Flood of Tears - M. Lori Motley

Author: M. Lori Motley Author web: M. Lori Motley Date: 2009 Setting: anywhere, in the present day Availability: In the anthology Elements of the Soul

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Story: Leesa and her son Ethan are just beginning to learn what life is going to be like for them since Leesa’s husband, Ethan’s father, was sent to prison for rape and murder. At school, Ethan’s former friend calls him names, while his mother confronts Leesa. Only Ethan’s teacher seems to understand, and show a willingness to treat Ethan as before. Ethan had been cast for the lead in the school play, “The Sword in the Stone,” and the boy is truly excited about being discovered to be King Arthur. Other children’s parents are not so sure they think the choice of students is appropriate for the role.

But on the way to opening night, a wild storm threatens to tear away the Carson Street bridge while Leesa and Ethan are crossing it in their unreliable truck.

Commentary: Flood of Tears explores the reactions of people when confronted with a genuine tragedy of life. Those near to a wrong-doer may be treated as if they share a part of the blame, while the accusers revel in their own self-righteousness. There is possibly a sub-theme of Old Testament justice.


Author info: M. Lori Motley's most prolific writing genres are sword & sorcery, contemporary and urban fantasy, horror, dark fantasy, comedic fantasy, and paranormal & fantasy romance.



Learn more about Lori at M. Lori Motley.

 

Rating:
Language skills 5
Depth of meaning 6

 

Love & Loss - Lindsay Maddox

Author: Lindsay Maddox Author web: lindsaymaddox.com Date: 2009 Setting: anywhere, in the present day Availability: In the anthology Elements of the Soul

Story: This tale follows the parallel stories of a college girl named Sara and another young woman named Lauren. Both have just found out that they are pregnant, but their reactions to this situation are completely different.

Sara is devastated, but Lauren and her husband have been trying hard to have a baby for years. They have previously lost three babies through miscarriage. This new pregnancy is a another chance, yet they are wary of becoming too hopeful of the outcome. The story line alternates between the lives of the two women, and eventually they become intertwined.

Commentary: The emotions of the two women are the key element of the action. Anyone who has ever wanted a baby will identify with this story. Themes are maternal love, and making good choices. I don't believe there are any secondary meanings in Love & Loss. It's a straightforward read, with a bit of a twist on situations that are all too common in our society where some women want a child desperately, while others prefer a career path.

Author info: Lindsay Maddox is a graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in Business and Marketing, but her true love is writing. That is, when she can find a scrap of time and energy left over from loving and caring for four small children, which includes a set of twins. She is the author of a popular blog, Silly Mom Thoughts, and is working on a novel for young adults.

Rating:
Language skills 7
Depth of meaning 7