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A Moment in Time: A Collection of Short Stories
Three short stories by Susan Stoker, including The Boardwalk, The Other Side of the Story, and The Gift. The Boardwalk- Walking along the beach one day a man meets a woman sitting on a bench. They talk and he takes her to lunch. But as most things in life, there's always more to the story than what meets the eye. The ultimate love story. The Other Side of the Story- Kassie begins messaging Hollywood through a dating site. However, she's hiding way more than Hollywood thinks. Find out the "other side of the story" and why she signed up for an online dating site in the first place. The Gift- Annie meets a new friend in Frankie and wants to give him a present...but she's only seven, and doesn't have any money. She has to wrack her brain to come up with an appropriate present. What she doesn't realize is Frankie is doing the same thing. These were sent out to Susan's newsletter readers in 2017. They include characters from her SEAL of Protection series as well as her Delta Force Heroes series. They can be read as stand alones.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
349 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stoker
229 books7,341 followersSign up for my newsletter here:
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 1, 2019
I don’t like chick flicks—mostly. I’d rather have some drama and action, kidnappings, explosions, intrigue—anything but the Hallmark channel chick flicks. Mostly. I have 2 exceptions. The movies ‘Steel Magnogias’ and the movie ‘Beaches’. And on that very extensive list of exceptions I’m now putting the Susan Stoker book: Moment in Time.
My first thought when I was reading the first short story about Wolf and Ice??? ... shut that sh*t down. Close this book and don’t ever think about it again. Yep, that was my initial reaction.
This first story hurts in the best possible way. It’s like watching something so beautiful that it steals your breath away. Tears you didn’t know were falling run off your chin and puddle in that space your bra creates between your girls. That’s truly an un-awesome feeling. You catch your breath and read on because you know —you know what you’re really reading is actually happening. And it sucks. (Besides the wet spot in the middle of chest ). You just can’t stop. It’s not the rubber-necking you do watching an accident where you can’t look away. It’s different. It’s because you were there in this really private moment of sheer beauty. It’s just fantastic that you got to be in the room while these intimate tender moments are happening between two people. You got to be there.
It’s a beautiful tribute to the love two people can share. It’s a beautiful tribute from the author to the reader—that she trust you to get it. It’s a tribute to the power of the written word to reach across the most uncomfortable emotions and find the beauty.
So, here I am. I didn’t stop reading this first short story. And I have to change my bra. It’s an intensely emotional short story. I recommend reading this compilation. Specifically, read it with your bra on. Goodness knows you don’t want your tears to puddle in belly button. ;).
My first thought when I was reading the first short story about Wolf and Ice??? ... shut that sh*t down. Close this book and don’t ever think about it again. Yep, that was my initial reaction.
This first story hurts in the best possible way. It’s like watching something so beautiful that it steals your breath away. Tears you didn’t know were falling run off your chin and puddle in that space your bra creates between your girls. That’s truly an un-awesome feeling. You catch your breath and read on because you know —you know what you’re really reading is actually happening. And it sucks. (Besides the wet spot in the middle of chest ). You just can’t stop. It’s not the rubber-necking you do watching an accident where you can’t look away. It’s different. It’s because you were there in this really private moment of sheer beauty. It’s just fantastic that you got to be in the room while these intimate tender moments are happening between two people. You got to be there.
It’s a beautiful tribute to the love two people can share. It’s a beautiful tribute from the author to the reader—that she trust you to get it. It’s a tribute to the power of the written word to reach across the most uncomfortable emotions and find the beauty.
So, here I am. I didn’t stop reading this first short story. And I have to change my bra. It’s an intensely emotional short story. I recommend reading this compilation. Specifically, read it with your bra on. Goodness knows you don’t want your tears to puddle in belly button. ;).
February 27, 2018
I read these stories as they came out in the newsletter and loved them all. Part of each one of them broke my heart and it was hard not to tear up. If you read this author's series, these are a must to follow up on the characters.
August 12, 2019
Frankie and Annie at 7 years old, Matthew and Carolyn at 50 years married!
How I loved this story!!! I laughed out loud at some of it and cried real tears at other parts. So glad Fletch and Emily had small parts and their friends from CA. Susan Stoker writes wonderful stories and I am looking forward to the next book!!! Doubt she will ever get less than 5 stars from me!!! I love her writing so much!!!
The first story of Wolf (Matthew) and Ice (Caroline) was one of my all-time favorites. Maybe because my husband and I are only two years away from 50 years being married and my husband has DEMENTIA. Such a sweet sweet caring story! Thank you for writing it Susan. I would give 10 stars to that story if I could!!!
How I loved this story!!! I laughed out loud at some of it and cried real tears at other parts. So glad Fletch and Emily had small parts and their friends from CA. Susan Stoker writes wonderful stories and I am looking forward to the next book!!! Doubt she will ever get less than 5 stars from me!!! I love her writing so much!!!
The first story of Wolf (Matthew) and Ice (Caroline) was one of my all-time favorites. Maybe because my husband and I are only two years away from 50 years being married and my husband has DEMENTIA. Such a sweet sweet caring story! Thank you for writing it Susan. I would give 10 stars to that story if I could!!!
July 5, 2019
Wow these three stories are a wonderful gift to Ms. Stoker's die hard fans. All three brought different emotions and well one brought me to tears from start to finish.
Wolf and Caroline are featured in "The Boardwalk" and it is a glimpse into their love story 50 years later. It is a sweet, poignant story that shows that love has no bounds or boundaries perhaps is a better word. I had read some of the less than flattering reviews and I don't agree with them. This story is one of a love that never dies and an alpha male that will always protect the woman he loves, even in old age and what old age brings. Yes, I cried but it was because of their sweet enduring love story and the love that shined through in the memories. It was realistic and a love story that you will never forget.
"The Other Side of the Story" was eye opening in that we were given Kassie's side of the story and how she came to be used as a pawn to bring Hollywood and his teammates down in their full novel. Some why Kassie did what she did was explained in the novel but this story as told by Kassie gave me a better understand of her and why she did what she did.
"The Gift" features Annie, a favorite character to a lot of readers, me included! This is a wonderful story and I had wondered how Frankie and Annie had met. There story is as sweet as any adult love story Ms. Stoker has written. What they gave up in order to give each other a special present was so sweet and so unlike most 7 year olds that I know but it was so Annie. I teared up a bit at the end and well I can't wait to read her story. She is a remarkable character and has been since she crashed into Fletch's life.
What a gift these stories were. I secretly hope there might be a few more stories like this one. Just little glimpses into some of my favorite character's lives. Well done. These stories made me feel and isn't that what a good book does wether you loved it or hated it, you still felt something. I loved this little treasure.
Wolf and Caroline are featured in "The Boardwalk" and it is a glimpse into their love story 50 years later. It is a sweet, poignant story that shows that love has no bounds or boundaries perhaps is a better word. I had read some of the less than flattering reviews and I don't agree with them. This story is one of a love that never dies and an alpha male that will always protect the woman he loves, even in old age and what old age brings. Yes, I cried but it was because of their sweet enduring love story and the love that shined through in the memories. It was realistic and a love story that you will never forget.
"The Other Side of the Story" was eye opening in that we were given Kassie's side of the story and how she came to be used as a pawn to bring Hollywood and his teammates down in their full novel. Some why Kassie did what she did was explained in the novel but this story as told by Kassie gave me a better understand of her and why she did what she did.
"The Gift" features Annie, a favorite character to a lot of readers, me included! This is a wonderful story and I had wondered how Frankie and Annie had met. There story is as sweet as any adult love story Ms. Stoker has written. What they gave up in order to give each other a special present was so sweet and so unlike most 7 year olds that I know but it was so Annie. I teared up a bit at the end and well I can't wait to read her story. She is a remarkable character and has been since she crashed into Fletch's life.
What a gift these stories were. I secretly hope there might be a few more stories like this one. Just little glimpses into some of my favorite character's lives. Well done. These stories made me feel and isn't that what a good book does wether you loved it or hated it, you still felt something. I loved this little treasure.
October 15, 2021
A Moment in Time is a collection of short stories by Susan Stoker. She wrote these short stories to put on her blog and to advertise her books. The characters in the stories connect to one or more of her books. They answer some of the questions her readers might have.
The Boardwalk is a tear-jerker deluxe. An older gentleman is walking down the boardwalk by the ocean and he sees a pretty older lady sitting on a bench. He stops and sits beside her looking at the beautiful view until he finally says something to her. They sit talking for a while as she tells of events that occurred in her family and how she misses her husband as it would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. She tells him the thing she remembers most about their life together. He tells her about his lovely wife who unfortunately is ill. He asks her if she would like to continue their talk while walking along the beach. She agrees and they set out on the hard sand. When they get in front of a beach side hotel, he thanks her for the walk and asks her if she would join him at the hotel for lunch. She agrees and they go to the dining room where a lovely young lady serves them lunch with German Chocolate cake for dessert. Seeing that she is tired, he walks her to a chair which has a view of the ocean and gets her settled. She exclaims how comfortable the chair and the alcove are. He leaves her there and as he turns the corner; the waitress appears and assures him that she will be taken care of. He leaves to prepare his 50th anniversary celebration assured that his guests that evening will understand about the two pieces of German Chocolate Cake are missing.
The Other Side of the Story talks about Kassie began messaging Hollywood. Kassie was a manager of a Penny’s store and she worked hard at her job. She had been dating Richard Jacks. He had gone overseas and had been involved in an incident with an IED going off. He wasn’t outwardly hurt; but it affected his brain and changed his personality. He became a mean, controlling brute. She finally realized that it was a permanent change and wanted to leave for a job. However, he would not let her go and physically and mentally and emotionally raped her. When Richard was put in prison for an incident he pulled, Kassie was told by his best friend, Dean, that she was to call three specific men on a dating site and get one to fall for her. Then she was to find out incriminating information that he could use against these men. If she didn’t, Dean would harm her little sister and kidnap her for a sex trafficking deal. Kassie felt she had no other option except to follow his directions even if she didn’t want to.
The Gift finds Annie Fletcher and her family eagerly awaiting her dad’s friends to arrive at the airport. They were bringing a guest her age to visit. She was warned that he was deaf. When they finally arrived, Annie greeted them with the enthusiasm a seven-year-old has. Before they left to get their bags, Annie had learned to understand some of the sign language he was using. Her explanation to her mother is she just knew a little of what he said and figured out the rest. The two hit it off and were inseparable for the rest of the visit. When they were getting ready for Frankie to go home, each talked to their mother and promised not to make up the differences in price by getting their own job. Would they get the gifts and will the other one be happy?
This book is really good and answers some of the questions I had about her books
The Boardwalk is a tear-jerker deluxe. An older gentleman is walking down the boardwalk by the ocean and he sees a pretty older lady sitting on a bench. He stops and sits beside her looking at the beautiful view until he finally says something to her. They sit talking for a while as she tells of events that occurred in her family and how she misses her husband as it would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. She tells him the thing she remembers most about their life together. He tells her about his lovely wife who unfortunately is ill. He asks her if she would like to continue their talk while walking along the beach. She agrees and they set out on the hard sand. When they get in front of a beach side hotel, he thanks her for the walk and asks her if she would join him at the hotel for lunch. She agrees and they go to the dining room where a lovely young lady serves them lunch with German Chocolate cake for dessert. Seeing that she is tired, he walks her to a chair which has a view of the ocean and gets her settled. She exclaims how comfortable the chair and the alcove are. He leaves her there and as he turns the corner; the waitress appears and assures him that she will be taken care of. He leaves to prepare his 50th anniversary celebration assured that his guests that evening will understand about the two pieces of German Chocolate Cake are missing.
The Other Side of the Story talks about Kassie began messaging Hollywood. Kassie was a manager of a Penny’s store and she worked hard at her job. She had been dating Richard Jacks. He had gone overseas and had been involved in an incident with an IED going off. He wasn’t outwardly hurt; but it affected his brain and changed his personality. He became a mean, controlling brute. She finally realized that it was a permanent change and wanted to leave for a job. However, he would not let her go and physically and mentally and emotionally raped her. When Richard was put in prison for an incident he pulled, Kassie was told by his best friend, Dean, that she was to call three specific men on a dating site and get one to fall for her. Then she was to find out incriminating information that he could use against these men. If she didn’t, Dean would harm her little sister and kidnap her for a sex trafficking deal. Kassie felt she had no other option except to follow his directions even if she didn’t want to.
The Gift finds Annie Fletcher and her family eagerly awaiting her dad’s friends to arrive at the airport. They were bringing a guest her age to visit. She was warned that he was deaf. When they finally arrived, Annie greeted them with the enthusiasm a seven-year-old has. Before they left to get their bags, Annie had learned to understand some of the sign language he was using. Her explanation to her mother is she just knew a little of what he said and figured out the rest. The two hit it off and were inseparable for the rest of the visit. When they were getting ready for Frankie to go home, each talked to their mother and promised not to make up the differences in price by getting their own job. Would they get the gifts and will the other one be happy?
This book is really good and answers some of the questions I had about her books
April 11, 2021
I love Susan Stoker’s stories, however Kassie’s beginning did not thrill me but only because it was difficult to read how people can be so cruel (not to give too much away). Wolf and Catherine’s story was sweet but made me cry. Kassie’s made me cringe. Annie’s I loved and cannot wait to read her and Frankie’s full story.
May 17, 2021
Includes a short about Fletch’s daughter Annie.
Annie at 6:
Rescuing Emily & Marrying Emily.
Annie at 7:
This short “The Gift” in Moment in Time: A Collection of Short Stories.
Another short “First Kiss” in Another Moment in Time: A Collection of Short Stories.
And adult Annie: Rescuing Annie.
*****
“The Other Side of the Story” — Kassie’s story before meeting Hollywood in Rescuing Kassie. Includes Richard’s twisted version of the military ball. — 04/16/2021, 3 stars
“The Gift” — Fletch’s daughter Annie from Rescuing Emily & Marrying Emily meets a little deaf boy named Frankie and by the end of the day she is sure she’ll marry him one day. Frankie feels the same. They buy each other gifts “The Gift of the Magi” style, but Fletch and Frankie’s godfather save the day so neither goes without. So sweet. Frankie is introduced in Protecting Kiera, one of the Navy Seal books.— 04/17/2021, 5 stars
05/17/2021 — Marking read at 2 out of 3 shorts.
Annie at 6:
Rescuing Emily & Marrying Emily.
Annie at 7:
This short “The Gift” in Moment in Time: A Collection of Short Stories.
Annie meets a new friend in Frankie and wants to give him a present...but she's only seven, and doesn't have any money. She has to wrack her brain to come up with an appropriate present. What she doesn't realize is Frankie is doing the same thing.Annie at 16:
Another short “First Kiss” in Another Moment in Time: A Collection of Short Stories.
Annie Fletcher is far more tomboy than girly-girl; Frankie Sanders has a disability most boys don’t have to endure. But in each other’s eyes, they’re perfect—and the teen sweethearts have waited nearly a decade for their first kiss.
If they can find more than a few minutes alone during his holiday visit, Frankie and Annie’s Christmas promises to be the most magical ever.
And adult Annie: Rescuing Annie.
*****
“The Other Side of the Story” — Kassie’s story before meeting Hollywood in Rescuing Kassie. Includes Richard’s twisted version of the military ball. — 04/16/2021, 3 stars
“The Gift” — Fletch’s daughter Annie from Rescuing Emily & Marrying Emily meets a little deaf boy named Frankie and by the end of the day she is sure she’ll marry him one day. Frankie feels the same. They buy each other gifts “The Gift of the Magi” style, but Fletch and Frankie’s godfather save the day so neither goes without. So sweet. Frankie is introduced in Protecting Kiera, one of the Navy Seal books.— 04/17/2021, 5 stars
05/17/2021 — Marking read at 2 out of 3 shorts.
September 13, 2019
After the first story (The Boardwalk), who can even remember the other two stories? Even though I love Annie (The Gift), there is no way to even cope after reading The Boardwalk. I kind of knew what it was about before I started but I read it anyways. The amazing love that these two characters had for their spouses was epic. I knew where the story was going but the reveal just FREAKING broke my heart and I cry every time I think about it (and I can't stop thinking about it). One box of tissues is not enough (two might not even get the job done). Loved it but hated it. My romance characters need to live happily ever after - FOREVER! Still crying...
January 30, 2020
Please see individual stories for review.
Merged review:
Annie meets a new friend in Frankie and wants to give him a present...but she's only seven, and doesn't have any money. She has to wrack her brain to come up with an appropriate present. What she doesn't realize is Frankie is doing the same thing.
Merged review:
Annie meets a new friend in Frankie and wants to give him a present...but she's only seven, and doesn't have any money. She has to wrack her brain to come up with an appropriate present. What she doesn't realize is Frankie is doing the same thing.
December 6, 2020
Perfect way to get more time with our favorite teams
There are three stories that touch base with two of our favorite SS teams. They will send you on an emotional rollercoaster and are beautifully written. I loved the note before each one that explained where in each series it made the most sense to read them.
The Boardwalk:
The couple is readily apparent if you have read the SEAL books and it makes the story that much more heartbreakingly beautiful as it unfolds. The story is in the future and Wolf and Ice are reminiscing about their favorite days and anniversary. I do believe I cried from about the second page until the end. Beautifully told and beautifully felt, it is a tearjerker that I didn’t want to happen but I can appreciate the emotion and story it is.
The Other Side of the Story
Talk about a horrible situation. Richard Jacks is evil and Kassie is not sure how to fix her situation. This is a quick story without any of Delta or Seals having a feature role, but it is a backstory/prequel to how Kassie was emailing Hollywood. It showed more of Dean and Richards behavior and the stress that Kassie was under. The story is fast paced and rich with emotions and action.
The Gift
Precious. Just precious. Annie has been a favorite character since I first read about her in a different series and the team saw her on the obstacle course. What a treasure. This story of her and Frankie meeting is pure joy and love. What a beautiful situation they found themselves and what a moment for the parents and guardians to observe. Engaging and well written this was a lovely addition to the Delta world!
There are three stories that touch base with two of our favorite SS teams. They will send you on an emotional rollercoaster and are beautifully written. I loved the note before each one that explained where in each series it made the most sense to read them.
The Boardwalk:
The couple is readily apparent if you have read the SEAL books and it makes the story that much more heartbreakingly beautiful as it unfolds. The story is in the future and Wolf and Ice are reminiscing about their favorite days and anniversary. I do believe I cried from about the second page until the end. Beautifully told and beautifully felt, it is a tearjerker that I didn’t want to happen but I can appreciate the emotion and story it is.
The Other Side of the Story
Talk about a horrible situation. Richard Jacks is evil and Kassie is not sure how to fix her situation. This is a quick story without any of Delta or Seals having a feature role, but it is a backstory/prequel to how Kassie was emailing Hollywood. It showed more of Dean and Richards behavior and the stress that Kassie was under. The story is fast paced and rich with emotions and action.
The Gift
Precious. Just precious. Annie has been a favorite character since I first read about her in a different series and the team saw her on the obstacle course. What a treasure. This story of her and Frankie meeting is pure joy and love. What a beautiful situation they found themselves and what a moment for the parents and guardians to observe. Engaging and well written this was a lovely addition to the Delta world!
September 13, 2018
This is 3 bonus stories that will add to your love for the SEALS of Protection series.
The Boardwalkis a beautiful look at to Wolf and Caroline’s relationship in the future. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful and you will want a box of tissues next to you while reading it.
The Other Side of the Story is an insight into Kassie’s relationship with Jacks before her meeting Hollywood. I wanted to go in and beat up Jacks while reading this story. LOL! Great insight into how Kassie got into the situation with Jacks.
The Gift was my favorite story! This is a story about Annie meeting Frankie and the look of love through the eyes of a child! I have loved Annie for quite a while and this just made me love her more. Frankie is such a sweet child and all I wanted to do was give him a hugh hug! I can’t wait for Annie and Frankie to grow up and get their HEA!
The Boardwalkis a beautiful look at to Wolf and Caroline’s relationship in the future. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful and you will want a box of tissues next to you while reading it.
The Other Side of the Story is an insight into Kassie’s relationship with Jacks before her meeting Hollywood. I wanted to go in and beat up Jacks while reading this story. LOL! Great insight into how Kassie got into the situation with Jacks.
The Gift was my favorite story! This is a story about Annie meeting Frankie and the look of love through the eyes of a child! I have loved Annie for quite a while and this just made me love her more. Frankie is such a sweet child and all I wanted to do was give him a hugh hug! I can’t wait for Annie and Frankie to grow up and get their HEA!
January 14, 2020
Sad, Sweet, and Romantic
If you love Susan Stoker's books, you had to love this! Alzheimer 's is a very real disease, but Susan did it right...yes sad, but Caroline and Matthew Steele had a beautiful love story! The beautiful thing about fiction is that Wolf and Caroline can live forever in Susan's books! Traumatic Brain Injuries(TBI) are also very real and effect many each year! They change the lives of those injured along with those who know and them forever. Love at first sight stories are few and far between now days, but I pray they are still real! There's a small snippet of Frankie and Annie's story in the Prologue of Protecting Alabama's Kids! I hope they get married and our somehow still connected to the military....Frankie could be over the sign language program and Annie could be a doctor who works with injured soldiers!
If you love Susan Stoker's books, you had to love this! Alzheimer 's is a very real disease, but Susan did it right...yes sad, but Caroline and Matthew Steele had a beautiful love story! The beautiful thing about fiction is that Wolf and Caroline can live forever in Susan's books! Traumatic Brain Injuries(TBI) are also very real and effect many each year! They change the lives of those injured along with those who know and them forever. Love at first sight stories are few and far between now days, but I pray they are still real! There's a small snippet of Frankie and Annie's story in the Prologue of Protecting Alabama's Kids! I hope they get married and our somehow still connected to the military....Frankie could be over the sign language program and Annie could be a doctor who works with injured soldiers!
February 8, 2022
5 Emotional Stars🌟
Typically when I read short stories or a novella I rate these books 4 stars every time, but I couldn’t do it❣️
The Boardwalk is the first short story in this series and is just phenomenal but should com with a warning label that in order to read you require a “box of tissues” as this one really tore at my heartstrings and was super emotional😭😭
The other side of the story is about Kassie and essentially her side of the story of how she goes about “luring” in one of the Deltas at the behest of her “boyfriend”, Jacks whom we meet in Rescuing Emily.
Finally The Gift is a short story of how Annie and Frankie meet for the first time and it’s absolutely beautiful😍 Annie released this morning but I wanted to read these before getting to that story to get a feel for these characters and I can’t wait to see what their future holds❤️
Typically when I read short stories or a novella I rate these books 4 stars every time, but I couldn’t do it❣️
The Boardwalk is the first short story in this series and is just phenomenal but should com with a warning label that in order to read you require a “box of tissues” as this one really tore at my heartstrings and was super emotional😭😭
The other side of the story is about Kassie and essentially her side of the story of how she goes about “luring” in one of the Deltas at the behest of her “boyfriend”, Jacks whom we meet in Rescuing Emily.
Finally The Gift is a short story of how Annie and Frankie meet for the first time and it’s absolutely beautiful😍 Annie released this morning but I wanted to read these before getting to that story to get a feel for these characters and I can’t wait to see what their future holds❤️
June 22, 2023
you are going to need tissues
These little shorts to go with full length books are amazing. In the Other Side it gives you a bit of a prequel, the reason behind what happens in the corresponding book. In the Gift you get to see the beginnings of Frankie and Annie’s relationship and it’s just the sweetest thing. But the Boardwalk…there is a bit of a disclaimer (might not be the right word) that some people hated this short… but I think it was my favourite…. It’s certainly a sad and somewhat depressing subject but it pulled at my heart so hard. Seeing the love Wolf has for his Ice is inspiring and makes me hope for that enduring love in my own future. It is such an amazing and beautifully sad story of love. But I don’t recommend reading it in public though just make sure you have your tissues handy.
These little shorts to go with full length books are amazing. In the Other Side it gives you a bit of a prequel, the reason behind what happens in the corresponding book. In the Gift you get to see the beginnings of Frankie and Annie’s relationship and it’s just the sweetest thing. But the Boardwalk…there is a bit of a disclaimer (might not be the right word) that some people hated this short… but I think it was my favourite…. It’s certainly a sad and somewhat depressing subject but it pulled at my heart so hard. Seeing the love Wolf has for his Ice is inspiring and makes me hope for that enduring love in my own future. It is such an amazing and beautifully sad story of love. But I don’t recommend reading it in public though just make sure you have your tissues handy.
August 7, 2023
Fabulous!
If you've read any of Susan Stoker's books, then you know this little glimpse into a few characters will be amazing.
First, we have Wolf and Ice. As much as we all want to know how their lives together progress after the book is finished... this story was pretty heartbreaking. We have not only a flash forward in their lives but a look into the future toward the end of their lives. Did I cry? Absolutely!
Then we have our introduction to Kassie prior to her contact with Hollywood. It was nice to get a glimpse into what she was going through before connecting with the Delta team.
Lastly, we have the introduction of Frankie and Annie. How adorable was this meeting between the two seven-year-olds? To just know, at the tender age of seven, that you've met the love of your life? So cute!
If you've read any of Susan Stoker's books, then you know this little glimpse into a few characters will be amazing.
First, we have Wolf and Ice. As much as we all want to know how their lives together progress after the book is finished... this story was pretty heartbreaking. We have not only a flash forward in their lives but a look into the future toward the end of their lives. Did I cry? Absolutely!
Then we have our introduction to Kassie prior to her contact with Hollywood. It was nice to get a glimpse into what she was going through before connecting with the Delta team.
Lastly, we have the introduction of Frankie and Annie. How adorable was this meeting between the two seven-year-olds? To just know, at the tender age of seven, that you've met the love of your life? So cute!
October 15, 2018
Wonderful
Really good book, Boardwalk was a very emotional story and broke my heart. For those who have read Susan's other stories and have fallen in love with this group of friends, you will definitely shed tears, so have tissues ready. I read a review where they didn't like this story, but I can understand that because who wants to read a story that leaves you upset, but you know, that's what makes Susan such a great author, you feel what she's writing. I have loved Annie in every story she's been in. Her and Frankie are precious in The Gift. As to Annie eventually getting her story, well there's time for that later on, I enjoy her antics and the way she sees life as a kid.
Really good book, Boardwalk was a very emotional story and broke my heart. For those who have read Susan's other stories and have fallen in love with this group of friends, you will definitely shed tears, so have tissues ready. I read a review where they didn't like this story, but I can understand that because who wants to read a story that leaves you upset, but you know, that's what makes Susan such a great author, you feel what she's writing. I have loved Annie in every story she's been in. Her and Frankie are precious in The Gift. As to Annie eventually getting her story, well there's time for that later on, I enjoy her antics and the way she sees life as a kid.
July 14, 2022
This is a book with three short stories from Susan Stoker.
The Boardwalk is the story of every lasting love. If it heart wrenching but truly expresses the power of love and devotion. It was hard to read but so worth it in the end.
The Other Side of the Story is about Kassie and Hollywood meeting online before they meet in person. It gives you a better view of what Kassie was going through and why she signed up for the online dating site.
The Gift is about Annie and Frankie meeting in person. Both are young but have strong feelings toward the other.
As far as I'm concerned if you have read Susan Stoker's books you will want to read these short stories. I cried but I loved them all!
The Boardwalk is the story of every lasting love. If it heart wrenching but truly expresses the power of love and devotion. It was hard to read but so worth it in the end.
The Other Side of the Story is about Kassie and Hollywood meeting online before they meet in person. It gives you a better view of what Kassie was going through and why she signed up for the online dating site.
The Gift is about Annie and Frankie meeting in person. Both are young but have strong feelings toward the other.
As far as I'm concerned if you have read Susan Stoker's books you will want to read these short stories. I cried but I loved them all!
September 11, 2022
Three novellas, each with characters from Susan Stoker's series.
The first one "The Boardwalk" requires tissues- lots of them! Even just thinking about it brings me to tears. I read the original book "Protecting Caroline" and the juxtaposition of that book and this novella just tears at my heart.
The second novella "The Other Side of the Story" was OK. We'd already been told how Kassie was pressured into contacting/ dating Hollywood in "Rescuing Kassie", so this didn't add a whole lot to the original story.
I read the third one first "The Gift" and loved it! I've love Annie since she was introduced in her mom's story "Rescuing Emily" and loved reading how she & Frankie met. Now I need to go back and read Coop's story.
The first one "The Boardwalk" requires tissues- lots of them! Even just thinking about it brings me to tears. I read the original book "Protecting Caroline" and the juxtaposition of that book and this novella just tears at my heart.
The second novella "The Other Side of the Story" was OK. We'd already been told how Kassie was pressured into contacting/ dating Hollywood in "Rescuing Kassie", so this didn't add a whole lot to the original story.
I read the third one first "The Gift" and loved it! I've love Annie since she was introduced in her mom's story "Rescuing Emily" and loved reading how she & Frankie met. Now I need to go back and read Coop's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
Disagree with critics
The Boardwalk - Susan's critics are wrong! While this story is sad, it is the completion of a beautiful story of true love and devotion. My parents were examples of this. They were married 4 1/5 months shy of 63 years when Mother passed. Daddy lived with me 6 years before joining Mother. They were a precious testament that stories like this are beautiful and true.
The Other Side of the Story - This is an example of how easily monsters can force people into doing evil to protect their loved ones.
The Gift - Sometimes true love is found at a young age. Perhaps if adults would act as selflessly as Annie and Frankie, this world would be a much better place!
The Boardwalk - Susan's critics are wrong! While this story is sad, it is the completion of a beautiful story of true love and devotion. My parents were examples of this. They were married 4 1/5 months shy of 63 years when Mother passed. Daddy lived with me 6 years before joining Mother. They were a precious testament that stories like this are beautiful and true.
The Other Side of the Story - This is an example of how easily monsters can force people into doing evil to protect their loved ones.
The Gift - Sometimes true love is found at a young age. Perhaps if adults would act as selflessly as Annie and Frankie, this world would be a much better place!
March 18, 2018
Oh My Goodness......The Boardwalk! That was the saddest love story ever. I had a feeling it was about my two favorite characters. I’m a very tough love kinda person and that even had me in tears. I can’t imagine how I’d handle that type of situation. So sad. But the one lucid moment had me clenching my jaw and wiping furiously at my tears. ( I’m so not a cryer) it was beautiful to say the least.
Now kassie story just pissed me off. I feel like she could’ve told someone something. She just pissed me off! I know she was scared but smh............................
Annie story was too cute. I can not wait for her book. Ahhh to be young again😏.
Now kassie story just pissed me off. I feel like she could’ve told someone something. She just pissed me off! I know she was scared but smh............................
Annie story was too cute. I can not wait for her book. Ahhh to be young again😏.
January 1, 2019
Glimpses of the Future
This novella may be short but, it brought years to my eyes at the beginning to happy years at the end.
In the first you get a glimpse of the future loved of Caroline and Wolf, from Protecting Caroline. You are how they're doing and it just years you up, to see in the next, how Kassie is going to meet Hollywood and why it will bring angry tears Then you finally see that two 7year olds might be precocious, but they might know they're future...Susan Stoked has really brought many emotions in this book but also has you wanting to read over them and get the rest of the books in both series...she did me! Love this book and all of the others..
This novella may be short but, it brought years to my eyes at the beginning to happy years at the end.
In the first you get a glimpse of the future loved of Caroline and Wolf, from Protecting Caroline. You are how they're doing and it just years you up, to see in the next, how Kassie is going to meet Hollywood and why it will bring angry tears Then you finally see that two 7year olds might be precocious, but they might know they're future...Susan Stoked has really brought many emotions in this book but also has you wanting to read over them and get the rest of the books in both series...she did me! Love this book and all of the others..
November 10, 2019
The greatest Love
"The Boardwalk" : for anyone to tell someone they shouldn't have written such a beautiful story of love and devotion is reprehensible. But it also shows that love, devotion, and respect are becoming a rare thing in today's world. So sad to know that all many people want to read or see is so called "reality" (which isn't reality at all) TV or evil being done. Real life includes aging and all of the issues along the way. Being the wonderful man Matthew(Wolf) is, how could he do any different for his precious Ice.
I an eagerly waiting for Annie's story or any others that may happen in the future.
"The Boardwalk" : for anyone to tell someone they shouldn't have written such a beautiful story of love and devotion is reprehensible. But it also shows that love, devotion, and respect are becoming a rare thing in today's world. So sad to know that all many people want to read or see is so called "reality" (which isn't reality at all) TV or evil being done. Real life includes aging and all of the issues along the way. Being the wonderful man Matthew(Wolf) is, how could he do any different for his precious Ice.
I an eagerly waiting for Annie's story or any others that may happen in the future.
November 15, 2019
I can barely see to type. I have snot and tears running down my face. That... that was beautifully heartbreaking. We, the reader, can always think of characters being stuck in the eternal limbo of HEA... but then... them the author can sometimes pull you back and say 'Hey... this is real and things like this happen all the time'. So, yeah, beautifully heartbreaking. And now I am sobbing. I don't even know what to read next. Caroline and Wolf... they were the couple who introduced me to Susan Stoker's various 'verses. For that, I am grateful. Not so much at the moment though... kudos for making me feel so deeply.
January 29, 2024
WOW!
I read the author's notes at the beginning of each story. In the first one, Susan said that people hated the story and were sad to read it. I totally disagree with both of these. I loved the story and even though I figured out that the man and woman were married, I didn't figure out WHO they were. Even though I cried, it wasn't because I was sad, but because it was a beautiful story. I also cried in Annie and Frankie's story. It was a feel good story. I have to admit that I have already read Annie and Frankie's final story and was a little underwhelmed with it. I can't really explain why, but I was disappointed with it. I enjoyed how they met much more.
I read the author's notes at the beginning of each story. In the first one, Susan said that people hated the story and were sad to read it. I totally disagree with both of these. I loved the story and even though I figured out that the man and woman were married, I didn't figure out WHO they were. Even though I cried, it wasn't because I was sad, but because it was a beautiful story. I also cried in Annie and Frankie's story. It was a feel good story. I have to admit that I have already read Annie and Frankie's final story and was a little underwhelmed with it. I can't really explain why, but I was disappointed with it. I enjoyed how they met much more.
October 10, 2024
A Moment in Time is a collection of short stories that are very touching. It took me a while to decide to read it because everyone talked about how sad "The Boardwalk" was. I think I wanted to remember Wolf and Caroline being as they were in their first book, and they were except for aging and the medical issues that come with age. It was still Wolf and Caroline only their love had grown stronger and more beautiful.
"The Other Side of the Story" features Kassie and Hollywood, when she began messaging him through a dating app.
"The Gift" is about Annie and Frankie when they became friends.
All of these short stories added up to being a really special book!
"The Other Side of the Story" features Kassie and Hollywood, when she began messaging him through a dating app.
"The Gift" is about Annie and Frankie when they became friends.
All of these short stories added up to being a really special book!
June 6, 2018
The Boardwalk
It was very tearful, but very loving also. A expected ending in this age. Alzheimer's disease is a awful thing, worse than cancer, no cure at all for the loss of your most precious body part. The brain stores everything. Memories, emotions, reactions, and our knowledge.
A very fitting ending for Wolf and Ice. Thank you from one who knows about Dementia a form of Alzheimer's. Daddy lost some of his memories, but I still have mine, that is what makes memories of loved ones bearable.
It was very tearful, but very loving also. A expected ending in this age. Alzheimer's disease is a awful thing, worse than cancer, no cure at all for the loss of your most precious body part. The brain stores everything. Memories, emotions, reactions, and our knowledge.
A very fitting ending for Wolf and Ice. Thank you from one who knows about Dementia a form of Alzheimer's. Daddy lost some of his memories, but I still have mine, that is what makes memories of loved ones bearable.
July 18, 2018
All 3 stories
I really enjoyed reading all 3 books 📚 very much. The story about Wolf and Caroline made me feel sad and cry at the end of the story. The second and third stories both me feel very excited and lost for words about our i felt for these books 📚. I wish I was like Annie giving away my precious you to a friend in change for other precious gift. But in the end when write a story you give the people in the story ever ending bank accounts i have now realized how clever is that. I wish I had a ever ending bank account. Like that, wow.
I really enjoyed reading all 3 books 📚 very much. The story about Wolf and Caroline made me feel sad and cry at the end of the story. The second and third stories both me feel very excited and lost for words about our i felt for these books 📚. I wish I was like Annie giving away my precious you to a friend in change for other precious gift. But in the end when write a story you give the people in the story ever ending bank accounts i have now realized how clever is that. I wish I had a ever ending bank account. Like that, wow.
August 23, 2020
3 stories!
The boardwalk made me cry!! It was so great to see a peak into the future. While it was sad, at the same time it showed dedication and love, commitment and honor to see how the relationship thrived and changed.
Kassie’s beginning really helps us see why she made the choices she does and how bad it really was.
The gift is a precious beginning to Annie and Frankie’s story. Can’t wait until the release date comes out for their story. Their dedication to each other at such a young age is a fresh look into love.
The boardwalk made me cry!! It was so great to see a peak into the future. While it was sad, at the same time it showed dedication and love, commitment and honor to see how the relationship thrived and changed.
Kassie’s beginning really helps us see why she made the choices she does and how bad it really was.
The gift is a precious beginning to Annie and Frankie’s story. Can’t wait until the release date comes out for their story. Their dedication to each other at such a young age is a fresh look into love.
August 26, 2020
Wonderful Read
I needed a few tissues for Boardwalk. It was nice to know how much in love Wolf still was with Ice. Alzheimer’s is a extremely sad decease and is very difficult for family to deal with. The second story portrays getting caught in an abusive relationship. She was threatened and controlled by verbal and physical abuse to herself and family. A very difficult situation to get out of without the right help. I definitely can not wait to read a story of Annie’s life. Does she marry Frankie?
I needed a few tissues for Boardwalk. It was nice to know how much in love Wolf still was with Ice. Alzheimer’s is a extremely sad decease and is very difficult for family to deal with. The second story portrays getting caught in an abusive relationship. She was threatened and controlled by verbal and physical abuse to herself and family. A very difficult situation to get out of without the right help. I definitely can not wait to read a story of Annie’s life. Does she marry Frankie?
February 3, 2022
If you've read the full-length novels they're connected to, then these "bonus" short-stories are a special treat--2 are prologues before the story, and one especially poignant one is an epilogue. If you haven't read the connected books, they might feel incomplete or leave the reader confused as to who is who.
I picked it up because RESCUING ANNIE is coming out next week, and I wanted to read how Annie (a favorite recurring character in Ms. Stoker's Delta Force Heroes) first met Frankie when they were children.
I picked it up because RESCUING ANNIE is coming out next week, and I wanted to read how Annie (a favorite recurring character in Ms. Stoker's Delta Force Heroes) first met Frankie when they were children.
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