Short Days

Despite everything I have suffered, I never truly understood darkness until my family was in danger. Those desperate hours came close to breaking both Damien and me, but together we found the strength to survive and hold our family together. Even so, my wounds are deep, and wispy shadows still linger. But Damien is my rock. My hero against the dark and violence.

Steve Hartman’s inspirational and motivational memoir is peppered with research-based observations, pointed questions, hilarious anecdotes, delicious - and terrifying - sexual escapades, and genuine concern for his fellow humans, indeed for all creatures great and small. His periodic Socratic approach often challenges acceptable norms and beliefs. Looking at life through the lens of his uniquely personal experiences and thoughts, Hartman shares valuable lessons on how to live a joyful pleasure filled life without lecturing to the listener.

Alison Larkin Presents is delighted to publish these selected New York short stories by Edith Wharton, whose inside knowledge of New York's upper class is put to sparkling use here.

There's a fine line between lust and love. Aidan: I had the best Christmas last year. No family drama, just me, French wine, and the curvy blonde I met in a bar. Bliss. No names, no phone numbers, no presents, no strings attached. It was her idea. I swear. What's a guy not to like? I bet you think I hit the jackpot! I didn't. Because six weeks later I only think about her and haven't looked at another woman since. I believe I'll never see her again until I meet her at the airport on Valentine's Day. She runs away from me. Again. She can run all she wants, but I'm determined to find her and ...

Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the North Pole, things were not normal like they had been in years past. Mrs. Claus was in the kitchen preparing breakfast for Santa when the news came that the world was hit with COVID! No one knew anything about COVID...or what it meant. Whatever COVID was, it meant business and it didn't care who or what was in its path or way. Because of COVID people were required to work from home, schools were closed, and churches could not hold their weekly services. For all intents and purposes, Christmas had been cancelled and the world was coming to ...

When Rip Van Winkle disappeared in that old colonial tale, was his over-worked wife suspected of murder? What about Cinderella—did she get on in the castle like everyone said, or was that fairy tale just fiction? These questions and more in the mystery of faulty expectations and quirky twists. Stories include: EVER AFTER: When the fairy tale ended long before intended, Cinderella wasn’t the only one without a happily-ever-after. ALL THE LUCK: Things went from good to perfect when she won a honeymoon trip with a raffle ticket . . . except for what happened next—is she suspect, or ...

From Daniel Mallory Ortberg comes a collection of darkly mischievous stories based on classic fairy tales. Adapted from his beloved Children's Stories Made Horrific series, The Merry Spinster takes up the trademark wit that endeared Ortberg to listeners of both The Toast and his best-selling debut Texts from Jane Eyre. Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster updates traditional children's stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief.

Let the secret history of the world be told - of the alien virus that struck Earth after World War II and of the handful of the survivors who found they now possessed superhuman powers. Some were called Aces, endowed with powerful mental and physical prowess. The others were Jokers, tormented by bizarre mind or body disfigurements. Some served humanity. Others caused terror. And now, 40 years later, as a gang war between the Shadow Fists and the Mafia rages out of control in the streets of Jokertown.

Perfect for Ages 6-9: A Delightful Children's Educational Adventure Story Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on a magical day of discovery and learning! In this charming installment of the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" series, three curious friends embark on an exciting adventure that celebrates Great Poetry Reading Day, National Blueberry Pie Day, and Save the Frogs Day all at once! A Perfect Read for Elementary School Children Follow along as: Seven-year-old Imani, with her curious nature and bouncy curls, leads the way Gap-toothed eight-year-old Tommy asks his famous question: "What shall ...

The fantastic has always been at the edges of Heather O’Neill’s work.In Daydreams of Angels, O’Neill’s first collection of short stories, she gives free rein to her imaginative gifts. In “Swan Lake for Beginners”, generations of Nureyev clones live out their lives in a grand Soviet experiment. In “The Holy Dove Parade”, a teenage cult follower writes a letter to explain the motivation behind her crime. And in another tale, a grandmother reveals where babies come from: the beach, where young mothers-to-be hunt for infants in the surf.

Gopi is lost! As he navigates the space outside the comfort of his home, Gopi experiences life on the streets as he meets street dogs and lives their struggles. In the course of the day, Gopi befriends a kind streetie who accompanies him on his many adventures. It's a day out like no other! But, Gopi misses his favourite Ajji every minute. Will Gopi find his way home? Will Ajji and Gopi be reunited? Listen to this beautiful, heartwarming story to find out!

Join Three Best Friends on Their Most Magical Adventure Yet! When mysterious moo-ing sounds and a glowing medallion lead Imani, Tommy, and Maya through a swirling portal, they discover a enchanted land where celebration magic has been stolen by a lonely giant. Can these brave friends use kindness, teamwork, and the power of friendship to restore joy to an entire magical kingdom? Perfect for Young Readers Ages 6-9 who love: Fantasy adventure stories with magical portals and talking animals Friendship tales that teach empathy and inclusion Interactive learning through exciting storylines ...

A widowed florist, her 10-year-old daughter, and the paramedic who delivered the girl a decade earlier.... Love's second chance on the beach! Paramedic Andrew Herrin delivered Gretchen Samuels's daughter on the side of the road when she and her husband couldn't make it to the hospital in time. When their paths cross again in small-town Hawthorn Harbor, she's a widow and the baby is 10-year-old Dixie. Dixie gets along great with Drew, and Gretchen finds herself falling in love with the man who's rescued her twice now.

'Wanted, a mail order bride for St. Patrick's Day for a lonely Irish Lad. I wouldn't mind if my future Lass has some Irish roots which would bring luck to our marriage! I own the 'Lucky Shamrock Ranch' and am a man in my late twenties. I grow peach and pecan trees as well as work at my ranch on the side. It gets mighty lonely at night here and I'm longing to find a pretty lil Lass to keep me company...hopefully by St. Paddy's Day! If you're interested, my email address is...' Clover O'Malley sees the ad on her lunch break...and is immediately interested. She plans to apply as soon as she ...

When a mega popular band from Liverpool sang about Maxwell’s silver hammer, most listeners considered it a catchy, if dark tune. Flash forward half a century later, and something curious is happening around the world. Magic is returning-powerful enough to activate creations once lying dormant. Including some classic songs. When a silver hammer appears in the hands on one of Samantha Moon’s closest friends-along with a bloodthirsty need to use it-the vampire detective is about to discover just how clever (and literal) the universe can be..... Click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE today!

At 50 years old, Annette feels stung by betrayal. Her husband of 25 years cheated, and now she is alone and afraid. After a short pity party, Annette decides to start over…at her family’s beach house on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Who will she meet there?

Once upon a time … In a world like our own … Lived monsters and creatures of every kind. Let seventeen authors from around the world spin a tale for you of mythological creatures. If a djinn could grant you one wish, what would it be? Would you ride with centaurs, awaken forgotten gods and goddesses, or vanquish demons? Talk to fairies, get revenge, or hear stories of long ago? Fight dragons or plead for their help. Cover your ears or risk falling prey to the siren’s song. Be careful of which forest you wander into. Learn to control your emotions before your magic slips out. Befriend ...

Here are only a few of the new friends you'll meet in LDS TEENS – Inspirational Short Stories for Teenage Latter-day Saints: ELISE sneaks behind her parents’ backs so she can enjoy a date with a famous tennis player at her family’s Hawaiian beach house, but then everything that could go wrong on her seaside date does! QUINT boards a cruise ship with his best friend’s family, but their ocean paradise becomes a nightmare until Quint’s true best Friend takes over the helm. COURTNEY feels like a loser, so she turns to junk food to feel better until a good friend helps her become a ...

What’s the best lie you’ve ever told? I lied to my mother to stop the endless questions about finding “the one.” It worked—until she asked me to bring my imaginary boyfriend to my parents' 25th wedding anniversary party. On Valentine’s Day. Ugh, right? But here's where it gets interesting. My little white lie led me straight to Cupid’s Kiss dating service... and back into the arms of Johnny Brooks, the sexy owner who just happens to be my high school crush. Johnny was more than willing to help me out with my little predicament, but there’s a catch: he’s not just offering a...

Valentine's Day is a day to recognize love and relationships. It's the time of the year to show your significant other just how much you love and adore them — the perfect day for romance and celebrating the one you love. For Kaci Roman, Valentine's Day is anything but. After having her heart broken, Kaci views the holiday as a waste of time. Will a chance encounter with a stranger change her perspective?