Praise for Santa Abella and Other Stories
“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
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Click HERE for reader reviews on Good Reads
Praise for In the Eye of the Beholder
“… 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
“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 “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, Duke University
On “Singapura” (nominated for Best American Short Stories 2023 & the Pushcart Prize XLVIII: Best of the Small Presses)
“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 “Black Bear Lake”
“… very engrossing.” – Martin Miller, PhD, Professor of History, Duke University
On “The Photoshoot”
“Well done.” – The Rev. Rhonda Mawhood Lee, PhD
On “Lydia”
“Love the story.” – Monique Berry, editor, Founder’s Favourites
Ken Wetherington 