The Book of Happy Endings: True Stories About Finding Love

by Elise Valmorbida

This is a collection of life-affirming stories about couples who met and fell in love. So you know the endings already. Or do you? There is nothing predictable here. The storytelling is inspired, at once poetic and real. The style is deceptively simple and the themes are international. Love is old and young. Love breaks through borders.

This jewel of a book will make you cry for joy and yearn for more.

Genres: Nonfiction

215 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2007

About the author

I grew up Italian in Australia, but a scholarship took me to England. I was smitten by London, and still am. In between the day-jobs, I've been writing fiction and non-fiction for 20+ years. I've been teaching creative writing for almost as long. Heartfelt thanks for reading my work and posting reviews.

Reviews

[Bennetelizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't really help with the cynicism, but there were some cute stories...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely little book. Nineteen stories (5 of which are recurring characters). I've been reading a lot of non-fiction, so this was a much needed reprieve. Its much more than 19 love stories. They are all really stories of human nature and hope. There's nothing schmaltzy or cloying about any of these tales. They all feel vibrantly true. Which is good, since they seem to have all stemmed from a true encounter the author had. I just wish there was one more New York London. No worries, I'll make up my own.

[Emi Yoshida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can think of 5 friends to recommend this sweet little book to immediately. In these turbulent times, a collection of beautifully written up international, romantic interviews is just the ticket. I loved this wholeheartedly.

[Jessi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I was getting a book of people telling their own stories. Instead, every story was written by Elise Valmorbida. Which made for some decidedly odd reading. Every story was about different people (ostensibly), but the author's voice was so strong that it was jarring to be hearing the same voice in every tale. Too hard to get into.

[Tata Lapus · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't love all the short stories, there were 2 that I really loved. I loved very much the letter exchanges of Michele and Marcus. It somehow reminded me of how much I spent hours writing letters back in the day. For me writing letters has always been a route to one's soul.

[Alana]

Cute little stories about real life stories;)

[lola Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love it. But certainly, it was nice to read a book full of happy endings.

[Teri]

Would be a nice Valentine's Day read.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice stories... an entertaining and realistic look at that crazy little thing called love.

[JOANNE MACPEEK · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of short stories... on the many ways relationships can connect and love and life work together. Good to read as I am enjoying another happy ending as I retire again!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing nicer than happy endings to lighten your heart.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compilation of very well written/presented love stories

[Izzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in book format

It was not what I expected but I enjoyed the short stories! A little bit of variety never hurt anyone!

[Ainiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just need a little bit of love to brighten up your day.
Sweet reads.

[Loise Enad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so much like oh wait no loved the true story about michèle and marcus in this true story book ♥♥