Books by Mandy Haynes

Walking The Wrong Way Home by Mandy Haynes

Spanning nearly twenty decades, the struggles and victories these characters face are timeless as they all work towards the same goal. A place to feel safe, a place to call home.

5 star Reader Review: "This book is honestly outstanding. Maybe the best short story writer I've ever encountered. Wonderful stories. Brilliantly written. Some hopeful. Some sad. All riveting. Intelligent, and yet really creative style. Among the best of short story authors out there. Powerful insights into the complexities of human and family relationships."

Sharp as a Serpent's Tooth: Eva and other stories by Mandy Haynes

Each story features a female protagonist, ranging from ten to ninety-five years of age. Set in the south, you’ll follow these young women and girls as they learn that they’re stronger than they ever thought possible.

5 star Reader Review: "Packed with wit and wisdom, this collection is aptly named. If asked, I’d have to admit I’ve rarely cared for short stories. Sharp as a Serpent's Tooth is one of those rare exceptions. Ms. Haynes has crafted narratives that are both soulful and hard-hitting. Her tales somehow engage all five senses, allowing the reader to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste the southern soul of her strong women. Even the youngest among them are wise enough and quick-witted enough to save themselves—and others. Never before have I stood and cheered at the end of a short story. Sharp as a Serpent’s Tooth brought me to my feet…more than once."

Oliver by Mandy Haynes

“Dear God…and Jesus and Mary…” Even though eleven-year old Olivia is raised Southern Baptist, she likes to cover her bases when asking for a favor. Unlike her brother Oliver, she struggles with keeping her temper in check and staying out of trouble. But Oliver is different, and in the summer of ’72 he proves to Olivia there’s magic in everything - it’s up to us to see it.

5 star Reader Review: "What a sweet Southern yarn. Make no mistake: the narrator has plenty of spitfire and sass, which keeps the tale lively, but it's the sweet brother most of the town has bullied and dismissed who carries the story to its heartwarming conclusion. The author has a good ear for Southern dialogue and prose rhythms, but this is a tale that calls upon the Yiddish and Eastern European tradition of the wise fool. Think Isaac Bashevis Singer, "Gimpel, The Fool," for example. Think Aristotle and peripitas, or reversals, in which the weak become mighty and the mighty weak, and then just enjoy a good, colloquial Southern read."

Work In Progress edited by Mandy Haynes

Have you ever finished a book and wondered, "What made the author think of that?" Or wondered if there was a chapter in the original manuscript that didn't make it through the final edits? Work In Progress includes fifty-nine excerpts from some talented authors' works in progress in different stages of the writing process, followed up with the story behind the story of the piece, and the story behind the author who wrote it.

5 star Reader Review: "A fabulous anthology filled with bits of stories that’ll make you want to read more from these authors."