Whispers of a Southern Moon

by Priscilla Bettis

An artistic, new collection of inspirational fiction and poetry by Priscilla Bettis.

Includes the award-winning story “Fix Your Face,” a “ wonderful Southern Gothic piece akin to the work of Flannery O'Conner!” —Brooke Dreger, Editor, Solid Food Press

A simple man in rural Alabama risks his sanity to keep his sister alive. Lines of poetry celebrate the symphony of a Southern night. A sentient house deep in Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp lures those it seeks to protect.

In Whispers of a Southern Moon, Priscilla Bettis intertwines short stories and poetry to create an inspirational collection of literary fiction and verse. Bettis explores questions about faith, love, and our perceptions of reality, and she does so with an elegant but fierce grip on the reader. This collection spans everything from Southern Gothic prose to Biblically inspired haiku. By the end of the collection, readers will be encouraged that even in the most twisted circumstances, God is present, and we are loved.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Priscilla Bettis writes faith-based short stories and poems. She's also an avid reader. Priscilla lives in small-town Texas with her two-legged and four-legged family members.

Reviews

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read numerous stories by Bettis and was eager to pick up her new collection. That said, I know her as an author of horror stories and was a little nervous about her pivot into Christian-themed tales. Usually, I have no interest in that genre. But … this is Bettis.

I gave it a go, and I’m so glad I did. The author proved she can write anything, and this collection is loaded with wonderful stories, some so moving that they’ll stay with me for a long time. “Fix Your Face” is one such tale—a stunningly beautiful love story that ranks among my all-time favorite short stories.

The collection includes both stories and poetry. Most of them seem secular in nature, though traditional Christian themes abound: love, kindness, generosity, faith. Poetry follows each story, often as a reflection on the story’s theme. The poetry is freeform, and some poems reference biblical text.

Mother Bird

My worn-thin mother dreamed she was a bird
flapping above a field of fading flowers.
It was autumn, and leaves feathered her wings.
Seven woolly caterpillars warned
of a looming snowy winter.

When she rode a thermal to the sun,
her garments flickered fiery ocher and orange
before she shed her feathers, falling
to the ground to break her hollow dreams
and shelter seven caterpillars.

I read this collection in one sitting, unable to put the book down for a moment. The short stories were my favorites, and picking a few to highlight was nearly impossible. Here are three more that I thought were exceptional in addition to “Fix Your Face”:

“Earnest and the Dust Angel,” a gorgeous tale about loss, grief, and letting go.
“After the Fire,” another beautiful tale, this one about choosing an aging parent over a busy life.
“Prayers Heavy with Smoke,” a moving tale about kindness and redemption.

The author shares her “Testimony” at the end of the book, and this “story” is also worth reading. In it, she chronicles her faith journey as well as her writing one. If you have an afternoon with a few free hours and enjoy beautifully written short stories, I highly recommend this collection.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging collection of prose and free verse, compelling characters and stories. The author's testimony at the end is enlightening, as her energies turn to themes about God from writing horror stories for so long. I especially enjoyed two poems and two stories:

These Things I Lost
Things I've Heard at the Midnight Hour
After the Fire
Prayers Heavy with Smoke

[Delores Topliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sensitive and gifted writer who has produced a beautiful, memorable collection. I'm glad to have have had a friend recommend it. It deserves to be more widely known.

[Valinora Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming collection of short stories and verse that ponder life, death, faith and meaning. I don’t normally read poetry but I really enjoyed these poems. I also learned lots about different types of poetry (I didn’t know what a telestich or Shadorma was before I read this). The stories are beautifully written with layers of meaning. My absolute favourite was ‘Fix Your Face’, a heart-warming story of inner goodness. The story is told through the hard-hearted and judgemental Henrietta who won’t see the value of kindness or innocence or love. Her mean-spirited and small-minded behaviour is brilliantly evoked by the author. Other favourites include After the Fire and the titular story Whispers of a Southern Moon, with themes of illness, aging and death. There is a strong Southern Gothic feel to these stories, and the lyrical writing reminded me at times of Flannery O’Connor. There is also a moving note from the author at the end of the collection which you shouldn’t miss.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing short stories is not easy. A lot has to be said with few words. Priscilla Bettis accomplishes this well in her collection of short stories and poems. The first story, Ernest and the Dust Angel, blew me away. I have always been fascinated by twins; this is a fine example of a well-written short story. After the Fire resonates with those of us who have dealt with ageing parents, and Fix Your Face will break your heart. Between the stories are meaningful poems that explore the complexities of life. The stories and poems pull the reader in, make one think, and hold subtle messages.

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian fiction runs the gamut from barely qualifying to overbearing. It’s hard to find the sweet spot, and even when I discover an author who manages to write in the Goldilocks zone, it’s a gamble—plots often are simplistic or language dull.

I’m delighted to have found a book and author who tick all the boxes.

Priscilla Bettis’s Whispers of a Southern Moon made me think, warmed my heart, and filled my soul. Her poems and stories, composed of clear yet lyrical language, are infused with poignancy, grace, and wisdom. She conveys her message not through heavy-handed, clumsy prose but through powerful, vibrant expression. Her use of innovative metaphor and sensory description breathed life into every word, allowing me to live in the worlds she crafted rather than just reading about them. I could have devoured the book but instead chose to steep in the beauty and take my time, savoring the experience.

The author’s note at the end indicates this is a new yet ongoing genre for her. I eagerly look forward to her next offering. Five well-deserved stars.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s talent shines in this collection of inspirational short stories and poems. While not overly preachy, God’s presence is seen throughout each story.

As with most collections, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I was especially drawn to Ernest and the Dust Angel. I loved the Southern dialect, so reminiscent of some of my Alabama ancestors. The story had a surprising twist at the end, as did several others.

After the Fire is another touching story, and I loved the imagery of The House at the End of Icy Street. All the Earth, Make a Loud Noise is a poem that touched me, as I often feel closest to God when I’m in His “Outdoor Cathedral.”

Reading Priscilla’s testimony at the end gives readers more insight into her writing style, and it serves as a reminder that God can and does use many ways to get our attention and lets us know He is always there.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whispers of a Southern Moon” is a beautiful faith-based collection of short stories and poetry. The stories take the reader on a journey where the message is that one is never alone, even in the darkest circumstances. It’s a well-balanced combination of entertainment and Christian reading. The poetry is lush and full of imagery and emotion connected to the stories. Many subjects are covered, like aging, inner beauty, addiction, relationships, reality, and Alzheimer's, which offered a truth I could relate to. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Whispers of a Southern Moon” was a beautiful tale of an ex-dancer who never got over the loss of her family. The house felt like a character within the story. What made this more special was the author’s sharing of her personal journey of how she found and grew in her Christian faith. I can easily recommend this collection.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Whispers of a Southern Moon" is not simply a collection of stories and poems, but a porch light burning in the velvet dark, a hymn sung through cracked lips, a quiet ache settled deep in the bones. Priscilla Bettis, with her uniquely tender brand of Southern Gothic, binds together grief, faith, madness, and the stubborn persistence of love into a tapestry that hums with cicadas and secrets.
From the award-winning “Fix Your Face” to the titular tale "Whispers of a Southern Moon" Bettis doesn’t write characters so much as hauntings. She invites us into houses that breathe, swamps that remember, women whose hearts beat with sorrow powerful enough to rattle windowpanes. At the center of this collection is Sorrow Graves, a reclusive ballerina entombed within her ancestral mansion, ringed by Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp. She does not believe in ghosts, but belief hardly matters when grief itself becomes a specter. Her house, patient and watchful, becomes both sanctuary and gaoler, promising healing even as it devours.
Bettis' prose is deceptively gentle. She captures the hush of Southern nights: the whippoorwill’s cry, the moon snagged in cypress branches, the loneliness that clings like Spanish moss. Beneath it all beats a spiritual tension: what, truly, is the difference between devotion and delusion? Between faith and fever? The love story between Sorrow and Lysanias is measured not in kisses, but in offerings (a butterfly in a jar, a paper heart, a whispered name trembled through glass). Their union is not romantic in the glittering sense but raw, almost feral: two broken souls seeking refuge in each other before time tears them apart. It is haunting, and it is beautiful.
This collection shines bright. "Whispers of a Southern Moon" stays with you. Even after you turn the last page, Bettis has a gift for writing unexpected and memorable characters. This gathering of short stories and poems lingers in the heart—tender, haunting, and beautifully human. A memorable read.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories and poetry is powerful. Every piece in the collection is carefully crafted for maximum impact in fewer words, and I was moved by each and every story and poem. I have read a few other books and short stories by this author in the genre of horror, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this book that is classified as Christian fiction. I realised that genres aren't that important to me and it is the quality of the writing and the stories that captivates me as a reader. While there is a Christian thread through the pieces, it is subtle and included as a characteristic of the various characters. The final piece, My Testimony, is the only section of writing that is solely devoted to a Christian story; that of the author. I found this memoir fascinating, and I learned a great deal about the author and her life. As a person who has suffered a home invasion, I am able to empathise and relate to some of the detail (nothing graphic) included in this piece. I think it is an invaluable read for anyone who has suffered trauma.

A few of the stories that I found the most thought provoking and engaging are as follows:

1. Ernest and the Dust Angel about fraternal twins. As this story unfolds, the psychology of the narrator becomes more and more intriguing, and the ending is an extraordinary twist.
2. After the Fire is a sad story about an elderly lady who has been moved into a care home by her son following an accident the resulted in her home burning down. She is very resistant and blames her son for unwanted change in circumstances. A relatable story for anyone who has interacted with aging relatives.
3. Prayers Heavy with Smoke is an insightful story about the psychology of a smoker including an internal battle between the desperate need to smoke and the advice to stop smoking for health reasons (the smoker's own and her grandchild's).

This short collection is a fabulous read and I recommend it highly.

[Anne Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Tolstoy’s thoughts on art while reading “Whispers of a Southern Moon.” His words slid over the short stories and verses in this collection, as if to confirm what I had already been feeling. Priscilla Bettis is an artist.

Tolstoy believed art’s purpose is to connect humans within the common bond of shared emotions, making art the bridge that connects us—author to reader. Something more than a veneer of beauty is shared, something strong enough, whether bound to joy, sorrow, desperation, or anticipation tinged with doubt that creates communion between us. In order to reach that place the author must first get the feelings onto the page in a story, and then the reader must feel it all. Check. Check. I received and lived the experiences Bettis put down in words.

How uncanny to find myself at a grocery check out lane, being drawn in by the lure of attractive cigarettes packs, as if my synaptic pathways were being triggered by my nicotine addiction; but I’ve never smoked. And wasn’t it I, who used a teen’s shoulders to raise myself up from kneeling, on cement no less, knowing my knees would not lift me up the way they once had? Yes, I was there, and vulnerability prevailed.

At various turns, whether I identified with the character in the situation being painted or not, I was brought into each story. I felt what the author intended the reader to feel; and truly, it didn’t hurt one bit that I sensed I landed in some stories Flannery O’Connor had buried in her southern backyard, and a gardener kept hidden until 2025. (O’Connor is one of my all time favorite short story writers. Her work has long been acknowledged as art. She and Tolstoy would have hit it off well.) 



To say I’m glad I stumbled upon this collection would be an understatement. I whisked it up as soon as I heard about it. Priscilla had reviewed my short story collection earlier this year, and her review stands in a class all of its own. I mean, even it borders on art.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-balanced collection of short stories and poems that takes the reader on a journey through heartbreak and redemption. Each story and poem carries a strong message of faith and how a true connection with spirit can bring peace in the darkest of situations.

While each story explores a different terrain, they carry a universal spiritual message. And each story also delves into a different aspect of the human psyche with topics from grief and one man's unwillingness to let go, to the grips of addiction to a bit of insanity.

"Prayers Heavy with Smoke" has such a beautiful and 'human' message. But the final story and book title, "Whispers of A Southern Moon," made me stop and think. It has been said there is a fine line between reality and insanity. Some would say Lysanias leaned more toward the side of insanity, but his undying love for the beautiful aging dancer defied all odds. Sorrow may have also lingered a bit on the edge of insanity herself, but Lysanias offered hope and a shelter from her storms. Through it all, Lysanias never lost his faith in God.

The author's testimony at the end of this collection touched me deeply. She is the perfect example of how a soul can triumph over tragedy and trauma through faith.
I'll share this poem as it moved me in a powerful thought-provoking way:
My Reflection
Sometimes I think I catch
My grown-up self in the mirror
Confident, competent, cognizant
Wrapped in my lover's arms
But when I stop to look
There is only fractured glass
And long shadows

If you are looking for an eclectic faith-based collection of stories and poems, I highly recommend you give this a try.

[Melanie Rigney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin this review? I guess with the disclaimer. Priscilla and I met at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in 2024. We were both first timers. We became buddies, and have stayed in touch via email. I was a beta reader for a story in this collection, and I don't even remember which one. I DO know, however, that the stories and poems in Whispers of a Southern Moon are going to stay with me a long time, and not because I like Priscilla, which I do.

It's the writing. It's the storytelling, in the short stories and the poems. I read the opening story, "Ernest and the Dust Angel" three times, not because the tale was confusing or overly gross (those who compare Priscilla to Shirley Jackson and Flannery O'Connor are spot on) but because I wanted to find each hint about the story's ultimate, believable conclusion. The keys were all there. I found more each time I read.

I also admired her Joyce Carol Oates-inspired exercise, "The House at the End of the Icy Street, or Nobody Rides the Bus Anymore." I want it to grow up and be a story.

"The Color Pink" was a lovely, visual piece of poetry that made me smile... and remember.

There's not a clinker in this collection. Be sure to read Priscilla's own testimony. It's spritely writing, and gives great insight into why and how she writes what she writes.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Highly recommend.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read Bettis before you’re in for a treat. These stories are vintage. Her prose are as lyrical as her poetry. The goal of her writing (speaking as a reader) is more about the feelings evoked than the plot or action or even the character development. This collection mixes poetry genres such as acrostic and teletext (the second a new one on me) with prose, often building off a theme to provide different takes on the same topic. A few favorites--
Ernest and the Dust Angel
These Things I Lost
Whispers of a Southern Moon

One in particular hit me hard because I have cherished family with Alzheimer’s. The portrayal through Bettis' erudite words was frighteningly spot on. I couldn’t stop reading that story.

Several of the pieces themed to getting or got old I was so touched by, I read them to my husband and we ended up in a long conversation about getting or got old.  This was a fresh and deeper take on that subject, not dreary or boring or ordinary.

Overall, a must read for those looking for new realities on topics you think you know. I award it an enthusiastic 5/5

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brilliant collection of short stories and poems examines themes of faith, love, hope, and grief in mezmerizing literary fashion. The author's prose---whether unfolding in thoughtful tales or word-sharpened verse, digs deep into emotions while conjuring vivid word pictures.

The stories favor a homespun southern slant with characters who evoke raw sentimentality. From the shocking twists of Ernest and the Dust Angel to the homespun grittiness of Fix Your Face, to the riveting, almost ethereal qualities of the title story (Whispers of a Southern Moon), each tale plays out in a meticulous mix of earthy and haunting prose.

These are stories and poems that reach deep into the soul and linger long after reading. I'm in awe of Bettis's skill as both wordsmith and tale spinner. With so many exceptional selections, it's impossible to pick a favorite. In closing, the author shares her testimony of faith, which is as equally compelling as her fiction.

A true literary gem!

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Whispers of a Southern Moon’ is an eclectic mix of heart-warming stories and poems. Bettis takes us through the lanes of grief, faith, and hope with her inspiring characters who exude love and compassion. Earnest, Daisy and Sorrow are crafted with poise, but Lysanias’ incredible love defines the depth of a relationship that lends light to this hauntingly beautiful story.

Extremely well written, ‘My Portrait in Oils’ is my favorite story - most original and poignant. Even the poem by the same name took my breath away!
‘Honor Thy Mother’ is a lovely tribute to all mothers, and the prayer that follows is heartbreaking: “Why I pray for my mother to hurry and die.”
Bettis’ poetry is equally stirring, and the imagery of ‘Love in the Dark’ clearly shows her talent. ‘My Reflection’ really spoke to me due to its authentic appeal.

I would like to recommend this book to all book lovers.

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of short stories and poems that revolve around faith. Bettis excels at description, and each piece transported you to the story setting so that you could see, hear, and even smell the characters.

My favorite stories were “Fix Your Face”, a bitter sweet tale told through the point of view of an acerbically unpleasant narrator. The author is great at portraying the thoughts of mean spirited people.

And the title tale, “Whispers of a Southern Moon”, which is a ghostly, gothic romantic tragedy.

The theme of growing older and caring for a parent runs through this collection. At turns beautiful, and tinged with great sorrow, the author shows her appreciation for the role of suffering in life and how it brings us closer to God (as shown in the story “My portrait in Oils”).

The icing on the cake is the author’s note, where she shares her personal journey with her faith.

A beautiful collection which I highly recommend.

[B.D. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of a Southern Moon by Pricilla Bettis
This short book (125 pages) is a set of seven short stories and a collection of poems. All of them well-written.

I understood these poems. For me that is the key. With Ms. Bettis’ poems, I didn’t have to work hard. The emotions being conveyed jumped off the page for me. I appreciated her use of language in the poems.

I urge you to read her testimony after the stories and poems. It’s a poignant, compelling, and important testimony, and well worth the extra ten minutes to read.

The short stories are emotive, relatable, and evocative. All of them are memorable. Though many are laced with despair, they all have threads of hope and redemption.

If you want a break from genre fiction and want to read some “literature”, try Ms. Bettis’s collection. It’s good, clean, honest, hard-hitting literature.

[Shawn Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book – a collection of stories and poems I’d describe as Christian/Southern Americana. My personal favorites within this collection are FIX YOUR FACE and PRAYERS HEAVY WITH SMOKE. Having said that, there isn't a stinker in the book – all are well-written and a pleasure to read.

Although I’d consider this Christian fiction, it isn’t preachy. It’s just good writing that anyone can enjoy. I also appreciated the author's testimony in the back of the book. The author's words here are an inspiration.

A winning collection, and I look forward to future stories from this author.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Priscilla Bettis mesmerizes with her Whispers of a Southern Moon. The collection of stories and poetry is faith-based and reveals the deeper guiding Love that walks with us. With this book, Bettis takes readers on a journey through the breadth of life’s challenges and tugs on the heartstrings through her exquisite mastery of the English language. The scenes are breathtakingly crafted. And, if that were not enough, Bettis shares her testimony at the close of the book. Her personal story complements her collection and breathes life into what it means to be a child of God.

[Brian Bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

An outstanding collection. I savored every word, and one of the stories now ranks among my favorites. This is a book I look forward to reading again. Highly recommended!