Emotional Commotion

by Marisa Phillips

A whirlwind of emotions…creating a commotion in your soul.

Emotions are a part of everyday life. Something we feel and think…and live. Often they overpower us pouring out in a commotion of actions or words. This collection is comprised of five short stories based on, Love, Loyalty, Bravery, Joy, and Forgiveness to take you deep into the souls of the characters and let you experience their Emotional Commotion.

Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2022

About the author

Marisa Philips, more often known as Rissy, is the adventurous middle sister of the writing trio known as Sisters Three. She loves adventure and high stakes action as well as the occasional slow day baking all her favorite pastry treats. She's an animal lover at heart and training and playing with her beloved dog friends is a pastime that never gets old.

Reviews

[Vanessa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a creative and moving debut from this author! I'm not sure if I've ever read a series of short stories by the same author, but it was such an excellent idea - and even better that they're all connected by the underlying theme of certain emotions/virtues.

"Love" - This one was so beautiful as it showed what love wasn't and where true love came from. And I just love "Nothing but the Blood." The inclusion of that hymn in the story just made it even better than it already was. A story that began with so much sadness but ended with healing from the Lord.

"Loyalty" - Wow, that one was intense. I was exactly ready for that ending - I knew it wasn't going to go well for the characters, but my poor heart. But what a picture of loyalty in spite of the cost and the pain.

"Bravery" - I loved how this story, focusing on courage, didn't include the most epic feat in a character's life. (Not that what he did was easy, though!) But the story included overcoming one's fear even in a horrible situation, not necessarily being free of all fear and doing crazy stunts. And I appreciated the ending to this one.

"Joy" - This one was just so sweet! The reunion of the family was just such a precious moment, and it was a wonderful addition to this book. It just felt so joyful! (Lame wording on my part, but it's the truth.)

"Forgiveness" - And this one had a dragon in it! The arc of the main character in this one was really lovely, and I especially appreciated this story after reading how the author personally connected with it. And such important truths about forgiveness even in the face of so much wrongdoing.

Also, I have to mention that the illustrations were amazing - Jaiden Phillips did an excellent job, and the illustrations made the book even more wonderful.

Overall, this was such a wonderful debut with engaging stories and creative concepts, and I'm excited to read more from this author. Prepare yourself to get your feelings crushed a few times, though!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Commotion is a heartwarming and touching collection of short stories, or microfiction, based off of five emotions. Love, Loyalty, Bravery, Joy, and Forgiveness.
Marisa does an exceptional job of showing us what these emotions are and how they impact us. It's a beautiful collection that covers so much and deals with some hard truths in a way that is easy for young readers to understand.
I recommend for 8 and up, these stories would make for great discussion starts with young readers and open up ways to talk about God and how we should respond to our emotions.
Forgiveness was my personal favorite and the message behind the story is beautiful as is the lyrical and lilting flow of the story.
With enchanting illustrations and beautiful prose, Emotional Commotion makes for a lovely read!

[Kristina Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This review is going to be a bit different than my regular reviews because this is a short story collection. Emotional Commotion featured short stories spotlighting love, loyalty, bravery, joy, and forgiveness. Each of these stories was well-written, engaging, and packed an emotional punch. I'm looking forward to reading more by Marisa Phillips in the future! I'd recommend this collection to those who love Christian fiction, non-magical fantasy, and historical fiction.

[Abbigail B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Commotion is a compilation of short stories by the lovely Marisa Phillips, and each story focuses on valuable life skills like forgiveness, bravery, and love. The characters were sweet and the obstacles they faced - while fictional and even metaphorical - are relatable to many different situations we all face today. Each of the stories is fast-paced and the book itself can easily be finished in an hour, making for a light and encouraging read.

I definitely recommend this to younger readers and those who enjoy quick reads with meaningful messages.


**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own**

[Jaiden Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Language: None.
Violence: A few mentions of fighting but nothing graphic
Magic: None
What a fun and easy read! I loved every story! Forgiveness and Joy were my favorites just so sweet and powerful!💖 Forgiveness though is just wow! So bitter sweet! Plus there's a dragon😉💖💖💖💖
I loved how every story have such deep and powerful meaning, yet thier not weighty, thier intriguing and inspiring! Perfect for a family read along the teens and little ones will equally enjoy!
This was such an inspiring read and enjoyed every minute of the beautiful writing style!💖
7+

[Saraina Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars

Emotional Commotion is an inspiring collection of five short stories that each explore a different emotion, with a variety of genres ranging from contemporary to fantasy! (And it includes some fantastic illustrations by Jaiden Phillips!!!) I’m going to give a mini review for each one, going in chronological order, so let’s jump on in!

LOVE

Love illustrates the beautiful truth of God’s love for His children, for those who aren’t even loved by anyone else, as well as the hope of redemption He offers each person. It was heartwarming and though the beginning was sad, it ended with hope. Grace was a character I easily sympathized with. I do think it could have been even stronger with more of an ending that showed the characters’ arcs, but overall it was well done!

LOYALTY

Okay, I LOVED the whole setting of this short story and the medieval battle vibes. 😍 (Not saying I like battle, of coooourse, but those kinds of stories. 😉 ) Though what happened (*coughs* not giving away any spoilers) was unexpected and so sad, I really liked how the message of loyalty was demonstrated, capturing that epic fantasy tale theme of remaining loyal till the very end. Its flaw might be over-romanticism, as several aspects of it didn’t feel realistic, per se, but the heart of the story clear through clear and I enjoyed it. Yet another heartwarming, inspiring story!

BRAVERY

*sighs* Augh, dear Timothy. This story was more introspective, which I absolutely loved, though also with some suspenseful action. What happened to his poor, poor brother Davie was heartbreaking, but Timothy’s desperation drove him to conquer his fear of standing up to others (which I can relate to because I’m not a confrontational person AT ALL). That message was well done, and the prose was especially vivid in this one. Though re-reading it a second time, I noticed that some parts involving the gang were a little confusing – the setting, I guess, because there was a fire but that kinda seemed out of place in an alley. I just couldn’t picture it, but obviously it’s a very small complaint, lol. But AHHHH, the suspense! So good. I just wanted to bundle Timothy in a hug at the very end. 😊

JOY

Right away, the prose just hits hard! “Joy vibrated inside me like the rhythm of a song.” I LOVE THAT. It just made me so happy to read this story!!! *beams* It’s quick snapshot into a girl’s life – you don’t need to know backstories or the exact details of what was happening, you just ride along the emotional currents with the characters. It’s a wonderful experience. Stories like this are simple yet underappreciated. (Hey, pro tip: listen to “Romantic Flight from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ ” by Tory Brand as you read it. Seriously. It came on when I was reading and PERFECTLY fit. 😀 )

FORGIVENESS

GUYS. The author saved the most powerful for the very last. It was so full, so well-rounded, and pulsing with a deep overflow of emotions. Heartaching and healing are the words I’d use to describe it. This fantasy short story explores the feelings of anger, the urge for revenge, and the healing forgiveness can bring. It’s my favorite out of the five stories (and in fact, you can read the story interview with the author here!).

You’re right there with the main character, struggling, wondering why he couldn’t just give in to his desire for vengeance. 😭 And I doubt it would have been quite so impactful if Marisa hadn’t humanized the dragon and shown that it felt shame and remorse. Shown that they were, at the core, the same. That helps to make the lesson so relevant for readers of this anthology. This story illustrates the counterintuitive, radical message of forgiveness the Bible teaches, and does so in a beautiful way. ❤️

OVERALL

With lovely descriptive prose, valuable messages expressed within the stories, and characters whose emotions you can easily relate to, I loved Emotional Commotion and highly recommend it for readers of all ages who just want to get lost in worlds that inspire their imagination, evoke their emotions, and speak truth!

Disclosure: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Lorelei Angelino · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

Really heartfelt collection! All the stories are just so short. I felt like there wasn't time for me to connect with them because they ended as soon as they started. They were good, but I wanted moreeeeee. Also, I loved the illustrations!

“Love wasn’t real, like people said. It was all fake. Because if it were real, Father wouldn't be blaming me for Mother’s death.”

Love ~ Good concept, but it was preachy and seemed like I was reading a Bible tract.

“Adrick took Eva’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze.'If I was going to die with anyone, I would want it to be you,' he said.”

Loyalty ~ The POV switch in the middle of the story was a bit confusing, but it is a really heart-wrenching story.

“He had to let this fear go, had to do it for his brother, who was lying in his arms, counting on him.”

Bravery ~ One of my favorite stories!

“Then I glanced up to meet Father’s joyful, warm brown eyes that seemed to swirl with the constellations that hung in the sky.”

Joy ~ Really short, but really sweet. Gave me some hope. :)

“The memories haunted him, had haunted him all these years like a shadow that never left him and always stuck by his side.”

Forgiveness ~ AHHH this one was so good! I LOVED the writing and prose in this one, as well as how beautiful the story is. <3

Author's Note ~ Yes, I had to include this. <3 I loved reading a bit more about the author, Marisa, and how God is using her. It sounds like she has an incredible testimony, and I hope she never stops doing what she loves!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Hunter Reder · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I honestly wish I could experience the joy of reading this book for the first time again. I love how each story in this collection carries a deep meaning, and I would like to share my thoughts on a few that particularly resonated with me. Actually, all of them spoke to me in some way, but if I don't limit myself, this review might turn into a short story of its own! 😂

Let's start with the story titled 'Love.' This short story is profoundly moving, delving into themes of love, loss, and redemption. The author's skillful storytelling takes us on the protagonist's journey from despair to hope, leaving a lasting impact. The story's message about the transformative power of faith and the importance of unconditional love lingers long after reading. I chose this story for review because... well, I wouldn’t want to give away the ending! 😄

Next is the story called 'Loyalty.' This heartfelt and emotionally charged tale explores themes of loyalty, love, faith, and sacrifice. Eva's unwavering loyalty and her unwavering commitment to standing by her friend until the end are truly moving. The story beautifully portrays the themes of love, loyalty, and the hope of reunion. Overall, it's a powerful testament to the importance of loyalty and the strength of love in the face of adversity. The author's writing style effectively conveys the characters' emotions, creating a deeply touching reading experience. These themes will resonate with readers and remind us of the significance of loyalty in our own lives. I must admit, this was one of my favorite stories in the collection, but then again, I feel that way about all of them!

Lastly, the story titled 'Joy.' Oh my goodness, this one tugged at my heartstrings but in the most beautiful way! 😂

I highly recommend this book to anyone, really. As someone who doesn't usually read for leisure, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this collection of stories. Like I mentioned before, I wish I could experience the joy of discovering it for the first time all over again! 😄"
Truly an amazing book.😉

[fᥲιth · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝟑 ⭐️
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞, 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤, 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝!! 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫! 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐎 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃! 💗

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

[Katja Labonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This is a collection of micro fiction about different emotions—Love, Loyalty, Bravery, Joy, and Forgiveness. Although these are intended for a more juvenile audience, the stories were interesting. I found “Love” and “Loyalty” slightly shallow; but “Joy” was very sweet; “Bravery” quite hooked me—I wanted to know more about the characters—and I particularly liked “Forgiveness”—it was poignant and well done. The messages were good and I really appreciated the author’s note at the end—I respected her very much for the obstacles she overcame and I think this could be very encouraging to other young people struggling with dyslexia.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*