What will it take to guard her dearest treasure?

Blenwyn Osheen is no stranger to hard work and trouble, but the children's fascination with their father's anxious forebodings is a problem she doesn't know how to solve. And so is the kind surgeon who insists on treating her like an equal instead of a servant.

When a particularly disastrous day rocks their world, is there anything Blenwyn can do to protect the family she loves as her own? Can she somehow stop the children's headlong rush into danger? And when a hand is reached out to help her, will she choose to trust her head or her heart?

What will it take to move beyond her mission?

Jaelyn Rolfe has grown up with a singular purpose: to end the reign of a brutal dictator and rid the world of her father's terrible legacy. But victory comes with a price, and she soon finds her role in the plot spawning consequences no one anticipated.

Caught unexpectedly between her training and her heart, will Jaelyn find the strength to chart a new course? Can a girl so skilled at deception ever truly earn trust? And when a sudden blow threatens her hard-won triumph, will everything she's fought for be lost forever?

What will it take to rid the world of a tyrant?

Inger Stein is no stranger to heartbreak and struggle, but when a trio of battered resistance fighters seek refuge at her door, her world is destined to change again forever. Can she convince her town that the sacrifice they ask is worth the hope they offer? Or will resentment and suspicion snuff out the country's chance for freedom?

A short story, previously published as part of Hope

with Scraps and Sketches, a collection of short short stories tracing the progress of the resistance through the eyes of each of the Quiet Valor heroines

Work In Progress

What will it take to fill her heart's desire?

Emmalie Eben wants nothing more than a forever home with the one man who's never counted her a burden, despite her crippled state. But after the fall of the tyrant and the restoration of Merissa, the obstacles between them only seem to have grown.

When an open door beckons to the life they've longed for, will it fulfill their dearest hopes or realize their worst fears? Can a girl so dependent on others take any part in claiming her dream? And when sinister forces rip the future from her grasp, can Emmalie somehow muster the strength to save it?

Heroes? In these bodies? You've got to be kidding!

All Brady Owen wants from this highly experimental research program is a chance at normalcy, away from the crushing migraines that dominate his life. So when he wakes in the lab with the ability to hear distant sounds, see through walls, and sense microscopic particles with his fingers, his fractured world tips on its axis.

Brady's temporary enhancements land him among a ragtag band of young chronic illness warriors for whom the treatments have had similar effects. But how can a guy be a hero when some days he can't even lift his head from the pillow? And why would God give him a gift that's not even his to control?

Nothing like jumping in at the deep end...

Just weeks after his first encounter with the treatment's...unusual side-effects, it's Brady's turn under the needle again. Rachelle seems confident he can use his new powers for good, but Brady isn't so sure. How do you stop crime with super senses anyway, especially when the world doesn't know your secret?

With the team at his back, Brady makes his first foray onto the streets, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Oh, and did he mention it didn't seem that easy in the first place? Will Brady find a reason to stick with the project, or is this all a dead end?

Is this city big enough for the both of them?

Brady may have finally embraced his new superhero status, but he never asked to be paired up with Dash on a mission day. Sure, the guy’s got some kind of heart under his rough exterior, but he’s not a big fan of sharing, and Brady can’t exactly choose when to schedule his migraines. Oh, and have you ever tried to keep out of the way of a speedster who doesn’t want you around?

Two are supposed to be stronger than one, but Brady can only hope they’ll get through the day without ripping the team apart. Is there something more behind Dash’s rotten attitude? And can any good come from being forced to work together?

Accidents have a way of shaking things loose...

Brady wasn't supposed to worry about Rachelle on her mission days; after all, she's better equipped than anyone to take care of herself on the street. But when a reckless driver plows into Car's sedan, the mechanical damage doesn't even rank on their list of worries.

With Car in critical condition and Rachelle struggling to evade discovery, the rest of the team scrambles for a way to help as Grace's past trauma resurfaces like a flood. But how can Brady comfort her when the story proves far more complex than he knew? And how do you find the courage to hold on when your whole world crashes in?

"Dearest Paul...do tell me what I should do!"

With her adored older brother away in the West, Lucy is hovering on the brink of despair. How can she ever stay cheerful and good without Paul's help and guidance?

Paul knows the answer to his sister's troubles, but convincing her is another matter. When their letters prove too slow to prevent calamity, can he lead her to his own source of help?

"Oh, what change a day can make!"

Lucy's life has never looked brighter than since her recent engagement, and she pours out her raptures as usual in letters to her older brother. But clouds are gathering beyond her vision, and her commitment is soon to be tested in ways she never expected.

When the storm unleashes its fury, can Paul help her find her way? Or will her chance for happiness be lost forever?

Work In Progress

Three boys. One choice. No turning back.

Peyton is a rising star in the church who is well on the way to reaching his biggest dreams. Levi is a pastor's son struggling to live up to his faith under pressure from all sides. DaVonte is a kid from the wrong side of town who would be content if he and his friends were just left alone.

When an act of violence presents a sudden decision, each boy's answer will shake the community to its core and shape its future forever. Love and truth face off against fear and pride in this modern extension of one of Jesus' best-known parables.

Benny's coming hadn't changed anything—or had it?

With a new foster kid joining Alex Carson's family, everyone is prepared for changes. So when Benny slips into the tight-knit group with barely a ripple, the family is at once surprised and delighted.

But beneath the surface, deeper waters are stirred as Alex finds herself at odds with Jess over his jokes on the unsuspecting and gullible Benny. Will Jess's teasing and her own insecurities separate Alex from her brother? Or can a surprising source teach them a needed lesson in love?

What secrets lie hidden among the stars?

Ten-year-old Riley Dixon is eagerly anticipating his first spaceflight, even if his dad isn't keen on adventure. But all his exciting dreams for the future are knocked off course when a frightening medical emergency puts their trip on pause.

As he adjusts to life on the busy Etzio spaceport, Riley begins to suspect that there's more to his dad's choices than he knows. But when a surprising encounter brings to light a shocking past, can Riley choose the right course for his future? Or will secrets and silence ruin everything that matters most?

What will it take to move beyond her mission?

Jaelyn Rolfe has grown up with a singular purpose: to end the reign of a brutal dictator and rid the world of her father's terrible legacy. But victory comes with a price, and she soon finds her role in the plot spawning consequences no one anticipated.

Caught unexpectedly between her training and her heart, will Jaelyn find the strength to chart a new course? Can a girl so skilled at deception ever truly earn trust? And when a sudden blow threatens her hard-won triumph, will everything she's fought for be lost forever?

True excellence comes with a price...

Eva has never doubted her coach's ability, but a startling conversation leaves her mind racing with questions. Are the girls' suspicions true? Why won't Alexei let her compete? And how can she learn to be her best without a better coach?

When her preoccupation leads her into danger, Alexei steps in, and Eva is forced to make a choice. Will she follow a fleeting dream or embrace the lessons her coach can teach?

A sinister threat. A shocking betrayal. A single rose.

Jan has poured her grief over her brother's death into finishing his work—crippling the terrible system they'd unknowingly helped to build. But when a strange gift beckons her to seek out Kevin's betrayer, will she find the answers she needs? Or will hate and anger shatter everything she holds dear?

Heroes? In these bodies? You've got to be kidding!

All Brady Owen wants from this highly experimental research program is a chance at normalcy, away from the crushing migraines that dominate his life. So when he wakes in the lab with the ability to hear distant sounds, see through walls, and sense microscopic particles with his fingers, his fractured world tips on its axis.

Brady's temporary enhancements land him among a ragtag band of young chronic illness warriors for whom the treatments have had similar effects. But how can a guy be a hero when some days he can't even lift his head from the pillow? And why would God give him a gift that's not even his to control?

Nothing like jumping in at the deep end...

Just weeks after his first encounter with the treatment's...unusual side-effects, it's Brady's turn under the needle again. Rachelle seems confident he can use his new powers for good, but Brady isn't so sure. How do you stop crime with super senses anyway, especially when the world doesn't know your secret?

With the team at his back, Brady makes his first foray onto the streets, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Oh, and did he mention it didn't seem that easy in the first place? Will Brady find a reason to stick with the project, or is this all a dead end?

Is this city big enough for the both of them?

Brady may have finally embraced his new superhero status, but he never asked to be paired up with Dash on a mission day. Sure, the guy’s got some kind of heart under his rough exterior, but he’s not a big fan of sharing, and Brady can’t exactly choose when to schedule his migraines. Oh, and have you ever tried to keep out of the way of a speedster who doesn’t want you around?

Two are supposed to be stronger than one, but Brady can only hope they’ll get through the day without ripping the team apart. Is there something more behind Dash’s rotten attitude? And can any good come from being forced to work together?

Accidents have a way of shaking things loose...

Brady wasn't supposed to worry about Rachelle on her mission days; after all, she's better equipped than anyone to take care of herself on the street. But when a reckless driver plows into Car's sedan, the mechanical damage doesn't even rank on their list of worries.

With Car in critical condition and Rachelle struggling to evade discovery, the rest of the team scrambles for a way to help as Grace's past trauma resurfaces like a flood. But how can Brady comfort her when the story proves far more complex than he knew? And how do you find the courage to hold on when your whole world crashes in?

Of all the times for a real emergency!

As rumors swirl of a young deaf boy lost in a condemned building, the team is dismayed to find that none of them are sick enough to take on the job. Rachelle counsels patience, but that's easier said than done with a child's life on the line and tantalizing superpowers sitting just out of reach.

When Harper defies orders and triggers a flare on purpose, the fallout spreads to Brady as well. But why should a mission they chose for themselves be any worse than normal? And when things inevitably slip sideways, will the powers they trusted be enough to get everyone safely home?

Can anything save her from the trial ahead?

Hannah Reeve knows her cousin’s coming engagement ought to be cause for joy, but Beatrice’s cruel thrusts and the secrets of her own traitorous heart threaten to ruin more than just her composure. Will Hannah find a way to keep her serenity while the kindest man she knows offers his hand to her greatest tormenter? Or does this dreaded evening have something else in store?

"Dearest Paul...do tell me what I should do!"

With her adored older brother away in the West, Lucy is hovering on the brink of despair. How can she ever stay cheerful and good without Paul's help and guidance?

Paul knows the answer to his sister's troubles, but convincing her is another matter. When their letters prove too slow to prevent calamity, can he lead her to his own source of help?

"Oh, what change a day can make!"

Lucy's life has never looked brighter than since her recent engagement, and she pours out her raptures as usual in letters to her older brother. But clouds are gathering beyond her vision, and her commitment is soon to be tested in ways she never expected.

When the storm unleashes its fury, can Paul help her find her way? Or will her chance for happiness be lost forever?

Has she found the perfect gift?

Magdalen Morris is more than content with her quiet life in the small town of Homewood. But when a rich stranger makes her the offer of a lifetime, Magda can’t turn down the chance to make a real difference for her sister’s family. Will she have the courage to face Christmas miles from home in a big city? Or is this sacrifice truly what her family wants most?

How'd I ever be the great man Ma wanted if I didn't take time for my lessons?

Everyone knows that Dan is destined for greatness. But when his teacher insists that he put schoolwork above everything else, his heart is torn. Is personal ambition worth the cost to his family? Or does a better lesson await beyond the pages of his schoolbooks?

Was Danna the only one I'd been blind to all these years?

Returning home from a disastrous ski trip, Jake is quick to trace Mel's hand in the welcoming touches scattered throughout his apartment. But when a closer look reveals more than she intended to show, Jake's world is turned upside down. Can he somehow prove to Mel that he's woken up at last, or has he lost the chance forever?

Was it even possible to fix this mess?

Still reeling from the sudden wreck of her career, the last thing Julie wants to do is visit her brother in juvenile detention. But when Colton’s plight brings her face to face with her own failures, Julie’s well-ordered world is rocked to its core. Is there any way to get her life back on track? And what will she do about Colton?

What will it take to guard her dearest treasure?

Blenwyn Osheen is no stranger to hard work and trouble, but the children's fascination with their father's anxious forebodings is a problem she doesn't know how to solve. And so is the kind surgeon who insists on treating her like an equal instead of a servant.

When a particularly disastrous day rocks their world, is there anything Blenwyn can do to protect the family she loves as her own? Can she somehow stop the children's headlong rush into danger? And when a hand is reached out to help her, will she choose to trust her head or her heart?

Bryson was finally home and safe—wasn't he?

All Madison wants is to be with her brother, whose recent brush with death has made him more precious to her than ever. But despite repeated assurances that he's fine, an undercurrent of tension leaves her wondering what secrets lie beneath the surface.

Alone with Bryson on her first night home, can Madison find the truth behind the shadows that lurk in her brother's eyes? Or will he succeed in shutting out the help he needs most?

Ten children. Two families. One chance.

Convincing onlookers that her best friend Mikyah Byrd is truly more like a brother seems like a never-ending task to Jenna Denton. But when calamity strikes the Byrd household, her family's help becomes more crucial than she ever imagined. Will the Dentons' love and commitment be enough to keep their unusual family intact? Or will a perfect storm of troubles separate them forever?

Is their common love strong enough to defy the future?

Anna Ellington is at the end of her rope. Drowning in debt from her mother’s final illness and with HALEY, the world’s latest artificial intelligence, obliterating her job prospects, an unusual want ad may be her only salvation—if the stranger on the other end truly wants her beloved antique typewriter. To her surprise, Lev Morozov is nothing like she expected, and he offers her more than she could have dreamed. But when a hidden truth comes to light and the specter of HALEY once more raises its head, can their growing trust weather the storm?

A short story, previously published in Seize the Love

If only I could start the day over...

Kale Greene’s life was never perfect, but his last few days with the Taylor family have been better than most. Or they were until today. Now he’s ruined everything, and for more than just himself.

When yet another attempt to make things right falls through, will it mean a fitting end or a new beginning? Can anything fix a day that’s gone so completely wrong?

How far can a promise reach?

Since aging out of the foster care system, Stephen's life has gone from bad to worse. As he wrestles with a bleak present and a grim future, an unexpected encounter with a girl and her kitten changes everything. But will his improvised rescue end in disaster, or does God have other plans?

Twenty-five short reads inspired by themes from the Christmas story

Celebrate the true spirit of the season with this collection of five-minute holiday stories. Perfect to pair with your morning coffee or binge-read while curled up with a favorite blanket on a snowy afternoon!

From a stately mansion to a rough barn, from a cheerful fireside to a lonely mountain road, from a chaotic church pageant to the grim aftermath of war, no heart is without its burden. But no trouble is too deep to be touched by the light of love and the warmth of Christmas.

Come on an adventure! Within these pages you'll find yourself battling with faeries against evil, waking on an unfamiliar planet, fighting for survival after an apocalypse, having the strangest conversation with aliens half your size, uncovering mysteries, opening doors to other dimensions, and so much more!

Edited & Compiled by YA author Rachael Ritchey, these short stories are a compilation of entries to the ASF Short Story Contest by seasoned and new authors across the globe. While style and culture vary widely across these adventures, one thing will stand out: the resilience of the human spirit.

Come home to a small-town Christmas through the ages...

The close-knit community of Homewood, Minnesota might not even be a dot on most maps. But from its earliest settlement to the present day, a warm Christmas welcome and a shining Moravian star have been its hallmarks of the holiday...

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He was willing to do anything.

Talk about anything, they said.

She hadn’t ever done anything.

You can do anything.

In this heartwarming collection, thirteen Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

Click for full description

Everything was falling apart.

In everything give thanks.

Everything works together for good.

Jesus is my everything.

In this heartwarming collection, twenty-one Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

Click for full description

“Hope,” I thought. “What a small word for such a big thing.”

The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven?

Hope....

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What does joy mean to you?

In this anthology, more than thirty Christian writers tackle this question in poems, allegories, and short stories. Is joy a feeling? A state of the heart? A person? Can it coexist with heartache? Can it be found in a new baby? In having the best possessions money can buy? In finding the right relationships?

Come with us and get to know a wide array of characters who encounter joy in their lives and learn to find it in unexpected places....

Click for full description

Honoring the Freedom of the Savior

Freedom. Liberty. Independence.

All forms of freedom have a cost. Seize the Fight pulls readers into an anthology of stories all showing freedom. An Army veteran crashing at his sister’s with hidden pain, a lieutenant returning home from overseas, siblings celebrating the Fourth even in the midst of turmoil, and many more stories all show a form of freedom and the fight it represents in some way...

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Honoring the Mercy of the Savior

Mercy. Forgiveness. Hope.

In the conclusion of the Seize the World collection of anthologies.

Bringing you stories of mercy, forgiveness, hope, and pointing toward the One who offers them all, Seize the Moment is a tender and warm anthology meant to bring you a happy escape to a bookish world...

Click for full description

He was willing to do anything.

Talk about anything, they said.

She hadn’t ever done anything.

You can do anything.

In this heartwarming collection, thirteen Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

Click for full description

True excellence comes with a price...

Eva has never doubted her coach's ability, but a startling conversation leaves her mind racing with questions. Are the girls' suspicions true? Why won't Alexei let her compete? And how can she learn to be her best without a better coach?

When her preoccupation leads her into danger, Alexei steps in, and Eva is forced to make a choice. Will she follow a fleeting dream or embrace the lessons her coach can teach?

Three boys. One choice. No turning back.

Peyton is a rising star in the church who is well on the way to reaching his biggest dreams. Levi is a pastor's son struggling to live up to his faith under pressure from all sides. DaVonte is a kid from the wrong side of town who would be content if he and his friends were just left alone.

When an act of violence presents a sudden decision, each boy's answer will shake the community to its core and shape its future forever. Love and truth face off against fear and pride in this modern extension of one of Jesus' best-known parables.

Benny's coming hadn't changed anything—or had it?

With a new foster kid joining Alex Carson's family, everyone is prepared for changes. So when Benny slips into the tight-knit group with barely a ripple, the family is at once surprised and delighted.

But beneath the surface, deeper waters are stirred as Alex finds herself at odds with Jess over his jokes on the unsuspecting and gullible Benny. Will Jess's teasing and her own insecurities separate Alex from her brother? Or can a surprising source teach them a needed lesson in love?

Twenty-five short reads inspired by themes from the Christmas story

Celebrate the true spirit of the season with this collection of five-minute holiday stories. Perfect to pair with your morning coffee or binge-read while curled up with a favorite blanket on a snowy afternoon!

From a stately mansion to a rough barn, from a cheerful fireside to a lonely mountain road, from a chaotic church pageant to the grim aftermath of war, no heart is without its burden. But no trouble is too deep to be touched by the light of love and the warmth of Christmas.

Was Danna the only one I'd been blind to all these years?

Returning home from a disastrous ski trip, Jake is quick to trace Mel's hand in the welcoming touches scattered throughout his apartment. But when a closer look reveals more than she intended to show, Jake's world is turned upside down. Can he somehow prove to Mel that he's woken up at last, or has he lost the chance forever?

Was it even possible to fix this mess?

Still reeling from the sudden wreck of her career, the last thing Julie wants to do is visit her brother in juvenile detention. But when Colton’s plight brings her face to face with her own failures, Julie’s well-ordered world is rocked to its core. Is there any way to get her life back on track? And what will she do about Colton?

Bryson was finally home and safe—wasn't he?

All Madison wants is to be with her brother, whose recent brush with death has made him more precious to her than ever. But despite repeated assurances that he's fine, an undercurrent of tension leaves her wondering what secrets lie beneath the surface.

Alone with Bryson on her first night home, can Madison find the truth behind the shadows that lurk in her brother's eyes? Or will he succeed in shutting out the help he needs most?

Ten children. Two families. One chance.

Convincing onlookers that her best friend Mikyah Byrd is truly more like a brother seems like a never-ending task to Jenna Denton. But when calamity strikes the Byrd household, her family's help becomes more crucial than she ever imagined. Will the Dentons' love and commitment be enough to keep their unusual family intact? Or will a perfect storm of troubles separate them forever?

A novelette (approximately 1 hour average read time)

If only I could start the day over...

Kale Greene’s life was never perfect, but his last few days with the Taylor family have been better than most. Or they were until today. Now he’s ruined everything, and for more than just himself.

When yet another attempt to make things right falls through, will it mean a fitting end or a new beginning? Can anything fix a day that’s gone so completely wrong?

14 authors, 28 classics-inspired flash fiction for minor holidays.

Join authors Sarah Holman, Heaven Adore, Joshua Hoppman, Angie Thompson, Kelsey Bryant, Abigail Kay Harris, Erika Mathews, Katja H. Labonté, Jesseca Wheaton, Kate Willis, C.R. Kelchner, Storm Shultz, Abigayle Claire, and Raechel Lenore as they bring stories of hope, love, and celebration.

How far can a promise reach?

Since aging out of the foster care system, Stephen's life has gone from bad to worse. As he wrestles with a bleak present and a grim future, an unexpected encounter with a girl and her kitten changes everything. But will his improvised rescue end in disaster, or does God have other plans?

Friends. Faith. Family.

Anne-Marie sits vigil beside a hospital bed as David battles through his own weakness to help a friend. Cassidy tries to hold out hope for her missing groom while Rob pushes himself to the limit to prove something to his brother. Jake receives comfort from an unexpected source as Nate attempts to make the best of a bad bargain and Tsara struggles to find her place in a dark and cruel world.

Humor, hope, and healing fill the pages of these seven stories, each less than 2,000 words.

Twenty-five short reads inspired by themes from the Christmas story

Celebrate the true spirit of the season with this collection of five-minute holiday stories. Perfect to pair with your morning coffee or binge-read while curled up with a favorite blanket on a snowy afternoon!

From a stately mansion to a rough barn, from a cheerful fireside to a lonely mountain road, from a chaotic church pageant to the grim aftermath of war, no heart is without its burden. But no trouble is too deep to be touched by the light of love and the warmth of Christmas.

Can anything save her from the trial ahead?

Hannah Reeve knows her cousin’s coming engagement ought to be cause for joy, but Beatrice’s cruel thrusts and the secrets of her own traitorous heart threaten to ruin more than just her composure. Will Hannah find a way to keep her serenity while the kindest man she knows offers his hand to her greatest tormenter? Or does this dreaded evening have something else in store?

"Dearest Paul...do tell me what I should do!"

With her adored older brother away in the West, Lucy is hovering on the brink of despair. How can she ever stay cheerful and good without Paul's help and guidance?

Paul knows the answer to his sister's troubles, but convincing her is another matter. When their letters prove too slow to prevent calamity, can he lead her to his own source of help?

"Oh, what change a day can make!"

Lucy's life has never looked brighter than since her recent engagement, and she pours out her raptures as usual in letters to her older brother. But clouds are gathering beyond her vision, and her commitment is soon to be tested in ways she never expected.

When the storm unleashes its fury, can Paul help her find her way? Or will her chance for happiness be lost forever?

Has she found the perfect gift?

Magdalen Morris is more than content with her quiet life in the small town of Homewood. But when a rich stranger makes her the offer of a lifetime, Magda can’t turn down the chance to make a real difference for her sister’s family. Will she have the courage to face Christmas miles from home in a big city? Or is this sacrifice truly what her family wants most?

What kind of doors can a dropped key open?

The Stamper family is shocked when a half-frozen stranger stumbles into their house just before the holidays, but neither Ron nor Lizzie can understand Frank’s harsh reaction. Does his anger truly stem from the sick boy upstairs, or does it have some deeper root? And can anything redeem this Christmas?

Everything was falling apart.

In everything give thanks.

Everything works together for good.

Jesus is my everything.

In this heartwarming collection, twenty-one Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

Click for full description

How'd I ever be the great man Ma wanted if I didn't take time for my lessons?

Everyone knows that Dan is destined for greatness. But when his teacher insists that he put schoolwork above everything else, his heart is torn. Is personal ambition worth the cost to his family? Or does a better lesson await beyond the pages of his schoolbooks?

14 authors, 28 classics-inspired flash fiction for minor holidays.

Join authors Sarah Holman, Heaven Adore, Joshua Hoppman, Angie Thompson, Kelsey Bryant, Abigail Kay Harris, Erika Mathews, Katja H. Labonté, Jesseca Wheaton, Kate Willis, C.R. Kelchner, Storm Shultz, Abigayle Claire, and Raechel Lenore as they bring stories of hope, love, and celebration.

Friends. Faith. Family.

Anne-Marie sits vigil beside a hospital bed as David battles through his own weakness to help a friend. Cassidy tries to hold out hope for her missing groom while Rob pushes himself to the limit to prove something to his brother. Jake receives comfort from an unexpected source as Nate attempts to make the best of a bad bargain and Tsara struggles to find her place in a dark and cruel world.

Humor, hope, and healing fill the pages of these seven stories, each less than 2,000 words.

Heroes? In these bodies? You've got to be kidding!

All Brady Owen wants from this highly experimental research program is a chance at normalcy, away from the crushing migraines that dominate his life. So when he wakes in the lab with the ability to hear distant sounds, see through walls, and sense microscopic particles with his fingers, his fractured world tips on its axis.

Brady's temporary enhancements land him among a ragtag band of young chronic illness warriors for whom the treatments have had similar effects. But how can a guy be a hero when some days he can't even lift his head from the pillow? And why would God give him a gift that's not even his to control?

Nothing like jumping in at the deep end...

Just weeks after his first encounter with the treatment's...unusual side-effects, it's Brady's turn under the needle again. Rachelle seems confident he can use his new powers for good, but Brady isn't so sure. How do you stop crime with super senses anyway, especially when the world doesn't know your secret?

With the team at his back, Brady makes his first foray onto the streets, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Oh, and did he mention it didn't seem that easy in the first place? Will Brady find a reason to stick with the project, or is this all a dead end?

Is this city big enough for the both of them?

Brady may have finally embraced his new superhero status, but he never asked to be paired up with Dash on a mission day. Sure, the guy’s got some kind of heart under his rough exterior, but he’s not a big fan of sharing, and Brady can’t exactly choose when to schedule his migraines. Oh, and have you ever tried to keep out of the way of a speedster who doesn’t want you around?

Two are supposed to be stronger than one, but Brady can only hope they’ll get through the day without ripping the team apart. Is there something more behind Dash’s rotten attitude? And can any good come from being forced to work together?

Accidents have a way of shaking things loose...

Brady wasn't supposed to worry about Rachelle on her mission days; after all, she's better equipped than anyone to take care of herself on the street. But when a reckless driver plows into Car's sedan, the mechanical damage doesn't even rank on their list of worries.

With Car in critical condition and Rachelle struggling to evade discovery, the rest of the team scrambles for a way to help as Grace's past trauma resurfaces like a flood. But how can Brady comfort her when the story proves far more complex than he knew? And how do you find the courage to hold on when your whole world crashes in?

Of all the times for a real emergency!

As rumors swirl of a young deaf boy lost in a condemned building, the team is dismayed to find that none of them are sick enough to take on the job. Rachelle counsels patience, but that's easier said than done with a child's life on the line and tantalizing superpowers sitting just out of reach.

When Harper defies orders and triggers a flare on purpose, the fallout spreads to Brady as well. But why should a mission they chose for themselves be any worse than normal? And when things inevitably slip sideways, will the powers they trusted be enough to get everyone safely home?

A sinister threat. A shocking betrayal. A single rose.

Jan has poured her grief over her brother's death into finishing his work—crippling the terrible system they'd unknowingly helped to build. But when a strange gift beckons her to seek out Kevin's betrayer, will she find the answers she needs? Or will hate and anger shatter everything she holds dear?

Come on an adventure! Within these pages you'll find yourself battling with faeries against evil, waking on an unfamiliar planet, fighting for survival after an apocalypse, having the strangest conversation with aliens half your size, uncovering mysteries, opening doors to other dimensions, and so much more!

Edited & Compiled by YA author Rachael Ritchey, these short stories are a compilation of entries to the ASF Short Story Contest by seasoned and new authors across the globe. While style and culture vary widely across these adventures, one thing will stand out: the resilience of the human spirit.

What does joy mean to you?

In this anthology, more than thirty Christian writers tackle this question in poems, allegories, and short stories. Is joy a feeling? A state of the heart? A person? Can it coexist with heartache? Can it be found in a new baby? In having the best possessions money can buy? In finding the right relationships?

Come with us and get to know a wide array of characters who encounter joy in their lives and learn to find it in unexpected places....

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What secrets lie hidden among the stars?

Ten-year-old Riley Dixon is eagerly anticipating his first spaceflight, even if his dad isn't keen on adventure. But all his exciting dreams for the future are knocked off course when a frightening medical emergency puts their trip on pause.

As he adjusts to life on the busy Etzio spaceport, Riley begins to suspect that there's more to his dad's choices than he knows. But when a surprising encounter brings to light a shocking past, can Riley choose the right course for his future? Or will secrets and silence ruin everything that matters most?

Honoring the Freedom of the Savior

Freedom. Liberty. Independence.

All forms of freedom have a cost. Seize the Fight pulls readers into an anthology of stories all showing freedom. An Army veteran crashing at his sister’s with hidden pain, a lieutenant returning home from overseas, siblings celebrating the Fourth even in the midst of turmoil, and many more stories all show a form of freedom and the fight it represents in some way...

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Honoring the Mercy of the Savior

Mercy. Forgiveness. Hope.

In the conclusion of the Seize the World collection of anthologies.

Bringing you stories of mercy, forgiveness, hope, and pointing toward the One who offers them all, Seize the Moment is a tender and warm anthology meant to bring you a happy escape to a bookish world...

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Is their common love strong enough to defy the future?

Anna Ellington is at the end of her rope. Drowning in debt from her mother’s final illness and with HALEY, the world’s latest artificial intelligence, obliterating her job prospects, an unusual want ad may be her only salvation—if the stranger on the other end truly wants her beloved antique typewriter. To her surprise, Lev Morozov is nothing like she expected, and he offers her more than she could have dreamed. But when a hidden truth comes to light and the specter of HALEY once more raises its head, can their growing trust weather the storm?

A short story, previously published in Seize the Love

What will it take to guard her dearest treasure?

Blenwyn Osheen is no stranger to hard work and trouble, but the children's fascination with their father's anxious forebodings is a problem she doesn't know how to solve. And so is the kind surgeon who insists on treating her like an equal instead of a servant.

When a particularly disastrous day rocks their world, is there anything Blenwyn can do to protect the family she loves as her own? Can she somehow stop the children's headlong rush into danger? And when a hand is reached out to help her, will she choose to trust her head or her heart?

What will it take to move beyond her mission?

Jaelyn Rolfe has grown up with a singular purpose: to end the reign of a brutal dictator and rid the world of her father's terrible legacy. But victory comes with a price, and she soon finds her role in the plot spawning consequences no one anticipated.

Caught unexpectedly between her training and her heart, will Jaelyn find the strength to chart a new course? Can a girl so skilled at deception ever truly earn trust? And when a sudden blow threatens her hard-won triumph, will everything she's fought for be lost forever?

What will it take to rid the world of a tyrant?

Inger Stein is no stranger to heartbreak and struggle, but when a trio of battered resistance fighters seek refuge at her door, her world is destined to change again forever. Can she convince her town that the sacrifice they ask is worth the hope they offer? Or will resentment and suspicion snuff out the country's chance for freedom?

A short story, previously published as part of Hope

with Scraps and Sketches, a collection of short short stories tracing the progress of the resistance through the eyes of each of the Quiet Valor heroines

“Hope,” I thought. “What a small word for such a big thing.”

The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven?

Hope....

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Friends. Faith. Family.

Anne-Marie sits vigil beside a hospital bed as David battles through his own weakness to help a friend. Cassidy tries to hold out hope for her missing groom while Rob pushes himself to the limit to prove something to his brother. Jake receives comfort from an unexpected source as Nate attempts to make the best of a bad bargain and Tsara struggles to find her place in a dark and cruel world.

Humor, hope, and healing fill the pages of these seven stories, each less than 2,000 words.

True excellence comes with a price...

Eva has never doubted her coach's ability, but a startling conversation leaves her mind racing with questions. Are the girls' suspicions true? Why won't Alexei let her compete? And how can she learn to be her best without a better coach?

When her preoccupation leads her into danger, Alexei steps in, and Eva is forced to make a choice. Will she follow a fleeting dream or embrace the lessons her coach can teach?

Three boys. One choice. No turning back.

Peyton is a rising star in the church who is well on the way to reaching his biggest dreams. Levi is a pastor's son struggling to live up to his faith under pressure from all sides. DaVonte is a kid from the wrong side of town who would be content if he and his friends were just left alone.

When an act of violence presents a sudden decision, each boy's answer will shake the community to its core and shape its future forever. Love and truth face off against fear and pride in this modern extension of one of Jesus' best-known parables.

Benny's coming hadn't changed anything—or had it?

With a new foster kid joining Alex Carson's family, everyone is prepared for changes. So when Benny slips into the tight-knit group with barely a ripple, the family is at once surprised and delighted.

But beneath the surface, deeper waters are stirred as Alex finds herself at odds with Jess over his jokes on the unsuspecting and gullible Benny. Will Jess's teasing and her own insecurities separate Alex from her brother? Or can a surprising source teach them a needed lesson in love?

Heroes? In these bodies? You've got to be kidding!

All Brady Owen wants from this highly experimental research program is a chance at normalcy, away from the crushing migraines that dominate his life. So when he wakes in the lab with the ability to hear distant sounds, see through walls, and sense microscopic particles with his fingers, his fractured world tips on its axis.

Brady's temporary enhancements land him among a ragtag band of young chronic illness warriors for whom the treatments have had similar effects. But how can a guy be a hero when some days he can't even lift his head from the pillow? And why would God give him a gift that's not even his to control?

Nothing like jumping in at the deep end...

Just weeks after his first encounter with the treatment's...unusual side-effects, it's Brady's turn under the needle again. Rachelle seems confident he can use his new powers for good, but Brady isn't so sure. How do you stop crime with super senses anyway, especially when the world doesn't know your secret?

With the team at his back, Brady makes his first foray onto the streets, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Oh, and did he mention it didn't seem that easy in the first place? Will Brady find a reason to stick with the project, or is this all a dead end?

Is this city big enough for the both of them?

Brady may have finally embraced his new superhero status, but he never asked to be paired up with Dash on a mission day. Sure, the guy’s got some kind of heart under his rough exterior, but he’s not a big fan of sharing, and Brady can’t exactly choose when to schedule his migraines. Oh, and have you ever tried to keep out of the way of a speedster who doesn’t want you around?

Two are supposed to be stronger than one, but Brady can only hope they’ll get through the day without ripping the team apart. Is there something more behind Dash’s rotten attitude? And can any good come from being forced to work together?

Accidents have a way of shaking things loose...

Brady wasn't supposed to worry about Rachelle on her mission days; after all, she's better equipped than anyone to take care of herself on the street. But when a reckless driver plows into Car's sedan, the mechanical damage doesn't even rank on their list of worries.

With Car in critical condition and Rachelle struggling to evade discovery, the rest of the team scrambles for a way to help as Grace's past trauma resurfaces like a flood. But how can Brady comfort her when the story proves far more complex than he knew? And how do you find the courage to hold on when your whole world crashes in?

Of all the times for a real emergency!

As rumors swirl of a young deaf boy lost in a condemned building, the team is dismayed to find that none of them are sick enough to take on the job. Rachelle counsels patience, but that's easier said than done with a child's life on the line and tantalizing superpowers sitting just out of reach.

When Harper defies orders and triggers a flare on purpose, the fallout spreads to Brady as well. But why should a mission they chose for themselves be any worse than normal? And when things inevitably slip sideways, will the powers they trusted be enough to get everyone safely home?

A sinister threat. A shocking betrayal. A single rose.

Jan has poured her grief over her brother's death into finishing his work—crippling the terrible system they'd unknowingly helped to build. But when a strange gift beckons her to seek out Kevin's betrayer, will she find the answers she needs? Or will hate and anger shatter everything she holds dear?

Come on an adventure! Within these pages you'll find yourself battling with faeries against evil, waking on an unfamiliar planet, fighting for survival after an apocalypse, having the strangest conversation with aliens half your size, uncovering mysteries, opening doors to other dimensions, and so much more!

Edited & Compiled by YA author Rachael Ritchey, these short stories are a compilation of entries to the ASF Short Story Contest by seasoned and new authors across the globe. While style and culture vary widely across these adventures, one thing will stand out: the resilience of the human spirit.

Twenty-five short reads inspired by themes from the Christmas story

Celebrate the true spirit of the season with this collection of five-minute holiday stories. Perfect to pair with your morning coffee or binge-read while curled up with a favorite blanket on a snowy afternoon!

From a stately mansion to a rough barn, from a cheerful fireside to a lonely mountain road, from a chaotic church pageant to the grim aftermath of war, no heart is without its burden. But no trouble is too deep to be touched by the light of love and the warmth of Christmas.

Can anything save her from the trial ahead?

Hannah Reeve knows her cousin’s coming engagement ought to be cause for joy, but Beatrice’s cruel thrusts and the secrets of her own traitorous heart threaten to ruin more than just her composure. Will Hannah find a way to keep her serenity while the kindest man she knows offers his hand to her greatest tormenter? Or does this dreaded evening have something else in store?

"Dearest Paul...do tell me what I should do!"

With her adored older brother away in the West, Lucy is hovering on the brink of despair. How can she ever stay cheerful and good without Paul's help and guidance?

Paul knows the answer to his sister's troubles, but convincing her is another matter. When their letters prove too slow to prevent calamity, can he lead her to his own source of help?

"Oh, what change a day can make!"

Lucy's life has never looked brighter than since her recent engagement, and she pours out her raptures as usual in letters to her older brother. But clouds are gathering beyond her vision, and her commitment is soon to be tested in ways she never expected.

When the storm unleashes its fury, can Paul help her find her way? Or will her chance for happiness be lost forever?

Has she found the perfect gift?

Magdalen Morris is more than content with her quiet life in the small town of Homewood. But when a rich stranger makes her the offer of a lifetime, Magda can’t turn down the chance to make a real difference for her sister’s family. Will she have the courage to face Christmas miles from home in a big city? Or is this sacrifice truly what her family wants most?

Come home to a small-town Christmas through the ages...

The close-knit community of Homewood, Minnesota might not even be a dot on most maps. But from its earliest settlement to the present day, a warm Christmas welcome and a shining Moravian star have been its hallmarks of the holiday...

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He was willing to do anything.

Talk about anything, they said.

She hadn’t ever done anything.

You can do anything.

In this heartwarming collection, thirteen Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

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Everything was falling apart.

In everything give thanks.

Everything works together for good.

Jesus is my everything.

In this heartwarming collection, twenty-one Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings...

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How'd I ever be the great man Ma wanted if I didn't take time for my lessons?

Everyone knows that Dan is destined for greatness. But when his teacher insists that he put schoolwork above everything else, his heart is torn. Is personal ambition worth the cost to his family? Or does a better lesson await beyond the pages of his schoolbooks?

Was Danna the only one I'd been blind to all these years?

Returning home from a disastrous ski trip, Jake is quick to trace Mel's hand in the welcoming touches scattered throughout his apartment. But when a closer look reveals more than she intended to show, Jake's world is turned upside down. Can he somehow prove to Mel that he's woken up at last, or has he lost the chance forever?

“Hope,” I thought. “What a small word for such a big thing.”

The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven?

Hope....

Click for full description

What does joy mean to you?

In this anthology, more than thirty Christian writers tackle this question in poems, allegories, and short stories. Is joy a feeling? A state of the heart? A person? Can it coexist with heartache? Can it be found in a new baby? In having the best possessions money can buy? In finding the right relationships?

Come with us and get to know a wide array of characters who encounter joy in their lives and learn to find it in unexpected places....

Click for full description

Was it even possible to fix this mess?

Still reeling from the sudden wreck of her career, the last thing Julie wants to do is visit her brother in juvenile detention. But when Colton’s plight brings her face to face with her own failures, Julie’s well-ordered world is rocked to its core. Is there any way to get her life back on track? And what will she do about Colton?

What secrets lie hidden among the stars?

Ten-year-old Riley Dixon is eagerly anticipating his first spaceflight, even if his dad isn't keen on adventure. But all his exciting dreams for the future are knocked off course when a frightening medical emergency puts their trip on pause.

As he adjusts to life on the busy Etzio spaceport, Riley begins to suspect that there's more to his dad's choices than he knows. But when a surprising encounter brings to light a shocking past, can Riley choose the right course for his future? Or will secrets and silence ruin everything that matters most?

What will it take to guard her dearest treasure?

Blenwyn Osheen is no stranger to hard work and trouble, but the children's fascination with their father's anxious forebodings is a problem she doesn't know how to solve. And so is the kind surgeon who insists on treating her like an equal instead of a servant.

When a particularly disastrous day rocks their world, is there anything Blenwyn can do to protect the family she loves as her own? Can she somehow stop the children's headlong rush into danger? And when a hand is reached out to help her, will she choose to trust her head or her heart?

What will it take to move beyond her mission?

Jaelyn Rolfe has grown up with a singular purpose: to end the reign of a brutal dictator and rid the world of her father's terrible legacy. But victory comes with a price, and she soon finds her role in the plot spawning consequences no one anticipated.

Caught unexpectedly between her training and her heart, will Jaelyn find the strength to chart a new course? Can a girl so skilled at deception ever truly earn trust? And when a sudden blow threatens her hard-won triumph, will everything she's fought for be lost forever?

What will it take to rid the world of a tyrant?

Inger Stein is no stranger to heartbreak and struggle, but when a trio of battered resistance fighters seek refuge at her door, her world is destined to change again forever. Can she convince her town that the sacrifice they ask is worth the hope they offer? Or will resentment and suspicion snuff out the country's chance for freedom?

A short story, previously published as part of Hope

with Scraps and Sketches, a collection of short short stories tracing the progress of the resistance through the eyes of each of the Quiet Valor heroines

Bryson was finally home and safe—wasn't he?

All Madison wants is to be with her brother, whose recent brush with death has made him more precious to her than ever. But despite repeated assurances that he's fine, an undercurrent of tension leaves her wondering what secrets lie beneath the surface.

Alone with Bryson on her first night home, can Madison find the truth behind the shadows that lurk in her brother's eyes? Or will he succeed in shutting out the help he needs most?

Ten children. Two families. One chance.

Convincing onlookers that her best friend Mikyah Byrd is truly more like a brother seems like a never-ending task to Jenna Denton. But when calamity strikes the Byrd household, her family's help becomes more crucial than she ever imagined. Will the Dentons' love and commitment be enough to keep their unusual family intact? Or will a perfect storm of troubles separate them forever?

Honoring the Freedom of the Savior

Freedom. Liberty. Independence.

All forms of freedom have a cost. Seize the Fight pulls readers into an anthology of stories all showing freedom. An Army veteran crashing at his sister’s with hidden pain, a lieutenant returning home from overseas, siblings celebrating the Fourth even in the midst of turmoil, and many more stories all show a form of freedom and the fight it represents in some way...

Click for full description

Honoring the Mercy of the Savior

Mercy. Forgiveness. Hope.

In the conclusion of the Seize the World collection of anthologies.

Bringing you stories of mercy, forgiveness, hope, and pointing toward the One who offers them all, Seize the Moment is a tender and warm anthology meant to bring you a happy escape to a bookish world...

Click for full description

Is their common love strong enough to defy the future?

Anna Ellington is at the end of her rope. Drowning in debt from her mother’s final illness and with HALEY, the world’s latest artificial intelligence, obliterating her job prospects, an unusual want ad may be her only salvation—if the stranger on the other end truly wants her beloved antique typewriter. To her surprise, Lev Morozov is nothing like she expected, and he offers her more than she could have dreamed. But when a hidden truth comes to light and the specter of HALEY once more raises its head, can their growing trust weather the storm?

A short story, previously published in Seize the Love

If only I could start the day over...

Kale Greene’s life was never perfect, but his last few days with the Taylor family have been better than most. Or they were until today. Now he’s ruined everything, and for more than just himself.

When yet another attempt to make things right falls through, will it mean a fitting end or a new beginning? Can anything fix a day that’s gone so completely wrong?

14 authors, 28 classics-inspired flash fiction for minor holidays.

Join authors Sarah Holman, Heaven Adore, Joshua Hoppman, Angie Thompson, Kelsey Bryant, Abigail Kay Harris, Erika Mathews, Katja H. Labonté, Jesseca Wheaton, Kate Willis, C.R. Kelchner, Storm Shultz, Abigayle Claire, and Raechel Lenore as they bring stories of hope, love, and celebration.

How far can a promise reach?

Since aging out of the foster care system, Stephen's life has gone from bad to worse. As he wrestles with a bleak present and a grim future, an unexpected encounter with a girl and her kitten changes everything. But will his improvised rescue end in disaster, or does God have other plans?

Friends. Faith. Family.

Anne-Marie sits vigil beside a hospital bed as David battles through his own weakness to help a friend. Cassidy tries to hold out hope for her missing groom while Rob pushes himself to the limit to prove something to his brother. Jake receives comfort from an unexpected source as Nate attempts to make the best of a bad bargain and Tsara struggles to find her place in a dark and cruel world.

Humor, hope, and healing fill the pages of these seven stories, each less than 2,000 words.

This anthology is now out of print; see Wanted: A Typewriter for my short story.