IT STARTED WITH FISHFINGERS by MA Binfield |

At I Heart Lesfic, we believe the world could use a bit more kindness after one of the hardest and longest of years. Many authors have signed up to help IHL spread kindness in the world.

Today, the wonderful MA Binfield is here to share a story. Also, MA is giving away 1 ecopy of Never Be The Same. Below the guest post, you’ll find more details about the giveaway.

Take it away, MA.

IT STARTED WITH FISHFINGERS

When I was three years old, and on a fishing trip with my mom and granddad, I went missing. It’s not as dramatic as it sounds. We weren’t in the middle of the ocean. There wasn’t a search and rescue! We were on land, in a cafe actually, having a break from fishing in a river. And I think I was gone for maybe fifteen minutes. Enough time to give everyone a few grey hairs but not enough time for real panic to set in.

I was found sat on a bench a few minutes walk away, sharing my dinner with a homeless man I’d seen earlier. Apparently, it was fishfingers and chips – a very shareable meal. And I say apparently because, of course, I’ve no memory of any of this. Years later, my first job after university was working in a homeless shelter and I went on to make working with and for homeless people a lifelong career. Of course, my mom was convinced the career was predestined as a result of that fishfinger sharing experience at an early age. I’m not so sure but who really knows.

It makes me think though of all the people – volunteers usually, often from churches and temples and mosques, but often not – who make it their business to feed people who are struggling to feed themselves. In London, where I still work to try to end homelessness, every night sees myriad different groups of people take soup and sandwiches out to places where homeless people sleep. Every morning sees dozens of day centres open their doors to offer a hot breakfast, a chance to shower and some company. And every winter, faith groups open their doors to provide food and shelter during the cold weather.

We shouldn’t have homelessness in a country as rich as the UK but I won’t go into that here. Instead I want to celebrate the kindness of the people who make the effort to offer food, comfort, and company to those that need it. I know from the many homeless people I’ve talked to over the years, just how much it means. And in this pandemic, when shelters and day centres haven’t been able to open, I celebrate and honour the kindness of those volunteers that have taken those services to the streets to make sure people can still get what they need.

Sometimes kindness is something that makes you feel nice. And sometimes a kindness can save your life. All of it matters, but some of it matters more.

If you want to donate, the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton offers food, shelter and support to local homeless people: https://gsmwolverhampton.org.uk/#covid-notice.

GIVEAWAY

NEVER BE THE SAME

by MA Binfield

They say opposites attract. They aren’t kidding.

When Casey meets Olivia—the actress she’s driving around for two weeks—she figures it’s going to be all business. Sure, Olivia’s hot and has women throwing themselves at her feet, but Casey is only interested in making the money she needs before going back to Portland. London is full of painful memories, and anyway, perfectly put together celebrities are not really her thing.

Olivia loves being “Susie,” her TV alter ego. She’s sassy, sexy, and never short of admirers, but living her life in the public eye is taking its toll. When her new driver turns out to be tall, dark, and undeniably handsome, Olivia is intrigued. But Casey seems like she has something to hide, and the last thing Olivia needs is someone she can’t trust.