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 From the Roman Nyle's psychopathic killer with extraordinary powers, to true ghost stories, and stories that leave you wondering, if there is a place for everybody or if some are really just lost in their own minds, you will find that story in this collection of short stories by Patricia Moran, Marta Moran Bishop, Roman Nyle, and Pat Marsden.  Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun readVerified Purchase Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. Most were different from the usual paranormal stories as they ended leaving the reader to decide what will happen. Fun and entertaining.
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 Prepare to be spellbound. Barbara Frances' long-awaited third novel, “Shadow's Way,” takes you to the coastal, deep South, where the past and the present mingle in a gothic tale of insanity, murder, and sexual intrigue. You'll meet the beautiful Elaine Chauvier, former actress and proprietor of Shadow's Way, her family's antebellum home; the esteemed Archbishop Andre Figurant and his fallen identical twin, Bastien; newly arrived Ophelia and Rudy, here to explore their Chauvier roots and their ties to Shadow's Way; and the mysterious Madame Claudine. Under a veneer of piety and graciousness, i.e., the questions: What is good? What is evil? What is reality? Lee Broom 5.0 out of 5 stars Southern suspense at its finest! Format: Kindle Edition Very intense book! Shadow's Way is a suspenseful, amazing story that centers around an antebellum home on the Gulf Coast that is the life's blood of Elaine Chauvier, a woman of aristocracy that boasts of ties to Robert E. Lee. It's a multi-layered story that seems to be a history of the house and its inhabitants, who have many secrets and obsessions. It turns it to be a horror story of a crazy woman who is out to kill anyone who gets in her way or who tries to take her precious home, Shadow's Way. It's a story of ghosts and sordid pasts, and a shameful history of the local catholic church. The people in the town who are related to Elaine or acquaintances are unaware at first of all the twisted plans and goings-on of the main lady of the house, but they soon find out when unexpected things start happening. It's a vivid, startling tale that I highly recommend, because I just couldn't stop reading this one until the very last word.  Ms. Francis’ novel Shadow’s Way, had me enthralled from page one, it kept me reading until so late into the night that I used a flashlight in order not to wake my husband. I’ve always enjoyed reading gothic tales, but this one went beyond most that I had read. The synopsis was correct, past and present mingled and left me on the edge of my seat. Was G – G – Daddy a real paranormal experience or a figment of Elaine Chauvier’s imagination, which got worse as she sunk deeper into insanity? I loved the various characters that Ms. Francis brought into play as needed to heighten the story. They were well rounded and interconnected in ways that one has to keep reading to get the full picture.  “Our kids, my, my, Gracie” laughed Bud. “Where did we go wrong? One marries God, another a Jew and the last one, the devil!” Texas, 1951. The Wolanskys—Grace, Bud and their three grown children—are a close-knit clan, deeply rooted in their rural community and traditional faith. On their orderly farm, life seems good and tomorrow always holds promise. But under the surface, it’s a different story. Grace is beset by dark memories and unnamed fears, calmed only by practicing a secret obsession. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, has fallen in love with a big-city Jewish girl. Youngest child Regina is trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive, alcoholic husband. Even “perfect” daughter Angela’s decision to become a nun unleashes consequences no one could foresee. And then Ceil Dollard breezes into town. Ceil—wealthy, sophisticated, irrepressible—is like a visitor from Mars. She’s a modern woman. She drives a car and wears pants. She blows away tradition and certainty, forcing Grace to face her fears and brave a changing world. Through Ceil, Grace learns about courage and pleasure—but at the risk of losing Bud. Barbara Frances’ sparkling, richly human novel takes you back to a time when Ike was president and life was slower, but people were the same as now. You’ll encounter a cast of characters storm-tossed by change, held together by love. Written with compassion, humor and suspense, Like I Used to Dance will charm you, warm you and even squeeze a few tears, from its opening number to the last waltz. 5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT! - Family Saga Full of Drama and Heart Verified Purchase Don’t start this book before bedtime or you’ll be late to work! I love family sagas and this one swept me along. It’s about Grace, a warm, creative woman strong for her family but out of touch with her own needs. The place is rural Texas and the time is the fifties, when women were still trapped as homemakers. The family is Catholic and Grace’s daughters have their own struggles. Angela is unsure if she should become a nun and Regina has to decide if she’ll divorce her abusive husband. Grace herself is a talented artist who has never realized her potential. She develops a close bond with Ceil, a sophisticated transplant from LA who blows into the life of Grace and her family like a powerful wind. In the end, everything turn s out but nothing is the same. A great read! M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet 5.0 out of 5 stars WILL SURELY BECOME ONE OF THE CLASSICS IN LITERATURE It is easy to see how Like I Used To Dance by Barbara Frances won awards. It is a novel that should easily find its way into classic literature. It is not just the story of the Wolanskys, who live in a small farming town in the nineteen-fifty’s, but the story of life, and how even generations of family issues can affect each new generation unless something happens to break the cycle. Ms. Frances paints a picture of each character, their weaknesses, as well as the strength in their character. From Grace, and Bud, their three grown children, to neighbors, and friends, each is drawn with a fine pencil, fully formed, and genuine, some are people you wish you knew, and others you would like to string up. Yet, each is so well crafted as to be able to see them in your life, or town. Whether she is painting the generous nature of Bud, to the horror of Billy Ray, Ms. Frances brings us a full picture of life as it was, and life as it still is. Many things may have changed in our world, underneath there is still an underbelly of both the beauty and ugliness of human nature. Like I Used To Dance was not a book that I could easily put down, but sat up till the wee hours of the morning reading. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  "Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster," is an action-packed children's book written especially for ages 8 through 14. Children will enjoy this exciting read while also improving their reading skills. Twenty nine chapters filled with twists and turns keep kids reading to discover the outcome. Lottie, a lively ten-year old Hispanic girl, longs for something new and different in her life. Her summers up to this point have all been, more or less, the same. Then the arrival of a magical letter and a TV newscast transforms her vacation time in a high adventure. Her great adventure includes trying to relate to a cold, estranged, and rich grandmother, freeing a kidnapped ten-year-old African American boy from a locked room, hiding him in a safe place, and then fleeing with him from a kidnapper who is always just a step or two behind. Lottie's Adventure: Facing the Monster great story and Barbara is a great story teller and her skills are brilliantly reflected in this book for children 8 to 80 What a refreshing plot. All of the characters are so believable. Lottie seems like someone that you have known who lives across town, down the street, or maybe even your next door neighbor. We need more stories like this one that show just how important family connections are. The older and younger generations connect in such a loving way as Lottie showed so much compassion for someone not of her race or gender. How awesome! There are lots of readers, young and old, who will find this and intriguing tale. Wanda Hasley, Retired Teacher M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet 5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFULLY TOLD CHAPTER BOOK FOR THE TWEEN I bought this book at the local bookstore for my niece and just had to read it too. While reading Barbara Frances’ chapter book Lottie’s Adventure: Facing the Monster, I was swept back to the books of my childhood. A place where tweens helped each other and became heroes without the use of make-believe or magic brooms. Just plain old smarts, ingenuity, and integrity. I was engrossed in the story of Lottie, a Hispanic girl, as she helped Charles Ray a black boy, who had been kidnapped escape and confront the bad guy, outsmarting him, while facing their own fears. The friendship that grew between the two was a lesson in how people all want the same things out of life regardless of their upbringing, race, or nationality. It is a compelling and wonderful tale that I’d recommend to both adults and the tween alike.  My goal with this book is to share information that readers might find of value in their own relationships. Looking back on my own life experience, I wish someone had shared some of this with me so I could have avoided learning many things the hard way. The first two readers found this book really helpful and their thoughts appear below. Oftentimes clear, true insight comes from someone not “trained” or “educated” in a particular field of thought. This book represents one of those times. The subject of “relationships” is so complicated few outside the legal/ counseling/mental health arenas even attempt to address it for fear of being ignored, misunderstood or, worse yet, laughed at. The author’s conversational style makes his book about the subject quite easy to read / understand and as one absorbs his meaning . . . believable. It rings so true that as I was reading, I kept wanting to cut out paragraphs to put on my computer, refrigerator and bathroom mirror! Read this book. You will be glad you found it. In fact, you will probably send a copy to your child . . . I did! JHB RN, BSN, MHA Author, editor, publisher I found this book to be such an informative and important read offering tips for all types. I couldn't agree with the author more about never ever taking your partner for granted and that love means ALWAYS saying you're sorry— actually as quickly, whole-heartedly and as often as needed. I'd recommend Bill's book to add zest to an already good relationship or to help you create the one you long for. Denise Fleck M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet 5.0 out of 5 stars IT MADE ME THINK AND TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT MY OWN ACTIONS What part do I play in the issues that arise in our marriage on a daily basis? I found this book extremely helpful and insightful too. Mr. Benitez’s book RELATIONSHIP helped me take a long hard look at what I could do better in all my relationships and in particular those with my husband.  Start making money now as a handyman using only your home repair skills. Twelve chapters of valuable how-to information teach you how to: *Find new customers *Price every job to ensure profit *Get paid in full for every job *Expand your skills for profitability *Use the Internet to increase profits *Keep customers coming back and giving referrals *Handle your accounting and taxes *Become a highly paid home repair expert Everything you need to know to succeed financially as a handyman. No fluff or hype, just down to earth details on exactly how to make money using your present skills. Five Stars by Handyman Get started in the right direction. I researched a lot of books on this subject before I chose this one, and I'm glad I did. A family member bought me some books on starting a business and they didn't really cover any of the information I was looking for. This business is a business however you sell yourself and your abilities, not a product made somewhere else by someone else in a rented space. This book was informative and gave practical knowledge and experience that was easy to understand. I would recommend this book to those who are thinking about going out on,  As a child, Sand remembered living before. She remembered her death in Dachau, but she didn't have a name for her past life identity until a former friend claimed it as her own. She is haunted by her past death and recurring premonition of another death to come as she grows up in Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and early US spaceflight. Her past life memories put her in conflict with the religious beliefs of mainstream society. The convergence of conflicting cultures results in race riots at the high school Sand attends. Sand's friend, Chrissie, remembers writing poetry in 19th century Amherst, Massachusetts, as Emily Dickinson. After Sand graduates from college and goes to work for a local newspaper, her childhood premonition of another death comes true. Meanwhile, a package that she has kept a secret suddenly resurfaces, but what does it mean? She discovers that her next door neighbor, a rising rock star, is a bigamist. Sand's story is told by Brenda Campbell, who is the daughter of the bigamist rock star, through the symbolism of her Tarot cards. Deception Past is a story of betrayal and forgiveness. Matt 5.0 out of 5 stars Packs a powerful punch~ It opens in the present in the year of 2007 to set up the events that begin in 1958, beginning the story of Sand (Sandy) when she is four years old. Entries go back to the current time with Brenda, then back in time to Sand. They also touch back even further in time with Sand's dreams, and those identities that the characters embrace. It was very interesting to see how the paths crossed and the past caught up to the present and the effects. While reading, it was interesting for me to see how I felt a bond with Sand on her view of the world. She seems to follow her own heart and mind and refuses to allow those in her life influence her. She is open with her thoughts and ideas with a few select friends, but only to a degree. While it is summarized as `a story of betrayal and forgiveness', I felt there was so much more. The symbolism is quite apparent throughout the tale, and not just with what each Major Arana of the Tarot represents (for each chapter). There are awareness lessons that can be learned and applied by the reader in daily life if they so choose to see them. I found that I was very involved in this story as I was searching to connect the dots of the past and to see if peace within could be attained for the characters. A very great story that sweeps you along the way. I decided to read this work as I, like many I know, harbor an interest in Tarot and Regression Therapy (Past Life experiences). The story has a few main characters, aside from `Brenda' whom is telling the story of Sand. I personally found that I enjoyed the spanned time-frame with historic events and Sand's view on them. M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet 5.0 out of 5 stars THOUGHT PROVOKING LOOK INTO LIFE, DEATH, AND HUMAN NATURE Franki deMerle, wrote one of the most thought provoking books I have read in a long time. Deception Past made you think about society, history, and the tendency we as humans have of deceiving ourselves throughout our life. It covers birth, death, and reincarnation, leaving one wondering about life, death, and our purpose here on this earth. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in human nature or just interesting thoughts. Kudos to Ms. deMerle for her courage in taking on such a interesting subject.  To walk with another person can be as mundane as putting on one's socks and shoes, or it can be a twisting, turning, life-changing journey into unknown territory. It can also be everything in between. My walk with Virginia was life-changing. It was unexpected. It was challenging. It was frustrating and confusing. We had highs, and we had lows. Thankfully, it was also awe-inspiring and extraordinary. Have you ever been a caregiver for a family member or a friend? Is it, perhaps, on the horizon of your life? Or maybe you cannot yet see the horizon. Make no mistake, it is not a question of love, whether to provide much needed and potentially long-term care. It is a question of necessity. Love, and devotion born out of love, are the firmly rooted footings on which you stand when providing this necessary care. Humor is the grab bar you grip tightly when the ground below you begins to shake or shift. Patience is paramount. I survived it, and you can, too. I believe I am a better person having had the experience. My story is a true account of my caregiving experience with my mother-in-law. It lasted only a few short years and, in that time, carved such deep and permanent remembrances too good not to share. Some would ask, "why share something so personal?", and my reply would be, "why not?". Life is so much sweeter when shared with others. I hope you find comfort, a little guidance perhaps, enjoy a few laughs, and chew on some 'food for thought' as you journey with Virginia and I through the blessings and blunders of Caregiving! Robert W Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book! A great read! Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2021 Verified Purchase If you are a caregiver or just want a little inside look into how one person handled that difficult position with love and created great memories A Walk With Virginia is the book for you!  Sparkling rocks, family secrets, and seductive lies Mia’s advertising career masks a side job in the family business―the business is thievery and the competition kills. Partnering with her brother, Andy, Mia is drawn into a short timeline to plan a diamond heist to make good on Andy’s double-cross of the crime boss who hired him for the prior job. Openly teasing the mark, Mia plays with the jeweler’s attraction to her, insinuating herself into his life, gaining his confidence. When Andy’s past threatens them both, Mia abandons the heist and disappears. The mark, under Mia’s spell, hides and protects her from danger. They are both in peril as her brother’s stalker closes in on them. Alternating between ecstasy and fear, she has to make a fateful decision. Is she placing her trust in the wrong man? Can a relationship built on lies become real? "This novella is written in an exciting, fast paced style. Just as each day flies by with new mysterious happenings, so does the actual reading. The character development is intriguing as the reader is soon cheering on the two burglars, hoping they will solve the mystery of who is on their trail...Author Inge-Lise Goss has developed an engaging and intriguing mystery in Diamonds and Lies."--Deborah Lloyd, Readers' Favorite Reviewer  Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster, is an action-packed children's book written especially for ages 8 through 14 but many adults have also enjoyed this exciting read. Kids get the additional benefit of improving their reading skills with an available study guide. Twenty nine exciting chapters filled with twists and turns keep everyone reading to discover the outcome. Lottie, a lively ten-year old Hispanic girl, is tired of boring summer vacations at home. She longs for something more exciting and adventurous as the school year ends. This summer looks to be more of the same until the arrival of a magical letter from an estranged grandmother and a TV newscast about a kidnapped 10 year old boy transforms her vacation time into a high adventure. Starting with her first ever airplane ride, it becomes clear that this summer will be different. From the moment she arrives and meets her cold but very rich grandmother, it quickly becomes clear that this adventure may not be very pleasant. Deciding to make the best of the situation, she is taken shopping and sees the kidnapped boy from the newscast. From that moment on she determines to free the boy from his kidnapper. After a lot of deception that makes her very uncomfortable, she manages to locate and free the boy from a locked room and then hides him in what she believes is a safe place. Unfortunately, the kidnapper is much smarter than she realizes and she has to flee with the boy from a villain who threatens to hurt them both and is always just a step or two behind. A New Hero Is Born Lottie is my kind of people. A real person. Caring, smart, savvy. She may be only a kid, but she's a great role model for anybody. And she has the most interesting, sometimes kind of scary, adventures. And she meets weird people, funny people, wacky people, serious people. Sometimes she gets herself in a pickle, but she always rises to the occasion and figures out how to get out of it. She doesn't reject the kindness of strangers either. More than anything, Lottie is saturated with decency. She's doesn't have to be in control all the time. She can be vulnerable. She can be hurt. But she likes herself no matter what. And she likes people. All people. If you liked A Wrinkle in Time, you'll like Lottie's Adventures as well. DAW, Austin, Texas M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet 5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFULLY TOLD CHAPTER BOOK FOR THE TWEEN Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2020 I bought this book at the local bookstore for my niece and just had to read it too. While reading Barbara Frances’ chapter book Lottie’s Adventure: Facing the Monster, I was swept back to the books of my childhood. A place where tweens helped each other and became heroes without the use of make-believe or magic brooms. Just plain old smarts, ingenuity, and integrity. I was engrossed in the story of Lottie, a Hispanic girl, as she helped Charles Ray a black boy, who had been kidnapped escape and confront the bad guy, outsmarting him, while facing their own fears. The friendship that grew between the two was a lesson in how people all want the same things out of life regardless of their upbringing, race, or nationality. It is a compelling and wonderful tale that I’d recommend to both adults and the tween alike. |
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