Summer Leaves by S. E. Holz

I'm completely embarrassed, but delighted to share my thoughts on this incredible collection from Ms. Holz, A.K.A. by Vocalites as L.C. Shäfer. Embarrassed, because I'm very, very late in writing this. Delighted, because I had the privilege of reading this wonderful collection and giving you my honest opinion of its contents.

I can't honestly say this review is unbiased. I'm a huge fan of her writing on this platform and after reading her first collection, Glass Dolls, I expected nothing less than genius between the covers of Summer Leaves. While I wasn't disappointed, I set aside the fan inside when I poised my fingers over the keyboard for this. So, let's get to it!

Now, I know better than to judge any book by its cover, but I believe this one deserves to be mentioned. The design subtly, yet clearly represents what lies inside. And before we wander inside, let's mention that title. Double entendre? Absolutely, and it exposes itself in the title piece, placed fittingly as the first you'll encounter.

The first piece also supports what I saw as the theme of the collection. Each story examines the process of transformation, but with an emphasis of the cost of the metamorphosis. Change doesn't come without toll, whether paid willingly or otherwise, and I think that's illustrated eloquently throughout this collection, from the title piece to the closing one, Miracle Soup.

Each story is told with S E's marvelous flair – a touch of matter-of-fact attitude, a dash of subtle humor and a healthy portion of the weird and macabre. The recipe often calls for a bit of a twist with the stirring, and these stories deliver.

There are some throwbacks to Glass Dolls in the mix, and they make it even more tasty. It's not a sequel, so you'll enjoy this one either way, but I recommend it anyway. You'll find my Vocal review of it here.

As always, I'm not going to go into a lot of detail on anything. Spoilers just aren't my style, because I'd rather not ruin the fun. I'm simply going to say that you'll want to read them more than once. In fact, I'll come out and admit that's part of the reason I've been so far behind on writing this. I thoroughly enjoyed “brushing up”.

I'm unabashedly glad that L. C./S. E. put her figurative pen to digital paper for these stories, and even happier that they're available in a tangible format. I'm proud to have added this book to my shelf and I'll come back to it often.

There you have it, my friends, my honest, though admittedly biased, review of a short story collection I think you'll enjoy as much as I have. And for my friend, L.C, my sincere apology for not singing its praises sooner.

I'll make it as easy as possible. Get your copy on amazon, by following the non-affiliate link below. Please Note: The Amazon link currently defaults to the Kindle version and shows the old cover. Be sure to switch to the paperback!

Enjoy!