Preferred Reality: Short Stories

by Alessandra Benini

Preferred Reality is a chilling collection of eight paranormal short stories that explore the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. Each tale dives into the dark corners of the mind and the unseen world, challenging perceptions of what is real and imagined. Perfect for fans of eerie, thought-provoking horror, this collection will linger long after the last page.

• Stella Remembers – A woman cherishes her life’s memories in a beloved home, but strange occurrences—and a persistent visitor—reveal a truth she’s been avoiding.
• An Angel in a Bar – A mysterious stranger delivers a cryptic warning about betrayal and danger, leaving one man questioning the loyalty of those closest to him.
• Preferred Reality – A mother wakes up in an unrecognizable version of her life, grappling with the disorienting truth of who she has become.
• The Good Witch – A kind healer faces fear and hostility from her community, testing the strength of her resolve and the power of compassion in the face of ignorance.
• Still She Left – A spirit lingers in the world she left behind, wrestling with her decision to stay and the pain it brings to those she loves.
• Wake Up Call – A secluded hotel becomes the setting for a terrifying encounter that forces a traveler to confront their deepest fears.
• A Jaunt to the Future – A glimpse of what’s to come offers both clarity and heartache, as one character learns the consequences of knowing too much.
• Haunted – A family’s dream home holds dark secrets, where whispers of the past refuse to be silenced.

Each story in Preferred Reality offers a unique journey through fear, suspense, and the unknown, ensuring a captivating and spine-chilling experience for readers.

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Alessandra's passion for writing began at a young age and she has always dreamed of becoming an author. Growing up, she was drawn to paranormal and horror stories, eagerly devouring any material she could find. With a background in psychology and a fascination with the workings of the mind, it felt natural for her to combine her two passions. When she's not lost in a book or writing, you can find her at home with her needy cat Loui, watching scary movies. She currently resides in El Salvador with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

[Michelle Romano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading these stories but had much difficulty following along due to grammar and punctuation inconsistencies. I'd be happy to re-read and review this book again once those are fixed.

[Ruth J Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Thoughtful, and Utterly Haunting

Preferred Reality is a gripping collection of eerie, emotionally rich stories that blur the line between the real and the supernatural. Alessandra Benini delivers suspense, atmosphere, and deep psychological insight in every tale.

From the chilling twists in “Preferred Reality” to the emotional weight of “Still She Left,” each story leaves a lasting impression. This is a must read for fans of quiet horror and thought provoking suspense. Benini is a voice to watch in the genre.

[Tanya Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love short stories

I like that the book is multiple short stories, rather then chapters. It's very well written and the cover of the book is also great, everything flows well together.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are some thought-provoking short stories, and I really enjoyed that about them. This was my first read from Alessandra Benini, but it will not be the last. You can read my full review here: https://thereadingwife.com/preferred-...

[Crystal DeBoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super quick read. This collection of eerie short stories is well written and engaging.

[Tracy Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preferred Reality

A good selection of short stories. A quick read with varying subjects. My favorite story was the last story about a beautiful family and their new/old house.

[Kate Pazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good selections of short stories. It was a nice short read for me and it was different. The stories were all interesting and the author did a nice job in the writing style.