#GuestDayTuesday – #GuestPosts – #ShareYourNews

April 12, 2024 / Marcia Meara / 14 Comments

Happy Freya’s Day, Everybody! Hope you are all eagerly awaiting a wonderful weekend ahead. I’ll be planting a couple more roses and doing a wee bit of gardening each morning, before the day gets too hot.

Just wanted to put out a call for guest posters. If you have a new book to share, or an old one to remind folks about, we can do that. If you have something writing-related you’d like to discuss, (Do’s and Don’ts, or a book you’ve read recently and would like to chat about) we can do that, too. Actually, I’m open to lots of topics for guest posters, so please contact me if you have something you’d like more folks to know about. Here are just a few of the headers for the types of posts I’ve shared on TWS in the past, though we aren’t limited to just these topics.

I’m open to various topics, and would love to have you visit. Just email me or respond below, and we’ll make it happen. The Write Stuff wants YOU!!

Hoping to Hear From You Soon!

#ShareAReviewDay – #FindingHunter – Reviewed by #YviMC – VINE VOICE

July 17, 2023July 15, 2023 / Marcia Meara / 39 Comments

Once in a while, I feel an urge to share a review of one of my own books, and this new review of Finding Hunter made me so happy, I could not resist doing so today. While I know not everyone will understand the youngest Painter brother and his struggles, especially with PTSD, among all of my books’ characters, Hunter has always been second only to Rabbit in my heart. It’s wonderful when readers really “get” him, and love him, too. *happy sigh*

Hope you’ll enjoy this review, and will be inspired to check out Hunter’s story for yourself.

Thanks so much Yvi!

Yvi MC
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, how I love Hunter! 🙂
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Verified Purchase

I absolutely love Hunter! He’s such a pure soul, but he has no idea how special he truly is because he lives in a world of fear and pain. Luckily, he is loved unconditionally in a way most of us may never experience. This was a fantastic addition to this series.

The author does an incredible job of diving into anxiety and depression through Hunter’s words and actions. Just as powerful is Willow’s journey in struggling to go on without Hunter while being determined to keep hope alive. I loved how the author used poetry to tell one storyline until the two stories merged together.

I also enjoyed seeing characters from the first book of the series. The author seamlessly created new threads of storylines for other characters that will be visiting in the next book. The ending is a bit of a punch to the gut, but it makes me want to dive right into book three!

This was a wonderful story of loss, love, and resilience. If you enjoy stories that dare to dive into the struggles of life while also shining a light on the human spirit, then I highly recommend this book!

BLURB:

In Book 2 of the Riverbend Series, Marcia Meara, author of Wake-Robin Ridge, A Boy Named Rabbit, and Harbinger, takes a look at the devastating effects of a family torn apart by a horrific tragedy, pitting brother against brother, and focusing on battling PTSD with the redemptive power of unwavering love and support.

Before, I never thought about taking a life. Not once.
Now, the thought fills my mind day and night, and
I wonder how I’ll hide that terrible need,
As an old car swings to the shoulder,
And stops.

~ Traveling Man ~

Hunter Painter’s darkest fears have shaped his offbeat personality since he was a child, crippling him in ways invisible to those unable to see past his quiet exterior. In a sleepy Florida town known for its eccentric inhabitants, he’s always been a mystery to most.

Only one person sees beyond Hunter’s quirky facade. Willow Greene, the new age herbalist who owns the local candle and potpourri shop, has secretly loved him since they were in high school. When, sixteen years later, she discovers Hunter has loved her just as long, Willow hopes her dreams are finally coming true.

Willow soon learns that Hunter fears happiness at her side isn’t in the cards for him. With her natural optimism and courage, she almost convinces him he’s wrong—that they can really have that life together they both long for—but even Willow can’t stop what Hunter knows is coming.

One by one, his worst nightmares become reality, culminating in an unthinkable tragedy, which devastates everyone it touches. Willow’s battle begins in earnest as Hunter is plunged into a bleak, guilt-ridden despair, threatening to destroy not only their love, but Hunter, himself.

Finding Hunter is the story of a lost man’s desperate struggle to make his way home again, and one woman’s unshakeable faith in him and the power of their love.

Author Marcia Meara

Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.

When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she’s good with that.

Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?

Buy Marcia’s Books Here

Novels
Wake-Robin Ridge: Book 1
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
The Light: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 4

Swamp Ghosts: Riverbend Book 1
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3

Riverbend Spinoff Novellas
The Emissary 1
The Emissary 2 – To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3 – Love Hurts

Poetry
Summer Magic: Poems of Life and Love

Reach Marcia on Social Media Here:

Blog: The Write Stuff
Facebook
Email: marciameara16@gmail.com

#ShareAReviewDay – #SwampGhosts – Reviewed by Author Marlena Smith

June 26, 2023May 2, 2023 / Marcia Meara / 42 Comments

I was absolutely delighted to see this review on author Marlena Smith’s website, Scribblings of a Southern Belle, and decided I’d like to share it here on The Write Stuff. Hope you enjoy reading what Marlena though of my second novel, Swamp Ghosts: Riverbend Book 1.

Marlena, thank you so much!

Review by Marlena Smith:

My Thoughts: In one word, WOW. This book is such a great read! I had to force myself to stop reading so I could go to work. I also had to remind myself I was only reading a story because I was pulled so deeply into the book.

Swamp Ghosts has a lot to offer. Suspense, humor, romance. And you read from multiple points of view, and for this story and what’s going on, it works so well. There are quite a few surprises along the way, and you’re left wondering what will happen next. Definitely some edge-of-your-seat moments!

The characters are well-written. You can’t help but fall in love with a few of the main ones, like Maggie and Gunn. Even the side characters have their charms.

Overall, I loved reading Swamp Ghosts. I highly recommend giving it a look if you enjoy the mixture of suspense and romance.

You can Buy Swamp Ghosts HERE

BLURB

Wildlife photographer Gunnar Wolfe looked like the kind of guy every man wanted to be and every woman just plain wanted, and the St. Johns River of central Florida drew him like a magnet. EcoTour boat owner Maggie Devlin knew all the river’s secrets, including the deadliest ones found in the swamps. But neither Maggie nor Gunn was prepared for the danger that would come after them on two legs.

On a quest to make history photographing the rarest birds of them all, Gunnar hires the fiery, no-nonsense Maggie to canoe him into the most remote wetland areas in the state. He was unprepared for how much he would enjoy both the trips and Maggie’s company. He soon realizes he wants more than she’s able to give, but before he can win her over, they make a grisly discovery that changes everything, and turns the quiet little town of Riverbend upside down. A serial killer is on the prowl among them.

Author Marcia Meara

Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.

Buy Marcia’s Books Here

Novels
Wake-Robin Ridge: Book 1
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
The Light: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 4

Swamp Ghosts: Riverbend Book 1
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3

Riverbend Spinoff Novellas
The Emissary 1
The Emissary 2 – To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3 – Love Hurts

Poetry
Summer Magic: Poems of Life and Love

Reach Marcia on Social Media Here:

Blog: The Write Stuff
Facebook
Email: marciameara16@gmail.com

#ShareAReviewDay – #AmandaInAlberta by #DarleneFoster

March 10, 2020March 7, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 26 Comments

Today, please help me welcome back one of our regulars, Darlene Foster, whose Amanda series of children’s books always garners wonderful reviews. Today, she is sharing one for Amanda in Alberta. I know you’ll enjoy this one, and will be happy to pass it along on your favorite social media sites. Thanks so much!

REVIEW:
By Jacquie Biggar

Amanda is excited to show her friend, Leah (visiting from England), the sites in southern Alberta.

While at the Calgary Stampede Parade, a clown drops a stone with strange markings. Amanda rescues the stone from the road and tries to get the clown’s attention, but he’s gone. She decides to hang onto the rock to see if her Great-Aunt Mary, a famous paleontologist, might know what the markings mean.

Strange and frightening encounters occur while the girls are sightseeing the Stampede, a working cattle ranch, Drumheller with its world-famous dinosaur museum, and Writing on Stone Park- a Unesco World Heritage site. Someone wants the stone back and they aren’t above hurting the girls to get it!

Amanda in Alberta is a fun, page-turning mystery with interesting tidbits of indigenous history along with Alberta landmarks thrown in.

While geared toward the pre-teen age group, this book has something for every reader to enjoy.

I give Amanda in Alberta four lovely kisses- Traveling with Amanda is an adventure!

BLURB:

Amanda is delighted to show Leah around Alberta during her visit from England. They take in the Calgary Stampede, go on a cattle drive, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, spend time with the dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum and explore the crazy Hoodoos. When Amanda finds a stone with a unique mark on it, she doesn’t think it’s important until everyone seems to want it – including a very ornery cowboy. Is this stone worth ruining Leah’s holiday and placing them both in danger? Spend time with Amanda as she explores her own country while attempting to decipher the mysterious writing on the stone and keep it from those determined to take it from her.

Buy Amanda in Alberta HERE

Author Darlene Foster

Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch outside of Alberta. She dreamt of writing, travelling the world and meeting interesting people. She also believes everyone is capable of making their dreams come true. It’s no surprise that she’s now the award-winning author of a children’s adventure series about a travelling twelve-year-old-girl. A world-traveler herself, Darlene spends her time in Vancouver, Canada and Costa Blanca in Spain with her husband and amusing dog, Dot.

You can reach Darlene here:

Amazon Author Page

Website | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – #FreeBook – Cusp of Night by Mae Clair

February 25, 2020February 23, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 51 Comments

Today, our featured author is Mae Clair, and she’s sharing a review of Cusp of Night, her the first book in her wonderful Hode’s Hill series. And guess what?

Cusp of Night is FREE today only!

REVIEW:

Excellent 1st in series… crosses genres, great tone and setting
5 Stars ~ L. Carmichael

This book was a wonderful surprise. I expected it to be well-written and interesting, but it fully captivated my attention. I read a third before bed last night and finished the rest this morning. It is the kind of book that keeps your mind wandering and processing, as there are genealogical puzzles, explored beliefs on mysticism and psychic powers, and a bit of romance and historical points of interest. Clair has woven a tightly knit mystery with spiderweb stories that beckon to come together… and come together they do!

As a story, it was complex yet methodically told. I enjoyed figuring out all the connections, discovering who was telling the truth and who lied to protect a secret. When the major bombshells dropped, I was surprised. I figured out a few but not all. That’s a good sign, an author who can distract you with a few smaller revelations to grenade-toss the bigger one. In terms of writing style, it’s quite strong and blended well. All Clair’s descriptions transport you to the scene, whether it’s lighting gas lamps in 1900 or viewing a modern seance with Ouija boards.

One of my favorite aspects of this book lurks within the tone… it is dark and chilling yet comforting. Quite an uncommon balance, and it helped drive the story forward. As we learn what happened in the past, visiting murder scenes and journal entries, a murky and gloomy tone accompanies us. Ethereal and spooky in a non-traditional manner… how was this monster created? Why do only some people have blue skin? Who is good and who is evil?

The end comes quickly, and it leaves a hint of what might come next in the second book in the series. I found a new author I really enjoyed reading… and highly recommend her to you.

BLURB:

Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.

Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house–a woman whose ghost may still linger.

Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to unearthing the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .

Don’t Miss Out!

TODAY ONLY! GRAB YOUR FREE COPY AT THIS UNIVERSAL LINK

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – Speak Flapper – Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 45 Comments

It’s Tuesday again, folks, and time to welcome our guest of the day, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene. Teagan is sharing a review of her book, Speak Flapper – Slang of the 1920s, and I know you’ll enjoy reading about this one. I’ve always been fascinated with the decade, myself, and I have this book coming up very soon on my Kindle. Really looking forward to reading it. In the meantime, please help Teagan get the word out by sharing this review far and wide. Thanks! (And by the way–how perfect is this wonderful cover? Exactly right, if you ask me.)

REVIEW:

Ms Fiza Pathan
An entertaining & informative book
Reviewed in India on February 3, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition, Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book. Author Teagan Geneviene’s book ‘Speak Flapper’ is entertaining, informative & a good introductory book to the words & talk of America in the 1920s. I loved all the ‘Jazz Age’ words in the book. The book was really enjoyable & a fast read.

I loved the history notes & 1920s trivia mentioned in the book; they gave me a lot of perspective about USA in that decade of the 20^th century. I loved the reference to James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ & many other trivia that made me realize the origins of so many words related to the Jazz era. I also realized that I unknowingly use so many Flapper words & phrases which all originated during this era. Some of these words are Baloney, Big Cheese, Clam, Crashing Party, Get it, All wet, Old fruit, Mrs. Grundy, Jalopy, Hitch, Killjoy & so many other words.

All this is penned beautifully by talented author Teagan Geneviene. This book certainly gets 5 stars from me. Kudos to her on a job well done! I look forward to reading more fiction & non-fiction books by her in the near future.

BLURB:

Speak Flapper – Slang of the 1920s is a dictionary of slang from the Roaring Twenties. I collected these terms while researching my various fictional stories set in the 1920s. I am a member of the Rave Reviews Book Club (#RRBC_Community) and this book is part of their catalog. Speak Flapper debuted an Amazon #1 New Release in its category.

The book is intended for entertainment purposes. It is also peppered with history and trivia about the era. You might use it in preparing for a 1920s costume party, or for a gathering to watch a favorite movie or TV show set in the Roaring Twenties. Or use it for the simple personal fun of speaking flapper!

You’re the cat’s pajamas!

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Buy Kindle Speak Flapper HERE
Buy Print Speak Flapper HERE

Author Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene’s work is colored by her experiences from living in the southern states and the southwest (of the USA). Teagan most often writes in the fantasy genre, but she also writes cozy 1920s mysteries, steampunk, and what she calls Twilight Zone-ish stories. Whether it’s a 1920s mystery, a steampunk adventure, or an urban fantasy, her stories have a strong element of whimsy.

Her talents also include book covers and promotional images. She makes all of her own. Teagan is currently exploring the idea of offering that service to others.

All of the books by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene are available at her Amazon Author Page.

Amazon Author Page

You can reach Teagan on Social Media Here:

Amazon
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
LinkedIn

#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – Oh Baubles by Harmony Kent

February 11, 2020January 28, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 28 Comments

I’m super happy to welcome Harmony Kent here today. Harmony is sharing a wonderful review of her book, Oh Baubles, and I know you’ll enjoy reading it! Don’t forget to pass it around all over social media, too. Thanks! And just look at this beautiful, romantic cover, too!

REVIEW:

Bookworm92

A Delightful Read

Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A delightful sweet romance that can be read in one sitting.

Charlene is a young widow who lost her leg in a tragic accident. While in physiotherapy, she meets John whom she is immediately attracted to. But her self-esteem is a little low and she can’t imagine him being interested in someone like her. However, the attraction is mutual. It took a series of series of misunderstandings and accidents for them to see the light.

There are bits of humor woven into the story, but one thing that touched me was the emotions Charlene went through during her recovery.

This is a holiday-themed book, but one that you can enjoy any time of the year. If you like sweet romance, I highly recommend this one.

BLURB:

After a tragic accident one Christmas, Charlene loses her husband and her leg.

Scarred and damaged, the losses leave her lost and reeling, and a long recovery lies ahead of her.

When John, a hot young physiotherapist, comes into her life with his ripped abs and good-god good-looks, she can’t imagine he’d give somebody like her a second glance.

Then she falls for him.

Can Charlene overcome all obstacles to gain back her life and find true love once more?

Find out in this fun-filled, clean Christmas romance novella from award-winning author Harmony Kent.

Buy Oh Baubles HERE

Author Harmony Kent

After spending around thirteen years as an ordained Buddhist monk, living in a Zen Buddhist temple, and six years after a life-changing injury following a surgical error, Harmony Kent returned to the world at the tender age of forty.

Now, she is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her adorable husband, ever-present sense of humour, and quirky neighbours.

Harmony is passionate about supporting her fellow authors.

Links

Website
Story Empire (co-authored)
Amazon Author Page
BookBub
Twitter @harmony_kent
LinkedIn Harmony
Goodreads: Author Page

#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – RED – A Voyage into Colors by Valentina Cirasola

February 4, 2020January 27, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 35 Comments

This afternoon, I’d like to welcome Valentina Cirasola to The Write Stuff. Valentina is sharing a terrific review of her book, RED – A Voyage into Colors. The subject matter is certainly interesting and unusual, and I know you folks will enjoy sharing this review on all your favorite social media sites. Thanks!

REVIEW:

Review from James J. Cudney IV on the book:
RED – A Voyage Into Colors, Second Edition
Learning About Colors with Amazing Photos

“For the most part, I am a fiction reader. On occasion, I pick up a non-fiction book when the subject matter or theme is of interest. Red – A Voyage Into Colors by Valentina Cirasola was a book that crossed my path earlier this year when I stumbled upon the author’s design website and personal blog. Being a person who generally leans toward blacks, grays, and whites, I thought maybe I should learn a little more about the color wheel.

Although this book is entitled Red, it is not merely about this one color. The author shares the history and background of all the colors on the spectrum, teaching us the differences between hues and shades, tones and variations. The book is only ~125 page and contains dozens of photos of colors and their uses in various designs, homes, and picturesque settings. It’s easy to digest, well-written, and has an amazing personal touch. Valentina has quite a fun personality.

Some of the content I recall learning in school. Other I’ve picked up throughout my life. Seeing it all together again in one book is a comprehensive way to learn about our lives. For instance, I remembered why red was a warm color, and blue a cool one, but I didn’t know how it affected my life or made me feel. It was great to dive back into these ideas and facts, and seeing how these colors play in my life today was helpful. I actually (without knowing it) designed my living room to use all the appropriate matching color patterns and schemes. My bedroom might need some work though!

What a great way to make us ponder the things we often spend too little time thinking about… I pick clothes based on what fits. What if I went out in search specifically for clothes with color combinations that work for me? I plan to re-read this book again in small chunks. Too much at once can get lost because you want to process the advice and imagery. Next time I need to make a color decision, I’ll definitely come back to this one to focus on the important questions.

I recommend this one for every type of reader because it has a little bit of everything when it comes to choosing what makes us happy versus what might be the first thing we see in our closet or drawer, on the computer or phone screen, or on the rack of shelf at the store.”

BLURB:

From the dawn of time, every race and population have attributed various meanings and symbolism to colors. This book talks about colors, how humans can benefit from using them, how our health, spirit, and state of mind can improve by using all colors without distinction.
The book teaches how to create and mix colors as a study for people who have an interest in becoming artists and are just starting. Also, the book delves into understanding colors from a spiritual point of view and how to use them, in a technical way, for interiors, fashion, food, entertainment and much more. It is so important when mixing colors to look at nature as our best teacher, where all colors are mixed together and co-exist well without rules and prejudices. We can simply copy nature and feel perfect in our choice of colors.

Buy RED – A Voyage into Colors HERE

Author Valentina Cirasola

Valentina Cirasola was born in Bari, the main city of Puglia, Italy to a family of artists, designers, and food connoisseurs. She followed her mom’s footsteps and became a fashion/interior designer. She expresses her creativity in the homes she designs and decorates for her clients. She is often called “The Colorist” for a reason, she vibrates people’s world with her love for colors, which prompted her to write a book on this subject, title: ©RED – A Voyage Into Colors, First and Second Edition.

With this book, she delves into how to see colors, how to manipulate colors to one’s advantage and how-to live-in colors. The book touches on interior styles, fashion, food, entertainment and much more, it feels like a real voyage.

Valentina calls herself “a good fork” and likes to eat real food, from which she draws her positive energy. For the love of her native land, she wrote two cookery books on Puglia cuisine.

Growing up, Valentina was only allowed to watch the cooking happening in her family, but not to practice it! She did not get the opportunity to cook until she moved away and started to cook for herself out of necessity. Then, as if by miracle, all those years watching, eating and tasting translated to doing. She recalled the perfection of how every dish was supposed to look and taste. Watching her family and eating good food every day, gave her the expertise and knowledge of a professional chef.

Buy Links:
Amazon:
Paperback – https://amzn.to/2Bxhq08
Kindle – https://amzn.to/2puRCzn

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/31MSnkj

Find Valentina at the Links Below:
Visit Valentina the designer: http://www.valentinadesigns.com
Visit Valentina the author: www.valentinaexpressions.com
email: valentinadesigns@comcast.net
Author’s Page – https://www.amazon.com/Valentina-Cirasola/e/B0031A02H2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinadesigns
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ValentinaInteriors
https://www.youtube.com/user/designsvalentina
http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinadesigns
https://www.instagram.com/valentina_designs
Valentina Design Universe TV – https://valentinadesignuniverse.com

#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – Wake-Robin Ridge Book 1 by Marcia Meara

February 4, 2020January 29, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 45 Comments

I had a bit of a mix-up with another author’s post, and ended up rescheduling her review for next Tuesday. That left me with an opening this morning, and I decided to indulge myself by sharing a wonderful review I found posted on Deborah Jay’s website this week. With Wake-Robin Ridge being my first book, new reviews come in at a much slower pace, so this one thrilled me! Thanks to Debby from the bottom of my heart.

And let me add, she prefaced her review with the following words, which I loved:

“Today, I’m taking the briefest of breaks from reading Book #2 of this series to review Book #1. This might tell you how much I’m enjoying this series: I’m already disappointed there are only four books so far, there must be more – please make it so!”

REVIEW:

Deborah Jay a/k/a Debby Lush
Wake-Robin Ridge by Marcia Meara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarah leaves her dead-end library job for a remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains where she plans to write a book.

Ruth runs away from her abusive husband, taking his illicitly-gained money and his car, and hides out in a remote cabin…yes, you’ve guessed it – the same cabin, only 50 years apart.

The stories of these two women are told in parallel, along with that of Mac, Sarah’s gorgeous but brooding and private neighbour. Both are love stories that will eventually collide in a shocking, macabre manner, involving a ghost and a long-held secret, the unravelling of which brings Sarah and Mac finally together.

It’s hard to define this book: romance, yes. Supernatural, a little. But entertaining, engrossing and delightful, very definitely.

The author has a charming style, with beautiful descriptions, natural dialogue, and fully developed characters you would like to know in real life. Be warned, once you start this book, you will likely be late for every upcoming appointment, and prone to yawning your way through the day because you just had to stay up and finish that chapter. And then the next. And the next.

And then you have to go straight on and buy the next one…

View all my reviews

Take a look at WAKE-ROBIN RIDGE HERE – and don’t blame me if you get hooked!

BLURB:

“A PHONE RINGING AT 2:00 A.M. never means anything good. Calls at 2:00 A.M. are bad news. Someone has died. Someone is hurt. Or someone needs help.”

On a bitter cold January night in 1965, death came calling at an isolated little cabin on Wake-Robin Ridge. Now, nearly 50 years later, librarian Sarah Gray has quit her job and moved into the same cabin, hoping the peace and quiet of her woodland retreat will allow her to concentrate on writing her first novel. Instead she finds herself distracted by her only neighbor, the enigmatic and reclusive MacKenzie Cole, who lives on top of the mountain with his Irish wolfhound as his sole companion.

As their tentative friendship grows, Sarah learns the truth about the heartbreaking secret causing Mac to hide from the world. But before the two can sort out their feelings for each other, they find themselves plunged into a night of terror neither could have anticipated. Now they must unravel the horrifying events of a murder committed decades earlier. In doing so, they discover that the only thing stronger than a hatred that will not die is a heart willing to sacrifice everything for another.

~~~

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#ShareAReviewDay Tuesday – Through the Nethergate by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

January 28, 2020January 26, 2020 / Marcia Meara / 45 Comments

This afternoon, please help me welcome Roberta Eaton Cheadle (or Robbie, as many of us know her) to The Write Stuff. She’s sharing a great review of her YA Paranormal book, Through the Nethergate, and I know you’ll love the sound of this one. Please remember to share far and wide, if possible. We’ll do the same for you when it’s your turn. 🙂 Thanks!

REVIEW:

Jacqui Murray
5.0 out of 5 stars Ghosts, violent death, and one girl’s efforts to make things right
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2019

In Roberta Cheadle’s YA paranormal thriller, Through the Nethergate, Margaret moves into the Inn owned by her grandfather after the untimely death of her parents. There, she quickly finds that she has the ability to communicate with the ghosts that are rumored to inhabit the old building. They are a varied group, all of whom met violent unjust deaths that left them…

“…trapped in the Overworld between the White Light of eternal salvation and the Nethergate of eternal damnation.””

They are kept in this eternal existence against their will and beg Margaret to help them. Reluctantly, Margaret agrees which starts her war with the ethereal red-eyed vicious dog who doesn’t want to release his slaves.

As the story unfolds, Cheadle shares the well-researched stories of how each of these ghosts died, putting us into a time when life was not precious, where people starved or froze and no one care. I was horrified, engaged, and ultimately rooting for Margaret’s success, despite the high toll it took on herself and her grandfather. Recommended for readers of YA who enjoy the macabre and heroines who fight injustice.

BLURB:

Margaret, a girl born with second sight, has the unique ability to bring ghosts trapped between Heaven and Hell back to life. When her parents die suddenly, she goes to live with her beloved grandfather, but the cellar of her grandfather’s ancient inn is haunted by an evil spirit of its own. In the town of Bungay, a black dog wanders the streets, enslaving the ghosts of those who have died unnatural deaths. When Margaret arrives, these phantoms congregate at the inn, hoping she can free them from the clutches of Hugh Bigod, the 12th century ghost who has drawn them away from Heaven’s White Light in his canine guise. With the help of her grandfather and the spirits she has befriended, Margaret sets out to defeat Hugh Bigod, only to discover he wants to use her for his own ends – to take over Hell itself.

Buy Through the Nethergate HERE

Author Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Robbie, short for Roberta, is an author with six published children’s picture books in the Sir Chocolate books series for children aged 2 to 9 years old (co-authored with her son, Michael Cheadle), one published middle grade book in the Silly Willy series and one published preteen/young adult fictionalised biography about her mother’s life as a young girl growing up in an English town in Suffolk during World War II called While the Bombs Fell (co-authored with her mother, Elsie Hancy Eaton). All of Robbie’s children’s book are written under Robbie Cheadle and are published by TSL Publications.

Robbie has recently branched into adult horror and supernatural writing and, in order to clearly differential her children’s books from her adult writing, these will be published under Roberta Eaton Cheadle. Robbie has two short stories in the horror/supernatural genre included in Dark Visions, a collection of 34 short stories by 27 different authors and edited by award winning author, Dan Alatorre. These short stories are published under Robbie Cheadle.

Robbie has also recently published a poetry collection, Open a new door, together with fellow South African poet, Kim Blades.