Publisher: Huia Publishers
This is a complex, bittersweet collection of short stories. Her tales combine characters and occurrences that are at once cripplingly dark and yet also tinged with a quiet beauty and optimism and she deftly covers subjects such as identity, addiction, devotion and abandonment.
The author of the popular Destiny novels returns to French wine country for a heartwarming, life-changing Christmas in this delightful story collection. Fans of Patricia Dixon’s Destiny series are once again carried off to the Loire Valley, this time for the holiday season, where we learn what life has in store for Anna and Daniel, Grace and Max, and Ruby and Rosie. Then, as a special holiday treat, Patricia Dixon introduces a brand new family in the final story, A Christmas Tale. Barbara and Ned are spending the festivities away from their children and rather unruly grandchildren, relaxing in their wintry countryside home whilst avoiding the hustle and bustle of Christmas in England. Despite escaping to France, both know they have a special task to perform, keeping a solemn promise and saying goodbye to loved ones, once and for all. This magical tale recaptures the innocence of childhood Christmases, embracing the spirit of the season and the precious gift of abiding love.Destiny was previously published under the title Return Journeys.Show book
M.R. James redefined the classic ghost stories and this collection of short stories of widely regarded as among the finest in English literature. Three stories from the collection are read here by Emma Topping including "Lost Hearts", "The Mezzotint" and "The Ash-Tree"Show book
"Rabbit Heart" is a short horror story by award-winning author Alyssa Wong, one of 35 entries in the audio anthology Come Join Us by the Fire. When grieving families look to replace their lost loved ones, they come to one person, no matter the cost.Come Join Us by the Fire, edited by Theresa DeLucci, is an audio-only horror anthology of 35 short stories from Nightfire Books, a horror imprint of Tor Books. The collection showcases the breadth of talent writing in the horror genre today, with contributions from a wide range of bestselling genre luminaries including China Miéville, Chuck Wendig, Richard Kadrey, and Victor LaValle; Shirley Jackson Award winners Paul Tremblay, Priya Sharma, and Sam J. Miller; Nebula Award winners Brooke Bolander, Alyssa Wong, Kij Johnson; and many, many more.Show book
These thirteen stories by acclaimed writer Valerie Miner explore family and intimacy in ways that are simultaneously surprising and deeply familiarThe complex nature of relationships is at the foreground of this poignant and tender collection. In the opening story, a father’s lonely death causes his children to reconsider their family life. In another tale, a stalwart woman’s fight to save an old olive tree in a rapidly transitioning San Francisco unexpectedly turns into a brutal battle.Miner’s prose is intensely personal and suffused with warmth. Populated by characters being tested by their own lives, these insightful stories offer readers keenly felt portraits of people in transition.Show book
Pinch points, bottlenecks, difficulties and trials: pupils incited to violence by a teacher, a mother frantic after the loss of her son, an old lady attacked by an elm tree. This fresh collection of 12 short stories sees vulnerable characters tested by situations where reality collides with the magical, revealing human weakness, longing and fear. Read the adventures of these literary crash test dummies and ponder their actions and yours. These offbeat tales will leave you with lasting images and the sweet taste of escape.Show book
Henry has no brothers or sisters, so he asks his parents for a dog. When they choose Mudge, the wriggling puppy has floppy ears and straight, soft fur. Mudge is tiny. But Henry knows he'll grow. Now Mudge is three feet tall, and he's the best friend Henry has ever had. Mudge trots to school with Henry, and he sleeps on Henry's bed. But one day the big dog goes for a walk by himself and gets lost. When Henry comes home from school, he is alone. Where's Mudge? Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge books are filled with the wonderful adventures of the young boy and his loveable dog. Designated as Ready-to-Read books, they are perfect for beginning readers. The First Book moves along at a frisky pace and teaches quiet lessons about friendship and security.Show book
