Welcome to stories of the uncanny, the odd, the beautiful, and the weird: the best stories from Black Coffee Fiction year one. Fifteen tales which can be enjoyed with your favorite cuppa. The Rapture - Papa says the world will end . on Christmas. Rufio - On the night of the big game, security is tight. But Rufio has a plan. The Sand Bar - When you want to get romantic, how do you separate a girl from her dog? Right Heat, Wrong Event - TJ swims the race of his life at the wrong time. Bank Job - What happens when you rob the friendliest bank teller in town? Sixty-four Squares - In the middle of a German offensive, a much more important battle is taking place.

Candle in the Window - Two neighbors, separated by two wars. Bob - Dogs resemble their owners in Christendom. Base Ted - A story of kids, baseball, and suspicion. Rock Singer - When it comes to love on reality TV, can an average Joe compete with a rock star? If Only - Should a long-lost love stay lost? Betty was a Racecar Driver - A tale of elderly rebellion. It's Coming - A race against time and nature. Felonies and Misdemeanors - Two shadowy men come to take away a man's inspiration. "Colleen and Wade fashion their delightfully witty storytelling around quirky yet familiar characters who weather challenges like a potential Christmastime rapture or a bank robbery gone weird. Their writing styles are distinctive, yet mesh in a complementary way -- a great read.

" Nikki Kallio, MFA Goddard College.