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Know It All by Sarah Mylnowski

I don’t read a whole lot of short stories, but when author Sarah Mlynowski asked if I would check out Know It All, a short story that originally appeared in the collection Girl’s Night In, I said yes with enthusiasm. And I’m glad I did! Even with the few short scenes, I was laughing at the characters and learning a lesson.
Shaun, a twenty-something single gal, gets a new roommate, Dee, who claims to be “a little bit physic.” Shaun certainly doesn’t believe someone can be physic, little bit or not. But when Dee claims to have seen Shaun’s ex-boyfriend falling in love with a new woman, Shaun has to make sure that doesn’t happen. Not that she is still in love with him. But if she is over him, why does she keep rushing around making sure he doesn’t meet this woman? Each time Dee has another vision of them meeting, Shaun intervenes. Is Shaun truly over her ex? And is it time to stop interfering with fate?
I think Mylnowski did an excellent job at building characters quickly, and making this story very relatable to all women. To move on or not to move on? The ways that Shaun interrupts all the chance meetings are very funny, and the lesson at the end is a good one. If you enjoy short stories, I would definitely recommend you pick up Know It All.
[Rating: 4]

The Cinderella Curse by JL Penn

Cindy is a pretty ordinary girl- ordinary looks, ordinary job, ordinary friends. But one day, she crosses path with a witch, gets cursed, and turns into a pumpkin each night at midnight. This is a real damper for Cindy, as she is trying to give her love life a shot with a handsome police officer. Luckily, he works the overnight shift, so he has yet to see Cindy turn orange in bed. But when his schedule changes, Cindy knows she either needs to tell him the truth and hope he can handle it, or say good-bye to the man she is starting to fall in love with. With supportive parents and a best friend who helps get her through her pumpkin nights, Cindy tries with all her might to reverse the curse, even seeking out local witch covens for help. But only a fairy tale ending will be the answer for this puzzle.
The Cinderella Curse by JL Penn is a hilarious short story, and readers will enjoy all the trip-ups Cindy encounters as a pumpkin. Though the ending may be a bit predictable, it is still a fun story to dive into from one of my favorite authors.
Rating: 4.5/5