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Hope Verdad Presents: Short Stories for Thinkers
In an imbalanced and flawed world, it is often the choices we make that define us . These short stories make you think about life ’ s intricacies and complexities. Inside Hope Verdad ’ s Short Stories for Thinkers , you will discover an exciting range of great stories that are perfect for reading during a lunch hour, on a short commute, or when you just fancy unwinding after a long day. Well written, thoughtful, and with authentic characters you want to see winning, Short Stories for Thinkers makes you consider each situation and contemplate what you would do in such circumstances, not always with the same outcome. Here is writing that grabs your attention and holds it!
- GenresShort Stories
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
About the author
Francesca Flood
9 books19 followersFrancesca Flood, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has carved her path in the world of writing through a crucible of life experiences. Her award-winning work focuses on evocative speculative fiction that pushes the boundaries of imagination and explores spiritual realms. Her narratives create a tapestry of the metaphysical, mystical, and the mundane, inviting readers to delve into profound questions about life, choices, and reality. Crafting intricate plots and profound philosophical insights, Francesca’s work has garnered a diverse and dedicated following.
Dr. Flood is the second-place winner of the 2025 Virginia State Golden Nib Writer's award for nonfiction and the first-place winner in the Blue Nib Writer's award in both fiction and nonfiction. She has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and serves as an editor for Springer-Meteor. She has also been an editor/author for the American Bar Association’s book on suicide.
Francesca holds a Master’s in Pastoral Theology and a Doctor of Education.
Dr. Flood is the second-place winner of the 2025 Virginia State Golden Nib Writer's award for nonfiction and the first-place winner in the Blue Nib Writer's award in both fiction and nonfiction. She has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and serves as an editor for Springer-Meteor. She has also been an editor/author for the American Bar Association’s book on suicide.
Francesca holds a Master’s in Pastoral Theology and a Doctor of Education.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 16, 2023
Despite the title, most of the nine stories in this collection are better if you don’t over-think them. They are modern morality tales which consider some of the more challenging aspects of 21st century life in the light of long-established ethical principles. The majority are short and sweet and fairly straightforward; few contained any great surprises.
The author frequently leans on paranormal possibilities to illustrate her point, and the pendulum swings between the light and the dark. Social isolation, victimisation, corruption and criminality are countered by friendship, compassion, generosity and open-minded acceptance.
Entire lifespans are compressed into a few pages to illuminate the all-too finite boundaries of mortal existence, pausing at pivotal moments when everything depends on a crucial choice. We see the paths which might’ve been taken – and how critical decisions have consequences that can echo down the generations.
Several of these stories take a supernatural turn, where the protagonist is given a second chance at life under the watchful eye of a spiritual entity. Inevitably the pandemic plays its role in a couple of pieces, as does climate change, while Full Circle looks back to holocaust and examines how its horrors reverberate today.
The shorter stories are the more successful, I feel; the extended tales tend towards being over-written and a bit long-winded. Their message gets diluted by their length, not enhanced.
7/10
The author frequently leans on paranormal possibilities to illustrate her point, and the pendulum swings between the light and the dark. Social isolation, victimisation, corruption and criminality are countered by friendship, compassion, generosity and open-minded acceptance.
Entire lifespans are compressed into a few pages to illuminate the all-too finite boundaries of mortal existence, pausing at pivotal moments when everything depends on a crucial choice. We see the paths which might’ve been taken – and how critical decisions have consequences that can echo down the generations.
Several of these stories take a supernatural turn, where the protagonist is given a second chance at life under the watchful eye of a spiritual entity. Inevitably the pandemic plays its role in a couple of pieces, as does climate change, while Full Circle looks back to holocaust and examines how its horrors reverberate today.
The shorter stories are the more successful, I feel; the extended tales tend towards being over-written and a bit long-winded. Their message gets diluted by their length, not enhanced.
7/10
April 1, 2023
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
The title immediately interested me. I love when a story leaves me thinking about the characters, and the choices made. In these short stories however there is very little to think about.
Most of these stories felt familiar. If you ever received a forwarded email from an elderly family member that was a chain of cute paragraph long stories, this book feels like that. Those little stories are retold here, but quite overwritten, often self indulgent.
The pacing is off on most of the stories as well. In the middle of paragraphs there are abrupt time jumps which had me rereading to make sure I didn't miss something. Almost all of the stories also feel like the ending was rushed, and this is why it left me with little to think about. Five pages are dedicated to half the story, and then the back half is summed up in a literal single sentence.
The title immediately interested me. I love when a story leaves me thinking about the characters, and the choices made. In these short stories however there is very little to think about.
Most of these stories felt familiar. If you ever received a forwarded email from an elderly family member that was a chain of cute paragraph long stories, this book feels like that. Those little stories are retold here, but quite overwritten, often self indulgent.
The pacing is off on most of the stories as well. In the middle of paragraphs there are abrupt time jumps which had me rereading to make sure I didn't miss something. Almost all of the stories also feel like the ending was rushed, and this is why it left me with little to think about. Five pages are dedicated to half the story, and then the back half is summed up in a literal single sentence.
January 30, 2024
This collection of short stories addresses common scenarios ordinary people might face. A woman finds a notebook and a lottery ticket on a train, a librarian rescues a baby, and an employee faces discrimination on multiple fronts. As I read, I felt various emotions, which is a sign of a good book, in my opinion. While the book summary totes the book as a prompt to help readers think, I didn't get that vibe. The collection is mostly well-written, and I'd read more stories by this author.
Winners - 2 stars, disjointed and felt unfinished
Transfusion - 2 stars, didn't connect emotionally with the story or characters
The Ambassador - 3 stars, sweet
The Debt - 3 stars, surprising twist
Diner - 4 stars, tear-jerker
Full Circle - 4 stars, heart-breaking and touching
Lies - 4 stars, intricate story
11:11-Message From the Flip Side - 3.5 stars, thoughtful, a little disjointed, hopeful
Ripple - 3 stars, coming of age for middle-aged Margaret, preachy about climate change
Winners - 2 stars, disjointed and felt unfinished
Transfusion - 2 stars, didn't connect emotionally with the story or characters
The Ambassador - 3 stars, sweet
The Debt - 3 stars, surprising twist
Diner - 4 stars, tear-jerker
Full Circle - 4 stars, heart-breaking and touching
Lies - 4 stars, intricate story
11:11-Message From the Flip Side - 3.5 stars, thoughtful, a little disjointed, hopeful
Ripple - 3 stars, coming of age for middle-aged Margaret, preachy about climate change
April 20, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Short stories need to define characters quickly and have a sharp focus on the theme or plot. These stories were all well done, introducing characters that are pleasant and personable, and the plots are established from the beginning. Each story centers around a topical social issue, such as morality, bullying, LGBTQ issues, racism, COVID-19 and climate change.
Per the author: “In an imbalanced and flawed world, it is often the choices we make that define us.” The characters are faced with challenges and wrestle with issues, but the endings were so cut-and-dried, I didn’t find the tales thought-provoking. Interesting and well-written, yes, but I was disappointed they didn’t leave me with questions to ponder.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Short stories need to define characters quickly and have a sharp focus on the theme or plot. These stories were all well done, introducing characters that are pleasant and personable, and the plots are established from the beginning. Each story centers around a topical social issue, such as morality, bullying, LGBTQ issues, racism, COVID-19 and climate change.
Per the author: “In an imbalanced and flawed world, it is often the choices we make that define us.” The characters are faced with challenges and wrestle with issues, but the endings were so cut-and-dried, I didn’t find the tales thought-provoking. Interesting and well-written, yes, but I was disappointed they didn’t leave me with questions to ponder.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
January 28, 2024
What a great treasure of short stories that get you thinking. Each story makes one think deeply… and ponder what the character’s decisions will be and if I were in that situation, what path would I have followed. Be keen when reading for a common thread that connections between stories. I recommend reading one story each day and fastening your seat belt for unexpected turns! Be prepared to do some deep “thinking,” as the title suggests. After reading the digital version, I ordered the hard copy so I could loan it to others to enjoy. When you’re done, I highly recommend reading “Learning To D.A.N.C.E With Your Demons: A Guide To Self-Transformation by the same author… Francesca Flood, ED.D.
April 11, 2023
A captivating collection of tales that will leave you pondering long after you've finished reading. The author's ability to craft rich, complex characters in just a few short pages is truly impressive, and each story is masterfully constructed to reveal a deeper message about the human condition. Whether exploring themes of morality, justice, or the nature of reality itself, the stories in this collection are sure to challenge your assumptions and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.
April 12, 2023
"In an imbalanced and flawed world, it is often the choices we make that define us." Hope Verdad Presents: Short Stories for Thinkers is a collection of nine thought-provoking short stories that cover a wide range of topics from lottery tickets, to organized crime, to the supernatural. Each story is expertly crafted and leaves the reader with a lingering sense of introspection and contemplation. These tales will make you think about life's intricacies and complexities and the impact of free will and choice in our imperfect world.
December 28, 2023
Great Short Stories That Make You Think
The best story in the book was about a New York Librarian, Margaret that saved a baby girl from certain death and tried to find the baby’s relatives but was unable to find them. Instead of turning her over to the state and the impersonal foster care system, she raised Chole as her own child. Chole grew to be a brilliant chemist that would win the Noble Prize in Chemistry.
The best story in the book was about a New York Librarian, Margaret that saved a baby girl from certain death and tried to find the baby’s relatives but was unable to find them. Instead of turning her over to the state and the impersonal foster care system, she raised Chole as her own child. Chole grew to be a brilliant chemist that would win the Noble Prize in Chemistry.
May 9, 2023
Not what I thought it would be but very interesting thought provoking stories. Almost reminded me of stories from childhood books which used to have moral at the end.
May 15, 2023
Good stuff. I like this author's writing style and imagination. This is a nice showcase for the author's talent and did invoke post-reading thinking.
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
December 31, 2023
A good collection of differing modern short stories that quickly intrigue.
July 23, 2023
Goodreads Giveaway!
A fun book with some good stories!
A fun book with some good stories!
April 19, 2023
Each story in this book is discrete and addresses contemporary topics such as racism, LGBTQ challenges, spirituality, and moral dilemmas. I purchased this book through Amazon and noticed the author offered a complimentary companion workbook if you emailed her.
The author presents a series of questions in the companion workbook for each chapter. These questions challenge you to look at the moral quandaries and dive deeper into your reactions to characters, step back, and assess why.
**Mini Spoiler Alert**
There are two examples where I found myself disliking or unsympathetic to a character. In "The Ambassador," I completely missed what triggered the main character's downward spiral, even at the end of the story. While I understood there was a miscarriage, I never realized how a father would be impacted.
In "The Debt," my rush to judgment about the character's gambling behavior colored my opinion of her. The workbook helped me recognize how first impressions can jade our feelings toward someone without seeing the whole picture.
I found the book entertaining, but now I see there are some psychological considerations and more profound questions we can ask ourselves. Questions that make us think just a bit more than at first glance.
If you are reading this book or about to, I recommend contacting Dr. Flood at Francesca@HopeVerdad.com and asking her for the companion workbook.
The author presents a series of questions in the companion workbook for each chapter. These questions challenge you to look at the moral quandaries and dive deeper into your reactions to characters, step back, and assess why.
**Mini Spoiler Alert**
There are two examples where I found myself disliking or unsympathetic to a character. In "The Ambassador," I completely missed what triggered the main character's downward spiral, even at the end of the story. While I understood there was a miscarriage, I never realized how a father would be impacted.
In "The Debt," my rush to judgment about the character's gambling behavior colored my opinion of her. The workbook helped me recognize how first impressions can jade our feelings toward someone without seeing the whole picture.
I found the book entertaining, but now I see there are some psychological considerations and more profound questions we can ask ourselves. Questions that make us think just a bit more than at first glance.
If you are reading this book or about to, I recommend contacting Dr. Flood at Francesca@HopeVerdad.com and asking her for the companion workbook.
March 17, 2023
If you would love to read short stories that are thought provoking, entertaining, compelling and will exercise your thought processes, than SHORT STORIES FOR THINKERS is custom made for you.
Each story, while dealing with common scenarios which will resonate with readers, triggers a series of ethical, philosophical and epistemological questions which will have readers ruminating about them for many hours and even more!
Flood is an unusually talented writer who is able to create WORD PICTURES such that readers feel that they are part of the ongoing story. Her words just FLY off the page and readers only disappointment will be that the story has ended. Yet, that is just the beginning of the FUN...the real fun continues as readers attempt to discover "clues" that will help them resolve some of the questions they are left with. Think of the author as a cross between SOCRATES AND SHERLOCK HOLMES!
The book is a perfect choice for those who want to exercise their philosophical reasoning and detective skills as well as for directors of book clubs. Moreover, philosophy professors may wish to consider the volume to complement traditional philosophy texts; doing so will certainly be valuable in getting students to apply material from the texts to the story scenarios.
Each story, while dealing with common scenarios which will resonate with readers, triggers a series of ethical, philosophical and epistemological questions which will have readers ruminating about them for many hours and even more!
Flood is an unusually talented writer who is able to create WORD PICTURES such that readers feel that they are part of the ongoing story. Her words just FLY off the page and readers only disappointment will be that the story has ended. Yet, that is just the beginning of the FUN...the real fun continues as readers attempt to discover "clues" that will help them resolve some of the questions they are left with. Think of the author as a cross between SOCRATES AND SHERLOCK HOLMES!
The book is a perfect choice for those who want to exercise their philosophical reasoning and detective skills as well as for directors of book clubs. Moreover, philosophy professors may wish to consider the volume to complement traditional philosophy texts; doing so will certainly be valuable in getting students to apply material from the texts to the story scenarios.
April 16, 2023
I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
Average 4.11
-Took one star off: Title reads "For Thinkers" but for most of those stories there was no thinking to do. Doing the right thing about finding a winning lottery ticket but what about being a closeted gay man being bullied to the point of a failed su*cide? The other reason is that there is no difference from one chapter to the other and you'd think it's the same day but for most, it's two years or two months later - you get a good whiplash. Some sort of deco between those to signal a length of time passed would be a good idea.
-Good mix of genre: LGBT, racism, COVID-19 (twice I think), some utterly violent, SPN, some really sad, some satisfying more than the others, suicide, a whole sermon on climate change.
-My one and only LOL was when Margaret bends over and her hips protest. She's 50 not 80! LOL.
-Good job on the editing.
Average 4.11
-Took one star off: Title reads "For Thinkers" but for most of those stories there was no thinking to do. Doing the right thing about finding a winning lottery ticket but what about being a closeted gay man being bullied to the point of a failed su*cide? The other reason is that there is no difference from one chapter to the other and you'd think it's the same day but for most, it's two years or two months later - you get a good whiplash. Some sort of deco between those to signal a length of time passed would be a good idea.
-Good mix of genre: LGBT, racism, COVID-19 (twice I think), some utterly violent, SPN, some really sad, some satisfying more than the others, suicide, a whole sermon on climate change.
-My one and only LOL was when Margaret bends over and her hips protest. She's 50 not 80! LOL.
-Good job on the editing.
March 14, 2023
Like a warm chocolate chip cookie at the end of a long day, these indelible morsels touch the heart and mind begging discussion, asking for more. Short Stories for Thinkers is a wonderful set of glimpses into the lives of different people facing many of the moral dilemmas of our day.
The author’s crisp, vivid writing quickly brings characters and situations alive with endings that often caught my breath. Although many of these stories had me begging for more of an ending, I realized that the “ending” is intended to be the discussion had with friends and family after reading each story. No need to read an entire novel, these bite sized stories get us to open our hearts and minds and then virtually force us to share the emotions of each story with others. FABULOUS book for book clubs, mothers/daughters, husbands/wives.
The author’s crisp, vivid writing quickly brings characters and situations alive with endings that often caught my breath. Although many of these stories had me begging for more of an ending, I realized that the “ending” is intended to be the discussion had with friends and family after reading each story. No need to read an entire novel, these bite sized stories get us to open our hearts and minds and then virtually force us to share the emotions of each story with others. FABULOUS book for book clubs, mothers/daughters, husbands/wives.
March 15, 2023
Truly stories that make you think!
Fran manages to incite self-reflection very effectively in these stories. The book is entertaining, as well as thought-provoking. This is one I’ll re-read over and over again!
Fran manages to incite self-reflection very effectively in these stories. The book is entertaining, as well as thought-provoking. This is one I’ll re-read over and over again!
March 14, 2023
This book invites one to ask, how would I have handled these situations. Excellent stories that stay with a person as they ponder the possibilities. A must read.
April 13, 2023
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book. Thank you so much for opening my mind. I am so happy I read it - lots to think about.
April 19, 2023
Thanks for the free kindle copy.
An enjoyable read!
I liked the last story the best.
An enjoyable read!
I liked the last story the best.
April 22, 2023
A must read!
So many great stories, I highly recommend reading this book! Not what I would normally pick to read, but the cover intrigued me and I was not disappointed in any way.
So many great stories, I highly recommend reading this book! Not what I would normally pick to read, but the cover intrigued me and I was not disappointed in any way.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews