Rachel Reid: Books Novels & Stories

"Different good?" "Different good." In July, the first book in Riley's new series came out. The reviews were strong, sales were solid, and readers seemed excited about the connected universe. "You did it," Samuel said, reading a particularly glowing review. "Did what?" "Proved you're not a one-hit wonder. Proved you can build something sustainable." "I'm still terrified every time a book comes out." "That's normal. But Riley, look at what you've accomplished. Three bestselling memoirs, now a successful fiction series, Pack Truth thriving. You're kind of amazing."

I check through the curriculum for the middle school, and the high school and when I find what I am looking for, I wait until the end of my shift before dashing away. Stepping into the recommended book store, I could tell it was serious business, the air is stiffer here, and a cut out of Rachel Park stand by the entrance, greeting whoever walked in first. My mind replaces the image of the tight lipped, hard eyes woman on the cut out with Regina’s smiling face, and it is so much better, so, so much better. She would definitely be better than this Rachel Park lady. I can feel it. With that conviction in my heart, the books on my shoulder feel light and I head back home.

It had been so quick. “Evening then, if it is not a bother.” Racheal said, and took the crochet dress off the rack. “You could never be a bother, Racheal.” Chloe said. “You are going to visit her?’ Jade asked, looking at both of them in surprise. “Yes. She is coming to see my books.” Chloe replied with a big smile.

It was dawn and the sun’s ray casted long shadows across the ancient books scattered on the table. Rachel sat among them with her hands moving methodically as she flipped through pages and her brow was furrowed in concentration. The weight of the pack’s survival, of Gilly’s fate, and of Zone’s worsening condition, seemed to press down on all of us, but Rachel carried it with quiet determination. I stood near the door, pacing as I waited for her to find something—anything—that could guide us.

“You look like a kid in a candy store.” “Don’t mock me. This is sacred.” She darted down an aisle, running her fingers reverently across the spines of novels. Reid trailed behind, occasionally pulling out a book to skim but he’s behind her each time. At one point, he stopped and held up a book. “This one.” Raees blinked. “What is it?” He handed it to her. “The woman on the cover page reminded me of you.” She turned the cover over, seeing the face, then she smiled, proceeding to read the title. It was a collection of poems centering on different topics, some love, some strength, some just stories written . “Reid…”

"Smart right?" "Way to toot your own horn," Rachel said, going to check the records shelf, It had a lot of oldies, from Lionel Ritchie, to Madonna, to Mariah Carieh and Whitney Houston, she kept going through the records while he sat back on the duffle back and tried to open the wine and kept failing. "Puss," Rachel murmured under her breath. "Heard that," "Not necessarily my problem, my lord." "Oh my, you got Billie Eilish WWFAS WDWG full album!" Rachel cried excitedly.

Chapter 61: One Good, Two Bad. Rachel sat at the farthest corner of the school library, her fingers flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. The familiar scent of old paper and ink filled the air, a quiet comfort in the otherwise chaotic world of high school. She didn’t mind being alone. It was easier this way.

Though, she kept a polite front. "Um..." Her teeth caught her lower lip, an unconscious act as her eyes scanned the shelf. I looked at her lips longer than I should have, and my mouth went dry. "These series are actually my favorites." She pointed to a stack. "The Ravenhood Trilogy by Kate Stewart. T—They were so good I read them in two days. T—These are good as well." She went ahead to point at three more series. That was fifteen books in total. She fumbled through the motion, all nerves and uncertainty.

I say. But we both know that’s a lie. Our To-Be-Read piles are already so massive they’ve crossed into absurd territory. Even if we lived three lifetimes each, we probably wouldn’t get through them. Honestly, the idea of finishing our TBR lists is far more unrealistic than the dragon book currently sitting in my hands. Rachel’s eyes suddenly sparkle with an idea. Before I can ask what she’s thinking, she disappears down the aisle. Ten seconds later she returns. With two shopping baskets.

I’ve never seen this side to him—so vulnerable and lonely. What is it about this woman that gets under his skin? “So, about this project you’re working on?” he asks Thaddeus, taking the conversation in another direction. “Yes, that’s the reason we’re here,” smiles Thaddeus. “I’ve just recently established a little independent publishing house. It’s still very small, but I’ve managed to get a few authors on our books. “One in particular, Rachel Kushner, is trying her hand at writing children’s books. Do you know her?” he asks.