A Knot in the Grain and Other Stories (1994) by Robin McKinley
This is a re-read for me, although like so many books, I had hardly any memory of the stories. There are five stand-alone tales included in the book. The first four are of an old-timey nature, including hints of magic and fantasy. The last, “A Knot in the Grain,” is the story of a modern teenager. While not a book I feel compelled to own, the tales were quite enjoyable and hard to put down. My favorite, “The Healer,” tells the story of a young woman who is a healer without the ability to speak. When a stranger shows up who is able to communicate to her telepathically, Lily is thrilled, and the beginning of a romance ensues.