Description
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About the author:
Jessica Coulter Smith began writing at an early age, but it wasn't until 2008 that someone convinced her to have one of her stories published. When she received her acceptance letter in August 2008, it set her on an incredible journey, one she hopes will never end. In 2010, she decided to stay home with the kids and write full time. It's a decision she hasn't regretted, and one that will hopefully result in many more stories to come.
Jessica has won multiple reader's choice awards, as well as the 2016 Darrell Award for best sci-fi/fantasy novella. Writing as Charity West, she was a finalist in the 2019 RWA Beverley contest.
Here is a short sample from the book:
Cassie woke up in a cold sweat, heart pounding and gasping for breath. The sheets tangled around her legs and twisted in her sweat slicked palms. She'd been gifted with the sight—able to see ghosts, and occasionally she would get premonitions through her dreams. This one had scared her more than most. She blinked the moisture out of her eyes as her vision adjusted to the darkness of the surrounding room.
"Shhh, it's okay. You just had a bad dream," a deep masculine voice soothed, strong arms wrapping around her body.
Cassie looked up into Matt's ruggedly handsome face. How many nights had he helped her through horrifying dreams? How many times had he been there for her when no one else was? Matt had been her rock ever since they met, and his presence always soothed her. He was her best friend, and she wasn't sure what she would have done without him.
"It seemed so real," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder, enjoying the comfort his strength lent her. It wasn't often he held her like this, but when it happened, she melted into his embrace.
"I'm sure it did, but you're safe and sound in your bed at home. Nothing is going to harm you," he assured her, stroking her hair softly.
Cassie nodded her head, but wasn't quite ready to go back to sleep, worried the dream would return. Flickers of the gruesome scenes tormented her. A crime not yet committed, and one she wouldn't be able to stop, just like all the others. Why was she plagued with the horrific visions if she couldn't help? The people involved were often faceless entities. Sometimes she felt the helplessness of the victims and other times the surge of anger or lust from the perpetrator.
"Thank you for being here," she murmured.
Matt chuckled softly in her ear. "Where else would I go? I can think of no one else I'd rather haunt."
Closing her eyes, Cassie laid back down with a slight smile on her face. She was never quite sure if Matt preferred to haunt her over anyone else because she could see him, or if he truly enjoyed her company. Opening her eyes, she realized Matt had disappeared. Sighing, she rolled to her side and tried to go back to sleep, ignoring the ache she felt inside whenever he was near.
Being in love with a ghost sucked.