Unexpected Gifts

SHARING CIRCUMSTANCE AND OFFERING PERSPECTIVE "Sometimes, life glitches so that you can rewrite the code" — S.A. Grant Midlife has a habit of forcing change. Whether we're in a career or marriage cul-de-sac, caring for aging parents or coping with empty-nest syndrome, we find ourselves re-evaluating our lives as never before. So what does it take to spark meaningful change? Unexpected Gifts is an anthology of sixteen short stories and essays, a reflection on midlife and its inflection points. With authors spanning seven countries, these "Stories of Change" explore some of life's biggest questions through a variety of voices. Alongside successful writers and podcasters, we hear from a social worker, a psychologist, a widow, and a lawyer; a "single mom by choice" and a father honoring the loss of his son. By experiencing change through the eyes of others, we challenge our own choices and begin to lean into new possibilities. Compiled by Storyhouse Works founder Hannah Huber, this special anthology features original portrait illustrations by Amsterdam artists, and will serve as an inspirational keepsake for generations to come. Cover Design: Cigdem Guven Illustrations: Patricia Velasco, Anna Demina, Tanja Bladt-Cohen storyhouseworks.com