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Writing Warm Fuzzy and Fun

Anne Ashby

Writing Warm Fuzzy and Fun

Anne Ashby

Complete Reviews:

Worlds Apart

World’s Apart is a beautiful romance story. All of the characters are brought to vivid life for the reader and enables them to cheer for them, roll their eyes at them and even yell at them. I found the story flowed and before I knew it I was on the last page. Anne Ashby provide touching romance that will whet the appetite and quench the thirst.

Delane - Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Worlds Apart

Raven is in need of some rest and relaxation, so although reluctant she agrees to spend a few weeks in the home of her soon-to-be stepfather. Brad makes Raven's mother, Joy, deliriously happy, and Raven is thrilled about the match. While hesitant to leave her two boys, Raven is excited to meet Brad's children, Greg and Abby and hopes to make a good impression.

Greg is not happy, to say the least, about his father's engagement. Brad barely knows this woman, he had only met her on his holiday in New Zealand. The woman could be a gold-digger for all he knew! When Greg sees Raven at the airport, he feels that his fears are confirmed. Someone as young and attractive as Raven couldn't possibly be interested in his father for anything other than his money! Though Raven quickly figures out the misunderstanding, she is furious with Greg's presumptions and rude behaviour. To teach him a lesson, she plays the role of Brad's very materialistic fiancee. But once things start to heat up between Raven and Greg, will the deception keep them apart?

This book is addictive! The initial misunderstanding between Raven and Greg is hilarious, and the comedy continues as Raven keeps up the pretense. The differences between their two cultures is highlighted in very realistic ways, from their speech to their different ways of driving. Both characters have walls that they need to work through in order to build a proper relationship. They are tied together by feelings of love and loss and are hesitant to try again. However, the two help each other move on from the past in a beautiful way. There is just enough light humour to balance the serious aspects of the novel. The other characters of the novel are interesting as well. I would have liked to know more about Raven's friend Justin, as he seemed to have problems of his own that could have been explored. Possibly in another book? All in all, a really great read!

Reviewed by: Jane Eliot | Jul 08, 2011 | 1-60154-722-6

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW

Devon's Dream

"This is my first experience with author Anne Ashby. Let me assure you it will not be my last. I found her writing style fresh and intriguing. There were no dull moments or slow parts to the book. Her main characters were dynamic and totally believable. This poignant storyline mesmerized me. I stayed on my toes throughout the entire book. I certainly didn't want the story to end.

Ashby's supporting cast was fairly large but quite effective. I have read more stories about parenthood kept from the father. This one was a new approach to me. The paths her characters took were distinctive as well as emotional. The sensuality was subtle yet dynamic. The scenery of New Zealand was brought into her story quite ingeniously. It made me want to visit.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. There is a wonderful flow within the storyline. I will certainly look for other books by Ashby. Great job, Ms. Ashby!"

Brenda Talley The Romance Studio

Devon's Dream

The heroine, Devon Smith. a friend of Rick's sister "disappeared somewhere into the ether about ten years ago." She is introduced in a hospital in New Zealand, in a coma and awakens from a coma about half way through the story. There are a multitude of multi-generational characters in this story that deals with love and relationships between parents, siblings, friends, ( both female/female and male/female) old romances, parents/children, parents/grown children and almost every other combination you might think of.There is jealousy and there are disagreements and misunderstandings. This is a cross-section of family life and its problems and rewards. The half-siblings are trying to get parents together again. An older parent is dealing with the ill health and possible death of a spouse.

The story was well written, with many 'Down Under' phrases that made me really enjoy the telling of this story. Phrases like"All Black" when referring to the aborigine population, "goggle box" is a TV, "Not on your Nellie" as an equivalent to the American phrase "not on your life, "mum" for Mom and many more.

There were only a few typos that caught my attention; for instance, "Rick hastily shook HER head." But not enough to detract from the telling of the story.

I look forward to re-reading this charming story, and to reading more of this writer's works.

Review from "Seriously Reviewed"

NB: Some kind soul commented on the Seriously Reviewed website and corrected the reviewer's incorrect assumption about the All Blacks

Devon's Dream

Devon’s career doesn’t leave time for men, especially not Rick, her best friend’s brother that she fell in love with when she was thirteen. As far as she knows he’s married and happy and way out of reach. One tie to him is enough and its best he knows nothing about that. Until a car accident changes everything.

One phone call is all it takes to change Rick's life for ever. At first he thinks it’s a mistake, that the Rick the critically injured Devon is calling for isn’t him. Then the truth sinks in. The young girl she is asking him to take care of could be his daughter. The result of a weekend they spent together several years ago.

Devon’s Dream is a lovely story of second chances, of learning to trust again and to put the past behind you. It brilliantly tackles the subject of a child finding family she’d never realised and trying to find her place in it, without it being trite or forced, and without pushing the main characters to one side.

This is one story you’ll want to read again.

LynnMarie's review website - Clare's Review 4 Tea Cups!

Time to Bury the Past

Time to Bury the Past by Anne Ashby led me into the lives of Kelsey and Zane. I first want to touch on the emotional toll of this fantastic read. The pacing of this romance reeled me in and didn't let me go. I remained hooked literally wondering what else the world would throw at these two single parents who needed a helping hand in completely different ways.

Kelsey's past and how it shaped her gave incredible insight to why she refused to allow love in her life. I had to really think about the essence of her and what I found was at the tender age she left home she didn't love herself much less know how to let anyone love her or to have been taught the way a man is supposed to love and respect his woman.

Zane sweet lord this man had an uphill battle with so much baggage I knew the only reason he kept going was out of love even if misguided. He hadn't learned that his way of communication and the civilian way were to totally different animals and kept comparing himself to his father and coming to terms with what his career cost him.

What no one understood was the costs that he sacrificed to protect his son, his family and the country. The horrors he saw, the secret part of him never shared but weighed heavily on his shoulders. Add to that a government who wouldn't let him go and he had his own quandary, how to be a good father and honor the commitment he signed up.

Add in two teens in need of a good friend, a cast of secondary characters who make the perfect external family and this story makes for a fantastic read, the only thing missing is wondering what happens and how they're story ends. This is one book I'd love reading again just to see if there's a layer or two I missed the first time around.

Posted by Siren Book Reviews

Time to Bury the Past

Time to Bury the Past was an excellent story.

Zane Erickson, our naval hero, was a great character. He was strong, brave and fought for what's right and good. Plus he was caring. It was interesting to hear about his history in the military. His life has made him a good soldier and a bit stubborn. After years fighting he is now taking care of his son. But forming a bond is not so easy.

Our heroine, Kelsey, is a strong and caring single mother. She went through a lot including an abusive husband. She does what she can to take care of her son Daniel and to make sure he has good memories. Because of her traumatic past she is determined to not find another man. But maybe the right man just hasn't found his way to her door. Could our stubborn, but caring officer be what Daniel and Kelsey need? Through Zane's son and Kelsey's son they meet and form a friendship and then more.

I enjoyed how Zane and Kelsey got to know each through their sons. And the bumps to them being friends and getting to know each other because of the problem's with her son. I also enjoyed how they got to know each other and how Kelsey helped Zane ease up a bit. He needed to be able to get closer toward his son because of his time away. The development from friends to lover lovers was nice and believable. Their chemistry and the romantic scenes were done well to.

I liked the friendship between their son's and their characterizations to. They were interesting in their own way and kept this a well-rounded story. The twists and turns kept me surprised.

Reviewed by: Silvermage | Aug 12, 2011 | 1601548966

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW