A NOVEL THAT WILL RIP YOUR HEART IN TWO AND STITCH IT BACK TOGETHER - AWARD-WINNING - DINKY: THE NURSE MARE'S FOAL BY MARTA MORAN BISHOP

Winnie Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is the story of one little foals fight for survival after being taken from his mother within hours of his birth. Dinky, takes us on a poignant trip through the heart and mind of an animal, who was born for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare. In the elite world of horses, Dinky was considered a by-product, a ‘junk foal.’Dinky’s story will resonate with animal lovers, as well as anyone who has adopted. Although a horse, his story has been called an adoption story. The reader can follow him through the heartbreak, cruelty, loneliness, and finally to happiness in his forever home. His story is based on true events. Each event from the moment the author met Dinky actually happened, though it is the author’s interpretation of what he might have been thinking and feeling during the occasions described in his story. His early life which is unknown has been fictionalized by the author and constructed through research and imagination. There are many wonderful animal rescue leagues, many are very empathic to these young animals, though some are not. Since Ms. Bishop has no knowledge of Dinky’s early days she used the latter to enhance the strength of his story. It will break your heart, open your eyes, lift you up, and teach you much about horses. It is suitable for all ages.

Jade Lazlow

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story about Horses, Humans, Cruelty, and Hope
Verified Purchase
This is the second book I've read from Marta Moran Bishop. In Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal, Bishop explores the real and dramatized history of her real-life foal, Dinky. The horse was born to a nurse mare, a horse that is mated for the sole purpose of keeping a supply of milk for high dollar foals. Dinky was taken from his mother and denied a normal upbringing for the sake of profit. It's a heartbreaking tale about how humans exploit these creatures and the effect the practice has on the horses themselves. As with other books by Ms. Bishop, this book is steeped in drama and contains harsh realities couched within the story. It makes you think about horses, humans, and humanity in general. I loved this book. It was eye-opening for me and made me re-think the horse industry. If you enjoy a deeply emotional story that leaves you with a sense of hope for a better future, you'll love Dinky.

AMAZON

ALL THE PUSH TO GET A JOB MAY NOT BE WHAT WILL EARN YOU THE MOST AND MAKE YOU HAPPIEST - THE HANDYMAN'S GUIDE TO MAKING A PROFIT BY A. WILLIAM BENITEZ MAY HOLD THE KEY FOR YOU!

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,

TO BUY

WE LOOK FOR THINGS TO GET LOVE, TO WIN LOVE, TO PLEASE ANOTHER - BUT DO WE LOOK FOR HOW TO KEEP IT FRESH FOR THE LONG TERM? RELATIONSHIP BY A. WILLIAM BENITEZ

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

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.
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.

TO BUY

A BOOK OF HERO'S - LOTTIE'S ADVENTURE: FACING THE MONSTER IS THAT BOOK - BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES - A CHAPTER BOOK FOR AGES 8 TO 108

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.

Lottie's Adventure is a vibrant chapter book mystery for preteens that emphasizes the importance of intergenerational communication and love as well as the immense value of thinking beyond cultural stereotypes. To develop a new moral code or vision, both these elements are crucial. Perhaps the most striking quality of "Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster" is its powerful positive energy. Featuring a spunky 10-year-old Hispanic heroine, "Lottie's Adventure" keeps interest high and pages turning with exciting plot twists and turns and believable cliffhangers that just keep evolving. The author allows her characters to develop very naturally, with total authenticity. There are many excellent ideas embedded in the story, not the least of which is that people, even wise adults, can learn to admit they are wrong. "Lottie's Adventure" goes a long way towards building a viable alternative to prejudice, and for that and many other reasons, it is highly recommended juvenile reading for kids age 10 and up.

(Review from The Midwest Book Review)

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.

TO BUY

AWARD-WINNING NOVEL LIKE I USED TO DANCE BY BARBARA FRANCES WILL KEEP YOU ENTHRALLED LONG INTO THE NIGHT. IT IS A FABULOUSLY WRITTEN BOOK

"Our kids, my, my, Gracie, 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 nameless fears that she keeps secret even from Bud. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, 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 takes an unforeseen turn.

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 freedom—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 it opening number to the last waltz.

Vanna Karenina

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll Be Hooked on This Book

Verified Purchase

After only a few pages I was hooked by Like I Used to Dance and Barbara Frances' gifts as a storyteller. She creates multidimensional characters who are so real that I found myself thinking about them in between sessions with the book, and she weaves a plot that is by turns suspenseful, funny, touching and gripping. Set in a rural Texas community more than sixty years ago, the book explores social, racial and family themes -- many of which continue to resonate today. But above all, it's a great read! It will take you places where you've never been, from a KKK meeting that is both sinister and pathetic, to a heartbroken man's encounter with a mystical fox. Barbara Frances writes with insight, compassion, full knowledge of the human heart, and lots of twists, turns and surprises. Highly recommended.

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

TO BUY

IS ELAINE CHAVIER HAUNTED BY HER GREAT-GREAT GRANDADDY OR IS SHE INSANE? SHADOW'S WAY BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES WILL KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES UNTIL LATE AT NIGHT.

Prepare to be spellbound. Barbara Frances' long-awaited third novel is available NOW! 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?

A spell weaver, Shadow's Way, kept me in suspense, which, as a lover of good mysteries is not easy for an author to do. I often guess an ending before I hit the middle. As in her last book, Like I Used to Dance, Ms. Frances' characters are delicious portrayals, richly textured, gradually revealing their good and evil humanity, as her hauntingly realistic settings and surprising story unfolds. To say more might give away the best of her new book. I have thoroughly enjoyed both of her novels and highly recommend them.

Sherry Haskin

M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVED THIS SOUTHERN GOTHIC HORROR MYSTERY.

I received this book as a gift from my niece, and cannot thank her enough.
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.

TO BUY

THIS BOOK WILL HAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT - CISCO BANDITS (BOOK 2 OF THE GWYNN REZNICK MYSTERY SERIES - BY MULTI-AWARD-WINNING - USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR INGE-LISE GOSS

 

Oil Is Vanishing From The Cisco Field And Revealing It Becomes A Death Sentence

Newly trained and ready to rock her first assignment, Gwynn Reznick goes undercover posing as an accountant for the Prudell Energy Company. After fending off the unwanted advances of a company executive, she stumbles on a murder scene staged to look as an accident. Then she learns another employee died in a suspicious oil well accident and a large quantity of oil is missing from the Cisco field.

˃˃˃ A Wild Mix Of Action, Adventure And Mystery All In One Fast-Paced Thrill-Ride!

Her boss (and boyfriend) Ruben calls and warns Gwynn not to go poking her nose where it doesn’t belong and to wait for his directions. She promptly ignores his orders and sets out to solve the case, which quickly spirals out of her control as she ends up on the perpetrators’ hit list. Will Gwynn be able to maintain her cover”"or risk everything to crack the case?

˃˃˃ This One Will Have You On The Edge Of Your Seat Until The Very End!

Any reader who enjoys action, adventure, murder mysteries, or just a plain good read will love Cisco Bandits: A Gwynn Reznick Mystery.

"The novel has a Charlie's Angels' feel to it: pretty girls and a remote boss...Goss's greatest strengths, which are significant and not easily mastered, are authentic dialogue and solid plotting. She expertly tosses in an intriguing subplot regarding the town's scarlet woman and her odd son...the book's writing is solid and the story is engaging, providing a fast-paced, satisfying read" - BlueInk Review ★★★★★
"Despite being a second book in the series, to my delight Cisco Bandits can be read as a standalone thriller. The strength of the novel lies in the way Goss brings the story to life, by pitting her protagonist against the odds. Gwynn finds herself as the next unfortunate employee or likely murder victim, when she is approached by Prudell's CFO about missing files and accounts that are not adding up. She needs to complete and, most importantly, survive her assignment." Readers' Favorite Reviewer ★★★★★

AMAZON

WE READ BOOKS ON WHAT WOMEN WANT, & HOW TO MAKE YOUR HUSBAND HAPPY. RELATIONSHIP BY A. WILLIAM BENITEZ IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOW TO BOOK - IT HELPS US LOOK AT BOTH OURSELVES & HOW WE CAN BE BETTER

When I decided to write this book on relationship, my wife Barbara was surprised and cautioned me by saying that she would not dare write such a book because it was such a varied topic with so many nuances. That scared me because she is certainly more qualified to write about relationship than I am. I hesitated for a while.

Most of my writing had been on housing, business, woodworking, even publishing, but nothing on relationship. It's an expansive topic and I wasn't sure if my information would be of real value. I considered that all my books are based on first hand experience and realized that even though I'm not an expert, I have a life time of experience in relationship. Based on that I felt able to contribute something helpful to some readers and I feel good about this book.

Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children's Books

 

HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars `Relationships are not about competition between partners. It should be about giving and taking.'

Verified Purchase

A. William Benitez's career is not as a therapist (his work included the construction business, governmental housing official, woodworking, IT manager for Hyatt Regency, founder of Positive Imaging, LLC writing and publishing) and he succeeds in this book about Relationships because of the gentle manner in which he relates his insights. He has an innate understanding about relationships that work (he is currently happily married for 23 years in a very strong and sustainable marriage) and ones that fail (his first marriage of 17 years ended in divorce) and has the courage to admit that he is one half of each relationship - a gratifyingly honest approach to view life in retrospect as well as with introspection. Or as he states, `My goal with this book is that, as an individual, parent, grandparent, spouse, and lover, I might be able to share just a small amount of information you might find of value.'

As far as the structure of this warm book of supportive guidance is concerned the author states, `This book contains ten chapters entitled: What Is Love, What is a Good Relationship, Fostering and Nourishing Relationships, Harming Relationships, Mutual Respect, Boundaries, Marriage, Breakups and Divorce, Helpful Tips, and Final Thoughts. All the chapters contain information based almost exclusively on personal experience that I hope helps to create safe, happy, and healthy relationships.' And from that platform for discussion, we join Benitez in a drawing room atmosphere of heart to heart conversations about each of the topics he outlines.

His highlighted phrases scattered through the book are gems to ponder, phrases like `Love is caring for another person enough to want for her what she wants for herself, even if what she desires is not in your best interest.' After making statements such as this, Benitez dissects it, amplifies it with either personal experiences or postulated ones until we understand the concept completely.

So much of what is shared here is not earthshakingly original: there are therapists and erudite textbooks that serve that purpose. The reason Benitez succeeds is that he is so open and straightforward in the way he discusses those elements of humanity that must be respected in every individual in order to bond with another individual. His suggestions on how to nurture a relationship are simple but so often forgotten (as in the infinitely important art of conversing), his explanation of how to respect boundaries is as solid as anyone has written, and his definitions of how relationships can be harmed is especially poignant (and he is not afraid to discuss spousal abuse openly).

A few other phrases that stand out: `Regard your partner with consideration, appreciation, and acceptance just as she is, not as you believe she should be. Accept and value your partner's point of view even if it differs from yours. Honor your partner's right to privacy by not intruding, interfering, or spying.' `Boredom and predictability can hurt relationships as can the lack of joy and spontaneity.' This is a book of wisdom from experience - one that will touch many aspects of each reader's viewpoints and hopefully will provide examples for change where change is needed. Grady Harp

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

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.

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.

TO BUY

TOO MANY OF US THINK WE NEED TO GET A 'JOB' BUT THERE MAY BE A BETTER WAY, EVEN IF OUR SKILLS ARE NOT THE HANDYMAN TYPE - A. WILLIAM BENITEZ BOOK THE HANDYMAN'S GUIDE TO PROFIT MAY BE THE KEY TO YOUR FUTURE.

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 your own, and those who already have...

TO BUY HANDYMAN'S GUIDE

THE AUTHOR BARES HER SOUL & BECAUSE SHE DID, HER POEMS GAVE ME A STRONG SENSE OF FEARLESS COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DAUTHING CHALLENGES. A POET'S JOURNEY: SUNLIGHT AND SHADOWS BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR MARTA MORAN BISHOP

Marta Moran Bishop continues her journey in Sunlight and Shadows. This book of poetry, unlike A Poet’s Journey: Emotions, is a more thought provoking book. In its pages, her verses deal with everything from God, to life after death, war, and the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Still she is able to bring to life the beauty and grandeur of her surroundings and make us laugh, cry, think, and feel. Sunlight and Shadows will once again take you on an emotional journey through life.

saket

5.0 out of 5 stars A Splendid work, happy, Optimistic

This is a bright book, which one can and must read in the days when the weather is gray and life shrinks into a hopeless, sad corner. In times when faith is shaken, trust is broken and love has flown away, tears had just dried, but heart continues to weep, read this book and suddenly a cloud will fly away from beneath which a Sun, benign, kind and happy will smile through. This is a book which will bring hope back and revive one's faith in human goodness. It will make you happy when you are sad and will make you dance with rapture, if you are mildly smiling- A book for all kind of days. Detailed review on my blog.

AMAZON

A DEEP REFLECTION OF A VICTIM, SURVIVOR, AND A BEAUTIFULLY EMPATHETIC HUMAN BEING WHO HAS RISEN ABOVE THE PAST & FOUND BEAUTY IN PEOPLE, NATURE, AND ANIMALS - SUNLIGHT AND SHADOWS - BY MARTA MORAN BISHOP

Marta Moran Bishop continues her journey in Sunlight and Shadows. This book of poetry, unlike A Poet’s Journey: Emotions, is a more thought provoking book. In its pages, she covers everything from God, to life after death, war, and the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Still she is able to bring to life the beauty and grandeur of her surroundings and make us laugh, cry, think, and feel.

Sammy Sutton Author

5.0 out of 5 stars A raw peek inside an intimate dichotomy

Verified Purchase

Through this collection Marta Moran Bishop gives the reader a raw peek inside the intimate dichotomy a victim of abuse must endure until they are able to process. Marta takes the entanglement of love and hate abuse manifests, and through the rhythm of her words she unwinds her confusion. In a completely unadulterated tone, she smooths the drama and unselfishly shares the gift with others, a priceless gift. Her gift is without restraint through her beautiful poetry. This book is a deep reflection of a victim, survivor and a beautifully empathetic human being that has risen above the perpetrators of the past and found beauty in people, nature, and animals. I so admire Marta's ability to share her deepest and most intimate feelings and experiences while at the same time recognizing obstacles others encounter that are not hers personally.

From a heart wrenching abusive experience, a salute to soldiers, an inclusive look at God and a tree sleeping...this is a wonderful labor of love any poetry reader will appreciate.

AMAZON

A SOUTHERN GOTHIC PARANORMAL MURDER MYSTERY THAT WILL LEAVE YOU WONDERING WHAT'S REAL, WHAT'S EVIL, WHO IS INSANE? - SHADOW'S WAY BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES

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?

A spell weaver, Shadow's Way, kept me in suspense, which, as a lover of good mysteries is not easy for an author to do. I often guess an ending before I hit the middle. As in her last book, Like I Used to Dance, Ms. Frances' characters are delicious portrayals, richly textured, gradually revealing their good and evil humanity, as her hauntingly realistic settings and surprising story unfolds.  To say more might give away the best of her new book. I have thoroughly enjoyed both of her novels and highly recommend them.

Sherry Haskin

M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVED THIS SOUTHERN GOTHIC HORROR MYSTERY.

I received this book as a gift from my niece, and cannot thank her enough.
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.

 TO BUY SHADOW'S WAY