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Water and Other Stories
PETITIONS: A short story about a homeless man (contemporary fiction). ANGEL’S SONG: A companion short story to the novel “The Thorn”, book one of “The Chronicles of Gan” (speculative fiction). WATER: Based on the account found in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 1-16, and the painting by Carl Bloch, “Healing at the Pool of Bethesda” (historical fiction).
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2010
47 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Daron D. Fraley
5 books66 followersDaron Fraley was born in Powell, Wyoming, but doesn't consider himself a cowboy. Living in France for a couple of years provided him the opportunity to hone his cooking skills and to become addicted to good food and chocolate. Apart from his loving family, teaching and writing are his two most favorite things in the world. A classic computer geek, he still likes to fish and camp, makes a mean apple or pumpkin pie from scratch, and once fixed a gas clothes dryer using photocopier parts. With all of his interests in music, art, the sciences, and religion (especially religion), he would have been quite comfortable living during the Renaissance. Having toured chilly castles while in France, he is glad he didn't live during that time. This is his first novel.
After ten total years in the wonderful state of Indiana, Daron, his wife Jennifer, and their six children once again live in the beautiful Rockies, close to friends and family in Wyoming and Utah.
After ten total years in the wonderful state of Indiana, Daron, his wife Jennifer, and their six children once again live in the beautiful Rockies, close to friends and family in Wyoming and Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 22, 2018
Something short
Needed something short I could read to a nursing home resident and this worked out pretty well for what I needed.
Needed something short I could read to a nursing home resident and this worked out pretty well for what I needed.
August 10, 2018
A few interesting stories, each touching in is own way. They explore familiar stories that most people are familiar with, with a slight twist - enough to make them fresh and appealing
October 22, 2025
1st one is good, other two not so much. Last 02 are way too religious and when I downloaded it was marketed as historical fiction and I'm not interested in religion or any of that sort.
May 20, 2021
I liked the first story, the other two not so much.
April 13, 2012
Water and Other Stories by Daron Froley contains three moving stories that touch your heart.
The first story, Petitions, tells the story of a homeless man named Mark. Petitions takes you deep into Mark's life and allows you to see his personal struggles which have landed him on the street corner. Mark's act of selflessness at the end of the story gave me goosebumps. Petitions reminds us of the timeless saying, "never judge a book by it's cover."
The second story, Angel's Song, is "a companion short story to the novel The Thorn book one of The Chronicles of Gan." Angel's Song is about healing, forgiveness, and hope as Jacob deals with the death of his father, which he blames himself for. When angel's bring Jacob news of the birth of the King he realizes all is forgiven and he is surprised by the presence of one very special angel.
The third story, Water, is "based on the account found in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, versus 1-16, and the painting by Carl Bloch, Healing at the Pool of Bethesda." Moshe is a thin feeble man who is unable to walk. He waits everyday by a pool hoping for a miracle that will heal his frail body. His son has lost hope and believes his father is foolish, yet Moshe's faith never wavers. One day he is visited by a stranger. Moshe is afraid, but finds comfort in the stranger's tender eyes. Is this who Moshe has been waiting for? Water teaches us that no matter how bleak things appear, never lose faith.
The first story, Petitions, tells the story of a homeless man named Mark. Petitions takes you deep into Mark's life and allows you to see his personal struggles which have landed him on the street corner. Mark's act of selflessness at the end of the story gave me goosebumps. Petitions reminds us of the timeless saying, "never judge a book by it's cover."
The second story, Angel's Song, is "a companion short story to the novel The Thorn book one of The Chronicles of Gan." Angel's Song is about healing, forgiveness, and hope as Jacob deals with the death of his father, which he blames himself for. When angel's bring Jacob news of the birth of the King he realizes all is forgiven and he is surprised by the presence of one very special angel.
The third story, Water, is "based on the account found in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, versus 1-16, and the painting by Carl Bloch, Healing at the Pool of Bethesda." Moshe is a thin feeble man who is unable to walk. He waits everyday by a pool hoping for a miracle that will heal his frail body. His son has lost hope and believes his father is foolish, yet Moshe's faith never wavers. One day he is visited by a stranger. Moshe is afraid, but finds comfort in the stranger's tender eyes. Is this who Moshe has been waiting for? Water teaches us that no matter how bleak things appear, never lose faith.
August 13, 2012
3.5 stars Available free for e-book readers.
Three short, thought-provoking stories. The first story, "Petitions," hit home. I have witnessed my daughter beginning at a very young age unquestioning and selflessly hand someone her take-home box from a restaurant when she filled-up on the appetizers and salad and had no room left for the main course - apologizing that it was all she had and assuring them this was untouched; reach in her wallet and hand a person a $20 bill while at the stoplight outside of Walmart (all the money she had); empty her wallet of bills and coins for the Salvation Army bell ringer; etc. while I hesitate and think, "Hmmm, will this person just use the money to get drunk/high? I often contemplate and struggle with what is the best way to offer help - volunteer, donate to specific related charities, give a bag of groceries, or simply hand a person the cash I have.
Three short, thought-provoking stories. The first story, "Petitions," hit home. I have witnessed my daughter beginning at a very young age unquestioning and selflessly hand someone her take-home box from a restaurant when she filled-up on the appetizers and salad and had no room left for the main course - apologizing that it was all she had and assuring them this was untouched; reach in her wallet and hand a person a $20 bill while at the stoplight outside of Walmart (all the money she had); empty her wallet of bills and coins for the Salvation Army bell ringer; etc. while I hesitate and think, "Hmmm, will this person just use the money to get drunk/high? I often contemplate and struggle with what is the best way to offer help - volunteer, donate to specific related charities, give a bag of groceries, or simply hand a person the cash I have.
September 4, 2010
Daron Fraley has provided us with three varied short stories.
"Petitions" is a modern day tale I would recommend every teen read. I would certainly use it for classes if I were still teaching English. It's one of those rare stories that is difficult to forget and provides insight into our humanity.
"Angel's Song" is speculative fiction. Based on the world created in "The Thorn", it's a creative twist on a familiar tale.
"Water" is set in biblical times. Inspired by Carl Bloch's painting, "Healing at the Pool at Bethesda," the author brings a new perspective to the story.
There is something for everyone in this volume.
"Petitions" is a modern day tale I would recommend every teen read. I would certainly use it for classes if I were still teaching English. It's one of those rare stories that is difficult to forget and provides insight into our humanity.
"Angel's Song" is speculative fiction. Based on the world created in "The Thorn", it's a creative twist on a familiar tale.
"Water" is set in biblical times. Inspired by Carl Bloch's painting, "Healing at the Pool at Bethesda," the author brings a new perspective to the story.
There is something for everyone in this volume.
April 4, 2012
A lot of short stories leave me cold; they may wow me for a few seconds with its technical brilliance but few leave any emotional impact on me. I really connected with the characters in this anthology. Yes, it's short, but it's actually really difficult to create such an impact in a short story, so I congratulate Daron for being able to do that.
February 6, 2016
Easy to read, 3 short stories making one think of little deeds that seem so important in the right moment. Let us be people who recognize the opportunities to do what we know we have to do knowing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, making the best to live a life like his trough faith.
December 2, 2010
I enjoyed this book of three short stories. It is a quick read, but full of inspiration.
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http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
December 28, 2010
Three short stories... all three equally moving.
July 13, 2014
Three beautiful and touching short stories. A very nice read.
March 15, 2012
A collection of three very touching short stories. I liked "Petitions" the most.
March 23, 2012
The stories were short but very well done. Biblical, but not epic. I found the characters interesting even though they were with me for such a short period of time.
May 22, 2012
Do you need a quick pick me up? Read the short stories in Water. Fraley has done an excellent job of crafting stories that will inspire the reader and stir the heart. I really loved it!
May 17, 2013
Really great short stories. There were only 3 stories but I wish more had been included in this book. I really enjoyed reading all the stories.
March 15, 2014
Inspirational
Short good reads of inspiring stories. Brings you closer to God and his works. Is he working through you? Yes, if you're paying attention.
Short good reads of inspiring stories. Brings you closer to God and his works. Is he working through you? Yes, if you're paying attention.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews