Memories for Sale - A Novella [Kindle Edition]

Karen Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Memories for Sale - A Novella

When Eleanor learns that her time is running out, she reaches out to her estranged daughter and the grandchild she's never met, hoping to make amends. With the help of an elaborate plan, she intends to make memories that will last them a life time, and a legacy that will continue to provide for them long after she has gone. But the one thing that Eleanor has forgotten is that her daughter can be just as stubborn as she is. Will she be able to reunite with her daughter, while still keeping her biggest secret?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A nice quick story that can easily be read if you have a spare hour one afternoon. Though the story was short it concluded well and I really enjoyed reading it." (four-stars)  from reader Aeisen

--LibraryThing

From the Author

An avid reader, I believe we have much to learn about the world, and ourselves, through explorations of the written word. Books are the threads of timeless human connection, and I strive, at least in some small way, to touch others through my writing. The relationship between mothers and daughters is complex, and often frought with misunderstandings and biased memories. Mothers say things they don't mean, or more likely end up being misunderstood. Daughters take things the wrong way, or rebel against good advice for all the wrong reasons. This story came pretty effortless for me, especially considering it is a little more "hallmark" than the fiction I normally write. I do hope you enjoy it, or at least find a connection to your own parental relationship.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 123 KB
• Print Length: 48 pages
• Publisher: Quirky Gurl Media (March 23, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004TMBXQK
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #588,219 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Memories for Sale July 24, 2011

By Mary E. Young

Format:Kindle Edition

When Eleanor learns that she only has months to live, she contacts her estranged daughter in order to make amends. She invites her daughter along with the granddaughter and son-in-law that she has never met, to her home for Christmas. This was a sweet novella, one that speaks of the importance of family, forgiveness and second changes. I thought it was well-written, with interesting realistic characters.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars memories for sale June 25, 2011

By abcarroll

Format:Kindle Edition

Elenore finds out she only has a few months to live and decides to make amends with her daughter. Her daughter gives her so much more than just the peace Elenore is looking for. A really good short story. I truly wish it was longer so I could get to know the characters better, a great story idea. Enjoyable read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Memories for Sale December 13, 2012

By S. Warfield TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Memories for Sale" by Karen Fowler is a novella that tells the story of aging mother Eleanor who six years ago became infuriated with her daughter, Nell, for becoming pregnant by the new preacher in town. Harsh words were spoken and her daughter left the house that day and never returned home. Eleanor was notified when her daughter had a baby girl, but in all those years had never seen her nor did she know the child's name.

Eleanor has now been diagnosed with cancer and hasn't much longer to live. As the days pass by she realizes that she can't die without seeing her daughter once more and especially without meeting her granddaughter. Six years is enough time to carry the burden of a broken relationship and it's Christmas, most likely her last, and Eleanor drums up the courage to call her daughter to invite her, her husband and her little girl home for the holidays.

Although bittersweet, this novella is a good story of forgiveness and hope. It is a nice Christmas story that centers on family relationships, what kinds of things can go wrong and in the end, how they can be put right again. It is a little predictable, but that I overlooked because of the story's nice message. My only complaint is with the editing, which has some errors but did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.

A nice Christmas novella that warms the heart and that I recommend for readers who like stories of Christmas and family.

More About the Author

An avid reader, I believe we have much to learn about the world, and ourselves, through explorations of the written word. Books are the threads of timeless human connection, and I strive, at least in some small way, to touch others through my writing.

Okay, enough of the heavy stuff. Let's get a little personal. I have worn many hats through my thirty-some years of living (and yes, that's as specific on my age as I'll get!) from C.N.A, to Animal ER Nurse, then from Accountant to a Graphic Designer, and now I've got a nice little vocation going as a photographer ( see www.karenfowlerphotography.com) - but the one thing I've always been is a writer. Blogs, essays, articles, poems, short stories- you name it, and I've been compelled to write it, or type it as the case may be.

On a more personal note, I've lived on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for most of my life, though I did spend the first six years of my married life as transplant to my husband's hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. And yes, I did come back with a southern accent! And two tow-headed babies, but I digress.

For fun, I'll give you a few little known facts about me before returning to our regularly scheduled programming!

1. As a teen, I rode horses and showed competitively. My horse was an Arabian named Clyde (as in Clyde the camel) and he had an addiction to Starlight mints (the red and white minty things) and cherry lifesavers.

2. My sister calls me a vampire, and not because I'll read anything with fangs in it. I normally stay up half the night, despite having to get up at the same time in the morning as regular people. Hence why I'm not usually in the mood to talk to anyone until I've at been up at least two hours.

3. I'm clumsy. I spent at least one chunk of time every year through middle and high school on crutches or wearing a cast.

4. I have an absurdly weird fear of crickets. Seriously. And me children delight in chasing me around with their crispy carcasses.

That's enough for now... Perhaps I'll share more later!