The Christian Writer

Short Stories

It’s Christmastime in London, England, and songs of joy seem to be echoing in every heart. Detective Emmett Harding, however, cares very little for the holiday season… though no one really knows why. While renowned as one of the most successful private investigators of his time, Detective Harding’s own life remains a mystery to many.

But when a cryptic note arrives at his office on Christmas Eve, the detective determines to decipher its meaning… and to track down the mysterious man behind it. He little knows that there is more to this case than meets the eye… and that it just might shed light on a past he’s long tried to forget.

Willow Grant wants nothing more than to blend in at her new school. But when she stands up for Jaquelyn, the strange girl who just moved to town, she makes enemies—and friends—that she never wanted.

While walking her dog one day, Willow meets a reclusive old man who seems to be harboring a deep secret. At first, she wants nothing to do with him and his broken-down house, but she little knows that the story behind one closed door could change her life forever.

Friendship and hatred… compassion and prejudice… an untold tale of tragedy and bitterness. These force Willow to confront the secrets she’s kept for so long. But will she ever be able to see a person behind a face? Or will she continue to let her faith be hidden by her biggest fears?

Earl Desmond has spent the past four Christmases alone, and he expects that this Christmas will be no different. But all of that changes when the doorbell rings, announcing the unexpected arrival of Weston, Earl’s troubled son-in-law. Weston refuses to reveal his reason for returning, and it becomes clear that he has been avoiding the past for far too long. With the aid of another surprise visitor, Earl must help his son-in-law see the importance of gift far greater than any other.

The Scarlets are outcasts—feared and hated by the superstitious townspeople for reasons long forgotten. One boy, however, knows the truth. So when the city is threatened by disaster, it’s up to Zaccai alone to unite the Scarlets and the townspeople before fire destroys them all.

Tad Griffin—a young factory worker living in 19^th century London—wants nothing more than to protect and provide for his little sister. But when Mr. Beasley, the cruel factory owner, meets with a mysterious man who appears to be interested in Tad, the boy decides to run away forever.

Blocked on every side by both Mr. Beasley’s evil schemes and a friendly minister’s well-meaning attempts, Tad has nowhere to turn, and is forced to see himself for who he really is.

Ever since his master, John the Baptist, was imprisoned in the Fortress of Machaerus, Jabin has searched for a way to help him. The opportunity arises when John sends Jabin and his brother on a mission to find a man by the name of Jesus. Determined to prove that Jesus is a fraud, Jabin little knows that this journey will turn his world upside down.

Denton is a criminal. His sentence has been decided, and blood must flow. Yet when all hope seems lost, it can be found again… but only if Denton will humble himself and do the one thing he vowed he’d never do.