The Front Step

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In The Front Step, author Roly Andrews invites readers to step into a vibrant, offbeat world where ordinary moments brim with unexpected humor, insight, and emotional depth. This eclectic collection of thirty short stories—twenty-one previously published across global platforms and nine never before released—showcases Andrews’ remarkable ability to blend wit, compassion, and a unique literary voice that leaves a lasting impression.

Each story stands on its own, yet collectively they form a cohesive tapestry of human experience. Whether it’s a tale tinged with absurdity or one that subtly cuts to the emotional core, Andrews proves his skill as a storyteller who isn’t afraid to color outside the lines. There’s a touch of the unconventional here—a quiet rebellion against formula—that refreshes and re-engages the reader at every turn.

What makes The Front Step truly special is its generous heart. Andrews brings empathy and understanding to his characters, shaped by his real-life experiences mentoring rough sleepers and advocating for people affected by trauma and disability. That compassion shines through in his fiction, making even the quirkiest moments feel grounded in truth.

This is not just a book for lovers of short stories—it’s for anyone seeking perspective, joy, and that rare literary magic that turns simple pages into meaningful reflection. With professional editing and wide availability in all formats, The Front Step is the kind of collection you’ll want to keep nearby, reread, and share.

Written by Jeyran Main

The Front Step by Roly Andrews (Book Review #2155) – Review Tales

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I was not prepared to like this anthology as much as I did, but The Front Step by Roly Andrews delivers a delightful collection of short stories that cover a wide range of topics, from love and loss to murder and revenge. The collection features three sections: Tales from Home, Tales from Away, and Tales from the Dark.

In Tales from Home, the stories show the human spirit and hope, and some delightful points of view from the most obscure characters possible. My favorite in this collection, and perhaps of the whole book, was “Uncle Gregory”, told from the viewpoint of a very old elm tree as it reflects on the passing of time, both with joy and sorrow, as it faces a threat to its end.

Then, Tales from Away takes the reader into stories that blend mundane with mystical, showing how each of the characters’ lives is intertwined with outside forces. In my opinion, “Tingle” was the jewel of this section, featuring a heart-wrenching story of a little girl with a different perspective of reality through the eyes of her disability.

Tales from the Dark presents a collection of stories that delve into the dark side of the human spirit, with minimal supernatural intervention. Each story provides a different view of how twisted the human mind can be when left unchecked. Among these, my personal favorite was “Dust”, an odd story of redemption after a dark turn.

What I enjoyed most about these stories was the fact that I could pick up the book at any time, select a story, and thoroughly enjoy it. Each one was an appetizer for the mind, and sometimes the soul. Andrews’ writing is engaging and rich, though I did find myself looking up more than a few words the author used due to my lack of knowledge of New Zealand-specific terms and slang.

This is a book that offers emotional depth, striking creativity, and a perfect balance of light and dark. I’d recommend keeping it on your coffee or bedside table so you can dip into it whenever you’re in the mood, maybe with a cozy cup of tea or even a stiff drink. It’s the kind of read that’s perfect for those little moments of escape.

Many thanks to the author Roly Andrews for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Linda W

The Front Step by Roly Andrews – The Hungry Bibliophage

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 April 2025

I don’t normally read short stories but loved these. Some were sad some laugh out loud and some down right weird
The thing you can’t do with a full length book is move on to the next story

chrisie

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Not much to say, to be honest, but praise!

I really liked the intro to the collection.

I think it’s really strong and I love the division you’ve made and how you categorised the stories.

I think the promise is suggestive and convincing, and the collection actually delivers.

sofiitaad

Feedback from Enhancacine Podcast

@summersolstice884

I adored the unexpected twist at the end – – I do hope everything works out well for the gentleman – – well thought out solution – – Thank You to the narrator!!

@VhsNju

Very Very Very good. That is a show of what commitment looks like!!! Thanks for the stories.

@mmcleod06

The story was a delight and your narration brought it to life wonderfully, as is usual!

@carolduvall111

Wow there is so much wrapped up in this story. It is a fantastic concept to explore, scary to think about for sure. Thank you for bringing it more to light. The romanticism and twist in the story was such a pleasure. Thank you

@carnitagroves7758

Nice twist!

@aftonclaiborne951

I didn’t see that coming!

@dehydratedwater9806

NS Stember

I really enjoyed the story. I listened to the audio version and was riveted to the end. I had a feeling where the story was going, and it made me smile when it panned out as I thought. I hope to hear more of his stories in the future.

Reviews for The Cry of the Kuaka

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2015

I can’t believe this is your first book. From beginning to end it is a fascinating mix of cultures, similar to Amy Tan drawing you into a great ending.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Reviewed in New Zealand on April 1, 2015

Roly Andrews is a natural-born storyteller with an amazing active imagination. I was taken back by the strength of the characters and how they all came alive during the story. At times the suspense was palatable and I could feel the pain of the principal characters. For a first novel, I was suitably impressed and will definitely read his next. Gripping! 

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Reviewed in Australia on 4 September 2015

What a great read! Very descriptive – I could see it all happening before my eyes. I shed a tear on more than two occasions What courageous and humble women they all were! Well done Roly Andrews on your first book! Look forward to reading more from you! Sooner rather than later! 

5.0 out of 5 stars

Well worth reading

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2015

A long tangled weave of a story bringing together different cultures but with the important thread, belief in where you have come from. A remarkable first book reminiscent of Amy Tan and her family sagas.