Review: Well-written, Character-driven & Engaging Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2012
Of Ghosts & Dreams is a short story about a woman who has a recurring dream of a man who arouses her beyond what she could ever imagine.  The dreams are so heartfelt that she starts to believe they are actually real. Intuitively, she knows they can't be but everything in her entire being is telling her he is real. Especially when she awakens from these dreams feeling so lost its as if a piece of her is missing without him. Oftentimes, she questions her own sanity.There is an overall intensity and impassioned feel to this story. Even though it's a short story, the author developed Raven's character so well that we end up really caring what happens to her and even fretting that she seems so unhappy.  With this type of story, we need to know intimately what the characters are thinking so the choice to have very little dialogue is a perfect one. A testament to the skill and expertise of this author.This story resonated with me on a few levels. Bear with me for a bit while I digress. I swear I will make a relevant point. While most young girls I grew up with were obsessed with dance or piano lessons, I dreamed of the paranormal.  Ever since I was old enough to get my hands on an Anne Rice novel, I dreamed of meeting a vampire or some other supernatural creature. Strange I know, but I am being serious.  Also, I'm particularly fond of romance novels and used to `borrow' my older sisters Harlequin Romances and hide away to read them.  My mom would have disciplined me severely had I been caught. So at a young age, I put the two together and my love for paranormal romance was born.  So, I promised I had a point...I believe this is why I really enjoyed this short story so much.  Parkerson combines both my favourite genres in a well-written, character-driven, engaging tale - one that leaves an opening for a future novel and desperately hoping this will happen.  For me, even though it was a short read, it fulfilled desires deeply rooted in my being.Happy Reading!!5 Stars - Absolutely Loved It!!!!!