The Brightest Star

Every year, Michael Bland has crafted a Christmas short story exclusively for friends, family, clients and colleagues - and every year it has had such a powerful effect that they have constantly urged him to publish them so that others can enjoy them too.

So finally he has. And now you can be one of the first to obtain The Brightest Star, a beautifully composed and deeply touching tale about the remarkable relationship between a lion and a mouse facing the ultimate test together on the night of the birth of Christ.

Here's what authors and journalists say about the stories and
The Brightest Star:

Michael Bland's short stories are highly original, offbeat and
entertaining tales - always thought-provoking and often delightfully humorous. My Christmas for several years has been satisfyingly completed by the arrival of  Michael's latest creation in this ongoing and unique series. Long may it continue...
Anthony Grey,
author of the international bestselling novels,
Saigon, Peking and Tokyo Bay

The Christmas card is dead - long live the Michael Bland Christmas short story. For many years now his incredibly funny compositions have been the highlight of the festive period. I have actually kept them all as I always felt they would become collectors' items. It is marvellous news that they will soon be enjoying a much wider audience.
John Kay,
Chief Reporter, The Sun.

From his earliest memos as God's PR man Michael has mastered the art of that mongrel of literature, the short story. Each brief, simple tale is stuffed with tiny gems, perfectly crafted and so portable you carry them in your head forever. Acutely observed, funny and intense, his stories are morality tales for the third millennium, peopled with characters we all recognise.  "The Brightest Star" made me cry. It made my children cry. Then it made us smile. We love his Mouse. We love his Lion. We love the Love. 
Kelly McCarthy,
Written Word Consultant, Alexandria, VA, USA

Michael's short stories have a heart-warming magic that captivates and entertains while you're reading them and makes you feel a little better about the world when you put them down. It's great news that they are now published on the Web for all to enjoy.
David Brewtnall,
Government Advisor, Brisbane, Australia