🔥 A CHILDHOOD SURVIVAL STORY. A FAMILY TORN APART. A PAST THAT REFUSES TO STAY BURIED

Introducing Little Joe by Stephanie Kast

At just seven years old, Joe Smast survives a catastrophic shipwreck with his three siblings. Stranded on an island with little food, no medical care, and no way to know if help will ever come, the children cling to one another—and to the hope that they will make it home.

They survive.

But when they are finally rescued, something far more devastating happens.

They are separated.

Fourteen years later, Joe has built a new life under a new name. He has buried his childhood, his memories, and the family he lost.

Until one unexpected invitation changes everything.

His sister is getting married.

And suddenly, the siblings Joe thought were gone forever are back in his life.

But the past isn't finished with Joe.

As old memories return and haunting nightmares begin to consume him, Joe discovers that surviving a tragedy and healing from it are two very different things.

Can the siblings rebuild the family that was taken from them?

Can Joe finally confront the memories that have followed him into adulthood?

And how much can one person endure before the past finally breaks through?

📖 LOVE STORIES THAT STAY WITH YOU

Little Joe is a gripping and emotional novel about survival, family, separation, trauma, forgiveness, and finding your way home.

Stephanie Kast's Little Joe, coming from Broken Keys Publishing & Press.

Some stories entertain you. Some stories stay with you.

Little Joe does both.

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Broken Keys Publishing is ecstatic to have Stephanie Kast on our roster of incredible literary talents!

Stephanie Kast is originally from a tiny town of Dorchester, Ontario but moved to North Bay, Ontario to continue and grow her work in the arts. As a theatre artist her love of storytelling and characters has been a part of her since she was old enough to sit up and spin tales.

She has a short story collection titled Cheese, Crackers, and Constellations, a poetry collection titled her. and a four book fantasy series with the third being released in June 2026. She works as an actor in a professional theatre company called The Proscenium Club, and writes and directs her own work. If she isn’t working in the arts then she is cuddling up to her dog, cat and bunny at home reading.