Modern Short Stories

Hannah Smith has it all—an incredible career, a loving husband, and a close-knit group of friends. But despite their picture-perfect life, Hannah and James are hiding a painful secret: they’re struggling with infertility. As Hannah watches her colleagues and friends celebrate pregnancies, her hope slowly fades. Even her once rock-solid marriage begins to crack under the weight of unfulfilled dreams. In the midst of her heartache, Hannah turns to her faith, making a desperate promise—if blessed with a child, she will dedicate their life to serving others. Just when she least expects it...

When a mole exposes most of the bureau’s undercovers, two FBI agents are forced into a fake marriage. Laura O’Conner is a fresh-faced rookie; Robert Mills is a hardened disabled veteran sidelined due to a previous injury. They both hate each other’s tactics, yet they can’t keep their eyes off each other. Not only do they have to work together to bring down a notorious crime family, they must also remain professional and not let their feelings get in the way. However, their love can only be withheld for so long before they both submit to their feelings.This instalove enemy to lovers ...

In a city crumbling under the weight of corruption and greed, one woman rises to lead the charge for justice. Deborah, a brilliant CEO known for her integrity and wisdom, is thrust into a battle against a powerful conglomerate that has a stranglehold on the city's economy and its people. With small businesses collapsing and political leaders turning a blind eye, Deborah takes matters into her own hands. Teaming up with Barak, a hesitant politician unsure of his ability to fight such a formidable foe, Deborah mobilizes a diverse coalition of activists, journalists, and community leaders. ...

Have you heard the story about the bird that turned to stone? Did your parents warn you about the extra-specially-super-deliciously-fantastically naughty boy who got a frog stuck in his throat? No? Well, never fear: Onjali Q Raúf is here to entertain you with her sparkling collection of fables for kids who want to make the world a better place!

After the sudden loss of her husband, Ruth is left with nothing but her mother-in-law Naomi and a broken heart. With no future in the city they once called home, Naomi decides to return to her small hometown, hoping to find solace in familiar faces. Ruth, refusing to leave the only family she has left, makes a bold choice: she will leave everything behind to follow Naomi and start anew. As Ruth struggles to rebuild her life in a tight-knit community, she crosses paths with Boaz, a successful and respected business owner. Ruth is drawn to his quiet strength, while Boaz can’t help but ...

Within the first Modern Madness collection, Gateway to the Grotesque, the modern-day dark-hearted master of horror Tim Chizmar introduced the world to his quality tales of terror. Now, in The Screaming Virgins, he seeks to usher in a brand-new group of masterful storytellers to shock, disgust, and scare you out of your mind!

Many of O. Henry’s stories describe cultural issues of the day, and many incorporate themes relevant to our modern times. This anthology was specially selected for this purpose. It includes the story performances and introduces the telling of each story by describing its relevance and explaining some of the references that might not be familiar to modern-day audiences.

Do you believe in fairy tales? It was almost as if the red dress found Sandra when she needed it most. It was almost as if the red dress knew what she needed - to feel more confident, to look more radiant, to appear stronger than she was. It was almost as if the red dress knew that the one thing that was missing in her life was her soul mate? It was almost as if the red dress was magical. Sandra didn't believe in magic. She believed in being strong and being able to take care of herself. In a time when it wasn't popular for women to not get married early, Sandra was focused on her career. ...

She’s sworn off love. But a passion for perfume could lead to her heart’s desire… When Kitty Landers boards a plane to France in her wedding dress everyone thinks she’s crazy. But after being dumped by her fiancé, the former hopeless romantic is not interested in the city of love. Kitty is bound for the perfume capital of the world to rebuild her shattered life. Except when she arrives in Grasse, she meets not one, but two, attractive millionaires who share her passion for perfume. The elusive and exciting Pierre Joubert is heir to a successful perfume empire and impossible to ...

Love Under the Big Top a Love Inspired Romance Circus life killed her mother will it destroy Tiffany's first love too? Readers who enjoy sweet love stories filled with romantic intrigue, family drama, and good old-fashioned jealous rivalry will be entertained by Roxanne's clean romance books. After the tragic death of her mother Tiffany blamed the circus and her father. Their relationship reaches the breaking point when she's shipped off to boarding school. Years later her father's illness forces Tiffany to leave school, return home and make life-changing decisions. Will Tiffany help her ...

Like the timeless parables of Jesus, these contemporary stories seep into your consciousness, shift your viewpoint, and reveal insights into the rhythms of life's occurrences. Embark on an unforgettable journey across the heartland of America with "A Test of Character in Royal Swirls," the second volume of "Spirit-Filled Parables for Modern America." This visually stunning collection of 19 soul-stirring parables is brought to life by over 100 vibrant, full-color images that seamlessly blend the mundane and divine. In these pages, you'll traverse the rich tapestry of the American experience,...

This one-of-a-kind treasury brings together the talents of nearly two dozen best-selling middle-grade authors - including Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Ally Condie, and Jennifer A. Nielsen - who have created original short stories and modern-day fairy tales based on the lives and dreams of children they have met who all have two things in common: They have very big hopes and dreams, and they are all cancer patients.

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is Washington Irving’s famous short story of the Headless Horseman that is now part of American culture. - Accelerated Reader AR Quiz No. 7115 BL 11.0 AR Pts: 3.0 -The language of almost two hundred years ago has been extensively modernized -End notes, interpretation, and discussion of major themes follow the text -Biographical information on Irving included -Every effort has been made to keep the story as close to the original as possible -Modern readers will better understand and appreciate one of the first truly American short stories. For more short ...

A collection of short stories from such favorites as Wilkie Collins, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Rudyard Kipling are joined by others written anonymously in this anthology which will have you scratching your head and listening just a bit longer to discover the key to the mysteries.

Bristle Rey just moved to town. She's trying to find a fresh start and leave behind a crappy home life. She's landed in Valor, WY and has found a job. Now she just needs to find an apartment and she'll be all set. Instead, she finds Wild. Becket “Wild” Wilder got his nickname as a joke. He’s never been reckless, never been crazy. Until he lays eyes on Bristle Rey. Then all bets are off. Let’s get Wild. This month 24 of your favorite short and steamy authors have come together to bring you a new motorcycle romance each day! The Men of Valor are more than ex-military bikers – they ...

Rachel has it all: a thriving career, an impressive social circle, and the attention of Jacob, the city’s most eligible bachelor. Her life seems picture-perfect—until her older sister Leah, the quiet and overlooked sibling, steps into the picture. As Rachel and Jacob’s whirlwind romance unfolds, secrets simmer beneath the surface, threatening to unravel not only their engagement but also the fragile bond between two sisters. Leah, kind-hearted and selfless, has always lived in Rachel’s shadow. But when she and Jacob form an unexpected connection, Leah is forced to confront her ...

A Modern-Day Cinderella Holiday Romance One fateful kiss. One relentless billionaire. One curvy girl who’s about to learn that when it comes to love, some risks are worth taking. When curvy and cautious Kaitlyn agrees to a wild dare at a glamorous masked New Year’s Eve party, she never expects it to change her life. Kissing a stranger at midnight was supposed to be a harmless thrill, but the earth-shattering kiss leaves her reeling—and running. She escapes before the handsome mystery man can learn her name, leaving behind only a silver bracelet she doesn’t realize she’s lost. Adam...

Come Together: Bi Ménage Multiplayer Amber is a stressed out pharmaceutical sales rep—peddling her drugs to healthcare facilities and shaking her money maker so people can stay healthy. But, Amber likes to play games. On the weekends, she gets motel rooms and posts hook-up invitations on adult social sites. But, there’s a catch: the guys have to do each other before they can do her. Does that sound fair? Amber thinks so. Warning: this short story is meant for mature adult readers. It features graphic depictions of group sex, ménages, male on male and males on female. The story ...

Inspired by classic books like The Little Prince, these delightful fables follow a variety of charming animal characters as they embark on fantastical yet profoundly relatable quests.

Come Together: PIV VIP Josh and Dani have a relationship build on sex. This is a story of the couple swinging with a VIP very exclusive billionaire club where no holes are left unopened. Warning: this short story is meant for mature adult readers. It features graphic depictions of group sex, ménages, male on male and males on female. The story includes but isn’t limited to oral, anal, masturbation and bareback—swapping of gooey stuff with lots of protein shakes. Other adult appetites play out in this story but might be considered too risqué to put here in this write-up. 31 Pages.