| Title | : | Small Miracles |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1623805708 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781623805708 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 79 |
| Publication | : | First published April 16, 2013 |
Small Miracles Reviews
-
Posted at
Shelf Inflicted
Even though this was a little too sweet and unrealistic for me, I couldn’t help being swept away by the plight of the main characters - Cal Harrison, who fled the home of an abusive stepfather and is now living on the streets, and Matt Kirkland, despite having everything he needs and more money than he knows what to do with, feels a void in his life.
The heart-wrenching first scene when Cal walks into a bar, dirty, dripping rain onto the floor and shivering, effectively conveys his desperation, his discomfort, and the harsh realities of homelessness. He doesn’t have the money to pay the $5.00 cover charge. Matt not only pays the cover, but buys him drink and food as well.
Matt wears down Cal’s resistance and takes him home. Their sex is warm, intense and magical. But once it’s over, their separate worlds come into conflict. Cal takes his damp clothes and flees Matt’s apartment.
For the first time in quite a while, Cal feels comfortable, safe and secure. Can he trust Matt not to disappoint him like others in his life have?
I liked the way this story explored situations that can lead to homelessness and the difficulties and indignities one must endure. Cal’s life is tough and Matt proves he’s not an unfeeling millionaire.
It’s all too good to be true, but surely there’s no harm in occasionally indulging in the fantasy that people are basically good and have your best interests at heart. -
First let me say this : Damn, this author can write. I adored her “Inside the beltway” and I wanted to read more books by her.Unfortunately I didn’t have many to choose from (because she hasn’t written a lot) and that’s a freaking shame because her writing is rich and sensual and her MCs are very romantic.
Now , this one here is exactly how I mentioned above..excellently written and with so many feels and it would have been a 5 stars despite the fact that it’s short,insta and pretty far-fetched , IF it hadn’t been for our MC Cal . I couldn’t stand him and I found it incredible that a homeless guy (a healthy 22 years old who didn’t even try to better his situation for more than a year) when meeting a young hot millionaire who was smitten with him and who offers him a place in his life starts acting ungrateful,bitchy and demanding ,taking out his bitterness and misfortune on the only person who offered him help. I understand that it sounds too good to be true but don’t be a bitch for fuck’s sake. Also he came across as a bit of an asshole because when he heard the guy was VERY rich he decided to go back and try to be with him 🙄
2.5 stars rounded up because even though I hated the MC I still think this is an excellent book because the author is really talented with the words. -
So a homeless man walks into a bar and he becomes the victim of insta-love from a millionaire.
The story sounds too good to be true but wait it gets...fantastically fiction like where the homeless guy refuses the help & millionaire's insta-love because the homeless guy wants to stand on his own two feet.
And how does the homeless guy do this? By telling the millionaire to get him a job.
*sigh*
Oh and they have sex.
The end. -
Barely 3*
I wanted a Cinderfella story, I have a soft spot for those, and I don't mind insta-love, but this one did make me check my logical and actual thinking part of my brain at the door, or rather the first pages.
Matt is a huge Internet mogul/success, while partying at a bar he sees a homeless and very down-on-his luck kid ad immediate knows he is the ONE.
Cal is 22 and has been on the streets for a year, now here is again where I have to decide not to think, I mean at that age he has to have a HS diploma, I know he left home without his ID, but you can replace those, and in a year he hadn't managed to do or be anywhere but on the streets...
Matt convinces him to come home with him and wants to keep him, explaining that he is totally smitten and knows Cal is his soul mate. Cal doesn't trust it, he knows if something is too good to be true, it probably is.
I think this novella had a lot of potential and would have been a favorite, but due to the length, I just didn't love it, I didn't get any real insight to Matt, since its told purely from Cal's POV and although I understood his reticence in believing in his change of fortune and his fear of relying on Matt, but I didn't see him doing much for himself either, so..I don't know, it was missing something for me.
Oh, and this blurb doesn't do the story any favors IMO. It makes Cal sound horrible. -
I wanted a Cinderfella story, I wanted Instalove and I wanted the poor, nearly starved and frozen guy to fall in love with the handsome rich stranger.
I downloaded it exactly for that reasons and the sample delivered the hints. The story itself later didn't follow through in my opinion.
There were too much aspects that distracted me from the main purpose of the story, the love. I could understand all the fears about being thrown out again, left again, not being able to cope then, etc. But while the author did an overachieving job to convince us that Cal doesn't want to be a gold digger and is afraid to "trust his luck" she neglected to to convince me of the emotional connection between the MCs.
For Matt it's the very far-fetched explanation of soul-mates...duh...and for Cal? I don't know, looks like he liked Matt, maybe it's even mentioned somewhere but it got drowned it the amount of "it's not going to last" and "I can't rely on that" etc. In the end...no, he doesn't want to live completely on Matt's money but he doesn't mind his help. That's okay with me...but does he love him? Where are the emotions towards Matt? The whole story is very selfcentered on Cal's inner conflicts and they are not very much about love.
So it was nice to read but not what I hoped for ...... -
I understand some books are meant as escapist reads, but there's only so much suspension of disbelief I can have. And it got me into a pissy mood too. Both guys were morons. Bah!
-
Read on 11-27-13
I wanted to love this, but I couldn't. There were just too many times when I wanted to strangle Cal. Is that bad? Wanting to strangle a homeless man? Oh well if it is, because I did. His "demands" at the end were my breaking point. Yes, I get it. He wants to get his life back, but does he have to bite the hand that feeds him? Yikes. If I were Matt I would tell him to eff off. As far as his demand of
I did really enjoy how Matt was in a down to earth bar and didn't really flaunt his money. -
4.5 stars
A touching story about two men from totally different worlds who find each other. I only wish it would have been a few pages longer or that a quick epilogue had been thrown in. Otherwise, an outstanding story.
Full review can be found at
On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Sentimental Favorite of 2013. -
Cal lives on the street. After a night of being moved along everywhere he tries to hide from the cold and rain, he sneaks into a bar. While trying to hide in the shadows because he doesn’t have any money to order anything, he’s approached by the waitress to say his cover has been paid so he’s welcome to relax. Able to enjoy the warmth he looks around to see a gorgeous man watching him. He must be the person who took pity on him. He approaches him and offers him dinner. The two talk a little. He learns the kind man is Matt. Matt offers him a place to stay for the night. Cal is weary of Matt’s offer. He seems like a nice enough guy but Cal hasn’t ever crossed the line of trading sex for money, food or shelter and he doesn’t want to start now. Still, it’s freezing outside and a night in a bed seems like heaven so he agrees. He also finds Matt very attractive and the idea of sleeping with him for that does appeal to him. Once at Matt’s home the normalcy of a shower and warmth seem to push him to wanting to enjoy the night to its full extent, including being kissed and held by Matt.
This was a wonderfully romantic story about finding that someone who just speaks to your soul almost from the first moment. I’m not always a fan of love at first site and the guys don’t do that exactly but they see in each other something that makes them feel complete. Matt is all in but Cal has some reservations about giving himself hope and trusting in someone again. The author did a great job sucking you into Sean’s head. Expressing what it’s like to be cold, hungry, and how when you’re dirty and feel like the nothing people treat you like it’s hard to pick yourself up out of the gutter. Even when someone offers you help. It really was a lovely story that any romantic at heart should enjoy.
Review can also be found at
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre... -
4 Stars
Cal lives on the street. After a night of being moved along everywhere he tries to hide from the cold and rain, he sneaks into a bar. While trying to hide in the shadows because he doesn’t have any money to order anything, he’s approached by the waitress to say his cover has been paid so he’s welcome to relax. Able to enjoy the warmth he looks around to see a gorgeous man watching him. He must be the person who took pity on him. He approaches him and offers him dinner. The two talk a little. He learns the kind man is Matt. Matt offers him a place to stay for the night. Cal is weary of Matt’s offer. He seems like a nice enough guy but Cal hasn’t ever crossed the line of trading sex for money, food or shelter and he doesn’t want to start now. Still, it’s freezing outside and a night in a bed seems like heaven so he agrees. He also finds Matt very attractive and the idea of sleeping with him for that does appeal to him. Once at Matt’s home the normalcy of a shower and warmth seem to push him to wanting to enjoy the night to its full extent, including being kissed and held by Matt.
This was a wonderfully romantic story about finding that someone who just speaks to your soul almost from the first moment. I’m not always a fan of love at first site and the guys don’t do that exactly but they see in each other something that makes them feel complete. Matt is all in but Cal has some reservations about giving himself hope and trusting in someone again. The author did a great job sucking you into Sean’s head. Expressing what it’s like to be cold, hungry, and how when you’re dirty and feel like the nothing people treat you like it’s hard to pick yourself up out of the gutter. Even when someone offers you help. It really was a lovely story that any romantic at heart should enjoy.
Whit's review can be found at
Live Your Life, Buy The Book -
2.5 stars - I didn't give this book 3 stars because it just didn't fully strike a cord with me emotionally. That's not to say this book isn't good. The story is very well written, full of bitter honesty and hesitant hope. Cal's had a rough life, one now tainted by distrust and fear, and it's hard for him to reach out and grasp what Matt's offering. He's real, honest, full of doubt, and plain scared. Matt, on the other hand, knows what he wants, and that's Cal, his soul mate, the one thing missing from his almost perfect life. I really liked how Matt just knew on sight what meeting Cal signified. Like I said, this is a good book, but I would've liked for it to have been longer, or a little more in depth, so I could've seen Cal and Matt's relationship evolve even further and truly get to know them and feel for them. Will definitely keep my eyes out for any future works from this author.
-
3.5 stars - This was a short and sweet read. I guess it can be classed as insta-love, which I know irks some readers, but I'm not usually too bothered about that when it's done right. I just wish Small Miracles had included an epilogue or something that showed this couple a few months down the line. The HFN ending was still really sweet, but I'd have liked just a little bit more. I'd certainly like to see more from these characters and I'll be checking out more by this author :)
-
This isn't bad, but its too quick. I don't really "buy" the romance, but I found it entertaining.
-
A miracle is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as 'a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development or accomplishment.' Cal Harrison from 'Small Miracles' by Ellen Holiday, was forced to leave his home and venture out into the world with nothing but the clothes he was wearing. He's been on the streets a year and is completely disillusioned about life. It will take nothing short of a miracle to restore his faith in human nature and in himself.
Cal is about as down as he could be when he sneaks into the bar where he meets Matt. I loved how the book started: “Fat rain drops plopped onto the wooden slats that lined the floor of the bar, spreading in dark stains. Cal shuffled in half-inch by half-inch, head lowered. He felt bad about the wood, but he felt worse about himself, and the shivers wouldn’t stop.” Using the bad weather to set the mood of bleakness which Cal felt at that time. His heart had been so shattered by past events that he'd have to freeze it in order to survive the pain. It's no small wonder why he mistrusts Matt and wonders what he'd have to do to earn the generosity he had offered. The one thing Cal refused to do was sell his body and it is the last remainder of his dignity which he adamantly clings to. Part of him is tired of struggling and wants to trust someone. The longer he is with Matt, the more he wonders about taking a chance on the kindness of this stranger. After taking him up on his offer, Matt begins to feel more than he expected to and gives in to the loneliness. His old fears arise and, instead of being rejected and broken hearted, he runs back into the anonymity of being a street person. He can't stop thinking about Matt though. With the good advice of a friend, he realizes that if he never takes a chance, he will never know. Going back to Matt and keeping his dignity will not be an easy matter, but if it's supposed to be, then it will be.
Matt is obviously a generous man. When he sees Cal, he gazes past the dirty clothes and down-on-his-luck expression and sees a good, bright soul, a person who touches his heart and soul at an unparalleled level and he wants Cal to know this. I appreciated how gentle and cautious he was with Cal, respecting his space and letting him set the pace of their association. Matt is nothing but kind and understanding. Not that I didn't believe him, but his actions did seem out of the blue. I would have had an easier time trusting him if I'd gotten to know more about him, but somehow, even with that, his feelings for Cal seemed genuine. His willingness to work with Cal in helping him regain his self-reliance was what eventually won me over. He showed me that even though he was rolling in money and used to having his way, he was still more concerned with Cal's feelings. Their lovemaking was tender, sensual, and very romantic, just like the rest of their interactions, proving once again Matt's sincerity and showing how much Cal wanted to trust and love again.
This is a very sweet, endearing story, well written, and exceptionally descriptive. Cal's conflicts were portrayed with a poignancy which made my heart ache. I felt his anxiety, his hopelessness and hesitation. I even felt him being chilled to the bone, tired from lack of sleep, and hunger. This is someone who deserved a second chance. I'd like to have known Matt better, but loved the way he and call interacted. I didn't want the story to end as it did. I wanted to know more about these wonderful men who found happiness with each other. Maybe we will get to learn more about them in the future. What about it, Ellen? I'd love to see how the guys work out their relationship. I'd recommend this story to anyone who wants to escape reality and wander into a romantic world where anything is possible. Thanks, Ellen, for the heart-warming ride.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on
Rainbow Book Reviews. -
I liked this short novella well enough, though it strained even willing disbelief, and more so I liked the writing and emotion conveyed. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book, I’ll try this author again. It’s not a bad introduction but I’m hoping she can do better with more space, giving a hopefully less ridiculous solution. I can see where the story was trying to go but never quite developed the relationship and characters to the point to sell it. Regardless I enjoyed reading this and look forward to picking something from this author again.
The set up is familiar – Cal is 22, homeless, and steps into a bar to get out of the rain for just a few minutes. Matt is a super rich businessman that takes one look at Cal and decides they’re soul mates. Matt takes Cal home to his wealthy condo and tries to convince the young man that Matt will be his savior because they’re meant to be together. Cal has trust and abandonment issues so he can’t believe his luck and keeps running away.
While the plot isn’t all that unique or original, it’s one I like and was happy to read. The basics are all there with Cal as a young, naïve, and of questionable intelligence with trust issues that rule his life. He wants badly to believe that he has his miracle in this wealthy, good-looking man that will save him from his life on the streets and give him tons of money. Of course, it’s not that easy. The action is swift but smooth as the two meet and go home within the first scene. Cal’s back and forth takes up the remainder of the book but I never felt too rushed or overloaded. The story takes considerable care to show Cal’s depth and his emotional issues.
This is perhaps the best part of the book. Cal is a sympathetic character, even with his repeated inconsistencies and back and forth stubbornness. He’s an easy guy to root for and want to see good things happen to him. There are of course some problems with the background as it makes no real sense that Cal has been homeless for a year while there are options he could have taken. Additionally his trust issues, while understandable, and his offered resolution to them don’t fit his demands. He sounds like a hypocrite at the end and rather demanding given the situation. However these are kind of minor and didn’t take away much from the story.
Instead the smooth writing and intense emotion really help glide over any problems. This is good because Matt is a total mystery character and somewhat worthless. He exists as nothing more than a rich man looking to save Cal. Cal’s not even sure he’s in love with Matt while Matt’s soul mate declarations are weak at best. It’s an instant one-sided love that you simply have to suspend disbelief to get beyond. Once I did that, the writing swept me away with the story. I enjoyed the imagery created, could feel the change in temperature and intense emotions Cal experienced. It’s evocative and consuming. I easily went where the story wanted me to go, even as I noted it basically made no rational sense at all, in any way.
In the end this is an enjoyable escapist book, though nowhere near excellent. At only 70 pages it’s an easy time investment and I was glad I read it. I’m not sure I’d recommend it necessarily unless the hurt/comfort and instant love themes is really your thing and you can suspend disbelief. For myself, I’m curious what else this author can do and with that reason, it’s a win for me. -
3.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
A very sweet and touching story Small Miracles tells the story of Cal, a homeless young man who is downright hopeless. In one of those most horrible days of his life, when he’s soaked wet from the rain and trying desperately to prevent fainting from cold and hunger he is offered some kindness when gorgeous Matt offers him a cup of coffee and a meal. But Matt’s offering continues when he offers Cal a place to crash for the night without any “payment” from Cal.
And that’s how Cal finds himself in danger of believing the fairytale. It’s so easy to soak up Matt’s warmth, it’s so easy to get lost in his generosity and it’s too easy to give himself to Matt, their attraction huge and undeniable. But the hurt and pain that comes when dreams shatter is not worth the try, or is it?
Yes this story is very much the “contemporary fairytale” kind. It’s too easy to get attached to Cal; his life story is irresistible and quite heartbreaking. He’s had quite the bad luck and when a slight break comes his way, he is too afraid to take the risk and dare hope that things might change. His resistance is perfectly understandable and even though at some point I was shaking my head at his stubbornness I still could feel for this character.
Matt though is a different story and he is a character I totally distrust. Wealthy beyond reason and way out of Cal’s league he just picked Cal in an impulse and gave him “everything” reasoning it as him being selfish and Cal being his soul mate. It’s this character that makes this whole read look like a fairytale.
But it was such a nice reading, I loved the writing very much. The author’s ability to evoke emotions and deliver sentiments is great. The pair’s lovemaking was exquisite and quite romantic as well. It felt almost like poetry when those two came together.
In the end this is a book I wouldn’t hesitate recommend to people who love a good happily ever after and romance.
Thommie -
Wow. It’s magical. Sweet and adorable and every single word fits just right.
This has to be the most beautiful version of a love-at-first-sight story I’ve ever encountered. It pushes the concept to its limits, goes against all outward circumstance.
At the same time, it is so much more than a romance. In fact, the romance provides only one aspect. Essentially it’s about trust, seizing chances and braving the terror of allowing hope inside.
Beautifully sad, and then it’s glorious – so much so that it makes me giddy.
A quick glance at the Goodreads rating average shows that others must be a lot less impressed than I am with this and that confuses me. Maybe I’ll take a look later at what bugged people. For now this feels simply too precious to disturb.
Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing that might have been better. There was depth, beautiful prose, actual meaning. Is it because the plot itself is extremely unlikely? Well, that’s the point, though, isn’t it? A miracle, a touch of magic, a gift.
Ah, I’m happy.
This story? I feel as though I’ve read it before, which is impossible since it was published only recently.
But I know I’ve read one or even two stories with a very similar premise; I remember bits and pieces. I think they were not bad… Although is it even possible that they might have been as beautiful as this one? I doubt it. And I wish I could find them now to compare. I’m thinking the one especially had to be astonishingly similar. Huh. -
I was looking around for a quick read, and I saw the blurb for Small Miracles, and I thought it sounded interesting. It's more than interesting -- it's quite a little love story.
Here's a quick synopsis of the story. Cal is a down-on-his-luck 22 year old and he is homeless due to a change in his family circumstances. One cold and rainy night, Cal goes into a local bar to get warm and dry. He is about to get tossed out for not paying the cover charge, when Matt pays the cover charge and starts a discussion with the young homeless man. (Unknown to Cal, Matt is a multimillionaire computer guy.). Well . . . Matt finds that he is enraptured by Cal, but Cal is fearful of putting so much blind faith in this new man.
The story goes on to be one of the most romantic that I have read in a very long time. True love and true romance is rarely nailed the way that the author does it here. Reading every word was an absolute delight, and it has put a smile on my face to start the day. After reading this story, you'll be wondering if true Love is just around the corner for you as well (no matter what your present circumstances).
Would love to know more about these characters, and where their lives go after this story.
Oh, by the way, this is clearly a five star little story. Buy the book, and spend a few hours luxuriating in everything that true love can be. -
I am never an insta love, liking person. However after saying that I did like this story. It was romantic, Cal a young man on the streets, having the worst night of his life and meets his prince charming. Yes, it was fluff and fantasy but I enjoyed it. I was a bit mad it ended and there is no other book.
-
2.5 Stars
My first impression about Cal that I got from the blurb was... he's a gold digger. Honestly, someone could have written a better blurb than the one above.
The idea that you just know who your soulmate is at first sight and that you can feel that person completes you after you just met seem ludicrous to me. But since this short story was under Fairytales/Cinderfella category, I let it slide.
I felt that the characters were not well developed and I struggled to care or relate to them. However, I found Ali's character very likeable and intriguing. The ending was a fitting HEA. I wished that the story could have been longer to give the characters more depth and develop their relationship. It was all too fast and too unbelievable... even for a contemporary fairytale. The story had all the elements of a good read, but it didn't really do anything for me. Sorry. -
So as others have mentioned, the blurb does a terrible disservice to this story. I think it really portrays Cal in a poor light and not the torn young man that he is. I actually enjoyed this short story even though it certainly had the insta-love element that I usually run away from. The one thing I would have liked to know is why Matt had never made a connection with anyone else. Obviously he was attractive and wealthy and yet it seemed like he hadn't been looking in the right places or something. I would have loved about 5000 more words to this story, but I really liked the writer's style and they way Cal's emotions were portrayed.
-
Okay so the book starts out so so so well... I got completely lost and it kept my attention. But somewhere in there, when Cal started going on and on about the hundred dollar bills in Matt's wallet it lost it charm. Thankfully it was short and finished it quickly but there are similar issues like this throughout which kind of make Cal seem like he's more into the money than the guy... you really can't be sure. But since it's written well otherwise, it's worth a shot if you're in the mood for the whole millionaire falls for the hooker theme which I was... :P
-
I think it needed to be longer. Cal came across as a gold digger,
-
I might like this one better if there were more to it or if a sequel is written for it because it was just too open-ended for me to like it a whole lot.
For the most part though, I think it was written well, and it was a decent short story. -
3.5 stars
sweet & touching story -
...
"He's not just a rich kid but a well known millionaire. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to leave him after all."
That's what the blurb comes off as... -
See Lucky's 3 1/2 sweet pea review on April 17, 2013 at
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... -
2.5*
-
cute and fluffy.
