Unexpected Gifts
Stories of Change
compiled by Hannah Huber
Unexpected Gifts
Stories of Change
Compiled by Hannah Huber
Cover Design by Cigdem Guven
Editor: Kristin Anderson
Translator: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Proofreader: Anna Trapmore
Released: Fall 2025
Text: English
ISBN Paperback: 978-9-0834-7975-0
Unexpected Gifts is a collection of inspiring short stories by international writers who encountered a situation or person that set their life on a different path or sparked change.
When we reach midlife(!), we enter a time in which we often find ourselves at a crossroads with our careers and how we want to spend our time. Our children, if we have children, are becoming more independent, thus giving us more time. On the other hand, our parents, if they’re still alive, are aging, and all sorts of accompanying complications arise. We realize that time is ticking faster than ever before.
This sense of urgency forces us to examine our own values and make big, risky even, but necessary changes. Often there’s a trigger, a moment, a person we encounter, or an experience that brings on these changes. For some of us, midlife is a time for reflection, realizing the important role people play(ed) in our lives and hoping we can play a similar role for others. These are the unexpected gifts.
Inspired by stories of midlife people in her direct environment, Hannah Huber has bundled these short stories into a special anthology, creating an inspirational resource and gift for generations to come! Each story is accompanied by a portrait illustration that leaves enough to the readers imagination, while also capturing the essence of the person behind each unexpected gift.