The Lady in Red

by Kelly Bowen

[stacey_is_sassy]

Going in blind…the ups and downs.

Kelly Bowen has become an auto-buy author for me. By chance, I came across a book of hers on Amazon and I didn’t recognise it. On further study, I realised it was a new book that hadn’t yet been released. Clapping my hands in glee, I one-clicked that sucker.

I knew it was coming. I waited with bated breath. Then, the day arrived, the hour arrived, the email arrived. The Lady in Red is here.

But…what’s this?

(What follows is a true re-enactment of the arrival…)

- Email received. YIPPEE!!
- A quick skim and something doesn’t look quite right.
- Me, talking to myself – Geez, it’s awfully cheap.
- Maybe Ms Bowen is being sweet and giving it to us for a bargain (shrug my shoulders).
- I’ll take this gift…
- Checking my kindle and realising it’s downloaded.
- Open my kindle copy.
- Huh??? I haven’t finished the first chapter and it’s already at 7%???
- BUGGER IT ALL!!
- How did I not realise it’s a novella?


The pitfalls of the auto-buy…buying without looking and thinking you’ve struck gold with an unknown full-length novel.

So, turns out Ms Bowen has given us a treat, it’s just a wee one. Lucky for us, we’re introduced to interesting characters, a riveting storyline and a love story that’s original and very satisfying.

I don’t want to give too much away, but again, we get to see the injustices women faced back in the day. What makes Ms Bowen’s stories interesting, is that we get to see strong, intelligent and determined women doing what they do best…being strong, intelligent and determined. Yes, these women have to be a little unconventional to have their say or act on their instincts, but their not afraid to try. In this story, a woman dares to be an artist of something other than watercolours AND she wants her art to be seen. THE HORROR!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this wee treat and apologise to Ms Bowen for being disappointed that I didn’t get the find of the year. Kelly Bowen fans will be delighted with this short story and I’m sure, like me, are desperate for more.

Before I go...I'm not sure why this book is called The Lady in Red as I'm not even sure if she wears a red dress??? It could be my memory though...🤔