Black Short Monday #15 ~ Love Struck

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr
#3 in this anthology
paranormal fantasy, short story
buy here

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly. From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.
Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.


My thoughts
What an amazing short story! I absolutely love it. At the beginning I was skeptical and I felt uncertain, because of the correct meaning / translation.

Alana is a young girl who visit High School and spent her freetime on the shore. It's the only place where she could relax and where she felt safe and secure. But one night she meets Vic:

"Back off", she said.
He didn't move. "Are you sure? Really, it'd be easier for you this way. (...) It will be worse once he finds you."

Alana could chase him away. But she's afraid about his words. Who and what will be worse than he?! And then she ancounter Murrin and that's the beginning of and wonderful lovestory. It's so exciting and fascinating to read, you'll love it too. Love Struck is one of those stories which make you cry. I never had to cry for a lovestory before. This story couldn't get any better. Thanks to Melissa Marr - wonderful story.







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BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Black Short Monday #14 ~ Transition

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr
#3 in this anthology
paranormal fantasy, short story
buy here

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly. From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.
Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.


My thoughts
The beginning of the story is very exciting. The story starts with an excerpt of the end of the story, but the reader can't fix it.
I was excited about this scene and the title "Transition". My head began to run and I pictured a stunning story.

Sebastian lowered the body to the ground in the middle of dirt-and-gravel road in the far back of a graveyard.

"Crossroads matter, Eliana."

He pulled a long, thin blade and slit open the stomach. He reached his whole forearm inside the body. His other hand, the one holding the knife, pressed down on her chest.

"Until this moment, she could recover. But hearts matter. (...) That needs buried in sanctified ground and she needs to be left at crossroad."

Shortly after it I realized that's a story about vampires I was bored. Eliana is a girl who had terrible headaches and some exciting dreams until she was murdered by a vampire and Eliana was reborn as an undead girl. A great beginning, but nothing mindblowing.

Finally, nice to read, but nicer to finish.







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BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Black Short Monday #13 ~ Winter's Kiss

Short Story:	Winter's Kiss
Author:	Melissa Marr
Anthology:	Faery Tales & Nightmares
Genre:	Paranormal
Published:	February 21st 2012
Publisher:	Harper Collins
Format:	Hardcover
My copy:	bought by myself

My thoughts: I loved it. Winter's Kiss is such a cute story. Nesha is a girl, a princess, who has a special power but it's likely a curse to her.

Princess Nesha was happy -- but for one thing. Nesha had within her the kiss of winter. When she sighed, her breath rolled out in an icy chill. When she blew a kiss to her father across their great hall, frost flowers formed on every dish.

This is the reason why she had to leave her home and going to colder lands to protect her own people. On her journey she meets an ice-bear. The ice-bear is lonely too, so they decided to be lonely together and travel through the forest to the icy-bear's home.

The story is well-written and charming although the story is very short. In comparison to the first short story of Melissa Marrs Faery Tales & Nightmares it's completely different. And I'm looking forward to the next stories.





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BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Black Short Monday #12 ~ Where Nightmares Walk

Short Story:	Where Nightmares Walk
Author:	Melissa Marr
Anthology:	Faery Tales & Nightmares
Genre:	Paranormal
Published:	February 21st 2012
Publisher:	Harper Collins
Format:	Hardcover
My copy:	bought by myself

My thoughts: First of all the short introduction of the author is very interesting:

In 2004, I wrote a short story, "The Sleeping Girl," that turned into a novel (Wicked Lovely) that evolved into a series.

Well I think that is such a good basis for writing, also or especially if you don't plan more than a short story.

Well, it's a one page story, so I won't give any details of the content. Instead I will show you some pictures of the book, because it's so beautiful. You may think, what could be to say about a one page story? You can't say anything about the writing style but there is so much more to say as you belief. It's a story or rather nightmare you have to think about. Inevitably!

The story includes about 240 words but they will master you. You have to imagine the scene and that gives you the creeps. May be I have to think about it to got outside in the dark. :) I hope the following stories will be as good as this short foretaste.









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BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Black Short Monday #11 ~ Blind Sight

Short Story:	Blind Sight - A Story of the Mirus
Author:	Kait Nolan
Anthology:	Kiss me, Kill me
Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Published:	February 25th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	Kait Nolan | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself

Blurb: Isla's ability as a Seer has made her a life-long captive of a paranormal crime lord. Fae assassin, Ransom, offers her a chance at escape, but when she touches his hand she sees only blood, horror, apocalypse. What reason can Ransom have for wanting to rescue her, and can she possibly trust a man who deals in death?

Okay, pissing of assassin by denying him the job...probably not the smartest thing you've ever done.

My thoughts: This version of Blind Sight is not the current version. But you can get the current version for free. In Kiss me, Kill me the story stops without another vision and this is why the story of this anthology is a bit boring and I can only reccommend that you should have to read the current version. (You can get it HERE.) Blindsight is an awesome short story of Kait Nolans Mirus series and I really liked it. It seemed to be an interesting series, with a lot of paranormal creatures and a cracking good story. This is why I added the first two novellas on my basket.




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BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Black Short Monday #10 ~ A Fairy Tale Ending

BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Short Story:	A Fairy Tale Ending
Author:	M.T. Murphy
Anthology:	Kiss me, Kill me
Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Published:	February 25th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	M.T. Murphy | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself

Blurb: An unlucky actress discovers that there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse.

My thoughts: Well, this was a really short short story, but an action packed read. I like it, but I would have liked to read about an intensive romance. M.T. Murphy is a new-to-me author. I like his style. The statement "there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse" is so true. A Fairy Tale Ending didn't end good for the livings, but it's pleasing to the eye.

Black Short Monday #9 ~ All I Want For Christmas by Ros Clarke

BSM is a feature exclusively titled by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Genre:	Contemporary Romance
Published:	December 6th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	Ros Clarke | Goodreads
My copy:	won
Purchase:	Amazon (DE) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (US)

Blurb: Last night, Anna Gardner was the life of the office Christmas party—right up until she threw herself at gorgeous advertising executive playboy, Hugh Munro. Again. Last year, Hugh let her pretend their passionate kiss never happened, but this year he’s determined to make Anna admit she wants him as much as he wants her. Except, Hugh doesn't know the office party is the only night of the year his friend lets her hair down. That every hour she’s away from the office is spent caring for her sickly mother. That her mother’s condition, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, is hereditary. When Hugh finds out what she’s been hiding, he’s forced to do some serious soul-searching. It's not fair to Anna or her mother for him to get involved casually, but casual relationships are all he knows. Can he prove to himself—and to Anna—that she’s all he wants for Christmas?

As far as Anna was concerned, the kiss had been all but forgotten, and she was greatful for his friendship.
   But after two glasses of punch, friendship just hadn't been enough.
   Next year she was definitely sticking to apple juice. She shook her head. Next year she wasn't goining to the party at all.
   Excellent plan.

My thoughts: 'All I Want For Christmas' is a romantic novella that lifts your mood. The author's style is funny, lighthearted and romantic. I really liked it. The central character Anna is a lovely character. She is ingenuous, lovingly and perky. I have liked her from the very first. Hugh is a diamond geezer and Anna liked him more than she admits. She was falling in love with him since their first encounter. But she soesn't allow herself to be in love with someone. She is trying to avoid him, but Hugh will take no refusal.

I felt sorry for Anna and of course for her mother too. But Anna doesn't want someones pity nor someone to treat her any different. Actually she has to go out or to live her own live but she can't do it, not yet. She loves her mother so much and she want to stay with her as a daughter, friend and caretaker. This part is almost heartbreaking and totally soulful. Hugh's serious soul-searching makes him really likeable as well.

All I Want For Christmas is an easy read, incredible pretty and thought-provoking. I'd like to read more, but I loved it.

Black Short Monday #8 ~ Impulse Control

Black Short Monday is feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Short Story:	Impulse Control
Author:	Susan Bischoff
Anthology:	Kiss me, Kill me
Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Published:	February 25th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	Susan Bischoff | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself

Blurb: In the world of the Talent Chronicles, kids born with supernatural powers are taken from their families and forced into government research facilities called State Schools. At one such school, a group of Talents must work together to stop a dangerous experiment that's already killed two of their peers and threatens others. If they're caught they face Detention, and Detention at a State School has a whole different meaning.

Of course I'm morphing! It was hard enough taking the form of this skinny little girl, then add dodging the fireballs you made her throw at me, and now I'm supposed to be able to concentrate enough to hold it when she's fried my damned arm? Son of a bitch!

My thoughts: Impulse Control is the prequel novella of The Talent Chronicles by Susan Bischoff. When I started reading the first few sentences I had a bad clue. I'm sorry to say I was right. The writing style as well as the characters didn't work for me. Maybe the characters were too young and the romantic part of that story wasn't even romantic. It was more about both the first kiss and love you had in life. Nothing mind-blowing. Only the kind of paranormals could be interesting, if they were described in more detail. But I doubt that the novels of The Talent Chronicles are better or rather that they would work for me.

Impulse Control seemed to be an exciting story for young readers (10-13 years or so), but not for me in any case.

Black Short Monday #7 ~ A Ghoulish Valentine

Black Short Monday is a feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

Short Story:	A Ghoulish Valentine
Author:	H.P. Mallory
Anthology:	Kiss me, Kill me
Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Published:	February 25th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	H.P. Mallory | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself

Blurb: Dulcie O'Neil can't help her attraction to Knight Vander, much though she tries to fight her feelings. When she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to dinner and a movie, she can't imagine her evening will be derailed by a cemetery full of hungry ghouls and one incredibly sexy man.


My thoughts: I think I have a brand new soft spot for paranormal-romance short stories. Well, A Ghoulish Valentine is a well-written story with a decent helping of thrill and a dash of romance. Knight Vander is more than "incredibly sexy".

Knight Vander is a Loki-a creature forged from the fires of Hades. (...) Knight is in one word-gorgeouscockyfrustratingsexyoverbearing and he's a detective who was sent from the Netherworld to work at our headquarters

By the way Dulcie is a fairy, but not a typical fairy you would think now! I like both characters in the story and it makes me so curious to read more about Knight and Dolcie. And of course there is more to read because A Ghoulish Valentine takes place in the Dulci O'Neil series I added on my wishlist...

If you look for a delightful short read on paranormal-romance which isn't including so much romance this story will be fine.

Black Short Monday #6 ~ Cat Fight

Black Short Monday is a brand new feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

'Black Short Monday' will be post every Monday. To view all Black Short Monday posts click HERE.

Short Story:	Cat Fight
Author:	Zoe Winters
Anthology:	Kiss me, Kill me
Genre:	Paranormal Romance
Published:	February 25th 2011
Format:	Kindle ebook
Websites:	Zoe Winters | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself

Blurb: Cat Fight takes place in Zoe Winters' "PretVerse". Greta is a cat therian (shifter). She's been involved with Dayne, a local sorcerer since she sought his protection from her murderous tribe. After a fight, Greta shifts into cat form and refuses to come back out.

My thoughts: I like it very much. It was an amazing short read and I want to read more about Zoe Winters' cat therians this is why I added some books of her on my wishlist. Well, Zoe Winters writing style is excinting, lighthearted and full of chocolate - damn! Greta loves chocolate and it's the truth to say she would die for it - me too. And her boyfriend, a sorcerer, knows that... As the name implies Cat Fight is an typical 'fight' for a cat and greta is exactly like a cat, when she shifts to her cat form. Everyone knows about cats: A dog has an owner. A cat has staff! So you can imagine how does the story runs approximately. Highly recommended.

★★★★

Black Short Monday #5 ~ My Soul to Lose

Black Short Monday is a brand new feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

'Black Short Monday' will be post every Monday. To view all Black Short Monday posts click HERE.

Series:	Soul Screamers #0.5
Genre:	Urban-Fantasy
Published:	July 1st 2009
Format:	ebook
Publisher:	Harlequin Teen
Websites:	Rachel Vincent | Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself
Purchase:	Amazon (DE) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (US)

Blurb: It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life. Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit. She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities...

Emma didn't truly understand about my panic attacks -no one did. But she'd never pushed me to explain, never tried to ditch me when things got weird, and never once looked at me like I was a freak.

(The therapist to Kaylee:) There's a group session about anger management at nine, one about coping with depressions at eleven, and one at two this afternoon about symptoms of mental illness. That's a good one to start with.

(Doctor:) You saw shadows?
(Kaylee:) Yeah. You know, places were light doesn't shine?

My thoughts: For a few months I add the the German version of the Soul Screamers Series on my wishlist. But I don't want to wait the long time for the translation (likley it will take a few years), so I decided to take the englisch ones of the series. My only problem was to determind among the US and UK cover. Finally I took the US version.

My Soul to Lose is the prequel novella to the "Soul Screamers" series by Rachel Vincent and an amazing start. I do not really want to give my own summary, because this book is too short and the official blurb is absolutely fine. Kaylee is a typical and normal teenager until she finds herself screaming at the mall. The reason for her panic attack is so exciting, thrilling and absolutely well-written. I had a lot of fun to read this short novella and I can't put it down until I finished that book.

When Kaylee wakes up in the psychatric unit, the reader easily can put oneself in Kaylee's position. It is so scary and the worst thing - there is no help for Kaylee. Imagine you wake up in a psychatric unit, you are confined to a bed and everyone treats you like you are a dangerous and crazy person. That makes me freak out. But Kaylee can't. She have to get out of the unit and they wouldn't let you go if you freak out, would they?

Rachel Vincent's writing style is exciting and amazing. I don't like it - I love it! You can't stop reading and when you finished the prequel novella you have to start with the 'main' series, because you are so curious. And of course the bloody cliffhanger at the end of that book is responsible for you are bursting with curiosity.


★★★★

I'm looking forward to read the complete series during the next months. Take a look at the Soul Screamers Challenge, if you are interested, too.

Black Short Monday #4 ~ Eine schöne Bescherung

Black Short Monday is a brand new feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

'Black Short Monday' will be post every Monday. To view all Black Short Monday posts click HERE.


The German book of "Derik's Bane" by Mary Janice Davidson includes a bonus: German version of her novella "Santa Claws":

Novella:	Eine schöne Bescherung
Originaltitle:	Santa Claws
Author:	Mary Janice Davidson
Published:	2009
Format:	Paperback
Websites:	Mary Janice Davidson | Goodreads
My copy:	gekauft
Purchase:	Amazon (DE)

Klappentext: In "Santa Claws" Alec Kilcurt, the most powerful werewolf in Europe, falls for Santa-clad Giselle Smith and wins her over with lots of oral sex and a heavy Scottish accent.

"Die meisten Frauen sind von mir eingeschüchtert." Er lächelte sie an. Giselle spürte, wie sich ihr Magen zusammenzog und sich dann einmal gemächlich um sich selber drehte. Gott, was für ein Killerlächeln.

Giselle: Was wollen Sie von mir?
Alec: Ich will Sie ins Bett bekommen. Und ich denke darüber nach, Sie zu heiraten. Das habe ich mit Ihnen vor, mein süßes kleines Schokotörtchen.

Meine Meinung: Eine schöne Bescherung ist wahrhaftig eine schöne Bescherung. Alec, der stärkste Werwolf aus Europa ist zu Besuch in Bosten und beneidet die Rudelführer um ihr Glück nicht alleine zu sein und seit neustem auch noch Nachwuchs zu haben, als ihm ein unwiderstehlicher Geruch in die Nase steigt: Frische Pfirsiche. Der Duft gehört zu Giselle Smith, eine eher unscheinbare junge Frau, die wegen ihres dicken Hinterns eher keinen Mann abbekommt. Alec lädt sie zum Mittagessen ein, wo sich Giselle prombt eine Lebensmittelvergiftung zuzieht und zwei Tage später in einem fremden Hotelzimmer, in Alecs Hotelzimmer, aufwacht...
Diese Erzählung umfasst keine 50 Seiten und ist sehr kurzweilig, dafür aber sexy und witzig. Giselle hält von sich nichts. Sie ist sieht nicht gut aus, sie ist dick und ihr Hintern eine überdimensionale Größe - meint sie. Wie ihre Figur in "Wirklichkeit" aussieht erfährt der Leser nicht, aber es liegt nahe, dass sie eine recht normale Figur hat. Alec findet Giselle bezaubernd, so wie sie ist und noch bezaubernder findet er, dass er endlich eine Frau kennen gelernt hat, die einen gesunden Appetit hat. An dieser Stelle drückt Mary Jane Davidson ihre Kritik - und das zu recht - an dem Magerwahn aus. Nachdem Giselle erwacht, möchte sie sofort nach Hause, doch Alec lässt sie nicht. Anfangs versucht sie sich noch zu wehren, aber seinem Charm kann sie einfach nicht widerstehen. Natürlich haben die beiden ausgiebigen Sex. Der Schreibstil ist ebenso wie die weitere Handlung leicht erotisch und anziehend. Ich empfand es als angenehm, aber ich muss hier zugeben, dass ich es nicht als Meisterleistung empfand. Die Novelle hätte vielleicht sogar wundervoll ausgebaut werden können.

Fazit: Eine angenehm zu lesende, leicht erotische Geschichte. Ideal für Zwischendurch, oder auch als Bettlektüre.

Black Short Monday #3 ~ Der Weihnachtsbesuch

Black Short Monday is a brand new feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

'Black Short Monday' will be post every Monday. To view all my Black Short Monday posts click HERE.


This time I wrote about the second story of the German anthology "Weihnachtsgeschichten" by Nicole Stoye.

Short Story:	Der Weihnachtsbesuch
Author:	Nicole Stoye
Published:	2011
Anthology:	Weihnachtsgeschichten
Format:	Kindle edition
Websites:	Nicole Stoye | Goodreads
My copy:	gekauft
Purchase:	Amazon (DE)

Klappentext: Viele Jahre schon ist der Schreiber Johann für seine bezaubernden Weihnachtsgeschichten bekannt. Seit seine Enkel Michael und Timmy das Licht der Welt erblickt haben, bringt er sie umso lieber zu Papier. Doch in diesem Jahr will ihm so recht keine Geschichte einfallen. Besorgnis erregende Briefe über Streitigkeiten der beiden Enkel haben ihn in den letzten Wochen erreicht und als wäre das nicht schon ablenkend genug, fällt plötzlich auch noch ein kleines Engelchen vom Himmel. Als Johann den herzigen, kleinen Buben mit in seine Stube nimmt und dann auch noch die Figuren aus seinen Geschichten auftauchen, versteht er die Welt nicht mehr...

Das Engelchen begann zu lesen und plötzlich, als es über die lustigen Weisen des alten Schreiberlings lachen musste, schimmerten die zahlreichen Kerzen um ein vielfaches heller und die Glöckchen bimmelten allesamt himmlisch. Noch bevor Johann begreifen konnte, was da vor sich ging, wurde er von unbekannten Stimmen aufgeschreckt (...)

Meine Meinung: Der Weihnachtsbesuch ist eine eigenwillige Geschichte, die mit Weihnachten ebenso viel gemein hat, wie St. Martin oder Silvester. Sie fallen halt nur in die Zeit um Weihnachten. Die Geschichte von Johann, dem Schreiberling, dem die richtigen Worte für eine weitere schöne Weihnachtsgeschichte nicht einfallen wollen, ist ganz nett, aber nichts besonderes. Er sieht sich selbst an seinem Schreibtisch sitzen und plötzlich sind seine Hauptfiguren aus seinen Geschichten zu Weihnachten in seiner Stube und streiten sich - wie immer. Johann versucht zu beschwichtigen und sucht nach Lösungen für die Probleme seiner Figuren, die ihm bis dato gar nicht bewusst waren. Irgendwann schläft er ein und am nächsten Morgen findet Johanns Familie eine neue Geschichte, an die sich Johann nicht erinnern kann, sie geschrieben zu haben. Der Schreibstil war in Ordnung, nichts außergewöhnliches aber flüssig und recht kurz, sodass sie sich zum Vorlesen eignen würde.

Fazit: Der Weihnachtsbesuch ist nett zu lesen, aber nichts besonderes.

Black Short Monday #2 ~ Weihnachten mit Oma

Black Short Monday is a brand new feature by Stephanie from Books Paradise. Mondays are definitely black. I thought what could I do to make it better. In the last time I consistently read short stroies, novellas or something along those lines and what lends itself better for reviewing those stories as a black monday? - Right, a black Monday!

'Black Short Monday' will be post every Monday. To view all Black Short Monday posts click HERE.

Short Story:	Weihnachten mit Oma
Author:	Eva Markert
Published:	October 27th 2011
Anthology:	24. Dezember
Format:	Kindle edition
Websites:	Goodreads
My copy:	bought by myself
Purchase:	Amazon (DE)

Inhalt: Weihnachten ist kein schönes Fest, jedenfalls nicht für Markus, Jens, Lena und ihre Eltern. Denn jedes Jahr kommt Oma zu Besuch und es muss immer alles gleich sein. Der Baum wird zusammen geschmückt, es gibt immer Karpfen, den nur Vater und Oma mögen, und vor den Geschenken müssen sämtliche Weihnachtslieder gesungen werden. Nur einmal Weihnachten ohne Oma, das wäre toll und so kamen sie auf eine Idee...

"Ich weiß was wir machen!", rief Jens schließlich. "Wir verbarikadieren uns! Wir lassen alle Rollos runter, gehen nicht ans Telefon, bleiben die ganze Zeit im Haus. Dann weiß niemand, dass wir hier sind." (...) "Und dann feiern wir Weihnachten, wie es uns gefällt."

Meine Meinung: Wer kennt sie nicht, die alten Vorstellungen von Weihnachten? Ein Festmahl, Gedichte aufsagen, Lieder singen und dann Geschenke auspacken. aber wie kann man das ändern, wenn es noch welche vom alten Schlag in der Familie gibt, die an Traditionen festhalten? Die Geschichte ist sehr schön geschrieben, aber auch recht traurig. Und dennoch lehrreich. Traditionen werden irgendwann durch neue Dinge ausgetauscht, die dann wiederum auch zu Traditionen werden. Veränderungen sind nicht schlecht oder falsch, allerdings sollte man Veränderungen gemeinsam beschließen und nicht einen Teil der Familie ausschließen, denn das kann - wie in dieser Geschichte - nach hinten los gehen. Wie der Titel des Buches aber auch schon sagt: "24. Dezember, Weihnachtsgeschichten für Mütter und Großmütter". In diesem Buch sind kleine recht kurze Geschichten, die Müttern und Großmüttern helfen, sich besser zu verstehen und mögliche falsche Vorstellungen zu erkennen und zu verbessern. Schön gemacht.

Fazit: Eine Geschichte von geliebten und gehassten Traditionen am Weihnachtsabend - sehr schön geschrieben und lehrreich.