• Enjoying the old-fashioned & beautiful • • Thankful for grace • Growing in faith • • Learning life • Loving people •
My Books & Freebies
I have a variety of novels, novellas, & short stories to offer, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary to contemporary nonmagical fantasy to historical nonmagical fantasy. While my stories can be sad and raw, handling topics like depression, anxiety, grief, self-deprecation, and more, they’re never without hope and peace, and they point towards the Light that has drawn me through my dark struggles with those personal demons of mine.
Honoring the Mercy of the Savior Mercy. Forgiveness. Hope. In the conclusion of the Seize the World collection of anthologies. Bringing you stories of mercy, forgiveness, hope, and pointing toward the One who offers them all, Seize the Moment is a tender and warm anthology meant to bring you a happy escape to a bookish world. Luke 1:49-51 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
“Hope,” I thought. “What a small word for such a big thing.” The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven? Hope. In these twenty-two sweet stories and poems, experience the dawning of a sure, unfailing hope. Join a plethora of relatable characters young and old in their journey through the heights and depths of suffering—a cancer diagnosis, a shocking accident, the loss of a dear family member. Wrestle with the agony of a missing loved one, an unavoidable mortgage, or a tough move. Experience the ache of rejection and loneliness, misunderstanding and oppression, and illnesses both physical and mental. Yet in the midst of each heartache winds a strong, undying cord of hope—that light in the darkness, that beacon, that anchor of the soul. As you smile, cry, and sigh through each heartfelt piece, perhaps you too will grasp ahold of your own hope again. For our God is our glorious Hope.
Everything was falling apart. In everything give thanks. Everything works together for good. Jesus is my everything. In this heartwarming collection, twenty-one Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings. Everything features lovable characters: a homeless orphan, a reminiscing mother, an agent juggling fatherhood, a wary teenager and his dog, a terrified housebound woman, and a pair of Sherlock Holmes-obsessed orphan twins on a mission. Learn the spiritual lessons of an old car, a mission trip tragedy, a lonely grandmother’s box of Christmas ornaments, and a graphic designer’s work worries. Smile and weep with a wife bereaved by war, a taxi driver and his ministry, a sweet child with a terminal diagnosis, and chronic illness warrior who learns to bless others. Catch the vision of hope in everything captured in two inspiring poems. Rejoice with a faithful, trusting relative with an uncertain future, sympathize with a health-challenged gardener-wannabe, cry with a family separated by war, and decide who struggles more with birthday party planning: two loyal pixies or a young mother and her mischievous dog. Warmth, hope, and encouragement pervade the pages, echoing the theme of “everything” from a refreshing plethora of angles that are insightfully entertaining, spiritually profound, and eternally valuable. These short pieces will delight and encourage the whole family. ~~~ Featuring stories and poetry by Rebekah A. Morris, Erika Mathews, Angie Thompson, P.D. Atkerson, Katja H. Labonté, Bethany Griggs, Bethany Willcock, Cassie Creley, Sandralena Hanley, A. F. Kopp, Analise M. Martin, Jae Fisher, Bree Pembrook, Elisabeth Joy, E. N. Leonard, Lilly Wiscaver, Hannah E. Griggs, Autumn Nicole, A. Y. Daniels, Sherrice Myers, Alaina Johnson, and Lucy Peterson
What does joy mean to you? In this anthology, more than thirty Christian writers tackle this question in poems, allegories, and short stories. Is joy a feeling? A state of the heart? A person? Can it coexist with heartache? Can it be found in a new baby? In having the best possessions money can buy? In finding the right relationships? Come with us and get to know a wide array of characters who encounter joy in their lives and learn to find it in unexpected places. What lessons might we learn from a packet of sunflower seeds? Can an unloved, lost dog find a home? Is there any joy in the loss of a loved one? Does it shine in the midst of a war? Can an overworked family on vacation locate joy in daily life? Can an unappreciated relative discover a place to belong? Can a crippled girl be seen as more than a pair of crutches? More than anything, however, this collection recognizes the real source of joy that can be found on earth: in our Lord and Savior Jesus and in His mercies to those He loves. Join us on this exploration—and perhaps you’ll discover a deeper and richer reality of joy in your own journey.
We all have one thing in common. . . we all bear the image of God.
In this anthology you will find works that celebrate life—no matter the size or capability—by the following authors: April Barcalow, Shana Burchard, Malissa Chapin, Liz Chapman, Alyssa Charpentier, Audrey Colman, Sasha Davis, Cheyenne Farr, Stephanie J. Gibson, Heather Griffin, Kim Griffin, Abigail Kay Harris, Abrigail Julian, Eleena Koep, Vannah Leblank, Katja H. Labonté, Jessica Musgrove, Jemima Owen, H. Michael Shultz Jr., Storm Shultz, Megan Soja, Heather Spiva, I. Sydelle, Mark W. Terpin, and Abigail Thompson.
All of the following stories can be downloaded here as PDF or ePub files.
Standalone Short Stories
No one should be forgotten at Christmas… The approaching holiday season brings no joy for Elenora Gregory. Isolated and forgotten, she ekes out a meagre existence for herself and her mother, but with no money for even ordinary comforts, a Christmas celebration is far beyond her reach. How can others have so much when her life is so empty? Amid the whirl of holiday preparations, Edwin Langton can’t forget the face of the girl in the red cloak. Enlisting the help of his siblings, he quickly discovers the truth of her need. Can they find a way to make Christmas brighter for the lonely little family? As the Langtons prepare their surprises, Elenora resigns herself to another cold, lonely holiday. But will their presents be the greatest gift she receives on Christmas Day?
What’s so special about an ordinary girl? Everything in Allissa’s life is average and unimportant—except her Daddy. Handsome, witty, brave, and strong, he’s everything she is not. But of all the people in the world, he treats her like she’s truly special. When a routine day takes a startling turn, Allissa learns that her Daddy’s love goes far deeper than she ever imagined. Why would he give up so much for her? Does she truly have worth beyond what she sees? And could there be more love waiting for her, even if she’s just Allissa?
How can her heart ever sing again? Ashley lives in the shadows. She sits on the outskirts, watching everyone else standing in the sunshine. Her heart hurts, and she wants no one to touch it—because no one can fix it. But when a new girl at school decides to befriend her, Ashley finds her past surfacing. No amount of fleeing can save her from Susanna’s tenacious kindness. Why is Susanna so persistent? How can she possibly understand Ashley’s pain? Is there any chance that Ashley can find healing, and will a song ever come to her anew?
Previously published in the Hope anthology by the King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp.
If true love is laying down your life, how can a simple girl really live it? Neriya always hated rainy days. They were unproductive and gloomy, and always had her doing dumb things to combat the dreariness, like buying a $6 drink and sitting in a café to feel stylish. Or maybe she did that because she was still upset that she’d been left by her friend group for another, more popular girl. When Neriya’s angry blindness throws her—literally—against Samantha O’Dell, a short conversation challenges her view of rainy days. As she begins to prove Samantha’s claim that rainy days are a time to slow down and see God’s love around us, Neriya finds herself wondering: can laying down your life really be as simple as slowing down and sharing that love with others around you? And can someone as ordinary and obscure as her still make a difference for somebody else?
Previously published in the Seize the Love anthology by Abigail Kay Harris et. al.
Everything seemed against her that day. Sitting on the porch besides her grandmother, all she could think about was why God had allowed this to happen to her. Mémère reminded her that the Lord turned everything to good, but she didn’t believe it. It was just one of those phrases everyone repeated… Can the story of an old car, a long-ago war, and young people of yesteryears change her perspective?
Previously published in the Everything anthology by the King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp.
In a middle-aged Lady’s garden shed sits a packet of sunflower seeds, waiting to be planted in the spring. Inside this packet, an idea is circulating: the only worthwhile seeds are those who fit the beauty standard. The Little Sunflower isn’t one of them, and she’s certain she will never change the world. But one gloomy day, when all her companions refuse to bloom, she decides to stand up and spread joy anyways. Can one Little Sunflower make a difference? A tiny parable done in the old Victorian style.
Published in the Joy anthology by the King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp.
Autumn is overrated. So is life. Well, perhaps that’s not quite fair. I do hate autumn, but my only complaint with life is my much-too-full schedule and the overwhelm that turns fun activities, like picking up a birthday present for a friend, into one more item for my to-do list. But a morning spent wandering around town opens my heart to the little delights all around me, like the magic of rainy days and the beauty of human connection. It makes me wonder: why don’t I have this mindset all the time? What makes life so oppressive and overwhelming? Is the real meaning of living just checking off accomplishments? And when I discover the truth God has for me, how I can remain in this place of peace and delight despite the craziness of the world?
Published in the Seize the Moment anthology by Abigail Kay Harris et. al.
It is the dawn of Easter Sunday. But Cliffton’s world is too broken and dark for such a glorious, joyful day. As he considers how closely his life parallels that of the Earnshaws in Wuthering Heights, can he see the light that bursts through the darkness—the reason why Easter happened at all?
Ileft my father’s island twelve years ago. But Mamma asked me to come back, and now we’re spending Mother’s Day together. It’s awkward, because we’re not close. I’d rather focus on my Toronto life and compare myself to Jane of Lantern Hill than talk to Mamma. She never understands me… or, at least, that’s what I thought.
Millie Lindsay should be perfectly happy. She’s cabin sitting her aunt’s dark academia cottage sequestered in New Brunswick woods—which is a relief, because she and her sister would otherwise be homeless, thanks to their home being repossessed after their parents’ tragic passing. The bookish vibes are immaculate. But Millie’s signed a contract with the local publishing house, and she’s supposed to be cranking out a novel. Except she’s drowning in writer’s block. When Millie discovers her great-grandmother’s 1942 diary, she hopes that there might be some inspiration to be found in that old story. Grammie’s tale of God’s providence and there always being “something bright in all” reignites her faith, but it also deepens her sense of “behindness.” She’s twenty-three. Shouldn’t she have achieved so much more already? Can a picnic in the woods and an old poem convince her that every season—even autumn—has value?
Coming Soon!
Draft blurb & cover
1942 England isn’t a cheery place. Especially in November. Myriam Carey came to Croftwood Park only to discover her aunt is a cruel, silver-tongued woman who only intends to use her for cheap labour. Her brother Rupert had disappeared into the hush-hush of government war projects, and her friends are banished from the park after a tiff with the mistress. Life is dark and cheerless, and Myriam is exhausted just trying to bear it all. But Conan Dix, Aunt Amelia’s gardener, insists God is never far and puts “something bright in all,” even world war and hateful relatives. And every day he points out a reason to believe God is able and willing to do good things for her. Myriam is skeptical. In her experience, while God is love, He is not indulgent. And can budding chrysanthemums really brighten November in 1942? As Myriam gets to know the little garden, she finds that beauty and agony do coexist, and looking at the joy gives strength to face the evil. Yet when her world is rocked by a brief telegram and unbelievable hatred, can she still find something bright in all that mess? And is God still trustworthy?
Coming Soon!
The Colours of Life Series
It’s her first Christmas away from home, thanks to the snowstorms. Isabella’s been through a lot this year. She’s lost her father. She’s chosen an unconventional career path that she is pressured to change. She’s struggling with her first year of college. Overwhelm, guilt, and worry are her constant friends. When her grandparents invite her to their nearby farm for the Christmas holidays, Isabella finds trouble still dogging her path—or rather, clogging her tires. But will an unexpected rescue turn her eyes back from the darkness she wallows in to the Light she’s been given? As the day progresses and emotions sway, can Isabella find the peace she longs for as she realizes the true meaning of Christ’s birth?
A 15,000-word novella whose first part (5,000 words) has been published in the Seize the Night anthology by Abigail Kat Harris et. al.
“It’s the darkest just before dawn.” Agent Leeam Walker walks in darkness. He is imprisoned in his surroundings, held captive by circumstances. Questions haunt him, but he has no answers. Uncertainty shrouds his path. Is there yet any hope before him? Criminal Hugo Maldonaldo is sinking. His safeguards are gone, and he is falling deeper and deeper into filth. Sin and evil piles up on his hands. He is broken, despairing, and alone. There is no hope, no future, for him. Officer Matthew Randall awaits a dream. For over thirty years he has waited, yet every day comes the reminder that this desire is unfulfilled. He has failed; he has not yet been enough to earn this privilege. Now he begins to lose hope he ever will. Christmas Eve is a radically different day for each of these three men. Leeam struggles to care for his dependant little brother while battling the corporation of criminals overtaking his land. Hugo strives to forget memories and conscience while trying to hold out against the evilness around him. Matt goes to bring joy to abandoned children while longing desperately for a baby to call his own. As the hours pass, each battles guilt, loss, and hopelessness. Will any of them find some light in the darkness this night?
“Maybe,” he whispered, “red can be a beautiful colour, after all.” Jay hates and fears the colour red. It represents the murders of his parents, and the menacing danger that surrounds him in the cutthroat criminal-controlled section of Kalsyia’s biggest city. Life is one eternal round of fear and anxiety. When a traumatic event catapults Jay out of his home, he expects nothing but mistreatment from the officials of the city. Being kindly treated and placed in a foster family was never in his wildest dreams. Officer Randall is wonderfully kind, and his wife very sweet. Their adopted son vividly reminds Jay of his worst abuser, yet he is the best and truest man Jay has ever seen in his life. But Jay knows how wicked and quick to change people are, and he strives to keep the Randalls far, far away from his heart. As time stretches on, can he learn to love and trust these people, in spite of what similar persons did? Can the colour red come to mean more than death and danger? And can anyone ever truly love him, worthless as he is?
Miss Catriona Roylett has only been the toast of the season for a scant three weeks before her brother is arrested for a sensational theft. In the storm of criticism, Cat’s plebeian origins resurfaces and all of society shuns her. A flight to the country is the only possible escape. Mr. Ewart Alinac has been striving to raise his little sister for twelve years, and each season grows harder. Winter is always worst, as memories trigger a depression even writing can’t cure. If only he were brilliant enough to deserve a spot in the London society. When young Miss Alinac adopts the older Miss Roylett as a fast friend, Ewart and Catie find themselves rubbing elbows uncomfortably often for people who dislike each other. But as secrets are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed at last? Will Cat’s search for validity and Ewart’s lack of confidence shackle them forever? Or shall spring bring to either the freedom they long for?
Previously published as a novella inSpringtime in Surrey; scheduled for expansion into a novel
Little Blossoms for Jesus 