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Romance in Four Seasons #1-4
Romance in Four Seasons
Romance in Four Seasons is a series of contemporary romantic short stories about people looking for love, and the curious hand Destiny plays in the outcome, for better or worse.
ebook
First published January 16, 2015
3 people want to read
About the author
Michael Gardner
20 books74 followersMichael Gardner writes stories from the twilight zone of his mind, a middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition and his sock drawer. Cross over if you dare.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 24, 2015
Just as the name suggests, this book features four different love stories set in four different seasons. It starts with autumn. Surprisingly, it is followed by spring. I don't know how that happened.
Anyway, the recurring theme in these stories is Destiny.
Autumn (BUS STOP) is about a woman who met destiny on a bus stop. The man didn't usually take the bus. But, this time, he had to take the bus because his car was in the shop. That's where 'he' met 'her'. It's a whirlwind romance between two people who are overcome by the desire to love and be loved.
Spring (THE BIG FOUR-O) features DESTINY herself.
"She fiddled with a sleek, etheral arrow, the one with which she'd pierced many mortal hearts, deliberately, or whimsically, to watch love blossom, or fade away. Where would she loose the arrow today? Perhaps, she thought, a little mischief would add spice to her eternal task."
Destiny is a deity who creates and plays with people's love stories. A particular man, one who couldn't understand a woman's desire to have kids, caught her attention. She tweaks his fate and turns him into a bachelor who wants nothing else but to have kids. Apparently, "What are your thought on having children?" isn't a good question for a first date. How will this bachelor find the right woman? Well, you have to read the book.
Summer (CHECK OUT) is about a man who frequents a supermarket, develops a crush on an employee, and eventually falls madly in love with her. Company policy prohibits employees from fraternizing with customers, but it all works out in the end.
Winter (IDEAL MATCH) is a story about finding love the second time around. That's all I will give you. I don't wanna give spoilers for this one.
In a nutshell, this collection is about finding love in the unlikeliest of places. This brings hope to those who haven't found love, to those who have lost love, and to those who are waiting for the right love.
My favorite stories are SUMMER and WINTER. What I like about this collection is that it shows gender equality. We see strong female characters who aren't afraid to take matters into their own hands. Also, we see male characters who show their soft side. It shows that men are just as baffled about love as women are. They do overthink. They do regret their actions or inactions. They also feel the need to have children in their lives.
This was a great read. I do recommend it to you. It's sweet, and it's heartwarming.
Anyway, the recurring theme in these stories is Destiny.
Autumn (BUS STOP) is about a woman who met destiny on a bus stop. The man didn't usually take the bus. But, this time, he had to take the bus because his car was in the shop. That's where 'he' met 'her'. It's a whirlwind romance between two people who are overcome by the desire to love and be loved.
Spring (THE BIG FOUR-O) features DESTINY herself.
"She fiddled with a sleek, etheral arrow, the one with which she'd pierced many mortal hearts, deliberately, or whimsically, to watch love blossom, or fade away. Where would she loose the arrow today? Perhaps, she thought, a little mischief would add spice to her eternal task."
Destiny is a deity who creates and plays with people's love stories. A particular man, one who couldn't understand a woman's desire to have kids, caught her attention. She tweaks his fate and turns him into a bachelor who wants nothing else but to have kids. Apparently, "What are your thought on having children?" isn't a good question for a first date. How will this bachelor find the right woman? Well, you have to read the book.
Summer (CHECK OUT) is about a man who frequents a supermarket, develops a crush on an employee, and eventually falls madly in love with her. Company policy prohibits employees from fraternizing with customers, but it all works out in the end.
Winter (IDEAL MATCH) is a story about finding love the second time around. That's all I will give you. I don't wanna give spoilers for this one.
In a nutshell, this collection is about finding love in the unlikeliest of places. This brings hope to those who haven't found love, to those who have lost love, and to those who are waiting for the right love.
My favorite stories are SUMMER and WINTER. What I like about this collection is that it shows gender equality. We see strong female characters who aren't afraid to take matters into their own hands. Also, we see male characters who show their soft side. It shows that men are just as baffled about love as women are. They do overthink. They do regret their actions or inactions. They also feel the need to have children in their lives.
This was a great read. I do recommend it to you. It's sweet, and it's heartwarming.
June 30, 2017
I really enjoyed these stories. The writing is tight and smooth, and each story captivated me with its different characters, its different voice, and left me satisfied at the end. “Food for Love” is filled with quirky, amusing dialogue and portrays a man I would love to meet. “Missing the Bus” has one of the best sex scenes I’ve ever read. “The Big Four-O” seemed a bit wacky, but came together great. And “Ideal Match” surprised me with both its depth and its resolution, something that rarely happens anymore since so many stories seem to follow the same blueprint. There’s a fifth bonus story too, very short, and yet it also works. Kudos to the author for mastering the art of writing short, which isn’t easy.
July 21, 2015
Love. It's in air, or so the old songs say.
Romance can be fresh and sweet like the lightest of spring breezes, or warm and sultry like a hot summer wind. It can fill the world with swirling color, while hinting at the loss to come; or take the breath away with an icy clarity, numbing lovers to every sensation but love itself.
I've heard it said that men are more romantic than women and I have to believe it after reading Michael Gardner's Romance in Four Seasons. Four charming tales, each more delightful than the last. Although I have to admit that the summer love story was my favorite.
But don't take my word for it. Pick up a copy and discover the season in which love blooms for you.
Romance can be fresh and sweet like the lightest of spring breezes, or warm and sultry like a hot summer wind. It can fill the world with swirling color, while hinting at the loss to come; or take the breath away with an icy clarity, numbing lovers to every sensation but love itself.
I've heard it said that men are more romantic than women and I have to believe it after reading Michael Gardner's Romance in Four Seasons. Four charming tales, each more delightful than the last. Although I have to admit that the summer love story was my favorite.
But don't take my word for it. Pick up a copy and discover the season in which love blooms for you.
July 22, 2017
What a delightful collection of short stories – all of them romantic in their own way. Having fallen in love once (at the age of 14) with a teenaged boy working as a cashier at a local grocery store, I have a real affinity for the character in “Food for Love.” The Maxo-Save comes alive for the reader, along with Marianne, the cashier, and Martin, the main character, whose clumsy attempts at flirting are so realistic. This was my favorite story until I read the second one, “Missing the Bus.” I was totally taken in by the author’s storytelling skill. Loved it from beginning to end.
I found the settings for these “romances” – in a grocery store and at a bus stop – so believable. It’s often the mundane places where we spend a good deal of time that we meet or fantasize about someone we wish could be a part of our lives.
“Ideal Match” and “The Big Four-O” were entertaining stories as well, and, although I had already read the bonus story, “The Start,” I thoroughly enjoyed reading it again.
Gardner has the uncanny ability to bring both male and female characters to life. He also has the ability to bring to life the sometimes awkward attempts at connecting. And I find his romantic stories MORE romantic than many written by women authors.
Highly recommended.
I found the settings for these “romances” – in a grocery store and at a bus stop – so believable. It’s often the mundane places where we spend a good deal of time that we meet or fantasize about someone we wish could be a part of our lives.
“Ideal Match” and “The Big Four-O” were entertaining stories as well, and, although I had already read the bonus story, “The Start,” I thoroughly enjoyed reading it again.
Gardner has the uncanny ability to bring both male and female characters to life. He also has the ability to bring to life the sometimes awkward attempts at connecting. And I find his romantic stories MORE romantic than many written by women authors.
Highly recommended.
February 13, 2015
Four short romantic tales, each set in one of the four seasons of the year.
Story 1: My least favorite of the bunch. While the other stories had a bit of a plot (or at least some interesting attributes to the characters), the first story was really generic. It also had some lines that struck me as very cheesy (All I can see is a ring... spoken of the dregs of a coffee cup immediately after the girl meets the guy).
Story 2: This was probably the most interesting story. It had some unique elements, including a reversal of a common stereotype (a man, rather than a woman, becomes suddenly desperate to have a child before he's too old). This premise could have played out to be pretty intriguing. How would a man act in this situation? How would having a "female" obsession affect his self image? Unfortunately, not much of this is explored. The main character simply acts exactly as a stereotypical woman would in this stereotypical circumstance... except that he happens to be a man. (Also, a minor quibble, but the first two sentences of the story seem to contradict each other. In the first, Destiny always knows the outcome. In the second, she likes to pierce hearts to see what the outcome is.)
Story 3: A grocery-story romance. While the story itself wasn't very remarkable, the writing was better in this story than in the others, I thought. There were a few lines that made me wince (maxo-enormousness, also "They're new," she says. "Like you" (he replies)), but things seemed to flow a little more smoothly in this story.
Story 4: Internet dating. This one was difficult to get into, but it had a cute little twist that was nice.
Overall: The biggest struggle in short stories is making the reader care. It's very difficult to sketch characters with bold, brief strokes and still give them enough depth for a reader to identify with them, understand them, and like them. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that matters in the romance genre. You can't make someone's heart flutter (or break) with a gut-wrenching ending if they don't know or care about the characters. In Romance in the Four Seasons, Gardner gives four brief sketches, but the strokes are vague, the characters largely faceless, and the plots themselves have very little depth. Because of this--and because of a few typos and a consistently incorrect use of the semicolon--I give the book an "It was OK" rating.
Story 1: My least favorite of the bunch. While the other stories had a bit of a plot (or at least some interesting attributes to the characters), the first story was really generic. It also had some lines that struck me as very cheesy (All I can see is a ring... spoken of the dregs of a coffee cup immediately after the girl meets the guy).
Story 2: This was probably the most interesting story. It had some unique elements, including a reversal of a common stereotype (a man, rather than a woman, becomes suddenly desperate to have a child before he's too old). This premise could have played out to be pretty intriguing. How would a man act in this situation? How would having a "female" obsession affect his self image? Unfortunately, not much of this is explored. The main character simply acts exactly as a stereotypical woman would in this stereotypical circumstance... except that he happens to be a man. (Also, a minor quibble, but the first two sentences of the story seem to contradict each other. In the first, Destiny always knows the outcome. In the second, she likes to pierce hearts to see what the outcome is.)
Story 3: A grocery-story romance. While the story itself wasn't very remarkable, the writing was better in this story than in the others, I thought. There were a few lines that made me wince (maxo-enormousness, also "They're new," she says. "Like you" (he replies)), but things seemed to flow a little more smoothly in this story.
Story 4: Internet dating. This one was difficult to get into, but it had a cute little twist that was nice.
Overall: The biggest struggle in short stories is making the reader care. It's very difficult to sketch characters with bold, brief strokes and still give them enough depth for a reader to identify with them, understand them, and like them. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that matters in the romance genre. You can't make someone's heart flutter (or break) with a gut-wrenching ending if they don't know or care about the characters. In Romance in the Four Seasons, Gardner gives four brief sketches, but the strokes are vague, the characters largely faceless, and the plots themselves have very little depth. Because of this--and because of a few typos and a consistently incorrect use of the semicolon--I give the book an "It was OK" rating.
February 28, 2015
"Romance in Four Seasons"
Michael Gardner illustrates his keen writing ability, crafting four separate stories in this delightful little collection.
At no time was I bored by the characters, their situations, and/or their plights. The author holds the reader’s interest throughout. The writing is smooth and imaginative. The stories are entertaining and oftentimes witty. The characters are relentless in their quests, and Mr. Gardner penetrates their thoughts and feelings, offering the reader a ringside seat to all the action.
Another positive element of this book is that the stories do not sound alike. Each story carries its own voice, style, and rhythm.
If you enjoy reading a collection of stories in which you can be entertained, feel sympathy for the protagonists, and hope they make out okay, then by all means, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a non-reciprocal, honest review.
Michael Gardner illustrates his keen writing ability, crafting four separate stories in this delightful little collection.
At no time was I bored by the characters, their situations, and/or their plights. The author holds the reader’s interest throughout. The writing is smooth and imaginative. The stories are entertaining and oftentimes witty. The characters are relentless in their quests, and Mr. Gardner penetrates their thoughts and feelings, offering the reader a ringside seat to all the action.
Another positive element of this book is that the stories do not sound alike. Each story carries its own voice, style, and rhythm.
If you enjoy reading a collection of stories in which you can be entertained, feel sympathy for the protagonists, and hope they make out okay, then by all means, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a non-reciprocal, honest review.
January 21, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed these four stories. They run the gamut from laugh-out-loud funny to heartwarming. The author has given creative twists to familiar romance tropes to create something new and fresh. The writing is crisp and clean. Sparse descriptions spotlight characterization so you're sure you know exactly what someone looks like even though little visual detail is given. It's masterful writing by a very talented author. Give it a try. You're sure to be charmed.
February 10, 2015
Four cute stories that are each different but all nice reads. The stories are each fairly short - just perfect for a bus/train ride to work, or perhaps while standing at the bus stop, waiting for Mr/Ms Right to come along (read the book and you'll get what I mean). I particularly enjoyed Destiny's arrow in Spring.
July 21, 2015
Charming and deceptively simple stories of finding love in unlikely places and circumstances. Each story plays with the ideas of fate and chance giving the characters' lives new directions. This is a heartwarming collection of four short stories each set in a different season and place that will be a nice addition for any romantic reader.
Autumn: The 'Bus Stop' takes a look at love that might have been and how the smallest change in routine can have the greatest impact.
Spring: 'The Big Four-O' When Destiny decide to meddle things can get a little crazy. When everything seems to fall apart for our characters, they must somehow put it together again.
Summer: 'Checkout' A fresh twist on the girl next door! Sometimes love is closer than we realize, but still out of reach.
Winter: 'Ideal Match' Keeps the reader guessing as to who could possibly be on behind the keyboard in a sexy, fun and winsome game of cat and mouse in the age of internet dating.
For my personal enjoyment, this was more of a 3.5 read since I prefer more action, but rounded up to a solid 4 for writing quality. Kudos to the author!
Autumn: The 'Bus Stop' takes a look at love that might have been and how the smallest change in routine can have the greatest impact.
Spring: 'The Big Four-O' When Destiny decide to meddle things can get a little crazy. When everything seems to fall apart for our characters, they must somehow put it together again.
Summer: 'Checkout' A fresh twist on the girl next door! Sometimes love is closer than we realize, but still out of reach.
Winter: 'Ideal Match' Keeps the reader guessing as to who could possibly be on behind the keyboard in a sexy, fun and winsome game of cat and mouse in the age of internet dating.
For my personal enjoyment, this was more of a 3.5 read since I prefer more action, but rounded up to a solid 4 for writing quality. Kudos to the author!
February 14, 2015
Delight in Four Seasons
A delightful collection of four romantic cameos: the reader is surprised by Gardner's originality, delighted with the wit, wooed by the charm of each story and, most essentially, moved emotionally. In at least one case the being charmed by the story is wickedly deceptive; in another it's pleasurably satisfying.
The stories in order are: Bus Stop, The Big Four-O, Checkout and Ideal Match. I don't have a favourite, they're all good - but I must confess I needed a tissue at the end. Just one; I'm a man.
Gardner writes in clean and subtle style; one is easily deceived into thinking the writing simple. Only when you consider the impact the author has had on the reader do you begin to realise how carefully the words have been put together. The editing is absolutely professional, although I feel that the quality of the current cover image is well below what the collection deserves.
If you enjoy romance, or good short stories, and especially if you'd like something other than the usual formulaic output of the big romance publishers, grab this one!
A delightful collection of four romantic cameos: the reader is surprised by Gardner's originality, delighted with the wit, wooed by the charm of each story and, most essentially, moved emotionally. In at least one case the being charmed by the story is wickedly deceptive; in another it's pleasurably satisfying.
The stories in order are: Bus Stop, The Big Four-O, Checkout and Ideal Match. I don't have a favourite, they're all good - but I must confess I needed a tissue at the end. Just one; I'm a man.
Gardner writes in clean and subtle style; one is easily deceived into thinking the writing simple. Only when you consider the impact the author has had on the reader do you begin to realise how carefully the words have been put together. The editing is absolutely professional, although I feel that the quality of the current cover image is well below what the collection deserves.
If you enjoy romance, or good short stories, and especially if you'd like something other than the usual formulaic output of the big romance publishers, grab this one!
February 3, 2016
Romance in Four Seasons is a series of four related works held loosely together by the meddlesome doings of Destiny. 'Bus Stop', will have you stretching your mouth in a smile; 'The Big Four-O', will make you feel sympathy for the poor male race; 'Checkout', will keep the secret of its muddled romance hidden till the end; and, 'Ideal Match', will have you looking at your partner in a new light.
Mr Gardner's writing is fresh, bright, and has the knack of making you feel all of the character's emotions. Once you start reading this book, be prepared to fall in love. This is an enjoyable, warm-hearted read, enjoy.
Mr Gardner's writing is fresh, bright, and has the knack of making you feel all of the character's emotions. Once you start reading this book, be prepared to fall in love. This is an enjoyable, warm-hearted read, enjoy.
August 5, 2015
This book is an unexpected treat! Four bite sized romances that are so real they could have been overheard on a bus or in a bar. While nominally there is one for each season, the weather really has nothing to do with the ways the stories play out.
I enjoyed them all immensely, especially since each tale was about the perfect length for my commute so there was no wondering throughout the day what might happen next.
If you like realistic romance, pick up this collection right now!
I enjoyed them all immensely, especially since each tale was about the perfect length for my commute so there was no wondering throughout the day what might happen next.
If you like realistic romance, pick up this collection right now!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews