Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Hi Folks! I am trying to appear normal today, probably in the vain hope that it could be true!

Beginning with a catch-up of things unfinished. This review has been on the back burner since Christmas, so it was a great place to begin…

Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection’s eight tales bring light in the darkest of circumstances. In the novelette, A Perfect Ghostly Christmas, Julie has survived the foster care system and finally comes home. She now owns her grandparents’ house and has received an offer that appears too good to be true. On top of that, the family she felt had abandoned her during her difficult times has reentered her life. But it’s the otherworldly experiences that lead her to something her grandparents left behind. This discovery changes everything and opens a door to danger. The seven short stories explore fractured families, a widower’s loneliness, a mall shooting, financial struggles, strained relationships, woodland kittens, and a woman haunted by a red truck. Whether it’s a ghost, an angel, or Santa, some unseen force is there to provide help when needed. A reminder in the busy holiday season or anytime we are never alone, and miracles are possible.

About the author

D.L. Finn

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

Our Review

I chose Miracles and Ghosts, a Christmas Collection of short stories, to read over Christmas, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them in between all those Christmas jobs.

Some readers have chosen their favourite stories from this collection, but I had trouble picking just one, as I loved them all. Although, A Christmas Eve Walk is one story that I will remember.

Linda Jones, a lonely lady with only her dog Bubbles for company, experiences a mysterious Christmas encounter that brings a welcome chance of happiness.

You will need tissues for this one!

D L Finn always writes such interesting and very human stories.

Excerpt from Miracles and Ghosts

Stepping through the trees and onto the familiar trail, she felt some of the tension float away right as the first snowflakes of the season landed on the brown leaves and pine cones. The sting of his marriage didn’t hurt as much as it should have. Instead, it was kind of a relief. She almost laughed picturing his worried expression. Maybe the man felt a sliver of guilt for making her a placeholder. The reality was he wasn’t her soulmate, and it was more her pride that had been hurt than her heart. Elizabeth had repeatedly pointed out their lack of compatibility. Although he had ticked several boxes—handsome, successful, and they both liked hiking in nature—that was where it ended. Someday she’d thank Missy. The cheerleader had done her a favor. Bubs happily trotted next to her, stopping to smell or mark his territory. Linda’s shoulders relaxed as peace crept in. The last bit of anger faded away, and she was ready for new adventures. “Hello! Anybody there?” a youthful male voice called, startling her out of her musings. “Yes! Do you need help?” Linda shouted. “Yes!”

“Coming!” She wasn’t worried that it might be a trap or a crime waiting to happen. In that moment, her maternal instincts took over. Plus, Bubs’s tail was wagging. She wholeheartedly trusted her dog’s instincts. He had always avoided Curt. Bubs tugged on his green leash, pulling her toward the voice. Linda found a boy of about ten or eleven sitting on a rock holding a small black kitten. “Did you find that?” He nodded, his curly brown hair bouncing around a thin face. She stooped. “It’s so tiny! I have a scarf we can wrap it in.” “A scarf works. Can you hold this kitten while I get the rest of them and the mom? With this storm coming, it’ll be too cold for them to survive.

I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get them all back to my brother’s house by myself. Thanks.” He tenderly gave her the kitten. “I’m here to help.” She unwound her pink scarf and wrapped the tiny kitten, who offered no resistance other than a weak meow. Bubs sniffed the scarf and snorted. The young boy narrowed his piercing brown eyes. “Your dog won’t hurt the kitten, will he?” “No, he’s a sweetheart. He loves our neighbor’s cat. Best friends.” Linda held the little ball of fluff close to her to keep it warm…