VALERIE GILFORD COLLINS
HEY LOVELY READERS!
ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF: I am a writer. I have always been a writer. Even before my elementary school English teacher sent me home with surplus pens and writing pads over the summer so that I could engage in my favorite pastime. Even before I graduated from college as an English major. Even before I won Honorable Mention for my short story in a national writing contest.
My first experience as a writer was in the form of poetry. It was an easy way for my young self to express and work through my feelings. I went on to try my hand at writing one-act plays, screenplays, novels, and short stories. What it all had in common was that I was creating and telling stories.
I am a lover of stories–reading them and writing them. Storytelling can be transformative, healing, and fun. So I hope you enjoy the stories I’ve created as you read my debut short story collection, Ambretta Lane.
Happy Reading!
Valerie

Welcome to Ambretta Lane!
Ambretta Lane is a fictional suburban condominium complex located in Southern Westchester County, adjacent to New York City.
This collection of short stories showcases some of the residents of Ambretta Lane and their experiences with love in all its forms: puppy love; first love; self-love; love between mothers and daughters; brothers and sisters; husbands and wives.
Immerse yourself in the happenings of the community as you enjoy reading:
THREE MINUTES which finds Erica, a 33-year-old married woman, confronting a staggering circumstance in her life that will impact everything she thought she wanted.
SUMMER MOOD which takes you on a journey from Brooklyn, New York to Ambretta Lane and beyond As thirty-something Nicole reunites with her estranged mother.

BITTERSWEET RETREAT which delves into the dilemma facing a long-time married couple, Eden and Donovan, who realize their plans for the future are unexpectedly out of sync.
‘TIS THE SEASON which delivers a holiday surprise to single-mom Maxine that requires her to resolve her romantic past in order to embrace the hope and promise of the new year.
AUTHOR BIO
Valerie Gilford Collins is a creative writer who has won Honorable Mention for her short story, “Memories Get In The Way” in the 2009 National Writers Digest competition.
Ambretta Lane is her debut collection of short stories. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and resides in New York.
MORE AMBRETTA LANE STORIES COMING IN BOOK 2!
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