Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

No one can fully appreciate the extent of a dog’s unconditional love for his human playmate unless they have experienced the joys and sorrows of owning a dog, of allowing the dog to be part of their lives for years, a vital member of the family. Kerry ONeal’s A Collection of Inspirational Tales shares the story of the loving bond between a boy and his dog that lasts a decade or more and helps the boy through some difficult times, healing the pain of loss when a beloved family member dies. But this is only one story in a collection that will inspire the reader and certainly bring a few tears to the eyes of those who absorb these compelling stories. Wilma’s story shows her desire at the age of 72 to revisit her youth and lost love and passion in faraway Florida, all before she passes from this world to the next. But is the past she left behind still there? Is it still the way she remembered it? Times can change not only people but things and places and the way life carries on. Sad, but oh so true.

Kerry ONeal’s book, A Collection of Inspirational Tales, is a short story collection that will have readers pondering on many aspects of life, from friendships to lost loved ones, from special pets to faith and the power of family love, from war heroes to everyday heroes, and so much more. The stories are told from various points of view, from the first-person narrative of the puppy being taken away from his mother for the first time to find a human to love as his own, to third-person and descriptive narratives. The author chooses the voice that’s right for the story being told. Each story has a compelling plot, thorough descriptive passages, and great character development. These stories are meant to make you think, while at the same time soothing your soul as you accept that life isn’t always what you think it should be, but it can be full of positive moments. A compelling collection of stories.