|
 A Spellbinding Story, April 12, 2010This review is from: The House on Slocum Road (Paperback)
I can't imagine any reader NOT enjoying this book! Clair shifts us effortlessly from 21st century to Civil War vintage events, from psychic phenomenon and out of body experiences to the cozy warmth of a family with cherished values, who support and care deeply for one another. Yet the pieces flow together as smoothly as a gentle stream on a breezeless day. Beautifully written, seamlessly crafted, The House on Slocum Road keeps the reader involved from beginning right through until that final page is turned.
Lois W. Stern
Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY
TICK TOCK, STOP THE CLOCK
wwww.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com
|
|
 A WONDERFUL ESCAPE, June 10, 2010 This review is from: The House on Slocum Road (Paperback)
STORY BRIEF:
Lottie Winslow used to be an OR nurse until she married Dr. Paul Winslow, the man of her dreams. Kind, gentle and understanding, she spends her time doing volunteer work, fundraising for Paul's clinic and managing her newly diagnosed illness: diabetes. At night, she dreams of things that make little sense, things that point her in the direction of the Slocum estate, the house that has been in her family for two hundred years.
Her husband loves her deeply but worries of Lottie's seemingly unnatural obsession while Lottie secretly wonders whether she's suffering from the ill effects of her illness or she's simply going insane. She knows things before they happen; sees things that aren't really there until she discovers a hidden room while visiting the family home and finds evidence that the woman who has appeared in her `imagination' did exist. Now she's intrigued, particularly when she also finds a series of diaries dating back to the Civil War that gives insight from varying points of view of her family's unique history.
While Lottie oversees a charity ball, things begin to heat up. As she finds herself more and more embedded in the past and the life of a Union Soldier, she navigates the present, including the declining health of her beloved uncle. In the midst, a startling revelation is unveiled - the traumatic childhood event, long buried in her mind, that took her parents' lives. With that comes the unexpected encounter with a psychic that propels her to follow her heart and embrace the echoes of a past that bridges then and now. On her quest for answers to her mind's questions, Lottie ends up not only uncovering a few more startling revelations but `living through' her family's historic beginnings.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
This was a very engaging read. The author tells a good story with strong characters that you either love or hate. The book is intriguing because it inter-splices Lottie's present-day life and the series of conflicts she faces with herself, her colleagues and her husband with a strong male character in the midst of the his own battle of conscience as a Union soldier, who enlisted against his wealthy father's wishes and a young woman who will end up showing her things she never thought possible.
The paranormal element is credible without being cliché and the historic references are intriguing. I enjoyed the bond between Lottie and Paul, even in the midst of their arguments. The author did a great job capturing the elements of isolation that Lottie felt with her gift as well as with her illness. The descriptive elements drew me in moment one. My heart pounded through some scenes and though I am not one of much sentiment (I'm from NY, it comes natural), tears did well at some very poignant moments. My only criticism was that I felt the author could have made Paul, Lottie's husband, a tad bit stronger in his character development. I felt he was supportive but in some instances, somewhat weak especially during his encounter with an ex-girlfriend.
Overall, it was a nice escape, a strong stew of suspense, action, conflict and romance. Perfect for a lazy weekend in front of a fire or on the beach, it, in my opinion, was a worthwhile purchase and I would happily read it again.
BEST LINE
"Ferris wondered why they called it a Civil War when there was nothing civil about it."
June 14, 2009
I love this book. Usually, books don't seem to get really interesting until the middle, but this starts out good and stays that way.
Betty Pall - New Port Richey, FL
May 18, 2009 Health & Beauty Newsletter
I can't imagine any reader NOT enjoying this book! Clair shifts us effortlessly from 21st century to Civil War vintage events, from psychic phenomenon and out of body experiences to the cozy warmth of a family with cherished values, who support and care deeply for one another. Yet the pieces flow together as smoothly as a gentle stream on a breezeless day. Beautifully written, seamlessly crafted, The House on Slocum Road keeps the reader involved from beginning right through until that final page is turned.
Lois Stern
Author or Sex, Lies & Cosmetic Surgery
June 13, 2007 - From the Amazon site
D.H. Clair's "The House on Slocum Road" has so many twists and turns you won't want to put it down for a moment in fear of losing track of the story. The author has successfully created a labyrinth of characters and a storyline that are strung together and wrapped around the novel's heroine - Lottie Winslow. You will fall in love with Lottie at the get-go, and at first you'll be impatient when the story veers away from her temporarily, but never fear, when it comes back, you're in for a ride. Ms. Clair's clever weave begins to strengthen about a fourth of the way into the book and doesn't let go of the reader till the end.
The story is jam-packed with scenes of the personal effects of the civil war between the North and South: of Lottie's family then, and of Lottie's family in the present. At first it feels as if two stories are running parallel, but in a different manner than what you would expect. Ms. Clair has written a drama, a tragedy, a romance, a para-normal - all rolled into one, and her comedic sense shines through in Lottie's dialogue in Part Two. You will be intrigued, surprised, and will experience a satisfying read in "The House on Slocum Road." I certainly did. I recommend it highly.
Rebecca Buckley, CFO/Founder - WIZARDS OF WORDS. WOW WEBSITE (just click)
May 19, 2007
Thank you for your book....Oh my, it was enjoyable, breathtaking, emotional it took me away..... I started it about 2:30 yesterday, and finished by 10pm last night...
I was transported in time, your writing took me to The House on Slocum Road.
I will FOREVER, remember my journey.... this is a book I will read and re-read over and over.
I look forward to EXPERIENCING many more journeys from your future works. Thank You,
Darcy Rizzo, (Perich Eye Center) New Port Richey, FL
From the Amazon site: Five stars
An Awesome Page Turner!, March 19, 2007 Reviewer: Katie "book worm" (PA , USA) - See all my reviews
"The House on Slocum Road" is, by far, one of the best works of fiction I've read to date! The pages literally turned themselves. From the first page I was hooked & I even had trouble forcing myself to stop reading & go to bed (smile) - it is that good! This story surrounds a woman named Lottie Slocum who, after recently being diagnosed as diabetic, begins having odd/frightening dreams - someone is beckoning her to another time, but who? and why? At the same time, she also begins having visions where she's able to see events before they happen - yet her husband (with whom she has a beautiful & close relationship with) doesn't believe her - or worse yet, he thinks she's beginning to lose her mind.
The answers to what is going on lie in Lottie's vacation home - a house that has been in her family for many, many generations. While searching for these answers, you get to follow Lottie on her journey to self-discovery & acceptance of her psychic "powers" - and what a journey it is! Through hidden journals re: her ancestor's Civil War experience & actually traveling back in time, Lottie finds her answers - & they are both shocking & wonderful at the same time. I don't want to give too much of the story away - so I'm going to leave it at that.
This is a beautifully written & researched book. In fact, there were times when I actually lost myself in the storyline - able to visualize in my mind the events as they unfolded. There are so many twists & turns that's difficult not to get caught up in this book. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend "The House on Slocum Road" to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense/mystery books. It's truly an awesome read!
“THE HOUSE ON SLOCUM ROAD,” by Dahris Clair, is a must read for lovers of the esoteric. The title and cover perfectly encapsulate the mysterious aura of this tale of the supernatural, reincarnation, and time travel.
The protagonist, nurse Lottie Winslow, is propelled backward in time after her curiosity prompts her to search family records and photos. The discovery of an ancestor’s chronicles of the Civil War, including the Battles of Bull Run and Antietam, add extra depth to the story.
Lottie becomes obsessed with digging through her past in search of familial connection despite her strait-laced husband’s objections. Her reward is an encounter of the ghostly kind. The image entices her to “Come home.” Though at first she discounts the vision as low blood sugar, she learns otherwise. When a violent storm assaults the old house, Lottie seeks refuge in her great, great grandmother’s bed. She awakens to a different world where she meets Caroline Patterson, best friend of the first Lottie. As a team, the two experience and treat unexpected medical emergencies without benefit of modern medication or technology.
The author has done a creditable job of historical research of the Civil War period and subsequent years. The story, set in the Adirondacks, exudes warmth and gentility. Ms. Clair cooks up a tasty mystery and ends on a positive note with the inclusion of an old family recipe for Cinnamon Walnut Scones. Yummy!
|
A lot like taking a warm bath - relaxing, time slips by, and you feel great afterwards. September 13, 2006
Reviewer: |
S. E. Land (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews |
I loved it. This is a rainy-day, dog-at-your-feet, cup of cocoa kind of book. Start reading it early - because before you know it, time will have slipped by and if you're like me, you'll have problems getting up for work the next day. It's a suspenseful story with goose-bumpy elements like time travel, psychic abilities and all the synergies of events that lead up to Lottie's ultimate discovery of what's been bothering her all these years - but at the same time, the story is about real people with real issues that we all grapple with. Love, loss, rejection, confusion, jealousy, illness. If you're a Civil War buff, you'll love visiting that era. Perhaps best of all, The House on Slocum Road is suitable for everyone; I'm sharing my copy with my mother. No violence for violence's sake, foul language, or thoughtless cruelty, and the emphasis placed on family, friendship and fidelity make it a good choice for readers tired of flash-and-no-substance stories. And, the ending looks promising for a sequel!
* * *
Just getting started, [read] several chapters, and I really like it. I'm intrigued by people with gifts . . . your story grabbed me from the start. More than that, I'm delighted with the way you write: unpretentious, down to earth, and true to life. I love your style.
Gordon Tucker, author of Shadow – www.gordontucker.com.
* * *
I am very impressed with your writing – you have excellent structure and pacing, very identifiable characters, and a great story.
Ray Ryder, author of The Spirit of Whiskey River & The Rockwater Mountain Murders - www.rayryder.com.
* * * |
WOW!!! and double WOW! Your book is great. I was sad when I finished reading it because I wanted to read more and more of it. The recipe at the end was a real treat. I'm glad you left the ending open. When is the sequel coming out?
Maryann Rigby - Hudson, FL
A brilliantly descriptive story of the past history of our lives in this country, a true compassionate and romantic novel! . . . I could not put the book down and hope the author will write a sequel.
Frances Harris, Ft Lauderdale, FL
I have just one word—captivating! Barbara Machado – Hudson, FL
Sometimes you enjoy a book, and sometimes a book impresses you. With Slocum Road it was both. This paranormal stuff is high concept, and this author is either very knowledgeable or did a lot of research. The weaving of the story and the characters and the history made it a page-turner. Slocum Road is definitely a cool read.
Kimberly Peterson – Lauderdale- By-The-Sea, FL
Thank you Dahris, for a very interesting and fun book - I enjoyed reading The House on Slocum Road from start to finish. Your story was able to hold my attention all the way through, which is not the norm for me.
Bob Hess, Richmond, VA
The House on Slocum Road was one of the most enjoyable books that I have ever read. I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was really there. A must read book.
Dana A. Klaus - Hebron, IN
The House on Slocum Road is a book you won't quickly forget. As a reader you quickly transform into the main character and experience the trip in time as if you were there yourself....I'm just waiting for the sequel...
J. Pitkoff – New Port Richey, FL
When I read the first Chapter of The House On Slocum Road, I could hardly wait to read the entire book. As I got into it, I identified with Lottie and felt like it was all happening to me. I hope there will be a sequel.
Paula Harrison, Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Being Dahris’ son has put me in the enviable position of having witnessed The House on Slocum Road from its inception as a short story to the whirlwind adventure that it has morphed into. Being a perfectionist, I am very selective in what I choose to read and enjoy mystery, horror, technology and occult subjects along with some sci-fi, if it isn’t too way out there. I am privileged to have advised the author on certain subjects as well as being privy to an endearing legacy. The colorful style of writing combined with accurate historical data, weaves a fantastic tapestry as the reader is transported on a journey into the very essence of the author's words. The reader will experience the reality of life as a soldier in the Civil War in a most vivid way. A captivating story that will grip you and keep you anxiously turning page after page as this phenomenal adventure comes to life right before your eyes. It is not to be missed. I have often joked about this story that “it is so good, so compelling, that I can’t believe it came out of my mother!”
Stephen Clair – Fort Lauderdale, FL |
|
|
|
