I'm a tiny bit biased on this one. However, only one and half pages of this book is my own work. It was a little scary when I entered the Stories of Life competition, wondering what sort of stories would be paired with mine. I hadn't read any of the previous compilations, and it was my first submission. I was pleasantly surprised both to place 3rd in the 'Short Category' and just how much many of the other stories blessed me. I don't read much non-fiction, but I really enjoyed this book.
My favourite stories were:
Don't Flush the Toilet - The title made me laugh. The story touched my heart.
The Mount Morgan Prayer Meeting - I'm not one for public praying, but this challenged me about how being open and not praying in the closet can give God glory.
I Dined in Style - It's a simple story. Barely half a page, but it put a smile on my face. The writing isn't fancy or particularly good, but it's honest. You can almost taste the excitement, the joy in the unfinished sentences. It beats of pure pleasure. It also connected with me on the heals of the pandemic. Along with a challenge to maybe think of doing this act of kindness for someone myself
Planes, Cars, and God's Intervention - A fantastic story of God's guiding hand even when we don't see it at the time. The Sound of Children Playing - this is written by the lady who tirelessly coordinates this competition. It was a blessing to get to know a bit more about her and to see how God worked in her life.
Grace - A sad story but one close to my heart. A Very Perfect Day - Another sad ending but a gorgeous glimpse into the day of a sweet boy taken too soon.
And that's just a small handful. I could keep going! There were many stories I enjoyed, those that blessed and challenged me. Why don't you try it? See how God's been moving in the lives of others.
This book and others are available on the competition's website Bookstore – Stories of Life. From the publisher's website, even Amazon and many other online book sellers.
Alternate titles:
Looking for something else? Try these other books I've read. It's a shorter list than usual. I was busy these last two months. Plus, I started a classic. You know, one of those tiny print ones with almost 600 pages... I may be enjoying the book, but it's taking me some time to get through it!
Protected by Paula Peckham - a historical western with a Mexican cowboy!
A Tuscan Legacy Series Books 5 and 8 (Clare Revell and Narelle Atkins, respectively) - contemporary romance The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano - historical mystery/romance
The Bull Rider's Secret by Jill Lynn - cotemporary western
Winning Julia's Heart by Narelle Atkins - Australian contemporary romance
The Breakup Project by Carolyn Miller - contemporary romance
Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander - historical romance
In lieu of how short the above list is, I've thrown in some old favourites of mine.
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer - historical, western romance
Moments We Forget by Beth Vogt - women's fiction
The O'Malley Collection by Dee Henderson - contemporary, romance suspense series (I will admit I still haven't read Jennifer's Story. I loved all the others in the series though.)
The Yellow Rose Trilogy by Lori Wick - historical romance
The Bartlett Series 1-2 by Odo Hirsch - general market children's fantasy