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Inspiration
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
When Nolan's mother needs major surgery, he returns to America to spend a few months caring for her. Unfortunately, that means spending Christmas without his temperamental partner, Benji, an author who prefers to stay home in Scotland, where his muse never lets him down. But before leaving, Nolan prepares a rather unusual Advent calendar for Benji. As Benji unlocks each little gift, he realizes that it’s hard to be creative, even in Scotland, when his heart has jumped the pond and taken his inspiration with it.
When Nolan's mother needs major surgery, he returns to America to spend a few months caring for her. Unfortunately, that means spending Christmas without his temperamental partner, Benji, an author who prefers to stay home in Scotland, where his muse never lets him down. But before leaving, Nolan prepares a rather unusual Advent calendar for Benji. As Benji unlocks each little gift, he realizes that it’s hard to be creative, even in Scotland, when his heart has jumped the pond and taken his inspiration with it.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2012
1 person is currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Henrietta Clarke
10 books121 followersHenrietta Clarke is a quirky Yorkshire lass who had the misfortune to discover the path she was actually meant to take in life three days into an intensive postgraduate course. Now free from the hell of law study, she divides her time between working as a lunchtime supervisor in a primary school, training as a fiction editor, and writing her own stories. When she’s not working, Henrietta can usually be found in the kitchen, hanging out with her parents and eccentric dogs or baking cupcakes. Every remaining second is spent reading or sleeping—sometimes simultaneously.
A hopeless romantic who is as much in love with the English language as with all the delicious fictional men it creates, Henrietta suffers from abibliophobia and has a serious book-buying addiction as a consequence. The day there are no unread items on her Kindle will be the day the Earth stops turning. Her other addictions include bad TV and chilli in any form, and she collects everything from books and DVDs to china elephants, keyrings and photo frames—most of which stay empty far too long. She has a minor obsession with rainbows, and plots everything in purple Sharpie.
A hopeless romantic who is as much in love with the English language as with all the delicious fictional men it creates, Henrietta suffers from abibliophobia and has a serious book-buying addiction as a consequence. The day there are no unread items on her Kindle will be the day the Earth stops turning. Her other addictions include bad TV and chilli in any form, and she collects everything from books and DVDs to china elephants, keyrings and photo frames—most of which stay empty far too long. She has a minor obsession with rainbows, and plots everything in purple Sharpie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 10, 2012
4.40 stars
Inspiration is a gem and Benji is a wonderful cranky bastard. He is about to get a huge wake up call when his lover Nolan leaves before Christmas to go home to take care of his sick mother. Benji won't go as he hates the States, it interferes with his writing for some reason. Its a frustrating, sad and lonely time for Benji, who now suffers from writers block, he still doesn't get it, its all because he is missing Nolan so desperately. The Advent Calendar, notes of inspiration that Nolan leaves behind are adorable, romantic and fun, Helping Benji realise how much of a jerk he is but more importantly he loves Nolan and can't spend another day without him. The reunion is perfect. I loved this story and hope that maybe the author will give us a little bit more of Nolan and Benji in the future. Recommended!
Inspiration is a gem and Benji is a wonderful cranky bastard. He is about to get a huge wake up call when his lover Nolan leaves before Christmas to go home to take care of his sick mother. Benji won't go as he hates the States, it interferes with his writing for some reason. Its a frustrating, sad and lonely time for Benji, who now suffers from writers block, he still doesn't get it, its all because he is missing Nolan so desperately. The Advent Calendar, notes of inspiration that Nolan leaves behind are adorable, romantic and fun, Helping Benji realise how much of a jerk he is but more importantly he loves Nolan and can't spend another day without him. The reunion is perfect. I loved this story and hope that maybe the author will give us a little bit more of Nolan and Benji in the future. Recommended!
December 10, 2012
I have to thank Vio for this one. Since this is a new author for me, I prefer to wait for other people's opinion before I jump in. Then other good reviews poured in and I decided to join the wave.
... and AWWWW, what a sweet story. Other people have done better reviews for this, so I'm just going to say that the notes that Nolan left Benji made me smile. The reunion made me all teary eyed.
I COULD do with less "honeypie", "dollface" or changing the names of the characters to "The American", "The Scot" or "the writer" though. But despite all that, I loved this little love story.
Like everyone else, I'd love to read how they met and how Nolan made his way into the heart and house of cranky Benji stayed there for 17 months.
... and AWWWW, what a sweet story. Other people have done better reviews for this, so I'm just going to say that the notes that Nolan left Benji made me smile. The reunion made me all teary eyed.
I COULD do with less "honeypie", "dollface" or changing the names of the characters to "The American", "The Scot" or "the writer" though. But despite all that, I loved this little love story.
Like everyone else, I'd love to read how they met and how Nolan made his way into the heart and house of cranky Benji stayed there for 17 months.
December 10, 2012
Such an adorable and delightful read. The daily notes/advent calendar was just priceless, such a great way to show someone what they mean to you. I really wish we could have been treated to all of them. I would love a prequel and a sequel with these two.
December 10, 2012
4.25*
This is such a romantic and poignant, but funny and silly story.
Nolan is an American who has been living with his Scottish lover for the last year and a half.
But his mother is ill and he needs to return to the USA for two months, leaving the grumpy Benji behind, since the writer can't find inspiration in Chicago.
Benji then starts finding little notes from Nolan, one for each day from Dec first through the 25th, with a message or an errand or a project for Benji.
Even though it's all from Benji's POV at this point, I really felt like I got to know and love Nolan through his notes and Benji's memories of him.
But when I finally do get to look into Nolan's heart, I really want Benji to man-up!
And then the Christmas miracle ending of a grumpy, moody Scot turning into a mushy romantic Honeypie.
This is such a romantic and poignant, but funny and silly story.
Nolan is an American who has been living with his Scottish lover for the last year and a half.
But his mother is ill and he needs to return to the USA for two months, leaving the grumpy Benji behind, since the writer can't find inspiration in Chicago.
Benji then starts finding little notes from Nolan, one for each day from Dec first through the 25th, with a message or an errand or a project for Benji.
Even though it's all from Benji's POV at this point, I really felt like I got to know and love Nolan through his notes and Benji's memories of him.
But when I finally do get to look into Nolan's heart, I really want Benji to man-up!
And then the Christmas miracle ending of a grumpy, moody Scot turning into a mushy romantic Honeypie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2012
I`m joining the chorus, the story was a delight.
Original, romantic and full of tenderness - what`s more to ask of a Christmas-short...
Original, romantic and full of tenderness - what`s more to ask of a Christmas-short...
December 23, 2025
This could easily become a yearly read.
A beautiful romantic Christmas tale.
I rarely give shorts a 5 star but this was such a wonderfully heart warming story that I have to give it the full rating.
Benji is at first a selfless ass. I wanted to shake him. I never thought I could actually like him.
Nolan on the other hand is such a lovely sweet guy you fall for him straight away.
Although we never get the full back ground as per shorts, we do get the wonderful climax of their story.
A perfect Christmas read for true romantics.
ETA Still sweet and perfect for Christmas time
ETA Same as above
A beautiful romantic Christmas tale.
I rarely give shorts a 5 star but this was such a wonderfully heart warming story that I have to give it the full rating.
Benji is at first a selfless ass. I wanted to shake him. I never thought I could actually like him.
Nolan on the other hand is such a lovely sweet guy you fall for him straight away.
Although we never get the full back ground as per shorts, we do get the wonderful climax of their story.
A perfect Christmas read for true romantics.
ETA Still sweet and perfect for Christmas time
ETA Same as above
December 13, 2012
Lovely romantic tale about a grumpy Scottish writer, Benji and his live-in American lover, Nolan. Nolan has to spend the holiday season in the States leaving Benji to fend for himself. This is a sweet story with a nice emotional punch to it as Benji discovers what's important to him.
April 16, 2016
This was a sweet little bit of inspiration...
'Inspiration' is a lovely story from the author of 'The Truth About Riley' a book that I really adore. While I might not put this in the same like category as 'The Truth About Riley' I definitely enjoyed it and found it to be a heartwarming holiday story.
Nolan moved half way across the world to be with Benji and now has to return to the states to care for his mom following her surgery and Benji refuses to go with him, since he hates it there and needs to be in Scotland to continue his writing.
'Inspiration' is the story of how Nolan and Benji get through this holiday challenge and the questions each of them must ask themselves and find the answers too.
I enjoyed this story and it's underlying message to look inside your heart, figure out what's truly important and then hold on to it and never take it for granted a very inspiring message indeed.
'Inspiration' is a lovely story from the author of 'The Truth About Riley' a book that I really adore. While I might not put this in the same like category as 'The Truth About Riley' I definitely enjoyed it and found it to be a heartwarming holiday story.
Nolan moved half way across the world to be with Benji and now has to return to the states to care for his mom following her surgery and Benji refuses to go with him, since he hates it there and needs to be in Scotland to continue his writing.
'Inspiration' is the story of how Nolan and Benji get through this holiday challenge and the questions each of them must ask themselves and find the answers too.
I enjoyed this story and it's underlying message to look inside your heart, figure out what's truly important and then hold on to it and never take it for granted a very inspiring message indeed.
December 2, 2013
Really enjoying my Xmas reads. This one was a sweet, heartwarming comfort read and I really, really liked it. Loved the cute love advent notes and the message that home is always where the heart is. * sigh* ... Definitely the warm fuzzies with this one.
December 3, 2012
Oh what a wonderful story! I could have done without some of the American and Scot mentioned instead of the names but that's probably just me.
December 11, 2012
The only thing I didn't like about this is that I wanted moooooore!
Thank you for the rec, Vio!
Thank you for the rec, Vio!
December 12, 2012
Joining the choir here, and many thanks to Sims for the rec. Stress relief indeed. Short and sweet, this was a proper holiday story.
December 9, 2014
Hoots Mon, what a cute heartwarming little story this was!! Benji, a real grumpy git of a Scottish author, nothing was ever good enough for him and his American lover Nolan who was the polar opposite of Benji....an absolute sweetie who had to leave his lover in the run up to Xmas (how dare he!!) in order to go back to Chicago to look after his mum who was recovering from heart surgery. I loved Nolan's take on an Advent Calendar, and had a huge grin on my face at the end. 4 stars and 4 ♥♥♥♥ Wonderful!!
December 6, 2012
Without a doubt, one of the most romantic stories i've read in a long, long time.
December 6, 2012
This was a very enjoyable read. Centered around the journey Benji takes in realizing how much he relies on his partner and how he figures out just how much he's come to miss and love Nolan. It's a sweet story and I really liked how the whole 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' angle. Benji was very stubborn, though, and wouldn't accept that he's come to depend in Nolan so much.
One thing I really liked was the advent calendar letters Nolan wrote for Benji. I thought they were very cute and clever! I'll use that idea in the future because it'd be a sweet gift for when you can't be home. The story is very short however I noticed that Nolan, who is from Chicago, spoke like he was from the UK while Benji, who's from Scotland, spoke like he was from America. It was hard to match up the speech patterns with the characters and knowing their origins, which made me confused on who was saying what in the beginning.
Other than that, this was a nice read. A feel good story about self discovery and sweet love. Definitely should have been longer, though!
One thing I really liked was the advent calendar letters Nolan wrote for Benji. I thought they were very cute and clever! I'll use that idea in the future because it'd be a sweet gift for when you can't be home. The story is very short however I noticed that Nolan, who is from Chicago, spoke like he was from the UK while Benji, who's from Scotland, spoke like he was from America. It was hard to match up the speech patterns with the characters and knowing their origins, which made me confused on who was saying what in the beginning.
Other than that, this was a nice read. A feel good story about self discovery and sweet love. Definitely should have been longer, though!
December 5, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Nolan and Benji are going to have to spend Christmas apart because Nolan has to take care of his ailing mother. Benji has opted to stay at home in Scotland to get some work done on his novel. Nolan left behind little daily advent notes to keep his moody partner occupied. With each note though, Benji realizes just how important Nolan is in his life. I loved that Nolan who was the stereotypical gay man ruled the roost. It's rare to find that in a story as it's usually the big, brooding guy that runs things. Benji and Nolan were the perfect couple and if either was to change their maddening habits their relationship would probably crumble. The HEA ending to this excellent short story was perfect. This is a must read for anyone who loves a romantic comedy.
Nolan and Benji are going to have to spend Christmas apart because Nolan has to take care of his ailing mother. Benji has opted to stay at home in Scotland to get some work done on his novel. Nolan left behind little daily advent notes to keep his moody partner occupied. With each note though, Benji realizes just how important Nolan is in his life. I loved that Nolan who was the stereotypical gay man ruled the roost. It's rare to find that in a story as it's usually the big, brooding guy that runs things. Benji and Nolan were the perfect couple and if either was to change their maddening habits their relationship would probably crumble. The HEA ending to this excellent short story was perfect. This is a must read for anyone who loves a romantic comedy.
November 7, 2014
So much more satisfying than most short stories that just frustrate me and leave me needing more. This sweet story is a keeper and if the author writes more about Nolan and Benji, it will be an auto buy for me.
December 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. Nolan and Benji have a real relationship. They've been together 17 months and they're sarcastic to each other and they gripe at each other and sometimes real life gets in the way! I loved the notes that Nolan left for Benji to read while he was away and they really showed the depth of their relationship. It was also nice to read a story about a Scottish person that wasn't filled with stereotypes.
December 6, 2012
Now, this shorty is truly meaningful and sweetly romantic. Really a great, even if to short, emotionally deep story about a real meaning of A Christmas. I highly recommend it on!!
November 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
December 26, 2012
Sweet little christmas story about a couple for whom a temporary geographical separation proves to be a catalyst.
Grumpy scottish writer has to let his boyfriend go home to Chicago to take care of his sick mother for the winter. The advent calender he finds in their house with little love letters leads him to re-think some decisions. So in time for christmas they are re-united.
It is a short christmas story, not too sappy, but very romantic.
Grumpy scottish writer has to let his boyfriend go home to Chicago to take care of his sick mother for the winter. The advent calender he finds in their house with little love letters leads him to re-think some decisions. So in time for christmas they are re-united.
It is a short christmas story, not too sappy, but very romantic.
December 11, 2012
Totally adorable and one of the most romantic things I've ever read. I had a bit of a problem with POV shifts happening randomly at 50%, but otherwise a smaller, sweet, lovable guy paired with a grumpy, bigger, Scottish man (I'm totally imagining Gerald Butler), and their perfect Christmas.
December 3, 2012
There's just something so romantic about leaving little notes around the house for your loved one. :-)
December 25, 2012
4.5
Totally choked up.
I love this, I do.
Totally choked up.
I love this, I do.
December 5, 2018
Super romantic.
December 4, 2012
Wonderful short Christmas story!!
October 26, 2014
A perfect feel-good story, sweet, romantic, with well-drawn characters. The cover has nothing to do with the story.
December 5, 2012
Wish it was longer. Loved the grumpy Scot even though we are not always like that haha.
December 6, 2012
A short, funny, and very sweet little Christmas story about remembering not to take your loved ones for granted during the holidays.
There were two things I didn't like:
1) The OVERABUNDANCE of Nolan's pet names for Benji. It would have been even funnier and sweeter if they had been used more sparingly, instead of all over the place.
2) Random POV shifts. If this is established BEFORE we hit the 50% point, I am fine with it. But when you start doing it sporadically almost 2/3 the way in? It's just weird.
However, despite this, it was a well-written short that made me smile, and I thought Benji's grumpy sarcasm and Nolan's purposely obnoxious cheerfulness were an adorable combination. (Hello alligator, meet kitten! LOL)
Nolan: "Love isn't about deserving."
Benji: "What is it about?"
Nolan: "Acceptance, and individuality, and irrationality. Loyalty and affection and courage and understanding. Wanting and needing and giving. But never, never about deserving."
There were two things I didn't like:
1) The OVERABUNDANCE of Nolan's pet names for Benji. It would have been even funnier and sweeter if they had been used more sparingly, instead of all over the place.
2) Random POV shifts. If this is established BEFORE we hit the 50% point, I am fine with it. But when you start doing it sporadically almost 2/3 the way in? It's just weird.
However, despite this, it was a well-written short that made me smile, and I thought Benji's grumpy sarcasm and Nolan's purposely obnoxious cheerfulness were an adorable combination. (Hello alligator, meet kitten! LOL)
Nolan: "Love isn't about deserving."
Benji: "What is it about?"
Nolan: "Acceptance, and individuality, and irrationality. Loyalty and affection and courage and understanding. Wanting and needing and giving. But never, never about deserving."
December 11, 2012
4 1/2 sweet peas
Nolan’s mother is ill. They’re going to take a trip to America. He wants his partner, Benji, to come along, but Benji HATES America. With a passion. He finds it dull and uninspired, despite the fact that was where he met Nolan. The two agree that Nolan will go and Benji will stay in Scotland.
Arriving at the ship, Benji wants to drop to his knees and beg Nolan to stay, though he doesn’t. Returning home he finds a surprise. Nolan has left him a sort of Advent calendar, in the form of notes left in bottles.
Please see Mr. P's complete review on Dec. 13, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Nolan’s mother is ill. They’re going to take a trip to America. He wants his partner, Benji, to come along, but Benji HATES America. With a passion. He finds it dull and uninspired, despite the fact that was where he met Nolan. The two agree that Nolan will go and Benji will stay in Scotland.
Arriving at the ship, Benji wants to drop to his knees and beg Nolan to stay, though he doesn’t. Returning home he finds a surprise. Nolan has left him a sort of Advent calendar, in the form of notes left in bottles.
Please see Mr. P's complete review on Dec. 13, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews