REVIEWED BY: Christie
TITLE: Turn the Page… Anthology
AUTHOR: Tempeste O’Riley and Various Authors
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 272 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2016
BLURB:
Turn The Page…. began as a simple idea and grew from there. No matter how bad things seem to be, just turn the page, there’s more—better—things to come. This is only one chapter in your life. It’s not the whole story. With this simple idea, Novice Sister Eroti-Quill—whom most know better as Tempeste O’Riley—began their quest to help Suicide Prevention and Awareness programs in their area. They managed to con (excuse me, convince) other authors to donate their time and stories to the project, and now, many months later, Turn The Page is born!
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eroti-Quill’s hope for others, to help bring strength to programs that so desperately need funding. It will allow them to continue to help others, and to show those that need support but may not have it, or that may be afraid to reach out, just how much love and understanding surrounds them. Turn The Page…. is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love, hope, and acceptance.
Happy Birthday to Me by Tempeste O’Riley
Robin’s Confession by Dianne Hartsock
Purr by Nikki Prince
Lockdown by Grace R. Duncan
Ducks in a Row by Sue Brown
Butterflies by Aine P Massie
Once Step Back by Carole Cummings
Superheroes by Hope Ryan
Unworthy by Mark Zubro
Love and Hope and Magic by Antonia Aquilante
Façade by Donovan Alekz Crane
REVIEW:
After checking out the blurb for Turn the Page, my heart screamed and yearned to read the charity anthology. Tho a bit stressful for me to read at times due to my own experiences with suicide, each and every short story within the covers of this book is great in its own right, and I am thankful to have had a chance to read them all. Each author involved in this anthology is massively talented, and I thank every one of them for their involvement in this book.
Happy Birthday to Me by Tempeste O’Riley *5* – Dave’s best friend practically drags him out of his home to celebrate his own birthday, and won’t tell him where they’re going until they park outside of the club he half owns, but has never stepped foot in after the break-up. But everything changes when he sets his eyes on Master Nicky, who certainly does not fit Dave’s usual style, especially with the kilt and corset, but something stirs inside him, and he can’t deny an instant attraction to the colorful dom.
Robin’s Confession by Dianne Hartsock *5* – Robin is head over heals in love with Jason even tho they have only been going out for a short while. But now is the scariest time because Robin has decided to show Jason his “true” self, is in that he is gender fluid and loves to wear dresses when the mood hits him. Can Jason accept him for who he truly is?
Purr by Nikki Prince *3* – Sasha and Tori are in quite the predicament. Sasha’s in a great amount of danger, and Tori definitely needs to be protected from it. While hiding at the cabin, they decide that it can’t hurt to have a swim in the lake for a bit. But, it turns out that Sasha’s danger caught up to her, leaving Tori unprotected.
Lockdown by Grace R. Duncan *3* – Gylam is often way too inside his head and has a huge problem expressing his feelings. Unfortunately, his partner (both at work and home) and Dom does not find this very cute, so Jackson punishes Gylam a bit severely in order to hopefully, finally teach him a lesson. Whether he learns his lesson or not, is an entirely different thing, however.
Ducks in a Row by Sue Brown *4* – David revels in the peace and quiet that feeding ducks in the afternoon affords him. That is, until the peace and quiet is shattered by Jeff and his labrador, Bozo. But maybe David has had enough peaceful afternoons, and what he actually needs is the liveliness that Jeff and Bozo bring.
Butterflies by Aine P Massie *3.5* – Sometimes the best birthday present we can give to ourselves is to push our hangups and fears aside and throw caution to the wind. Kyndra is in just that situation. Can she get past her fears and ask Jaiden, the gorgeous owner/ craftswoman of a little shop out?
Once Step Back by Carole Cummings *4.5* – Sahir run right into Nicholas whilst running from some scary strangers. Good thing, too, because Nicholas knows magic and saved Sahir at the last second. How can Sahir ever repay him? Maybe by saving Nicholas’ life in return?
Superheroes by Hope Ryan *3* – While standing on a bridge in Pittsburgh, Wayne contemplates jumping and ending everything. Especially since there’s noone to care whether he’s gone or not. But Bruce has been there and knows that it gets so much better, so he invites Wayne to coffee, in hopes that this could be the beginning of a whole new life for Wayne.
Unworthy by Mark Zubro *3* – Regrets can cripple you. Especially if they are a result of a decision you made long ago. When your life is empty and all you have are the regrets, it is torture. And, what makes it worse is when you never get the chance to express those regrets. What if you get another chance?
Love and Hope and Magic by Antonia Aquilante *4* – Ailill has been chosen to perform an ancient ritual that protects and sustains their people for a century. The problem is that the chosen gives their life during said ritual, and Lorcan cannot accept the impending loss of the man he has been inseparable from practically since birth. Lorcan is angry because Ailill has accepted his fate, instead of fight. Can he come to terms with what is to happen? Will his heart and soul survive?
Façade by Donovan Alekz Crane *3* – As a serial murderer ravages the city, killing women, David struggles to overcome depression and the struggles he has been battling with gender identity. While trying to lure said serial murderer, as his female alter-ego, Facade, can David come to terms with his inner self and catch the monster on the streets?
Within the covers of this anthology, you will run across several lovely stories, all about hope and acceptance. And tho I definitely have my favorites, each one was beautiful and a definite must read. I do have to warn you that there are quite a few trigger warnings that you need to be conscious of. There is suicide, cutting, and depression within these pages. So, I caution you to tread lightly. But, if you are not triggered by these themes, I highly recommend this anthology. Plus, the money spent all goes to an amazing cause. Do give it a chance if you can.
RATING: 
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