BRIGHTNESS by Rob Horner

Years of medical wisdom of Michael Richards could not make sense of what his eight-year-old daughter, Sarah, was saying. At the same time, the father in him wanted to believe her. Especially, when her claim to see darkness and light inside certain people matched with their actions, he could not discard the possibility of truth in her sightings.

The White Apron by Christine Eyres

Although Aggie’s life was no fairy tale, she cherished her childhood like a distant dream. When her teacher recommended her for a scholarship exam, she believed herself to be one step closer to becoming a teacher. However, her mother, whom she called Mam, decided that it was “o’er time” that she left the school. Despite her reluctance, fourteen-year-old Aggie was sent off to Alder Lodge to work as a “maid-of-all-work.” This is where she found love. She could not put her foot down to protect her ambition of becoming a teacher, but in the matter of marriage, she did not succumb to her mother’s resistance. Thus, she married William, a soldier with enchanting tales of travels far and beyond. Little did she know that this very man would put her through life’s horrific turmoils. The White Apron by Christine Eyres is a testament to a woman’s resilience and devotion.