A new beginning. A new love. A new life.Like the sun peeking over the horizon at the start of a new day, these stories are sure to mark the kick off of something new.Explore everything from the far reaches of your imagination to the cozy town just around the corner.Join five authors as they take a look at what it means to start over. Learn about love, about life, about acceptance and about … acceptance and about forgiveness. Share in happiness and sadness. Let go of the past and define the future. Take a deep breath and a step forward.
And if life wills it… start over.
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4 Stars
Starting Over is a charity anthology that promotes the American Kidney Fund. The stories are all individual, but share a common theme- which is new beginnings. Whether that be starting over, a new love, or new life- these stories will explore all the various new beginnings in each author’s unique style.
The anthology contains five stories from five talented authors. These stories are:
Shiloh’s Second Chance By: Mary Kit Caelsto
Rebecca Brown thinks she’s giving a beautiful horse a second chance when she purchases him at auction. But they both get their new beginnings in this sweet and touching story.
I loved the authors introductory letter at the beginning, as it gave this story an even deeper meaning and connection. The story is very short and easy to read. It’s both tender, heart-lifting, and romantic. There’s quite a lot happening in a small space- but done quite well.
Healing Hearts By: Fawn Michaels
Callie May Montgomery is newly divorced with two young children and a broken heart. She moves back home with her parents till she can get back on her feet. But being back in her hometown means her biggest secret is about to be exposed.
This second chance at love story is full of secrets, drama, and angst. It is told from duel points of view, so we get a very balanced perspective of what’s happening.
I liked this story, but there were a lot of descriptions which I felt weren’t necessary. While they painted a vivid domestic picture, the time washing kids’ hair or other domestic chores could have been better spent on the actual story- especially seeing this is such a short story. Also, I found that the dialogue was a little confusing in parts, as it ‘ran’ into each other, which made it a little difficult to read, and ‘see’ who was taking.
The Start of Forever By: K. Ries
Squeeeee! This is a Spellcaster’s novella- and if you haven’t read the spellcaster books then you are really missing out! This is part of Skylar Bodrova and Logan Asher’s story. These two are finally free to be together- even if things don’t go completely smoothly- love will lead the way.
“I can’t give you the world, but I can give you my heart.” (Logan) GAH!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
There is a little bit of sizzle to the story, and some sweet and tender scenes, as these two embark on their new beginning. Can’t wait for more!! 5 ‘give-me-more’ Stars!
Embracing the Unknown By: Judy Swinson
Warning- you will need some tissues to go with this story!
This is an amazing true short story, and I was invested right from the start. It follows Judy and Frankie’s wonderful love story and all the various ‘new beginnings life threw at them. It tells of second chances, starting over, hope, faith, challenges, embracing the unknown, spirit, inner strength, adventure, and most of all, their love! We follow the story from their meeting as young teenagers, to being high school sweethearts, to life pulling them apart as Frankie left for the Vietnam war and Judy became an airline stewardess. Then to them reuniting, living life and dealing with all the challenges that life puts in their path- from a stroke, to kidney disease and dialysis- these two face everything head on, embracing many ‘new beginnings’, with so much love, faith and a huge dose of spirit!
Wow! I sobbed my heart out with this one! I could feel the emotion, heart and soul that the author put into this story, and the incredible connection Frankie and Judy shared! What a story! Thank you Ms. Swinson, for sharing this incredible tale!
Saved By A Siren By: C.L Williams
Clyde and his daughter are about to be hit by a truck while waiting to cross the street, when a gorgeous woman sweeps them to safety. Clyde is instantly smitten, but as he and Daisy spend more time with the mysterious Hironei, he begins to suspect that there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. Is he right? What happens when the truth is revealed? They both have feelings for one another, but is there really any chance of them having a relationship? Hironei has a lot to lose- will she sacrifice it all for love?
This is a great little paranormal romance- with originality, drama, action, secrets, choices, fate, sacrifice, finding happiness, and new beginnings. This would make a great series- for example, a book based on some of Hironei’s ‘sisters’. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
So, as you can see there is a great mix of stories to enjoy. And the best part is that each one is short enough to easily read in one sitting, such as a coffee break, or while waiting for an appointment. Remember that by purchasing this anthology you’re not only getting a great read, but also supporting a worthy cause.
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
“American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AFK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Established in 1971, AFK’s vision is to help people fighting kidney disease to live healthier lives and get the help they need. The American Kidney Fund offers multiple programs, that include: Patient Financial Assistance Free Kidney Health Screenings Public Education Kidney Action Day® Advocacy Professional Education Clinical Research The American Kidney Fund, according to their website, enables 1 in 5 U.S. dialysis patients to access lifesaving medical care, including dialysis and transplantation. They invest in clinical research to improve outcomes for kidney patients, and they fight for legislation and policies supporting issues that are important to the people they serve. For every dollar donated, the American Kidney Fund spends 97 cents for programs that directly serve and education patients and the public about kidney disease. For more information, please visit their website http://www.kidneyfund.org or follow them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AmericanKidneyFund.”