Rating: 
Summary: This Is A Sure-Enough Classic
Review: Being an avid and faithful reader since my childhood, I have come across many, many wonderful stories. The Hardy Boys kept me on edge and at every yard sale in search of another great mystery. After Curious George, the Hardy's were my favorite. As an adult, I immediately declared "Along Came A Spider" by James Patterson my favorite. I read all 16 books by Donald Goines in about 3 months and was throughly satisfied with each one. "Past Presence," sat on my bookshelf for months before I decided to pick it up and read it. From the first paragraph and every word after, I was, am, and still, because I have 40 pages left, left with a feeling of complete awe, respect, and admiration, for first time author Gaye Newton. Her writing style is easy, free-flowing, and so... EXCELLENT!!!! I am thoroughly impressed. I see this as a novel in Oprah's Book Club, in school systems around the country, and HBO's movie of the week. To write such a compelling story that I call a mystery, without the use of foul language, broken English, or Ebonic laced dialect, only adds to Gaye's skill as a truly gifted writer. I have no doubt, eternal life is her's, because "Past Presence" will stand the test of time and be read for years, decades, and centuries to come!!! Praises to you Gaye! Please keep the excellent literary works available to those of us who love and appreciate a great read!
Rating:
Summary: This Is A Sure-Enough Classic
Review: Being an avid and faithful reader since my childhood, I have come across many, many wonderful stories. The Hardy Boys kept me on edge and at every yard sale in search of another great mystery. After Curious George, the Hardy's were my favorite. As an adult, I immediately declared "Along Came A Spider" by James Patterson my favorite. I read all 16 books by Donald Goines in about 3 months and was throughly satisfied with each one. "Past Presence," sat on my bookshelf for months before I decided to pick it up and read it. From the first paragraph and every word after, I was, am, and still, because I have 40 pages left, left with a feeling of complete awe, respect, and admiration, for first time author Gaye Newton. Her writing style is easy, free-flowing, and so... EXCELLENT!!!! I am thoroughly impressed. I see this as a novel in Oprah's Book Club, in school systems around the country, and HBO's movie of the week. To write such a compelling story that I call a mystery, without the use of foul language, broken English, or Ebonic laced dialect, only adds to Gaye's skill as a truly gifted writer. I have no doubt, eternal life is her's, because "Past Presence" will stand the test of time and be read for years, decades, and centuries to come!!! Praises to you Gaye! Please keep the excellent literary works available to those of us who love and appreciate a great read!
Rating: 
Summary: An Intricate and Well-Written Tale
Review: Gaye Newton seamlessly travels back and forth through time and space to write her novel, Past Presence, a story about buried memories and the woman who must face her fears in order to reveal them.Past Presence introduces us to Anitra Cole, a woman who has just been proposed to by her boyfriend. She should be on top of the world, however,the simple opening of the ring box causes Anitra to freak out, to remember well-hidden secrets that travel far beyond her birth...to the year 1927. A letter written in 1974 and a secret held between two young children in 1927 are the keys to unraveling a mystery that has plagued Anitra's family for decades, though no one has been brave enough to discuss it. Anitra wants to change that, and through the help of her lifelong friend, Carrie, she aims to do just that. Anitra travels through the past, while a family member travels to the future, both in search of the truth that can finally enable their family to recover from the tragic events of the past. The book is so intricate that to reveal more would be to spoil this terrific read for the reader. I have to say, I've never read a book with so many time changes, but that is written in such a smooth way, you don't get confused while reading. Newton does a good job in bringing Anitra's "voices" out, as she moves from adulthood to childhood and back, you can hear the change in her dialogue. The story is very unique, and that alone makes this book a definite must-read. My only problem - though small - was that I felt rushed in the end, like conclusions were drawn due to time or space, and I felt I needed more. Aside from that, Past Presence is a wonderful read, and it's on my SHOULD READ list for others.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth reading
Review: I really enjoyed Past Presence by Gaye Newton. The author has created an exciting book that grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you guessing about its mysteries and secrets until the end. I especially enjoyed the author's accurate descriptions as we journeyed through time. In addition and as an African American myself, it was refreshing to read a entertaining book based on middle class African American characters without focusing on race issues or the African American experience.
Rating:
Summary: Past Presence
Review: If you like light reading with a hint of mystery this is the book. I feel as her 1st novel this is a keeper and good reading for any bookclub
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story Telling
Review: Past Presence, Gaye Newton's debut novel, is an intricate tale of family, friendship, tragedy, and the supernatural. Anitra Cole, the main character, is an otherwise successful entrepreneur with a troubled personal life. She is haunted by feelings she can't explain, and secrets she can't uncover. With the help of her life-long best friend, Carrie Morgan, Anitra relives events from their childhood in 1974 - events that are rooted in her grandparents' own childhood in the 1920s. The power in Newton's novel is its exploration of relationships: Anitra and Carrie's friendship, Anitra's relationship with her grandparents, the joys and heartaches of life among a large successful family just before the Depression. Newton successfully interweaves the supernatural with the common in a way that draws you into the story, without your questioning, or caring if the events are feasible. Although the writing style is slightly choppy at the start, by the time Anitra stumbles across her first startling revelation, the writing flows, and putting this book down is no longer an option. Among Newton's strengths is clearly plot development. The story telling was wonderful, with sufficient detail to color the story without being mundane. A joy of this book is the absence of the 250 pages of filler found in most supernatural novels. Past Presence is one of those books that reveals its story in layers. It is difficult to discuss the plot line without giving too much detail. Suffice it to say you will absolutely enjoy this book. And unlike many first novels, the ending is thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: More Like 4.5 Stars!
Review: Reading Past Presence by Gaye Newton was reminiscent of reading Kindred by Octavia Butler for me. Both stories deal with time travel and have you on the edge of your seat as you try and figure out what will happen next. Newton introduces us to Anitra Leigh Cole who has just received a marriage proposal from a wonderful, handsome, intelligent and debonair young man but Anitra has doubts and cold feet about marrying John. Why? What does a secret made between two children in 1927 and a letter dated in 1974 have in common? And why is Anitra concerned about either of these events? Gaye Newton gives us an intriguing and suspenseful debut novel about the supernatural, secrets, tragedy, family and friends. Once you start reading you will not be able to put it down until you find out what, why and how. Check out Past Presence from this first-time author.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Sit down and relax and get ready for a story that will keep you reading until you get to the last page. This is a wonderful book about the sins and mistakes of the past and how they they live to affect the present. Want powerfual emotion? Past Presence has it. Want mystery? This book has it. Want strong characters and a strong ending? This book has it. It left me saying "Wow!" Kimberley Wilson, author of 11 Things Mama Should Have Told You About Men.
Rating: 
Summary: Too much teasing, not enough pay off ...
Review: This book has been on my to read pile for quite some time; but, I was hesitant to purchase a book by a new author, only to be disappointed in the writing - which has been my experience with new authors lately. While I feel her writing is good and her ability to describe a scene is very on point, I was disappointed with the ending. It's like being on a roller coaster and the ride up that long, steep, deep hill is driving you mad and making the butterflies in your stomach jump like crazy. Just as you reach the top and you're anticipating that ride down the hill .... It turns out to be a small dip instead .... Rest assured though, I will take a risk and read her next one ....
Rating:
Summary: Best Read This Year
Review: This is a very good book. I enjoyed the story, and the characters were presented and developed with easy reading fluidity. I had never read a story which combined real life with the supernatural in a way which was so comfortable, and at the same time, suspensful. Great work, Gaye. My friends will get copies for the end of year holidays.
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