Shirley Hailstock

Sometimes rather than reading all the ‘advertising’ on the book cover, back cover, Foreword, About the Author, etc. I simply begin reading the story. In this case, there are three (3) wonderful and unique tales that take place in a cozy bed and breakfast named, “Blythe Cove Manor” on Martha’s Vineyard, an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, with the proprietor Blythe Calvert and Martha, her treasured cat.

Sweet Dreams by L.L. Bartlett
The 1st story brings Paige and Alex Campbell from Albany, New York to Blythe Cover Manor (B&B) on Martha’s Vineyard. The loss of their daughter has filled their lives with heart-wrenching grief that has led each of them into the depths of despair. Now on the brink of divorce, it hardly seems possible for happiness and joy to ever again be shared together. Can a free weekend at the B&B become a magical rekindling of the love they once shared?

Forever Bound by Shirley Hailstock
The 2nd story brings Eleanora (Ellie) Sloan all the way from 2723 Sycamore Avenue, Rayford, Tennessee to Blythe Cover Manor (B&B) on Martha’s Vineyard. What is Ellie’s connection to Blythe Cove Manor? And as Ellie meets Drew McAdams staying at his inherited summer home next to the manor, Drew says, “You’re back!” Ellie’s never been to Martha’s Vineyard before and never met Drew before, “Why would he say that?”

Honeymoon with a Ghost by Kelly McClymer
The 3rd story brings wedding planner and bride Emily Stevens all the way from the Midwest to Blythe Cover Manor (B&B) on Martha’s Vineyard. But where’s the groom, Sean Stevens? Why haven’t the newlyweds arrived at Blythe Cove Manor (B&B) together to share their honeymoon? Why does the bride have documents in her suitcase that give the groom’s name as Sean McManus?

After reading the stories, I read the Foreword which shared that the three (3) authors had a meeting and decided to write a collection of original stories with a setting in one location. After choosing a B&B, other decisions quickly fell into place. “…all had a secret wish to win the 2015 HGTV Dream Home in Martha's Vineyard. And what better place for summer magic than the Vineyard. Voila, we (the authors) had our location. Best of all, we (the authors) gave Blythe Cove Manor a little touch of magic. You'll find that magic in the objects that Blythe and her family have used to furnish the B&B through the centuries…You never know what will turn out to be magic at Blythe Cove Manor.”

It is easy to imagine the different reasons that individuals or couples have for making reservations at a bed and breakfast. It is also easy to imagine that the innkeeper would be as special as Blythe Calvert and the cat-in-residence would be as treasured a companion as Martha. Add to that, the creative imaginations of three (3) extraordinary authors and you will discover a magical collection of stories to read, to engross your attention, to tantalize your imagination with a little magic, to pull at your heartstrings, and maybe even provide the hope to start your own new beginning with love in your heart. Whether you need a new “beach read”or reading to help you melt away the cold of winter, this is a perfect choice!

I can’t wait to read the next original anthology with setting at Blythe Cover Manor. I know it will be just as heart-warming. If you enjoyed the stories about Blythe Cove Manor, you may enjoy reading Maura Satchell’s “The Gray Lady of Long Branch: If Walls Could Talk” ~ a grand Victorian beach house in Long Branch, New Jersey.… (más)

I received a copy of White Diamonds by Shirley Hailstock in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book.

Intrigue from the first chapter. This book was so exciting it was hard to put down and sometimes I had to resist the temptation to read forward to see what happened next.

Shirley Hailstock did a great job developing the characters in the book and they were so well formed that I could easily see why they made the decisions they did. It was sad to see the relationship struggles between the siblings over a misunderstanding and the inability to trust because of past hurt that ran so deep. I liked that Sandra was very smart and it was good to see that even though she was a sensitive person that logic was the deciding factor in the majority of the decisions she made and she was not easily thwarted once a decision was made.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a little excitement…… (más)

I received a copy of White Diamonds by Shirley Hailstock in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book.

Intrigue from the first chapter. This book was so exciting it was hard to put down and sometimes I had to resist the temptation to read forward to see what happened next.

Shirley Hailstock did a great job developing the characters in the book and they were so well formed that I could easily see why they made the decisions they did. It was sad to see the relationship struggles between the siblings over a misunderstanding and the inability to trust because of past hurt that ran so deep. I liked that Sandra was very smart and it was good to see that even though she was a sensitive person that logic was the deciding factor in the majority of the decisions she made and she was not easily thwarted once a decision was made.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a little excitement…… (más)