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Stranger on the Shore

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This spellbinding fictional story spins a web of linked mysteries about a beautiful young woman, Marisa, who is found almost lifeless on the bank of the East River in New York City. The Investigating Detective’s preliminary conclusion -- she “must have fallen out of the sky.”

Chris, grieving the loss of his fiancé Theresa, meets the enigmatic Arielle on the beach and agrees to meet her at a party. However, when he arrives at the party, he finds no sign of Arielle, but instead meets Marisa, a waitress who bears an uncanny resemblance to Theresa and even possesses her complete memory. Chris is stunned by the coincidence and wonders if everything is part of some greater plan orchestrated by Arielle.

As the story unfolds, Marisa's identity is revealed and her destiny to face one of the most notorious cartel leaders in a deadly battle becomes clear. Along the way, Ana and Chris develop a tumultuous love affair, which ultimately leads Chris to fight by Ana's side as she battles the cartel leader. But the story takes a twist when the mysterious Arielle appears at the most critical moment in the fight, adding another layer of mystery to the tale. Will Chris and Marisa triumph over their foes and find happiness together, or will the forces against them prove too strong? Follow along as Stranger on the Shore unravels these mysteries and more.

178 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2023

2 people are currently reading
13574 people want to read

About the author

William J. Borak

1 book132 followers
Bill Borak is a retired business professional who
worked as a Management Consultant for half of his 42 years in business. In this capacity he worked primarily for Fortune 100 companies (AT&T, Bloomberg Financial, Pfizer, Merck, etc.) developing Technology based solutions and Organization analysis via White papers for C level Executives. During this time, he drafted a few family-oriented articles published by the local papers and a chapter in a technology based textbook (Data Management, Barbara von Halle and David Kull, Editors, published by Auerbach). Bill is a life-long New Jersey resident and graduate of Rutgers University. Bill has struggled with Parkinson's Disease for about the last 10 years. Despite his challenges and difficult days, he possessed the mental fortitude and personal discipline to write and publish his first novel, fulfilling a lifelong dream!

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for William Borak.
Author 1 book132 followers
November 16, 2024
Hi William Borak,

Good day!

This is Cali Smith from Book Savvy International Inc.

Congratulations on receiving a positive review from Kirkus Book Review! This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your talent and dedication as an author. Your work has not only captured the attention of Kirkus but has also earned recognition for its quality and excellence. May this positive review be just the beginning of many more accolades to come. Wishing you continued success on your literary journey!

Once again, congratulations on your success!

Have a great day and take care always,

Sincerely Yours,
Cali Smith

Marketing Fulfillment Officer

Book Savvy International Inc.

Los Angeles, California 90210

Contact number: 12134333127 (1007)

cali.smith@booksavvyinternationalinc.com

KIRKUS REVIEWS

TITLE INFORMATION
STRANGER ON THE SHORE
William J. Borak
Atmosphere Press (198 pp.)
$23.99 hardcover
ISBN: 979-8330458172
September 26, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Stranger on the Shore by William Borak is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, romance, and suspense that grips you from the very first page. The story centers on Marisa, a young woman with a seemingly impossible connection to Chris, a man haunted by the loss of his fiancée. Borak weaves an intricate tale, blending deep emotional resonance with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways.
The characters are vividly portrayed, and each one feels incredibly real and relatable. Chris’s journey, from grief to a renewed hope for love, is beautifully executed, while Marisa’s mysterious connection to his past keeps you constantly guessing. The addition of Arielle, an enigmatic figure who seems to hold the keys to the unfolding mystery, gives the story a mystical element that adds to the suspense.
Borak’s writing is atmospheric and compelling, bringing the settings to life, especially the contrast between the quiet solitude of the shore and the dangerous, intense world of cartel showdowns. The plot builds steadily, culminating in a powerful showdown that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Borak surprises you with another twist, keeping the suspense alive until the very end.
If you’re a fan of novels that blend romance and intrigue with an otherworldly touch, Stranger on the Shore is a must-read.
It’s a beautifully written, spellbinding story that keeps you hooked until the last page.



Profile Image for Lilly.
124 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2023
Amidst the poignant backdrop of Chris's heart-wrenching grief following the loss of his beloved Theresa, fate casts its enigmatic spell through the enigmatic Arielle. Instead of Arielle, he is unexpectedly face-to-face with Marisa, a waitress who not only bears an uncanny resemblance to Theresa but possesses the profound depths of Theresa's memories. This extraordinary convergence of circumstances leaves Chris pondering the orchestration of events by Arielle, contemplating the existence of a grander scheme at play. Within the tumultuous realm of a passionate love affair, Chris embarks upon a demanding odyssey alongside Marisa, only to be astounded by the sudden emergence of Arielle. The quest for triumph over their adversaries and the forging of a shared path to happiness becomes a daunting endeavor, with opposing forces threatening to prove insurmountable.

Stranger on the Shore stands as a triumphant testament to the art of storytelling, intricately unraveling a tapestry woven with compelling mysteries and multifaceted characters. With consummate skill, author William Borak breathes life into Marisa, Chris, and Arielle, endowing each with their own intricate struggles and fervent desires. The palpable chemistry between Chris and Marisa infuses the narrative with a magnetic allure, while the undercurrent of destiny imparts a profound sense of significance to their intertwined journey. Just as the story appears to follow a predictable trajectory, the arrival of the enigmatic Arielle at a pivotal juncture injects a fresh layer of intrigue, further entangling the already intricate plot. The narrative is suffused with an aura of uncertainty and fervent anticipation, leaving readers perched on the edge of their seats, eagerly yearning for the resolution that lies ahead.

William Borak's masterful storytelling, vibrant characters, and intricate plot dynamics make Stranger on the Shore an undeniable gem in the literary landscape. A must-read for those seeking a transcendent and spellbinding journey into the depths of fate, love, and the unwavering spirit of the human heart.
Profile Image for caleigh.
306 reviews847 followers
August 5, 2024
no rating bc i don’t want to ruin the average of a book w so few ratings (especially an indie author’s), but i didn’t enjoy this.

the writing was very awkward, it felt like someone trying to write a formal email rather than telling a story. especially with the dialogue, nobody talks like this. i don’t know what the editing process was, obviously, but it needed to be longer and more thorough either way. it felt like i was reading a first draft.

i didn’t particularly like the storyline either. the plot felt predictable yet still completely out of left field. the whole “guardian angel” thing was a stupid addition in my eyes, especially considering i’m not religious and this book isn’t marketed as that either.

to anyone wanting to read this, be aware that it reads as more of a cheesy christian fiction with philosophical themes, and not as the thriller that it’s marketed as. it’s like the author couldn’t find just one niche that fit his story, so he threw it all in there because why not.

with all of that being said, it was a fast read and i love supporting new/indie authors so i don’t regret the purchase! this would definitely be a one star if i were to give it a rating, but if you can look past bad writing + the plot/themes interest you, then give it a shot.
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,307 reviews105 followers
April 22, 2023
William J. Borak’s Stranger on the Shore is an engrossing novel that boasts a plethora of twists and turns, leaving readers yearning for more. The main protagonist, Chris, is a character with complex relationship issues and a troubled past. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancé, Theresa, Chris encounters the captivating Arielle on the beach, and the two make plans to rendezvous at a party hosted by Garvey on the Jersey shore. Unfortunately, Arielle fails to show up, and Chris is equally let down by the women he meets at the party. Despite this setback, Chris has a stroke of luck when he meets Marisa Flores, a charming waitress at the party who captures his attention. Although he reconnects with Arielle in the coming days, Chris finds himself irresistibly drawn to Marissa due to her striking resemblance to Theresa. However, Marissa has a secret: she is actually Ana Moreno from Colombia, who was hiding from the Baka cartel that killed her family and left her unconscious on the beach. With a plan for revenge against the cartel, Ana reveals herself to be a strong and resilient survivor, possessing an amazing personality that captivates Chris and readers alike.

The book’s suspenseful flashbacks featuring Chris keep readers engaged in a back-and-forth of unfolding events, making this riveting thriller an absolute page-turner. The well-written prose artfully blends mystery, thriller, and fiction, making it a must-read for fans of those genres. Chris’s emotional journey, from losing his beloved wife to meeting two women who are eerily similar, is compellingly portrayed through the author’s skilled narration. When Marissa reveals her true identity to Chris, it’s a shocking twist that readers won’t see coming but will find entirely plausible. The author seamlessly parallels two storylines with Chris and Ana and in Columbia, where a man named Baka is on the hunt for Ana, adding to the book’s intrigue.

Stranger on the Shore is an excellent thriller that offers more than just romance. Its intriguing characters and numerous twists and turns will leave you enthralled and eager for more. If you’re a fan of mystery, thriller, and romance, this novel is a must-read, offering a compelling and well-crafted storyline that captivates readers from start to finish.
14 reviews
January 3, 2026
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic.Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, the tremors subsided, and I felt steadier on my feet. Incredibly, I also regained much of my energy and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve felt in years.If you or a loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s disease, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www.naturepathherbalclinic.com info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
Profile Image for Maxiumus.
14 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2024
In the book, Stranger on the Shore, William Borak crafts an intricate tale where disparate events intertwine. Chris, a Wall Street banker, encounters a mysterious woman, Arielle, and experiences a collision of realities involving lost love, Theresa. The author skillfully weaves into the narrative a sense of magic, infusing deeper layers into the narrative. The convergence of characters, including a waitress named Marisa, adds complexity. Amidst grief, faith becomes a guiding light, leading characters through trials. Borak's storytelling prowess creates a suspenseful, action-packed page-turner with relatable characters facing insurmountable odds, making this story a great read.
4 reviews
September 23, 2025
After my PD diagnosis, I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex and sinemet as the disease progressed but didn’t help much. In July last year, I started on PD-5 herbal protocol from Uine health centre. Few months into the treatment, I made a significant recovery. After I completed the recommended treatment plan, almost all my symptoms were gone, had wonderful improvement with my movement and tremors. Its been 6 months since I completed the treatment, I live a better life. Visit or google www. limitlesshealthcenter. com
Profile Image for Swati Tanu.
Author 1 book620 followers
November 16, 2025
The book is a really interesting story about Marisa, a beautiful lady who is found almost lifeless by the East River in New York City. The tale begins with Chris, who is sad because his fiancée Theresa passed away. He meets a mysterious person named Arielle on the beach. Things get more complicated when Chris agrees to meet Arielle at a party but instead meets Marisa, a waitress who looks a lot like Theresa and remembers everything about her.

The author skillfully explores Chris's feelings and the strange things happening around Marisa, making readers think about destiny. The story combines mysteries, fate, and love, with interesting characters.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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