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Oak Cliff: A Tale of Darkness and Despair
Oak Cliff Farm has been plagued by tragedy, nightmares, and horror for over one hundred and fifty years. The house itself presents its dark history through flashbacks, hidden clues, and ghostly occurrences to Merline Madagascar, who is a house-whisperer of sorts. Unlike other houses with joyful histories that Merline has visited and heard, this house presents a unique challenge when its new owners, Jack and Erica, call Merline to help restore the house to its former elegance. Weary of a recurring nightmare caused by its first owners; the house wants nothing more than to provide shelter to a loving family with children. Oak Cliff Farm welcomes Jack and Erica with the hope that they will be the ones to bring happiness to its rooms once again. But a wandering soul still hovers over Oak Cliff Farm, causing unrest and apprehensiveness for all its subsequent owners. Accompanying Merline are her historically-inclined husband Daniel, her intrepid architect/contractor Verne, Chef Jacques and his significant other Erica, and a host of other characters. Will Oak Cliffs past prove too much for Merline? Or will the more than a century-long series of ill-fated events finally come to an end?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2010
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Marion Marchetto
31 books105 followers
Writing historical novels/romance is my thing. I love stories set at the turn of the century (1900) and I try to keep within that era. What I also love is the holiday season (Christmas) and most of my books will have at least one Christmas scene. Three of my stories are Christmas themed (Sparky's Christmas Wish, The Last Christmas Tree, A First Class Christmas). The themes of love, redemption, family, strong women, and heritage are also found in my stories.
Most recent release is THE LOVING DYNASTY. Set in my old hometown of Shelton, CT it is a time travel romance that seems quite popular. Available in print and e-book editions and on KU.
My Contemporary Romance titled CHERISH. A quick paced look at a business decision turned to romance. Available now in print and e-book editions.
Currently working on several different stories as the inspiration moves me. Stayed tuned to find out which one gets published next.
My blog MOONLIGHT MUSINGS - is where my book reviews are posted along with interviews, guest bloggers, an author's look at life in general. Join the fun!
Also writing contemporary romance (the hot, steamy kind) as L.L. Blue.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 30, 2015
The 3rd in a series by this author that tells the story of a historical home from the house's point of view and a "house whisperer" of sorts Merline.
This story features a house in Derby, CT on Hawthorne Avenue across the street from Oak Cliff Cemetery. The house starts out with a happy couple Ilsa and Edwin whose marriage falters after he returns home from the Civil War and being held as a prisoner of war. She is buried alive in the basement by her deranged husband. Each of the subsequent families who live there is plagued by death, loss of children, or mental issues. It’s dark compared to Marchetto's other house stories that are usually more upbeat. She details some unique family situations. It's noted as a thriller and it is well put together bringing the house up to the present day. The story follows the history of the area over the years and notes many locations that are true to the area.
The storyline kind of reminded me of Stephen King's “Christine” but with a local flair. I am local to this area and once toured an old house on that street that was for sale. There was definitely a bad vibe in that house and I could not wait to get out…
This story features a house in Derby, CT on Hawthorne Avenue across the street from Oak Cliff Cemetery. The house starts out with a happy couple Ilsa and Edwin whose marriage falters after he returns home from the Civil War and being held as a prisoner of war. She is buried alive in the basement by her deranged husband. Each of the subsequent families who live there is plagued by death, loss of children, or mental issues. It’s dark compared to Marchetto's other house stories that are usually more upbeat. She details some unique family situations. It's noted as a thriller and it is well put together bringing the house up to the present day. The story follows the history of the area over the years and notes many locations that are true to the area.
The storyline kind of reminded me of Stephen King's “Christine” but with a local flair. I am local to this area and once toured an old house on that street that was for sale. There was definitely a bad vibe in that house and I could not wait to get out…
January 17, 2012
Oak Cliff: A Tale of Darkness and Despair was the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
I was pulled in from the first page by the unique and intriguing way the author chose to weave this story. The story is told from the perspective of the Oak Cliff farmhouse.
Starting in the Civil War era and ending in the present day, I was carried throughout history with Oak Cliff's powerful and heart-wrenching stories of those who lived within it's walls. The accounts of love, sorrow, despair, and evil will keep you enthralled till the very end.
You will never look at a house in the same way again.
I highly recommend this very well-written novel by Marion Marchetto and look forward to reading more of her works.
I was pulled in from the first page by the unique and intriguing way the author chose to weave this story. The story is told from the perspective of the Oak Cliff farmhouse.
Starting in the Civil War era and ending in the present day, I was carried throughout history with Oak Cliff's powerful and heart-wrenching stories of those who lived within it's walls. The accounts of love, sorrow, despair, and evil will keep you enthralled till the very end.
You will never look at a house in the same way again.
I highly recommend this very well-written novel by Marion Marchetto and look forward to reading more of her works.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews