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Summary: Mystical intrigue and practical reality
Review: In a medley of mystical intrigue and practical reality, Terri DuLong's Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle is a timely contribution to a shifting awareness in humanity, as a whole. DuLong has not just created a romance novel, but a story of courage and evolved beliefs, as she presents an uncharted model for love between women and men. Through an initially perceived "chance" meeting on the grounds of Danvers State, a remote, haunting mental institution in process of closing, a story begins to unfold of two wandering souls and possibly separated loves, perhaps on the brink of rediscovery and reunion. One feels the pain of Dana Etheridge, a single mother who, even after current success and stability, struggles with self-doubt and fear as she clings to a wounded past and disregards her own right to happiness; one also empathizes with Nick DeSantis, as he must choose between family loyalty and the truth that consumes his heart. Each must encounter, confront and conquer personal demons in order to cultivate a path towards unprecedented fulfillment. Through a synchronistic event orchestrated by Dana's endearing and wise grandmother, Nick and Dana are gifted with a mirror of their love in the reflection of a parallel life and offered a chance to co-create a different ending. Dana and Nick discover a deeper trust in something larger than themselves, that not only provokes awakening in the characters, but a strange stirring in the reader; perhaps a vague memory of something we've all forgotten. DuLong leads one through an enigma, questioning the continuum of the soul, suggesting that life is much more than mere coincidence and coexistence. Terri DuLong's Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle is at the forefront of a new prototype in romance novels, including the eager passion and sensuality, but also offering a glimpse into a life force greater than the individual, implanting a seed sure to gestate. After reading her unique debut, you will sigh in satisfaction, and ponder in curiosity.
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Summary: John Updike Move Over
Review: In the first three pages I was hooked on Terri DuLong's Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle. In the next twenty pages, I realized I was reading prose so smooth and flowing that the ideas she presented raced through my brain in a rare symmetry. This is a book to be read in one or two sessions. Terri DuLong addresses social and institutional injustice in the context of two stories intertwined,yet distanced by many years. She does not tutor; she eases the reader to understand without assigning guilt or demanding revenge for past injustices. The reader is lead to the possibility of reincarnation but never coerced. I determined that the idea of reincarnation of the main characters was the perfect ending to this sensitve story of love and trust. Gardenia Press has discovered a gifted writer. Move over John Updike to make room for Terri DuLong who will fill many minds and hearts with moving words.
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Summary: Recommended Reading
Review: It's hard to find a quick, yet enjoyable read, but "Lost Souls of Witches Castle" is just that. If you're looking for a romance with a touch of history and suspense, this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: haunting romance
Review: Journalist Nick DeSantis meets RN Dana Etheridge at the Danvers State Mental Institution in Danvers, Massachusetts. Both feel an instant attraction and begin seeing one another. Eventually Nick wants more from their relationship, but Dana fears commitment. After Nick meets Dana's grandmother Hannah, a retired nurse who worked at the closed the closed mental facility, she gives them a journal that one of her patients Emily gave to her. Dana and Nick read the journal together. In 1918 when Emily was sixteen she met Jonathan who was a decade older than her. Because of the age gap, they hid their relationship from their family, knowing both sides would try to destroy it. When they are found out, their fears proved true. Jonathan's very powerful father forbade him to see Emily and her mother had her committed at Danvers. Will Dana learn the message that heartbroken Emily left in her muses: that for love one must risk everything and she would willingly go for it again even knowing the consequences or will the nurse stay safe hiding behind a commitment phobia? This is a haunting romance that uses a sad tragic historical relationship tale to provide the message to readers and the lead couple that love is worth the danger of a broken heart. The story line is well written enabling the audience to see deep inside to the core of Dana's hesitation, but is at its best during the ill fated 1918 romance. Terri DuLong shows tremendous talent as she leaves her audience somewhat disturbed yet spiritually uplifted with LOST SOULS OF THE WITCHES' CASTLE. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: haunting romance
Review: Journalist Nick DeSantis meets RN Dana Etheridge at the Danvers State Mental Institution in Danvers, Massachusetts. Both feel an instant attraction and begin seeing one another. Eventually Nick wants more from their relationship, but Dana fears commitment. After Nick meets Dana's grandmother Hannah, a retired nurse who worked at the closed the closed mental facility, she gives them a journal that one of her patients Emily gave to her. Dana and Nick read the journal together. In 1918 when Emily was sixteen she met Jonathan who was a decade older than her. Because of the age gap, they hid their relationship from their family, knowing both sides would try to destroy it. When they are found out, their fears proved true. Jonathan's very powerful father forbade him to see Emily and her mother had her committed at Danvers. Will Dana learn the message that heartbroken Emily left in her muses: that for love one must risk everything and she would willingly go for it again even knowing the consequences or will the nurse stay safe hiding behind a commitment phobia? This is a haunting romance that uses a sad tragic historical relationship tale to provide the message to readers and the lead couple that love is worth the danger of a broken heart. The story line is well written enabling the audience to see deep inside to the core of Dana's hesitation, but is at its best during the ill fated 1918 romance. Terri DuLong shows tremendous talent as she leaves her audience somewhat disturbed yet spiritually uplifted with LOST SOULS OF THE WITCHES' CASTLE. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: A Beautiful Story -- Told with Excellence
Review: Lost souls abound in this beautiful love story. Nick, left alone as a single parent when his wife passes on. And Dana, the struggling single parent of a failed early marriage. They meet at the Witches' Castle -- by chance? There are obsticles to overcome as single parents. Is love, and a need to love, strong enough to bridge these two wandering souls? Guided by a haunting tale of "seperated" turn of the century lovers. Dana and Nick seek their incarnate happiness.
An eerie tone prevails throughout this wonderfully told story. The horrors of the Witches' Castle are subtle, but very real and nicely exposed... Certainly, there are forces at work here that
will never be understood. What a splendid read, a must read...
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Summary: Captivating. . .
Review: Lost Souls is a fascinating book that captures your interest immediately; a book that you cannot put down until you reach the end. This is a story which lives within us all. It takes you on a journey of mind, body, and soul as you traverse the intimacies of Nick and Dana...it is their story, but it awakens the thoughts, feelings, and knowing that is your own story.
This book is more than reading entertainment - it touches one deeply.
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Summary: Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle
Review: Lost Souls is a page turner from beginning to end...the story made you cry, laugh and most of all made you think ..just what are we here for...we all have something to learn or relearn ...and what a tragedy that so many innocent SOULS were lost at Danvers State...and one last thing being from the area made me feel even more connected with Terri's story of Souls past and present...may we all find our reasons for being..and learn our lessons well...
Rating:
Summary: Riveting!
Review: Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle, a debut novel written by Terri DuLong, and published by Gardenia Press, is a page-turner to put on your reading list. Terri DuLong is a new star in the world of fiction, and offers a refreshing voice and flowing writing style. Terri DuLong's Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle carries with it a message about listening to your inner voice, something we often forget in today's fast paced and unpredictable world. Terri DuLong says it best in a quote from Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle, "...go within and question your fears ... it was these fears that built up that wall of distrust. You listened to your inner voice and it led you to where you are this exact moment." Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle will tug at your heartstrings. "We were floating in a cocoon of our love, as the entire world faded away."
"We are now one. Our hearts and our souls and our bodies have merged to become whole." Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle by Terri DuLong is sure to make you think about your relationships, in this life or beyond.
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Summary: A Love Story for Beyond Forever
Review: Once in awhile you have the pleasure of reading a story that touches you on a deeper level, and leaves a lasting impression. The debut novel, Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle by Terri DuLong, is just such a story. DuLong has put her own unique twist on a love story, tinged with an edge of mystery, that will hold you captive from the very first page. One couple from the past. One couple from the present. Emily and Jonathan. Dana and Nick. Two couples lost in passion, their lives entwined by a love that knows no boundaries. One horrible secret, locked away for years behind the dark walls of the Danvers State Mental Hospital, will touch both couples' lives. One love will survive. One love will be lost. All of their lives will be irrevocably changed by a simple moment of indecision. DuLong draws the reader ever deeper into her characters' lives, with probing questions that beg to be answered. She tells their stories with warmth, compassion, and a deep understanding of human emotions. Her words will touch your heart, and leave it aching for just such a love, one that transcends even time.
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