Review: Prequel would have been more effective as a "first 5 chapters free" promo
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 26, 2014
ROMANCE ON THE RIVER is exactly what the book description states it is: a prequel to another full-length novel.  It reads like literally the first chapter(s) of the book.  As the end was unsatisfying, I believe it would have been more effective (as the author/ publisher are evidently using this "prelude" to introduce readers to Mary Ellis' writing style and gain buyers for the novel that follows) if sold as a "preview" of the "first (number) of chapters" in the novel.  Just my opinion.  But as a reader, I found the jarring "conclusion" to be abrupt and not truly a "short story."The setting of Civil War just beginning, and the general belief the conflict would be over very quickly, is an enjoyable one.  I'm *almost* tempted to buy the title for which this short is a teaser.This Prelude runs 14 pages (minus front- and end-matter).Sensuality level: wholesome, Rated GLanguage: Rated G