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Ghosts of the Past: A Small Town Thriller
They promised each other forever. But forever doesn’t come easy in Minera Springs.
Tobi Sloan thought her wedding day would be the fresh start she and Riley Cockerham had fought so hard for. But peace is short-lived in a Texas town haunted by secrets, sorrow, and the shadows of the past. As their marriage begins, long-buried truths begin to surface—some tender, some terrifying.
When a mysterious stranger shows up at their wedding with ties to a secretive foundation, and a stepmother from Tobi’s past reappears with answers she never asked for, the newlyweds are drawn into a deeper mystery surrounding the death of Julie Snyder—and what she might have meant to Tobi all along.
As ghosts from their past resurface, both literal and emotional, the couple must navigate family betrayals, dangerous trespassers, and questions of identity that threaten the foundation of everything they’ve built.
Set against the backdrop of rural Texas and the haunted landscape of Minera Springs, Ghosts of Past blends Southern gothic atmosphere with romantic suspense, gripping mystery, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments.
Tobi Sloan thought her wedding day would be the fresh start she and Riley Cockerham had fought so hard for. But peace is short-lived in a Texas town haunted by secrets, sorrow, and the shadows of the past. As their marriage begins, long-buried truths begin to surface—some tender, some terrifying.
When a mysterious stranger shows up at their wedding with ties to a secretive foundation, and a stepmother from Tobi’s past reappears with answers she never asked for, the newlyweds are drawn into a deeper mystery surrounding the death of Julie Snyder—and what she might have meant to Tobi all along.
As ghosts from their past resurface, both literal and emotional, the couple must navigate family betrayals, dangerous trespassers, and questions of identity that threaten the foundation of everything they’ve built.
Set against the backdrop of rural Texas and the haunted landscape of Minera Springs, Ghosts of Past blends Southern gothic atmosphere with romantic suspense, gripping mystery, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Charles Franklin
183 books34 followersI was born and raised in Mineral Wells, Texas. My hometown is one of those places that you can’t wait to get out of, but then you can’t wait to come back to. After high school graduation, I enlisted in the United States Army and traveled the world. Uncle Sam sent me to Korea, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. And the whole time, I longed to go back home.
Early in my service, I married my wife, Jennifer, and we had three children. I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing ladies and gentleman they’ve grown into.
Also during my service, I enrolled in college and I received a Bachelors of Science in Religion from Liberty University. I didn’t always know I’d want to go into ministry, but sometime in my mid-thirties, I heard my name called.
I didn’t end up working in a church, though. Upon retiring from the Army in 2017, I received my Texas Teaching Certificate and began teaching junior high kids—back in my hometown…that I couldn’t wait to get out of. So, that’s where my ministry is, for now. And let me tell you, those kids are…a blast!!
Early in my service, I married my wife, Jennifer, and we had three children. I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing ladies and gentleman they’ve grown into.
Also during my service, I enrolled in college and I received a Bachelors of Science in Religion from Liberty University. I didn’t always know I’d want to go into ministry, but sometime in my mid-thirties, I heard my name called.
I didn’t end up working in a church, though. Upon retiring from the Army in 2017, I received my Texas Teaching Certificate and began teaching junior high kids—back in my hometown…that I couldn’t wait to get out of. So, that’s where my ministry is, for now. And let me tell you, those kids are…a blast!!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 19, 2025
The perfect small town thriller with a whole lot of ups and downs. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the small town of Minera Springs!
It’s been a couple years since I read the other books in this series but Charles did an excellent job in sprinkling in bits of information about what happened in the past so it so easy to fall back into this little town of Minera Springs.
That is one of the things I absolutely love about this series, you so easily fall into this world and get sucked in to all the craziness because man does this family see it all!!! Yet they are united as ever and I love that so much. There was a moment I almost threw my kindle, thinking he better not do anything to Paw!!! IYKYK.
This story took us full circle and if this is indeed the last in this series it was done perfectly! As much as I would love to wread more stories about this family I think they need a break 🤪 Thanks for making me cry!
It’s been a couple years since I read the other books in this series but Charles did an excellent job in sprinkling in bits of information about what happened in the past so it so easy to fall back into this little town of Minera Springs.
That is one of the things I absolutely love about this series, you so easily fall into this world and get sucked in to all the craziness because man does this family see it all!!! Yet they are united as ever and I love that so much. There was a moment I almost threw my kindle, thinking he better not do anything to Paw!!! IYKYK.
This story took us full circle and if this is indeed the last in this series it was done perfectly! As much as I would love to wread more stories about this family I think they need a break 🤪 Thanks for making me cry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
This one broke—and then healed—me in ways I hadn’t expected. I love that it both starts and ends on such a happy moment. The character growth shown in James was completely unexpected, and the way that Riley learns to forgive and slowly trust him again is beautiful. And don’t get me started on Julie’s story.
I absolutely believe that this is the best book yet. It’s incredible. I can’t wait to see where else the author takes this series.
I absolutely believe that this is the best book yet. It’s incredible. I can’t wait to see where else the author takes this series.
August 20, 2025
Amazing book. Once I started reading this I didn't want to put it down. Very well written. I highly recommend this book
August 25, 2025
I have had the absolute pleasure to follow Tobi and Riley from the beginning, and I just love everything about their journey. This story was so well done, and it truly did Tobi and Riley justice. I love that these stories are set in the very early 90’s so there’s a lot of nostalgia. I’m so glad the start of this story was their wedding, and I loved seeing their dynamic as a young husband and wife. The inclusion of a past character that we thought we wouldn’t see again was just amazing! Not going to lie, I cried at the end of this one. I feel like Charles brought everyone full circle, and I was honestly sad when it was over. Reading about Tobi and Riley since they were ten years old has made me feel like I’ve known these character forever! This series is so good! It’s got throwback vibes, a little bit of suspense, mystery and intrigue, and all the feels!
August 6, 2025
🌟Thank you, to the author, Charles Franklin, for providing me with an ARC of this, his latest book!🌟
Finally! Tobi and Riley Cockerham are back and newly wed. We pick up where their lives left off, in the small county of Minera Springs. This book is comparable to the first book in this series, in that there are so many unexpected twists and turns that I was taken aback - in the best way! The usual blend of small-town drama, romance and mystery is here to stay, but with a pulse-pounding turn of events that I promise the reader does not foresee! This story has multiple character-driven POVS, which I loved. Another well-written thriller by Franklin! Pick up your copy on August 19th!
Finally! Tobi and Riley Cockerham are back and newly wed. We pick up where their lives left off, in the small county of Minera Springs. This book is comparable to the first book in this series, in that there are so many unexpected twists and turns that I was taken aback - in the best way! The usual blend of small-town drama, romance and mystery is here to stay, but with a pulse-pounding turn of events that I promise the reader does not foresee! This story has multiple character-driven POVS, which I loved. Another well-written thriller by Franklin! Pick up your copy on August 19th!
September 26, 2025
This book wil make you cry!
From three different perspectives, you have Tobi, Riley, and Agnes.
Agnes is a sex trafficked girl almost killed one night. She jumps off a bridge to save herself. Taken to an island, she slowly regains her memories of who she truly was.
In Minera Springs, Tobi learns a sad truth about Julie. Some woman claiming to be her stepmom calls. And Javon returns. When Summer starts acting weird, things get crazy. And then Bree disappears.
But Minera Springs wont let the evil win. It never does. And the ghosts are there to help.
From three different perspectives, you have Tobi, Riley, and Agnes.
Agnes is a sex trafficked girl almost killed one night. She jumps off a bridge to save herself. Taken to an island, she slowly regains her memories of who she truly was.
In Minera Springs, Tobi learns a sad truth about Julie. Some woman claiming to be her stepmom calls. And Javon returns. When Summer starts acting weird, things get crazy. And then Bree disappears.
But Minera Springs wont let the evil win. It never does. And the ghosts are there to help.
August 21, 2025
This is not a tale of easy victories. It’s about surviving when the world doesn’t play fair, and finding strength in the one place that still makes sense—home. Tobi and Riley is a moving, quietly unforgettable read that reminds us that sometimes, family isn’t just the reason we survive—it’s the reason we believe we can
August 21, 2025
It’s been a long while since I’ve read the other books In thesis series but the bits of information about the past helped me understand what happened in the past books. It was easy to get sucked into the world and it’s a very well written snd enjoyable story could not stop reading once I started
August 25, 2025
Another suspenseful installment of this series. I was so invested in Riley and Tobi, as well as their extended family, right from the beginning of. I had so many “wow” moments while reading this book. If you like young romance, intrigue and suspense, you’ll love this story.
August 25, 2025
This one was probably my favourite one in the series so far. It was like caching up with childhood friends and it felt so wholesome. I loved the way everything got wrapped up and honestly, I am not sure I am ready to let go of Tobi and Riley. It's been an honor
August 29, 2025
I have been an ARC reader for this series since the beginning and have to say it is one of the best out there!!! Love the small town feel with the perfect amount of love, drama, and anticipation. Very highly recommend this series as well as this author in general!!!
August 30, 2025
Great Series!!!
This might be the best one yet. Charles Franklin paints a picture of a family that will go to great lengths for each other. I can’t wait for the next one!
This might be the best one yet. Charles Franklin paints a picture of a family that will go to great lengths for each other. I can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews