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The Palmse Music Box: Historical Short Stories & Humorous Tall Tales
Where History, Mystery, and Miracles Collide
A blackened, broken music box stands forgotten in Estonia’s Palmse Manor, a relic of survival after decades of Soviet rule. Why was it spared? What stories does it hold?
From the echoes of Estonia’s Singing Revolution to the first oceanic explorers reaching the western coast of America, The Palmse Music Box explores the nature of miracles—both the explainable and the mysterious. In these captivating stories, human resilience, science gone awry, and the ripple effects of courage and fate intertwine.
Do miracles require magic, or do they arise from the choices we make? Step inside The Palmse Music Box and decide for yourself.
A blackened, broken music box stands forgotten in Estonia’s Palmse Manor, a relic of survival after decades of Soviet rule. Why was it spared? What stories does it hold?
From the echoes of Estonia’s Singing Revolution to the first oceanic explorers reaching the western coast of America, The Palmse Music Box explores the nature of miracles—both the explainable and the mysterious. In these captivating stories, human resilience, science gone awry, and the ripple effects of courage and fate intertwine.
Do miracles require magic, or do they arise from the choices we make? Step inside The Palmse Music Box and decide for yourself.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
25 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Rae Richen
17 books28 followersRae Richen's short stories and articles have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and in handbooks for writers and teachers. She has taught middle school, high school students and adults and has always been impressed with the wide-ranging curiosity and the persistent search for answers among her students.
Her novels include the adventure novel, Uncharted Territory, and the historical Scapegoat series, The Price of Freedom and The Hounded. She has also written To Serve Those Most in Need, a non-fiction history of social services in the Pacific Northwest.
Her novels include questions for book groups dealing with story content and also with style and storytelling choices. They are appropriate for interested readers and also for students studying fiction writing.
The author is available for classroom presentations and discussion. She enjoys leading workshops for any age group on the writing of fiction and non-fiction. Contact her at:
Lloyd Court Press
3034 NE 32nd Avenue,
Portland, Oregon
97212
or at raerichen.com
Her novels include the adventure novel, Uncharted Territory, and the historical Scapegoat series, The Price of Freedom and The Hounded. She has also written To Serve Those Most in Need, a non-fiction history of social services in the Pacific Northwest.
Her novels include questions for book groups dealing with story content and also with style and storytelling choices. They are appropriate for interested readers and also for students studying fiction writing.
The author is available for classroom presentations and discussion. She enjoys leading workshops for any age group on the writing of fiction and non-fiction. Contact her at:
Lloyd Court Press
3034 NE 32nd Avenue,
Portland, Oregon
97212
or at raerichen.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 11, 2025
‘Miracles can be caused by human interaction’
Oregon author/educator Rae Richen writes novels for both young adult and adult audiences that span historical romantic suspense, historical thrillers, and nonfiction genres. The subject matter - ‘themes that drive our human race.’
One of the many reasons this collection of stories works so well is the author’s ability to relate her stories in a near conversational tone, allowing entry into the realm of miracles that occur in private or in historical incidents. As the author offers, ‘Sometimes the cause of a miracle cannot be explained by the social or physical sciences that we presently understand.’ For example, the title refers to a blackened, broken music box that stands forgotten in the Palmes Manor in Estonia, a relic of survival after decades of Soviet rule. Each tale magnetizes attention immediately and the possibilities of discovering miracles invites lasting attention. A lovely collection of stories.
Oregon author/educator Rae Richen writes novels for both young adult and adult audiences that span historical romantic suspense, historical thrillers, and nonfiction genres. The subject matter - ‘themes that drive our human race.’
One of the many reasons this collection of stories works so well is the author’s ability to relate her stories in a near conversational tone, allowing entry into the realm of miracles that occur in private or in historical incidents. As the author offers, ‘Sometimes the cause of a miracle cannot be explained by the social or physical sciences that we presently understand.’ For example, the title refers to a blackened, broken music box that stands forgotten in the Palmes Manor in Estonia, a relic of survival after decades of Soviet rule. Each tale magnetizes attention immediately and the possibilities of discovering miracles invites lasting attention. A lovely collection of stories.
April 9, 2025
This is a collection of stories, myths, legends, and tales that will keep you glued to the pages. Throughout, you will discover a tale told in parts that will affect you deeply. Some of these tales are based on truth and facts. The stories are centered around a beautiful musical music box made in Europe.
The anthology made me cry in parts and others made me sit in deep contemplation. The book is tales of fascinating tales and stories to keep you entertained throughout. I had never heard of most of these legends, myths, and tales. Some are tales of old with a different twist. Trust me, you will enjoy these stories!
The anthology made me cry in parts and others made me sit in deep contemplation. The book is tales of fascinating tales and stories to keep you entertained throughout. I had never heard of most of these legends, myths, and tales. Some are tales of old with a different twist. Trust me, you will enjoy these stories!
May 9, 2025
Great read.
Rae Richen's writing is very creative. These are unique, interesting, and fun short stories that you will enjoy from beginning to end. ''The Palmse Music Box'' tells short stories about a music box with special powers that will develop a connection between miracles, history, and scientific events. The narrative of each story is good and the objectives always involve you. Mystery and humor are the keys to this book, making it a pleasant read to spend some time with a cup of coffee and some cookies. The stories I enjoyed the most were ''A Promise'', ''Sospiro's Restorative'' and ''The Palmse Music Box''. I highly recommend these collections of fiction stories.
Rae Richen's writing is very creative. These are unique, interesting, and fun short stories that you will enjoy from beginning to end. ''The Palmse Music Box'' tells short stories about a music box with special powers that will develop a connection between miracles, history, and scientific events. The narrative of each story is good and the objectives always involve you. Mystery and humor are the keys to this book, making it a pleasant read to spend some time with a cup of coffee and some cookies. The stories I enjoyed the most were ''A Promise'', ''Sospiro's Restorative'' and ''The Palmse Music Box''. I highly recommend these collections of fiction stories.
May 12, 2025
A beautiful blend of history and imagination
The Palmse Music Box is a beautiful blend of history and imagination. Rae Richen creates stories that feel timeless and deeply human. I loved how each tale carried its own mystery but also wove into something larger, leaving me reflecting on what counts as a miracle.
The writing is elegant without being overwhelming, and there’s real emotion beneath the humor and the historical detail. It’s rare to find a collection that balances wit, depth, and wonder this well. Every story left me with something to think about.
The Palmse Music Box is a beautiful blend of history and imagination. Rae Richen creates stories that feel timeless and deeply human. I loved how each tale carried its own mystery but also wove into something larger, leaving me reflecting on what counts as a miracle.
The writing is elegant without being overwhelming, and there’s real emotion beneath the humor and the historical detail. It’s rare to find a collection that balances wit, depth, and wonder this well. Every story left me with something to think about.
August 26, 2025
Rae Richen has a way with words. From start to finish, I couldn't put this book down. The Psalmes Box chapters are long like a novella while the other stories are short. All the stories are impactful and made me think about life, culture, relationships, or values. For example, I had not heard of Estonia's Singing Revolution before and am enthralled. I wonder what small actions I could take in daily life as I change myself and the world around me.
Based on this collection of stories, I would read more books by the author.
Based on this collection of stories, I would read more books by the author.
June 14, 2025
A great collection
The Palmse Music Box is a mesmerizing collection that blends historical fiction with whimsy and thought-provoking mystery. The stories span Estonian history, early explorers, and moments of science and serendipity, weaving humor and depth into every page. What I loved most was the way each narrative invites reflection. A unique and engaging read that lingers long after the last page.
The Palmse Music Box is a mesmerizing collection that blends historical fiction with whimsy and thought-provoking mystery. The stories span Estonian history, early explorers, and moments of science and serendipity, weaving humor and depth into every page. What I loved most was the way each narrative invites reflection. A unique and engaging read that lingers long after the last page.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews