Book Review: The Light, The Dark & Ember Between by J.W. Nicklaus

The Light The Dark and Ember Between Title: The Light, The Dark & Ember Between
Author: J.W. Nicklaus
Genre: Short Stories
Publisher: Bedside Books
Pages: 181 pages

Purchase your copy here!

5stars

About the Book

A collection of short stories, each a splinter’s reflection of the human condition, firmly centered upon our oft tenuous, sometimes tensile bond with Hope, and careening flirtation with Love.

Fifteen stories: From the wispy fog of a love lost at sea, to an orphaned child who delivers a present of her own during a war-torn Christmas. These stories are gentle reminders to each of us of what it is to be human, and certainly of our affinity for the slightest glint of Hope.

Excerpt

From One Washington Diner:The interior lights punched holes in the dead of night, and in the stillness I could hear the buzz of glowing neon from the sign above. I’d hoped there would be the slim chance of some distraction from the empty, laughing darkness that taunted me. Pinching the bridge of my nose between thumb and forefinger, I shuffled through the front door, greeted by the hostess/cashier/night manager, who apparently was thriving on the not-so-delicate thrush of caffeine. Her uniform bore the hallmarks of traditional diner-dom: bobby sox, her skirt hemline right around knee level, and wide, flat lapels on her blouse. She looked me over for all of two seconds before making
her vocal appraisal.

“Let me guess…can’t sleep?” Her voice was disarming, welcoming, like a puppy that jumps in your lap. Managing a frustrated grin I hoarsely replied, “That obvious?”

“Your eyes, your body language—yeah.” I should have had some snappy retort, but my mental haze precluded any such response and subsequently I let slip my small window of opportunity for any suitable comeback.
Instead, I yawned.

“Jeez, my only customer and I’m already boring you,” she blurted out. I thought she smirked, but couldn’t be certain in my unwillingly wakeful state. I glanced around the empty dining room and motioned from left to right. “Looks like you’re swamped. Should I come back later?”

Soft brown curls played upon her left shoulder as she turned her head slightly. “Early a.m. sarcasm—I like it. Sit wherever you like, I’m good at finding people in a crowd.” Even in my sleepless haze, I had to admit she was delightful.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll sit at the counter,” I croaked. “I’ll try not to be a bother.” Her hair gently fluttered as she shook her head. “Works for me. Cop a squat and I’ll be right with ya’.”

My mind was made up—she was indeed delightful, in a common denominator kind of way. Having never exceeded the mathematical scope of algebra during my academic career that suited me just fine.

Review

A classic collection of short stories written in perfection.  J.W. Nicklaus, one of my favorite authors of all time, has written a fantastic array of stories that reminds me of the works of Nicholas Sparks.  I read The Notebook a couple of years ago and no book has come close to making me feel such as emotion and passion as The Light, The Dark & Ember Between.

Such craftmanship!  Nicklaus shines as each word is tempered with deep feeling and unabashed emotion.  A work of extreme brilliance and one I’m giving a 5 star rating for its depth, literary prowness and enjoyment.  Highly recommended!

Others who have reviewed this book include:

Carol’s Notebook
The Book Faery Reviews
Reader Views


7 Responses to “Book Review: The Light, The Dark & Ember Between by J.W. Nicklaus”

  1. […] The Light, The Dark & Ember Between, will be stopping off at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit ,Pump Up Your Book and Allvoices!  A collection of short stories, each a splinter’s reflection of the human […]

  2. For those of you who may read this review and don’t know Dorothy, I need to preface my comment with the following information: Ms. Thompson (along with the rest of her VBT crew) work the most insane hours you can imagine. The amount of work they put into their business is, in a word, staggering. While my book isn’t big, I’m still amazed that she found the time to read it–and believe me when I tell you, that’s in no way any aspersion cast upon her abilities.

    Having said all that, I am genuinely humbled by such phrases as “extreme brilliance” and “literary prowess.” Dorothy and her staff see more authors come through their virtual doors than most of us could name from memory–and then some. It would behoove me to show some serious bravado, some outward sign of heightened confidence regarding the worth of my writing. But as I sit here I am quietly uncertain that I am entirely worthy of such praise, and yet . . . I am indeed smiling :^)

    Thank you Dorothy for your words and your help on my tours. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take your words and use them shamelessly in promotion!

  3. […] • And a review from Ms. Dorothy Thompson, the woman who has helped steer me through two blog tours and get my name all over the search engines. Her thoughts on The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between can be read at Pump Up Your Book. […]

  4. April says:

    Wonderful review, Dorothy! I am so glad that I was able to sneak in on this tour stop as well for such a delightful and wonderful author!

  5. See what ya done! Now I gotta get a new baseball cap — muh head’s too big for the one I’ve got :^)

  6. Jeff, you’re such a peach. Working with a client like you is almost like not working at all.

    We love what we do, so that makes it so much easier. Before I became a member of Pump Up, I spent almost a year getting back into my habit of reading every night. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I began reading again. As a result of hosting authors and then becoming a tour coordinator, I have been turned on to so many wonderful books and some of the greatest people this world has to offer.

    Thanks for spending the month of December with us. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. I hope to read this collection of yours one day and help you buy another new baseball cap when my review tells you people how amazing it is.

    All my best,

    Cheryl

  7. SWEET! I promise I won’t buy the expensive one ;^)

    Next time I tour Dorothy may just send me your way ’cause she’ll be sick of hearing from me LOL!

    Have a great holiday and relax . . . that means DON’T WORK!

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