Read the review at http://www.livetoreadtolive.com/2010/10/introducing-hs-highlights.html
After you’ve purchased some unit studies and some inspiring magazines at www.hshighlights.com, how about adding a little light reading for mom as well? You can purchase novellas at the sister site www.lovelychristianromance.com. I had the opportunity to review “Lucky in Shamrock.” Set in Shamrock, Texas, the story is about Carol, a young woman on her own and feeling like her life is going nowhere fast. Until one day when she starts to have some hope that her luck has changed. This St. Patrick’s Day story is a perfect escape for an afternoon to relax with a cup of your favorite hot beverage. Sort of a fairy tale for grown-ups. And we all know there are some days when it’s nice to just tune out the cares of the world. You can either snuggle up to read it at your computer or print off the e-book.
I thought my readers might enjoy a little more information from the author, Teresa Ives Lilly about herself the background on this story. She was kind enough to let me interview her.
Q: Is there really a Shamrock, Texas and have you had a chance to visit the town?
Teresa: Yes, there is a Shamrock, Texas. I have not visited it but they do have a yearly St. Patrick’s Day event. I’m not sure that everyone dresses up as leprechauns, that was made up. The U Drop Inn is a real place on Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas.
Q: Was there anything in particular that inspired you to write this particular story?
Teresa: I actually wrote this to enter a Route 66 contest. I never heard back from the contest and so I extended the story. I chose Shamrock because it sounded like a really wonderful place on Route 66.
Q: I noticed novellas, unit studies and kids books on your website. Are there other types of writing you do? What type of writing is your favorite?
Teresa: I have written over 250 unit studies, and several novellas. I also write some poetry. I have written articles for several children’s magazines and I have a children’s book called, “I Don’t Want to be a Pirate.”
Q: What helps get your creative juices flowing?
Teresa: Hearing about different writing contests helps when they give specific themes. I don’t always enter the contests, but I sometimes write based on the themes. I have many ideas I want to write about when I have time. Reading also inspires me to write stories as well.
Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Teresa: Enter writing contests if you can. Try all different types of writing. I recently won third place in a writing contest for a short mystery. I love to read them but have never even considered writing one before. Read magazines that you would like to write for and practice writing articles. Don’t spend too much time on the internet learning about writing and writing opportunities….spend more time writing.
Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
Teresa: I run a children’s resale store. I love to spend as much time with my family as possible, and I love to go on short weekend trips with my family. All of this gives me places to put into my writing.
Teresa also recently started a blog called Unit Studies Fun. Check it out and become a follower! It’s a great way to get some tips on using unit studies with your kids.
I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting Teresa and learning more about her website, HS Highlights. While you are at her website, you can also sign up for her Yahoo group. She occasionally posts books for sale (with photos) at a very reasonable price. We’ve bought some great treasures this way. And don’t forget to take advantage of the current discount on oodles of unit studies. They’ll be sure to “spark” some great learning this year–but hurry, the sale is only through October 15th!
Happy Learning,
Jill
To see the review click here
or to visit Cheryl’s Book Nook for other great reviews
Carol works as a waitress at the U-Drop Inn in the town of Shamrock, Texas. This town has been anything but lucky for Carol. Carol wants more out of life. She is so tried of being stuck in Shamrock.
Pete Bowler rolls into town. He is passing by Shamrock on his cross country trip along Route 66. Pete decides to stay for a few days and see what the St. Patty’s Day festivities are all about.
Carol shows Pete around. She re-discovers Shamrock through Pete’s eyes and it is beautiful but will Pete stay or leave?
Lucky in Shamrock Texas is a fun, fast-paced read. For a short novel, it reads like a full length novel. Carol was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks but who was a little lost and needed to find her way back home. Pete is so nice. I thought that Pete and Carol made a sweet couple. The romance is on the light side in this book. I like the way that everything was described in detail as Pete saw it. Lucky in Shamrock Texas is lucky.
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Review by Molly Lemmons
Lucky in Shamrock, Texas is a short tale written by Teresa Ives Lilly. The brief story is about a small town girl, lost in the confines of the town she despises, with seemingly no way to leave. Her father leaves the family when she is in high school and never returns.
Left without means of support, her mother takes a job at the local diner, and after her death, her daughter, Carol, goes to work in the same cafe’. With no future, nowhere to go, and no means to go anywhere anyway, she is faced with the daily hum-drum monotony of slinging chow at the rundown diner.
Her life is rejuvenated at the appearance of a customer who comes through on Route 66 and stops at the diner. The immediate attraction between them is mutual, and Carol watches her life take on a whole new meaning. At this point, the reader watches her character turn from one of despondency to one of exuberance.
A warm and innocent love story ensues, and ends with the proverbial, “happily ever after,” making this an easy read for any age.
Molly Lemmons, Author and Educator, Rtr
Visit Molly at her site
