ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Even In Death: A Short Story Collection
Author: Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie
Published: August 4th, 2014
Word Count: approx. 40,000
Genre: Short Story
Age Recommendation: 15+
SYNOPSIS
Even In Death, a collection of ten short stories, explores the thin line between love and hate; extreme emotions even death cannot destroy.
Julie wants nothing more than to receive a flower bouquet from the hometown veterinarian. However, in “A Flower Story,” flowers are delivered long after a person is alive to smell them.
After purchasing their dream home, Sara and David feel truly blessed. Unfortunately, the couple soon discovers they’ve inherited a wicked curse. In fact, in “What’s Really There,” the former residents’ spirits refuse to move on.
In the title story, on the anniversary of his fiancés’ death, Mark realizes that he can see and communicate with spirits, including Amy’s. Can Mark and Amy’s love survive even in death?
“A Flower Story,” “What’s Really There,” and “Even In Death,” as well as the other seven stories in the collection are rife with emotion that will linger well after the last page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie lives in Warrenton, Virginia with her husband, two cats, and three dachshunds. She’s a middle school counselor, graduate student at Longwood University, (pursuing a degree in School Library Media) blogger, short story and Young Adult novel writer. When she’s not working, she’s traveling or dreaming of traveling. She’s been on several cross country road trips with her mom. In fact, Hawaii and Alaska are the only states she hasn’t been to.
EXCERPT
When Angelica adjusts her sunglasses, Olivia notices her best friend’s black eye.
“Oh, sweetie, what happened?” Olivia reaches across the sticky table for Angelica’s hands but she moves them quickly; as if Olivia’s touch is a flame that will burn her beyond recognition.
Angelica chews on her bottom lip. “Nothing.”
“I’m worried about you.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, Olivia.” She separates the ‘O’ from the ‘livia.’
A spunky orange haired waitress arrives at their table. Her name tag reads “Bad Susie” with a little devil sticker next to it. “Can I take your order?”
“Plain coffee, please,” Olivia says.
“Same here,” Angelica says.
Susie places a hand on her hip. “You sure you don’t want pancakes? Eggs and toast?”
They shake their heads.
Bad Susie tilts her head, focusing on Angelica. “You’re worth so much more.”
“What?” Angelica winces.
“You’re wearing sunglasses indoors, long sleeves and jeans, and it’s like eighty degrees outside. And your makeup is only partially covering your bruises. Obviously your boyfriend is a beater. Just know you’re worth more than that.” Before Angelica has a chance to respond, Susie moves to the next table.
REVIEW
I’ve done a few book reviews since starting this blog years ago. I’ve had the chance to communicate with authors via email. They’ve been lovely to work with. This one is different for me, because I’ve actually been around this author in person, talked to her, and got to know her personality a bit. She always seemed to be a creative soul to me. It did not surprise me when I first heard she was writing books. Knowing her personality and creativity, she paints pictures that is unique to her and offers a refreshing new voice to book readers
I loaded the book to my Kindle app on my phone thinking I could read bits and pieces when I had a chance. You know when you’re waiting for warm ups to be over at your kids’ football game. I started reading the very first story “A Fine Winter Day” and read right through it. Thankfully I started reading after the kids went to bed because it was one of those reads for me where you become almost oblivious to the happening around you. (One reason I don’t do too many book reviews with 4 kids, if I have a good one I want to keep reading). The first short was a good kick off for the rest of the book.
Even In Death is right up my alley for this busy mom. I’m definitely a fan of supernatural and suspense stories. To define it as just that though would not be adequate. As the synopsis suggests, there is a number of emotions conveyed through this book. The fact that they were short allowed even this busy mom to take a few minutes of reading enjoyment a day. The stories are not predictable either. Often I can pick up a supernatural or suspense story and think “oh let me guess this chick is going to go right in to that basement and see her grandmother’s ghost there” or whatever but this one, not so much. There were a few delightful turns throughout the book. A couple of the stories I needed to reread to make sure I fully understood what was going on because Kristy finds a way to tuck info into the story you didn’t realize was important until you start reading on. Did you ever have one of those “Oh so that’s why she said that” type of moments when watching tv or reading a book?
GIVEAWAY
Giveaway Details
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
$10 Amazon GC (INT) and print copy of Even in Death (US)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
