The Gift and Other Stories

Unwrap life’s unexpected gifts in this compelling anthology of short stories.

In “The Gift,” an adopted woman’s life takes a profound turn when she embarks on a journey to find her birth mother. Henry at the Library explores his passion for reading. “A Chance Meeting” tells the story of two strangers whose paths cross on a streetcar, leaving them to wonder if fate will bring them together again. “Drew’s Fall From Grace” explores the dramatic transformation of a wealthy bachelor whose life changes in ways he never imagined. “Ethel” captures the resilience of a British bride facing the horrors of World War II, while “The Intruder” offers a chilling glimpse of a girl alone at home with an unexpected visitor. “Joe and Meat Loaf” is a heartfelt tale of a man and his loyal dog, and “The Inn” reveals the dark secrets of three unsavory men who take shelter under its roof. In “The Magic Tin Box,” a mother’s treasure holds the memories of a lifetime, and “The Train” brings a boy unexpected joy.

Each story in this anthology weaves together moments of love, loss, courage, and joy, inviting you to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary.

What the Readers are Saying

Betty is a marvellous story teller. Every story is related to real life, morality, hope and forgiveness. If it is expanded, each story can be a novel in itself. Well done.

—reader Joan

Your stories are delightful—humanity, kindness and mystery. I enjoyed reading them. Well done.

—Orna Salamon

Buy The Gift and Other Stories on Amazon, Apple Books, Rakuten-Kobo, and wherever eBooks are sold.

About the Author

Eighty-eight-year old Betty Stewart worked as a secretary for several different firms, including a stint in London, for two years. While there, she drove over eight thousand miles through Europe in a van purchased by her and her roommate for seventy-five pounds.

Most of her working life was as a secretary except when she worked as a part-time sales clerk for a women’s clothing store at the age of thirteen.

Fifty-two years after her working days, she retired to enjoy camping with her Scottish husband, who she met in London. They went camping on vacations with their daughter as a family, but once retired, they could go any day and for longer periods of time. They’ve camped through all the provinces of Canada and all but six U.S. states. They’ve also travelled to the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

Once her husband passed away, she started a knitting class and joined a storytelling group. Her writing journey began at seventy-nine years old. This is her first book of fiction stories to be published.