Another wonderful story from the lovable characters in Beauville, NY. I love the ongoing characters like Meg and Mary, then folks cross their path and add another touching story to the series.
This book is actually two combined, “Mandy’s Dream,” and “The Rule of Thirds.” Warning, both are tearjerkers and so very touching! “Mandy’s Dream” is the story of Meg and a new character, Jessica, who’s a gifted young artist, helping a young girl named Mandy who has been mute since both her parents died in a horrible accident. Spending time with the girl and introducing her to expressing her feelings through art plus interacting with a special horse helped the girl to heal from her trauma. In the story they write a book for Mandy to express her feelings which is included with beautiful artwork and also sold separately for young children dealing with grief. Beautifully done on both literary and illustration levels.
“The Rule of Thirds” title relates to art design, yet in this story ties in how often a group of three has meaning in our lives. In this story, Jessica’s journey as an artist continues as well as a surprising and exciting development in her life. Saying anything else would be a spoiler so I’ll leave it at that.
I love this series and highly recommend it. While the main characters are high school age living back in the 70s, their situations are apropos regardless of the decade. The author has a gift for creating warm, relatable characters and touching situations most will encounter at some point in their life. I would have loved these books as a teen and do today as a great-grandmother. Highly recommended.
I’m extremely excited that “Elke’s Magic” in this series is a screenplay that is in pre-production! I can’t wait to see it on TV someday!
You can pick up your copy of “Duet” on Amazon here and available thru Kindle Unlimited.
Review of “The Wall Between” by Inger Margaret Foster
My binge marathon on Inger Margaret Foster’s books continues!
The point of historical fiction is to take you to some time in the past and live it. This story definitely does that and more! I’m old enough to remember much of what went on back in the 70s. I also remember when President Ronald Reagan told Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall. But never did it have the impact as it did in this amazing tale of a couple separated by it and the horrible policies that were in place when East and West Berlin were separated.
That was the situation at the end of WWII when Communist Russia got East Germany and the allies got West Germany. What it required to cross from one side to the other was solid identification, then being escorted by an armed guard who kept his eye on his watch to make sure the meeting didn’t go longer than it was supposed to.
I’m glad that I read “Elke’s Magic” first, though it’s not required. Nonetheless, it gives you a glimpse of the situation and you get to know the main character. You can also understand why Elke missed her idyllic little cottage back in the States. When she was washing dishes in her humble apartment in West Berlin and remembering the dried herbs hanging above her sink in her little house I could so totally relate! When I lived in Texas I was able to grow a multitude of fresh herbs that I dried in the house, just like that. I hope to be able to do so again, maybe next year, though some won’t survive where I live now in New York State, where it’s so much colder.
I absolutely loved this story and it touched me deeply. I read it in a single sitting, unable to put it down. Highly recommended to understand what the people in Germany went through during those dark and trying years.
You can get your copy on Amazon here, for free if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.
Inger Margaret Foster is an author and screenwriter who writes primarily for a young adult audience though the depth and feeling imbued in her books make them a great read for all ages. If you’re looking for a book loaded with love, compassion, and strong characters dealing with life’s problems, these are for you. In many cases they contain “mystical realism” that brings a touch of the paranormal, adding to their charm.If you or someone you know, especially a young adult, is dealing with a certain challenge right now, check out her books for one that might help them understand and cope with itbetter by feeling less alone.
You can learn more about Inger on her website. Be sure to check out her blogs that often spill a few secrets and/or background about her stories. All her books are available on Amazon with all but the children’s paperbacks available through Kindle Unlimited.
Me: When did you first know you wanted to write stories?
Inger: I’ve always loved reading. I attended an amazing public school system, where we were exposed to the classics early on. We read Shakespeare in the fifth grade! That foundation paved the way to writing.
Me: That’s awesome! It’s too bad they don’t still do that. What was your first story about? When did you write it?
Inger: One that I remember clearly was written in college, and it was drawn from a true life story from my mother’s home town about two brothers out fishing, with a gun in the boat. The youngest boy held up the gun, pretending to shoot his brother. And the gun accidentally went off, killing the older boy. I called the story “Brothers” and I wrote it from the younger boy’s perspective.
Me: Wow! What a sad story. But that shows you have a strong sense of empathy and ability to relate to people’s feelings. Your stories tend to have a connection with the “other side” and paranormal events. Have you had similar experiences yourself?
Inger: Yes! Many times! To me, interaction with spirit is comfortable and completely normal. My stories fall under the realm of Magical Realism, the juxtaposing of the magical aspects of unconventional elements with reality. And many of the storylines are the product of an urging from what I can only describe as other worldly sources.
Me: I love that! I think we get nudges like that a lot if we just learn to listen. Do you have a favorite character? If so, which one is it?
Inger: Yes. But don’t tell the other characters! Elke is my favorite. Even though her character is not present in all of the books, she is the reason for the series.
Me: She is indeed charming, someone I’d love to know in person. She does remind me of my neighbor back in Texas with a similar German background. What is the easiest part of writing for you?
Inger: The actual writing is the easiest. Once I have the main idea for the storyline, I write the ending and all the rest tumbles out in a flurry!
Me: That’s awesome! Knowing how a story ends is so integral to it. Like that quote I saw the other day about plays, where if there’s a problem with the 3rd Act the real problem is with the 1st Act! If you don’t have a strong ending, you don’t really have a story. What is the most difficult part of writing for you?
Inger: Editing!
Me: LOL! I don’t think there’s an author out there who wouldn’t agree with that! Except perhaps for those who don’t bother, which inevitably shows! What are you working on now?
Inger: I have been writing screenplays for about a year now, and I love every minute of it! I’m working now on a paranormal series, and have a few more episodes to write.
Me: That is so exciting! It will be such a joy to see your work come to life on the screen! How long does it usually take you to write one of your novels?
Inger: About six months, from start to finish.
Me: That’s pretty quick! tell me how your Circles of the Soul series came about.
Inger: Sorry, this is long! Anyway, The Final Canoe Ride was the first book written, followed by Split Soul as the sequel. I then wrote Elke’s Magic, the prequel. They were all published through a small publishing house. I was going to end there, and then the pandemic hit. That was when I discovered independent publishing on demand, and just wrote like crazy. I wrote the sequel to Elke: Mandy’s Dream and then: The Rule of Thirds, developing a trilogy of YA books called Things Come in Threes. I then rewrote the first three books, changing one of the characters. It helped with the series flow. After that, I wrote Circles, which followed Split Soul and The Final Canoe Ride, and called that trilogy The Circles of the Soul. While writing Back in the Before, I brought the character of Elke back and decided that I needed to create one continuous series, hence the merging of all books into the Circles of the Soul. It is now a ten book series (two are combined) and it ends with Connections.
Me: I love how they all tie together! But when you develop strong characters it’s always easy to continue on with their lives. In my experience, they just kind of take over and tell you what’s going on like a good friend. Do your characters ever surprise you?
Inger: Sometimes! Maureen, in Always Just Beyond, is very sneaky and she almost wrote her own story!
Me: I can see that! She was very mysterious throughout that story. Yet in the end, it all made perfect sense. I loved that book! I want to read it again sometime now that I know all the secrets. What is your favorite book from your childhood?
Inger: A Wrinkle in Time.
Me: Yes! Such a wonderful classic! I loved it, too. Is your writing style that of a “pantser” or a “plotter?”
Inger: Neither. I know the ending before I start, and I either write that first or have it in my brain. I let the story flow by listening to the characters, sometimes in my dreams. I don’t do an outline, but I know where I want to go even before I start.
Me: That sounds pretty much like a pantser, especially not doing an outline and letting the characters lead. I’m a pantser, too. If I ever have writer’s block it’s because I’m trying to force my characters to do something when they have something else in mind. What’s the most satisfying part of being an author?
Inger: I think when you hear from a reader that your words impacted them, or helped them overcome a loss, it makes it all worthwhile!
Me: Absolutely! I’m sure your insightful stories have touched many readers. You touch on so many things that are painful. That’s so important for the Young Adult genre since that can be a pretty difficult time of life. I love your beautiful book covers! Did you do the photography for them?
Inger: Thank you! All of my book covers are from my photographs, except Duet: Mandy’s Dream and The Rule of Thirds (a two book combo) and the two children’s books that were all created by the illustrator: Cathlyn A. Driscoll.
Me: You’re a very talented photographer for sure! And they capture the book themes so well. Has a specific event or person ever inspired one of your books, besides your first one that you mentioned earlier?
Inger: There were three things. First: It was my experience dealing with breast cancer that was the inspiration to write a series of stories that eventually evolved into my first novel: The Final Canoe Ride.
Second: My father was my inspiration, for not only the historical parts of the Resistance during WWII but for his interest in reincarnation, a theme that runs through the last four books in The CIrcles of the Soul series.
Third: My German friend, Heidi, was the inspiration for the character of Elke.
Me: Your inspiration was definitely captured. Yes, reincarnation and the next life are fascinating and there’s so much interest in them these days. People need to know that what we have here is only the beginning. What advice do you have for new writers just getting started on their journey?
Inger: Write often. Write from the heart. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Me: Great advice! Writing that originates from the heart is what so many readers are looking for. The books that I remember and are most likely to go back and read again are the ones that touch my heart.
Thanks for telling us about your ongoing journey as an author, Inger!
Below are links to her books on Amazon (as well as via the cover photos) plus to her website for those of you who’d like to know more.
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.
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.
Marcha's Two-Cents Worth 