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Heartbeats: short stories with a dash of love
Love is the greatest risk of all
This collection of short stories and novellas features tales in a variety of genres, including ghost, detective, rom-com, fantasy, spy, historical fiction and time travel. They share one common element—love. Romance is not the main driver in most but it is an undeniable heartbeat beneath them all.
For most stories are more interesting with a little love thrown in, don’t you think?
Features a Sherlock Holmes novella in Dr Watson's voice, a visit through time to Leonardo da Vinci, a haunted house full of rock star ghosts and a retro ball at a futuristic high school where teens try to find real human dates.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Paulene Turner
22 books35 followersI am the author of a six-book YA time travel series, called The Time Travel Chronicles. Secrets of the Nile, book one in the series, will be released on 18 July, 2023. I hope to release books two and three by the end of the year and the final three in 2024.
Creating this series has been the most fun I’ve ever had as a writer. It took me over a decade to write, involved researching five historical periods and tapping out over half a million words!
The process for each book began with research. I spent a couple of months reading as much as I could on each new period and taking notes. I usually filled an A4 notebook and more with details — not of historic events or real characters — but of the way people lived. I focused on the food, the homes, the social order, courting rituals, the general vibe of a place, ferreting out as many true details (especially the gory ones) as I could find. Only when I felt I had inhaled the essence of each period did I sit down to write.
Once I had a completed manuscript, I edited it multiple times, before giving it to my family to read — they’re all good writers and structural editors. They gave me notes. Then my script editor went over it…more notes. And some people from my writing group looked at parts of it…notes, notes, notes. I also had input from my writing teachers at the Faber Academy. Plus sensitivity readers when cultural issues arose. The proof reader mopped up what was left!
And so…after that looong process of writing and revising, I’m now here, preparing to launch my first baby out into the world.
Creating this series has been the most fun I’ve ever had as a writer. It took me over a decade to write, involved researching five historical periods and tapping out over half a million words!
The process for each book began with research. I spent a couple of months reading as much as I could on each new period and taking notes. I usually filled an A4 notebook and more with details — not of historic events or real characters — but of the way people lived. I focused on the food, the homes, the social order, courting rituals, the general vibe of a place, ferreting out as many true details (especially the gory ones) as I could find. Only when I felt I had inhaled the essence of each period did I sit down to write.
Once I had a completed manuscript, I edited it multiple times, before giving it to my family to read — they’re all good writers and structural editors. They gave me notes. Then my script editor went over it…more notes. And some people from my writing group looked at parts of it…notes, notes, notes. I also had input from my writing teachers at the Faber Academy. Plus sensitivity readers when cultural issues arose. The proof reader mopped up what was left!
And so…after that looong process of writing and revising, I’m now here, preparing to launch my first baby out into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 18, 2025
I am a huge fan of Paulene Turner's work so was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on a copy of her new short story collection, Heartbeats.
The overarching theme of the collection is "love" which presents itself in many forms throughout the stories. As someone who doesn't typically read traditional romance novels or stories, I fould Turner's approach to love refreshing. It's never overdone but presented with a light touch across most of the pieces. I really enjoyed the multi-genre experience in this collection as well--everything from science fiction to ghost story to historica fiction to drama to detective (Sherlock Holmes, anyone?). And of course, time travel. There's really something here to fit every taste.
While I enjoyed all the stories very much, of course, there are a few true stand-outs for me. These include:
Soul Mate: The opening piece is a wonderful exploration of the "in between" life and letting go, and that the stories of departed souls not necessarily ending in death. I really enjoyed the characters in this one! :)
Off the Menu: Beautifully written historical fiction piece that explores what it means to be an enemy, and what it means to be a friend.
Princess for a Day: Love story with a very realistic, albeit "unhappy" ending.
Electric Love: Exceptionally clever, witty piece with a nice twist at the end.
The Bodyguard: Turner does a fabulous job depicting a "flawed" hero.
The Woman Who Fell to Earth: Probably my favorite in the collection, this one really tugs at the heartstrings, presenting a very relatable question--what if I could do things differently? This one was actually quite heartbreaking and again, presents very well drawn characters.
I highly recommend this collection-it's just the right dash of love peppered into some very strong tales. The romance is never overdone, but supports each story in the collection quite beautifully.
The overarching theme of the collection is "love" which presents itself in many forms throughout the stories. As someone who doesn't typically read traditional romance novels or stories, I fould Turner's approach to love refreshing. It's never overdone but presented with a light touch across most of the pieces. I really enjoyed the multi-genre experience in this collection as well--everything from science fiction to ghost story to historica fiction to drama to detective (Sherlock Holmes, anyone?). And of course, time travel. There's really something here to fit every taste.
While I enjoyed all the stories very much, of course, there are a few true stand-outs for me. These include:
Soul Mate: The opening piece is a wonderful exploration of the "in between" life and letting go, and that the stories of departed souls not necessarily ending in death. I really enjoyed the characters in this one! :)
Off the Menu: Beautifully written historical fiction piece that explores what it means to be an enemy, and what it means to be a friend.
Princess for a Day: Love story with a very realistic, albeit "unhappy" ending.
Electric Love: Exceptionally clever, witty piece with a nice twist at the end.
The Bodyguard: Turner does a fabulous job depicting a "flawed" hero.
The Woman Who Fell to Earth: Probably my favorite in the collection, this one really tugs at the heartstrings, presenting a very relatable question--what if I could do things differently? This one was actually quite heartbreaking and again, presents very well drawn characters.
I highly recommend this collection-it's just the right dash of love peppered into some very strong tales. The romance is never overdone, but supports each story in the collection quite beautifully.
July 10, 2025
I have to begin by saying, this is both an engaging and unexpected collection which does keep you reading until the last page is turned. I was aware the author has considerable success as a YA author and so was interested to see how they would write for a primarily ‘adult’ audience. As it turns out, they are a gifted storyteller for both groups.
Now, with that said, as with all good short story books, there is a real mix of genres and style-all of which have merit. Speaking for myself, there were two that really stood out, ‘Too Many Sherlocks’ and ‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth.’ The first was obviously heavily influenced by the work of Conan Doyle and featured both Dr Watson and Irene Adler. I felt the atmosphere was very well conveyed and the plot had clearly been well-constructed while retaining the ‘feel’ of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. As for my second highlight, the themes really hit an emotional nerve. Not wanting to include spoilers, all I can say is, reading Cassidy’s story really got me thinking about ‘what might have been’ in my own life.
All in all ‘Heartbeats’ has the potential to entertain a wide range of readers so I can heartily recommend taking a deep dive and finding your favourite.
Now, with that said, as with all good short story books, there is a real mix of genres and style-all of which have merit. Speaking for myself, there were two that really stood out, ‘Too Many Sherlocks’ and ‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth.’ The first was obviously heavily influenced by the work of Conan Doyle and featured both Dr Watson and Irene Adler. I felt the atmosphere was very well conveyed and the plot had clearly been well-constructed while retaining the ‘feel’ of a Sherlock Holmes mystery. As for my second highlight, the themes really hit an emotional nerve. Not wanting to include spoilers, all I can say is, reading Cassidy’s story really got me thinking about ‘what might have been’ in my own life.
All in all ‘Heartbeats’ has the potential to entertain a wide range of readers so I can heartily recommend taking a deep dive and finding your favourite.
July 30, 2025
This is an absolutely perfect compilation of short stories, held together by a loose theme. Each story is very well written, and having the front stories behind the reason for writing these adds to the excitement.
A few of these shorts made me stop after I was finished, and re-read, just to figure out why I couldn't see the surprise twist ending.
I normally like longer novels or novellas (and especially love series!), but this is a great collection of shorts.
Even if you haven't read any of the Time Travel Chronicles (featuring Madison & Riley), or have no idea about life in Australia (where most of these stories are set) you will enjoy this book. (and maybe learn a bit about Sydney, Australia along the way).
A few of these shorts made me stop after I was finished, and re-read, just to figure out why I couldn't see the surprise twist ending.
I normally like longer novels or novellas (and especially love series!), but this is a great collection of shorts.
Even if you haven't read any of the Time Travel Chronicles (featuring Madison & Riley), or have no idea about life in Australia (where most of these stories are set) you will enjoy this book. (and maybe learn a bit about Sydney, Australia along the way).
January 2, 2026
Paulene’s writing is captivating and so diverse in this funny, enchanting and devastatingly beautiful collection of short stories. You get a bit of everything here with an assortment of genres and modes, it really keeps you on your toes. Every story was wonderful and unique. Truly a masterpiece!
August 20, 2025
In her first outing since The Time Travel Chronicles, Paulene Turner has delivered a collection of short stories with a connecting theme of love. The genres vary from fantasy and sci-fi, to ghosts, spy and time travel. Aimed at an adult audience but fine for ages 14+, this collection of stories will keep you engaged and entertained.
Each story is well-crafted and characters jump off the page, pulling you into their predicaments. I enjoyed each story but have to admit that ‘Too Many Sherlocks’ was a particular favourite. I felt that Turner captured the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle brief spot on, consequently I was fully transported back to old London Town.
The time travel tales, whilst very different from The Time Travel Chronicles, provided intrigue, innovative content and interesting situations that draw you in.
Thoroughly enjoyable collection of short tales linked by love.
Each story is well-crafted and characters jump off the page, pulling you into their predicaments. I enjoyed each story but have to admit that ‘Too Many Sherlocks’ was a particular favourite. I felt that Turner captured the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle brief spot on, consequently I was fully transported back to old London Town.
The time travel tales, whilst very different from The Time Travel Chronicles, provided intrigue, innovative content and interesting situations that draw you in.
Thoroughly enjoyable collection of short tales linked by love.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews