Cover: Fancy That: A heart-warming Christmas ‘tail’
by Cara Ward
The author sent me an ARC of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars)
Plot
(by Goodreads)
Was there life outside my little box?
Tom and Pat have known each for over fifty years but only been friends for three when someone (or something) comes into their life and changes everything.
A charming short story for Christmas and beyond about friendship, hope… and a dog called Zelda.
From the author of Cara Ward’s “Weighting to Live” series.
| Genre(s): | Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Holidays > Contemporary Fiction Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Holidays |
| Series: | n.a. |
| File size: | 64 KB |
| Release date: | 2018-11-21 |
Teaser
Confused, I looked inside the cage to find the biggest Alsatian I had ever seen in my life. ‘Yes. And?’
As if it were the most obvious thing in the world, he told me, ‘Well I want him Tom.’
I burst out laughing, thinking it was a joke – well, hoping it was at least… ‘But Pat, it’s an Alsatian.’
He repeated my words. ‘Yes. And?’
My Opinion
This book offers you a heart-warming story of two widowed retirees, hope, and a dog named Zelda.
With “Fancy That”, Cara Ward has created a beautiful and unforgettable short story. Tom narrates the story, drawing you right in. I read this story in one go, certain that it would not be the last time. Cara Ward created this well-elaborated story that is entertaining and offers food for thought at the same time. It is a highly enjoyable read with authentic characters, interesting turns, and a great flow. A memorable book to read again, written by an excellent story-teller.
This is a book for you if you like intriguing contemporary fiction, believable characters, food for thought, and if you appreciate expertly elaborated stories.
Highly recommended!
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (four stars) |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Mood | Calm (in a very good way) |
| Pace | Steady |
| POV | First person – past tense |
| Language |  (decent) |
| Violence | (no violence) |
| Sexual content | (decent) |
About the author
Originally from London, Cara started writing in 2013.
In 2014, as part of NaNoWriMo, she wrote the first draft of “Weighting to Live”. The following February she published it under the pen name Lily Divine. She then went on to write two sequels: “Changes”, a book of short stories and “Sixteen Months”, a novelette. In 2017, Cara decided to republish them under her own name, adding to the series in 2018 with the short story “Plus Uno”. In 2017 she published her first non-fiction book “Curing my Incurable Eczema”, the story of her battle with eczema and red skin syndrome and “Every Trich in the Book” in 2018 with Trigger, documenting her recovery from trichotillomania. In November 2018 she published the short story “Fancy That”.
Connect with the author:
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “Fancy That”? Or – if you did not yet read “Fancy That” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
My train of thoughts on... 
Thank you Karen.
My pleasure, Rosie. I enjoyed every bit of this story.
This sounds good, thanks for the recommendation!
It is a memorable story; even if I read a lot of books – this one is ‘Top 5 – 2019’ material for me. You would certainly like it as well, Jacquie.