Publisher: Twenty Hills Publishing
Release Date: November 21st, 2025
Source: I was gifted an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own, honest opinions.
Category: Contemporary with fantasy elements. Short story.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
The storm brewing on the beach is no match for the turmoil inside Jenna’s breaking heart. The last time she and her father were on the shoreline together, Jenna decided she was too grown to look for imaginary mermaids in the waves. Now, regret and grief threaten to consume her as she wishes more than anything that there could be more time with her father—who is nearing the end of his battle with terminal cancer.
An encounter with a strange piece of sea glass leaves Jenna with an opportunity to have her greatest wish granted… But bargains in the depths prove jagged pieces of a broken heart aren’t the only things that are sharp.
My Thoughts:
5 stars.
This was a powerful short story that really hits you at the end. I was tearing up!
It was so very emotional.
Even though it has fantasy elements to it, it dealt realistically with regret and grief. It depicted the pain and suffering that comes with facing the end of someone you love very much.
Jenna was a relatable character. I felt for her and the struggle she had to go through. We are only with her for a short time, but it is a time that will have a great impact on her for the rest of her life.
This story was a sweet, sorrowful surprise. It kept me riveted as I waited to see how it would go.
And the dedication at the end hit even harder than the story! This is one short story not to be missed.
Content warning: It does deal with grief which may be a trigger for some, but it was a clean read.
You can add it to your Goodreads here.
Rochelle L. Sharpe 