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Death and Other Survival Strategies
Carolyn R. Russell
2024 Finalist
144 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
A bridesmaid learns that fulfillment of even the most innocent wish has consequences. The spouses cut a good bargain to deal with the unexpected results of using their newly bought microwave. A meeting with a doppelganger reveals the protagonist's life troubles. A mother works hard on her beloved son's Halloween costume, contemplating how time flies. A five-year-old casts a spell on her mother. A love for open fire can be useful when you try to avoid your past at any cost. Death and Other Survival Strategies by Carolyn R. Russell delves into these and many other topics, presenting a delightful short story collection for fans of literary and microfiction, short prose, fantasy, and suspense genres.
Death and Other Survival Strategies stirred a range of emotions in me. I was eager to learn the endings of Carolyn R. Russell's short stories and simultaneously scared to discover how everything had turned out. Full of dark humor, "Fairytale Wedding" became my favorite story in this collection. Although these short stories belong to multiple genres, including horror, many of them explore the issue of motherhood, like "All Hallows' Eve." Survival is another theme this collection surveys. In the intriguing "Border Town," a realtor is well aware of the dark sides of her profession. "Seventeenth and Clay" speaks about the solitude in the crowd and will resonate with psychological prose lovers. Carolyn skillfully crafts her multilayered characters and prepares many unexpected twists in the plotlines to impress us. The author's microfiction reminds me of quick impressionistic sketches, where reality merges with dreams.
A bridesmaid learns that fulfillment of even the most innocent wish has consequences. The spouses cut a good bargain to deal with the unexpected results of using their newly bought microwave. A meeting with a doppelganger reveals the protagonist's life troubles. A mother works hard on her beloved son's Halloween costume, contemplating how time flies. A five-year-old casts a spell on her mother. A love for open fire can be useful when you try to avoid your past at any cost. Death and Other Survival Strategies by Carolyn R. Russell delves into these and many other topics, presenting a delightful short story collection for fans of literary and microfiction, short prose, fantasy, and suspense genres.
Death and Other Survival Strategies stirred a range of emotions in me. I was eager to learn the endings of Carolyn R. Russell's short stories and simultaneously scared to discover how everything had turned out. Full of dark humor, "Fairytale Wedding" became my favorite story in this collection. Although these short stories belong to multiple genres, including horror, many of them explore the issue of motherhood, like "All Hallows' Eve." Survival is another theme this collection surveys. In the intriguing "Border Town," a realtor is well aware of the dark sides of her profession. "Seventeenth and Clay" speaks about the solitude in the crowd and will resonate with psychological prose lovers. Carolyn skillfully crafts her multilayered characters and prepares many unexpected twists in the plotlines to impress us. The author's microfiction reminds me of quick impressionistic sketches, where reality merges with dreams.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-healing-book&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mn%2BQOo23L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The Healing Book by Dustin Grinnell is a collection of short, slice-of-life stories about people trying to navigate the various absurdities of life. "An Affable Man" follows a young man disillusioned with his corporate career who finally finds meaning in his life after a chance encounter with a captive orca. A mother worries about her rebellious da...){kind=link}
The Healing Book
Dustin Grinnell
2024 Honorable Mention
186 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Healing Book by Dustin Grinnell is a collection of short, slice-of-life stories about people trying to navigate the various absurdities of life. "An Affable Man" follows a young man disillusioned with his corporate career who finally finds meaning in his life after a chance encounter with a captive orca. A mother worries about her rebellious daughter and is pleasantly surprised when her daughter breaks the cycle of being an overprotective parent with her own child in "The Good Parent." In "Cured," a Harvard immunologist working with malaria-infected patients in Kenya finds his belief once again. A grieving husband turns to bibliotherapy as a last resort to cure his dying wife of cancer in "The Healing Book." "The Disciple" follows the experiences of a woman caught in the trappings of a con man's cult.
Through these short stories, author Dustin Grinnell places ordinary men and women in situations where they reevaluate their core beliefs and ideologies to circumvent their circumstances. The Healing Book is a riveting short story collection that forces you to introspect and offers a glimpse of life through the perspectives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds trying to overcome its challenges and hurdles in their own ways. All the characters in these stories feel like real people coming to terms with their own shortcomings and being human in their vulnerabilities. Despite the underlying existential themes integrated into the tales, Grinnell manages to make each story feel distinct and unique on its own. All in all, a brilliant collection for short story readers.
The Healing Book by Dustin Grinnell is a collection of short, slice-of-life stories about people trying to navigate the various absurdities of life. "An Affable Man" follows a young man disillusioned with his corporate career who finally finds meaning in his life after a chance encounter with a captive orca. A mother worries about her rebellious daughter and is pleasantly surprised when her daughter breaks the cycle of being an overprotective parent with her own child in "The Good Parent." In "Cured," a Harvard immunologist working with malaria-infected patients in Kenya finds his belief once again. A grieving husband turns to bibliotherapy as a last resort to cure his dying wife of cancer in "The Healing Book." "The Disciple" follows the experiences of a woman caught in the trappings of a con man's cult.
Through these short stories, author Dustin Grinnell places ordinary men and women in situations where they reevaluate their core beliefs and ideologies to circumvent their circumstances. The Healing Book is a riveting short story collection that forces you to introspect and offers a glimpse of life through the perspectives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds trying to overcome its challenges and hurdles in their own ways. All the characters in these stories feel like real people coming to terms with their own shortcomings and being human in their vulnerabilities. Despite the underlying existential themes integrated into the tales, Grinnell manages to make each story feel distinct and unique on its own. All in all, a brilliant collection for short story readers.
Recommend this book:
Forest for the Trees & Other Stories
Mathieu Cailler
2024 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of fifteen short stories with Forest for the Trees & Other Stories. Written by Mathieu Cailler, this collection covers different aspects of the human experience. An Afghan war veteran draws on his years of military training to track down his wife's kidnapper, but not everything turns out the way he envisioned. A woman becomes increasingly exasperated with her husband's behavior at the new diner in town and takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane in remembrance of her former lover. A pregnant woman begins to have doubts over the couple who chose her for surrogacy. Recently released from prison, an elderly convict visits his son's house to see him one last time and ends up stealing a Porsche. A woman is in for a surprise when she asks her six-year-old grandson why he is crying.
Mathieu Cailler explores various facets of the human condition with this captivating collection. Forest for the Trees & Other Stories is an absorbing anthology that takes you on a journey through a broad spectrum of feelings, encompassing the good, bad, and everything in between that comprises the grand tapestry of life. These stories make you think about what it truly means to be human. Emotionally resonant and thematically rich, this is a must-read for short story lovers. Every tale has a surprise or two in store for you, yet each of these stories feels distinct and brings something unique of its own to the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and can't recommend it highly enough.
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of fifteen short stories with Forest for the Trees & Other Stories. Written by Mathieu Cailler, this collection covers different aspects of the human experience. An Afghan war veteran draws on his years of military training to track down his wife's kidnapper, but not everything turns out the way he envisioned. A woman becomes increasingly exasperated with her husband's behavior at the new diner in town and takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane in remembrance of her former lover. A pregnant woman begins to have doubts over the couple who chose her for surrogacy. Recently released from prison, an elderly convict visits his son's house to see him one last time and ends up stealing a Porsche. A woman is in for a surprise when she asks her six-year-old grandson why he is crying.
Mathieu Cailler explores various facets of the human condition with this captivating collection. Forest for the Trees & Other Stories is an absorbing anthology that takes you on a journey through a broad spectrum of feelings, encompassing the good, bad, and everything in between that comprises the grand tapestry of life. These stories make you think about what it truly means to be human. Emotionally resonant and thematically rich, this is a must-read for short story lovers. Every tale has a surprise or two in store for you, yet each of these stories feels distinct and brings something unique of its own to the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and can't recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
The Acorn Stories
Second Edition
Duane Simolke
2024 Silver Medal
170 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Duane Simolke's The Acorn Stories: Second Edition is a collection of inter-connected short stories about the inhabitants of the town of Acorn in West Texas. Two lovers try to control the trajectory of their relationship, unwittingly driving a wedge between each other. While swimming in the college campus pool, the narrator goes down memory lane and reminisces about his childhood sweetheart. A deaf and gay high school English teacher stands his ground against an ultra-conservative football coach. A misogynist unable to pay his rent tries to rekindle a relationship with his childhood crush. A landlady's Siamese cat keeps messing up her romantic entanglements. An old man waits eagerly for his loved ones to return, not realizing the passage of time. A talented artist gets another chance to pursue her passion with an unexpected gift from her husband.
Duane Simolke presents an enthralling collection of slice-of-life stories set in a fictional Texas town. These tales shed light on the various facets of human behavior and showcase how seemingly mundane events can change the course of people's lives. Simolke's characters are very well-developed and feel like people you may have met in real life. Becky, Regina, Kyle, and Dirk all have distinctive personalities, and their interactions create drama that is delicious to consume as a reader. There is a sense of authenticity to the town of Acorn itself, which makes the setting immersive and the tales all the more captivating. Some characters and relationships carry on through multiple stories, while others remain as standalones. As a short story lover, I thoroughly enjoyed The Acorn Stories: Second Edition. Highly recommended.
Duane Simolke's The Acorn Stories: Second Edition is a collection of inter-connected short stories about the inhabitants of the town of Acorn in West Texas. Two lovers try to control the trajectory of their relationship, unwittingly driving a wedge between each other. While swimming in the college campus pool, the narrator goes down memory lane and reminisces about his childhood sweetheart. A deaf and gay high school English teacher stands his ground against an ultra-conservative football coach. A misogynist unable to pay his rent tries to rekindle a relationship with his childhood crush. A landlady's Siamese cat keeps messing up her romantic entanglements. An old man waits eagerly for his loved ones to return, not realizing the passage of time. A talented artist gets another chance to pursue her passion with an unexpected gift from her husband.
Duane Simolke presents an enthralling collection of slice-of-life stories set in a fictional Texas town. These tales shed light on the various facets of human behavior and showcase how seemingly mundane events can change the course of people's lives. Simolke's characters are very well-developed and feel like people you may have met in real life. Becky, Regina, Kyle, and Dirk all have distinctive personalities, and their interactions create drama that is delicious to consume as a reader. There is a sense of authenticity to the town of Acorn itself, which makes the setting immersive and the tales all the more captivating. Some characters and relationships carry on through multiple stories, while others remain as standalones. As a short story lover, I thoroughly enjoyed The Acorn Stories: Second Edition. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Here in the Dark
Stories
Meagan Lucas
2024 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Here in the Dark is a collection of sixteen short stories by Meagan Lucas. Plagued by guilt over the death of an addict in her custody, a police officer must make a difficult choice. A woman desperately clings to the hope that her husband didn't intentionally abandon her. Two inmates trapped in the basement of a women's prison resign themselves to their fates as a devastating hurricane comes their way. A mother learns to let go as her daughter's addiction threatens to slowly suck the life out of the rest of her family. After his parents left him alone in this world, a young boy finds sanctuary at the house of the woman his parents resented. A young woman struggling with the trauma of abuse inflicted upon her by her abductor finally gets a chance to escape his clutches.
This is a captivating short story collection with various women from diverse backgrounds as protagonists. Meagan Lucas explores some of the darker facets of the human experience in this absorbing anthology that will leave you wanting more. The tales in Here in the Dark will break your heart in many ways, all while keeping your eyes glued to the pages. These stories are tragic and, at times, even twisted. They provide readers with a view into the darker aspects of the human condition while showing the vulnerability of being human. The author also touches upon some relevant social issues with these tales. If you're a short story lover, this book is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and you should too!
Here in the Dark is a collection of sixteen short stories by Meagan Lucas. Plagued by guilt over the death of an addict in her custody, a police officer must make a difficult choice. A woman desperately clings to the hope that her husband didn't intentionally abandon her. Two inmates trapped in the basement of a women's prison resign themselves to their fates as a devastating hurricane comes their way. A mother learns to let go as her daughter's addiction threatens to slowly suck the life out of the rest of her family. After his parents left him alone in this world, a young boy finds sanctuary at the house of the woman his parents resented. A young woman struggling with the trauma of abuse inflicted upon her by her abductor finally gets a chance to escape his clutches.
This is a captivating short story collection with various women from diverse backgrounds as protagonists. Meagan Lucas explores some of the darker facets of the human experience in this absorbing anthology that will leave you wanting more. The tales in Here in the Dark will break your heart in many ways, all while keeping your eyes glued to the pages. These stories are tragic and, at times, even twisted. They provide readers with a view into the darker aspects of the human condition while showing the vulnerability of being human. The author also touches upon some relevant social issues with these tales. If you're a short story lover, this book is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and you should too!
Recommend this book:
Fact Check and More Probing Tales
James Hanna
2023 Finalist
287 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
James Hanna made a point of reminding me that I awarded his book, The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown, 5 stars, so I decided to tackle Fact Check and More Probing Tales. Would I enjoy it as much and rate it as highly? Well, after losing myself in the musings and actions of the thoroughly engaging and colorful characters who people these “twenty-two aberrant” stories, the answer is a loud yes! Though sometimes challenging, what an entertaining read this was, and a happy distraction from the disheartening horror of the daily news. As an ex-pat Aussie, I laughed out loud identifying with Hanna as he was attacked by those bush flies determined to get into his eyes and mouth. But shortly thereafter, I was revolted by his description of cows, stuck in a filthy bog hole, being eaten alive by wild pigs. Later, in Indiana, I was captivated by the amusing ramblings of simple Toby Dawes, who doesn’t ask much of himself: he just wants to marry a prostitute who “popped his cherry”. Oh, the length to which he goes to make his desire a reality!
Through Hanna, I met several fascinating prostitutes, a pimp who considered himself a savior - see if you disagree after you read why - and the unforgettable Finian McFaddle who is outsmarted by an outsmarter. So funny! Then, every so often, Hanna shares his exchanges with his wife, Mary, who likes to ask him questions he has trouble answering just to bring him back to earth between his literary forays. She considers him a “literary snob”. How’s that for spousal support? Hanna’s ability to bring characters to life on the page is extraordinary. He is a brilliant raconteur and skilled writer despite what his wife and reviewers think, as indicated in his opening tale about Mason Trout who writes “for the literati”. Through Mason, I wonder if I learned what Hanna thinks of reviewers: “Reviewers are only failed writers. Do you think they’d be wasting time writing reviews if they were able to write books themselves?” Hmmm. Thanks a lot, James Hanna! If I didn’t enjoy Fact Check and More Probing Tales as much as I did, I’d be tempted to change my 5-star rating. Bah…whatever!
James Hanna made a point of reminding me that I awarded his book, The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown, 5 stars, so I decided to tackle Fact Check and More Probing Tales. Would I enjoy it as much and rate it as highly? Well, after losing myself in the musings and actions of the thoroughly engaging and colorful characters who people these “twenty-two aberrant” stories, the answer is a loud yes! Though sometimes challenging, what an entertaining read this was, and a happy distraction from the disheartening horror of the daily news. As an ex-pat Aussie, I laughed out loud identifying with Hanna as he was attacked by those bush flies determined to get into his eyes and mouth. But shortly thereafter, I was revolted by his description of cows, stuck in a filthy bog hole, being eaten alive by wild pigs. Later, in Indiana, I was captivated by the amusing ramblings of simple Toby Dawes, who doesn’t ask much of himself: he just wants to marry a prostitute who “popped his cherry”. Oh, the length to which he goes to make his desire a reality!
Through Hanna, I met several fascinating prostitutes, a pimp who considered himself a savior - see if you disagree after you read why - and the unforgettable Finian McFaddle who is outsmarted by an outsmarter. So funny! Then, every so often, Hanna shares his exchanges with his wife, Mary, who likes to ask him questions he has trouble answering just to bring him back to earth between his literary forays. She considers him a “literary snob”. How’s that for spousal support? Hanna’s ability to bring characters to life on the page is extraordinary. He is a brilliant raconteur and skilled writer despite what his wife and reviewers think, as indicated in his opening tale about Mason Trout who writes “for the literati”. Through Mason, I wonder if I learned what Hanna thinks of reviewers: “Reviewers are only failed writers. Do you think they’d be wasting time writing reviews if they were able to write books themselves?” Hmmm. Thanks a lot, James Hanna! If I didn’t enjoy Fact Check and More Probing Tales as much as I did, I’d be tempted to change my 5-star rating. Bah…whatever!
Recommend this book:
Shoot the Horses First
Leah Angstman
2023 Honorable Mention
238 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Kathy Golden for Readers' Favorite
Shoot the Horses First by Leah Angstman is a well-written and engaging collection of short stories. The stories vary in length and the subjects covered, but each is filled with rich imagination, and it was wonderful to read about characters so vividly portrayed, emotionally, mentally, and subtly, in certain aspects. I was glad to see the drawings of the horses right at the beginning of each story. Images and drawings in collections like these are one of the things I appreciate most. I especially like that different stories were introduced with varying parts of the horses. This particular feature indicated the individuality of each story and that the reader should expect something new and different and possibly unexpected as they embarked on and entered into each new drama.
In Leah Angstman’s Shoot the Horses First, the most captivating aspects of these stories are the meticulous attention to detail and how a reader is drawn into a given story so that they would never want that story to end. Yet, end it does and, depending on the story's nature and its emotional impact, the reader might be inclined to laugh, cry, contemplate, or wish that things might have turned out differently. Yet, I don’t think that anyone reading this collection could finish it without feeling that they have been privileged to know what it’s like to enter into the short-story world of a master storyteller. Thank you, Leah Angstman, for giving us such a compelling collection.
Shoot the Horses First by Leah Angstman is a well-written and engaging collection of short stories. The stories vary in length and the subjects covered, but each is filled with rich imagination, and it was wonderful to read about characters so vividly portrayed, emotionally, mentally, and subtly, in certain aspects. I was glad to see the drawings of the horses right at the beginning of each story. Images and drawings in collections like these are one of the things I appreciate most. I especially like that different stories were introduced with varying parts of the horses. This particular feature indicated the individuality of each story and that the reader should expect something new and different and possibly unexpected as they embarked on and entered into each new drama.
In Leah Angstman’s Shoot the Horses First, the most captivating aspects of these stories are the meticulous attention to detail and how a reader is drawn into a given story so that they would never want that story to end. Yet, end it does and, depending on the story's nature and its emotional impact, the reader might be inclined to laugh, cry, contemplate, or wish that things might have turned out differently. Yet, I don’t think that anyone reading this collection could finish it without feeling that they have been privileged to know what it’s like to enter into the short-story world of a master storyteller. Thank you, Leah Angstman, for giving us such a compelling collection.
Recommend this book:
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38
Anthology of Award-Winning Sci-Fi and Fantasy Short Stories
L. Ron Hubbard
2023 Bronze Medal
525 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38 is an anthology of award-winning sci-fi and fantasy short stories. It consists of 16 science fiction short stories, several beautiful illustrations, and a total of four helpful articles about writing stories. The anthology features some of the best absurd yet inspiring fantasy and science fiction, where each story tells a different tale of life, love, determination, responsibility, and the future. My favorite was The Squid is My Brother by Mike Jack Stoumbos, which features Michaela Kessler from Neptune as she struggles through the horrors of human middle school. The Mystical Farrago, The Daddy Box, The Island on the Lake, and Agatha’s Monster are all my favorites, to be honest.
This is a great collection that features a little bit of everything. The stories touch upon different themes of science fiction and fantasy. I love how the anthology gives us a different author with each story and makes it possible for us to enjoy different narrative styles in one collection. It's hard for me to choose which story is the best, but The Squid is My Brother, and The Daddy Box are two that stand out to me the most. The illustrations are wonderful and add more life to the stories. There is something for everyone, especially for picky readers like me who like certain types of science fiction and not others. One piece of advice is to take your time, savor each story, and you will love it and this collection to bits.
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38 is an anthology of award-winning sci-fi and fantasy short stories. It consists of 16 science fiction short stories, several beautiful illustrations, and a total of four helpful articles about writing stories. The anthology features some of the best absurd yet inspiring fantasy and science fiction, where each story tells a different tale of life, love, determination, responsibility, and the future. My favorite was The Squid is My Brother by Mike Jack Stoumbos, which features Michaela Kessler from Neptune as she struggles through the horrors of human middle school. The Mystical Farrago, The Daddy Box, The Island on the Lake, and Agatha’s Monster are all my favorites, to be honest.
This is a great collection that features a little bit of everything. The stories touch upon different themes of science fiction and fantasy. I love how the anthology gives us a different author with each story and makes it possible for us to enjoy different narrative styles in one collection. It's hard for me to choose which story is the best, but The Squid is My Brother, and The Daddy Box are two that stand out to me the most. The illustrations are wonderful and add more life to the stories. There is something for everyone, especially for picky readers like me who like certain types of science fiction and not others. One piece of advice is to take your time, savor each story, and you will love it and this collection to bits.
Recommend this book:
Vengefully Yours
From enemies to lovers to second chances, a steamy collection of romantic mystery-suspense dark romances
J Rose Black
2023 Silver Medal
150 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
How far will you go to be with the one you love? Vengefully Yours by J Rose Black is a collection of dark and suspenseful romance stories with heroes ready to risk it all for the ones they love. Each tale presents a new cast and plot. Angel of La Seine is a story about a former police officer captivated by a woman during a job with the mob. In the Dead of the Night introduces an assassin who falls in love with his victim's daughter, and Behind the Eight Ball and Stark Homecoming are second-chance stories. The Nightmare is a tale about Dr. Watson’s daughter and one of Sherlock Holmes’ enemies, and finally, A Fool to Hold You is a steamy revenge romance. Get yourself a copy of this book to enjoy these captivating stories.
Vengefully Yours has romance, suspense, mystery, and more. I liked the classic possessive and dark male leads and the fearless women they love. Each couple had great chemistry, and their stories were memorable. J Rose Black maintains consistent suspense throughout the book and keeps the reader glued to the story with intriguing characters and fantastic plot twists. When you think the story is going in one direction, it takes a U-turn. Some have flashbacks, but the author seamlessly distinguishes past and present scenes. I also loved that the stories were from different eras; this gave each tale a unique vibe and setting. I recommend this book to lovers of dark-themed romance novels. Vengefully Yours is a great book to add to your collection.
How far will you go to be with the one you love? Vengefully Yours by J Rose Black is a collection of dark and suspenseful romance stories with heroes ready to risk it all for the ones they love. Each tale presents a new cast and plot. Angel of La Seine is a story about a former police officer captivated by a woman during a job with the mob. In the Dead of the Night introduces an assassin who falls in love with his victim's daughter, and Behind the Eight Ball and Stark Homecoming are second-chance stories. The Nightmare is a tale about Dr. Watson’s daughter and one of Sherlock Holmes’ enemies, and finally, A Fool to Hold You is a steamy revenge romance. Get yourself a copy of this book to enjoy these captivating stories.
Vengefully Yours has romance, suspense, mystery, and more. I liked the classic possessive and dark male leads and the fearless women they love. Each couple had great chemistry, and their stories were memorable. J Rose Black maintains consistent suspense throughout the book and keeps the reader glued to the story with intriguing characters and fantastic plot twists. When you think the story is going in one direction, it takes a U-turn. Some have flashbacks, but the author seamlessly distinguishes past and present scenes. I also loved that the stories were from different eras; this gave each tale a unique vibe and setting. I recommend this book to lovers of dark-themed romance novels. Vengefully Yours is a great book to add to your collection.
Recommend this book:
Children of War
an anthology to support the children of Ukraine
Astrid V.J., Joan T. Seko, Susan Stradiotto, C. Borden, et. al.
2023 Gold Medal
496 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Children of War is a collection of short stories written by fourteen different authors as “an anthology to support the children of Ukraine”. Each author has contributed one original piece of work and all connect through the common theme of war, with a specialized emphasis on the impact war has on children. The genres of the stories vary and range from the fantasy story Jonah by C. Borden, in which a young man lost everyone he cared for in a violent, horrific slaughter and finds his body collapsing while his mind belatedly processes the trauma, to The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi, a work of literary fiction that revolves around a war widow named Sarah who finds that she is pregnant on the same day she learns of her husband's death. This is the story of their relationship and an uncertain future with love and hope that she is unable to comprehend.
As someone who was born and raised in a third-world country, a country that is younger than my own father, and who had no understanding of life where violence was not a constant daily threat, I was particularly touched when I saw Children of War and read the intent behind it. Trauma is real, it is absolutely terrible, and the effects it has even when a child has grown and is two decades removed are always there. It haunts. Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd was the story that resonated most with me. Any child survivor of war will connect to the pain and confusion of Daniela, has at least one childhood friend like Misha, who lost a piece of her body as an innocent bystander, and jumps at a slammed door when it thumps like a bomb. All the stories are written to a high standard and are distinctive in their own voices. All the proceeds go to charities that support impacted children and I cannot imagine a more worthy cause. Very highly recommended.
Children of War is a collection of short stories written by fourteen different authors as “an anthology to support the children of Ukraine”. Each author has contributed one original piece of work and all connect through the common theme of war, with a specialized emphasis on the impact war has on children. The genres of the stories vary and range from the fantasy story Jonah by C. Borden, in which a young man lost everyone he cared for in a violent, horrific slaughter and finds his body collapsing while his mind belatedly processes the trauma, to The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi, a work of literary fiction that revolves around a war widow named Sarah who finds that she is pregnant on the same day she learns of her husband's death. This is the story of their relationship and an uncertain future with love and hope that she is unable to comprehend.
As someone who was born and raised in a third-world country, a country that is younger than my own father, and who had no understanding of life where violence was not a constant daily threat, I was particularly touched when I saw Children of War and read the intent behind it. Trauma is real, it is absolutely terrible, and the effects it has even when a child has grown and is two decades removed are always there. It haunts. Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd was the story that resonated most with me. Any child survivor of war will connect to the pain and confusion of Daniela, has at least one childhood friend like Misha, who lost a piece of her body as an innocent bystander, and jumps at a slammed door when it thumps like a bomb. All the stories are written to a high standard and are distinctive in their own voices. All the proceeds go to charities that support impacted children and I cannot imagine a more worthy cause. Very highly recommended.
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