The Haunting of Autumn Lake

Lake #2

by Marcia Lynn McClure

The breathtaking romantic sequel to The Visions of Ransom Lake!

Excerpt:

Autumn Lake stopped cold in her tracks. She puffed a breath of summoning courage as she gazed at the old covered bridge before her. Ever since she was a child and Sawyer had read to her the fascinating yet thoroughly haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Mr. Washington Irving, Autumn had secreted a fear of bridges. Each time she was meant to cross a bridge (especially the old covered bridge on the far side of the orchards), she expected the ghostly headless horseman to appear and attempt to decapitate her. Oh, certainly the tale of the Specter did nothing to soothe her either, for it was said that this was to be a year of the Specter. As the story went, the local phantom, the Specter, only appeared once every ten years—but this was to be the year of the Specter, and Autumn did not like crossing bridges even when it was not a year of the Specter.

Gulping down her fear, however, Autumn glanced behind her, assuring herself that there was no headless horseman riding up behind her intent on stealing her head.

“He wouldn’t want a woman’s head anyway,” she mumbled to herself, even as rising fear caused her heart to pound in her chest. “And besides,” she said, looking back to the old bridge, “I’m eighteen years old…nineteen in less than a month. Surely I can cross the bridge without runnin’.”

Pulling her sketchbook to her chest and tightly folding her arms across it, she spoke aloud to the cattails. “Wish me luck, my darlings…for I do prefer to keep my head attached to the rest of me.”

As Autumn stepped onto the bridge, the roof blocked the warm sunshine, making the space inside the bridge dark and gloomy. Yet she’d expected this. What else would one expect of a covered bridge? After all, its very purpose was protection from the elements, and that included the heat of the summer sun. Naturally, Autumn preferred to think of its purpose as being made for something else—the seclusion necessary for the romance of lovers’ trysts.

She sighed with disenchantment for a moment—disappointment at never having had a lover of her own. She thought how different it would be to cross the old bridge if her arm were linked to that of a strong and handsome lover. Still, she had no lover, and the fact remained that she must indeed cross the bridge.

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Westerns, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

272 pages

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Mar-cia!

I know what book I'm reading every fall.

Actually, two books. I'll begin with The Visions of Ransom Lake and tie a bow around the experience with The Haunting of Autumn Lake.

The Visions of Ransom Lake is the first Marcia book I ever read, beginning my addiction to all things Marcia. (Thank you, Colette, for calling me with words, "Visions. Of. Ransom. Lake. You have GOT to read this.") When I heard there was going to be a sequel, I had to hold in a fangirl squee.

And this truly feels like a sequel instead of a companion novel...because Ransom Lake is EVERYWHERE in this book. Handsome Ransom and Vaden are eternal newlyweds, still sparking in the barn like teenagers. When a girl has a daddy like Ransom Lake, I'm not sure how you can create a man for her that compares, but Marcia comes close with Gentry James.

How you can read this book and not start craving some apple cider and pumpkin cookies? (I am so making Marcia's pumpkins cookies tomorrow!)

Thank you, Marcia, for the perfect indulgence to read every fall. This book is brimming with the scents and sights of autumn!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No surprise that I loved this story. I'm a huge Marcia Lynn McClure fan and love to escape into her clean romances. If you have not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before I highly recommend you give her books a try. But don't start with this one. The Haunting of Autumn Lake is the sequel to her beloved book The Visions of Ransom Lake. You must read that book first to appreciate this one.

Marcia Lynn McClure's favorite season is Fall. Her love of all things autumn shows in this book. From pumpkins and apples to fall colors and ghost stories, this book was perfect for making me appreciate the beauty of this season. In the author's notes in the back there are even recipes for some of her fall favorites.

Handsome Ransom and Vaden are no longer newlyweds but are just as in love as the day they married. Their only daughter Autumn is of age but how can she ever find a man as wonderful as her father? Filled with old fashioned values, a hero who will do whatever is necessary to protect a woman's virtue and plenty of kissing and romance this book is perfect for anyone who like me loves good old-fashioned love stories.

I loved this book. I just wish it had been longer. I want more of Autumn, Gentry, Vaden & Ransom. A great book to read in the fall.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia managed to save my Autumn:) Towards the first of September we found out we are expecting our 4th child...which IS WoNDeRfuL.....but....I've been oh SO very morning sick (it's "all-day sick" for me unfortunately) and so discouraged that I wouldn't be enjoying my favorite time of year this year...and that I need to gear up to be sick the next 5 to 6 months or so.....THEN last week I remembered that I had been saving The Haunting of Autumn Lake to read for this Fall!...Literally it saved the day(or season) for me.:)
I loved the BEAUTIFUL "fall" season descriptions...I loved being able to enter back into Handsome Ransom and Vaden's world one more time, I absolutely loved the new characters Autumn and Gentry, and I loved the little "ghost story" thrown in. (Just scary enough to make it feel like a good Autumn time read, but not scary enough to give me nightmares.:)Which for me is perfect;)lol Thank you Marcia....as always...for sharing your talent of writing beautiful, CLEAN, romance.:) This is the 2nd pregnancy that "The Queen of Clean" has saved me and I will FOREVER be grateful!:)lol

[Stacey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhhh! This is seriously Autumn goodness! A sequel to The Visions of Ransom Lake, this book is wonderful! It is like bathing in the warm glow of Autumn splendor! This was very well written with a continuation of Ransom and Vaden's beautiful love story as well as their daughter Autumn's own love story. Plenty of delicious kisses(of course right?) included. I love reading Marcia's stories of true heroes who are gentlemen and stand for their women's virtues. Also, to be treasured is Marcia's snippets at the end of the book that make you love her and the story even more if that is even possible! Another book well done, just wish there were more stars available to give this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. I originally gave this 3 stars, probably because I judge Marcia's books harshly against the ones I LOVE, LOVE of hers! But, if a book lingers in my mind months later, I have to up my rating!

My reasons for originally giving 3 stars(but I know I was judging harshly): It got a bit repetitive with going on about how in love Ransom and Vaden still were and how much their daughter wanted a relationship like theirs, and how it made her giggle to catch them "sparking" (What teenager LIKES to see that?!). Also, I thought there'd be a bit more of a mystery/purpose to the haunting (something kinda like in "The Fragrance of her Name"). I also prefer when there is some "bitter" before you get to the "sweet" of the romance. The couple really didn't have to go through obsticles or misunderstandings and jealousy of any kind. I did like their first kiss, even though I couldn't LOVE it without there being a tension-filled build-up for it, but I liked how it was described (his mouth parting and coaxing hers kinda thing).

My reasons for uping to 4.5 stars: The FEEL and atmosphere of it still lingers in my mind 6 months later! It had a cute, Autumny feel to it. Gentry was a great protector, cute and irresistable! Autumn Lake was adorable. I enjoyed seeing Ransom as a protective daddy! And I liked the women going to the graveyard to inspect the grave..had a nice, spooky, fun, autumny vibe to it. The cover is BEAUTIFUL! Love the author's notes and recipes! I think I will want to read this every autumn now!!! I'm so glad the idea for this book came to Marcia!

[Kristina Brownell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright. Should I give it three or four stars? I went with 3. Wait. Maybe I'll change it to 4. Yep, I'm changing it to 4. I almost always enjoy Marcia's books. How can you not love someone that puts so much of herself into her books?...that's admirable (and that's why I'm going with 4). Reading The Haunting of Autumn Lake is like taking a walk with the author. She loves nature and romance. It's a little over the top, especially the first 30 pages or so (I was honestly rolling my eyes and chuckling). I don't know if I just got used to all the adjectives and use of the word "ambrosia" (what IS that anyway?!)....or if it honestly got better. The fact remains, I did like this book. It was sweet. And really corny. Not much plot, but who cares when the men are constantly taking off their shirts and "sparking" with the ladies, right? hahaha. Must be my secret and pathetically romantic side manifesting itself. I am hopeless. I LOVE substance in my reading, but I also love fluff. This is the lightest kind of fluff. It was enjoyable. Plus, for those of you that obsessed over Ransom Lake (I missed the boat on that one), you get another dose of him and Vaden. It's a little ridiculous (of course), but still made me laugh and feel happy...so whatever. Marcia's books almost always leave me with a smile....The Haunting of Autumn Lake did that for me too...so 4 stars...I'll be embarassed about this later, I'm sure.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this companion book to The Visions of Ransom Lake. This story picks up about 25 years later and is mostly about Ransom and Vaden's daughter, Autumn. I loved how she met Gentry and how sweet he was to make her dreams come true. I loved reading about how happy and in love Ransom and Vaden's still are, all those years later. It was such a cozy, autumn read and the recipes included are a big bonus!! I've tried the caramel apple one and it was soooo delish!

[courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

rereading this during the beginning of fall was everything, guess i have to do it every year now OH NOOO

[Sephora Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tastes like Cinnamon.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay girls Marcia out did herself this time, wow there are so many wonderful kissing scenes I could swoon lol. I love all her books, but this one is amongst my top favorites. Marcia has such a way with words such a gift that we get to be blessed to see come to life in print."Yes, the season of harvest and respite was a woman in Miss Autumn Lake's bountiful imagination-auburn-haired, with ribbons of pumpkin orange and sage green woven through. Her eyes were the color of ripe green apples and her lips such a perfect bittersweet that all men who looked at her desired to kiss her." I call that word candy for my senses. That is just the beginning of many, many beautifully written passages. Along with all these beautiful words we also get more of Handsome Ransom from "The Visions of Ransom Lake" and Vaden. I loved that they were in this story so we could see first hand how their lives unfolded. This story is mainly about their daughter Autumn, and she is quite a beauty inside and out. She longs to find that perfect man, that will cherish her and love her like her father loves her mother. She doesn't know if it will ever happen.....then a handsome stranger is wounded and in need of care. Autumn and her family help nurse him back to health. From here they build their relationship and love for one another. There is also a threat to Autumns well being, and a haunting ghost to add even more excitement to this story. I loved Autumn her passion for life, and people, she is so sweet, and good. Her Handsome Cowboy she nurses back to health is strong, full of chivalry, flawed, had a rough up-bringing which makes him rather endearing. I loved that we were able to hear a lot about his thoughts! Great story to curl up in a blanket with hot coco and be caught up in the romance and kisses!

mild language
clean romance

[Booknut 101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

'"Well, if you do winter here...we have a lovely harvest season," Autumn told him, as hope that he would stay leapt in her heart. "And the county fair is worth stayin' for all by itself. Autumn is beautiful here, Mr. James."

"I can already see that it is," he said, grinning at her.'

Marcia Lynn McClure knows how to win readers' hearts.

She isn't an author. She's an artist. She wields words with finesse, creating characters that burrow into your heart & stay there, long after you've read the final chapter.

I'll admit, I'm always wary of reading sequels to fantastic books. In the back of my mind, I didn't believe - when starting The Haunting of Autumn lake - that it would be as good as its predecessor.

But I need not have worried. The tale of Autumn & Gentry was just as heartwarming & lovely as Vaden & Ransom's story of true love. Gentry is yet another male of McClure's for females to swoon over, & Autumn is a sweet & kind-hearted heroine.

Overall I couldn't be happier!

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is just ok for me. It has a sweet romance between Autumn and Gentry, they share a few cute scenes together. It is a sequel book to The Visions of Ransom Lake and Ransom and Vaden are a big focus of this book. As much as I like their characters, I do wish Autumn and Gentry would have gotten more of the page time. A cute western and worth reading, especially if you've read and enjoyed the first book.



Content Rated PG+
Romance:Kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild So, this one had a little more violence. Autumn is attacked on three separate occasions, fondling and an attempted rape.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever looked forward to a book of Marcia's more than this one!! Just for the chance of getting some more Handsome Ransom, and I certainly was not disappointed! Any of her other reads are good stand alone, but this one I would not recommend unless you have read Visions of Ransom Lake... For you wouldn't appreciate having him 'back' unless you already are so in love with that story. ;) This was the perfect birthday present, and I am ever grateful for Marcia for turning me into a fall loving girl.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did love this book- it is a Marcia McClure. However at the beginning I thought that there was maybe a little bit too much detail and going on about the season and her love for it. I would have prefer there being more detail and going on with Autumn and Gentry. I loved the relationship of Randsome and Vaden and Aunt Myra and Uncle Dan. I just wish that it was longer and more happenings.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Marcia did a great job on this sequel. I had heard from a friend that she didn't like this one as much as another and so I didn't read it the night it came in the mail. However, I read it the next day and it was one that liked. I found that the character, Gentry James is like alot of people in the respect that he thinks because of his past he is not worthy of certain people or futures, thinking he must settle for less. He's a cowboy with only his horse to his name and a years worth of pay, how could he be worthy of a girl like Autumn Lake (Ransom and Vaden's daughter) who comes from a family with land and a loving family.
Autumn has some things that are haunting her in this story. 1. The legend of the Spector coming every two years at harvest time to get his revenge for his murder and 2. which is a important topic to address, but a sensitive subject...woman being taken advantage by men or in this case girls getting taken advantage by a boy and being threatened to keep it a secret at the harm of her loved ones.

I love that the hero, even through he's recovering from 4 gun shot wounds comes to the rescue of Autumn in her time of need and puts the dirt where it belongs.

I also loved the continued "love affair" of Vaden and Ransom even after 25 years of marriage. I believe this is every couple desire and dream to keep the romance just as it was as when courting and as newly weds.

[Tifferz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tifferz Take-
I purchased this paperback copy off amazon.com I Loved Ransom and Vaden's story and was excited to see a story about Autumn. The story is cute and clean as Marcia is know for. I liked how selfless the hero is. I think Ms. McClure did a good job with her villian. This one is better than the last book I read of hers The Trove of the Passion Room. I felt that Ransom and Vaden's making out and banter was distracting from Autumn's story. I also think that Ms. McClure needs to find a new editor. She has been writing stories for over ten years (this is not a hobby)and when I pay an arm and a leg for one of your books (which I think are over priced). I want it to be free of errors. The errors distracted from the story.

[Chelsea Raadgep · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I read this one in less than a day!! Just as though Marcia gets in touch with the new characters, she still dwells on the ones that we already know and love. I enjoyed this book so dang much. It's amazing to truly see that magnifcent power of true love and marriage in a family's experience. I love the relationship between Vaden and Ransom so much!

Autumn, I would have to say, reminds me so much of me. I love life and everything around me, and I am very superstitious about a few things. I just love the part when they go out to the cemetery and they get scared and Ransom and Gentry scare the living daylights out of them. I certainly was amused! This book made me laugh, smile, and press my hand to my heart so many times. Very timeless! Thanks Marcia!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to _The Visions of Ransom Lake_, which is an exceedingly hard act to follow. But, Ms McClure pulls it off with perfection. This book picks up with the next generation. She portrays the characters who were in the first book with perfection, which I think was a very tricky thing, as they have matured since falling in love in the first book. I fell in love with them all over again. Their children are now adults, and this story is about the coming of age of youngest, a girl. Reading the interactions between the parents, and between the parents and their children, was so very inspiring. (How to raise emotionally healthy children -- emulate these parents.) And, the story was a good one. Intricate. A little bit of mystery.

[Angie Cornelison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful sequel to Visions of Randsome lake. I absolutely loved it. I loved reading about the ongoing romance still between Ransome and Vaden. I loved that this book showed that real love is lasting. I also thought it was great that Autumn had so many wonderful traits of them both. The villain in this story is darker than in any of marcias books so far. Yes, I hated the monster! However, I think she touched on a very important point in this book. I don't want to give anything away. But it is important! I think Gentry is so perfect for Autumn. All that lovely sparkin! Wouldn't be Marcias book without it! You'll love this one!!

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing that still has me puzzling over this book is the identity of the Spector. Clear through the end, we never did learn who the actual Spector was! It was intriguing and frustrating at the same time! As for the story.... I really enjoyed reading about Autumn and her mother...they are truly two peas from the same pod!
I did not know this book was a lead off from Visions of Ransom Lake...and I plan on reading that one next.

[JaNeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, perhaps not quite as much as the other Marcia books, but still 4 stars worthy. I found myself scimming through the long, poetic descriptions of the fall scenery that seemed to go on and on. Also I was kinda grossed out by Autumn's parents lovin' and fondling of each other. Why in the world would Autumn want to spy on her parents doing that is beyond me! Other than those few things I enjoyed this story.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

August 2013:Whew someone hose me down!! This book was hot! I was giggling like a silly school girl thru the whole thing! Gentry is yummy and Ransom is as handsome as he was in Visions.

Reread 10/2014: STILL HOT! Loved it! Probably one of the best sequels I've read. A lot of books should not have sequels. THIS one, however, I need to thank Marcia Lynn McClure for writing!!

[Maralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Nice easy read. I loved the descriptions of Fall! And it was fun to revisit Ransom and Vadan. I did feel that the author was repetitive at times in describing the characters. She didn't have to tell us that Autumn was caring or compassionate--the things she did in the book showed us that she was etc. . .

[Tausha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oct. 2012
I had to reread this one. It is so perfect for this time of year. I loved it just as much this time.

June 2012
Great book from one of my favorite authors. Keep them coming Marcia!! This was another fun, quick read. So glad to see Handsome Ransom and Vaden still head over heels in love. Nobody does romance like Marcia.:)

[McKenzie Dygert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly think that I am for reals in love with Gentry James!! Oh my word! I think he's at the top of my "Marcia Lynn McClure Men"! He's so sweet and....uh! I want him to be real! haha. He's perfectly lovely. :)

[Meridyth Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one as well! I know, shocker! All of the descriptions of the food and the smells of food made me hungry! She must have been hungry while writing this one. ;) haha! But i loved everything about it.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought Autumn was more like a 12 yr. old play acting with scarecrows, drawing "portraits" of pumpkins for her mom's birthday, talking to flowers, and just being silly. I didn't care for the swearing and inappropriate language. This book just wasn't up to par for Marcia I don't think.

[Kristen Robison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the first book in this series...this one just felt like a steamier repeat. It creeped me out a bit that the daughter loved watching her parents kiss, and her mom commenting on the kissing ability of the daughter's beau. Not really for me.

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ransom Book 2 (Book 1 is *The Visions of Ransom Lake*)
You don't have to read them in order, but it's nice if you do. Book 1 is WAY better.

This isn't the worst of MLM's books; I think it's in the middle towards the top, though. I read it to divert and distract myself, and it did the job.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Marcia! I loved this one. It was so fun to hear how Vaden and Ransom are doing now. I really liked Gentry. Loved the dimples! I can't wait to read her next one!