Enjoy this free short story from award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle's newest book, The Moment of Tenderness, a collection of 18 short stories, some never before published. It was a frigid winter day when Old Mrs. Campbell stormed into the Franklins' general store, decrying the devilish nature of her daughter-in-law-a sentiment that deeply disturbed Mrs. Franklin, considering the woman in question, Alicia, was oft described as "saintly" by everyone around her. When she leaves the store in a huff, Mrs. Franklin thinks she's done with Mrs. Campbell's ravings for the day-until the woman calls her late in the night, urgently demanding to see her. Blending elements of fantasy and horror, what transpires between the two women over the course of the evening will test the boundaries of reason, faith, and family-and prove that, in times of great danger, even strangers can come together to help one another in need. For more stories by Madeleine L'Engle, read The Moment of Tenderness, available now.

Discover stories that inspire a "great capacity for wonder" (New York Times) from the beloved author of A Wrinkle in Time: named one of the spring's most anticipated books (Good Housekeeping), this collection transcends generational divides to highlight the power of hope and joy. This powerful collection of short stories traces an emotional arc inspired by Madeleine L'Engle's early life and career, from her lonely childhood in New York to her life as a mother in small-town Connecticut. In a selection of eighteen stories discovered by one of L'Engle's granddaughters, we see how L'Engle's personal experiences and abiding faith informed the creation of her many cherished works. Some of these stories have never been published; others were refashioned into scenes for her novels and memoirs. Almost all were written in the 1940s and '50s, from Madeleine's college years until just before the publication of A Wrinkle in Time. From realism to science-fiction to fantasy, there is something for everyone in this magical collection. MOST ANTICIPATED by The Millions *Time * Salon *The Lily * BookRiot * PopSugar * Gizmodo * Bustle * Tor * SheReads * Parade * The Christian Science Monitor Includes a Reading Group Guide.

Mrs. Louise Mallard, afflicted with a heart condition, reflects on the death of her husband from the safety of her locked room. Originally published in Vogue magazine, “The Story of an Hour” was retitled as “The Dream of an Hour,” when it was published amid much controversy under its new title a year later in St. Louis Life. “The Story of an Hour” was adapted to film in The Joy That Kills by director Tina Rathbone, which was part of a PBS anthology called American Playhouse. HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library.

This collection of short stories is new, original and modern. Thougt some are fiction, several of the stories in the collection are based on actual experiences and events or recognizable events.

Cabin Life Ain't Easy is a collection of John T. Schmitz's early work, some of it never before published. Cabin Life Ain't Easy is a humorous look at sometimes serious subjects, but even the author himself admits "No matter how hard I try, I simply cannot sit down at a keyboard with a straight face...."

Starting over means looking back for a mother and daughter on the road to reinventing themselves in a moving novel about family secrets and second chances by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jamie Beck. Seventeen years ago, two pink stripes on a pregnancy test changed Anne Sullivan's life. She abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and-like the mother she lost in childhood-devoted herself to her family. To say she didn't see the divorce coming is an understatement. Now, eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers. But her fresh start stalls when the contractor renovating her grandparents' old house discovers a vintage recipe box containing hints about her beloved grandmother's hidden past. Despite the need to move forward, Anne is drawn into exploring the mysterious clues about the woman she's always trusted. Gram's dementia is making that harder, and the stakes intensify when Katy's anxieties take an alarming turn. Amid the turmoil, uncovered secrets shatter past beliefs, forcing each woman to confront her deepest fears in order to save herself.