With Coffee Spoons

by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith

A woman with a toxic mother-in-law, a man who crosses a social barrier and finds there is no way back, a man who loves his wife and reaps terrible trouble because of it, a homeless man, a dance teacher who just wants a few more students for his introductory Salsa class, an old woman confined in a nursing home, a big blue parrot, a young married couple, a dog who loves his man beyond the boundaries of death, a Christmas kitten, a scientist with a device of unimaginable power, a young graduate who goes looking for a thrill and finds more than he bargained for. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and perhaps you'll even think about your life.

262 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2021

Reviews

[Leonardo Acebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Ormiston-Smith’s ‘With Coffee Spoons’ is a wonderfully brilliant collection of short stories. The dozen tales are driven by the unexpected. Ranging from the clever ‘Sophie and The Frog’, a cautionary and hilarious tale of an evil mother-in-law’s undoing, to the downward spiral in the life of a homeless man in ‘Nowhere But Up’, Ms. Ormiston-Smith expertly delivers in a collection of genres appealing to all. From futuristic science fiction, to a touching tale of late-life loss and hope, I was so intrigued, I read it all in one sitting. Without giving away any of the stories’ plots, I can sympathize with the dance studio owner who is dying to get more clients through the door. I can relate to the predicament in The Trouble with Knickers as it sets up the main character in a heap of trouble. I also love the folklore and seemingly otherworldly settings from other stories. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but I was totally immersed in ‘Authorised Staff Only’ and experienced the sights and sounds right along with the characters. I also loved ‘Norwegian Blue’ and the underlying impending dread that builds up as the story progresses. I hope you enjoy these short stories as much as I did! You will undoubtedly go on this journey of sights and sounds, of smiles and shivers, of the macabre and the sublime. Buckle up, and enjoy your coffee, ‘With Coffee Spoons,’ of course.

[Debra Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like short stories with a twist, then you will enjoy With Coffee Spoons by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith. This was one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. All the stories had me wanting to read more. Some of the stories were amusing and funny, while some of the stories made you think a little bit harder and deeper. I am so impressed with the writing of Ms. Ormiston-Smith that I can’t wait to read some more of her titles. I literally could not put the book down until I had all the stories read and then I felt sad when there was no more to read. I would highly recommend With Coffee Spoons for anyone who enjoys well written and diverse topics that will hold your interest for hours on end.

[Tony Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of a dozen short stories, in which you can indulge while enjoying a hot beverage and a few bikkies. Lots of great plots, twists and turns, characters, descriptions of events and conclusions, but my favourite description was of a mother in law whose pursed mouth was described as looking like a cat's arse. Wonderful stuff! Highly recommended series of stories.

[Diana Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful collection of short stories with memorable characters, spanning genres from F&SF to psych drama to romance. I thoroughly enjoyed every story, and found myself trying to read them slowly to make them last longer. Highly recommended.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diversity of genres can be found in this fabulous collection! Unexpected twists are to be found throughout. When you finish the entire collection you will definitely be craving more! As always from this talented author there is also often humour to be found. Absolutely delightful!!