Allard Merges Paranormal with Romance and Produces Winner!

Image by Jennuine Captures via Flickr

"I shall never leave you ever," he whispers
in my ear. I promise him the same.
"I do not know how I have been so
fortunate to have this man in my life, but
here he is, before me, wanting me. I am
overcome with the joy of him..."

Her Dear and
 Loving Husband


By Meredith Allard




I, like many potential readers, saw the title of the book and thought it was going to be...another romance. Well, that is true. But, OMG, it is sooooo much more! Escape into the paranormal world created by Allard, where you will meet vampires, werewolves, witches--and even the reincarnated... Then throw in a good taste of destiny for added flavor! I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through the possibilities...There is considerable coverage on the Salem Witch Trials, so those who have an interest in that sad period in our history or in the Wiccan religion will find much to interest them.


Sarah Alexander had been having dreams, that became even more bothersome after she had moved to Salem. There were many reasons she had moved, but it was mainly because she had just been divorced. Salem held some interest because of a past relative who had supposedly been killed during the Witch Trials. She never knew the woman's name but hoped, having started to work within a university environment, that she could do some research. She was now the Humanities I liaison in the library at Salem State college.  She would start by walking around the community and visiting many of the small museums...


Jennifer had been the head librarian at the college and was her boss. She had also immediately taken Sarah under her wing, helping her to learn everything she needed for her new job. Soon, she even admitted that she practiced Wiccan, headed a group, and was a witch. Sarah readily accepted her beliefs, not thinking about it much, but later found that Salem had become a location where those involved in paranormal activities congregated.

Often Jennifer would offer Sarah a ride home, since she had not yet bought a car. It was while Jennifer was showing her around town that she saw the house...

"What is that house?" she asked. "It looks familiar."
"James Wentworth lives there."
"Do you know him?"
Jennifer's answer was stilted, as if she considered each word, weighed it, measured it, decided yes or no about it before she let it drop from her lips. "He teaches at the college. He--his family--has owned this house for generations. It's over three hundred years old, one of the oldest standing homes in Salem." Jennifer slowed the car so they could get a better look as she drove past. "Does it still look familiar?" she asked.
"Yes. Even that crooked oak tree in front seems right. I can picture the man I dream about standing in front there kissing me."
"What dreams?" Jennifer gripped the steering wheel more tightly and her eyes brightened..."

Sarah later returned there alone. She looked around and although there was a small light, it seemed that nobody was at home, so she dared to go on to the porch to explore more and then back to the grounds to that certain tree....

When she heard a sound, she immediately thought of leaving, but then he was there...

"He stared at her, his mouth open as if he were trying to speak though he stayed mute. She tried to make herself disappear behind the oak tree, not wishing to disturb anyone, afraid she had been trespassing. She decided she needed to say something to break the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to look at the house."

She began to shiver, not from the nip of the autumn air, but from the feeling that she recognized him...

He touched his hand to her cheek, "Lizzie. My Lizzie," he said. "You've come home to me..."

Are there truly witches? We know many individuals died during the Salem Witch Trials that were not witches. Some were treated so badly that they died in prison, before they even faced the "trial." James Wentworth's wife died in prison. Her name was Elizabeth...

Whew! If you were one--a witch, a vampire, could you live in today's world as human? A local reporter was trying to prove that, indeed, that was happening right there in Salem. How far would you go to ensure you were able to be with the one that you love? There is much happening in this ebook...more than you might ever dream! This is more than historical fiction, but there is much that historical romance fans will enjoy reading. For lovers of the paranormal, this just might be a must-read for you. Allard has thrown much into her cauldron and stirred up a true winner!

...Sarah, "Who you are is not yourself. The secret to the puzzle is
there. The other psychic you saw was very good. Very good.
She could see that who you are is not yourself. Yes, I can see
that he will find you. He is here and he will find you...He will.
The one who is waiting for you. He has been waiting for you
for oh so very long. You will be afraid. He is not what he was.
You will find your way home again..."
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Review: The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai Reminds Reviewer of Early Koontz Novels!

The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai


By Jerome Peterson

Eloquent Books
ISBN: 9781608607976
300 Pages


I don't know what I expected when I agreed to read and review The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai by Jerome Peterson. Perhaps a ghost of someone who had died? Well, She was there. Or perhaps Andrew had gotten into bad company, had opened himself up to evil in some way? If he had, it was based upon love, not bad choices!

Seriously, this book is unique and weirdly fascinating! Have I mentioned in the past I like unique?!

Andrew Sharpai is a cook; he probably could be a top chef if it wasn't for his drinking habit. And, no, in case you are wondering, he is not haunted by pink elephant hallucinations!

Andrew had just completed his shift and was just tired enough that he didn't even removed his cook's clothes, but went to a bar with food stains and all. There he first saw LaRae DuFont, a famous dancer who immediately caught his attention because of her beauty. He caught her attention, because, as she said, it was refreshing to see somebody not afraid to be out in public, looking like his working self, no matter how bad that might be. They fell deeply in love and planned to marry.

A drunken driver killed LaRae before the wedding took place.

Andrew was devastated, left town and began to drink even more. And then he met a witch. Her name was Iris. Her lovely face had been scarred in several places by her Ex.

Iris was a Wiccan witch and was actively involved in her religion. Her daughter was named Lily and Andrew was drawn to these two "flower girls" But after they became involved, Andrew was attacked by something that he could not see... As he talked to Iris, he learned that her Ex was a follower of Satan and that he had come back and wanted to get back together with Iris and Lily. Iris placed a protection spell around them, and even decided to relocate, talking Andrew into going with her. She also admitted that she had formerly been of her husband's religion and he now wanted his daughter to be the same.

Andrew was interested in the paranormal and spirituality but had never been actually involved with any religion; however, LaRae had once told him the story of when Mary Magdalene had gone to the grave of Jesus, hoping to be near him, and had found him gone. LaRae had wanted Andrew to know that "not everything is as it seems." Now, LaRae came to him in dreams to remind him of the story. But other things came to him in his dreams also. As the dreams also came to Lily and to Iris. The evil spell that had been cast on them by Devon was strong. Finally, Iris admitted that it was too strong for her to defend against!

Peterson does an excellent coverage of Wicca and Iris is a beautifully created example of her religious activities. In fact, all three main characters are those with whom you immediately feel comfortable and want them to succeed in their efforts. Lily is an enchanting child, looking for love, sometimes from the wrong person, but quick to see Andrew as a friend. While the other human characters are also wonderful, I have to say that the three animal characters, Elijah Corbeau, Philip and Esther, stole many of the scenes for me, especially Elijah Corbeau! In fact, in my opinion, you've just got to meet `em!

Needless to say, I highly recommend Jerome Peterson's The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai! If you are a Dean Koontz fan, you just might find, like I did, a basic similarity especially with his earlier books in Peterson's novel. Be prepared for anything and you'll find it here!

Book Received
From Author

G. A. Bixler