Looking for #ShortStories? Ck out the #RRBC Catalog today! #RRBC_Community

NOTE:  All blurbs posted here are the work of the author and are taken directly from Amazon.  The RRBC team accepts no credit or critiques for these blurbs.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

*AUTHOR, EICHIN CHANG-LIM:

To learn more about  Eichin and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Ultimate Revenge

ULTIMATE REVENGE by Eichin Chang-Lim

Plotting revenge is thrilling, but can he pull it off?

A standalone sequel to Love, A Tangled Knot by the multi-award-winning author of The LoveLock.

For 13 years, Russell has been searching for Joshua, whose lies and trickery landed Russel in federal prison.

The joy of freedom after seven years of incarceration soon spirals into a dark reality as Russell struggles to find work while suffering from depression and anxiety attacks. A near-fatal accident almost ends his relationship with Kayla, the love of his life. And it is all Joshua’s fault!

When he crosses paths with Joshua at the bank, Russell’s hatred boils over, and his desire for vengeance explodes.

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, JOHN PODLASKI:

To learn more about John and his other books, visit his RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“2-27-70” 

2-27-70 by John Podlaski

I grew up in the city of Detroit and was taught that my heritage and strong family values were important. Every year, our birthdays were a cherished event within the family – especially when it was dad’s special day – we always celebrated his with great fanfare, a special family dinner and dessert.

However, on February 27, 1970, my dad’s birthday, that annual tradition was broken when I was forced into a situation beyond my control. I had to leave home and the family gave me an emotional send off, but the thought and possibility of my never returning devastated them.

This short story follows me on this one special day. Thousands of young men preceded me on this path, and tens of thousands never made it home. Find out where I was heading and why I had to go.

“Unwelcomed”

Unwelcomed by John Podlaski

John Kowalski makes it home from the Vietnam War in one piece, and his battles are finally over. Or so he thought. Home for less than a week, John must defend his family from a pair of unwelcomed thugs hell-bent on revenge.

***

*AUTHOR, JOY M. LILLEY:

To learn more about Joy and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“My Aunt Peggy”

My Aunt Peggy by Joy M. Lilley Amazon cover

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

This story written by the protagonists niece is an insight to a lady with little education or hope of achievements and success in her life.However she bucked the trend and achieved much in life. Her family loved her dearly and cared about her right up to the last.She achieved more in becoming a constant winner of bowls tournaments a game she dearly loved.She also won the hearts and minds of many celebrities in the forties, when she worked at the famous Pinewood film studios in Britain. Many gave her their signed black and white photographs.Auntie Peggy was an engaging character to most and an adversary to a few.As you turn the pages you will be laughing and crying at some events of this intrepid lady’s life.

“Clouds”

Clouds by Joy M. Lilley Amazon cover

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

This story tells of a mother and daughter Judy, eight years old left to fend for themselves after father is killed in WW2.
Life was hard in those post war years and mother was forced into finding unsavoury ways for their survival.
They were living in Switzerland, a place Judy loved with the mountains and meadows allowing the freedom she and her mother craved.
The clouds theme runs throughout the story depicting the various moods of their journey to a better and safer life.

“Spy and Villain”

SPY AND VILLAIN by Joy M. Lilley .PNG 1024 X 1600

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, KAREN BLACK:

To learn more about Karen and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

NEW RELEASE

“One Random Act of Violence”

ONE RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE by Karen Black

“Rustic Acres”

RUSTIC ACRES by Karen Black

“Juan’s Path To Justice”

JUAN'S PATH TO JUSTICE by Karen Black

“Elusive Guardians”

Elusive Guardians by Karen Black

“Vindictive Angel”

VINDICTIVE ANGEL Cover png 768x1200

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

“A Wish And His Demand”

A Wish and His Demand by Karen Black book cover

“Life’s Highway to Love”

Life's Highway to Love by Karen Black

“Close Your Eyes And They’re Gone”

Close Your Eyes and They're Gone by Karen Black

“Treacherous Love” 

Treacherous Love by Karen Black

“Mountain Justice”

Mountain Justice by [Black, Karen]

“Long Stories Short”

Long Stories Short by Karen Black

“A Candle In The Darkness”

A Candle In the Darkness by Karen Black

“The Hunted”

The Hunted by Karen Black

***

*AUTHOR, KARL J. MORGAN:

To learn more about Karl and his other books, visit his RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Passing”

PASSING by Karl J. Morgan Amazon cover

(Cover designed by 4WillsPub)

This story is steeped in my faith which has been the subject of half of my novels. It deals with death and reconciliation with Our Father in Heaven. The plot for this tale came to me in a dream. Most of my books have been based on thoughts and concepts from my muse. I believe I know who my muse is, but that is not a topic we need to delve into at this point.

If you choose to believe differently, this story is likely not one you would accept, and that is okay. We all make our own choices that define our present and our future.

Please remember this is a work of fiction. I do not claim the experiences in this tale occurred or match our futures. Still, it is a tale of God’s love and our redemption. I hope many will agree that is a worthwhile topic to fill these pages.
I have been moved by several books and television programs that explore this train of thought by talking with people who have had near-death experiences. What I have learned from those individuals led me to create this story. I hope you enjoy it and find a kernel of truth within this tale that can give you joy.

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, MAURA BETH BRENNAN:

“Love Later”

LOVE LATER by Maura Beth Brennan

Fiona had everything ready—directions to her former lover’s house, a letter to her adult son explaining everything, a gun in her purse. She’d find him, Kevin, the man whose rejection still haunted her even after years of marriage to another man, and then she’d do what she’d been fantasizing about for months. What did she have to live for anyway? Her husband was dead, her son barely spoke to her. She’d go out with flair, give Kevin a memory he’d never forget. But then she reached Kevin’s house and knocked on the door. Kevin didn’t answer the door. But the person who did changed everything.

“Colors”

COLORS by Maura Beth Brennan

As Jane’s boyfriend, Rob, and her friend, Kimberly often told her – she was dull. Even her clothes were colorless. She always seemed to be dressed in shades of gray. One day, Kimberly took Jane to the mall to look at some new clothes in an effort to spice her up a bit. But when Jane entered the store, she found herself pulled towards an aisle that no one had noticed before, and to a particular colorful blouse. When she tried it on, she couldn’t believe the person she saw in the mirror – she looked great and even her voice sounded better. Jane didn’t know what was happening, but she bought the blouse and spent some time at the mall, enjoying the attention she attracted. But not all the attention was welcome. She woke up in a strange apartment, wandered home, caused an accident, and wound up at the Police Station. When Jane finally got home, she vowed to never wear the blouse again. Then the doorbell rang, and one of the Policemen from the station was standing there. What trouble was she in now?

“The Last Glass”

THE LAST GLASS by Maura Beth Brennan

“I know you’re clumsy, but don’t break them.” These were her father’s dying words to Amy, and they haunted her like a witch’s curse. Along with a small inheritance, he had left her three crystal glasses and the admonition that told her all she needed to know about his opinion of her – awkward, irresponsible, selfish, a disappointment, not like her mother at all. He never needed to say all the words to get his point across. She put the glasses in a cabinet and vowed to take care of them, but accidents happened, and now only one was left. Amy imagined the disapproving spirit of her father watching her. Could she ever be free?

“The Fairy Garden”

THE FAIRY GARDEN by Maura Beth Brennan

When Sara was very young, her grandmother told her magical stories about garden fairies who lived in the tulips. If she could just catch sight of one of these elusive creatures, her grandmother told her, her wish would be granted. Soon after, Sara overheard her family discussing how she had been adopted, and how her birth mother was a young girl, barely into her teens. After recovering from her shock, Sara vows to find that young girl and get to know her. Surely, she would have more in common with her birth mother than with her dull, ordinary adoptive family. That was the wish she asked the garden fairies to grant. Years later, when she is ready for college, she finds a way to meet her birth mother. But all does not go as she planned.

“I’ll Be Right Back”

I'll Be Right Back by Maura Beth Brennan

Warren’s young wife, Iris, walked into a blizzard and didn’t come back. His journey to find her took him halfway across the country, to truths he hadn’t been able to face. Because sometimes there is no way to find what you’re looking for. Sometimes all you can find is yourself. 

“Sahara Heat”

Sahara Heat by Maura Beth Brennan

When ex-stripper Sahara marries the richest man in town, people expect trouble. Sahara just naturally attracts drama, and this time, she outdoes herself as the defendant in the most notorious trial the area has ever seen. But after the verdict is reached and everyone thinks the excitement is over, Sahara decides to stir things up again. This time, she’s going to tell the truth.

“Stardust”

Stardust by Maura Beth Brennan

Is there such a thing as fate? Can one event change everything? Maeve’s life was comfortable and predictable until one day when things didn’t go as planned. But, maybe it had been planned, by someone or something other than herself. Now, she had choices to make about how to go on. Would she rise to the challenge?

“The Ex Chronicles”

The Ex Chronicles by [Brennan, Maura Beth]

Angie thinks she has found the love of her life. All goes well until she starts getting phone calls from a sultry woman and realizes her man is cheating. She decides to take matters into her own hands and confront the two lovers. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

“Saint Harry”

Saint Harry by [Brennan, Maura Beth]

Angie’s widowed Aunt Ida decides to embark on a career talking to the spirits, and use her powers to help her family and friends. Angie worries that something crazy might happen. And it does.

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, NONNIE JULES:

To learn more about Nonnie and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“No Pedigree

NO PEDIGREE Cover2 .jpg 1024 x 1600

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Baylee never quite fit in…anywhere. She was taunted and teased because her clothes had no designer labels, and spit upon because her only pair of shoes had holes in the bottom. The butt of many jokes, she was excluded from all the parties, sneered at by the parents of her peers after school as she waited for the bus, watching them drive away in their fancy cars; assaulted in the most unthinkable fashion.

Having been born to a white father and a black native American mother didn’t make things any easier. In fact, that circumstance made her life ten times worse – until the day she made them all stand up, take notice and choke on their ugly words.

“Open, Shut”

OPEN, SHUT: A Short Story by [JULES, NONNIE]

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

Darcy Lynn has a few problems: her sister, Lola, killed by a drunk driver, leaves her with an eerie message right before her death; her parents are atheists; her father drinks a little too much, and her brother, Bud, is just annoying. But, her most pressing issue is that things are mysteriously opening and closing around her and she hasn’t a clue as to why…or how.

In this short, you’re being introducing to a normal, everyday family, whose lives are altered, not once, but twice by unexpected and unusual circumstances.

If you came into this story only believing in things seen with your own two eyes, and things heard with your own two ears, you walk away with a new and refreshing added sense…the ability and the courage to change, based on where your heart leads you.  (More on Amazon)

“…And The Music Played” 

...AND THE MUSIC PLAYED: A Short Story by [Jules, Nonnie]

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

This book is the sequel and the final chapter in the love story between Giani and Christine. The first book, “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…The Poetry of Forbidden Love” (a co-authored project), was a love story told thru the eyes of two lovers…but written for the hearts of many.

Across oceans and thru many barriers, two hearts try to connect – but with the distance between them, will their love survive? And, with the forces-that-be against them coming in the form of murder plots and domestic abuse, the bigger question is…will they?

***

*AUTHOR, PAMELA SCHLOESSER CANEPA:

2021 ALPHA / OMEGA 90-DAY SHORT STORY WRITING CONTEST – 1ST PLACE RUNNER UP!

“Crossroads Diner #205”

Crossroads Diner #205 by Pamela Schloesser Canepa

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, PAT GARCIA:

To learn more about Pat and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Late Bloomer”

Late Bloomer by Pat Garcia (Amazon cover)

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

At forty-seven, Nadine Dorothy Lauren, lovingly called Na-Doo by her best girlfriends, is giving up on her lifelong dream of falling in love and having a house filled with kids. As a child psychologist, she loves the children in her care, but they don’t erase the gnawing ache within her. With her bodily clock ticking away, Na-Doo forces herself to accept what will not be and plans to take a drastic step that will change her life forever until Daniel Incogniti and his seven boys step into her life.

This delightful short story is a comical yet earnest tale of a woman who thought her life dream would never come true. 

2021 KCT ILA GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!

TREAT AWARD GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

“Turn The Light On”

Turn The Light On Amazon

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

Would you ever accept a dinner invitation to meet a stranger who never spoke one word to you during your time together? Would you accept that you could not even sit at the same table with them? How about, you don’t even know their name and you continue this “game” for months?

Meet Della Cartwright. A superstar at what she does professionally, but when the tall, mysterious, Italian stranger, Alessio Terracina, enters her world, she begins to question her judgment and everything about her.

In this short story which takes place over the course of one day, this otherwise savvy businesswoman is led into making decisions that could jeopardize her professional life and maybe even cost her her freedom. But the greatest danger… just might be to her fragile heart.

“Let His Banner Over Me Be Love”

Let His Banner Over Me Be Love amazon copy

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

It didn’t take Chance Mancini long to accept that she had allowed let herself to fall in love with Gavino Mancini, a man much younger than she. To make matters worse, after their marriage, he’d led her into a lifestyle that she did not know of, but she had come to love. He was her, Sir.

All was well and good until she found out she couldn’t give him a family, and insecurity about their relationship hunted her like a hound dog sniffing on a hunt.

Chance ran away, only to be terrorized every night in her sleep by her dreams.

Three years later, Gavino Mancini enters her life again to repossess what belongs to him––her heart and her body.

***

*AUTHOR, SHIRLEY HARRIS-SLAUGHTER:

To learn more about Shirley and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Joyce Winifred Harris-Burkes:  How I Remember My Mama!”

HOW I REMEMBER MY MAMA Amazon cover

Mama could tell a joke. Next thing you know, you are rolling on the floor from one of them. She loved to play the lottery and was religious with it. If you fail to buy her tickets when she asks you, she will tell you that was the winning number … “If you had done what I asked you, I could have won.” It was classic!

She was just as passionate about her faith and could quote passages from the bible all day long, which she did. She was a good mother and made huge sacrifices for her children.

She was the woman who wanted to be an actress but never got the chance. She was the woman who worked at a naval air base in Alameda County, California, screwing riveters in wings of airplanes. They were called “Rosie the Riveter” in World War II.

She was the constant in our lives.

This is how I remember my mama!

“Ronald L. Powell:  Missing in Action”

Ronald L. Powell: Missing in Action by [Harris-Slaughter, Shirley]

My brother dropped out of school and joined the Marines around 1963. By the time our Mother found him (he enlisted without telling anyone) he had been through basic training and was preparing to go to war. He told her in a letter, “Mom, I don’t think I’m going to make it …”

This is a memoir of my brave brother, Ronald Louis Powell, who died under mysterious circumstances along with 57 of his comrades. Nothing was ever said or written about this tragedy.

This is my way of keeping his story alive and bringing some closure.

“Newspaper Chronicles”

NEWSPAPER CHRONICLES by [Harris-Slaughter, Shirley]

Based on a true story.
The story follows the fictional account of one character, Leslie Louise Allen, working at a major newspaper in Downtown Detroit. From her perspective on race; interactions of colleagues; circulation wars; new hires; layoffs and romantic encounters, she takes us on a harrowing journey thru the 70s and 80s when Detroit was a two-newspaper town.

“A Citizen’s Group In Action: Saving A Train Station”

A CITIZEN’S GROUP IN ACTION: Saving a Train Station by [Harris-Slaughter, Shirley]

Around 1992, this study was pulled together for one specific purpose – to save the Michigan Central Depot, a train station in downtown Detroit. After it was boarded up in the 1980s, I agonized about what was happening to the building as it descended into neglect and decay; with no hope of it ever rising to its former glory. I needed to form a plan and a way to do it. Attending a university afforded me that opportunity. I always loved trains even though there was never a chance for me to experience the thrill of it all growing up. My mother was pregnant with me when she traveled from California, all the way to Detroit, to be with my dad’s family while he was stationed in Guam during World War II. So I always thought that I was touched in the womb. There was no other way to explain this love affair with trains.

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, SUSANNE LEIST:

To learn more about Susanne and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“My Last Year”

MY LAST YEAR by Susanne Leist (Amazon cover)

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, WANDA ADAMS FISCHER:

To learn more about Wanda and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Teacups”

TEACUPS by Wanda Fischer Amazon

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

Many years ago, young Mary Ann became enchanted with the teacup ride at Disneyland in California, thanks to a classmate who showed her photos of the ride. She’d always wanted to swirl and twirl in one of those gaily-decorated cups, but, alas, never had the chance. Take a journey with her in this short story as she remembers that magical obsession from many years ago and attempts to bring her elderly self into the three-dimensional world that had only been a square Kodak photo.

“The Genius and the KGB”

The Genius and the KGB cover

(Cover created by 4WillsPublishing)

In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union dubbed Aleksi Zhakarov a genius. They removed him from his parents and sent him for special education. He earned a doctorate by the time when most people graduate from college. However, he was never allowed out of protective custody to live a normal life. He always wondered what the rest of the world looked like. Thanks to a major conference in Munich, he meets other scientists, one of whom helps him escape from his KGB guards. He arrives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, meets several other Soviet defectors, but remains convinced that the KGB is still after him. This story delves into his paranoia, what happens to him, and how it affects his MIT co-workers.

“Handprints”

Handprints by Wanda Fischer

After their husbands commit them to a state mental institution in Massachusetts, two women become friends. Were they–and the other women who filled the place–even mentally ill? Anne was eccentric, to be sure, and her Boston fireman husband decided it was more than he could bear. Edna loved to read and write poetry; her husband said she wasn’t “a good wife,” so he called the constable and had her taken away to the state mental hospital. She craved companionship and found Anne during her first night at the place. Edna called Anne “Anne of Green Gables”; she told everyone who’d listen that she was Edna St. Vincent Millay. This novella looks at the way they cope with spending the rest of their lives in a state mental institution with humor and Anne’s visitors from the outside world–and how they make a Christmas surprise visit to the site of the old mental hospital as spirits after their deaths.

***

*RWISA AUTHOR, YVETTE CALLEIRO:

To learn more about Yvette and her other books, visit her RRBC AUTHOR PAGE!

“Escaping the Woods”

Escaping the woods by Yvette M. Calleiro

When ten-year old Isabella’s family moves to Mississippi in 1982, she is not thrilled about leaving her home in Miami. Her parents introduce her to their new friend’s daughter, Janine, and insist Isabella play with her. Reluctantly, she follows Janine to a nearby park. When Janine suggests they explore the woods, Isabella gives in despite her fears. One wrong turn leaves them deep in the forest with no way of knowing how to get out. As the sun begins to set, Isabella and Janine search for help, but will their search lead to their rescue, or will they find themselves in even more danger?

“The One Chosen”

The One Chosen by Yvette Calleiro

Valerie is eager to learn the skills needed to become a Diasodz warrior, but when she meets her new trainer, all she can think about is him.

Nolan is a master trainer who has taught thousands of fledglings throughout his life. He has never had a relationship with a student nor does he plan to.

When Nolan and Valerie are thrust together on a routine mission, nothing goes as planned. If they want to survive, they will need to trust each other. But how do you trust someone who has rejected you? Nolan and Valerie must find a way or lose each other forever.

Note: This short story is related to the Chronicles of the Diasodz series. It takes place in the early 1600s and sets the stage for a major conflict in the series. It can be read alone, but if you enjoy it, I encourage you to read the series.

“Breathless”

Breathless by Yvette Calleiro

What if the fairy tale kiss that always awakens the damsel in distress takes a sinister turn? What if prince charming’s kiss no longer produces a happily ever after?

Silena’s infatuation with William hits a speed bump when he rejects her. After all, she is just a maid, and he is a young, rich aristocrat in the 1920s. Why would he have any desire to waste his time with the help?

On one particularly lonely day, Silena calls upon her magic to transform into a sexy flapper for the night. Her dream to enjoy one night with William is finally in her grasp, but her magic comes with consequences that neither William nor Silena could ever imagine.

27 thoughts on “Looking for #ShortStories? Ck out the #RRBC Catalog today! #RRBC_Community”

  1. CONGRATULATIONS to all the authors in the 90 Day Short Story Contest that just closed! You are the best! Looking forward to reading your stories.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Review posted today…
    Open, Shut by Nonnie Jules 4/5
    Thought-provoking Story about Beliefs and Relationships
    Open, Shut by Nonnie Jules is a poignant short story about a family who experiences the death of a loved one. Darcy Lynn’s parents were atheists and talking about faith was strictly prohibited in their home. When Darcy’s older sister, Lola was curious about Christianity and began secretly studying the Bible, she was reprimanded by her mother. When someone in the family dies, questions arise… This is a thought-provoking story about beliefs and relationships. ~Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children’s picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

    Like

  3. Here is my review of Jewel, by Jan Sikes. FIVE STARS!

    A poignant tale that has, without a doubt, played out too many times in reality. An impoverished family that consists of a sickly mother and her two daughters, must come to terms with their reality.

    In those days, before the safety net of social assistance, the painful choice was made by Jewel’s mother to send her daughters away, in hopes of a better life.

    Jewel was ushered into an alien world of lavish parties and magnificent homes, but everything comes at a price. It’s impossible not to sympathize with this young woman because of her tragic circumstances, and youthful innocence.

    An emotional connection with characters is the mark of an excellent book. No issues with that in Jewel. It’s a quick read that wraps up neatly, though it left me with the desire to learn one unanswered question.

    I recommend Jewel for the reader who enjoys a short tale of dire straits, desperate measures, and uncertain endings.

    Like

  4. Hi ! I’ve read 19 of these books/shorts & hope to read more this month. Short stories have always been my favorite genre in fiction. Happy reading & reviewing short stories to everyone at RRBC ! Warmest Regards – Fiza Pathan

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Okay, I’ve been busy in this category since March is Read a Short Story month! Here are my reviews:

    Jewel by Jan Sikes: https://smile.amazon.com/review/R2UY828HDBJ1ON/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

    Slimmer: A Contemporary Short Story by Wendy Jayne (Scott): https://smile.amazon.com/review/R3U6HWTIN4O98F/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

    Visitors: Short Story Mystery by WJ Scott (Wendy Jayne Scott):
    https://smile.amazon.com/review/RSL14FJ5OU93X/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

    No Pedigree by Nonnie Jules: https://smile.amazon.com/review/RXT6N4EWEHFR5/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

    Liked by 1 person

Comments make our hearts soar!

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started