Pimping out My Sister-In-Law*: Volume 1 by Sheldon Charles is a collection of four short, entertaining stories that are character-driven and that explore themes of relationships, illness, loss, and humanity. In “Words Ever Unspoken,” Carson and Melissa, who once had a relationship meet again and as they explore this moment together after several years following their breakup, they must determine if they are just longing to recapture the flame they once had or the possibility of coming back together. In “It’s a Surreal Thing,” a simple, innocent request sets the heart of a young man on fire as his attention turns towards a beguilingly beautiful woman. “Just Down from Rimpy’s Bait Shop” explores the relationship between a dying grandfather and his grandson and “A Scent of the Virus” takes an intriguing look at the psyche of a young man as he deals with the doldrums of Covid-19 lockdown while making an effort to recapture the memory of an experience of love. Can the candle with a unique scent be the breadcrumb that unveils the beauty of a lost love?

Sheldon Charles’ collection of short stories are the perfect read for anyone looking for something light to read. They are beautifully written, stylistic, and featuring gorgeous prose and drama. The author’s ability to capture human emotions and the exploration of the mindscapes of the characters are two dominant skills that elevate the beauty of the stories, filling them with realism and humanity. In the brief moments that readers encounter the characters, they develop a liking for them, because they are fleshed out, genuinely flawed, and real. The tone is light and the internal conflicts are deftly written in each of the stories. Pimping out My Sister-In-Law*: Volume 1 offers the perfect escape to those looking for a breezy and inviting collection of short stories that plunge them into the dynamics of human relationships; they are replete with humor and moments that will remind readers of places they have been and emotions that are often ignored. This collection celebrates the joy of falling in love, examines the ache that accompanies the sense of loss, and eloquently talks about characters that readers will care about.