Category: Mainstream Publisher: A. K. Frailey Books
ISBN-10: B08KFWM4QH
Type: Fiction
Pages: 461
Copyright: September 29, 2020
ISBN-13: 9798691944215
Price: $3.19 (eBook)
A collection of Short Stories by A. K. Frailey
Story Titles...
Unless You Give Up As Mom Used to Say Wouldn’t You? If the World Were Any Better I Think I’ll Live The Loving Choice A Real Smile This Time Blue Ink Flowed
And many more...
Excerpt
His big brown eyes peered at me as innocently as I’m certain he felt. He had no idea he was ignoring me. Or that I had a rotten day. Or that Jonny couldn’t care less about boats. He was simply focused. On his work…or his hobby…whatever.
I wanted to whap him with my bag of berries. But he wouldn’t have understood that either. Time out.
“I need some sugar. Going to Beth’s place for a bit.”
That caught his attention. “Way over there? She’s not a grocery store. Besides, I’m getting hungry and—”
“The chicken is in the oven, and there are crackers and cheese on the table. Have a snack. I’ll just be a bit.” Feeling ever so justified in leaving him to his newest pet project, I sauntered out the door and roared off in my mini-van with music blaring right through town. The only reason I didn’t close my eyes to deep cleanse my psyche lay in the curvy road and the glory of swiftly passing spring fields.
Beth had amazing kids. One was a doctor, another an astrophysicist, and the middle kids were all-purpose miracle workers. The youngest two stayed at home and managed the farm while her husband recovered from a…broken arm…or was it a leg? Appendicitis? Something.
Anyway, no matter how bad my day might have been, just stepping into Beth’s house offered me perspective. Like a clown on an analyst’s couch, I knew she’d listen to my dire groans and sprinkle witty inspirations and clever parenting tips upon me no matter how ridiculous I looked.
Professional Reviews
Wonderful Collection of Stories
I have only read one novel from A.K. Frailey. But have intended to read more of them, and even have a few on my device ready to go. I have enjoyed many of the stories and reflections she has shared links to via social media, and greatly enjoyed them. When I found out she had released this collection of short stories and a collection of reflections, Heart Beats: Spiritual Being Human Journey. I immediately picked up both. I could not decide between fiction and non-fiction so with a tossed a coin, this one lost but I read both in under a week. And I can state that both are great collections.
Reviewed by Kim Aalaie
"It Might Have Been and Other Stories" is an easy afternoon read of a great group of diverse topic short stories that I finished in one setting. "Live and Learn," "Romantic Soul, and "One Aisle at a Time" were a few of my favorites, but I am glad I don't have to select just one because they all offer something to the reader. I especially like the line 'It isn't artificial intelligence that'll take over the world - it's a lack of common sense that'll lose it' from the story titled "Take Over the World" and 'Death is a doorway from this world to the next' in "James Milford Parker III." If I had to suggest just one, which I completely suggest you read them all, but I loved "High" about a school-age bully and the karma that she faces in adulthood that is revealed when she comes face-to-face during a job interview with one of the kids she used to bully. A wonderfully interesting story reflecting how life can turn us around. The writing style of A,k, Frailey is intriguing and the variety of stories keeps the reader entertained throughout. I highly recommend this book of short stories.
Reviewed by Eugenia Fain
I enjoyed this book of short stories by Ann Frailey. I listened to a narrator, rather than reading it myself. This collection, "It Might Have Been" has expertly crafted characters of diverse ages and backgrounds that the reader can relate to. The dilemmas they face are everyday one with sports injury, intellectual disability, loneliness and death. The description of the environment, whether outdoors or indoors, is vivid. It includes nature and sets the tales at specific times of the year. The characters become unexpected new friends, meet with old friends, and help neighbors, strangers, and family members through difficult dilemmas. The stories are spellbinding. The author says much in few words. I would like to follow the characters through more time and see their lives develop.
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Reviews for "It Might Have Been and Other Short Stories"
I enjoyed this book of short stories by Ann Frailey. I listened to a narrator, rather than reading it myself. This collection, "It Might Have Been" has expertly crafted characters of diverse ages and backgrounds that the reader can relate to. The dilemmas they face are everyday one with sports injury, intellectual disability, loneliness and death. The description of the environment, whether outdoors or indoors, is vivid. It includes nature and sets the tales at specific times of the year. The characters become unexpected new friends, meet with old friends, and help neighbors, strangers and family members through difficult dilemmas. The stories are spell binding. The author says much in few words. I would like to follow the characters through more time and see their lives develop.
"It Might Have Been and Other Stories" is an easy afternoon read of a great group of diverse topic short stories that I finished in one setting. "Live and Learn," "Romantic Soul, and "One Aisle at a Time" were a few of my favorites, but I am glad I don't have to select just one because they all offer something to the reader. I especially like the line 'It isn't artificial intelligence that'll take over the world - it's a lack of common sense that'll lose it' from the story titled "Take Over the World" and 'Death is a doorway from this world to the next' in "James Milford Parker III." If I had to suggest just one, which I completely suggest you read them all, but I loved "High" about a school-age bully and the karma that she faces in adulthood that is revealed when she comes face-to-face during a job interview with one of the kids she used to bully. A wonderfully interesting story reflecting how life can turn us around. The writing style of A,k, Frailey is intriguing and the variety of stories keeps the reader entertained throughout. I highly recommend this book of short stories.
Thanks, Ron. Marketer I am not. But then I don't have to worry since I write for my own pleasure. I'm just glad that someone else likes what I write. Makes it more fun that way:)
I'm assuming that this is the fiction book. Knowing your short story writing ability, and the brief excerpt I just read, I'm surprised that you don't have more reviews on Amazon. But perhaps it may be because you just published this collection.
Anyway, good luck with this book and I hope you have many readers because of your wonderful way of portraying everyday life with such color and emotion. Someday, I may get to reading your books. In the meantime, I'm reading your stories as you post them here with great anticipation.
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