I scroll through thousands of tweets to find books that pique my interest. Then I scroll, click, read and review my book finds so I can share my curated list with you.

What books pique my interest and beckon to me?

A cover that is creative, lovely and inviting.
An author with an interesting bio on Twitter who is an engaging poster.
A book blurb that sounds fresh, intriguing or lyrical.
I have no special formula– just “aha! I can’t wait to read this book.”

I do not solicit manuscripts. I curate these on my own. Because…I am a writer who loves to read, learn and encourage!

A smorgasbord is a buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (as hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses, salads, and relishes). Please join me in tasting these four delightful collections of short stories.

For your morning coffee or tea,

let’s try Stepping Stones by Maighread McKay. These stories will give you inspiration and joy to start your day, as well as thoughts to ponder. Each story is a well-written and intimate illustration of a well-known passage from the Bible, and spotlights an encounter that an “ordinary” person had with Yeshua. Because it is told from a point of view like our own, it is easy to empathize and learn from each situation. Each person follows their own “stepping stones” after their life changing encounter with the captivating Rabbi. I particularly liked the story of the rich young man and the woman desperate to be healed. I enjoyed this because I am always looking for positive affirming stories. This would be a good gift for someone who needs encouragement or for someone who likes to learn and reflect.

It’s lunchtime now,

so take a break from your busy schedule and read Day Dreaming: Tales from the Fourth Dementia by Larry Day. Nothing like a good chuckle to energize you for the rest of your day. Welcome to the town of Letongaloosa and get to know the quirky residents. Some of them live in the rich part of town, La Mancha  where it is grossly unacceptable to hold a garage sale. Sometimes the townsfolk do kinky things like eat hotdogs and drink Coke. There is even a club for men who tag along with their wives at the mall. The humor in these tales is all good fun and you will enjoy the witty characterizations and creative storylines. Author Day is a talented wordsmith and knows how to hook you into a good yarn. Warning- guaranteed to make you smile and leave you with a happy glow.

Time for your afternoon tea or snack as you savor

Catching the Light by Mary Grand.  In this collection, we have four women, with four stories, in the hands of a master storyteller. The author, Mary Grand is a friendly woman on Twitter, and she brings the same quiet charm to her writing. Her stories remind me of Maeve Binchy’s writing, in that they feature people with the usual day-to- day life problems, presented to us like a gem. Whether the trouble is an embarrassing past, an abusive husband, or even a physical challenge, we learn that life must be faced and lived each day and that the comfort of nature, our homes and routines, and the help and love of others can strengthen us. I read the first story and thought- that’s my favorite. But then the second one became my favorite- and so on.

In the evening, after dinner,

relax and enjoy The Human Ambit by Anne P. Collini. A string of pearls, a box of chocolates- these delectable and lovely short stories are waiting for you to savor them. Perhaps a flower garden is a better description- because you will read about different periods of history, past and present, about men and women from other countries, with different passions, and you will get to know them at varying stages of their lives. If there is a connection among the stories, it is that each of the characters has come to their “aha!” moment either willingly or unwillingly. An artist, a scientist, an old man who has lost his wife, a young slave child, a frazzled mother- you will delight in all their stories and want to read them again and again. I have to commend the author for the tantalizing way she begins each story and for her expertise with historical period accuracy and dialects.

Here’s an Amuse Bouche

(a small complimentary appetizer offered at some restaurants). I started reading Message from a Blue Jay by Faye Rapport DesPres. The author looks at her past,through nature, as she deals with the revelations of her present. Looks like an interesting and moving read to me, let me know what you think!

I highly recommend each of these short story collections. Happy reading and bon appetit!