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Stories of Inspiration
The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe is a collection of stories centered around a mystical shop and the unique objects to which it is home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Readers were enchanted with my first story, The Mirror, so I decided to keep going. I soon committed to write an anthology, but designed it such that all stories had a common thread, namely, gifts from The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe. Characters were allowed to cross from one story to another, imparting a surprising and unique blended feel to the collection.
Do you have a favorite among the stories in this collection?
Every reader of The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe will ultimately adopt one story as their favorite. Why? Because the characters and the plot of a particular story will touch upon a personal experience of the reader, thus opening a connection. Of course, my favorite story is…
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
No matter how dark things might appear there’s usually a way out. These are stories of inspiration and how folks in trouble find a helping hand. Magical realism allows the solutions to be fun!
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Next book: The Edge of Her Mind. Ride this adventure with Dannilee Bennett, a highly clairvoyant teenager using only her wits to escape an international mobster!
Stay tuned for the exciting release!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Meet the fascinating characters of the Lowcountry as they struggle with challenges that threaten to overwhelm their daily lives. Facing job loss, dangerous weather and seas, family sorrows and eminent perils, they find a way forward with the help of life-changing gifts from The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe. During the darkest hours of despair and fear, a hand up can be most welcomed — even if it comes in a very unusual way.
The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe
The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe, by Mike Raymond, is an enchanting journey through the streets of Bluffton, South Carolina, where ordinary lives intertwine with the magical. Through a series of stories connected by a mystical store, the novel skillfully blurs the lines between the mundane and the magical. Each narrative revolves around a unique object from the shop, bestowing its owner with unexpected twists of fate and insights.
Raymond’s writing is a delightful blend of charm and depth. It weaves a tapestry of stories that resonate with warmth and authenticity. The characters are richly drawn, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in their lives and experiences. Particularly compelling is the story of “The Ornament,” where an unemployed Marty finds his destiny through a prophetic Christmas decoration. This tale, like others in the book, balances whimsical elements with real-life struggles, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and grounded. While I found the magical elements to be intriguing, at times, I felt that they were slightly underexplored, leaving me yearning for a deeper dive into the enchantments of Bluffton.
The book excels in its portrayal of Bluffton, painting a vivid picture of the town’s landscape, culture, and community spirit. Each story, from Joanne’s encounter with a protective gris-gris in “Gris Gris” to Lisa and Nick’s mysterious connection in “The Photograph,” contributes to a rich, collective narrative of the town and its inhabitants. The author’s skillful storytelling brings Bluffton to life, making the town itself a character in the book. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that the transitions between the magical and the ordinary felt abrupt at times, leaving me wishing for a smoother blend of these two worlds to maintain the narrative flow.
The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe is a heartwarming read and perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of magical realism and character-driven narratives. Its strengths lie in its engaging storytelling, well-crafted characters, and the vivid setting of Bluffton. This novel is especially recommended for readers who appreciate a touch of magic in everyday settings and enjoy stories that celebrate community and personal transformation.
Pages: 157 | ASIN : B0CPBY1SH2
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