CHRISTMAS IN JULY SPECIAL SALE - A RICHLY HUMAN NOVEL THAT YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH - AWARD-WINNING LIKE I USED TO DANCE BY BARBARA FRANCES WILL TAKE YOU ON THE ROLLER COASTER OF LIFE

 “Our kids, my, my, Gracie” laughed Bud. “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 unnamed fears, calmed only by practicing a secret obsession. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, has 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 unleashes consequences no one could foresee.

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 pleasure—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 its opening number to the last waltz. 

You'll Be Hooked on This Book

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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.

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"I WAS ENGROSSED IN THE STORY OF LOTTIE, HELP CHARLES RAY FACE HIS KIDNAPPER AND ESCAPE. LOTTIE'S ADVENTURE: FACING THE MONSTER BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES IS A WINNER FOR ANYONE FROM 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.

Reading Lottie's Adventure was an imaginative excursion back to the heart of that warm summer day from my childhood when I quickly hopped on my bike and furiously rode down the street to save the deaf children from the evil ice cream man who came only to make fun of them. I think the spirit of Lottie lives in all of us and is celebrate in this delightful tale of innocence that know no social boundaries or limited thoughts but rather heart driven compassion!
Hailey Helm, Co-owner, Tinsel Delights, LLC

M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFULLY TOLD CHAPTER BOOK FOR THE TWEEN

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.

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BARBARA FRANCES' READERS' FAVORITE NOVEL LIKE I USED TO DANCE WILL CAPTURE YOU FROM THE FIRST PAGE TO THE LAST WORD, & LEAVE YOU WISHING FOR MORE. IT IS A BOOK THAT YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH!!

“Our kids, my, my, Gracie” laughed Bud. “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 unnamed fears, calmed only by practicing a secret obsession. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, has 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 unleashes consequences no one could foresee.

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 pleasure—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 its opening number to the last waltz. 

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.

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A TOUCHING, INFORMATIVE STORY: THE NURSE MARE'S TALE BY MARTA MORAN BISHOP - NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK, AUDIO, AND KINDLE

The Nurse Mare's Foal, as it tells the story of Dinky's mother. This lovely story is told from the viewpoint of two aging nurse mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through. It tells us of Sadie and her friend Nellie and is accompanied with charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking). The plight of these animals is described in empathetic detail.

After enduring years of breeding and loss, the older nurse mares must face the auction with the promise of being slaughtered, as they have become too old for breeding and thus unable to be mares.

Do they accept their fate, or will there be another ending for the nurse mares that have given everything and received little in return?

The ending may surprise you. It is a poignant story that will rip your heart out and put you back together again.

Jade Lazlow

5.0 out of 5 stars A Touching, Informative Story Inspiring Change
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The Nurse Mare's Tale is told from the perspective of a horse named Sadie, who is placed in servitude to feed other mare's horses with her milk. Like many of Marta Moran Bishop's stories, this book takes an unflinching look at the problematic things we sometimes do in society in pursuit of profits. In this case, it's the equine industry and the practice of using nurse mares.
Nurse mares are bred for the sole purpose of providing milk to more "desirable" foals, such as racehorse foals. Their own foals are often treated as throwaways in the industry. The industry maintains that the practice is necessary, while equine rights activists condemn the practice. Throwaway foals are sometimes slaughtered, and the mares themselves are often repeatedly re-bred with little opportunity to properly heal. There is a huge profit incentive for thoroughbred farmers to use nurse mares in raising their foals.
Before reading The Nurse Mare's Tale, I knew a little about the industry and the lengths it goes to in order to maximize profitability, pushing the boundaries of humane animal treatment. Mares are sometimes kept under artificial light 24/7 early in the spring to influence their reproductive cycle, for example. Bishop's book raised my awareness of issues to a new level, and at times, it was difficult to continue reading for that reason. Horses are sentient beings and treating them as if they aren't is disturbing.
It's important reading, however, because it raises awareness of the treatment of these beautiful creatures on whose backs fortunes are made. Awareness of the issues is the first step in cultivating positive change.
Bishop's book is beautifully written, and she weaves in factual information in such a way that it comes across as a natural narrative. The lessons she presents are artfully delivered through Sadie's eyes.
Readers who are sensitive to the plight of animals or who want to know more about the horse industry will find this book deeply moving. At times, it is touching, and at other times, it's sad. Regardless, its message is an important one.

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A HEIST THAT HER BROTHER'S LIFE DEPENDS ON - USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR INGE-LISE GOSS BRINGS US ANOTHER DYNAMITE THRILLER IN DIAMONDS AND LIES.

 

Sparkling rocks, family secrets, and seductive lies

Mia’s advertising career masks a side job in the family business―the business is thievery and the competition kills. Partnering with her brother, Andy, Mia is drawn into a short timeline to plan a diamond heist to make good on Andy’s double-cross of the crime boss who hired him for the prior job.

A Heist That Her Brother’s Life Depends On

Openly teasing the mark, Mia plays with the jeweler’s attraction to her, insinuating herself into his life, gaining his confidence. When Andy’s past threatens them both, Mia abandons the heist and disappears. The mark, under Mia’s spell, hides and protects her from danger. They are both in peril as her brother’s stalker closes in on them. Alternating between ecstasy and fear, she has to make a fateful decision.

Is she placing her trust in the wrong man? Can a relationship built on lies become real?

HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars ‘The missing diamonds need to be replaced, or I’m toast.’
Nevada author Inge-Lise Goss was born in Denmark, raised in Utah and graduated from the University of Utah, magna cum laude. She and her husband live in the majesty of Red Rock Canyon and after a career as a certified public accountant, she drinks in the scenery and turns it into her novels.
Inge-Lise steps away from her very popular series – THE TEGEN SERIES, THE GWYNN REZNICK MYSTERIES – and offers a stand-alone novel that is one of her finest action adventure tales to date! Before getting to the story it is worth noting that for many readers and fans of thriller novels (and this is most decidedly a Thriller!), the opening pages of the book are key as to whether or not a novel is going to produce. Inge-Lise offers a prologue that will likely have you holding your breath - not really giving away the story to come, but setting a chilling mood that is stunning. She adds the aspect that she happens to be a very fine wordsmith in the way she incorporate natural atmosphere in lush prose. ‘Mia Sloan checked her watch, trepidation mounting as if she were checking a bomb’s timepiece while trying to defuse the explosive device. Andy’s call had awakened her early, wanting to meet for breakfast with his favorite sister. As his only sibling, Mia knew his modus operandi when he needed her help…’ Tension level established and the story progresses with finesse.
But on to the story, as offered by the author’s synopsis: ‘: Sparkling rocks, family secrets, and seductive lies. Mia’s advertising career masks a side job in the family business - the business is thievery and the competition kills. Partnering with her brother, Andy, Mia is drawn into a short timeline to plan a diamond heist to make good on Andy’s double-cross of the crime boss who hired him for the prior job. Openly teasing the mark, Mia plays with the jeweler’s attraction to her, insinuating herself into his life, gaining his confidence. When Andy’s past threatens them both, Mia abandons the heist and disappears. The mark, under Mia’s spell, hides and protects her from danger. They are both in peril as her brother’s stalker closes in on them. Alternating between ecstasy and fear, she has to make a fateful decision. Is she placing her trust in the wrong man? Can a relationship built on lies become real?’
For those fortunate enough to have read her other books the suspense ahead may not surprise, but for those for whom this is the first outing with Inge-Lise Goss beware. You are in for a terrifying adventure with more twists and turns than you can imagine, Highly Recommended. Grady Harp

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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,

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A BOOK SO FULL OF WISDOM THAT WILL HELP EACH OF US HAVE BETTER RELATIONSHIPS - A. WILLIAM BENITEZ BOOK RELATIONSHIP IS A MUST READ

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.

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.'

Reviewed in the United States

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A. William Benitez's career is not as a therapist (his work included the construction business, governmental housing official, woodworking, IT manger 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

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.

Kudos to Mr. Benitez on writing this book and the work he had to personally do in order to bring it about.

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SUSPENSE-FILLED, ADVENTUROUS, VIBRANT CHAPTER BOOK - BARBARA FRANCES' - LOTTIE'S ADVENTURE: FACING THE MONSTER

 

Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster, is an action-packed children's book written especially for ages 8 through 14. Children will enjoy this exciting read while also improving their reading skills. Twenty-nine chapters filled with twists and turns keep kids reading to discover the outcome.

Lottie, a lively ten-year old Hispanic girl, longs for something new and different in her life. Her summers up to this point have all been, more or less, the same. Then the arrival of a magical letter and a TV newscast transforms her vacation time in a high adventure.

Her great adventure includes trying to relate to a cold, estranged, and rich grandmother, freeing a kidnapped ten-year-old African American boy from a locked room, hiding him in a safe place, and then fleeing with him from a kidnapper who 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)

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.

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TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME, TO THE DAYS WHEN THE GODS WALKED, AND ONE WOMAN HELD THE MEMORIES OF THE TRIBE, AND CALLED ON THEM TO GUIDE HER CLAN DURING THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES. THE CHOOSING BY MARTA MORAN BISHOP

In a world where the Gods walk and their spirits commune with mankind, there must be those trained while in a trance to intercede with them, for the good of the tribe. Mondoani, a young woman, is chosen by the Gods to take the place of the Old Mother upon her passing. Is this frail young woman strong enough to hold the spirits of the Gods when they descend? For it will be her responsibility to hold the memories of all those who have lived before. These memories of the past are the keys to the survival of her people and she will need to find the strength of spirit and body to help protect and lead her people. For they must travel across the dead lands and snowy plains to a place they can safely spend the winter or die from starvation in a land devoid of rain. But before she can accomplish that she must choose an apprentice from among the young girls and women, someone who can take her place should she fall. Will Mondoani’s youth and inexperience condemn the tribe to death or will she rise above it and with the help of the magical world choose correctly?

Leyla Atke

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful fiction which will take you immediately into another mysterious world!
The Choosing by Marta Moran Bishop is an amazing fiction describing the ancient culture and customs of a fictional tribe.
The main character is a young woman named Mondoani elected by gods to be an apprentice of Old Mother, who was the memory keeper of the tribe. Foreseeing the imminent end, Old Mother hurry to make Mondoani the new memory keeper, who will protect the tribe and provide it with a safe and happy existence.
To do this, they go into a long and arduous journey together with the tribe to implement the transfer of power ceremony at the designated location.
The story takes place on the background of beautiful descriptions of ancient customs and culture of the tribe, which worships many gods.
Upon arrival at the designated place, Old Mother falls into a trance to make the transfer of the power to Mondoani. Unfortunately, Old Mother will never come out of this trance, which became the last one in her deserved life. Mondoani becomes the new memory keeper of the tribe, who should lead it and protect against adversity, asking gods about welfare.
Becoming the new memory keeper, Mondoani herself begins to worry about how to find a new apprentice. Looking for a new apprentice, Mondoani regrettably realizes that she will take away the daughter from her mother, and deprive her of happiness to have children and normal life. She also understands perfectly the state of the unfortunate mother. Mondoani begins to bother when she realizes that the choice could fall on beautiful Ashtra, daughter of Naomi.
When it comes to action, Sky Spirit and Spider Woman do much unexpected choice: they choose Towandiaka on the one hand, and on the other Ashtra. Then they bring them together and announce them bonded in holy matrimony not only in this life, but also in the next! This will of course allow them to have children and be happy parents.
This moment, emotionally described by Marta, made me so happy that I felt radiating myself. The gods then chose not one but two young women who have become Mondoani's apprentices.
The book gave me a great pleasure not only because of perfect plot, but also because of wonderful and realistic description of the culture and customs of the ancient tribe. I had the feeling that Marta may witness it herself in some mysterious way. It will remain a mystery to me forever. Reading the book, I felt I'am there.
The Choosing by Marta Moran Bishop is a special tribute to the culture and traditions of our ancestors, it teaches us to live in peace and harmony with nature and respect each other. Highly recommended!

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ARE THE SHADOW'S REAL OR IS ELAINE CHAUVIER INSANE - FIND OUT IN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES' SHADOW'S WAY

 

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?

 

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadow’s Way is a work of gothic intrigue and Southern mystery penned by author Barbara Frances. In this sweeping narrative of interpersonal drama, intended for mature readers, we meet Elaine Chauvier at the novel’s titular home, where she runs a bed and breakfast. Elaine is keen to hang on to Shadow’s Way, so when her half-sister Ophelia and cousin Rudy show up to visit, trouble ensues. Combining this with a mysterious Archbishop, his housekeeper and obscure identical twin, the novel progresses swiftly into a creepy and intriguing mystery as a massive hurricane approaches the Gulf Coast. A superbly haunted time awaits its readers.

Fans of Agatha Christie and her enormous ensemble casts will find many enjoyable parallels in the work and structure of author Barbara Frances. I particularly enjoyed the setting for this tale, playing on the traditional tropes of the Southern gothic genre, but also adding many flairs and twists from ghost stories, fables and psychological horror works. Both the characters and plot are multi-faceted, giving readers a lot to follow, but also a lot to gain from paying close attention to each clue and motivation. The mystery itself sometimes takes a back seat when the (often literal) ghosts and shadows take over, playing with the characters’ sensibilities and forcing them to ask much deeper questions of themselves and others. What results is an emotive but also thoughtful, spooky mystery novel. I would highly recommend Shadow’s Way to mystery and gothic fiction fans looking for something new, unique and really well crafted.

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.

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MEMORABLE CHARACTERS, MAGIC, GOOD, AND EVIL! AWARD-WINNING NOVEL - LIKE I USED TO DANCE BY BARBARA FRANCES IS A TERRIFIC COMMENTARY ON SPIRITUALITY VS RELIGION & RELATIONS!!!!!

 

“Our kids, my, my, Gracie” laughed Bud. “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 unnamed fears, calmed only by practicing a secret obsession. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, has 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 unleashes consequences no one could foresee.

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 pleasure—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 its opening number to the last waltz. 

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT! - Family Saga Full of Drama and Heart

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Don’t start this book before bedtime or you’ll be late to work! I love family sagas and this one swept me along. It’s about Grace, a warm, creative woman strong for her family but out of touch with her own needs. The place is rural Texas and the time is the fifties, when women were still trapped as homemakers. The family is Catholic and Grace’s daughters have their own struggles. Angela is unsure if she should become a nun and Regina has to decide if she’ll divorce her abusive husband. Grace herself is a talented artist who has never realized her potential. She develops a close bond with Ceil, a sophisticated transplant from LA who blows into the life of Grace and her family like a powerful wind. In the end, everything turn s out but nothing is the same. A great read!

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

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“WOW..JUST WOW. BUCKLE UP YOUR SEAT BELTS AND SETTLE IN FOR THIS RIDE. AND, BE WARNED THAT TWISTS AND TURNS WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING THROUGHOUT...” TEGEN HUNT – BOOK 4 BY USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR INGE-LISE GOSS

 

Can Sara Outwit A Tegen Who Has Vowed To Hunt Her To The Death?

A dangerous, cunning Tegen has escaped and is determined to capture Sara and watch her go up in flames. Before the fugitive was taken into custody for a second-level offense, he confessed to Sara that he committed a heinous crime, for which the punishment is death by burning. No one else heard that confession. He’s resolved to prevent her from testifying against him at any cost. Sara is no match for the fugitive’s strength and proficiency in deadly techniques. As the lethal pursuer hunts her, a Tegen enforcer is hunting him.

Despite the risk to her personal safety, Sara can’t ignore a request for help to investigate the suspicious death of an acquaintance’s grandson in New Mexico. Disguised to evade detection, she is making progress in unraveling the jumbled threads of truth when Conner, her crime boss lover, shows up in the same town in the same seedy strip club. He’s there to seal a mysterious business deal with the same nefarious criminals whose misdeeds she is beginning to uncover. Uncertain of whom she can trust, Sara once again turns to Conner.

Will she survive if her deadly immortal enemy tracks her down?

Tegen Hunt reveals more secrets about Sara’s Tegen world as she struggles with the choices that lie ahead while unable to restrain her deep and irresistible attraction to Conner.

Aaron P. Lazar

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrills, chills, spiders, and a whole new race of beings!

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The Tegen Hunt is a unique genre-crossing story, book 4 in the Tegens series. Combining mystery, fantasy, suspense, and horror, this novel is a compelling page-turner with outstanding scene painting that can invoke instant shudders or thrills.

Ms. Goss has created a new race of humans who have spider-like qualities and who live in partnership with spiders they carry in cages wherever they go. The culture is full of shocking ceremonies which the members need to survive. The heroine, Sara, is a complex being who belongs to this race of Tegens and who is on a mission to gain righteous vengeance for terrible deeds perpetrated by a powerful drug dealer while concurrently being hunted by a man determined to kill her.

The author keeps you guessing. Are the Tegens evil or good? There are plenty of twists to keep you wondering what’s around the corner. In addition, the main character, who is on this noble quest, also dates two very different men, one of whom is a crime lord. Needless to say, Sara’s life is complicated.

Sara also has the ability to don disguises at a moment’s notice, which comes in very helpful in her adventures with nefarious villains. Because of her spider skills, she can scale the tallest building when she gets cornered.

Inge-Lise Goss is a fine writer. I read and very much enjoyed Compelled, by Ms. Goss, a thriller with paranormal twists that I highly recommend. Tegen Hunt is a horse of a different color, and definitely not for the faint of heart!

If you love horror and thrills, Tegen Hunt is the book for you.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Honorable Mention Winner: Readers' Favorite International Book Awards ~Urban Fantasy"
Fans of both supernatural fantasy and crime novels are sure to enjoy the blending of genres, which author Inge-Lise Goss does really intelligently...Overall, Tegen Hunt is a well-plotted fantasy adventure with plenty of dark little twists and turns to keep readers entertained from start to finish."--K. C. Finn, Readers' Favorite Reviewer


"Tegen Hunt by Inge-Lise Goss is a captivating urban fantasy with memorable characters and a conflict-driven plot that is well spun."--Ruffina Oserio, Readers' Favorite Reviewer

"This whole series is one of the most immensely detailed and engrossing and Sara's character is one of the most powerful in the genre."--Rabia Tanveer, Readers' Favorite Reviewer

"The story is exciting, fast-paced and what I particularly like about it was that the characters, especially the superhero Tegens, were far from perfect and all had their flaws...An excellent read."--Grant Leishman, Readers' Favorite Reviewer

"The Tegens are a unique, intriguing species, making this a vastly entertaining series,"--Martha's Book Reviews

"If you like thrillers with a touch of romance and chilling horror waiting around every corner, you will love this novel."--Peggy Jo Wipf,Readers' Favorite Reviewer

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