Author: sweetcleanreads

“Yes, Mom, I remembered the book signing.” Ava shifted her phone to the other ear and dropped her large sack of books to the coffee shop floor. “But I’m not waiting in line to meet this guy without coffee.” The customer in front of her—a tall man with broad shoulders who looked to be around…

It’s amazing how much four little words can change your day. Words like “we’re out of coffee” when you get to the front of the line at your favorite cafe. Or when your best friend says, “Me. You. Polar Plunge.” “Come on, pick up.” Sarah Williams pulled her coat tighter and paced, a futile attempt…

by Kelsey Messner “Do you know why we invited ourselves over tonight?” Aggie asked me.  I glanced up at Aggie from my nest-like papasan chair. Despite her diminutive size, Aggie’s militant posture and downward-slanted brows made me feel like a delinquent in my own apartment.  “To watch the Braves cream the Phillies.” I mumbled.  Aggie’s…

Swish. The basketball bounced back to Vander and he lined up another shot. Swish. The familiar sound of the ball rushing through the net did little to settle his nerves.  Usually his time on the court was like time spent with an old friend.  But not tonight.  Tonight all he could think about was Audrey….

“Aunt Rachel, you said we were having a sleep over,” Hannah whined as they walked through the grocery store. “We are.” Rachel tossed a frozen pizza into the cart. “But first we need supplies.” She shot her niece a mischievous grin. “What kind of supplies?”  Rachel smiled at….read more Precocious six-year-old Hannah and her Aunt…

This day could not get any worse. Seriously.  And I’m a kindergarten teacher, it’s not hard to make a bad day worse. Like the time I got a flat tire on the way to work, sat in wet paint, and then little Tommy Jones sneezed in my face. I was sick for a week after…