A New Review for My First Title

Today started  delightfully. Not only was the sunshine streaming in through the windows, I also discovered a beautifully-crafted review of my first title, ’25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia’ had been posted.

Particularly interesting to me was its perception of this book through the eyes of someone living outside of Australia.

A big thank you, Jake!

Here it is:

25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Jake Taylor‘s review

Sep 18, 13

5 of 5 stars

Read in September, 2013

Some years ago, the wife of a dear friend of mine told me to grab a few sweets available to all the guests at the end of a lovely dinner. Having chosen the wrong ones, she corrected me by saying, “Not those ones, the other ones, the small dark-chocolate ones.” I picked up a few of these and they proved to be absolutely delicious morsels. That’s what these twenty-five stories reminded me of. Small bits of wonderment that do not quite tell you the end; they rather let you imagine it and savor it in your own mind. “25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia” also provide the reader, especially the ones that are not Aussies, with some unique expressions and references common to that lovely land, for example, “cuppa” for a cup of tea, and kookaburra, which is a kind of bird. You will get all the flavor of the land down under, Ms Sharp makes sure of that.
In addition, she includes many funny statements, like the one pronounced by a wife when referring to her stage fright while playing the piano in front of an audience. She decided to practice a couple of tunes for quite some time until she could say that: “They didn’t sound too bad, either, when my audience consisted exclusively of my husband and our dog.”
Well, I hope you pick up a copy of this book and enjoy its 25 short stories while drinking a nice cuppa. It is fun to read; five stars. Jake Taylor

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http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Life-Love-Australia-ebook/dp/B008FP217C/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Another Lovely Review: ‘Michaela Betrayed’

What a lovely surprise! I woke up this morning to discover that Goodreads moderator Brenda had posted the following review of my ninth title, ‘Michaela Betrayed’.

Brenda’s Reviews > Michaela Betrayed

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My rating:

1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars[ 5 of 5 stars ]

Michaela Betrayed
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Brenda‘s review

Aug 27, 13

4 of 5 stars

bookshelves: 2013-release, aussie-authors, novella, romance, reviewing-by-request, own-read, read-on-kindle

Read on August 27, 2013 — I own a copy

Living in Sydney with her mother and father, Michaela found herself full of excitement when she won the scholarship to study music in London. Her Dad had been famous in his day, and she was happy to be able to follow in his footsteps. They were incredibly proud of her; the only blight on her happiness was leaving Thomas. She was very close to him; he was an aspiring writer, having trouble finding a publisher but doing his best.Settling into London in a flat with two other female students, Anna and Sally, Michaela was happy with the way life was going for her. Anna was also missing a boyfriend but felt her music was her priority. Exams were on the horizon, the teachers were pleased with her progress, but when Michaela fell ill, her subsequent return to Australia for recuperation meant her life would change.What would happen to Michaela and her dreams? Would she find a life with Thomas or would her future go in a completely different direction?

This novella by Margaret Sharp is a delightful story. A quick, easy read but one with depth and intrigue. Michaela is a likeable character who has an inner strength which she uses when necessary. Another Aussie title I have no hesitation in recommending.

With thanks for my copy to read and review.

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http://www.amazon.com/Michaela-Betrayed-ebook/dp/B00EKIT7Q6

Its First Review on Amazon: MICHAELA BETRAYED

Great news! My new release, ‘Michaela Betrayed’, has been reviewed!

http://www.amazon.com/Michaela-Betrayed-ebook/dp/B00EKIT7Q6

Here it is…

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5.0 out of 5 stars And take a message to Michaela August 23, 2013

By video meliora proboque

Format:Kindle Edition

Michaela has worked all her life in pursuit of the achievement of her… um, *father’s* goal, and bright, gifted and determined, she’s succeeded. Which isn’t bad. Michaela’s won a scholarship to study music in London, and the only hitch is that London sits inconveniently at a 17,000-kilometer remove from Australia and her closest friend, Thomas, an aspiring writer whose hopes may exceed his talent, and who certainly isn’t her parents’ concept of a suitable mate.Just when she seems safely and happily ensconced in her life in England, though — enjoying her studies, a shared flat, and the prospect of a new life — she’s stricken with pneumonia and induced to return to Australia for a month or two to recuperate, again bringing Thomas into her sphere and kindling a blaze of romance between them. But for Michaela, circumstance is a driving force, and Thomas may eventually cease to be her focus.

What I particularly liked about Sharp’s novella was its absolute verisimilitude. Young women like Michaela are influenced (for good or for ill) by their fathers, in just the way that Sharp describes. And life’s vicissitudes do seem to intervene in exactly these chaotic ways… more often than one would think statistically plausible. It was altogether easy to get into Michaela’s head (and Thomas’, for that matter). Whether Michaela chooses Thomas, her music instructor, or neither, I won’t reveal — but her thoughts and feelings have the ring of authenticity, and engage and captivate the reader.

Of course, in a world that little values art (of any sort), Michaela’s pursuit of music was not actually less quixotic or unrealistic than Thomas’ pursuit of a literary career, so there was a judgmental double standard emanating from her parents, and a measure of hypocrisy inherent in her initial acceptance of their views, but this, too, was entirely realistic. The best characters are the ones who are flawed, tempest tossed by fate, and bound to confront their own conflicted feelings. This novella *is* good art, in any case (as well as an extraordinarily good read), and deserves to be valued. Five stars.

Footnote: What a great way to celebrate my 3ooth Post!!

A New Review : AMELIA’S CALL

I’m thoroughly delighted to announce a new review of Amelia’s Call has been posted on Amazon.

Thank you, Catrina!

Here it is!

4.0 out of 5 stars Choices faced July 27, 2013
By Catrina M. Rudd
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
A new bride and new groom wear the rose colored glasses of love, lust, and excitement until the vows are done, and they believe the world is theirs. This is a story of what comes after ‘I do’.

Amelia faces hard choices that change her rose colored tint. Challenges force her to evaluate everything, as is the case for every marriage. Her decisions make or break their future, and leave the reader wondering in reflection.

Ms Sharp has really brought the reality of life to the forefront in a manner that is truly compelling and emotional. This is an excellent story, and I strongly suggest picking it up.

http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B00DLYLK4M

Two New Reviews of ‘Amelia’s Call’

The well-known Goodreads site today featured two brand new reviews of my novella, ‘Amelia’s Call’.

This title is, I believe, far more powerful and perhaps confronting than my other books.

My thanks to  Australian writer Jenny Schwartz and Goodreads Aussie Readers moderator Brenda for reading and reviewing  ‘Amelia’s Call’.

Jul 04, 2013 Brenda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-release, aussie-authors, romance, novella, own-read

Amelia was glowing in her happiness leading up to and going through her wedding day to the love of her life, Steven. The only blight on the landscape was Steven’s dominant and overbearing mother. But as they had decided to move to Sydney from Perth, leaving an ex-girlfriend and the mother behind, Amelia thought they would be “safe” from her constant presence.With Amelia settled into her dream job, advancing her career was coming easily; but Steven was having great difficulty getting a job, and…more

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Jul 04, 2013 Jenny Schwartz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, authors-i-know, literary

I’ve read other stories by Margaret Sharp and enjoyed her wisdom and gentle, direct style.Without wanting to share any spoilers, I found the plot for “Amelia’s Call” quite different to the romances I generally read, and not for me. That’s a personal issue of reading preferences — as is my difficulty connecting with the occasional use of first person, present tense.

The strong focus on Amelia, the heroine, works well and beginning with a wedding is a very effective introduction — conflict and emotion are heightened.

The anguish of real life dilemmas and the painful journey to maturity and self-awareness is bravely confronted in “Amelia’s Call”.(less)

2 likes · unlike · see review

http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B00DLYLK4M

Mark’s Review: Amelia’s Call

My thanks to Goodreads reviewer Mark for providing this review of my first novella, ‘Amelia’s Call’.

http://www.amazon.com/Amelias-Call-ebook/dp/B00DLYLK4M/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

 

Amelia’s Call
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Mark‘s review

Jun 25, 13

5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: novella

 

This is a powerful, page-turning, first-person narrative about naïveté and denial, disabuse and empowerment and the changing perception of the meaning of marriage — and the “motive and the cue” for relationships. Sharp offers a multi-faceted perspective that will appeal both to social liberals and feminists who cannot abide the presumption of patriarchal dominance (which would include this reviewer), and those to whom the sanctity of a commitment is still important (which would also include this reviewer). None of her characters is flat or unidimensional, though. Some are strong, confident and well-intentioned, but not controlling. Others are weak and insecure, but not malevolent. Only the mother-in-law comes across as manipulative and loathsome, but her plight, too, is human and comprehensible. There is neither absolutism of fidelity nor wholly unmotivated cheating, but in husband and wife both, some impulse to develop into the people they fundamentally are, but have been derailed from becoming. For the husband, we might think, this is the sadder outcome. However one takes it, the conclusion is satisfying. No unhappy endings. Five stars.

Brenda’s review: A Taste of Life and Love in Australia

Wow! Was yesterday a red-letter day!

Not only did U.S. Goodreads member, Mark, post a lovely review of ‘Encore’, my newest release: but also, prominent reviewer Brenda ( a moderator of  Goodreads Aussie Readers) gave a most complimentary opinion of my second title, ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’.

Here it is!

Feb 20, 2013

Brenda rated it  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-release, aussie-authors, gift-from-author, reviewing-by-request, own-read, read-on-kindle

This book, filled with twenty-eight short stories on love, romance, marriage and happiness is a gentle and easy to-read look at life in Australia. Written from varying perspectives, each short story explores a different aspect of life, from heartbreak, and despair, to delight and compassion. The simple manner of these stories makes them so enjoyable, with the author able to engage in the satisfaction of her characters with success.A delightfully relaxing and peaceful read.

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Mark’s Review: 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia

The day started well, with my discovery of a lovely review by Goodreads member Mark.

Overflowing with praise for my writing style, he goes on to lightly sketch some of the stories. It turns out his chosen ones rank amongst my favourites.

A defining feature of my ‘Life and Love’ series is the link between the first and last stories, and Mark has brought this out effectively for this volume.

It’s so nice to know that my first effort, written almost two years ago, is attracting such positive attention. It’s only weeks ago that Jeanette, another Goodreads member, also reviewed and rated it identically.

It couldn’t have happened at a better time, with me still recovering from influenza. It’s a great shot in the arm!

Yes, another 5 star review!

http://www.amazon.com/25-Stories-Life-Love-Australia/dp/1456597736

Wait for it: Another review!

More good news! Shelleyrae at Book’d out, one of Australia’s leading, respected book blogs, has accepted my sixth published work for appraisal.

She’s literally booked out, and so the collection is scheduled for next year: February, in fact.

I’m absolutely honoured and delighted that she has accepted this volume, especially since she has already reviewed this year, my second work, ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’.

February: the month for lovers. Valentine’s Day.

February: the month for the review of perhaps my very best effort to date: Long and Short Australian Stories.

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Australian-Stories-Margaret-Lynette/dp/1475122349

 

Its Monday! What Are You Reading?

Its Monday! What Are You Reading?.

 

‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’  by Margaret Lynette Sharp.

An easy to read collection of Short Stories set in Australia.

Review and Guest Post probably on Thursday.

Shelleyrae at Book’d out.

Please support me,  an Australian Woman Writer.