Review: Wither and Bloom by Annie J. Hill and Laura E. Madden with various other authors

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Wither and Bloom by Annie J. Hill and Laura E. Madden with various authors  

G-rating: GASP

Back of the book: A diverse collection of flash fiction, short stories, and poetry, Wither and Bloom explores the choice to love through trials and storms in all seasons of life-from new loves, lives built together, and long-lasting romances, to platonic love between family, friends, and strangers.

Within these pages, you'll be swept off your feet and transported to the worlds of...

A man and his wife who turned into vampires at age eighty-five. An EMT who chooses to save a child despite the life-altering consequences. A fae who doesn't take kindly to an arranged marriage with a human prince. The children that throw wrenches into even the most stable relationships. The man made of stone who falls in love with a woman that has her own stone walls. The post-it notes that keep spouses tethered during their busy lives.

In the midst of diagnoses, loss, misunderstandings, hurt, and everyday wear and tear, love is a daily choice.

 

My Review First Impression: This book is full of short, fast, easy reads in a variety of genres including family life, romance, and fantasy with a sprinkling of poems. Each one captures and holds your avid attention.

Action: Each story or poem has its own cadence and action. The well-crafted stories are heightened by action, in deed and or thoughts.

Adventure: Some of these stories transport the reader into divergent dimensions and or realms. If you desire fantasy, you will appreciate the mixture. Or, if you are new to fantasy, you will get to dip, dive, zip, and soar into that world.  

Romance: Sparks of romance or rekindled love flow through these pages. Love that defies the odds and conquers worlds or tenderly lifts, dates, and romances a longtime lover. From hugs to kisses and from restraint to fighting for love—it is all there. Some are so heartwarming and tender that a reader needs to keep tissues handy to blot at tears or wipe the gush.

Religion: There isn’t much in the way of religion. Although there were prayers to out-worldly beings in a few. Also, in one story scattered throughout, the character prayed, referencing the Holy One.

Art: Art can be shown with word pictures, and those were dramatic and subtle, vibrant, and muted all painted masterfully by each artistic writer.

Final Thoughts: This is a wonderful compilation of interesting stories and poems. I am not into poems, but the scattering of them fit so perfectly with the story just read that they were perfect. I needed tissues for many of the stories. Maybe they reminded me of my elderly parents and their love for each other even in their twilight years. My heart felt the tension, love, and passion. A few of the shorter stories that touched my heart, I read aloud to my husband. He liked them as well. This book would be a great book for gifting or perhaps sitting atop a coffee table for a quick read of the short stories, poems, and flash fiction.

FYI: There are a few harsh words that some may feel are cuss words. All “scenes” are far behind closed doors. There are references to physical abuse, but nothing on the page other than harshly grabbing ahold of someone.

 Buy Book 5 Stars