It is Appointed Unto Men Once to Die

These stories are beautifully written and deserve to be read. The inevitability of death is an issue that most prefer to ignore, but wiser souls face up to. Barbara, your skill as a writer shines through in the clarity of every sentence.
I did spot one typo in the first story. 'I've still used him umbrella' - I think you mean 'his umbrella'.
Six stars, and a place on my shelf.
David
MASTER ACT: a memoir

Dear Barbara,

I finally made it to your book.
Here’s what I think.

The long pitch.
It lacks consistency. It’s somewhat functional in that it tells the reader what to expect. But, it needs to be more strongly worded so that it carries the punch that good pitches are meant to deliver. Presently, it’s just a collection of statements.

When the Rain Comes.
Steve is certainly a strange character. While I understood the cause of his misery (too much happiness in his life), I couldn’t quite get into his squabble with the rain. I’ve always found it to be therapeutic and have seldom missed a chance to get drenched. But, that one point did bring out the negativity in Steve’s character. And I really liked the strong message at the end. It’s only love that makes the emptiness bearable.
Perceived limitation: Lack of dialogue.

Plan B.
A poignant story. Spirited Jenny had always kept her ambitions clammed up inside her, never bothering to share them with her old man. And the latter in turn was always too busy to explain to her the rationale behind his domineering ways. And finally, when his life takes the most unexpected turn, the only things that he’s left with are unspoken words and God. Once again, a meaningful message beautifully delivered.
Perceived limitation: Nothing worth mentioning.

My rating: 5 stars, and I look forward to reading the rest of these stories that carry such an overwhelming message of the fragility of human life.

Best regards,
AGC

You said you liked family drama and this is it! You are so shelved!

Great short stories that draw you in. Circumstances, themes and sermons draw you to think about eternity and living a life pleasing to God. You have put together a good work.
Please take time to read Spring::Connecting with God, especially the last chapter and let me know what you think.

Just loved "The small gift".
Which of my stories reminded you of yours?
Still have one to go.
christine

Short and to the point, I love your short stories, they are well written. Look forward to the next chapters.
Christine

Great stories. Very thought proving and fascinating. I was intrigued and entertained at the same time. Very original concepts. I have no hesitation in recommending this series of stories and back it. Top marks to a great writing talent. Good luck.

First sorry for the delay in commenting after my recent backing of your book, unfortunately there were a few pressing jobs that need seeing too…

What great concisely written stories. Loved, love ain’t poor; you use descriptive sensory narrative so very well to ground your stories quickly.
Like how you structured them (might have a look at my own middle chapter after this). Well delivered and very well written. – Good luck.

Barb: I can go with the short pitch. With the long pitch, I would end it with one succinct question since this is a thriller. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Dear Barbara, I love that you took the time to tell all of these stories - I've seen a lot of dead people & the worse was my Mom (memoir). I'm happy she's pain-free now & gets to be with Jesus. Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap before your story which was very well done. Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing/commenting on your book to help it advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to back/comment on my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tell at the end my illness now/6th abusive marraiage." Thanks, Susie :)

Wow. This is a good collection of short stories. I read all of them, interested in how many ways one author could design ways to die. You have a good writing style for short stories; give a reader the information he/she needs to be oriented to the setting and character; not so much it slows down the story. Best of all, you know how to write a punch for the end. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is actually quite good. Your writing is solid, but it's the story(ies) that stand out here. Your opening paragraph seemed a bit cliche at fisrt but i suspect that was intentional, as it takes off into a very compelling read.

I wish you well with this.

Lockjaw