Reviews Publications for Your e-Reader

I received Shiny Green Shoes, by Dana Taylor, as a Review Copy from the author.

Description: A short story showing how an unlikely friendship between a young black girl and an elderly white woman helps to give a town a little Christmas spirit during the Depression.

Overall: 4 3/4 Stars

Plot/Storyline/Characters: 4 3/4 Stars

This adorable short story drew me in from the opening scene of a deserted theater. Mazie McDonald was there, contemplating her rise to fame and how it all started with her friendship of an elderly white woman who was an actress back in her prime.

I enjoyed this story from start to finish. Mazie’s friendship with Miss Peach was expertly built. The scenes were interesting, and the tale was pretty fast moving with no wasted words.

I began to wonder, about halfway through, how this story was going to tie into Christmas. Soon, it flowed nicely with some holiday spirit as Mazie and Miss Peach showed a town how to celebrate even in the depths of the Depression.

There was one portion that I questioned when Miss Peach showed up so coincidentally to save Mazie.  There was an explanation to prove that it was not so coincidental. However, the timing seemed to be off.

The ending was wonderful, with all threads of the story tied up neatly.  I’m a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, which are quite often based on short stories. I could easily see a movie being made from this one.

Characters: 5 Stars

Mazie was a lively, vivid character. I would have enjoyed reading about the rest of her life, and her rise to fame, in a full-length novel.

Miss Peach was equally well developed. I would have liked to read more about her, also.