Anne John-Ligali

Here, we have the continued story of Constance...romance writer, adoring mother, jilted fiance...beginning at the end, or at least where the end of the first story left off. (Love the lack of time gap!) She's met some of her online acquaintances, and while some she'd rather not hang about, there are others that fast turn into friends. Some add humor, some bring style, some have attitude to spare, whether or not any of these things are actually valid matters not because they are delivered with confidence and that makes anything lacking in luster THAT much more appealing. Anywho...one new friend would be Estelle, and she's about to learn that they share more than simply genres as these two gals take a much needed break from life and head to Glitzy Spa. A weekend of relaxation, pampering, oversharing, and perhaps a little flirtation is just what the doctor ordered...but wait, who requested the room service serving of psycho? Yeah...about that....

I was all in for the weekend trip, and getting to know Constance and Estelle better, but I was a tad confused (as was Constance for that matter) by the sudden appearance of someone...rather unexpected...and with ties to someone else that were clearly unknown. Let's just say things get more than a bit tense and the lacksadaisy housekeeping of one of these gals is gonna prove to be a lifesaver. I suppose I was basing my initial impressions of it off the first in the series, thinking I was in for another light and quick read brimming with social media savviness and authorly fun...but in the end, the added pages and heavier story line served to set us up for another installment COMING FALL 2018! Needless to say, you've got plenty of time to get caught up in the series in the mean time should you so desire...or can plan on a mini-binge later in the year.


**ecopy received for review… (meer)

Having enjoyed the first of these Friendships Online stories, The Big Event, I was keen to return to Constance, Estelle and co and see what happened next. The Weekend Spa Break starts, quite literally, where The Big Event left off.

This second instalment is a bit longer than the first and a bit more in-depth. We learn quite a bit more about Constance and Estelle, in particular, as we see them go to the Glitzy Spa together, Constance using the gift that Estelle gave her at The Big Event to cement their friendship.

They have a great time together, enjoying the luxury and each other's company, gorgeous food and lots of lovely spa treatments, including massages from the delectable Julio, who Constance finds herself rather taken with.

I thought it was great to meet up with everyone again. The two ladies are the main players, but we were treated to social media updates from the others as well. The author has an engaging writing style and I couldn't help but like all the characters.

The story took an unexpected turn at the end and, if I'm honest, I thought it felt a little out of place, but it certainly added an extra dimension to the story and left me with some questions that I'm sure will be answered in the final instalment.

The Weekend Spa Break was a delightful way to spend an hour or so. It's not too taxing but it also has stronger themes running through it. I'm looking forward to part three now.… (meer)

This short story took me around 30 minutes or so to read and I really liked it. Oh, and I love the cover too.

Constance Jeffries has arrived at the publishing party of the year. She's hoping to meet up with friends that she only knows online, through social media, and she's really looking forward to it.

However, you know what it's like - often people portray themselves quite differently on the internet than they do in real life and Constance finds this is the case at the party. Just as Constance, and I, were losing hope, something happens that restores her faith in her online friendships, thank goodness!

The author has got it just right in this story, portraying the apparent necessity for everybody to be constantly checking social media or taking selfies. There's a mixture of likeable and not quite so likeable characters and I'm looking forward to meeting up with them all in the next instalment of the Friendships Online Short Story Series.

Overall it's a lovely quick and insightful read.… (meer)