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"Cornell writes this novelette like a fairy tale being told aloud, like you’re sitting around a campfire one evening and entertaining a group of friends. Ahmed Rafaat's retro interior artwork is a perfect and amusing addition. I don’t want to spoil the plot any, because watching Cigarette Girl sort out the mess Shoeshine Boy gets them into is so much fun."
- Alex Brown, Punk-Ass Book Jockey "This story feels like a slow dance in chrome and neon, wistful, stylish, and just a little bittersweet. A retro-futurist Toronto vignette with diner booths, rocket-lined skies, and chrome-tinted optimism. The illustrations were a huge highlight too, all sleek lines and vintage-future flair. Cute, fast, and dripping in retro-futurist noir vibes, this novelette felt like stylish book junk food--fun and romantic. It's the kind of book you read after something dense and heavy. I wish there were more retro-futurism like this." - Claire, The Vinyl Literary Lounge, via Instagram "Shoeshine Boy and Cigarette Girl's relationship was the pinnacle of the book, showcasing their loyalty and devotion to one another. Their quiet, steadfast love became the emotional heart of the story." - Nicole, Nicki Wi Books, via Instagram "This [novelette] absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved Shoeshine Boy's sweet heart paired with Cigarette Girl's street smarts and moxie." - Sarah, Tea and Tomes, via Instagram "This story is a cautionary tale full of heart and if you're a dreamer, you'll connect deeply with these characters. I really loved SB & CG, both individually and as a couple. I would love to read a prequel/companion story that elaborates on their courting and early days, purely for the serotonin boost. The author is able to create really palpable tension in just a few pages and I was stressing hard!! It was really technically fantastic and riveting. I love how the story allows the reader's mind to fall back onto classic character archetypes without the villain feeling "cartoony" or over the top. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a one-sitting immersive experience and a little bit of hope. Perfect pacing, beautiful message, and I will be looking forward to more from P.A. Cornell!" - Caitlyn, She's Booked, via Instagram "This one was so fun! I absolutely loved this read and couldn't put it down. [P.A. Cornell] has done incredibly to craft such a big story into such a small book." - Sarah, Sarah's Bookish World, via Instagram "This was a delightful read. I enjoyed the writing style and the story. I love how the author was able to develop the characters in such a way as to make me care so much about their fates in so few words. The art of the short story or [novelette] amazes me. I am so glad to have picked this up." - Crystal Cichanowicz-Leon, Crystal Collects Books, via Instagram "This feels like a modern fable. It's about love but also about how easily dreamers can be manipulated, and how hope can be both beautiful and dangerous. It very much feels like a fairy tale for grownups. I really appreciated the 'Story Behind the Story' almost as much as the [novelette] itself." - K Mart Books, via Instagram "This novelette is a fun futuristic read with impeccable vintage vibes. Captivating from beginning to end. Absolute 10/10, no notes." - Melissa and Isabel, The Reader and the Chef, via Instagram "...tells a straightforward story, but in a delightful way. I enjoyed the fairy-tale feel of the omniscient narration, and, like all good fairy tales, everyone learned a lesson by the end." - Rajnish Bhaskar, Books of the Moon |
"This book was a nice mix of 40’s true crime novel and retro-futurism. Nostalgia for a simpler time, and for our earlier simpler hopes for the future, made me smile repeatedly. This would be a good beach read for SF & F fans."
- Abyss & Apex "Cornell weaves a beautiful romance seamlessly with tense action, sending the reader on a wild, emotional ride that is deeply satisfying by the end. I also need everyone to read the behind the scenes tidbit at the end because that, my friends, is the insight into how a master creates a story. Cornell does not disappoint with her latest book." - Catherine Tavares, author newsletter "The story is very simple but the narration is simply mind-blowing. This is a very short [book] packed with romance, a little action, and plenty of drama. A good book if you're in the mood for something short but also engaging." - Vibha, The V Reads, via Instagram "I really enjoyed this mashup of retro and futuristic - gambling and diners combined with rockets to the moon. What a cool atmosphere! The book also includes a lovely story behind the story." - Raven, Tidal Rave Reads, via Instagram "I had such a fun time reading this book, I devoured it in one sitting! I've read very few sci-fi books in my life but that will be changing now. I've discovered a newfound love! The world building in this was so eccentric in the best way possible. If you love [books] with great plots, love interests, and a dash of mystery then you're going to eat this up the way I did!" - Erika, Little Hidden Libraryy, via Instagram "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 |
