Tag: short story

Posted in reviews

Melody of Your Heart by Renley N. Chu and Tiffany Chu Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A short collection of short stories take center stage as themes of love, loss, and hope come alive in co-authors Renley N. Chu and Tiffany Chu’s “Melody of Your Heart”.

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The Synopsis

Melody of Your Heart is a short story anthology that we wrote together. They are stories with themes of love, loss, and connection, exploring different kinds of love.

The Review

What a compelling and moving short story collection. This group of stories really does an amazing job of weaving together stories of love lost, love found, and the hope we find in the wake of loss. The chemistry between the authors and their writing style is felt in every tale, highlighting their shared experiences while also delving into the bond they built with one another.

One story, in particular, stood out to me right off the bat, and that was Walls. The story of a man sent to prison suddenly and forced to be separated from the person he loves, only to feel her slip away and the world starts to forget him entirely, really did an amazing job of highlighting the walls we often force ourselves into or are forced into when fighting for love. We try so desperately to hold onto what we had, that sometimes we lose sight of who we’ve become until you are the only one left behind in a world that moved on without you long ago. It’s a thought-provoking and mesmerizing tale that touches just the tip of the iceberg in this collection. 

The Verdict

An engaging, heartfelt, and thoughtful collection of short stories, authors Renley N. Chu and Tiffany Chu’s “Melody of Your Heart” is a must-read collection. The passion and eloquence with which the authors approached the narratives within these stories really showed the depth and love that the two authors brought from their own lives and into the tales. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author of Cryptic Clockwork, an autographical collection of prose and poems, and Melody of Your Heart, a short story anthology about life, love, and loss. These works were compiled after his death by Tiffany Chu, in hopes they bring hope and encouragement to anyone going through dark times.

Born in England as Leonel M. M. Santiago on May 14, 2003, Renley lost both his parents in a fire that permanently damaged his vocal cords and lungs at the age of five, leaving him unable to speak. He became Justin Steele at the age of eight when adopted into the Steele family.

Through a shared love of writing, Renley met Tiffany Chu in 2020 and they formed a close friendship. At the beginning of 2021, even as his health rapidly deteriorated, he prepared to move to the U.S. and become part of the Chu family.

On May 18, 2021, he changed his legal name to Renley Nicolas Chu.

About a week after his eighteenth birthday, Renley suffered a severe attack leading to lung and heart failure; he passed away on the morning of May 25, 2021, three days before he would have left for the U.S.

Renley’s last wish to come home was fulfilled on June 1, when his ashes were brought to San Diego and scattered at Los Penasquitos Canyon.

He left behind numerous samples of his writing, both personal as well as fictional. Each piece he wrote exudes the rawness and authenticity of his heart, his emotions, his experiences. His style tends to be stream-of-consciousness and metaphorical with a sense of immediacy and strong emotion.

Rest in Peace, Renley Chu (May 14, 2002 – May 25, 2021) 

 Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58298765-melody-of-your-heart

https://linktr.ee/renleynchu.author

Posted in wattpad

SHORT STORY A MONTH: MAY 2021

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

Hi everyone! I am going to start sharing some of my own work here on my website, something long overdue here. I have been participating in the short story a month challenge for authors online this year, and I wanted to share my story for May 2021. It is called Doorway, and is the first part of a duology. The second short story in this “miniseries” is coming in June 2021, and will focus on the main character’s adventure in two new worlds. This is a fantasy and sci-fi story that is acting as a tie-in for two of my own series, Nightmare Wars and The Legend of Electric Fusion, which I plan to tie together in the years to come. I hope you enjoy this little short story, and be sure to follow me on Wattpad to read more of my work. If you like what you read, please share and like my stories online. Thank you guys!

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Season of Love – A collection of four, seasonally-themed short stories by Kristine Raymond Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Kristine Raymond brings readers four original short stories exploring romance in the various seasons of the year in the hit short story collection, “Seasons of Love”. 

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The Synopsis

Four couples. Four seasons. A lifetime of love.

Dogwoods in Springtime

Still in mourning three years after her husband’s death, Caroline Ballard’s solitary life in rural Kentucky is disrupted by a broken water line, of all things. As if the lack of running water wasn’t bad enough, her immediate attraction to plumbing contractor Rick Spencer unearths emotions long thought buried. Opening her heart to love for a second time, a malicious lie told by his ex-wife threatens to end the budding relationship before it begins.

Seashells in Summer

Having adopted her four-year-old daughter, Lily, at birth, Taylor Brightman is suspicious when former Marine Sergeant Grant Cutler appears on her Nantucket Island doorstep claiming to be the girl’s biological father. Wary of his motives, his good looks and charming personality win her over, but can she trust that she won’t lose custody along with her heart?

Aspens in Autumn

Ramsey Fiorentino is having a bad day. On the run for her life after witnessing a murder, she’s being pursued by none other than Bishop Hamilton, a private investigator hired by the person who committed the crime. When he catches up to her and the truth comes out, they flee to the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona to hide, but it’s only a matter of time before their newfound romance is tested in the wake of a deadly confrontation.

Snowflakes in Winter

When New Hampshire State Trooper Alex Ballard becomes stranded during a blizzard in the middle of the night, he seeks refuge at a local bed and breakfast, surprised to discover the owner, Chloe Mancuso, is the sole occupant. A passionate night spent in each other’s arms ignites feelings neither thought possible, but there’s someone else with his eye on Chloe and he’s not willing to share.

The Review

A truly fantastic collection of short stories, the author has done a wonderful job of creating well-rounded characters and evenly-paced stories that really capture the reader’s attention. The interesting thing about this collection is not only how the stories end up connecting to one another, but how each story incorporates various genres into the narratives, ranging from drama and loss to mystery and suspense, all against the backdrop of romance. 

The really interesting thing however comes in the use of seasons for the narrative of each story. Utilizing this storytelling device, the author has found a way to make the seasons themselves not only part of the tapestry of the narrative but characters themselves. The writing does a great job of navigating the subtle nuisances of each story’s narrative, ranging from building tension to passionate romance and so much more.

The Verdict

An emotional, heartfelt, and enrapturing read, author Kristine Raymond’s “Seasons of Love” is a must-read short story collection. Perfectly written for those who love romance stories that incorporate many other genres into their narratives and romantic pairings that draw the reader in immediately, be sure to grab your copy of this incredible collection today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

It wasn’t until later in life that Kristine Raymond figured out what she wanted to be when she grew up, an epiphany that occurred in 2013 when she sat down and began writing her first novel. Over a dozen books in multiple genres later, there are a multitude of ideas floating around in her head thus assuring she’ll never be idle. When a spare moment does present itself, she fills it by navigating the publishing and promotional side of the business. When not doing that, she spends time with her husband and fur-babies (not necessarily in that order) at their home in south-central Kentucky, gardens, reads, or binge-watches Netflix. To find out more, please visit her website at www.kristineraymond.com

https://www.instagram.com/author_kristine_raymond/

https://www.facebook.com/KristineRaymondAuthor/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristine-raymond

Posted in reviews

Torrents of our Time by Christian Fennell Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Christian Fennell showcases his mastery of short stories in his latest collection, “Torrents of our Time”. 

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The Synopsis

Christian Fennell’s debut book, Torrents of Our Time, brings together a collection of 22 stories, most of which have appeared in international literary journals and anthologies. A gifted storyteller with a wide ranging audience, Fennell challenges the weakness in the heart of all our “truths”, while illuminating our dreams and our fears. These are stories that reside in the broken places of us, a stunning dance between our flaws and the beauty and joy of who we are, in this place now. Taken as a whole, Torrents of Our Time is a lyrical and page-turning narrative of love, loss, and pain.

The Review

This was a fantastic short story collection. The author has a superb way with words that is both poetic and thought-provoking. Each story is written in a way that allows the reader to interpret and feel their own emotions about the narrative rather than a straightforward story with a beginning, middle and end. 

One story in particular that I enjoyed as a paranormal and magick enthusiast is The Witch in the Woods, which plays on childhood fears and storytelling and the concept of bravery in the face of that fear. The elements involving the “witch” were great to see and the story ends on a shocking note, but the grander concept of false narratives blinding us to the truth and how stories can grow and take on a life of their own really resonated with me. The author’s expert use of imagery and character growth in such a short span of time really added to the thoughtful nature of each story being told. 

The Verdict

Overall, this was a must-read collection. The author’s work is profoundly impactful and really draws the reader in. Each story has something for every kind of reader, and the author’s writing really is creative and emotionally powerful in its delivery, making this a one of a kind read that cannot be missed. Be sure to grab your copies today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Christian Fennell writes literary fiction and essays. His short story collection, Torrents of Our Time, is scheduled to be released by Firenze Books, October 6, 2020. His novel, The Fiddler in the Night, January 2021.

Christian’s short stories and essays have appeared in a number of international magazines, literary journals, and collected works, including: Chaleur Magazine, Litro Magazine, XRAY Literary Magazine, Dreamers Magazine, Spark: A Creative Anthology, Kind Writers Anthology, Liars’ League London, Wilderness House Literary Review, and .Cent Magazine, among others.

Christian was a columnist and the fiction editor at the Prague Revue. He is currently working on his second novel.

https://www.christianfennell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/christianfennell_/

https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Fennell-103446968171343

Posted in reviews

Were We Awake by L.M. Brown Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A series of short stories illustrate the world people thought they knew is not what it appeared in author L.M. Brown’s novel “Were We Awake.”

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The Synopsis

In each story of this collection, events make the characters understand that their world is not as it seemed.

In Hidden, the discovery of an affair between her father and aunt is only the start of finding hidden secrets for Hazel.

What it Means to Be Empty-Handed is narrated by a fourteen–year-old daughter of an alcoholic. Her denial and elaborate imagination starts to disintegrate when she lies to the wrong person.

In Crashing, a middle-aged woman lives a life of servitude until she hits teenage boy with her car.

A thirty-year-old murder takes its toll on the victim’s family in Walking A Country Road.

The stories are set in Boston and Ireland.

The Review

Author L.M. Brown does it again, creating a wonderful collection of stories that are both connected and illustrate the way life constantly throws people curve balls, turning the world they knew into a completely new one. A collection that showcases that things are never simple or what they appear. 

One of the truly engaging stories of the collection has to be Hidden, which delves into the complex family life of Hazel when she discovers her father and aunt are having an affair. Yet as her family life implodes, new secrets reveal that things are not as simple as they first appeared. The story is a prime example of how life is often lived in shades of grey, with people often living complicated lives in an attempt to find peace and happiness. The author beautifully illustrates the pain, the shock and the confusion that comes from having a person’s world turned upside down, and perfectly taps into the emotion and complexity of humanity as a whole. 

The Verdict

A fairly average length read with completely dynamic characters and stories that feel both personal and connected, this collection of stories is truly unique and wonderfully captures the author’s unique writing style and voice. A collection that honestly showcases the ever changing landscape of the world we live in, both the world at large and the world we create for ourselves. A dramatic journey through life’s greatest challenges, this is a fantastic collection readers will not want to miss, so be sure to grab their copy of Were We Awake by L.M. Brown today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

L.M Brown is the author of the novel Debris. Her stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines. She grew up in Sligo. Ireland, but now resides in Massachusetts with her husband, three daughters, a dog and a bearded dragon.

https://www.facebook.com/LornaBrownAuthor/

https://amzn.to/33xLrJz

Treading The Uneven Road Review
Interview with Author Lorna Brown
Posted in reviews

The Gravedigger by Rath Dalton Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

A young boy’s struggles against an abusive father and a mother struggling to care for herself and him in WWII era America takes center stage in author Rath Dalton’s short story, “The Gravedigger”. 

The Synopsis

A German boy, Dirk Armen Bohler, vies with his father during the depression years. Squeezed between poverty and a failed father figure, he struggles to find his place.

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The Review

In just a few pages, the author does a magnificent job of highlighting the struggles of women and children during a WWII era, especially those with absent or abusive fathers who sought only to take and never provide for their family. Mirroring the sudden encounter with a gravedigger, the young boy’s journey into adulthood and finding his place in the world is highlighted by his struggle to protect himself and his mother from their father, and to be the opposite of his father in every way. 

Between his father issues and the poverty that took many during the war by surprise, especially when rationing began, makes this quite an engaging read that feels like a personal character study of a young man that often went unnoticed in those days, and became quite heroes in their own right. 

The Verdict

This is a powerful and emotional tale told in a very short amount of time. For a reasonable price, readers are treated to a period drama like no other, capturing the raw vulnerability of those struggling back home during the WWII years while also showcasing a unique coming of age tale that highlights the strength and sacrifice many made during that tumultuous time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick up your copy of author Rath Dalton’s short story, “The Gravedigger”, today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hello, if you read some of my work and enjoyed it, you might try posting a review on Amazon.com. Positive reviews help independent authors greatly. If you didn’t like what you read, feel free to email me at rathdalton@gmail.com and tell me where the holes are. It’s always good to get feedback. Thanks for being a reader.

– Rath Dalton

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WiqONi

Posted in reviews

Beyond the Tolbooth: A short story of Human Resilience by Stephen Parkes Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Stephen Parkes once again takes readers on a journey through one of the strangest 18th century cases you’ll ever read about in the short story, “Beyond the Tolbooth”. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis

A short story of human resilience. 18th-century Margaret Dickson hangs for her crimes and lives to tell about it.

The Review

What fascinated me about this story was the way the author delved into the tricky notion that not all history is set in stone. Exploring Margaret’s story, readers will instantly see the way rumors and half-truths led to the tragic circumstances of Margaret being sent to prison and later executed for them, only to survive the ordeal. It’s really a telling story, as back then a woman could be imprisoned and even executed for something as simple as concealing a pregnancy. The truth behind her story is not fully realized, and the author pinpoints these inaccuracies and allows readers to come to their own determination about who Margaret was and whether or not she truly was guilty.

The Verdict

A unique story of fighting for the truth, pinpointing historical fact from assumption, and the shocking reality that nothing is foolproof in the criminal justice system, and Margaret is one of the few people to have ever survived the most popular form of execution, a public hanging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Beyond the Tolbooth by Stephen Parkes today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Stephen Parkes (1960 – ) was born in Detroit, Michigan. Stephen earned a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of law and a Ranger tab from the U.S. Army. He is a former Weapons platoon leader with the 2d Ranger battalion. He is one of very few individuals to experience a long-drop hanging (in his case more than eight feet) and live to tell about it. He was twice convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon, a knife, and spent four and one-half years in federal prison and county lock-ups. Stephen was certified by the State of Florida as a habitual violent felony offender in 2008. These days, Stephen is an honorable man and husband. These days, Stephen lives free and prospers.

https://amzn.to/2TXQFtx

Posted in reviews

The Donut Hypothesis: A Cop. A Criminal. And Their Donuts by Stephen Parkes Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In a unique origin story, author Stephen Parkes takes readers on an informative and humorous journey to discover the history behind the preconception regarding police officers and a certain breakfast pastry in “The Donut Hypothesis”. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis

A short story about a cop, a criminal and their donuts.

The Review

In just a couple of pages, (5 to be exact), the author explores the secret history of the donut, from it’s original name that never stuck, to the way it was incorporated into the image of police officers. What’s most fascinating about this story is that the author takes such a simple and strange story concept, and in just a few pages makes it entertaining and fascinating all at once. Readers won’t be able to help being intrigued and by the books end, will find themselves chuckling as they read the author’s final words.

The Verdict

While a short read, the story itself was unique and very entertaining. A fun story that delves into one of the criminal justice systems most underrated secret histories, readers will instantly fall in love with this story. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of Stephen Parkes short story “The Donut Hypothesis” today!

Rating: 8/10

About the Author

Stephen Parkes (1960 – ) was born in Detroit, Michigan. Stephen earned a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of law and a Ranger tab from the U.S. Army. He is a former Weapons platoon leader with the 2d Ranger battalion. He is one of very few individuals to experience a long-drop hanging (in his case more than eight feet) and live to tell about it. He was twice convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon, a knife, and spent four and one-half years in federal prison and county lock-ups. Stephen was certified by the State of Florida as a habitual violent felony offender in 2008. These days, Stephen is an honorable man and husband. These days, Stephen lives free and prospers.

https://amzn.to/2SLg392

Posted in reviews

The Devil’s Agent: A Most Unusual Story of Crime and Punishment by Stephen Parkes Review

Posted on by authoranthonyavinablog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Stephen Parkes takes readers into one of the 18th century’s strangest executions to ever occur in the justice system in the short biography, “The Devil’s Agent”. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis

A short story of 18th-century crime and capital punishment. William Duell lives and dies and lives again.

The Review

In just a few pages, (23 pages total), the author brings readers one of the most vile criminals and one of the most fascinating trial and punishment phases within the 18th century. The author goes into detail regarding the crime and the long process inside prison, most notably death row, as well as the process a criminal goes through traveling from prison to the gallows for public executions. 

What makes this story so unique however is the way the story ends, which will have the reader in shock as they discover one of the strangest cases of capitol punishment gone wrong. It’s a vivid and informative short read, and packs quite a punch.

The Verdict

Overall this is a fantastic short story that fans of the true crime and biography genre will thoroughly enjoy. A story of the horrors inflicted by the worst of society, and the inescapable truth that sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, no matter how final they may seem. If you enjoy true crime stories then pick up your copy of The Devil’s Agent by Stephen Parkes today. 

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Stephen Parkes (1960 – ) was born in Detroit, Michigan. Stephen earned a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of law and a Ranger tab from the U.S. Army. He is a former Weapons platoon leader with the 2d Ranger battalion. He is one of very few individuals to experience a long-drop hanging (in his case more than eight feet) and live to tell about it. He was twice convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon, a knife, and spent four and one-half years in federal prison and county lock-ups. Stephen was certified by the State of Florida as a habitual violent felony offender in 2008. These days, Stephen is an honorable man and husband. These days, Stephen lives free and prospers.

https://amzn.to/2V8Shkg