Roberta Writes – Book reviews: A Fathomless Affair (Harbor Pointe Book 6) by Staci Troilo and The Storm and other short stories by Esther Chilton #bookreviews #readingcommunity #fiction

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A Fathomless Affair: Harbor Pointe Series Book 6 by Staci Troilo

What Amazon says

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

A narcissistic patriarch. A mystical legend. A fathomless affair.

Most people wouldn’t dread a weekend at the historic Harbor Pointe Inn. Lorelei Audley isn’t most people. The fresh sea air, breathtaking vistas, and gourmet meals can’t buoy her spirits. She’s there to coordinate her father’s latest wedding. The bride is a nightmare, yet somehow, the groom is worse. Lorelei steels herself to suffer through a few days of psychological abuse and abject misery.

She’s unprepared for a paranormal encounter, missing persons case, and police investigation.

My review

Despite this being a novella, the author has managed to create a complex and emotional story of love found and lost.

Loralee Audley has an unhappy relationship with her father. First, he left Loralee’s mother for another woman who conned him out of all his assets, and then he hooked up with a mail order bride from Thailand. Despite his poor treatment of her mother, brother, and herself, Loralee wants a relationship with her father. To this end, she ends up organising his wedding at Harbor Pointe Inn. She also ends up footing the bill for the wedding which is a financial strain for her.

Desperate for the day to turn out well and to earn her father’s approval, Loralee arrives early at the inn. An unfortunate accident on her arrival at the inn combined with the unexpected early arrivals of her father and his fiancé, facilitate Loralee meeting an interesting man who is studying to be an astrologer. The astrologist’s interests, and her father’s spectacularly bad behaviour on arrival at the inn, set in motion an interesting mythical adventure.

Exciting and fast paced, this is an entertaining novella.

Purchase A Fathomless Affair: Harbor Pointe Series Book 6 from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCQLDX47

The Storm

There’s a clash of thunder and the brilliance of lightning. Huge waves gain momentum, slopping over the side of the boat, threatening to pull Carrie down into the murky depths. Will the storm win or will she make it to shore safely?A computer hacker finds himself in trouble. Is it too late to change his ways?It’s the long summer holidays and for one girl, it’s going to be a summer she’ll never forget.A teenager is trapped. Can he free himself from his dark prison?The Storm and Other Short Stories is Esther Chilton’s third collection of prize-winning stories, following on from the success of The Siege and A Walk in the Woods.Some stories will surprise, others will melt your heart and bring a tear, and they’ll also be tales to leave you with a smile.So grab yourself a cuppa, sit back and relax, and delve into this enchanting mixture of stories.

My review

The Storm is an excellent collection of short stories about love and life. The characters are beautifully drawn and compelling, making this collection most immersive. Stories about people and how they experience adversity are my favourites and this collection did not disappoint.

My three favourite stories in the collection are as follows:

Daffodils – A mother must endure days of anxiety as her young daughter battles chronic illness. Her thoughts about daffodils, flowers that were coming into bloom the day her daughter was born and which her daughter loved, bring her great sadness, but also calm and comfort her. My son has battled chronic illness for 18 years and I have spent many days sitting in a hospital watching him recovering from some or other operation or bout of illness. This story was so real to me, I got goosebumps while reading it.

A Special Helper – A young boy, Oliver, must adjust to both a new sibling and a mother who is suffering post-natal depression. Told through the eyes of Oliver, this story is poignant and heart wrenching. I have witnessed family members struggling with post-natal depression and my heart really went out to the whole family.

The Holiday – This story revolves around a family where the father and main breadwinner has suffered a debilitating injury and is unable to work. The mother is doing her best to earn enough money to keep her family going, but financial sacrifices are required. Emma must adjust to both her father’s chronic illness and to the change in financial circumstances in her family. During her journey, Emma learns the value of family.

During my long days sitting in a hospital with my son, I came to realise that when in such a situation, there is always someone whose circumstances are much worse. I grew from my experiences and learned to be thankful and content with my own lot in life. This book serves the same learning purpose, but in a more pleasurable and entertaining way. I recommend The Storm highly.

Purchase The Storm and other short stories from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CKLXCHZ9

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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63 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Book reviews: A Fathomless Affair (Harbor Pointe Book 6) by Staci Troilo and The Storm and other short stories by Esther Chilton #bookreviews #readingcommunity #fiction”

  4. I loved Staci’s book A Fathomless Affair, especially the touch of astronomy and nautical legend. The Storm looks like an intriguing collection. Congratulations to the authors, and great share, Robbie!

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  11. A brilliant review, Robbie, as always. I am every interested in the Harbor Pointe Series which in on top of my reading list. A brilliant idea to bring writers together. Staci – looking forward to meeting up with you in Book 6!

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  12. Oh, Robbie. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much for this amazing review.

    I’m honored to be on the same page as Esther and her work. My, isn’t that cover striking? Wishing her (and you) all the best.

    Much appreciation to you and to all your commenters for the kind words.

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    1. It was quite an undertaking. I wouldn’t want to try something on that scale with any other group. If you don’t like the people you’re working with, you’re doomed to fail. Or at least be miserable until the project is complete.

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        1. I can’t imagine you being anything other than a delight to work with. But I agree; group projects aren’t for everyone. I’m very happy to have worked with these ladies and will always treasure the experience.

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          2. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to work in a way that makes you comfortable, especially if you don’t want to relinquish control over something that really matters to you. That attention to quality and completeness is a strength. It may not make you suited for every project, but it does ensure that projects you undertake will be held to the standard you set.

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  14. I loved your review of Staci’s novella, Robbie! And I agree with its pace – she kept it moving and me captivated. I’m unfamiliar with Esther, but I’ll check out her work. Your reviews of both stories are excellent. Bravo to each writer! 🎉

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  20. These are wonderful reviews. I’ve read A Fathomless Affair and I entirely agree with your review. The Storm seems to be a very profound and gripping short story collection. It sounds like we can really learn something from this book. I can really understand how the Daffodils story was real to you.

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  21. Although they are very different, both of these books appeal to me. Thanks for the reminder about the Harbor Pointe series. I wanted to read them while I was away, so it is time to get started. Wonderful reviews, Robbie.

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  27. I’ve read Staci’s book, but I want to read Esther’s before her Story Chat comes out. She is an amazing person, and I love her enthusiasm for SC. 🙂 xxx I’ve included this link in a post I’m reworking.

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