Jenny TwistBesprekingen

A charming short story involving a fairy, a family and a hole in the wall (sort of) to fairy land. Very nicely written. Makes me wish for a novel length story revolving around the same characters.

An Object of Desire by Jenny Twist

Hannah and Rhea go on vacation in Tangiers, where they are followed by two creepy men. Then meet Toby, a mysterious man who show a lot of interest in the two young ladies. Soon things turn a bit bizarre , as Rhea goes missing, who can Hannah trust and will she find her friend again?

A fast past paced original story, with likable characters. Filled with mystery , intrigue and suspense I was hooked from the first page. An overall good read!

All in the Mind by Jenny Twist

Tilly wakes up in the dark, she is alone and scared. The room furnished in 1940's style, she wonders if it is all a dream. Tilly has no idea how she got there or what this place is. Soon she her questions will all be answered.

Tilly learns she is part of an experiment working on a cure for Alzheimer's Disease. She seems to be recovering, but there are bizarre side effects. She seems to be getting younger! The doctors decide to try the experiment on her husband as well. He suffered a debilitating stroke, it appears to be working on him too.

A well written fascinating story. I loved the idea of a possible cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Tilly and her husband are very likable. I liked learning of how they met, and how their lives turned out. The unconditional love they have for each other is very warm and heart-felt.

I strongly recommend All in the Mind to readers (of all genres). A very warm, thought-provoking story that will leave you thinking: What if....

Uncle Vernon by Jenny Twist

Alison spends a weekend with her boyfriend Gary. Gary’s family is eccentric especially his Uncle Vernon. He only comes to visit at Halloween and he spends most of his time in the cellar. Nobody knows what he does down there. Alison is about to discover the most spooky and bizarre weekend of her life.

A fun and spooky short story. Uncle Vernon is odd and eccentric, waiting to see what his "big secret is" was fun to read. I liked How Gary just accepted his family (eccentric) yet normal to him.

I feel that lovers of Halloween/Horror/Bizarre stories will enjoy Uncle Vernon. I also enjoyed Disappeared and plan on reading more work by Jenny Twist.

Disappeared (Mantequero,# 2) by Jenny Twist

Miss Blacker never returned from her Christmas vacation. Allison is convinced something really bad has happened to her. Allison and her friend Heather take off to Spain to see if they can find her. Once there they hear of a legend of the Mantequero, a vampire type creature in Spain. Will the ladies find their friend?

A fantastic take on vampire stories. Allison and Heather are very likable. I also enjoyed the setting in Spain, and hearing the story of the Mantequero. Very gripping and intense. I highly suggest Disappeared to those who love vampire (or short) stories.

Bedtime Shadows by Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hill

A fantastic collection of short stories by two very talented ladies. Each story is unique, gripping and will have you hooked. Some of the topics are: Horror, Romance, seers, were-cougars, ghosts, relationships to name a few. Each story will have you wanting more. Some are chilling, others are thought provoking, but all are very enjoyable. I strongly recommendBedtime Shadows to readers of all genres.

Titles by Jenny Twist:
The Man with No face
The Children of Hope
The Bull-Dancer
A Victorian Doll's House
Doppelganger
Voices
Catch Me if You Can

Titles by Tara Fox Hill:
All That remains
Take The Chance
Heart's Bells
Return to Me
Shades of Grey

Take One at Bedtime by Jenny Twist

A collection of short stories most are horror stories. Some titles are; classic Jack Trevellyn (A Gothic tale), Victim of Fortune, Waiting for Daddy, Margaret's Ghost, The Gingerbread House, A Castle in Spain and Jess’s Girl. Just to name a few.

Each story is well written, gripping, compelling, spine-chilling. A pure delight. I liked each story, they all had something to catch my attention. Each different and great reads.

One thing that makes this collect different from the rest, at the end the Author tells us what compelled her to write each story. That was fascinating to read. I would like to say my top three favorites (and it was very hard to chose) were:
Margaret's Ghost, A castle in Spain & The Gingerbread House.

I recommend to readers of all genres.

Tales of the Mantequero by Jenny TwistJenny Twist

This book is a compilation of the three Mantequero stories:
Mantequero, Disappeared and Sins of the Father.

The Mantequero is an urban legend In Spain. He is noted to be a "Modern Day Vampire" possibly a serial killer. Not much is known about him, but in this fascinating, chilling, thrilling story we get to meet The Mantequero. A fantastic spin on modern day Vampires. Truly brilliant!

Mantequero:
June Blacker is a language teacher loved by her students. June is very fat and feels because of this she will never find a man, and love.

But then she meets Ignacio. Ignacio thinks she is beautiful. And a strange thing happens to June. She starts tolose a lot of weight. Could Ignacio be The Mantequero?

Disappeared:
Miss Blacker never returned from her Christmas vacation. Allison is convinced something really bad has happened to her. Allison and her friend Heather take off to Spain to see if they can find her. Once there they hear of a legend of the Mantequero, a vampire type creature in Spain. Will the ladies find their friend?

Sins of the Father:
Rupert is having disturbing and very strange dreams About his dead father. In his dreams his father is a dark, shadowy figure who preys on people while they sleep.

Rupert knows nothing about him, his Mother refuses to talk about his Father. When he meets Samantha they decide to find out what happened and try to find his father.

Away With the Fairies by Jenny Twist

Lucy loves to stare at walls, her Mother says it is petit mals. Lucy talks about Fairies. No one takes her seriously until she disappears. Her sister claims to know where Lucy is, but doesn't think anyone will believe her. Do Fairies really exist and could Lucy really be with them?

A fast paced exciting short story. I loved the originality, Lucy is very lovable. The writing is well done, I felt as if I were living in Lucy's world. And honestly who doesn't love a story about fairies? I feel young/adult as well as adults (young at heart) will greatly enjoy Away With the Fairies.

While stepping into this fairy world I was reminded of stepping into Narnia from the wardrobe and seeing it through the eyes of a child. A magical and enchanting short story.

This is actually closer to 4.5 than a 4.

I really enjoyed the following segments and queries in the story:

Have I lived the fullest life I could live? Although June is rich in education, her family makes her feel less than because she is plump and unmarried.

Daring to travel outside her comfort zone: Instead of doing the usual, June opts to take a vacation for her rather than do the expected and be the family’s scapegoat. I can relate to always being the one depended on and relied on, as if you don’t have permission to live your own life.

Flattered by the attention: The shock when someone notices you. You are so pleased when the attention is obtained, one may not think of the future, only the joy of the present. Ignacio made June feel special, and that type of joy was something June wanted more of and didn’t want to question.

Mantequero reminded me of a trained dancer: smooth and steady with pacing and action, not one moment was sluggish.

There were minimal opportunities with spacing and formatting but they did not deter me from the read.

Although I know this is part of a series, I am quite comfortable with the tidy ending of Mantequero. It is nice to read work where you don’t have to read the rest of the series to enjoy it, yet you enjoy it so much that you don’t mind going on to the rest of the series. Pace, style, and the atypical take on a creature of the night served this short read such a high rating.

I was really drawn in by the premise of this story. Can an experimental cure for Alzheimer’s also assist in other ways? In many ways, the blossoming of this premise was done well.

I am a fan of a love story that goes beyond the bells and whistles. Tilly and John found each other during the worst of times, yet the love for each other was still strong. For me, this is endearing and touching–made of tough stuff, as my Grandmother would say. It really brings meaning to the phrase “for better or for worse.”

The detailing the author invested in the locations really made me feel like a part of things. I could really see the pain and suffering of the families who had lost so much, and I had a lot of admiration for Tilly’s determination and her endurance, despite losing loved ones.

The pace was wonderfully paralleled to the mood of the work. It fostered the climate of hope. It makes one wonder how many people would sign up for this cure: the elimination of Alzheimer's with the side effect of tapping the Fountain of Youth. It seems like a win-win, but is there a limit to how young one would get? Side effects can be pretty unpredictable and it would be a measure of risk vs. reward.

There are a few areas that could have used some tidying. A few spots, the point of view changed frequently without a clear divide, separating one point of view to the next. It was not quite enough to get me confused, but if one weren’t paying attention, she may have to give it a look again for reassurance.

Based on the premise of the story itself, the descriptiveness of the locations and conflict, and the connection with the characters, I award this an 4 out of 5 Stars.

Full review can be found on The Review Board.

Although I’m decidedly unlettered in this particular genre (Surrealism? Fantasy? SciFi?), Jenny Twist is clearly a mistress of it.

I’ll venture a declaration here and hope it doesn’t sound as foolhardy to you — who may be well - acquainted with the kind of literature of which “The Doppelganger” is a perfect specimen—as it does to me in venturing it. No matter how fantastical or imaginative, a good story remains a good story provided we, as readers, can identify with the characters in it. Bizarre though the plot, setting and characters themselves might be, we, as readers, have to be able to visualize them and the characters’ circumstances in order for the story to succeed.

One of the few SciFi stories I’ve read in my lifetime — and of which I later had the privilege of seeing the cinematic version — is Ray Bradbury’s “All Summer in a Day.” Why, to my way of thinking, did it succeed? Simply because the characters, only one of whom was a true Earthling, were entirely believable — as were the plot and setting, no matter how outlandish. I feel the same could be said of Jenny Twist’s “The Doppelganger.”

I don’t want to reveal any of the twists and turns of this story, but they’re all good. Jenny knows her form (or genre), and I’m simply out of my depth to critique it with any kind of authority. But the story certainly worked for me—and I suspect it will for you, too.

As I mentioned in the concluding paragraph of my review of “Montequero” in connection with Jenny’s craft, she writes her stories in flawless English. I congratulate her once again and encourage you, a potential reader and also possible writer, to take a look to see how it’s done.

RRB
3/2/14
Brooklyn, New York, USA

“She was good at her job…”

…but fat. And therein lay Miss June Blacker’s problem (but also Jenny Twist’s opportunity to play with fact and fiction).

Fat, until, of course, Auntie June—traveling alone, for a change, to Spain for the holidays—meets Ignacio, putting an abrupt end to her “suffocating existence as an undervalued teacher and despised, unmarried sister.”

Ignacio is the Mantequero, the Sacamatecas (a legendary criminal who, having killed his victims, would remove their viscera in what we might assume was only a marginally clean ‘n’ neat surgical procedure), the one—again, according to Spanish legend—who “carries the bag…sucks the fat from your bones and puts it in his bag.” Oh, but the Mantequero is “just a story, a fairy tale to frighten children.” Or is it?

I’ll not give away the plotline or the ending. For any reader on a diet (or even contemplating one), my doing so would be too much of a teaser and a temptation to binge. But suffice it to say that Jenny Twist, in typically British style, has done a masterful job of turning certain facts into fiction to re-tell the story, the legend, perhaps the myth, of a supernatural being who resembles—albeit in courtly Spanish style—many an English rogue, blackguard or Ripper.

The fictional elements aside, Jenny’s About the Story (at the conclusion of her well-spun yarn) provides some interesting background to where and how the original myth might’ve originated—as well as of some of the various real-life models for her mantequero (which, quite ironic for this story, translates to “grocer”).

One final note—and a compliment to Jenny’s craft: this story is written in flawless English. In our self-publishing world, such a thing is the exception rather than the rule. I congratulate her and encourage you, a potential reader, to take a look to see just how it’s done.

RRB
11/23/13
Brooklyn, New York, USA

5.0 out of 5 stars Three for the Price of One, November 23, 2012
By
Robert E. Johnson (York. PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: All in the Mind (Kindle Edition)
All in the Mind is a novel of delights. It is one tale with three distinct stories, each of them a joy to read. Ms. Twist does a superb job in developing characters, both likeable and not so likeable ones. What gives the tale extra pleasure is her ability to include little details without overloading with an excess of them.

The first story takes place in England just after World War Two. The romance of Tilly and Johnny has a certain Cinderella feel to it, but without the evil step mother and sisters. A reader is able feel the joy and warmth of their discovery of each other that leads to a storybook wedding in the magical country village. It has a story of love that has contains a paragraph or two that brings forth slightly weepy eyes.

The second story adds some new characters in a light science fiction way. It addresses the hopes of finding a cure for the pain of Alzheimer's Syndrome that has possibilities for the return to a youthful life. Ms. Twist writes with sympathy and hope in this story of what is possible. It has been written that `what a person could conceive and believe, they could achieve'. This part of the story embodies the concept.

The third story adds another character or two and a whole new type of action; one filled with intrigue and derring-do plus the surprise that envelopes Tilly and Johnny. There is the freeing of one person from the dictates of a dictatorial father and the romantic deliverance of a woman from a form of captivity.

The whole is greater than the parts as they are woven together to produce a thoughtful and fun tale. I strongly recommend this book for the pleasure it will give the reader.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful & unlikely romance. I love happy endings!, November 19, 2012
By
Joanna Foreman, author of "Ghostly Haunt... - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: All in the Mind (Kindle Edition)
This story grabbed me the moment I began to read it. I wasn't surprised, as I've read this author before and she always pulls the reader in at the very first sentence. Jenny Twist writes with a European flair, and I love the way I feel as though I'm in Europe. I've always wanted to visit, and with this book I felt as though I was there, in a little cottage, somewhere I've never been. Great sense of place with this author, wonderful characters and vivid descriptions.

Tori Ridgewood's review
Nov 14, 12


Read from November 13 to 14, 2012

The sweetness of this romance…the hope spanning decades, touching and changing lives not just in England, but across oceans…it's simply a beautiful story. Reminiscent of The Notebook, it has the same poignancy of a couple rediscovering their love, joy, and passion for each other after the ravages of Alzheimer's has all but stolen it away, but with a much different resolution.

I enjoyed the way that Jenny Twist describes the little things that we might otherwise take for granted -- how we navigate, how we talk at present and spoke in the past, linguistics in different countries, the finer points of the post-war kitchen… I was drawn in by the love story of Tilly and Johnny, but also compelled to keep reading to find out more about their friend and researcher, Kim. (I think perhaps Kim was my favourite character.)

I devoured this book over the course of three lunch hours and completed it while my daughter was in her dance class. I didn't want to leave this world for a moment. Jenny Twist has once again entranced me with her wonderful imagination, articulate command of language, beautifully envisioned characters, and original plot. Please read this book and ask a friend to read it, too. In these dark days of November, or in the early days of spring, or in the light of summer, it's a thoroughly satisfying romance.

I’m always excited whenever this author brings out anything new because I know it means I’m in for a great read – and ‘All in the Mind’ lived up to all my expectations. That deceptively simple little opening “Tilly was dreaming” which became a kind of refrain throughout the beginning warned me instantly that this story was going to be far bigger than the initial chapters suggested.
But it was impossible to guess just how ‘big’ the story would grow. In fact it’s several stories cleverly interwoven and each one is equally engrossing. The main story is about Tilly and Johnny who are a total delight from their very first appearance, as is the picture created of that austere post-war era in England where people had so little but knew how to live life to the full. Their life and their love was so idyllic that I was constantly on edge, waiting for something terrible to happen to destroy their happiness. This is definitely the kind of story for which you won’t want to risk coming across spoilers, so I won’t even hint at the sub-plots in case I give anything away. I’ll just leave you to uncover its delights yourself – by far the best way.
Jenny Twist is an enormously talented story-weaver who just goes on getting better. Fans of the wonderful novel, ‘Domingo’s Angel’ will not be disappointed with this latest offering from her. It’s a sweet and haunting feel-good story which will immerse you totally in its fictional world and leave you feeling deeply satisfied. Absolutely recommended.
Lynette Sofras

It is rare in this day and age to find and recognize true love, but Tilly and Johnny aren't of this day and age. In their golden years, each battled with a type of disease that immobilized the brain, rendering its victims helpless, dependent, and lost to the world.
I read All in The Mind with trepidation. Tilly and Johnny were well developed and 3 dimensional that I believed them (their house, their lives, their outfits, their foods) to be real, which heightened my apprehension of a sad ending. I shouldn't have, but this is how much I was immersed in the story.
All in the Mind will take you on a mind trip, one from which you won't want to return. The transformation of Tilly from a poor and lonely young woman, to an older and more confident version of herself was remarkable. I hardly felt the transition. Even after the onset of Alzheimer disease, I was so absorbed in her that I felt her fear and confusion upon waking up.
As always, Jenny Twist's fiction is an addictive treat that's tightly woven to draw the readers in and keep them there. If you're in the mood for something touching, sweet, and real, then All in the Mind is the right read for you.
Su Halfwerk

A Tale of Love that Lasts a Lifetime
Warning! Get out the tissues before you begin this book. This book moved me more than any other in recent memory, not because it was sad, although some scenes were very tragic, but because of the depth of emotion I felt for the characters, and the lasting love they share. Even though the hero and heroine are in their golden years, I had no trouble identifying with them, or hoping that a miracle would happen to save Tilly from her Alzheimer’s disease, and John from physical limitations caused by stroke. Any other author might not have been to pull off the miracle that takes place in this book, but Mrs. Twist does it winningly with deft strokes of plot, strongly built secondary characters, and a well-researched plethora of historical and medical facts. I dare anyone to read this book and not be moved to tears of joy. Bravo!
Tara Fox Hall

I am tempted to proclaim that ‘Jenny Twist has done it again’ but, although this is true, with this, her latest book, we are treated to a whole book in one fascinating read.

Tilly, a young nurse orphaned by WWII, is taken up by Johnny, returning from active service, and his kind, larger than life family. At first, Tilly fears that Johnny’s parents will prefer a debutante for their son, rather than somebody of humbler origins but, with much laughter, this fear is soon dispelled. She discovers that Johnny’s experience with debutantes was prolific but extremely bleak: his mother chased off the latest in his repertoire by telling her that the family had just lost all its money: the girl was off for the next train home before the family could blink. And this caused much merriment every time the incident was recalled.

Although green with envy at Tilly’s good fortune in finding and impressing this big-hearted and likeable family, it is impossible for me not to like her. Clever, amusing and warm, she captivates everybody she comes across.

The story takes a more unusual turn when Tilly develops Alzheimer’s, and the strain of this later causes her beloved husband, Johnny, to suffer a stroke. However, the indomitable pair, helped by a delightful trio of doctors conducting experiments into cures, overcome their setbacks, also aided and abetted by a charming young Asian scientist, Kim (Kurtikumar), who helps them enormously. When Kim’s father is dying, his brother coerces him into travelling home to India, in accordance with Hindu tradition. Not only is this a fascination insight into Hindu culture, it is also an exciting storyline: will Kim be forced into an unwanted marriage before his father dies? Many gripping twists and turns arise.

I love Jenny Twist’s emphasis on love and happy endings, or at least happy outcomes and situations: Kim’s English friend has an adventure rather like Kim’s, but in Bradford, seeking out a girl he lost years before, for similar cultural reasons.

The work and experiments of the doctors, and even of Tilly herself, to seek these cures (likening the human brain to a computer, which is an idea I found intriguing), keeps the story rippling merrily along at a cracking pace. There are more than a few touches of Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Grey here: the secret of eternal life is touched upon, with all its disadvantages as well as positive aspects. The period detail of the 1940s etc. was obviously very well-researched (not that I quite remember all the articles, language and food described!).

I won’t spoil things by revealing the ending but I, for one, thought it perfect. I enjoyed this book so much; and all washed down with gallons of tea!

Elizabeth Spradbery

"All in the Mind " by Jenny Twist is a most wonderful and heart- warming story concerning Alzheimer's disease. It is an unlikely subject that one thinks of in terms of "heart-warming " or "wonderful". Her story, though, set in England in 2004, with a 1940's World War II background is a moving and up-beat depiction of "Tilly "and " Johnny's" struggle with both the effects of Alzheimer's and stroke. It delves into the idea of a fascinating new cure for Alzheimer's , which may be fiction now,but gives hope for the future. There are well-developed characters, such as the doctors and researchers involved who aid "Tilly" and "Johnny" and have problems of their own, adding to the main story. It is of course a tale of love that will be dear to your heart and well-remembered, as it is to me.

Chris Gardner

The main theme of All in the Mind is one that affects us all, however, the way it is resolved is quite different from anything you'll have ever read or thought about ever before. And, yet it could happen, couldn't it? Jenny Twist has created a novel that will surprise and delight her readers. The characters are strong and engaging, the themes intriguing and her way of weaving her story artful and irresistible. If you haven't time to read it straight off, then don't read the first page until you have – you won’t be able to put it down.
Catherine Kirby

Christopher Carrolli's review
Dec 07, 12


Read from October 18 to December 06, 2012

"Bedtime Shadows" by Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall is a spine tingling masterpiece and the newest Paranormal anthology by Melange Books. Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall have comprised 185 pages of superbly written dark tales and proven themselves to be master storytellers in a collection well worthy of Halloween and bedtime reading.
T. Fox Dunham provides a well versed tribute to the authors in the Introduction, after which, the shadows begin lurking.
Jenny Twist explores childhood memories that later come back to haunt in "The Man With No Face". A young woman's early memory of man she cannot see continues to haunt her, and when she finally sees his face, she is gripped with terror.
"Children of Hope" is both interesting and heartbreaking, dealing with young mother's forced to give their babies away. Yet the story is one of hope and survival.
"The Bull Dancer" is an eerie short-short capable of a quick fix for those who love strange tales along with "Voices" and "Catch Me if You Can."
"A Victorian Doll's House" puts Twist at the top of the line as Paranormal writers, gripping us with the shock usually felt in The Twilight Zone.
"Doppelganger" fits the description on Paranormal/Romance to the fullest as we follow a woman who wakes up in white room and the strange tale begins.
Tara Fox Hall continues to send the chills up our spine in her sequel to "Origin of Fear," "All That Remains." A trip back to Latham's Landing takes us back into the house's haunted history for more thrills.
"Heart's Bells" continues the theme of Paranormal/Romance in a story where one hopes for the main characters, a young couple forced apart by a supernatural fate, and becomes enrapt in the paranormal horror that surrounds them.
"Return To Me" is another Paranormal/Romance that keeps the reader's eye from straying the page. The story is a brillaintly written, well thought concept.
"Take The Chance" is a post apocolyptic story of survival and like Hall's "Shades of Grey" carries an important message.
A bow to Melange Books for casting these two brilliant authors together for an must read anthology. Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall should continue for yet another trist together!

Take this journey!, 28 Oct 2012
By
ManicScribbler - See all my reviews
This review is from: Bedtime Shadows (Kindle Edition)
The problem with short story anthologies for me is that I always feel I should be able to say which story I liked the best and why. With these writers though, I find that incredibly difficult because all the stories are so very, very good.

I love haunted house stories in which old houses become integral characters in the story and so I must highlight two stories which really fired my imagination. Tara Fox Hall's 'All That Remains' and Jenny Twist's 'A Victorian Doll's House'. I loved the idea of Latham's Landing and its ability to distort time and exert a will of its own. Wonderful! Hall just sucked me in totally with her descriptions and ignited my imagination with this story. I so wanted to believe this place was real; I could visualise it so well and want to find it for myself one day. And Twist's very special magical doll's house took me straight back to my infancy. I sometimes feel this writer taps into my own childhood memories for her stories, so how can I be expected to resist them?! 'The Man With No Face' and 'Catch Me If You Can' affected me similarly. They both stirred up old memories and felt very personal to me, becoming stories I know I will want to keep and re-read.

The stories are not all horror - 'Doppleganger' is a delightful story reminiscent of the film 'Sliding Doors' and creates that 'feel-good' factor of exploring a parallel existence - but with some very satisfying twists, while the dystopian 'Take the Chance' will probably haunt my dreams for a long time to come. That's another alternative reality that is sobering to consider and leaves you thinking hard and long after the story ends.

The fact is these two excellent story-tellers know how to weave fictional worlds which tap into our deeply-rooted or forgotten memories, our quiet fears, our secret hopes and our often inexplicable and sometimes dark dreams. I know I can't be alone in this feeling and that's why I would recommend this short story collection to anyone looking for a deeply satisfying read, coupled with an exciting journey of self-discovery.


By Emily Hetherington
27-Sep-2012
Bedtime Shadows is a brilliant collection of short stories from the talented writers Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall, who brought us such delights as Domingo’s Angel and the Promise Me series. The title for this anthology is taken from Jenny Twist’s Take One at Bedtime and Tara Fox Hall’s Just Shadows. There is a wealth of twists and turns in this mix of stories bringing you horror, psychics, telepathy, ghosts, sinister events, and romance in the strangest places. I couldn’t put it down and I know it’s one of those that I’ll return to again and again. Well worth a read!

PROVOCATIVE TALES WITH A DEVILISH TWIST, 14 Oct 2012
By
Douglas W. Wickard "Douglas Wickard" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Bedtime Shadows (Kindle Edition)
"Daily-living captured and stylistically rendered with a 'twist' of macabre lurking behind each provocative tale...BEDTIME SHADOWS delivers a punch -- watch out for the unexpected."
~ Douglas Wickard

Bedtime Shadows by Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall
Reviewed by John Mecom September 1st, 2012

In Bedtime Shadows Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall have, again, given us an anthology based in the supernatural that range from romantic to the horrific and from those strange places between the two that can’t really be defined.
The Children of Hope and Take the Chance are two very different stories with common elements. Both stories look deeply into the minds and hearts of women facing very different but equally devastating worlds. Their triumphs redefine what it means to not only survive but to thrive.
Catch Me If You Can is reminiscent of both Lovecraft and Poe. I can’t describe the story only tell you that it will quickly take you to dark places. It’s both brief and beautiful.
All That Remains is a polished story that is a pleasure to read. Tara Fox Hall fans will recognize the setting, and perhaps some of the characters.
A Victorian Dolls House, this is a story of alienation, hope and magic. The ending is strange and satisfying.
If you like romance you’ll enjoy Doppelganger, Return to Me and Heart’s Bells, three stories about the complexities of love in a strange and sometimes wonderful / sometimes terrible world.
Shades of Grey, think the road to hell is paved with good intentions? You might be right. This is an intriguing and entertaining story that leaves you thinking.
The best that I can say about both Jenny and Tara is the best that I can say of any author. They know how to write stories that entertain and involve their readers. Someday I think we may identify them with authors like Shirley Jackson, Stephen King and HP Lovecraft.

Bedtime Shadows, a review by Mysti Parker
What do you get when you combine the minds of two talented (and dare I say, slightly maniacal) writers? You get an anthology like Bedtime Shadows. This literary progeny of authors Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall was a joy to read for a couple of reasons. There’s a nice variety of stories ranging from dramatic to speculative to downright gruesome. But, there are a few familiar ones included that will have you welcoming a second read if you’re a fan of these two ladies like I am. I’ll touch on each story briefly:
“The Man with No Face” by Jenny Twist is an eerie mystery that will make you ponder what skeletons might be buried in your own family’s closet.
“All That Remains” by Tara Fox Hall takes us to Latham’s Landing, the island house turned nightmare which first appeared in Ms. Hall’s “Origin of Fear” (Spellbound 2011). I thought I was done with that place, but she managed to drag me back to that cursed place to freak me out once more!
“The Children of Hope” by Jenny Twist reminded me very much of the heart-gripping 2002 film, “The Magdalene Sisters”, which centers on a home for “wayward girls”, which are actually girls who’ve gotten pregnant out of wedlock and are kept prisoner, then forced to give their babies up for adoption.
I was thrilled to see Jenny Twist’s “The Bull-Dancer”, which she entered in my blog’s May Flash Fiction contest. This lovely short piece reminds us not only to avoid scorning a woman, but above all, avoid scorning a mother!
Tara Fox Hall’s “Take the Chance” brings us to a dystopian future in which two young sisters have to make some really hard choices to survive. The characters were so sympathetic and well-thought, I could easily see this story being expanded to a full-fledged novel.
If you have a doll phobia like I do, then avoid Jenny Twist’s “A Victorian Dolls’ House” at all costs. If you make the mistake of reading it, expect a long night of waking up at every little noise and taking furtive glances into, then rushing past, your children’s toy room the next day. *shudder*
“Hearts Bells” by Tara Fox Hall is perfect for fans of a tragic love story. You’ll fall for Theo and Casey like I did, and you might even shed a few tears.
“Doppelganger” from Jenny Twist also appeared in last year’s Curious Hearts and deserved a second read from me. It’s one of those “what-if” stories that leaves you desperate for the star to achieve her alternate reality by the end.
“Return to Me” by Tara Fox Hall was another familiar story I had the pleasure of reading this spring. You’d have to be pretty steely for this bittersweet, paranormal romance to NOT bring a few tears to your eyes.
“Catch Me if You Can” by Jenny is a spooky, yet sad short piece that could easily be mistaken for a real-life legend—one of those spine-tingling things you might hear children chanting in the street.
Last but not least is Tara Fox Hall’s “Shades of Grey”, not to be confused with the pop hit trilogy by E.L. James. This dystopian story begins in the time of Constantine, then fast-forwards us through the ages to present-day America, and a warning of things yet to come.
Due to some adult themes and slightly graphic horror, I’d recommend this anthology for young adults and beyond. Grab your copy today!

Su Halfwerk
The anthology of Bedtime Shadows is a collaboration between Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall. Below, I've attempted to summarize each story without giving it away.
Some memories are better left alone, The Man with no Face is an example of why, sometimes, this should be the case.
Latham's Landing protects its reputation in All That Remains. If you have read Spellbound 2011 then you're no stranger to Latham's Landing which made an appearance in that anthology in The Origin of Fear. Driven by a need to find what happened to a relative, Sandra drags her friend to the house where even the air carries a scent of doom.
The Children of Hope makes one wonder whether there's a happy ending for mothers-to-be whose children are offered for adoption against their mothers' wills? The answer could've gone either way, I'm happy with Twist's choice.
The Bull-Dancer is a very short story that proves a mother's love shouldn't be taken lightly, definitely not to be challenged. Short, simple, yet delivered with a bang.
Any regime has the good and the bad. Take the Chance is about making a change whenever needed, it's about grabbing opportunities for yourself and the people you love.
Violet is obsessed with a dollhouse in A Victorian Doll's House, a fixation that eventually takes over her whole life. Another tale weaved in a way that left me dreading the end. I especially liked the way the dollhouse was painted with vivid imagery that brought it to life.
True love comes in different guises and at varying ages. In Heart's Bells, Theo and Case's love started early, met hardship, and reached its destined conclusion. I liked the story but couldn't connect with Casey. Perhaps she was too understanding, too supportive! Still, Heart's Bells remained with me. I like that in a story.
In Voices, Olivia and Aidan are twins who are connected on so many levels. When Olivia senses something otherworldly and bizarre about one such connection, things progress differently. The story was told in an engaging manner even though it was short. I'm very curious about Aidan's mysterious visitor.
Doppelganger gives hope. It's about making the right choice when it comes to matters of the heart. I connected with Christine, even found myself glancing at my toes as I read the first few paragraphs. Christine's reasoning and actions were drawn well with a tight writing style. Even at the end, Christine's choice made total sense. I hoped to see more of what she'd do to reach her goal, but you know what? I think the story ended at the right spot, allowing me to imagine and insert my own plan of action if I were Christine.
Stories of love that crashes through barriers to survive, or not, are dear to me. Return to Me is one such story. Harrison is a ghost while Sam isn't. They fall in love during one of Sam's annual visits to the cottage and from there they are bonded by strong amorous emotions. I think the last scene, though subtle, held many promises.
Willy is not the old Willy anymore. In fact, you better not cross his path in Catch Me if You Can. This story surprised me, and I love it for that. If you read his tale, I'm sure Willy Winky will shock you too.
Shades of Gray raises several questions. Can we change our future or are there entities that influence us? Are these entities controlled by destiny as we are? Will going against one's nature unbalance the world? I really enjoyed this story, it also served as a lesson in history and posed as the perfect closing curtain for the anthology.
Anthologies fail when the stories are unequal, but Jenny Twist and Tara Fox Hall are capable of balancing and matching each other's creativity.
Jenny Twist writes stories that have hope and despair at the same time, until her choice is revealed by the last word.
Tara Fox Hall's stories share a well-built spirit of entertainment and intrigue. Together these two authors will strap you to your chair and lock your attention to the magic they weave.
There's a lesson in each story, I enjoyed discovering each one.

Compelled By Words - 19 June 2012


I love anthologies. The way completely different authors come together and write stories based on the same general idea amazes me. This anthology even had a Halloween theme, which just so happens to be my favorite holiday (ten points already)! I had a hard time picking a favorite story in this book. Just when I thought I had a favorite, the next story turned out even better. None of these authors disappointed me in the least bit. The only disappointing factor was that they each ended so quick. I wanted each and every story to continue.

It's hard for a book to creep me out but this one did a pretty good job. I'd have to say that the one that made me the most nervous was the last one, Origin of Fear. I'll just say that I'm glad I was reading it with the lights on. Tara's descriptions were so on point that I felt like I was in the house myself. Since I literally just finished reading it, I may even have to wait a little while before I go to bed. Seriously, high five for the creep factor. But like I said, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite. Each story had it's own unique qualities and I enjoyed every single one. This would be an excellent book to read during a camping trip while everyone's huddled around the fire!

5 STARS!

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully warm-hearted little story, 1 Dec 2012
By
Ilovemycat - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Away with the fairies is a short tale about the daughter in a family disappears into "fairyland" one day and the rest of the family have to search for her. It is a wonderfully warm-hearted story with lots of nostalgic nods towards childhood (fish fingers, those 3D puzzles that you have to squint to see) and although it was over too soon it left me with a smile on my face. Impressive.

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet and captivating story, November 24, 2012
By
Rose Anderson - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Jenny Twist has done it again, what a charming little novelette. Imagination, loveable characters, and great scene crafting makes Away With the Fairies a sweet and captivating story you don't want to miss.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fairyland, October 22, 2012
By
Chris G. - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
I thought that this story was very entertaining and I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen. However, I thought it needed to be longer .I would have liked a longer glimpse into the land of Fairies. I wanted to know why some people were able to get in to it, what kind of place was it, and what happened to the Fairy that Granny had in her hand . Granny didn't seem surprised to see the Fairy, had she seen one before? This is a story about a girl who stares at a wall until an opening appears . When she steps through the wall and vanishes,( as told to us by her sister who watches it all happen) we have an enchanting mystery .Another great story by Jenny Twist. Tell us more.

Typical Jenny Twist Magic!, October 6, 2012
By
Joanna Foreman, author of "Ghostly Haunt... - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
I knew going in that I would love this story, as Ms. Twist has such a superb way with storytelling. Her characters were well described and likeable, and as they were drawn into Fairyland, I was drawn in with them. This is a very sweet story with a perfect ending. I try to read everything this author writes. She never disappoints. Never!

Ciara Threadgoode's review
Oct 07, 12



Awesome story! Really enjoyed it!

Awesome read, 4 Oct 2012
By
AdyShady (Manchester) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
As always Mrs Twist has managed to produce an outstanding, awesome piece of work, of course, I am a tad biased as she is my mother. But that said, I still firmly recommend reading this. However, I still think she will struggle to write anything better than Domingo's Angel, which to my mind is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.

An enchanting short story not to be missed!, September 29, 2012
By
Tara Fox Hall (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
This tale sucked me right in, much as the way the protagonist, Lucy, is sucked into Fairyland one day through her bedroom wall. I meant to read just a bit, and couldn't pull myself away until the story was done. Though the name Lucy brought to mind Narnia's character of the same name, this story is less about her, and more about the frantic search for her, and the thoughts and emotions of her sister, father and mother. The dialogue was exceptional, and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. My only grievance is that I wanted the tale to go on longer! I am always transported by Mrs. Twist's stories, and Away With the Fairies is no exception. A lighthearted, enjoyable tale well worth the low price!

M. Allman's review
Sep 27, 12


Read from September 24 to 27, 2012

I enjoyed this imaginative, magical story and believe it would make wonderful story to read to children. :)

Fun for any reader, September 23, 2012
By
Robert E. Johnson (York. PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
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This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
What a fun read. I laughed out loud when I was done. It your day has been less than wonderful, you but just need to read this short tale to make it better. I shall keep it handy for those unruly days.
Ms. Twist writes very well. I've read a long story and it was as well written as this bit of amusement. Read it to your children, read it to yourself. You won't regret it.

Eerie and intriguing story, 21 Sep 2012
By
C. Kirby "Catherine Kirby" (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Jenny Twist has written a clever and unusual short story. I didn't expect a fairy story to have such appeal for adults. I was hooked from the start. It kept me guessing all the way to the satisfying finish. It's good to find a short story with a completely unexpected twist. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it as a wonderful spooky read.

Captivated..., September 21, 2012
By
Su Halfwerk - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Away With the Fairies has it all, intrigue; magic, and smooth story-telling.
A treat that shouldn't be missed, especially at this affordable price. I'm reading it again tonight, this time to my son. Yes, adults and children can enjoy this gem.
This book absolutely captivated me.

Powerful short story, 21 Sep 2012
By
Lindsay Townsend (Yorkshire, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Tapping into many of our deepest fears and told wonderfully from the point of view of a child, this is a powerful short story. Jenny Twist has the gift of making the everyday spooky.

Jenny pulls me in once again...and I don't want to leave! September 20, 2012
By Tori L. Ridgewood
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Delightful! What a wonderful adventure, lyrical and dangerous all at once... Loved every word!

Jenny has a distinctive gift for considering the "what-if" in every day situations. When I was a child, I would have surely loved to have found an entrance to the fairy realm, but if I did, what might have happened?

I loved this story so much, I had to read it twice in a row. It's exactly what a fairy story should be: mystery, adventure, loss, hope, and magic.

Away With the Fairies! September 20, 2012
By Penny Lover
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
A very enjoyable read. Well-written, .... it was like a little mini vacation for my long day! Kudo's to the author.

Delightful, 20 Sep 2012
By
T. Vicary "Tim Vicary" (York, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
A very short, delightful fairy story. I read it with a happy smile on my face! Just the thing to read before going to bed.

Enchanting, 20 Sep 2012
By
ManicScribbler - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
This short story really appealed to me, not least because as a small child I liked to imagine the big mirror on the wall was really a portal to another world - if only I could find my way in!

It's a delightful story about a child who does exactly that, much to the concern of her sister and agonised parents. An enchanting and also strangely thought-provoking story from a truly talented story-weaver. More, please!

Recommended for a quick and thoroughly engrossing read.

Fantastic Short Story!, 20 Sep 2012
By
Eva87 - See all my reviews
This review is from: Away With the Fairies (Kindle Edition)
Away With the Fairies is Jenny's first self-published work and is a wonderful example of her talent. This short story gives a little glimpse into another realm, Fairyland, which might not be quite what you'd expect.

You read of June's struggle with herself over whether or not to tell the truth and what consequences it might bring either way. As it continues you see just how quickly someone's beliefs can be turned around when they are confronted with undeniable evidence right before their eyes. How quickly they accept this truth despite their fears.

It is a touching story and at 77p it's not to be sniffed at!

Book Title: "Take One at Bedtime"

Author: Jenny Twist
Published By: Melange Books
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: I love anthologies they were by far one of my favorite types of book to read. Those wonderful stories that are short and quick to read, yet leave you thinking afterward. "Take One at Bedtime" is by far one of the best short story anthologies I've read in a long time. The stories are not all scary, there are quite a few that are touching and leave you with a feeling of euphoria at the end. The author did a remarkable job capturing her characters and even though the stories were short you still felt the full emotion you'd get if you were reading a full length novel. This book is well worth the time one would take to read it and I highly recommend it.