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When His Dreams Take Flight
Nick Townsend is a high school principal battling alcohol addiction. After falling off the wagon, he awakens the next morning remembering a dream that included him flying over an elementary school shooting, in progress. The next day, the school shooting he saw in his dream is headline news. When it happens again, he is determined to prevent the tragedy and solicits his best friend to help him save more children from certain death.
But what is the cost of saving lives? Will he continue to risk his life when the woman he loves is carrying his child? Can he win the battle against the demon tequila that threatens to wreck his world? And, when he awakens one morning remembering another school shooting dream, can he stop the horrible event from happening at his school?
But what is the cost of saving lives? Will he continue to risk his life when the woman he loves is carrying his child? Can he win the battle against the demon tequila that threatens to wreck his world? And, when he awakens one morning remembering another school shooting dream, can he stop the horrible event from happening at his school?
244 pages, ebook
First published October 22, 2013
About the author
Andy Holloman
2 books1,117 followersWriter Andy Holloman has been scribbling stories since a young age. (According to reliable sources.) "Shades of Gray" is his first published novel and grew out of his experiences as a travel agency owner many moons ago. He was fascinated with the true story of a client of the business that was murdered. Suspecting her line of work was drug smuggling, a story sprouted in his over-active imagination - How far would a desperate person go to save their child and their business.
His 2nd novel "When His Dreams Take Flight" was published in Oct. 2013 and is a Suspense/Thriller novel set in present day North Carolina.
He is the father of three and happily married for 25 years. A graduate of UNC-CH, he lives in the Raleigh, NC area and enjoys keeping his wife happy, supporting the real estate industry, and tennis. He loves the great outdoors in NC, is an avid reader, and a social media goofball. Most evenings, he can be found tapping on his well-worn keyboard as he "births" his next novel.
www.AndyHolloman.com Twitter @AndyHolloman
His 2nd novel "When His Dreams Take Flight" was published in Oct. 2013 and is a Suspense/Thriller novel set in present day North Carolina.
He is the father of three and happily married for 25 years. A graduate of UNC-CH, he lives in the Raleigh, NC area and enjoys keeping his wife happy, supporting the real estate industry, and tennis. He loves the great outdoors in NC, is an avid reader, and a social media goofball. Most evenings, he can be found tapping on his well-worn keyboard as he "births" his next novel.
www.AndyHolloman.com Twitter @AndyHolloman
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 20, 2013
"A Remarkable Story"
When I started this story, I was not sure I cared to read a novel about what is plaguing our country today ... assaults on schools. But, there is more than this in this spellbinding, tenderly written story by respected author, Andy Holloman. Basically, Nick Townsend, who is principal of James Thomas High School, has many demons to fight. He's a recovering alcoholic who has lapses which impact his life and his career. After a night of binge drinking, he awakes late with a severe headache, but worse, the memory of a violent dream which actually turns into reality several states away. He shares this dream with his only close friend and confident, Gene, an ex-cop, who is always willing to help him from falling back into alcoholism. Nick is divorced from his previous wife who also had alcohol problems which finally broke their marriage apart. But Nick is past that and keeps vowing abstinence to himself and his new love of his life, Allison, who understands his battle and is willing to help him. This is an amazing story, written in an easy style which prompted me to read into the late night. It's a story which touches my heart as to how one struggles with grief of a lost one, and how one is also rewarded. Yes, Andy Holloman has another winner, the writing quality is superb, the pace is vigorous, there are many twists and turns, and the characters are captivating and certainly unique. Highly recommend this very absorbing story.
When I started this story, I was not sure I cared to read a novel about what is plaguing our country today ... assaults on schools. But, there is more than this in this spellbinding, tenderly written story by respected author, Andy Holloman. Basically, Nick Townsend, who is principal of James Thomas High School, has many demons to fight. He's a recovering alcoholic who has lapses which impact his life and his career. After a night of binge drinking, he awakes late with a severe headache, but worse, the memory of a violent dream which actually turns into reality several states away. He shares this dream with his only close friend and confident, Gene, an ex-cop, who is always willing to help him from falling back into alcoholism. Nick is divorced from his previous wife who also had alcohol problems which finally broke their marriage apart. But Nick is past that and keeps vowing abstinence to himself and his new love of his life, Allison, who understands his battle and is willing to help him. This is an amazing story, written in an easy style which prompted me to read into the late night. It's a story which touches my heart as to how one struggles with grief of a lost one, and how one is also rewarded. Yes, Andy Holloman has another winner, the writing quality is superb, the pace is vigorous, there are many twists and turns, and the characters are captivating and certainly unique. Highly recommend this very absorbing story.
September 19, 2014
When I read the description of the book I thought it was going to be a long novel, but at 235 words it's kinda short. It took me over a week to read it and while I did like it, there were a few flaws. First off, the book to me was too short and rushed. I think more time should've been spent on some delving into the characters and their stories. For instance, Stick, the villain in the book, I think I would've preferred if the author went into more detail about his revenge plot.
Nick, the main character is someone I had a love/hate relationship with. In the beginning, I felt for him as he struggled with his alcoholism and his dreams about the shootings. But there were other times where I though he was a jerk and his behavior was crude. However, by the end of the book I fell in love with him again as he grieves the loss of a loved one.
Speaking of the ending, it's very heart wrenching, I found myself tearing up quite a bit. However, I felt like it flew by too quickly. It seemed like the author was in a rush to end it and let all the characters move on.
Nick, the main character is someone I had a love/hate relationship with. In the beginning, I felt for him as he struggled with his alcoholism and his dreams about the shootings. But there were other times where I though he was a jerk and his behavior was crude. However, by the end of the book I fell in love with him again as he grieves the loss of a loved one.
Speaking of the ending, it's very heart wrenching, I found myself tearing up quite a bit. However, I felt like it flew by too quickly. It seemed like the author was in a rush to end it and let all the characters move on.
December 30, 2013
In all honesty I am a very hard person to please when it comes to books. I get bored easy so I tend to be very picking. I had never heard of Andy Holloman until I saw a Twit on his sisters Laurel's account asking that all of her fans go and read this book. Putting trust in my FAVORITE artist I immediately went and purchased the book. The anticipation of waiting for the book to arrive was well warrented. It is fantastically written; I found myself not wanting to put it down. It was thrilling and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I highly recoomend this book and I guarantee it will leave you wanting to buy more of his publications.
December 13, 2013
With the debut of his second novel "When His Dreams Take Flight" Andy Holloman writes like a seasoned pro.
From the first chapter Holloman pulls the reader into a heartwrenching story straight from todays headlines.
Leading the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride; one of triumph, love found, and love lost.
When faced with the ultimate choice to allow love or hate to consume him in the midst of a senseless tragedy, can Principal Nick Townsend find strength and truth
from the words of his fiance's late father, to rise above the evil that surrounds him?
A must read, unfortunately everyone will face death of a loved one at some point in his/or her lifetime. - Renee Emery ~ mom, daughter, sister, friend
From the first chapter Holloman pulls the reader into a heartwrenching story straight from todays headlines.
Leading the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride; one of triumph, love found, and love lost.
When faced with the ultimate choice to allow love or hate to consume him in the midst of a senseless tragedy, can Principal Nick Townsend find strength and truth
from the words of his fiance's late father, to rise above the evil that surrounds him?
A must read, unfortunately everyone will face death of a loved one at some point in his/or her lifetime. - Renee Emery ~ mom, daughter, sister, friend
February 1, 2014
This book is a little weird. And I have never struggled with alcoholism, so it is a little hard to understand why he doesn't just stay away from it. School shootings aren't funny, they are scary. They happen way too often. Anyone who can stop them is a hero. But how the dreams came to him, in a fog from passing out. It was weird, but still a good story
July 7, 2014
Good storyteller. I liked Holloman's first book better, but I'm not done with this one yet.
December 14, 2013
I have to say that this writer is on his way. He has some great story lines and ideas. I liked his first book and liked this one. I'll keep reading. Stop killing everyone Andy!
January 3, 2014
A quick read; solid and interesting, but not amazing.
November 6, 2014
This was decent. I liked his earlier "Shades of Gray" title better. This was a little too hokey and the dialogue felt stilted at times. I don't regret reading it, but it was nothing amazing.
February 23, 2015
Very interesting plot and Andy builds some fascinating characters. I enjoyed every page and this book kept me captivated.
April 24, 2026
This was too much like a young adults book for me
This started slow, and never really picked up at any point.
Sometimes sounded like it was geared to kids, yet involved (school shootings) I would think this might just scare some instead of bringing awareness.
The guy has dreams about upcoming shootings, is an alcoholic, and just an unreal (best school principal ever) til it was just way too much for me.
I ended up skipping a Bunch of chapters as I felt it was a lot of unimportant filler.
This started slow, and never really picked up at any point.
Sometimes sounded like it was geared to kids, yet involved (school shootings) I would think this might just scare some instead of bringing awareness.
The guy has dreams about upcoming shootings, is an alcoholic, and just an unreal (best school principal ever) til it was just way too much for me.
I ended up skipping a Bunch of chapters as I felt it was a lot of unimportant filler.
April 15, 2020
A high school principal battling alcohol addiction experiences dreams of school shootings. His sponsor is a cop and tries to help him. This is a fast read, good characters, good plot. I rate this a 4.0.
February 17, 2018
Good read!
Twists from beginning to end. Hard to put down before finished. You will never guess the end.
Enjoy as I did!
Twists from beginning to end. Hard to put down before finished. You will never guess the end.
Enjoy as I did!
April 29, 2019
This book grabbed me from the very beginning and was over before I knew it! Great story and thankfully handled the school shootings in a way that wasn’t front and center. Very good story.
May 7, 2015
Much redundancy
Wasn't sure what to expect based on the title. More a story of alcoholism and the highs and lows...mostly lows in this case. Too much written about Nick's problem and his struggles to get straight. The visions were a distraction momentarily but served very little purpose especially with the tragic ending he should have seen in his dreams and prevented. Just another proof of life being unfair.
Wasn't sure what to expect based on the title. More a story of alcoholism and the highs and lows...mostly lows in this case. Too much written about Nick's problem and his struggles to get straight. The visions were a distraction momentarily but served very little purpose especially with the tragic ending he should have seen in his dreams and prevented. Just another proof of life being unfair.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews