Stories by Firefly! : 12 Days of Christmas // Short Story Recs {pt.3}

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! *wink* Today I've got the last installment of the 3-part short story recommendations series and tomorrow is the final part of A Carnathan Christmas. Who else can hardly believe the party is nearly over?

Christmas by the Sea by Beth Wiseman

Parker McIntyre is late evacuating Galveston Island prior to a hurricane, despite advisement from local Texas authorities. When Parker becomes trapped in rising floodwaters, he is going to drown if help doesn’t arrive soon. Fearing death and questioning his faith, he thinks about the young son he’ll be leaving behind.

Alexandria Hanson is on her way off the island to escape the immediate storm threat, but she spots a person trapped in the water. Alex—as she’s called by friends and family— isn’t adventuresome by nature. Helping the man is going to require great personal risk, but she can’t leave him to die.

As Alex joins Parker in the murky Gulf waters, a dangerous situation becomes even more serious as they wait to be rescued. With only each other to lean on, they attempt to quell their fears by praying together and sharing stories.

If Parker and Alex leave the island alive, will they have a chance to explore their feelings during the holiday season? Or will the opportunity be lost forever?

I've read this story nearly every Christmas for several years now. Which is kinda weird, because it's not entirely a Christmas story? It has more to do with a hurricane and the aftermath. But with a unique tale and well-rounded characters, it's packed with meaning and love. I finished with happy feels. <3

A Christmas Disaster by Rebekah A. Morris

As the students of Coolidge High School prepare for their annual Christmas play, excitement mounts. Performed at the local theater, the play, with the students in complete charge of, the performances has become a tradition in town. Everything is going well until the morning of the final performance when calamity hits. Should the students cancel the final performance or try to turn the disaster into something good?

I was surprised by how much I adored this story! To often, I feel like teenagers get labeled for being irresponsible, disrespectful, electronic-addicted brat. And while that's true for some, why don't we focus on the good kids instead of dismally dwelling on the others? The kids in this one were certainly exceptional.

A Change of Heart by Anika Walkes

Nina is a college freshman just trying to get through her first year with social anxiety and no mishaps - until her roommates drag her out for a coffee break, not knowing that the simple trip will change her life forever.

A Change of Heart is a contemporary romance short story full of coffee shops, Christmas, and mistletoe.

This story is so darn adorable. Nina's anxiety over talking to a nice-looking guy was relatable, the romance was utter cuteness—and did I mention the cover is lovely?

(Get the story for free by subscribing to Anika's newsletter!)

Red Boots by Kate Willis

Old Joey’s lips fell open in astonishment as he examined a pair of boots. They were bright red, standing out like a forgotten apple on an autumn tree. He whistled, long and low. “Red boots!”

A pair of shiny red boots bring unexpected Christmas joy to a shopkeeper and a little girl.

Red Boots was such a sweet little story, that touched my heart and brought a smile to my face! The authoress did an excellent job at transporting the reader to Old Joey's shop, and bringing the characters to life inside only a few pages. I truly enjoyed! <3

(Psst! This story is also permafree on Amazon Kindle, so you should totally go get it... *wink*)

Emmanuel by Angela R. Watts

"Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. . ."

In dystopian America, with civil unrest and wars among the states, illegal activity is rampant and only the strongest survive. Reese Burns is one of the strong fighters. He doesn’t need Jesus to fight, either.

Ezekiel, a ten-year-old child living in a fight dome, insists he get the answer about the story of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Reese sets out to find the boy the best gift he’s capable of giving. The story of Jesus. The story only brings Reese pain at first, but then he’s forced to make a choice when a miracle happens. Can Reese choose faith in an unseen God in the midst of chaos?

An Infidel Books short story prequel.

I had the pleasure of beta-reading this story for Angela, and gracious, it was good. I'm usually not one for dystopian, but Emmanuel was fabulously done and I'm looking forward to the Infidel Books.