Unexpected Gifts

Stories of Change

Compiled by Storyhouse Works

“Sometimes, life glitches so that you can rewrite the code.”

— S.A. Grant

Unexpected Gifts

Stories of Change

Compiled by Storyhouse Works

Midlife has a habit of forcing change. Whether we’re navigating career or marriage cul-de-sacs, empty nests, or caring for aging parents, we find ourselves re-evaluating our life choices with a sense of unprecedented urgency. We reflect on pivotal moments from our past, while striving for a happy future—but what does it take to spark meaningful change?

Unexpected Gifts is an anthology of sixteen short stories and essays, a reflection on midlife and its inflection points. With authors spanning seven countries, these “Stories of Change” explore some of life’s biggest questions through a variety of voices. Alongside an award-winning writer and podcaster, we hear from a baker, swimmer, social worker, psychologist and lawyer; a “single mom by choice” and a father honoring the loss of his son. By experiencing change through the eyes of others, we challenge our own choices and are inspired to lean into new opportunities.

Curated and compiled by Storyhouse Works Founder Hannah Huber, this special anthology features original portrait illustrations by Amsterdam artists, and will serve as an inspirational resource and keepsake for generations to come.

Illustrations by Patricia Velasco, Anna Demina, and Tanja Bladt-Cohen

Cover concept by Hannah Huber, design by Cigdem Guven

Editor: Kristin Anderson

Translators: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen & Hannah Huber

Proofreader: Anna Trapmore

Released: Summer 2025

Text: English

ISBN Paperback: 978-9-0834-7975-0 (€19,99)

ISBN Hardcover: 978-9-0834-7974-3 (€29,99)

Also available as eBook: €9,95

“When we learn to lean into the opportunity of change, life is much more likely to become what we hope it to be, instead of what we’re used to it being.”

— Sue Deagle

Meet the Contributing Authors

Stay tuned!

Released Summer 2025

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