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The Charred Grape: A Short Story
Rachael, a hardworking single mom, juggles the chaos of making ends meet as a waitress at the beloved restaurant The Charred Grape and always strives to be the best mother she can for her young son, Leo.
When the restaurant is bought out and taken over by a new owner, Rachael and the rest of the staff are understandably more than a little nervous. Will they lose their jobs? Will new management be so unbearable they'll be forced to quit? Will their loyal customers accept this change of hands?
Those nerves turn into something else entirely as the days pass and Rachael learns more about her new boss and also becomes friends with the new chef. What starts as an easy and carefree back-of-the-house and afterhours friendship quickly seems to be turning into something else, but can Rachael find space in her busy, high-stress life for romance?
This short story originally appeared in Recipes for A Sweet Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in January 2025. This ebook contains small edits from the author.
When the restaurant is bought out and taken over by a new owner, Rachael and the rest of the staff are understandably more than a little nervous. Will they lose their jobs? Will new management be so unbearable they'll be forced to quit? Will their loyal customers accept this change of hands?
Those nerves turn into something else entirely as the days pass and Rachael learns more about her new boss and also becomes friends with the new chef. What starts as an easy and carefree back-of-the-house and afterhours friendship quickly seems to be turning into something else, but can Rachael find space in her busy, high-stress life for romance?
This short story originally appeared in Recipes for A Sweet Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in January 2025. This ebook contains small edits from the author.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
12 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 22, 2025
love this short and sweet
Easy, feel good read. Even though it was short, the characters were lovable and I got invested in them. I actually like the shortness because I could finish it in between things.
Easy, feel good read. Even though it was short, the characters were lovable and I got invested in them. I actually like the shortness because I could finish it in between things.
September 1, 2025
Aweeeeee
Yesssss another cute story! I love when they're original and whilst this one had a minor misunderstanding I am happy it was resolved quickly and ended with a kiss and then with a lil something more ;)
Yesssss another cute story! I love when they're original and whilst this one had a minor misunderstanding I am happy it was resolved quickly and ended with a kiss and then with a lil something more ;)
April 26, 2025
Sweet romance short story
This is a cute story that draws you in. The characters were well enough developed that I would have enjoyed a little more from them!
This is a cute story that draws you in. The characters were well enough developed that I would have enjoyed a little more from them!
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April 30, 2025No rating⭐️
May 21, 2025
such a cute, adorable short story! perfect for a plane ride!
July 27, 2025
Cute short story!!
July 31, 2025
Very good for a short story
November 1, 2025
I’m sure this story is fine but I can’t read a damn thing with the grey text on my black background.
July 30, 2025
Short sweet romantic story with a happily ever after. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews