Literary Fiction); Hotel Obscure: A Collection of Short Stories (Literary Fiction), Love, Look Away (Women’s Fiction/romantic comedy), and The Sum of our Sorrows (Contemporary Fiction.)

In addition to her nine novels and one short story collection, two more of Lisette’s short stories are published in an anthology: Triptychs (Book 3, The Mind’s Eye Series.)

Review by Di0nne:

Where do I start? There was so much I loved about this book. It was engrossing and enjoyable.

Although it’s a book of short stories, the author manages to intertwine everything beautifully, and it was a substantial novel-length read. Many of the characters are known to each other, and even if they’re not, their paths cross, sometimes with hilarious results (the author has a dry sense of humour which often comes through).

So many different characters inhabit this book, and the author has managed to get to the heart of each one—their fears, hopes, dreams, and flaws. There were times I cheered for the characters, and times I loathed them—but only the ones that were meant to be loathed.

As well as being a rollercoaster ride of emotions and human interactions, there was a Twilight Zone vibe that made it even more interesting. Things are off-center enough that it keeps you guessing about certain things (although I won’t say what because of spoilers).

I’d also like to mention that the book is very well written, and the editing is good. This, unfortunately, isn’t very common these days, so I appreciate that this author has done her work and published a polished book.

In any case, if you enjoy books that explore human nature and relationships, this is one to try. I’ve read a few of Ms. Brodey’s other books, and I hope this won’t be the last. Thank you for such an entertaining read.

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