Natalie Adams is an electrical engineering student who has had a string of boyfriends. Slim Canton falls for her but he is not as popular as Natalie's previous boyfriends.
It is 1957 and Slim Canton is in college, his sophomore year and has flunked calculus. He meets Natalie Adams, an electrical engineering student who is brilliant, but she will not let him into her life. Can he thaw her icy shield and win her heart?
Excerpt
“Natalie doesn’t like me.” He watched Natalie walking away.
“Does that matter to you?” Carla asked, looking suspiciously at him.
“Yes. I want people to like me.” Slim knew the expression on his face had given him away—he never could keep his mom from finding out what he was thinking, either.
“Especially Natalie.” The remark from Carla confirmed it.
“Are you sure you’re not majoring in psychology?” Well, that was a not-so-subtle admission of attraction to Natalie, wasn’t it, he thought.
“I know you only met us an hour ago, but I have this feeling about people.” Carla smiled, and somehow Slim did not feel embarrassed.
“Natalie must have a string of boyfriends. In fact, both of you must. The two of you are so pretty,” Slim complimented honestly.
“Thank you. Natalie has had a lot of boyfriends—the basketball center, the president of the senior class, the son of the nuclear physics professor. I think they all broke up with her. She didn’t much care for them anyway, and it was probably just a status thing with her.” Carla finished her lemon pie.
“That being the case, I wouldn’t have a chance. Uh, assuming you’re right about me.” Slim still clung to his illusion of mystery about his attraction to Natalie.
Professional Reviews
End of String review by Val
I felt so comfortable and at home while reading End of a String. It was refreshing to read a book about how loved used to be before everything got so complicated. Sweet, romantic and with that first love feeling, the characters of Slim and Natalie drew me into the story. They were as different as night and day but with a little bit of patience and persistance, this relationship might just work. But of course Natalie would have to be agreeable to that. Natalie was a girl who, upon meeting her, has a very harsh and unfriendly demeanor and does not let people get too close. A beautiful girl on the outside who will do whatever is necessary to keep you at an arms length. Slim is her polar opposite. He felt he wasn't that good looking and wasn't as smart as Natalie, he questioned himself if he even had anything to offer her. I loved how he was so unsure of himself but stepped out of his comfort zone and had the nerve to ask her for a date even after she tried to make it obvious he wouldn't get anywhere. End of a String strips romance down to the bare essentials of love .... that pure genuine unconditional feeling where you would sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another.
I have read other books by Larry Hammersley and this book holds a special place in my heart. It just brought everything down a notch to show what true love really is. If you are in the mood for a quick read that is charming and engaging, I recommend you pick up End of a String. The 1950's college setting will take you back to a time and place where everything seemed right with the world. So come on, take a break, put your feet up and slip into this sweet read and yes, you can thank me later for suggesting you do so.
End of a String is Truly Engaging
This short romance was truly engaging! The hero definitely knows what he wants and goes after it! He is not afraid of a challenge, from the major he picks to the girl he chooses. I could have read more about Slim and Natalie because I enjoyed them so much. Short story or not, I’m glad it was the end of a string for Natalie!
I loved the time period of this story and the attention to detail from the author. Hammersley unquestionably knows what he is writing about from roller-skating to difficult college courses. He has a writing style that flows so smoothly and effortlessly.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more stories by Hammersley!
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