Very good collection of short stories. You may find yourself reading more than one at a setting. A terrific read. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

Do not miss this masterful collection of stories and insights into the daily lives of people confronted with their own problems and dreams. Some of these characters will come across as self-absorbed but they will still provoke compassion and a desire to understand them. The best part of these stories is that often the characters makes a decision that is not in their best interest – but yields unexpected results. In “The Pickup, “ a young woman makes a rash decision to get in a car awaiting someone else. In “The Strong One,” a couple copes with the illness of an adult daughter while trying not to let down each other. In the “Middle Child,” a woman coming out of deep depression, discovers a life she can now embrace. In “An Impromptu Visit, “a woman and her daughter, who have auto problems, take refuge from a storm. Once greeted by the gracious homeowner, the woman makes a small rash decision, which echoes in her psyche. “The Tree of Porphyry” tells the story of decision making as if viewed from within a kaleidoscope of choices. In “Faux Me,” a woman considers the choices she never could have made….and where they could take her. In “Am I a Thief”, a woman attending a movie leaves with an unexpected souvenir and ideas for justification. Anyone of these stories could be my favorites, and if I read the collection again, I would surely highlight other ones. This book is a great way to escape into other lives that could almost be yours – if the conditions were right. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this copy to review. Loved it!

I absolutely love short stories. And this did not disappoint. Usually they can leave a lot to be desired or can appear rushed. This did not at all. I could not put it down. My favorite was the stranger letting the mom and daughter into the house. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.