"Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl is a story about the lengths you'll go for love and the perils of trusting the wrong people. It's set in a kind of retro-futuristic Toronto that had me begging for more of the world. It has an oral tradition style that reminds me of the stories that my grandfather told me when I was a kid. I really enjoyed it!"
- Vesper Doom, via Instagram
"This novelette is delightful, wrapping young love and high hopes in the most gorgeous retro-futuristic package. This is a story of true love—and trust, honesty, and self-confidence. The backdrop of an alternate Toronto comes through, with airship docks and lunar launch pads sprinkled through the familiar landscape. The book has a distinctive cover featuring gorgeous art, as well as some fun interior illustrations. You won’t want to miss “The Story Behind the Story” at the end of the book."
- Myna Chang, Myna's Microverse (Full review and interview with the author here)
"I'm a fan of the overall aesthetic which combines elements of retro-futurism, 1950s optimism about technology, and classic noir movies into a reimagining of an alternate reality version of the city of Toronto where cigarette girls and shoeshine boys exist alongside rocket ships carrying passengers to new lives on the moon. I was attracted to the cover art by Kim Herbst and delighted to discover interior illustrations in a fun vintage style drawn by Ahmed Raafat. Always a pleasure these days to see real, human art being celebrated. The novelette is also accompanied by an extended afterword by the author that discusses the inspiration and influences behind the story that will be of interest to readers who enjoy getting insight into the creative process. Overall, a fun and ultimately uplifting story for anyone looking for a sweet romantic fable with characters you root for in a charming space age/nostalgic setting."
- Helen Wistberry, reviewer (Read the complete review here)
"This was such an interesting and entertaining read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked, and there was plenty of content and twists and turns to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters. Plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author."
- Emma Ashley, Emma's Books and More
- Vesper Doom, via Instagram
"This novelette is delightful, wrapping young love and high hopes in the most gorgeous retro-futuristic package. This is a story of true love—and trust, honesty, and self-confidence. The backdrop of an alternate Toronto comes through, with airship docks and lunar launch pads sprinkled through the familiar landscape. The book has a distinctive cover featuring gorgeous art, as well as some fun interior illustrations. You won’t want to miss “The Story Behind the Story” at the end of the book."
- Myna Chang, Myna's Microverse (Full review and interview with the author here)
"I'm a fan of the overall aesthetic which combines elements of retro-futurism, 1950s optimism about technology, and classic noir movies into a reimagining of an alternate reality version of the city of Toronto where cigarette girls and shoeshine boys exist alongside rocket ships carrying passengers to new lives on the moon. I was attracted to the cover art by Kim Herbst and delighted to discover interior illustrations in a fun vintage style drawn by Ahmed Raafat. Always a pleasure these days to see real, human art being celebrated. The novelette is also accompanied by an extended afterword by the author that discusses the inspiration and influences behind the story that will be of interest to readers who enjoy getting insight into the creative process. Overall, a fun and ultimately uplifting story for anyone looking for a sweet romantic fable with characters you root for in a charming space age/nostalgic setting."
- Helen Wistberry, reviewer (Read the complete review here)
"This was such an interesting and entertaining read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked, and there was plenty of content and twists and turns to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters. Plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author."
- Emma Ashley, Emma's Books and More
