If you enjoy reading short stories, here is the book for you, An Angel Among Us. There is something for all tastes in genres. I planned this book to be one of stories for all seasons but something changed my mind when I connected on Facebook with a high school friend after many years.
My friend, Anne Gillis Benedetto, and I wrote back and forth and shared what was happening in our lives. She was delighted to learn that I am an author and bought one of my books right away. She also shared that her husband had died two years before and she was having great difficulty each day without him. She also had recently learned that she had stage 4 breast cancer. I was devastated to hear this terrible news but something even more terrifying was the fact that she did not plan to have treatments for it. She had given up on life and wanted to join her husband.
I had a difficult time accepting this but told her that I supported her in whatever she wanted to do. Who was I to tell her different. It was her life. I wanted, however, to do something for her but didn’t know what until I thought of my book. That’s when I decided to write a story dedicated to her and her husband and use her story as the title of the book.
When I told her what I planned to do, she was delighted and grateful. She shed tears and as did I. We shared some last words back and forth about this book until she could no longer write. A friend of hers took over relating what she wanted to tell me. I sent along the finished story but not the book which was still a work in progress. Anne was thrilled to receive the story and loved it! I was happy that I could do something nice for her before she…
Unfortunately she died before I could send her a copy of the completed book. In the book I share our last correspondence back and forth about the story. I hope you will enjoy reading her story and our letters. I miss her every day and hope that she and her husband are together now and happy. Anne was a special lady with a heart of gold and a wide beautiful smile who touched many hearts in her lifetime with her kindness and wonderful sense of humor.
Blurb:
A collection of short stories that covers several genres including romance, grief/loss, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. This book is dedicated to a courageous friend who passed this year. The first story is specially created for her and is the inspiration for the title of this book.
REVIEWS ON AMAZON:
Mae Clair4.0 out of 5 starsEasy to readMarch 14, 2017Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseThis collection of short stories is diverse and engaging, most with a touch of the unusual thrown in. The author’s imagination is evident in the range of plots and themes, as well as characters who populate the pages. Easy to read, this collection is ideal for grabbing a story here or there on a lunch or coffee break or enjoying all at once on a lazy afternoon or evening, However you choose to read this collection, you’re bound to find your favorites among them. The title story and how it came about is in itself a delightful tale!
Robert4.0 out of 5 starsNice CollectionApril 26, 2017Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseThe collection of short stories in An Angel Among Us run from inspirational to contemporary so science fiction. I liked the difference as I am a big fan of short story collections. In the hustle and bustle of modern life there is always time for a short story. Janice Spina is a good story teller and you can tell by her work she has a caring and kind heart. A nice collection that will keep you interested and engaged – heartwarming, at times sad, but also uplifting.
Gigi Sedlmayer, Book Excellence Award Finalist winning author of the Talon series5.0 out of 5 starsI couldn’t stop readingMarch 17, 2017Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseI downloaded the book just in the morning. I wanted to have a little peak only, but starting to read, guess what?
I couldn’t stop reading. Particular the first story, about Janice friend Anne.
But each story is different, diverse and engaging, and wonderfully told. I laughed, I cried, I smiled.
I have read many books for her already, and was never disappointed.
Janice is really a great story teller. I love her books
Michelle Clements James5.0 out of 5 starsA thumbs up!March 23, 2017Format: Kindle EditionI have read many of Janice Spina’s books and have never been disappointed. She writes with clarity and warmth. She doesn’t shy away from delving into another genre, as is evidenced by this eclectic collection of short stories.
The author’s tribute to her friend is heartwarming and is just the first story in this delightful collection. I recommend An Angel Among Us to everyone, as there are stories from multiple genres that are sure to appeal. This book can be read all at once or story by story. It is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time but want something to read with their coffee or before bed or whenever they have a few minutes without committing to a full-length book.
An Angel Among Us gets a thumbs up from me.
This book was gifted to me. I was neither paid nor required to give this honest review.
Sarah Reviews5.0 out of 5 starsFabulous!March 11, 2017Format: Kindle EditionAuthor Janice Spina is a prolific and eclectic writer, whose creativity knows no bounds and whose books entertain readers of all age groups. Having had the pleasure of reading many of Author Spina’s earlier works, I looked forward to reading her newest creation and am happy to report that her first-ever short story compilation is ever so gratifying.
“An Angel Among Us” is fabulous. The characters that populate the short stories are from all walks of life, real and well-developed. Their touching stories resonate, as the protagonists confront and face up to life’s many challenges. Loss, regret, love and hope are ingredients you’ll find in abundance in this stirring and heart-string tugging book. Highly recommended!
WickedJ5.0 out of 5 starsA Great Short Story Collection By Janice SpinaMay 26, 2018Format: PaperbackFirst I have to say how much I loved the author’s choice of many short stories in this book. Each was a page turner and the fact of them being short stories I was able to read several each night. My favorite is “An Angel Among Us”… as the story surrounds my dear friend Anne since 4th grade. As I was reading each page I visualized everything and it brought back memories so special… I totally enjoyed this chapter and all the others… I thank the author, Janice Spina, for being such a wonderful writer and bringing our friend Anne’s heartfelt story to share..and know that Anne’s spirit is still among her family and friends.
Jean M – NH
Thank you for stopping by to read about my short story collection, An Angel Among Us. I hope you will check it out soon.
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Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
Wonderful reviews, Janice!! ❤ An Angel Among Us is on my kindle and I'm moving it up to the top of my TBR.
thank you so much, Bette! I hope you enjoy it! 🤗 ❤️
Looking forward to it! ❤ xo