Letting Go By Victoria Watson

To be perfectly honest I have never been a reader of short stories, at least until now. Victoria Watson has assembled a collection of profound, emotional and well written stories with characters that will impact you in many ways.

INSIDE

This story is written in first person, offering up the main characters inner beliefs, state of mind and self-judgment.

A profoundly moving story about Annie and the tragedy that befalls her. Centered around a grocery store in town that is being demolished, she watches with her mother and revisits her past working in that store and tells us of the events that have culminated in her future. 

The supporting characters in this story are strong and vibrant and provide a further connection to Annie and to the reader

This short story is a very poignant excursion thru the life of a young girl that is altered by a singular event in time. A very profound and well written story that Annie herself is voicing.

I SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING

Carol Spencer has fallen on hard times she has lost her job of ten years and has not been successful in finding another. She remembers having some tarot cards, finds them and decides on her course of action. She concocts a name for herself, Jacqueline Stargazer, and against her better judgment becomes a tarot card reader. This decision will serve to alter the course of her life.

If you have ever been at a crossroads in your life and been faced with a decision that may be beneficial for you but involves taking advantage of others this story reminds you that Karma is a force to be reckoned with.

KEEPING QUIET

Betty had been the caretaker and keeper of secrets in her family since she was a child. Her mother was a very domineering woman and Betty had only a few snippets of a life of her own. Now that Betty can no longer take care of herself she sits in her chair and contemplates her life.

I found this story extremely telling and thought provoking. I was viewing Betty’s life as if I had lived it myself and could feel her emotional journey. 

This is just a sample of the wonderfully written and emotional stories from LETTING GO. I enjoy Victoria Watson's writing style, she has a unique ability to pack a punch in a short time.

I highly recommend this collection of short stories for the unique perspective that is conveyed and the impact of each and every story.

Finding Sara By Nancy DeMarco

Sara Morgan hears voices and has been diagnosed as having a mental illness. All she wants in life is to be happy and normal. She finds solace in her horse and riding and has specific goals for herself. She is a strong, resourceful and determined girl who wants to carve out a life of her own. She struggles to uncover a childhood secret which holds the key to her recovery.

Paul is a remarkable character who meets Sara and instantly feels a connection with her. He is very supportive of Sara when she confides in him about her past and her medical condition. He is a loveable and compassionate character and lends a tremendous sense of realism and acceptance to the story.

I found that the writing as it relates to mental illness is truly gentle and honest. It reflects a realistic view of how Sara deals with her situation as well as how people interact with her and the challenges she faces. I was very absorbed in Sara’s struggles and had a great sense of empathy and an even greater understanding of the challenges that someone with a mental illness must face on a daily basis. 

This is a story that hits you with an effortless blend of emotion and drama from the onset and keeps building to the very end. The relationship between Sara and Paul is touching and adds a very real and emotional connection with the story. I also loved the relationship Sara had with her best friend and the depth of their loyalty and friendship for each other.

I recommend this book to all readers, it is a story that will play on your emotions and keep you involved until the mystery is solved.