Karma Doesn't Kill Recognition! #awardwinning #fivestars #greatread #comingofage #RRBC #lifechoices #karma @ReadersFavorite @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I have great news to share with you! My short story, Karma Doesn't Kill, has recently been honored with two great recognitions! 

The first was announced during the #RRBC "Books & Budz" Holiday Pop-Up Bookshop 2024. Karma Doesn't Kill was chosen as the GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the 2024 90-Day Alpha/Omega "Beginning-To-End" Short Story Writing Contest! This contest challenges writers to create and publish a short story within 90 days. 

The second honor came from receiving the Readers' Favorite Five Star seal of approval! The reviewer wrote such a beautiful review, so I want to share it with you here:

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

Karma Doesn’t Kill by Yvette M. Calleiro is a poignant coming-of-age tale that follows JT, a young man whose life is profoundly influenced by the choices he makes. The story opens with JT's childhood, where he juggles the starkly different worlds of his parents' homes after their divorce. His father emphasizes hard work and responsibility, while his mother grapples with addiction, leaving JT feeling overlooked and lost. His life spirals downward when he is introduced to drugs by his mother's boyfriend, Matt, resulting in academic struggles and run-ins with Child Protection Services. After a drug test reveals his mother's addiction, JT's father gains custody of him. Initially, life with his father and grandfather offers stability and guidance. However, tragedy strikes when his Gramps suffers a fatal heart attack. Overwhelmed by grief and feeling emotionally distant from his father, JT decides to move back in with his now-remarried and changed mother. What kind of future awaits JT? This story is a powerful reminder of how our choices, relationships, and resilience shape our life's trajectory.

I found the emotional depth and realism in Karma Doesn’t Kill truly compelling. JT’s journey felt incredibly authentic, and his struggles with family and identity are something many readers can relate to. The opening line grabbed my attention right away and never let go. Yvette M. Calleiro has a remarkable ability to write with depth. The narrative effectively explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the importance of second chances. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the action—especially during the climax—was both striking and unforgettable. Calleiro balances JT’s challenges with moments of growth. Karma Doesn’t Kill is a cautionary tale about the significance of making wise choices, reaching out for family support, and finding the strength to endure life’s hardships. This book would appeal to anyone who loves heartfelt stories about overcoming obstacles. “Karma won’t kill ya, but she’ll make sure your life is hell.”

For those of you who haven't read it yet, this story was born from a tragic event that happened to someone I care deeply about. Although Karma Doesn't Kill's characters and circumstances are purely fictional, the story captures the true consequences of life's choices.

If you haven't read Karma Doesn't Kill yet, I encourage you to pick up a copy. You can grab your copy here. Happy reading!