Out of the Shadows

The Haunting of Sarah Dyson by Shara Jones

Sparks fly as someone elects to scare Sarah Dyson to an early grave. Sarah is a historical researcher and someone doesn’t want her sticking her nose where it does not belong. When Robert Townsend, the new antique dealer arrives in town, she starts to have feelings for him, but can he really help her or is he the one seeking her harm?

After it is rumored that a capped figure has returned and has been seen emerging from the misty fog, Sarah is asked to do some investigating with her history research. Papers soon turn up lost after her house is broken into, and eerie shadows slither through passageways after a new antique dealer arrives that emerges out of nowhere and always materializes too silently and quickly for Sarah. If someone is trying to haunt her this Halloween season, they are doing a good job, but who really is behind all the bizarre happenings? Is it Robert Townsend her new acquaintance who shows an interest in Sarah, or some of the townspeople who don’t want any of the past about the mysterious River Boat man ever exposed?

The Haunting of Sarah Dyson was one short story that filled me with some mixed chills with all the shadows appearing in and out, not to mention the description of the fog and water. I have to admit, I really wasn’t certain who was behind all the dealings until the end. This is a story that is sure to please. Shara Jones gives the characters depth and makes the story so believable right down to the creepy feeling she creates. This is one read that you don’t have to wait for Halloween to sense the ghostly effects. I loved the way she portrayed Robert’s character in the story. Ms. Jones made me feel his presence whenever he appeared. The way Sarah jumped at every little movement made this story a page-turner. This reader really enjoyed this story.

A Nice Cup of Tea by Sheila Holloway

Katherine Rayburn decides to try to cure some of her ailments. When she takes a gamble on some of Grandmother’s Healing Tea that Samuel Hope insists will cure any sickness, she gets more than what she anticipated. Is the tea really an old home antidote or a threshold that carries her into an earlier period in time?

Katherine Rayburn knew the old house she bought would need a tremendous amount of work but she had no idea it came with soft giggles from a young child and chilling sensations that would have her hair standing on end. Not to mention, Sam, the man she hired to help with the renovation, appears to know quite a lot of its history. She understands being a restoration expert and builder that comes with the job, but there is something about Samuel Hope that is different. And when he starts making her some of his grandmother’s tea, sure to cure any illness, she begins to see and hear things that no one else can.

A Nice Cup of Tea is a breathtaking read. It sent chills up my back when the little girl giggled. And when Katherine raced up the steps, I think I was right behind her. The ending in this story really left me with bone-chilling goose bumps. I loved the characters of Katherine and Sam. They were a couple that was meant to be together. And Emma Laura definitely keeps the reader glued to the pages. Ms. Holloway pens a story that the reader can actually feel a part of, all the way to the singing chimes and the homemade swing. Eerie, ghostly and voices that seem to breathe through the pages, this story is truly excellent.

Haunted by Laura Hamby

Alisane Sommers is not sure which haunts her more, the ghost of the dead or the living. When it comes to the living, it is by far, Remy Beauvais. It has been years since he stole her heart and never returned it.

Alisane Sommers returns to New Orleans after her father’s passing. She is surprised to see that she still has feelings for Remy Beauvais when he greets her. When she learns that he has inherited a mansion and sets his sights on making her his wife, has he really changed or is he the same teenager that broke her heart years ago? When she begins to hear strange chilling voices and seeing things, not to mention being threatened by a stalker that declares Remy belongs to her and she best keep her hands off him, Alisane is not sure who is safe any longer, her or Remy.

Haunted was a story that made me feel the ambience of New Orleans again. I could visualize the streets and all the lovely hanging oaks surrounding the city and almost smell the lilacs outside the mansion. Ms. Hamby has created such a beautiful story with magic, mystery, and believability in a city that still lives and breathes. I loved the part where she said Alisanne could still remember the scent of her mother’s perfume and how Alisanne wore her heart for all to see. She produced a story with two well-rounded characters that seem real in all their endeavors, and blended in secondary characters that gave the story depth. This is a story that completely held my attention until the end. It gives you the feel of The Misty Lady and other haunts that walk the streets of New Orleans.

Out of the Shadows is one satisfying read. There is a touch of romance, mystery, creepy occurrences and a step through a portal of time that leaves the reader looking over their shoulder. I would recommend this book to everyone. These three authors are very talented and their stories inside this book should not be missed. Not only do they leave you wondering what is out there, but they leave you wanting more.

Reviewed by: Linda