Short Story Sunday

I am pleased to introduce 

two wonderful short story fictions.

THE RED VELVET BOX

BY Christine Keleny

I started writing in college (a while ago!) and haven't stopped since. For a reason I don't really know, round about 2003 I decided I wanted to write a novel. Up to that point I had been writing short children's storys, but never pursued publication. In March of 2008 "Rosebloom" was born. And as any writer can tell you, it was a birth! It was perhaps a bit more for me since I self published the work, which isn't particularly hard, but just takes a lot of time. 
Now I'm done with book II in the series - "A Burnished Rose" - and I'm busy on the screenplay and a memoir for a friend. I'm having the time of my life!

~THE RED VELVET BOX~

This story is set in the early 1950s and can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. The Red Velvet Box is a book about a thirteen year old girl by the name of Katherine who is forced to spend her thanksgiving break at her Grandmothers helping her mother clean out Grandma’s attic. Grandma Blanch has to move soon. She has been forgetting things lately, so Katherine’s mother, Ruth, doesn’t feel she can stay alone much longer. What they don’t realize is that Grandma is worse off than they thought.

~MY REVIEW~

This story is such a heart warming one! I really enjoyed it all the way through. You can tell the author is writing from a place in her heart and I just loved that about this story. 

Katie is a darling young girl from the 50's, who has a love for Nancy Drew and nice outfits. Her character really stood out to me and I was captured by her right away. 

The author has a wonderful writing style and a lovely way with imagery. The descriptions she gives truly make this short story pop out of the pages. It was more like I was watching an old film. The fact that The Red Velvet Box was set in the 50's made it even more special and the time period was very fitting.

The author has taken the subjects of aging and family and retold them in such a great way. 

I have worked for six years in assisted living facilities and have seen how troubling memory loss can be. 

This story brought tears to my eyes at the end. Katie handles her grandmother perfectly and with such love.

I would definitely recommend this short story for any age who wants a story that warms your heart!

If you would like to know more about Christine and her works;

Please visit her website CKbookpublishing

She also has an author page on Goodreads and a blog @ CKBooksBlog

ALLESANDRA'S BEQUEST

BY R.M. Fraser

I am 36 and live in New England. Been here all my life. My wife, whom I lovingly refer to as ELF on my blog, is my main motivator to write. I am a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults), meaning both of my parents are culturally deaf. It gives me a unique perspective on life. I am a poet and musician who is now delving further into the realm of the written word. I enjoy reading fantasy novels and other genres as well. I also write a blog in my spare time, where I review books, local music, and mostly talk about Deaf/CODA related topics. I am currently working on a novel that is based on the life of someone with Deaf parents. It's tentatively scheduled to be released by the end of this year.

Do you believe in soul mates? 

Can the demons that haunt Allesandra's past be overcome with the love and support of her newlywed husband, Izz? 

Perhaps suicide is the solution? 

There are lessons to be learned by both in this epic short of a couple who fall for each other, and what they must do to stay together forever.

~MY REVIEW~

This short story will blow you away. It has so much depth and passion behind it. Originally it started out as one song the author wrote. From there it took off and became a concept album. Eventually Allesandra's Bequest had transformed into a narrative poem. Knowing that makes this short story even more wonderful. The entire thing is written with bits of the poem intertwined with story. On it's own it is a moving piece of poetry. Combined with the narration of the story it really reaches a new level. At times this did not even feel like a short to me at all.

I was really taken in by Allesandra and her dark past. It is truly haunting. The love she shares with her husband is heartwarming.

The author calls Allesandra's Bequest an epic and I would have to agree with him. It shows the damage the past can imprint on one's soul. It deals with loss in several heart wrenching ways and the impact misplaced guilt can have on the human heart. 

Despite it's tragic and constant dark tone, this story also has the light that is behind every darkness. It speaks of forgiveness as well.

This story might not be for everyone. Abuse can be a hard topic for many to read about . However, I would gladly recommend it to mature readers who want a real life story. 

I hope the author does record the music to this one day. I also hope to see more of his work in the future.

If you would like to know more about the author and his work;

Visit him on Goodreads or

His personal blog @ The Fraser File

R.M. Fraser is also on Twitter! @TheRMFraser
ALLESANDRA'S BEQUEST is available for purchase 
On SMASHWORDS in multiple formats.
Through the end of July, purchase yours for only $1!