SOMETIMES STORIES
Author's note: I figure we all need a quick read once in a while, and I hope you enjoy this first story in my new series.
Each work will have its own flavor, though you may notice some common threads, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or Easter eggs... Just sayin'.
Lots of strange happenings in the Cape Fear.
My Alien Life: A Novelette
by J. Martain
A sassy and sweet coming-of-age story full of laughs, tears, and everyday strangeness.
"My mother was a no-nonsense woman. If it wasn’t in the Bible or on Jerry Springer, then it couldn’t happen. Of course, there’s a lot of freaky stuff in the Good Book, with ladders to heaven and angels with animal faces and such. And crazy, muckraking talk shows probably aren’t the best yardstick for anything short of how depraved humans can be. But the point is that when she was abducted by aliens and impregnated with me, she had some trouble processing.” — Lynette, aged 9
So begins this heartwarming, speculative tale of an unusual child who finds a home—and love—with her feisty Great-great-aunt Magnolia Rose McClellan.
Set in rural North Carolina, this Southern fiction "novelette" is short enough for a lunch break—though you may want to have some tissues handy!
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Goodreads, BookBub, & Amazon readers give it 4.5 stars!
Heather Hummel Gallagher, Author
Beautifully written novella
I appreciate an author who can write a good short novella, and My Alien Life by J. Martain is a great example of a well-written, captivating. I was drawn into the relationships between Lynette and her father and then her Aunt Mag.
The setting and story reminded me of my favorite book when I was a teenager, A Girl Named Sooner. J. Martain depicts the setting and use of language/southern accent beautifully.
My Alien Life wasn't one of those novellas where you're left thinking, "Boy, if this were a novel, I could learn more about this or that" because (it) gives you everything packed perfectly in a box with a bow.
Amazon "verified purchase" - Vicki D.
A delightful read
J Martain’s novelette is completely engaging from the first page. The characters are richly defined considering this is a short story. There are moments of laughter and tears and anyone familiar with the South will appreciate the narrative and spot-on descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Goodreads - StormEnchantra
True Southern Life
I definitely recommend this book. It's a beautiful, funny read (if you like sassy) about a girl and the hardships life has thrown her way. She grows up much like several in my family have, simple, learning the land, with someone that age was never a factor for (also relatable to my family). Beautifully written and vivid words remind me of things from early on in my childhood. A wonderful read for a quick trip or Dr. appointment.
Amazon "Top 1000 Review Editors" - Sentinelle 23
So moving!
The young Lynette, 9 years old, daydreamed and thought how different her two parents were... And for good reason...
A slice of life of a little girl so moving and authentic! An essential and refreshing read. THANK YOU to the author!
BookBub - @crowstuff
This is a delightful short story that will put a huge smile on your face. It is the story of a nine year old girl being raised by a "Do the best you can" Dad whom she adores. Life changes and you meet a feisty great aunt who takes on the job of raising this girl. You smile all the way through the story and I found myself wanting more. How about a much longer story? I am a fan and heartily recommend this story and this author. I might even like beets now.