Robin Strachan's Blog

For centuries, scientists, philosophers, and theologians have debated the subject of whether a spiritual energy, most often called the soul, exists beyond the physical life of the body. Just as science has been at odds with religion, organized religion can be at odds with individual spirituality, as people begin to comprehend the power of the words of Jesus, "…the kingdom of God is within you."

Increasingly, the study of quantum physics and neuroscience are considered relevant and meaningful to discussions of spirituality. Many people around the world comprehend and embrace the belief that God is a loving energy force, that we are all connected equally to this energy, and that we manifest or co-create with God, the Divine Source of the soul that inhabits our bodies. Indeed, our very thoughts have the power to create.

We often use the word intuition to describe a common phenomenon that is available to each of us to the extent that we embrace and use it: the ability to receive information not available to the five senses. It's often called our "gut instinct," and we trust it.

Manifesting Dreams is the story of Carole Hannah Sherard, a woman in her late forties, gifted with clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience. As a child, Carole Hannah is influenced strongly by her paternal grandmother, an alternative healer rumored to be a witch, and her father—both of whom have strong psychic abilities. The Sherard family understands the Divine Source of their gifts and the importance of using them with pure intent in service to others. However, in the small Western Pennsylvania town where they live, these abilities are not always appreciated or understood, even by Carole Hannah's brother, the town's Presbyterian minister, who struggles with his own gifts, believing them to be a black mark on his soul.

This is a novel about faith, romantic and family love across generations, service to community, and love of the environment. It is also a celebration of food and cooking, and includes original and time-honored Western Pennsylvania recipes.