Well done to the winners and everyone else who entered - big thanks to the organisers..

(Rainbow)

Debt Arc

Rain lashed the church hall steps as Doreen bolted, bingo dabbers grasped in her palms. Another night chasing legs eleven, two fat ladies. Always bust again.

Thunder crashed. A rainbow stabbed the black clouds, hanging too low, glowing like a full house in the dark.

"My blooming luck at last," she wheezed, teeth bared through plastered wet hair.

It hit the ground.

Pot split wide: real gold coins marked O-66, N-42. All of her losses.

The rainbow boomed, "House!"

(Shamrock)

Digital Grace

His days ran like clockwork: spreadsheets, deadlines, endless grind. No spare time for this mess.

A crumpled kid's drawing fell from his briefcase: wobbly green loops, four leaves, scribbled “Lucky you, Daddy.” 

Throat tight, he traced it. His clenched fist eased. Something warm flickered inside, melting the numbness.

His first smile in forever.

He turned it over. Faded photo: himself, age eight, labelled with tomorrow's date.

That kid was him, future-him whispering back, “You're your own luck.”

Quote by Pnin

Very well done to the winner: that was a lovely, gentle story.

Thank you Pnin

Quote by CuriousAnnie

Huge congrats to Mark, Ping and Ophelia, and thanks to Molly for organizing.

Thanks so much Annie

Quote by Ping

And EM. You and your words captured imagery and emotion. Well done. Congrats on your victory! 🥂

Thank youuuuuu sooooo muchos 😁😘

Quote by WriterGirl

And Expresso with the win! Woohoo! And Ping and Ophelia brightly shined with their stories!

Thank youuuuuu 😍😘

I’m honestly still reeling… did this really happen?! 😲
When I saw that Whispers of the Tide had taken 1st place in the Summer Love competition, I had to check the page three times (and then ask my coffee mug for confirmation). I'm genuinely stunned — and so grateful. Out of all the amazing stories, to have mine chosen… wow. I still don’t quite believe it.

A huge thank you to Molly for organising this fun, summery, heartwarming challenge — and for all the work that goes into making these competitions happen behind the scenes. It gave me the perfect excuse to write something soft and romantic (and slightly salt-sprayed), and to fall in love a little with my own characters along the way.

To everyone who read the story — thank you. And to those who left such kind, encouraging, and beautiful comments: your words honestly mean more than you know. I’ve read them all, probably too many times, and I’m incredibly touched.

And of course, massive kudos to all the other writers who entered. The range of stories, tones, and styles was a joy to read through — from heartfelt and emotional to playful and clever. You made it a real competition, and I feel lucky just to be among you all.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to sit on a rock and stare moodily at the ocean like a windswept novelist , or maybe just have another celebratory biscuit.

Thanks again, everyone. 💙
Mark xx

My entry just been published - Whispers of the Tide | Stories Space

Ohhh.. looking forward to scribing something for this 😁

Quote by verbal

Congrats to Expresso,

Thank youuuuuu !!!

Once again, thank you all so very much 🙏

I am Genuinely shocked to have placed 1st in this challenge !! wow!! thank you so much to you all, for reading, and judging my entry -

And to you all, each and every one of your stories, are amazing -

Big loves to you all, and once again, thanks - (it isn't often I'm speechless, but yeah....)

Congratulations to the runners up and the 2nd and 3rd places.. I have to ask, when does the winner 🏆 get announced?