12.20.10
Posted in Reviews at 2:22 pm by chrissymunder
The good news? Despite the amount of work involved (and don’t kid yourself, it really is tough to read and do a write up for all of these) several blogs are reviewing this year’s Advent Calendar from Dreamspinner Press. The bad news? I’m losing the links as fast as they are coming in to my alerts, and a few of these didn’t show up via Google at all. Whoops! If you’ve reviewed one of my stories and I missed putting up your link, please send me an email for a little public appreciation. Here’s a few from this past week or two:
Click here to read the reviews.
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11.21.10
Posted in Reviews at 9:08 pm by chrissymunder
Busy in the midst of clean-up and organizing for ye olde end of 2010 and realized that I missed posting a link to this delightful review from Dark Diva Reviews. Filing this under the “not very organized heading”.
I really liked Grant and Craig in this story – another two of my characters that don’t seem to get much time to come out and play, and I’m glad Jaime found them appealing as well.
Stormy Weather by Chrissy Munder – available in the Make Me a Match Vol. 2 Anthology from Dreamspinner Press.
Summary: Meteorologist Grant Singer is sick of dates who only want to bed the TV “weather guy”. But the matches from the online dating service he signs up with are even worse. In fact, the only thing that makes the endless dinner dates bearable is Craig, the cute waiter at his favorite restaurant. Luckily for Grant, Craig never misses one of his forecasts….
Jaime’s Review:
This was a lovely tale of two guys who manage to find one another through the crowd, even though they don’t quite know right away what they’re looking at. I rather liked Craig and his simple resolve to be content with his life. He has a certain surety that he will meet the right guy, eventually, even if he hasn’t, yet. Maybe that’s the optimism of youth, but I think it’s also about his personality, being open to chance. Grant’s not so sure Mr. Right exists after his recent dating fiascos, but he’s willing to try, and that’s always a plus.
This really is a sweet story despite the sex scenes, which generally tend to push any story from sweet to at least sensual. In this case, they are well done and somehow manage to retain the sense established in the story of honest, uncomplicated love. The characters are easy to like, their situations are easy to sympathise with, and you just want them to see each other and more importantly, recognize each other. I like the way the story closes with them still being just who they are, honest and tender, and you just know it’s all worked out for the best.
Jaime also reviewed the rest of the stories in the anthology. Click on the link here to read more.
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05.16.10
Posted in Chatting, Reviews at 12:04 pm by chrissymunder
Hey world! I lost about a week and a half there. How about you?
Right now I’m strongly resisting my rabid urges to redo my website instigated by you-know-who-you-are *wink*. I’m not overly enthused with the template choices though, which helps in the resisting.
The tulips are on their last, wind-blown legs, the iris are just about ready to bloom, and the poppy has 3 (!) blossoms on the way. Phlox are phloxing, the chocolate chip ajuga is a carpet of electric blue and mixing wonderfully with the beacon silver. *Happy sigh*
On the writing front (did you think I forgot?): After the Storm has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from Kassa over at Reviews by Jessewave.
After the Storm is totally unexpected and equally delightful. For those that didn’t read this offering first in the anthology, you’ll definitely want to get it now. The great characters, descriptive writing, clever ending, and above all really wonderful ambiance create an unforgettable story with a great twist. This story just solidifies Munder on my must-read book list.
That brought a smile to my face. Thank you very much, Kassa. I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed the story.
Coming in June will be a chat date with the ever-so festive Clare London. She was gracious enough to invite me along with some of her other friends to share, and it will be exciting to see what we all have to say. Really. I promise. I’ll post more info on that as I get a chance.
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05.03.10
Posted in Reviews at 2:19 pm by chrissymunder
Not only a new week, but a new month as well!
I’ll start the Monday off with a few new reviews for Start From the Beginning.
4 Stars from Night Owl Reviews: Reading these characters’ interactions – from Drew trying to ignore Miles, to Miles having none of it in his own way – and the progression of how their thoughts change, to reading how those changing thoughts translate into actions made this a wonderful little novella.
and, a grade of Excellent from Jenre over at Well Read: It was all rather delightful and beautifully done, especially in some of the tender moments between the men and in the way that their feelings develop for one another..
In addition to the review itself, Jen and her commentors gave my work some quite unexpected praise that left me with a good dose of warm fuzzies for the rest of the weekend, and almost made up for my dentist appointment.
New as well, 4 Stars from Kassa, over at Jessewaves for the Curious Anthology. Including a mention of my short, Spontanteous.
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04.21.10
Posted in Reviews at 12:40 pm by chrissymunder
I’ve just received an email from a reader happy to tell me that After the Storm is now wearing that perky little silver star over at All Romance Ebooks indicating it’s become an ARe Best Seller!
Thank you ARe Shoppers and After the Storm readers!
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04.13.10
Posted in Reviews at 1:22 pm by chrissymunder
Many of you know that Start From the Beginning was one of the first stories I submitted for publication. I’ve been very pleased to hear from readers that the story hasn’t lost its appeal.
Here’s what a few of the review sites have said as well:
4 stars from Lily at Rainbow Reviews
and
4 stars as well from Wave at Reviews by Jessewave
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12.31.09
Posted in Reviews at 1:43 pm by chrissymunder
I’m never going to get caught up with my updates, am I? But I can’t complain.
Drive Me Home has been chosen as a December Reviewer’s Top Pick at Dark Diva Reviews.
You can read the review here and vote here in the Reader’s Poll for December Book of the Month!
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12.29.09
Posted in Reviews at 11:27 pm by chrissymunder
I fear I congratulated myself too soon. Totally behind once again – tsk, tsk. I never got around to posting some reviews of Season’s Greetings:
Click on the links for the full review:
Here’s the concise cut from Well Read: Overall: A funny, charming story. What more would you expect from expert short story writer, Chrissy Munder? Grade: Excellent
From Tam’s Reads: I really enjoyed this story. Russ is totally pissed off that he can’t get Ian out of his head, he’s trying to write Easter stuff while Christmas music plays, he lives in Florida where they don’t get snow, everyone is so freaking cheerful it’s making him nuts. He is my ideal character. Snarky, pissy and frazzled. And it was pretty funny.
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12.02.09
Posted in Contests, Reviews at 12:22 pm by chrissymunder
Dark Diva Reviews has given Fair Winds a 5 Delightful Diva Review that you can read here. And I’m pleased to say that you can vote for Fair Winds in their Book of the Month Reader’s Poll. Click here to vote! Poll open from Tuesday, December 1st until 12:00pm est December 7th.
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08.19.09
Posted in Reviews at 1:47 pm by Administrator
Here I thought June was going to be a busy month. *whew* Wait – someone tell me where July went, please?
How’s everyone doing? Enjoying the summer? Sailing? Reading? Reading about sailing? (how was that for a smooth and subtle plug for Fair Winds? ) Just having fun?
I’m always tickled to come across a review of some of my older shorts and A Halloween Tail is no exception. There’s a nice review up at Library Thing .
Also new is a review for Drive Me Home by Ley over at Joyfully Reviewed..
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08.02.09
Posted in Reviews at 6:04 pm by Administrator
Reviewed by Scandalous Minx at Literary Nymphs: 5 Nymphs and a Golden Blush Recommended Read
I don’t know which enthralled me more; the characters, the setting or the plot. Maybe it was the combination of all three and how well they danced together like the perfect Tango. I’m truly in love with this story, and hope Chrissy Munder won’t leave this incredible tale at just one book. I personally would love to gain more time with the crew of Devlin’s Due. This is a fantastic read should not be missed, and even those who get seasick from looking at a pool will find pleasure reading Fair Winds.
Reviewed by April at Fallen Angels Reviews: 4 Angels – You can’t go wrong with Fair Winds! Rudy Haas completely makes this story great. Even though Ike is the alpha-male type, with tall, dark, and silent down pat, Rudy still steals the show with his gentle nature and gritty drive to succeed at any cost.
Reviewed by Kassa at Rainbow Reviews: 31/2 stars – This is an entertaining and intriguing shorter novella with a real flair for atmosphere and sexual tension. While not wholly successful, the story does shine in the details and characters leaving you wanting more, especially with the hanging ending. The solid writing and descriptive prose bring the energy and excitement of sailing alive from repetitious drills to stormy rescues. Although there are several problems with the story, I enjoyed reading the book and hope there are more in the future.
The request for a continuation is a common one, and while I can’t say when it will happen Following Seas will be the title when next Rudy and boys come out to play.
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06.28.09
Posted in Reviews at 6:33 pm by Administrator
ergh…what month is this again?
It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long since I’ve posted but whowser. I’m hard at work on two deadlines and trying to push past my regular work and family schedule as well.
How about a quick and dirty round-up post?
New Interview:
Right off the start if there’s anything about me you might want to know and don’t yet – Try this interview with Linda L. over at Fallen Angel Reviews. Linda asked some interesting questions and you can get some insight into my fondness for Benecio del Toro and odd engineering quirk.
New Reviews:
I hope like heck I’ve not missed listing any of the latest series of reviews – if yours isn’t listed please poke me with a sharp stick. I appreciate everyone that takes the time to read and comment about one of my stories.
I’m still receiving emails on A Simple Life. I really can’t thank you all enough for caring so much about this story.
Here’s a link to a review by Lily at Ilovebooks. She has a fun blog – check it out.
Click here to read an unexpected 4 star review of It Takes One to Know One by Rainbow Reviews. I’m always pleased to see my man, Zeke get some play.
Here’s a few links to reviews on Promise of the Heart. My second entry in the To Have and to Hold collection.
Rikki has a post on it as well.
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06.17.09
Posted in Reviews at 1:31 pm by Administrator
I’ll stop and look around in a guilty manner here for all of about 1.02 seconds – LOL. According to a fair amount of web press lately readers don’t particularily want to see review links on an author’s blog.
*Excuse me while I cackle and am overcome with total and absolute lust for my personal blog domination*
You’ll just have to indulge me.
The greatest suprise in my month of June (in addition to the 6 blooms on the poppy plant) has been the response to A Simple Life, one of stories in the To Have and To Hold Collection from Dreamspinner Press.
To say that I’m speechless at the emails I’ve received, and the reviews on this story is a total and absolute understatement. I can only say thank you to those that have taken the time to let me know this story touched you in some fashion.
Who’d a thunk?
Latest reviews for A Simple Life :
5 Stars from Kassa at Rainbow Reviews
A recommended read from Emily
An amazing and unexpected blog post from Jen at Well Read
***
Also a pleasure this month was a review for Drive Me Home over at Tracy’s Place .
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05.20.09
Posted in Reviews at 1:36 pm by Administrator
My thanks to fnord89 for this concise, yet quite complete take on Drive Me Home.
Eric doesn’t rate himself as a maker of good decisions – which is a pity as he is faced with a number of important ones. Redemption, new chances, old habits..
I enjoyed this – characters with the weight of past mistakes and facing new possibilities is a somehow uplifting theme.
I’m always tickled when I hear someone enjoyed a story, and especially pleased it was viewed as uplifting.
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05.14.09
Posted in Reviews at 7:24 am by chrissymunder
I’m pleased to share the link to a very thoughtful and detailed review for Drive Me Home over at Well-Read.
If you want to read the story without any spoilers (?) you may not want to click the link.
Overall, I think what pleased me most about this review was her ending comment: “Even now, days later, I am still thinking about this book, reflecting on its themes of passivity and control; mulling over what it was about Eric that made me so cross; and thinking over the implications of the ending for the two men. For that reason alone I think this deserves a grade of ‘Very Good’.”
I don’t feel I can ask for more than someone spending time thinking about a story once they are done reading it.
Although I will say, this tickled me as well:
The slightly disorientating way of showing the point of view of the two men working under cover, the way that we never really know who they are until quite close to the end was rather chilling.
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