NEW QUICK READS — AND A GIVEAWAY!

Novellas and shorter works allow readers to sample an author’s storytelling style without the commitment required by a novel. They provide a nice escape into a love story when readers have a short break during the day, as a reward for accomplishing a task, while waiting in a doctor’s office, or as a quick pick-me-up when someone wants a happily-ever-after she can consume in one sitting.

Each year, Prairie Rose Publications publishes many, many quick reads. Most have appeared in an anthology along the way, but some are brand new. Some authors enjoy writing short tales when a story demands to be written but the characters are impatient to reach the love they never thought would be theirs.

Readers may not realize how challenging short-form fiction is to write. Reaching “the end” without a story seeming contrived, incomplete, or rushed requires a special skillset, so quick reads test an author’s mettle. Whether or not readers realize it, when they pick up a quick read they’re seeing some of an author’s best work. If we leave readers wanting more, wishing they could’ve spent more time with the hero and heroine, then we’ve done our job well. Often those characters show up again in a subsequent story, giving readers a chance to drop in on couples’ lives months or years later.

As a special treat to celebrate our third birthday, PRP released a passel of sigh-worthy quick reads about hunky heroes and strong women who find their forever love in fewer than 100 pages.

Second Chance at Love by Agnes Alexander

Dr. Miles Kerry and his nurse, Cora Hilliard, have given up on finding love again. But when Cora is asked to move out of the boarding house where she and her ten-year-old son Koby live, they have nowhere to go.  Miles insists they move into the spare rooms in his house—an arrangement with no complications.  Then Cora falls ill with a raging fever, and she must rely on Miles as she never has before. Will Koby get the father he wants so badly? Will Miles and Cora get their Second Chance at Love?
 

Brighter Tomorrows by Beverly Wells

Five years ago Callie Lynch fell in love, only to have her dreams shattered when she realized she’d been played the fool and used like a puppet. Bitter and shamed, trusting no man and determined to stand alone, she leaves Virginia to find new roots in Wyoming.

Three years ago, Marshal Chase Matlock lost the love of his life during a bank robbery and was left riddled with guilt for failing to protect her. For three years, he’s tracked the scum of the earth—and this time, by God, he’ll get his man.

Scars from the past run deep, but when these two bruised hearts and lost souls meet and desire runs strong, can they overcome their doubts as well as the madman who holds Callie’s life in his hands?

Never had a Chance by Angela Raines

Thomas Heath’s sister, Clara, abandoned him to the cruelties of the people who were raising them. As a young man, he finally finds her just as she’s about to be married. Without a family to anchor him in a turbulent world, Tom goes in search of something to give him the stability he yearns for…but what?

Maria Berñal, pampered and coddled by her wealthy father, is on the verge of becoming a woman as her eighteenth birthday approaches.  When a stranger shows up at their door and is wounded as he tries to protect her, she finds him more than a passing attraction—she falls in love.

When Tom falls victim to a deadly trick, he can’t remember who he is or why he’s at the Berñal home. Will he regain his memory in time to prevent a second attack and claim the woman he loves?

Hearts in Harmony by Patti Sherry-Crews

It seems like Harmony and Alice have been best friends forever. They are of a same mind, and he can talk to her about anything—anything except the fact that he's fallen in love with the young woman she's become. He's so in love, he's speechless in her presence.

But his sister, Melody, has a plan. Harmony sends Alice an anonymous declaration of his love, promising to reveal himself at the Valentine's Day dance. What could go wrong?


Each of these tales by talented authors takes readers on a journey with a hero and heroine who find the other half of their heart but must fight to claim the love of a lifetime.


Prairie Rose Kaye Spencer created the video at the top of the page. She does a good job with videos, doesn't she? Thanks, Kaye!

As a gift to readers during our third-birthday celebration, PRP will bestow a copy of two of these stories on one of today’s commenters. The winner gets to pick which two. To enter the drawing, just answer this question: Do you believe in love at first sight?