Story Review: “On the Straight and Narrow” by Kirsten Clark

Kirsten Clark is an alumni of both the University of Alberta and the University to British Columbia. Her debut book, A Christmas Cup of Joe, and its anticipated sequel, The Secret Ingredient, are both centered around faith, healing, and of course, love. As a self-described fan of happily-ever-afters, it is no surprise that Kirsten Clark’s latest story, “On the Straight and Narrow”, follows similar themes of romance and redemption. 

Clark’s story opens the anthology Treasures Along the Fenceline (2025), which is published by The Alberta Romance Writers’ Association (ARWA). It is described as “a collection of creative works”. This yearly publication includes poems, art, photography, and short stories created by the association’s members. 

The ARWA seeks to promote quality romance writing in Alberta by supporting its member community. It provides workshops, and showcases local art through its collections.  

“On the Straight and Narrow” follows the protagonist Alice Mae. Back home after four years of working in a downtown Calgary highrise, her memories surrounding her family farm in Red Grove are not entirely happy. Now, torn between staying to care for her sick mother or moving both of them back to the city, Alice Mae has a lot to consider. And running into the neighbour she grew up with, Matthew Floyd Phillips, certainly doesn’t help. 

Matthew has been nothing but trouble for as long as Alice has known him. But now, asking for help after spraining his ankle along her fence line, he promises that he’s changed. Set over the course of several hours, the falling sun, rising stars, and bright “Corn Moon” provide a picturesque background to Alice and Matthew’s reconnection. As they reminisce on the past and reflect on the future, they begin to trust each other. While the night goes on, they begin to realize just how much they’ve changed during the years they’ve been apart. 

To weave a comforting and intriguing romance in a short story is a difficult task to undertake. Slow burns fans beware! Due to the constraints of the genre, it is no surprise that readers may be left wanting more. While Alice Mae’s and Matthew’s reconnection is easy to imagine, the ending’s hints towards their future may appear improbable to the romantic cynic. One night, and several pages, may not seem like enough to recapture love once lost. 

However, for local romance readers, the atmospheric setting of Alberta’s prairielands is certainly a draw. Clark skillfully describes the sound of buzzing mosquitos, the smell of tall grass, and the sight of “barbed wire in the half-light.” These can be easily imagined by anyone familiar with rural Canadian summers. 

“On the Straight and Narrow” is the perfect warm-weather read. Both nostalgic and thoughtful, the story urges us to look within ourselves. It reminds us that it is never too late to change.