Short Days

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 ...

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 ...

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.

The secret to earning a six-figure income without having to work your butt off When you think about living your dream life, what comes to mind? Does it include spending most of your waking hours in front of a computer, answering emails from your demanding boss and only living it up on weekends? Or does it consist of owning your own time, pursuing things you’re passionate about, and still earning more than enough to indulge in your favorite activities? Unless you’re certifiably insane, you definitely answered the latter. Who wouldn’t want to get away from the drudgery of employee life ...

Hayden Summers just landed the job of a lifetime taking pictures for Time magazine, but she's determined to leave with no regrets. The first thing on her list? Erase the memory of her cheating ex with a wild night of anonymous sex. The second? Figure out why her best friend, sexy bar owner Jace Jennings, stopped speaking to her the night she told him about the job.

"Lemons of the Day" is a blank verse in the format of a letter to "yesterday" Discovering ways to fill the rage of emotions with perspective and handling the unexpected punches of life.

'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 ...

As far as mid-life adventures go, this one was a total bust. I thought trying to free everyone from Frost Mountain would give me a splitting headache. But it was me who got split. One spell gone wrong, and now there’s a part of me stuck in that cold, deadly dimension. And the other part? Back on Earth. It does sound like a relief…unless you’re a prime suspect in a federal case about a missing plane. Or snowed in inside a lonely cabin with a witch hunter. This steamy wolf shifter wants me dead more than anything… But the look in his eyes tells me he’s hungry for something else. ...

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!

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...

This outstanding collection of short stories features some of the best of Tor.com original fiction, in audio for the first time. Written for and originally published exclusively on Tor.com, this audiobook includes Nebula and World Fantasy Award-nominated short stories, brand-new fiction from best-selling authors, and tales that feature characters and worlds that listeners already know and love. In this unique story collection, listeners will enjoy fiction from Sylvia Day, John Scalzi, Brandon Sanderson, and many others.

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?

Inspirational stories for troubled times: What's wrong with happy endings and new beginnings with just a little twist in the tale? Add your imagination for what comes next, beginning with a bit of history, a little mystery and some optimism too—these sentimental stories include: SOMETHING GOOD: Constance is nervous about a new beginning amongst busybodies and a noisy neighbor: “Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.” ~Author Unknown SERGEANT: A daily kindness turns into a rescue, but who really needed saving? “If you get to thinking you're a person of ...

The Vampire’s Fertile Valentine — A Paranormal Romance Short Story A deadly curse. A forbidden love. One chance to save them all. In the village of Lupercalia, Valentine's Day is more than a celebration—it's a sacred ritual for love, lust, and fertility. Each year, maidens draw the names of eligible bachelors from a ceremonial urn, forging a bond meant to bring life and prosperity to the land. But everything changes when the villagers shun a vampire's descendant from the draw—and their punishment is swift: a barren year, and a deadly curse upon their future. Now, the only way to ...