Praise for Santa Abella and Other Stories (B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree)

“The writing is top notch. Each story flows well. He creates believable characters and provides good descriptions of people and places to ground the reader. His use of dialogue is really strong. It reads conversational, and he sprinkles in just enough dialogue tags and action beats so as not to disrupt the flow. It advances the plot and fleshes out the characters. He writes with a close POV that connects the reader to the stories.” – Writer’s Digest Self-Published Ebook Contest

“This probing collection of short stories is perfect for readers seeking to delve into the complexities of human nature.” – BookLife

“… provides deep enjoyment and surprising revelations about the human condition.” – Richard H. Smith, author of The Joy of Pain

“… a wonderful kaleidoscope of thought-provoking tales that linger beyond the page. Well-written and carefully crafted, this collection is a worthy investment for readers who are tired of formulaic fiction.“ – Phillip M. Locey, author of The Chain of Living Fire series

“… the kind of stories you have to chew over for a while and really let them sink in.” – Hannah Phoenix

“An astounding first book. Unusual, timely, poignant. Highly recommended.” – Lee Sorensen, Art Librarian, Duke University

Click HERE for reader reviews on Amazon
Click HERE for reader reviews on Good Reads

Praise for In the Eye of the Beholder (2025 American Legacy Book Award for Short Story Fiction)

“… inventive descriptions, natural and entertaining dialogue, and the smart, thought-provoking enfolding of plot all make for pleasurable, enlightening reading.” – Richard H. Smith, author of The Joy of Pain

“His stories are poignant, almost mystical in their plotline development.” – Lee Sorensen, Art Librarian, Duke University

Praise for Individual Stories

On “Inheriting Dad”
“… a page turner.” – Neal Bell, Edgar Award winner, Obie Award winner

On “Fooling the Boys”
“When I read this through the first time, I thought it was an interesting vignette or memory. But then I read it again, and I could see the more delicate threads and the deeper meaning of it.” – Laurie Boris, author of Boychik

On “The Brothers Evanger” (First Runner-Up for the 2022 Harambee Literary Prize)
“I find compelling the reflections on forgiveness and (historical/family) narrative constructions from different perspectives.” – Joyce Kurpiers, PhD

On “Darwin’s Énouement”   
“I enjoyed this story and its perfectly bittersweet tone. The characters are complex and comprehensible. A very human drama, with the protagonist’s artificial status adding an intriguing layer. Compelling and effective.” – Charlie Fish, editor, Fiction on the Web
“Beautiful story! I’m wiping away my heartfelt tears.” –  Jean Gregory Evans, artist

On “Black Bear Lake”
 “As I read your story, I was unconsciously recording something deeper and meaningful which stayed with me long after reading your story. Lots to think about and puzzle over leaving more questions and metaphors, connections and meanings – always enlarging my thinking and imagination.” – Kay Weston
“… very engrossing.” – Martin Miller, PhD, Professor of History, Duke University

On “The Last Grave”
“I loved this! Great opening sentence, and I’m in awe at how much information is relayed in this very short story.”– Diane Strauss, Associate University Librarian, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

On “Santa Abella”
“… effective use of sustainable tension and a mystery to be solved.“ – Susan Kirby-Smith, associate editor, UNCG Research

On “In the Eye of the Beholder”
“… this piece blew my mind. I had to reread it to wrap my head around it.” – Elizabeth M. Castillo, British-Mauritian poet, writer, and artist, author of Cajoncito

On “One Night in Las Vegas”
“A welcome twist to the standard Vegas tale.” – Michael Foldes, managing editor, Ragazine

On “Refugee Highway”
“… a very important story that captured my attention immediately and rewarded me the whole way.” – Carl Nordgren, author of The 53rd Parallel

On “Thanatopsis”
“… a strange, interesting story about death and love.” – The Fable Online

On “The Marsupial Rebellion”
“I love this so much!“ – Amy Laura Hall, PhD, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, Duke University

On “Singapura” (nominated for Best American Short Stories 2023 & the Pushcart Prize XLVIII: Best of the Small Presses)
“… suave noir…” – Nicholas Litchfield, editor, Lowestoft Chronicle 
“A pleasure to read.” – Lee Sorensen, Art Librarian, Duke University

On “Starstruck”
“… very nicely done.” – Pete Barber, author of MAYA

On “Sui Generis”
“A really strong story.“ – J.L. Corbett, editor, Idle Ink

On “The Photoshoot”
“Well done.” – The Rev. Rhonda Mawhood Lee, PhD

On “Lydia”
“Love the story.” – Monique Berry, editor, Founder’s Favourites