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All Things New: Stories to Refresh the Soul
When their own mistakes or the actions of others derail the hopes and plans of the men and women in these eight stories, is it too late to find redemption and a fresh start?
The Key by Candace West
Lost and Found by Milla Holt
Scarlet by Sara Davison
Reinventing Josie by Angela D. Meyer
Taste Budding by Deb Elkink
Coming Home by Brenda S. Anderson
Souvenir in My Pocket by Johnnie Alexander
How Life Begins by Eleanor Bertin
As they journey through heartache and challenges, each one discovers the powerful truth that only God can take what is broken and make it new again.
The Key by Candace West
Lost and Found by Milla Holt
Scarlet by Sara Davison
Reinventing Josie by Angela D. Meyer
Taste Budding by Deb Elkink
Coming Home by Brenda S. Anderson
Souvenir in My Pocket by Johnnie Alexander
How Life Begins by Eleanor Bertin
As they journey through heartache and challenges, each one discovers the powerful truth that only God can take what is broken and make it new again.
- GenresContemporaryAnthologies
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2022
13 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Candace West
11 books248 followersWoolgathering Down the Story Trail
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 25, 2022
I may be a bit biased since I have a story in this collection. But truly, I enjoyed reading each of the others. My two faves are probably "Coming Home" by Brenda S. Anderson and "Scarlet" by Sara Davison. These stories were told in creative ways that appeal to me.
However, they are all terrific and I'm blessed to have my story in an anthology with such gifted authors.
However, they are all terrific and I'm blessed to have my story in an anthology with such gifted authors.
June 10, 2022
While I tend to shy away from collections, I decided to accept this one on the grounds that I didn't have to read them all and planned to only read a couple. However, this collection was different from the others I've tried and have not enjoyed in that this one had stories of differing genres and so I ended up reading all but 1 (and I read half of that one). Several were women's fiction, but there was romance in some, mystery in others and some without either. All of the stories were very short and could be enjoyed in a single sitting. While there were a couple of them that were not quite as well written and there was one that I passed by because it wasn't a style I enjoyed (though it WAS well written), the collection was overall very enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed Lost and Found, Scarlet, and Coming Home. If you enjoy collections of short stories - or even just inspirational short stories in general, this is a collection I would recommend.
Special thanks to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Special thanks to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
June 3, 2022
A refreshing anthology of well written stories. These are stories that are God centered and make you think. They are a breath of fresh air and are perfect summer reading. Loved these stories!
June 11, 2022
Stories of new beginnings of many kinds. I especially loved the original idea and well-crafted story from Candace West. Because of the variety of these stories, this book will touch everyone's heart.
June 3, 2022
This is a review for "The Key" by Candice West.
This is a very short read, but worth reading. The beginning is sad, but by the end, it really leaves you with a good feeling. God is always with us, even though we don't see Him and sometimes don't thing He is.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
This is a review for "Lost and Found" by Milla Holt.
Another great story by Milla. A short story, but very inspirational. I love that all of her books are Christian based. They show how God works in people's lives.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
This is a very short read, but worth reading. The beginning is sad, but by the end, it really leaves you with a good feeling. God is always with us, even though we don't see Him and sometimes don't thing He is.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
This is a review for "Lost and Found" by Milla Holt.
Another great story by Milla. A short story, but very inspirational. I love that all of her books are Christian based. They show how God works in people's lives.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
June 2, 2022
I was blessed to receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review. One thing I love about this set is that it does not contain fluffy romances. There might be some romances, and that's good, but the theme comes through loud and clear. There is new life in Christ. My favorite story is Lost and Found by Milla Holt. Very well done!!!
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed most of the stories in this book of stories. I enjoyed the quick reads, but sometimes I wish that there was more story to keep reading, but these stories are supposed to be short reads. The first book "The Key" was a great start to this book. You could feel the fear as the girl was sent to return the key. The book was unpredictable, but I enjoyed the ending.
I felt like the stories were all up lifting and contained good messages that we can learn.
I felt like the stories were all up lifting and contained good messages that we can learn.
June 16, 2022
Lately, I've been wary of reading collections of short stories but I must say this was different in a good type of way. I loved the stories in all , each had its uniqueness and a special touch to the whole collection. Stories ranged from women's fiction to a little mystery and romance here and there. I give this a thumbs up.
If you are looking for inspirational stories and clean fiction, you are in for a good ride.
Thank you authors for ARC and this is my honest review.
If you are looking for inspirational stories and clean fiction, you are in for a good ride.
Thank you authors for ARC and this is my honest review.
November 9, 2025
The stories in this collection are heartfelt and Christ centered. By reading a collection of stories, I find new authors to follow and new books to read.
I received this e-book from The Mosaic Collection Authors. I was not required to leave a review.
I received this e-book from The Mosaic Collection Authors. I was not required to leave a review.
July 2, 2022
An interesting and varied collection. There was nothing tying all these stories together. “All things new” might have been the suggested theme, but it wasn't obvious in many of the stories. And I didn't appreciate the genre differences.
About half of the individual stories I enjoyed, but overall, it wasn't my cup of tea. I won't be rereading it.
(I received a copy for free from the publisher. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
“The Key” (3 chapters) by Candance West 6/9/22 ***
I'm not much of a mystery fan. I'm glad this one was very clean and even had a little bit of God thrown in. The secret was sad, though. It tried to end on a hopeful note, but I wasn't satisfied.
“Lost and Found” (14 chapters) by Milla Holt 6/14/22 *****
I loved this cute little mini-novella! It was interesting the majority of the story was not a romance, though there was just a hint of it at the very end. But I loved how the main plot's catalyst was Penny the dog!
Very well written and deep themes, with a strong Christian faith that was indispensable to the plot!
“Scarlet” (4 chapters) by Sara Davison 6/18/22 *****
So gripping and well-written!
I loved how the sense of smell was so prominent – so much that the cinnamon rolls played a part in Laken's healing!
I do not read suspense of any kind, and I would never have picked this or its corresponding series up. After the violence and then darkness in chapters 2 & 3 (of a 4-chapter story), I despaired of a happy ending. But I was wrong.
I absolutely adored how the Christian faith played an integral part in the plot!! And the ending was so satisfying!
“Reinventing Josie” (7 chapters) by Angela D. Meyer 6/23/22 ***
Too short to explore the deep topics. And the ending was so unsatisfying. There were several typos, especially in the last couple of chapters that pulled me out of the story even more. Not my favorite.
“Taste Budding” (1 chapter) by Deb Elkink 7/2/22 **
Wow. But not a good wow. It was so well-written that it could have made such a great impact! But there were so many jumbled analogies that I couldn't figure out the exact point! And there were at least 3 big words that I – a wordsmith – had never heard of before and had to look up. That pulled me out of the story even more.
This “fable” reminded me so much of the style of one of my favorite books of all time, Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. But I couldn't get past all the confusing gender details. It started out feeling very feminist – which makes sense when I read the author's note at the end about FGM – but then the enlightened follower of the Chef (God) was a woman masquerading as a man, claiming to be the “Bread of Life” (Jesus' title)! The possible non-binary gender hints and a possible same-sex attraction just turned me off to the whole thing.
And then the ending wasn't even satisfying! It was a tragic ending with very little hope! How did this in any way invite me to partake of the light and hope of Jesus instead of getting sucked into the author's rage against horrific practices? It didn't!
I can't recommend it at all.
“Coming Home” (16 chapters) by Brenda S. Anderson 7/2/22 *****
Enchanting! I loved the high esteem given to stay-at-home moms! Of course, I am one, too. It was also fascinating to see it from an empty-nester's perspective, which I will be in a few more years. I also appreciated the big role that her faith played in raising her kids. And her volunteer work.
The only thing I didn't like was the unbelievable non-reaction to her daughter's bombshell. The reason given was that she had been expecting the worst-case scenario of her daughter having the breast cancer that took her mother's life. Because it wasn't as bad as that, the announcement elicited barely a reaction at all. That wasn't believable or relatable to me.
But other than that, it was great!
“Souvenir in my Pocket” (1 chapter) by Johnnie Alexander 7/2/22 ***
Cute idea, though not theologically sound. I found the shifts back and forth from Peter to the narrating 65-year-old woman too jarring. I don't feel that they really went together. I liked how the author basically made herself the narrator, showing us what and who she values now. What a beautiful legacy to leave after she passes – which I hope is not for another generation at least!
“How Life Begins” (1 chapter) by Eleanor Bertin 7/2/22 ***
Getting three stories in one was hard to follow. If the ending had been a little clearer and given just a smidge more hope, it might have made it worthwhile. But the ending left it all up to the reader's imagination how they wished it to have ended. I felt it was a very unsatisfying end to the collection, too. I think the story by Johnnie Alexander should have been the last to tie it up.
About half of the individual stories I enjoyed, but overall, it wasn't my cup of tea. I won't be rereading it.
(I received a copy for free from the publisher. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
“The Key” (3 chapters) by Candance West 6/9/22 ***
I'm not much of a mystery fan. I'm glad this one was very clean and even had a little bit of God thrown in. The secret was sad, though. It tried to end on a hopeful note, but I wasn't satisfied.
“Lost and Found” (14 chapters) by Milla Holt 6/14/22 *****
I loved this cute little mini-novella! It was interesting the majority of the story was not a romance, though there was just a hint of it at the very end. But I loved how the main plot's catalyst was Penny the dog!
Very well written and deep themes, with a strong Christian faith that was indispensable to the plot!
“Scarlet” (4 chapters) by Sara Davison 6/18/22 *****
So gripping and well-written!
I loved how the sense of smell was so prominent – so much that the cinnamon rolls played a part in Laken's healing!
I do not read suspense of any kind, and I would never have picked this or its corresponding series up. After the violence and then darkness in chapters 2 & 3 (of a 4-chapter story), I despaired of a happy ending. But I was wrong.
I absolutely adored how the Christian faith played an integral part in the plot!! And the ending was so satisfying!
“Reinventing Josie” (7 chapters) by Angela D. Meyer 6/23/22 ***
Too short to explore the deep topics. And the ending was so unsatisfying. There were several typos, especially in the last couple of chapters that pulled me out of the story even more. Not my favorite.
“Taste Budding” (1 chapter) by Deb Elkink 7/2/22 **
Wow. But not a good wow. It was so well-written that it could have made such a great impact! But there were so many jumbled analogies that I couldn't figure out the exact point! And there were at least 3 big words that I – a wordsmith – had never heard of before and had to look up. That pulled me out of the story even more.
This “fable” reminded me so much of the style of one of my favorite books of all time, Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. But I couldn't get past all the confusing gender details. It started out feeling very feminist – which makes sense when I read the author's note at the end about FGM – but then the enlightened follower of the Chef (God) was a woman masquerading as a man, claiming to be the “Bread of Life” (Jesus' title)! The possible non-binary gender hints and a possible same-sex attraction just turned me off to the whole thing.
And then the ending wasn't even satisfying! It was a tragic ending with very little hope! How did this in any way invite me to partake of the light and hope of Jesus instead of getting sucked into the author's rage against horrific practices? It didn't!
I can't recommend it at all.
“Coming Home” (16 chapters) by Brenda S. Anderson 7/2/22 *****
Enchanting! I loved the high esteem given to stay-at-home moms! Of course, I am one, too. It was also fascinating to see it from an empty-nester's perspective, which I will be in a few more years. I also appreciated the big role that her faith played in raising her kids. And her volunteer work.
The only thing I didn't like was the unbelievable non-reaction to her daughter's bombshell. The reason given was that she had been expecting the worst-case scenario of her daughter having the breast cancer that took her mother's life. Because it wasn't as bad as that, the announcement elicited barely a reaction at all. That wasn't believable or relatable to me.
But other than that, it was great!
“Souvenir in my Pocket” (1 chapter) by Johnnie Alexander 7/2/22 ***
Cute idea, though not theologically sound. I found the shifts back and forth from Peter to the narrating 65-year-old woman too jarring. I don't feel that they really went together. I liked how the author basically made herself the narrator, showing us what and who she values now. What a beautiful legacy to leave after she passes – which I hope is not for another generation at least!
“How Life Begins” (1 chapter) by Eleanor Bertin 7/2/22 ***
Getting three stories in one was hard to follow. If the ending had been a little clearer and given just a smidge more hope, it might have made it worthwhile. But the ending left it all up to the reader's imagination how they wished it to have ended. I felt it was a very unsatisfying end to the collection, too. I think the story by Johnnie Alexander should have been the last to tie it up.
July 24, 2022
Sometimes there are hurts that we just can’t pull away from. Relationships are severed, minds are made up, regrets come to the surface. Jesus can restore any relationship in His time and His will. He has the power to make all things new.
The Key
By Candace West
As a child, did you have a neighbor that you knew nothing about, never saw but spent a lot of time making up stories to fill in the blanks? Candace West spins a touching story that will remind you of your childhood shenanigans, gossip in the neighborhood and the truth as it finally comes out.
Lost & Found
By Milla Holt
Are there relationships in your life that God would not be pleased with? Ones that you trade for sin? A story of providence and redemption, Lost & Found can speak to all of our hearts. While we live our lives, God is relentlessly pursuing us, no matter the state of our heart.
Scarlet
By Sara Davison
Only a few seconds, but it cost a precious friend everything. That cost, that decision can put us in such a spiral that we fail to see God, fail to seek God and so, we can’t move forward. All this time, He waits for us to journey back to Him.
Reinventing Josie
By Angela D Meyer
It’s hard to press on when your past holds on to your thoughts and emotions. Lack of trust is not distrust, it’s fear and fear has a tight grip on Josie’s life. She is depending upon God to help her gain a new life back home with new goals and great support.
Taste Budding
By Deb Elkink
Written like a fairytale, this story proclaims that all are meant to taste of the grace of God.
Coming Home
By Brenda S Anderson
When we find ourselves in the middle of a challenging time in our lives, especially when we expected it to look differently, it can be very hard to regroup in the midst of all of the chaos. God uses our circumstances, our relationships, our trust to bring us to His better plan and a new beginning.
Souvenir in My Pocket
By Johnnie Alexander
Even our ending marks a new beginning as we leave behind those closest to us and enjoy new life with Christ. A sweet transition story.
How Life Begins
By Eleanor Bertin
Recollection and reflection of family memories, past and present, can open our eyes if we take the time to really look...and reflect [think seriously, ponder, consider and bend back the light]... We are always better equipped to face the future when we are obedient to place our lives into His hands.
I just love this mix of authors! From historical to contemporary, light to heavy topics...this collection is a beautiful mix of God working in many different situations...for in everything and always, He can make all things new!
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
The Key
By Candace West
As a child, did you have a neighbor that you knew nothing about, never saw but spent a lot of time making up stories to fill in the blanks? Candace West spins a touching story that will remind you of your childhood shenanigans, gossip in the neighborhood and the truth as it finally comes out.
Lost & Found
By Milla Holt
Are there relationships in your life that God would not be pleased with? Ones that you trade for sin? A story of providence and redemption, Lost & Found can speak to all of our hearts. While we live our lives, God is relentlessly pursuing us, no matter the state of our heart.
Scarlet
By Sara Davison
Only a few seconds, but it cost a precious friend everything. That cost, that decision can put us in such a spiral that we fail to see God, fail to seek God and so, we can’t move forward. All this time, He waits for us to journey back to Him.
Reinventing Josie
By Angela D Meyer
It’s hard to press on when your past holds on to your thoughts and emotions. Lack of trust is not distrust, it’s fear and fear has a tight grip on Josie’s life. She is depending upon God to help her gain a new life back home with new goals and great support.
Taste Budding
By Deb Elkink
Written like a fairytale, this story proclaims that all are meant to taste of the grace of God.
Coming Home
By Brenda S Anderson
When we find ourselves in the middle of a challenging time in our lives, especially when we expected it to look differently, it can be very hard to regroup in the midst of all of the chaos. God uses our circumstances, our relationships, our trust to bring us to His better plan and a new beginning.
Souvenir in My Pocket
By Johnnie Alexander
Even our ending marks a new beginning as we leave behind those closest to us and enjoy new life with Christ. A sweet transition story.
How Life Begins
By Eleanor Bertin
Recollection and reflection of family memories, past and present, can open our eyes if we take the time to really look...and reflect [think seriously, ponder, consider and bend back the light]... We are always better equipped to face the future when we are obedient to place our lives into His hands.
I just love this mix of authors! From historical to contemporary, light to heavy topics...this collection is a beautiful mix of God working in many different situations...for in everything and always, He can make all things new!
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
July 24, 2022
I am reviewing Scarlet -- by Sara Davidson
Though our sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow
He is a police office - and when he goes to his favourite bakery, there is a robbery. And he hesitates to shoot - - - and a woman is killed. And the guilt he feels . . . .only Christ can help him!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
Though our sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow
He is a police office - and when he goes to his favourite bakery, there is a robbery. And he hesitates to shoot - - - and a woman is killed. And the guilt he feels . . . .only Christ can help him!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
March 27, 2024
Scarlett by Sara Davison
Shoulda, woulda, coulda. The guilt and what if’s can drag you down and suffocate you. Drown you in recriminations and round upon round of worrying and wishing. This was a lovely little backstory. It makes me want to go and read Cole’s story all over again.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda. The guilt and what if’s can drag you down and suffocate you. Drown you in recriminations and round upon round of worrying and wishing. This was a lovely little backstory. It makes me want to go and read Cole’s story all over again.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 14, 2022
I love the theme of the Mosaic Collection - Family by His Design. Each of the books in the collection and each of the stories in this anthology, reflect that theme. People come from a wide variety of family styles. The characters may have a lifestyle very different from yours but each of the characters would be loved by God if they were a real person. The stories challenge readers to love those who have a different lifestyle - Jesus loves us where we are.
The Key. Candace West, 2022.
Review: Everyone has a life story that may not be known by those around them. They may be hiding secrets of actions they are ashamed of. Or, they may have experienced hurtful things. They may even have experienced Abandonment. In The Key Candi and Patrick learn an important lesson about showing love to someone who is treated cruelly by others. Mrs. Raymond opens herself to the love from these children and experiences a change in her life. The story contains a good lesson for parents to help their children understand and show love to others.
Lost and Found. Milla Holt, 2022.
Review: I’ll admit my initial reaction is one I am not proud of. Milla Holt’s main character is living with her boyfriend. I found myself wondering - why is this in a Christian anthology? I am happy to say that Milla Holt challenged my thinking. God loves those who are in this type of relationship and He is calling them to Himself. I love it when fiction challenges my thinking. We all deserve God’s grace as much as Gemma does. God pursues us much the way Gemma pursued help for the abandoned dog. May this story challenge you the way I was challenged.
Scarlet. Sara Davison, 2022
Review: I previously read . I enjoyed Scarlet, which is a prequel to that novel. I always like reading background stories on characters. Laken Jones is a minor character in the book I read. In Scarlet we learn about his first months on the job as a rookie cop, including his first time shooting a suspect. He has to learn to forgive himself for the death of a friend, who died because he didn’t shoot quite quickly enough. I look forward to learning more about these characters in future books in the A Two Sparrows for a Penny series.
Reinventing Josie. Angela D. Meyer, 2022.
Review: In Reinventing Josie we meet Josie who is trying to get her life back on the right track. She has to confront the man who abandoned her in her past as well as determine if she is ready for a relationship with a wonderful man. Angela D. Meyer created some characters and a storyline which left me wanting to know more about these characters and their stories. I’m hoping she will write more about Josie and the town of Christmas in the future.
Taste Budding. Deb Elkink, 2022.
Review: Deb Elkink has a way of making her readers think and dig for what she is getting at, in a good way. This story is a fable that looks at the mutilation of young girls for the “benefit” of men. She does it in a tasteful way, using the fable format and the analogy of a chef and taste buds. She has a character who has left this world behind to follow the Chef and His ways.
Coming Home. Brenda S. Anderson 2018.
Review: Women in the empty nest era of life will be encouraged by Brenda Anderson’s story Coming Home. Nancy and her husband had plans for their life once the last child left home, but God had other plans. I hated and then loved the direction Anderson took the story, but then life is like that. We sometimes hate the curveballs God sends our way but in the end He has our best in mind. Anderson did incorporate characters from previous novels, although I have not read those novels.
Souvenir in My Pocket. Johnnie Alexander, 2022.
Review: Johnnie Alexander using an interesting “what if” as the premise for this story. What if, after we die, we are allowed to visit our home (unseen) for one last time to grab a souvenir to keep with us in heaven. Alexander uses items from her own life as she explores what the main character would choose to keep throughout eternity. Her question to her readers is this, “What souvenir would you tuck into your pocket?” Definitely food for thought.
How Life Begins. Eleanor Bertin, 2022.
Review: Sometimes tragedy can make us appreciate the things we have taken for granted or even discarded. That is what happens to Darla at her grandmother’s funeral. Eleanor Bertin has created a believable character with real life problems, problems many readers may be able to relate to. I’d love to see Bertin develop this character further in a future work.
The Key. Candace West, 2022.
Review: Everyone has a life story that may not be known by those around them. They may be hiding secrets of actions they are ashamed of. Or, they may have experienced hurtful things. They may even have experienced Abandonment. In The Key Candi and Patrick learn an important lesson about showing love to someone who is treated cruelly by others. Mrs. Raymond opens herself to the love from these children and experiences a change in her life. The story contains a good lesson for parents to help their children understand and show love to others.
Lost and Found. Milla Holt, 2022.
Review: I’ll admit my initial reaction is one I am not proud of. Milla Holt’s main character is living with her boyfriend. I found myself wondering - why is this in a Christian anthology? I am happy to say that Milla Holt challenged my thinking. God loves those who are in this type of relationship and He is calling them to Himself. I love it when fiction challenges my thinking. We all deserve God’s grace as much as Gemma does. God pursues us much the way Gemma pursued help for the abandoned dog. May this story challenge you the way I was challenged.
Scarlet. Sara Davison, 2022
Review: I previously read . I enjoyed Scarlet, which is a prequel to that novel. I always like reading background stories on characters. Laken Jones is a minor character in the book I read. In Scarlet we learn about his first months on the job as a rookie cop, including his first time shooting a suspect. He has to learn to forgive himself for the death of a friend, who died because he didn’t shoot quite quickly enough. I look forward to learning more about these characters in future books in the A Two Sparrows for a Penny series.
Reinventing Josie. Angela D. Meyer, 2022.
Review: In Reinventing Josie we meet Josie who is trying to get her life back on the right track. She has to confront the man who abandoned her in her past as well as determine if she is ready for a relationship with a wonderful man. Angela D. Meyer created some characters and a storyline which left me wanting to know more about these characters and their stories. I’m hoping she will write more about Josie and the town of Christmas in the future.
Taste Budding. Deb Elkink, 2022.
Review: Deb Elkink has a way of making her readers think and dig for what she is getting at, in a good way. This story is a fable that looks at the mutilation of young girls for the “benefit” of men. She does it in a tasteful way, using the fable format and the analogy of a chef and taste buds. She has a character who has left this world behind to follow the Chef and His ways.
Coming Home. Brenda S. Anderson 2018.
Review: Women in the empty nest era of life will be encouraged by Brenda Anderson’s story Coming Home. Nancy and her husband had plans for their life once the last child left home, but God had other plans. I hated and then loved the direction Anderson took the story, but then life is like that. We sometimes hate the curveballs God sends our way but in the end He has our best in mind. Anderson did incorporate characters from previous novels, although I have not read those novels.
Souvenir in My Pocket. Johnnie Alexander, 2022.
Review: Johnnie Alexander using an interesting “what if” as the premise for this story. What if, after we die, we are allowed to visit our home (unseen) for one last time to grab a souvenir to keep with us in heaven. Alexander uses items from her own life as she explores what the main character would choose to keep throughout eternity. Her question to her readers is this, “What souvenir would you tuck into your pocket?” Definitely food for thought.
How Life Begins. Eleanor Bertin, 2022.
Review: Sometimes tragedy can make us appreciate the things we have taken for granted or even discarded. That is what happens to Darla at her grandmother’s funeral. Eleanor Bertin has created a believable character with real life problems, problems many readers may be able to relate to. I’d love to see Bertin develop this character further in a future work.
June 16, 2022
An interesting collection of stories. I enjoyed reading new authors to me and reading my favorites too, such as Sara Davison. Different styles of writing and stories. When you don't have time to start a novel it's always great to pick up a book with short stories. Enjoyable.
I received this ebook from The Mosaic Collection Authors and am not required to leave a review.
I received this ebook from The Mosaic Collection Authors and am not required to leave a review.
July 15, 2024
I loved this . These stories are all amazing . They each will touch you in different way . I enjoy reading books like this . And highly recommend it.
February 23, 2024
I have just read the novella 'Lost and Found' and found a new author to keep reading. Milla Holt writes romance but this one wasn't. A well written story that was realistic about both the cost of following Jesus and that it is worth it. Well done.
August 8, 2022
This is a collection of stories and all of them were well written. Some I really liked, some I didn't care that much for, so three stars.
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