Off Course

by Angie Thompson

Was it even possible to fix this mess?

Still reeling from the sudden wreck of her career, the last thing Julie wants to do is visit her brother in juvenile detention. But when Colton’s plight brings her face to face with her own failures, Julie’s well-ordered world is rocked to its core. Is there any way to get her life back on track? And what will she do about Colton?

A short story

Genres: Short Stories, Contemporary

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2019

About the author

An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and six siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, nine nephews, and several assorted pets!

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Reviews

[Faith]

why am i crying... 💔

[Lydia Willcock]

I loved this so, so, SO much. I only wish it had gone on much longer!
Julie and Colt were amazing characters and I was drawn to both of them at once. Their brother-sister relationship was just so sweet. And yes, I did tear up several times!
A beautiful story.

[Rebekah Morris]

2024 Reread
Loved this all over again!

This story is short but so tender and sweet. I love how the troubles and problems are used to turn the characters into the right course even when they can't see it. The relationship between Julie and Colton is so sweet and I wanted to live next to them and befriend them. And yes, I did tear up.

[Deigan Marie]

This was a very sweet story! I loved how well Angie tied up all the loose ends in such a small amount of time/format :) I was left with no questions!

[Sarah Rhomberg]

This was a sweet short story. I was surprised when it ended, since I wanted the story to go on for a few more chapters. As with many of Angie Thompson’s books, it took a little bit to gain orientation as to who is who and what is happening, but once I was in it, I loved it.

Favourite quote: “If you didn’t care, the thought of messing things up wouldn’t hurt so much.”

[Angie Thompson]

Bonus material:

Pinterest board

[Virginia Henderson]

I cried.

Also by this author that I recommend: Love Blind, and Glad Tidings: A Flash Fiction Advent Calendar

Aw, guys. This was heartbreaking. It's not very often a book will get to me like this. From Colton's pain (physically and emotionally) to Julie's tough outer shell that isn't so tough. This was powerful. I felt everything. The hurt, the self-doubt, the hope. This was just...I don't have words to describe just how incredibly real and raw this was. No dislikes. Full 5 stars!

[Erika Mathews]

An enjoyable story with a good message.

[Serenity F. Helzerman]

*sigh* can I just say, her stories never get boring?? Or old?? Like, guys, do the math! 😂 READ ANGIE THOMPSON’s BOOKS!!!!

[Katja Labonté]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is such a good story. We all know I’m a sucker for redemption stories. This one is redemption in two ways. I love it. I love how Julie realizes her worth, as she is, and how Colton realizes it’s not all over... Plus, it deals with prison/justice & sibling relationships. It’s a short story but I totally love it. 

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘It’s nothing.’ I straightened and inspected my nails with pretended carelessness, hoping he’d let the subject drop....
“‘First guess.’ Up to this point, David’s tenacity had been one of his best qualities, but at the moment, it was one of his worst.”

*I received a copy of this book from the author but I was not required to write a review. These are my honest opinions.*

[M Shen]

😍 review to come!

[M.L. Milligan]

Goodreads does not lie. I've read this short 3 times now. XD

This is my "I-need-a-reset-book-and-it-needs-to-be-sweet-and-heartfelt-but-in-the-most-real-and-redeeming-way-possibly" read. Don't let its small page count deceive you. Off Course packs an emotional punch. 💙