Contemporary Romance – A Lifetime or a Season

Global Amazon Link: http://mybook.to/A-lifetime

Blurb

Athena finds herself in the wet and windy South Coast of England as she tries to forget the enigmatic man who ignited her dreams.
Roberto seems determined to hold her at arm’s length but can’t seem to set her free once and for all.
Having lived in the shadows of her self-centred mother, Athena struggles to find her true identity.
A Lifetime or a Season is a journey of personal discovery for Athena as she takes an independent step into the unknown in order to achieve a life-long dream.
Will she find the love that she is searching for with Roberto or will the sacrifice be too much?

Excerpt:

My mother had been one of those alluring women, a flaming redhead, who had men baying at her feet like enslaved dogs. Not for her the indifference of men, she had played the game to the hilt and every man that walked out of her life was a man she had sent packing. As a gawky, awkward teen, I had watched in awe but with no small amount of repulsion as she turned these strong men into slavering beasts desperate for the crumbs that she threw them. I too was thrown scraps, so I knew how they felt. An artist, I hesitate to call her successful. By the standards of society, she was deemed a success, not for her the struggle. Not for her the small garret and barely enough food to feed the body never mind the soul.

I spent my formative years in Paris society, when Mother’s money had run out, and the inspiration had been muted by the Gin bottle then we lived with ‘uncles’. This particular commodity never ran dry. When she left one, the others would actually queue up eager to become her new benefactor. Those that were lucky became her lovers, not all of them achieved that status. It was a testament to her female wiles that she could inspire that devotion without giving anything of herself.

When she emerged from her ‘low periods’ as, she liked to call them she would lock herself in the studio and produce a vast canvas with splashes of oil paints. I was by no means an expert, but I think a toddler could have replicated her work with the greatest of ease and indeed more skill.

‘Being an artist is hard,’ she would say, ‘hours alone creating masterpieces. And of course you know I only ever show the best. You are better off dead than being second rate. That my dear Athena is why I suffer for my art, anyone in my position would.’

It was an ironic name choice for me from a woman who didn’t really have a sense of humour. Athena who had no mother, who had sprung from her father, Zeus’ forehead.  I had once supposed it was because she had loved my father so much, but she shattered that ideal when I found out that she didn’t know who my father was. ‘It could have been any one of two or three men of my acquaintance.’ She had answered when I had finally plucked up the courage to ask. I called her Mother, but she hated it, for as long as I could remember she had asked me to call her by her given name so that she could pretend I was her younger sister. I refused. I had no father so I wouldn’t allow her to take away the role of apathetic mother from me, replacing it with indifferent sister. I did not rise to my name either; I was not fierce and brave in battle.

Reviews:

Star Traveler

October 1, 2015

 A fantastic read…, 5 Aug. 2016

I love Maria Gibbs writing style – she has a great way with words, and the emotions the main character, Athena, goes through are very real and I think every reader will be able to identify with them.
Athena is a person who always wants to do whats right, but this usually means sacrificing her own happiness to please others.
It is a story about discovering who you really are, and not allowing people to hold you back from your dreams and ambitions.
I found this a really enjoyable short story, and was sad to finish it. I will certainly be purchasing more from Maria Gibbs.

  Fantastic, 10 April 2016

Fantastic short read, did not want book to end. amazing author.

 A fantastic quickie read, 21 Dec. 2015

 Elegant and well-written., 17 May 2015

By

Jo

This review is from: A Lifetime or a Season (A woman’s Journey to Self-Awareness) (Kindle Edition)

Maria has spun an interesting story without any gimmicks or flashy distraction. Her writing is flawless and a pleasure to read. It is easy to relate to the point of view character. We follow her as she experiences a life-altering epiphany and makes the changes. If you are looking for a romantic and uplifting read, pick up this novella.

5.0 out of 5 stars Spot on perfect. Oct. 1 2015

By Star Jasmine – Published on Amazon.com

Format:Kindle Edition

Perfectly written. Simply put- it was a lovely read and I wished only for it to be longer. Sometimes books of this genre are too sweet and I find them difficult to relate to, not this one. It is well worth your time.

 Lifetime or Season, December 26, 2016

By

nisey

This review is from: A Lifetime or a Season (A woman’s Journey to Self-Awareness) (Kindle Edition)

The way the author makes you feel Athena is enlightening. Dianna (mother) insecure relationship and Roberto the boyfriend reliance on Athena for emotional security brings to light to Athena the reliance isn’t for her but for them. A genuine relationship point of view. Loved it!