As the 3rd book in this saga begins, the main characters are preparing to leave their temporary homes in Wyoming City and head for their final destination in Utah. There are three plot lines that follow the main characters we met in the 1st book, who are on separate journeys in the New World, some of which was covered in the 2nd book.
While they prepare for their long journey via covered wagons and handcarts, the author also provides an intimate look into how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints dealt with the issue of plural marriage. This is probably the main issue that most people have heard about with regard to the Mormon Church, a practice which has since been discontinued.
There were various reasons for instituting this practice, with which most are familiar from the Old Testament. At this time in the mid-19th Century scores of men had died in various ways from attacks and accidents to diseases, leaving a vast number of widows and children who needed protection from the many hazards and brutal life style at that time. The story provides a realistic glimpse into how the people felt about it, which naturally varies with each individual involved in the practice as well as the persecution they endured because of it. As pointed out in the book, immorality is tolerated while a practice that involves commitment and sacrifice on the part of all involved is frowned upon. What’s wrong with this picture?
Their hardships continue as they prepare for this final leg of their journey, again providing fascinating details of life at that time. Readers are immersed in everyday life with the characters that by now feel like their own family.
You can get a copy in the format of your choice here.
If you have relatives who emigrated to America from Europe in the 19th Century you should read this book. The suffering and sacrifice most endured to come to the New World is tragic and heartbreaking. The story continues from the first volume, where Peter and Maren leave Denmark for America. Their experience onboard a windship as passengers in steerage, crammed together with hundreds of other emigrants, is the stuff of nightmares. As I read, I often thought how well it fit the horror genre, but this was real life in the 1800s. What these brave souls endured is unimaginable. No matter how badly you think you have it, believe me when I say you have no clue.
The motivation for their journey was to gather to Zion with other converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There’s a lot of bad press and misunderstandings about the Mormons. This incredibly well-researched book presents an accurate picture of faith and determination during that time and what these early Saints went through. However, that is but a part of an intriguing and gripping story with glimpses into Danish culture, 19th Century life, and what it was like when it took months to get from Western Europe to the USA.
While modern life is beset with scams, fraud, and dishonest people, circumstances back in the 19th Century were no better, especially along the frontier when the USA was still in the process of being settled.
Getting a glimpse of what it was like for our ancestors is a lesson in humility and appreciation for what we have. The author of this series is a master at integrating vivid descriptions that not only enhance the imagery but are integral to the story’s substance.
The Section Notes are interesting as well, especially for history buffs, as they back up the various details in the story with research.
When I finished the first book in this series I knew I’d never look at a windmill much less flour the same again. After reading this volume, I’ll never look at life onboard a windship the same again. The complexity and hazards are astounding. He puts you there, using all the senses and details, technical and otherwise, that bring settings as well as characters to life. You love some, you hate some and hope they get what they deserve. These are living, breathing characters that feel like family.
I was talking with one of my grandsons and his girlfriend today about how schools fail to teach history in an enticing manner. When I was in school a long, long time ago, all I remember from history classes is having to memorize events and dates, something I didn’t do well as a visual learner with poor rote memorization skills. There was attempt to provide an accurate taste of the times involved, much less their context other than the dry narratives in the textbook. If a class were to do nothing more than read these “Two Runs of Stone” books during a semester, they’d learn far more that would actually make an impression that will last throughout their lives.
A scandalous Top Secret Facility built on Sacred Ground triggers an ancient Cheyenne curse.
The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits
Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 1
by Marcha Fox & Pete Risingsun
Genre: Native American Cross-Cultural Conspiracy Thriller
GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION TRIGGERS AN ANCIENT CHEYENNE CURSE…
Greed and corruption have infiltrated the once-pristine Colorado Rockies, echoes of years past when silver miners swarmed the area like vermin, precipitating a 19th Century curse. Now a new generation delivers a different form of pollution, among them the most corrupt entity of them all.
All Sara Reynolds remembers of the wreck that slammed their Silverado to the depths of Dead Horse Canyon is Bryan’s dying plea to expose what he found. Why did they kill him? What happened that fateful spring day? Will she and her dead husband’s life-long Native American friend, Charlie Littlewolf, discover his secret?
Ceremonies taught by Charlie’s Northern Cheyenne medicine man grandfather decades before can connect with the spirits and reveal all things. He shunned them then. He needs them now, like never before. Coupled with Sara’s ethereal clues from the heavens can they find answers in time? Or will the same black ops raiders murder them, too?
READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW
“Infused with a sense of danger, the intricate plot and dramatic storyline create a breathtaking and intense story.…An exceptional novel complete with conspiracy, intrigue, and murder that will enthrall everyone who has an affinity for suspenseful thrillers with just a smidgen of the paranormal.” –Susan Sewell
THE BOOK COMMENTARY 5-STAR REVIEW
“A fascinating blend of historical mystery and the supernatural that is as suspenseful as it is entertaining. How the past affects the present is a cleverly handled theme, and the narrative highlights the enduring consequences of greed and disrespect for the land. Boldly written, tautly plotted, and expertly delivered.” –George Buehlman
AWARDS
Page Turner Book Award Silver Medal Global Book Awards Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Book Excellence Award Finalist Readers’ Favorite 5-star Review
Breathtaking drops along the road that rimmed Colorado’s Dead Horse Canyon terrified Sara Reynolds from the start. Cliffs and gorges stretched on and off for miles, few protected by guardrails.
“Too expensive,” Bryan explained. “Not a priority for lean county budgets.”
His advice for dealing with roadway-induced acrophobia was simple:
“Keep your eyes on the center line. Concentrate on the road. Whatever you do, never, ever look down!”
His words sprang from memory, recommendations moot. Ignoring the threat didn’t make it go away. Especially when someone T-boned your truck on a blind curve.
Their mangled Silverado teetered on a ledge twenty feet below. She stared, incredulous, as steam twisted upward from its crumpled hood in a sultry, hypnotic dance. Vapors crawled along the shattered windshield, then teased the heart-shaped leaves of a young quaking aspen—the truck’s only ally against a sheer drop of several hundred feet.
The realization she’d been the truck’s passenger only moments before sizzled through her like lightning. Why was she weightless, brunette tendrils floating about her shoulders like a storm cloud? Her horrified gaze shifted to her husband, likewise weightless and wearing his signature crooked grin.
“What happened?” Her words were soundless, thought rather than speech.
“We’re dead.”
“What? Dead? What do you mean we’re dead?”
He pointed to their truck. She gasped. Their lifeless bodies were clearly visible through the cab’s passenger side window.
He was right—they were dead.
The tender expression in his hazel eyes embraced her heart as affection flowed between them. An unexpected sense of peace defied what lay below. Time froze, the forest hushed and serene as a leafy chorus offered a requiem in the spring breeze.
What seemed an eternity later, sirens screamed through the canyon. His demeanor shifted.
“I’m sorry, Sara. That didn’t exactly work out as planned. I know—I should have listened to you. I love you, sweetheart.”
Renewed panic surged. “What are you saying, Bryan?”
“You must go back. Promise me. Don’t let them get away with this. Please.”
He blew her a kiss, then his personage retreated, fading into a swirling vortex of unearthly light.
He didn’t stop, her plea denied, his only response a wave of farewell as he vanished into the light.
* * *
She awoke to mind-numbing pain. Her shoulder, neck, and hip screamed, spasms twisting every muscle as if some wild beast had torn them apart. There’d been an ear-splitting crash, a brilliant flash of light. . .
Where was Bryan? Where was she?
Unless someone knew otherwise, surely it was hell.
Somewhere far away a muffled siren wailed. Fear of the truth conspired with her blood-crusted lashes not to open her eyes. Pain vetoed the refusal. Her eyelids trembled open.
A sandy haired, broad-shouldered man in a blue EMS uniform sat beside her, attention fixed on a beeping vital signs monitor. A metallic taste filled her mouth, lips swollen and heavy, her attempt to speak a scratchy whisper.
“What. . .happened? Wh-where’s Bryan? Is he h-here?”
The man turned her way, regarding her with dark, concerned eyes.
“It’s okay, ma’am. Don’t try to talk.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We’re getting you to help as fast as we can.”
Her breathing quickened, ravaged muscles and nerves on fire, but the agony consuming her heart eclipsed it all. A sob caught in her throat, words an articulated whimper.
“H-he left me. Here….”
“Just relax.” He emptied a syringe into the port of the IV line embedded in her arm.
The pain ebbed. Again nothing. Only darkness.
* * *
BELTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
April 17, Tuesday
5:37 p.m.
The sensation of motion breached the persistent fog. Her eyes cracked open as the gurney rumbled through a portal into blinding light. Electronic chirping, then muted voices, the smell of antiseptics.
She forced her query out from somewhere in her chest. “W-what h-happened?”
The pretty black nurse hanging a unit of blood looked her way. “You were in a bad wreck, darlin’. Just rest now. You’re in good hands. You’re awake and that’s a really good sign.”
“But my husband—”
“I know, darlin’. Don’t worry about him. He’s in a better place.” Tears flowed unbidden. It had to be a nightmare. Willing herself awake, however, failed. Abandonment and confusion in the grip of agonizing pain remained.
Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits
Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 2
THE DEAD HORSE CANYON SAGA CONTINUES. . .
READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW
“I went into ‘Return to Dead Horse Canyon’ not having read the first book and while it does read comfortably as a stand-alone, after just a couple of chapters I actually went back to read ‘The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon’ before restarting book two. It was an excellent decision. The building of the Cheyenne history is critical to the story and had I not understood Sara’s complete motivation and Charlie’s fully fleshed-out roots, I’d have missed out on so much more than just a good read. My gosh, the depth of ethnology packed into both novels is meticulously researched and beautifully detailed. Co-authors Marcha Fox and Pete Risingsun are a dream team with this saga and I’m really looking forward to the third and final installment of their trilogy.” — Asher Syed
DESCRIPTION
This epic modern Native American saga continues in this sequel to “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon” where Charlie Littlewolf and Sara Reynolds discovered why her husband, Bryan, was murdered, changing their lives forever. While Charlie swore to avenge his white brother’s death, the path to do so remains unclear.
His job with Lone Star Operations allows him to use his college education and earn a generous income. However, it conflicts with everything he knows to be right, especially as he returns to the teachings of his medicine man grandfather. Is violating the Earth wrong or not? Little does he realize that his work will ultimately return him to the Northern Cheyenne reservation where his true destiny will manifest in ways he never imagined.
Sara is determined to fulfill Bryan’s last request to expose the government corruption coupled with the lethal forces that stole his life. Releasing the scandalous Top Secret data via WikiLeaks infuriates those with much to lose, who place a high price on her demise. When her response gets too personal, the next attempt to silence her forever comes close to home.
While miles apart, each struggles with life-threatening situations as a result of their dedication to Bryan’s legacy. Their lives remain entangled through a series of fateful decisions and circumstances that define a future fraught with dangerous unknowns for them both.
AWARDS
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Firebird Book Award Book Excellence Award Finalist 5-star Readers’ Favorite Review Page Turner Award Finalist
The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits
Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 3
The DEAD HORSE CANYON Trilogy’s explosive conclusion! Picking up where “Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits” left off, we find that much to her enemy’s dismay, Sara’s life is spared, but with a steep price. A million dollar bounty remains on her demise, motivating another to threaten her life. Paralyzed by the last attempt to eliminate her, her Native American friend, Charlie, promises to help restore her health so she can walk again. Before he can accomplish that, however, the unthinkable happens, which disrupts and redirects their plans.
To fulfill his promise to his Northern Cheyenne Grandfather to complete a four-day ceremonial fast at the Sacred Mountain, Charlie journeys to Bear Butte in South Dakota, known to his tribe as Novavose. A series of startling visions reveal the full scope of his destiny. Of prime importance is to restore the ancient Earth Giving Ceremony known as the Massaum, originally revealed thousands of years before by their prophet, Sweet Medicine.
Has the time come at last for Native People to unite and fulfill Black Cloud’s curse on Dead Horse Canyon? And what about those other 19th century prophecies directed to the 7th Generation by Black Elk and Crazy Horse?
Phase I of the PURF complex is complete. A gala open house to celebrate is scheduled around the same time as the Gathering of Indigenous Leaders. While the underground facility is filled to the brim with corrupt lobbyists, contractors, and government officials, not far away a host of First Nation Americans is entrenched in a ceremony that promises to restore them to their land.
What could possibly go wrong?
5-STAR EDITORIAL REVIEW FROM READERS’ FAVORITE
“The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon by Marcha Fox and Pete Risingsun stands out for its sharp writing and complete ability to immerse readers, especially in Charlie’s spiritual transformation. Poor Sara just cannot get a break. Attacked, paralyzed, kidnapped, and then labeled a domestic terrorist and sanctioned! This isn’t just a fight for survival; this is about the power of truth in the face of overwhelming opposition. Charlie fits into this description, with a spectacular ceremony for Sara’s healing, but also as a powerful catalyst when he is in the presence of Grandmother Earth and the consequences of his actions. Fox and Risingsun are a dream writing team in every way, and, culturally, this portrayal of Charlie’s heritage is painted from the sky to the smallest pebble and the fire burning in between. The pacing is elevated by point of view shifts and all the drama, but also a surprising relationship transformation as well. Ultimately, this finale succeeds with a perfect 10 landing. Very, very highly recommended.”
AWARDS
Reader’s Favorite 5-stars Book Excellence Award Pinnacle Achievement Award
A sweetgrass braid ordered in 2019 connected a NASA physicist in Texas with a Cheyenne elder living on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana. That relationship evolved from a transaction to a consultation to a co-authorship that produced a culturally meticulous, spiritually grounded, award-winning conspiracy thriller trilogy.
Before publishing “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon” Marcha wanted to confirm her portrayal of Native American culture and the story’s protagonist, Charlie Littlewolf, was accurate as well as respectful toward indigenous people.
Synchronicity intervened via that sweetgrass braid and connected her with Pete Risingsun, an enrolled member and elder in the Northern Cheyenne tribe. He offered insights and changes, but best of all, was so taken with the story he ultimately became its coauthor.
Marcha’s experience as a retired NASA engineer and seasoned author of The Star Trails Tetralogy science fiction series, melded perfectly with Pete’s knowledge of his tribe’s history and ceremonies.
The pair, who has never met face to face, collaborated via phone calls, text messages, and snail mail between her home in the Texas Hill Country and his on the reservation in Montana.
It took five years to produce the trilogy that comprises “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon Saga,” the three books of which have collected a total of 13 awards.
In preparation for writing the saga’s explosive conclusion, Marcha and Pete conducted extensive research. In so doing, they were delighted to uncover fascinating details of Norther Cheyenne history and ceremonies that dove-tailed perfectly with the complex story’s plot, tying it back to numerous events in the 19th Century.
This first book in the Circle of Souls series is indeed magical. Fourteen year old Meg and her brother, Sam, meet Elke, a woman who lives in a small house in the woods. She helps their sick cat and introduces them to her horses. She teaches them to ride, much to their delight. However, the kids have been sneaking away without their mother’s permission, which ultimately results in trouble.
Misunderstandings abound, causing considerable problems that get more complex with the kids forbidden from seeing Elke or the horses again. Not wanting to wander into spoiler territory, I’ll just say that this story is intriguing and loaded with insights on dealing with a person who’s emotionally disturbed. When I was growing up, my mother was a lot like Meg’s so I could relate. I remember well being given the silent treatment without knowing what I had done wrong. As a teen it’s hard to understand why a parent acts like that and it can be very difficult to deal with.
Back to the story, Elke has a variety of secrets that add considerable depth to the story which contribute to a very touching, tearjerker ending. Her past ties back to WWII and the heartbreak caused by separations. I highly recommend this as the first book in this series and have already read another one out of order as I binge this series. I look forward to reading the next one to see what continues in the life of these many endearing characters in a fictitious town that reminds me a lot of the one where I grew up, right down to it’s geological location.
I absolutely loved this beautiful story. If you have (or are) a teenager, this is a book I recommend very highly. It’s important to note that it takes place in the 1970s, a time I remember well, yet is ancient history to kids today. Things have changed, a lot, and much of it for the good, especially in recognizing how people are traumatized and how they can be helped. Back then you were on your own. Even if you had the money for counseling, there was little known at that time about many of the problems people encounter today. Those that overcame were probably stronger, but no telling what scars they lived with. And what about those who didn’t?
June Adams is a 17 year old who is overwhelmed by numerous unfortunate events in her life which ultimately endow her with way too much responsibility. While she considers ending it all, fortunately this is averted and June steps up to what she must do. A good friend as well as a very special friend where she works help her hang in there. She finds time to pursue her talents and being a normal teen in spite of her many challenges.
This story is powerful on so many levels. Accepting things the way they are and just dealing with them while maintaining a positive attitude is so important, yet seldom easy. Dealing with loss is difficult, no matter what your age or experience.
One thing I love about this author’s books is the way they blur the boundaries between life and death. This book is part of her “Circles of the Soul” series, which I intend to explore in its entirety. Those on the “other side” are still there, caring about those they left behind. They are now in a better place and as much as they may be missed, the best way to honor them is to continue to embrace the life you have.
If I were a high school teacher I would make this story required reading, which would fit well for either English or Social Studies classes. Highly recommended for all ages.
Learn more about the author and her other books on her website here.
Review of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses”
This book has so many layers I hardly know where to start. First of all the prose is so beautifully poetic that aspiring writers of any genre should read it as a sterling example of that alone. Her use of analogies and metaphors add so much for the depth it reveals about this incredible author whose indigenous roots shine brightly in her books.
I never would have imagined that there could be that many varieties of mosses or that someone could devote their life and earn a PhD to their study. Our world is full of wonders, many of which are consistently overlooked. The beauty of mosses is clearly overlooked by the average person, myself included.
I love nature of all varieties, and was fascinated as well as astounded by the botanical side of this book. Who has ever expected more beauty from a moss beyond its soft, velvety touch on tree trunks or an old stone wall? That some mosses you may find are as old as the place they occupy? That they are true home-bodies and don’t respond well to being moved? That they can live for centuries, yet are so sensitive and particular about where they grow?
How many people realize that moss has amazing absorption qualities such that it can hold 60X its weight in liquid? Or that prior to the availability of cloth much less Huggies that ancient woman used it for diapers or sanitary products? If you need a trivia question no one is likely to guess there’s one for you!
Robin’s love for nature is impossible to miss. As a Native American she has a connection to Mother Earth that most white people lack. A couple times when she mentioned a species evolving I had to smile. I guess you can’t get to PhD level without being indoctrinated to the white scientific view of the world to some degree. But surely in her heart she knows that each of these beautiful plants was created as were all the animals and humans.
Her experiences during her research were fascinating. Canoeing through rivers embraced by steep canyon walls, a research center accessible only by boat where she would spend summers with her daughters, a consulting job at some anonymous wealthy owner’s estate who was trying to coerce nature to his will, thinking money alone was enough.
As an integrated whole, this book is like a guided meditation. It’s about so much more than the science of bryophytes. The title has as many layers as the book itself. Like the cliche, “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” it beckons you to slow down and look closer at the world around you.
This book is a masterpiece. Think of it as a walk through the woods on a spring day, not to be rushed, expectations open, or you’ll miss its magic. It’s encouraging to see how popular her books are, that people are seeking a world that those obsessed with power and greed have tried so hard to hide.
Today, October 29, is National Cat Day. A while back I decided to post a review for a book about cats as part of the celebration, since I’m a devout cat lover. When I found this one it sounded interesting enough that I bought a copy.
I’m not sure where to begin reviewing it. I’ll start by saying that the ages 9 – 18 for which it’s listed is extremely inaccurate. There is no way some of the scenes in this story are suitable for a child. I’d set the minimum age at no less than 15.
Whether it involves people or animals, there are certain violent, gratuitous acts that a young child does not need to read about. The violent murder of one of the original human characters and the gang rape of a fox with a graphic description of her injuries were horrifying enough, much less for a child. Other sexual innuendoes were also very borderline acceptable for a nine year old. What was he thinking?
Supposedly this author has written other children’s books as well. I surely hope they’re not as graphic and inappropriate as this one. I found this the most troubling and why I gave it an abysmal one-star review on Amazon when combined with all its other flaws. I shudder to think of someone buying this book for their child or grandchild, much less attempting to read it aloud.
My overall impression is that it was dark, unpleasant, and at times downright disturbing. True, nature can be cruel, but who would impose this on a young child in the guise of an animal story? I grew up on animal stories by Paul Gallico and Robert Lawson that were not even in the same universe as this one.
Bad reviews are no fun for authors but I feel it’s only fair to explain why I gave it such a poor rating. Maybe the author will learn something from it. Sadly, this is another example of a self-published book that gives all independent authors a bad name.
So let’s take a look at my observations.
The cats’ names were those of the Sun, Moon, and planets, an apparent attempt to bring in an astrological theme. However, whatever personality they may have had is not particularly noticeable, much less related to the archetypes of the planets, with the possible exception of Neptune. One human character named Wicked was apparently named Wizard in an earlier version, the change not corrected in a few places. Why he had that name was not apparent because he wasn’t a bad guy.
The writing style was unique and has possibilities, but seemed a bit archaic. Besides that, the book as a whole is in desperate need of serious, I mean serious, editing. The plot, I suppose, was of the “quest” variety, but didn’t hit the mark there, either. He never explained as far as I could tell why the evil “eyes of the mountain” had it in for poor Pluto. Some paragraphs were a page long. Redundant statements littered the narrative throughout as well as typos galore and even wrong words, e.g. “mercifully” instead of “mercilessly.”
Sentence fragments are often used in fiction for effect, but rather than technique, this joined numerous other examples showing blatant ignorance of proper grammar. Punctuation of dialog was almost always incorrect and the speaker’s identity often in question. Subject-verb agreement was likewise often wrong. I guess the point of view was omniscient since many observations in the narrative were far beyond that of the animal protagonists the author claimed to represent. I suspect he was trying to pen an allegorical story steeped in symbolism that simply didn’t work. His original idea may have had something going for it, but he lacked the writing skill and knowledge of literary techniques to execute it successfully.
Besides the writing issues, there was also the matter of structure. The Prologue, which is normally a prequel to the story itself, was more of an Introduction. And the Introduction was more of a combined dramatis personnae and glossary. If anything they seemed like a didactic attempt to spoon-feed the readers what the story was about, in case they missed the point.
This is probably one of the worst books I’ve ever read, all things considered from its inaccurate target audience to the plethora of editorial issues. At least I finished it, which I usually don’t bother to do if a book is so badly written it’s a total waste of my time. I definitely won’t be reading anything else by this author anytime soon and it should be clear I don’t recommend this one. However, it does fit a variation of the old adage, “No book is ever wasted. It can always serve as a bad example.”
It’s hard to fathom a book selling over 50 million copies and being on the New York Times Best Seller list twice, the first time for 14 weeks and achieving that honor again 22 years later. Books that hang around like that obviously contain something that resonates. This is truly a landmark book. I suspect it may have been one of, if not the first self-help book.
I’m amazed that I just discovered it after hearing it mentioned on a podcast. Much of its content was familiar since I’ve read various other books on the subject of how our emotions affect our health. The first one I read was “Feelings Buried Alive Never Die” by Karol Kuhn Truman. Now I’m sure it was derived from Louise Hay’s book.
If you’re not 100% happy with your life and you’re not already one of the 50+ million who has read this book, I urge you to do so. It can truly be life-changing. Even being familiar with the principles, it never hurts to have a refresher of such important information.
Think about feelings for a moment. They’re called that because you literally feel them. Considering your body’s physiology, they are caused by chemicals emitted when you’re experiencing a certain emotion. While some feelings are positive, like love and joy, others aren’t–hate, anger, anxiety, fear, frustration. These negative emotions emit chemicals that are toxic and tend to target and weaken certain organs with dis-ease.
Needless to say, nutrition is important and can cause problems as well. Changing our established eating habits and patterns isn’t easy and neither is letting go of old baggage and changing your thoughts. However, if you’re ready to make some changes, reading this book is a good place to start. Clearly it has helped millions of others.
There’s no better time for a ghost story than October and this sweet paranormal cozy mystery/romance is perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story with its unique plot and engaging characters. I read it in a single sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
Jo and Philip Briton fall in love with this old house on the waterfront in Connecticut because it just feels like home. They walk out to the water to check the wonderful view and both see an apparition, a beautiful young woman gazing out across the sea. Then she vanishes.
They buy the house anyway and a friendly but somewhat odd neighbor gives them clues relative to its history, including who the ghostly woman was. An old steamer truck in the attic contains more information about the house’s history as well as a small book written a century before that includes more of the story.
The twists and turns are great as the story unfolds, one of which gave me goosebumps. Surprises right up to the very end, which then makes so much sense. I loved the characters, all unique and well-developed. By the end of the story I had one question unanswered that would be a spoiler to include. Perhaps it could be covered by a possible sequel, which would be great.
I’m sure at some point I will reread this touching story, knowing all its little secrets. I loved it and highly recommend it as a wonderful break into another dimension that is closer than we think. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. I connected with the story even more since some of my ancestors lived in that very part of the country. It was interesting to learn more of the history of the area as well as the mention of familiar places.
