Following Disasters

by Nancy McCabe

On her twenty-first birthday, Maggie Owen receives an unusual birthday gift: a house. That same day, her aunt, the house's owner, dies. For three years, Maggie has been fleeing her childhood demons: the deaths of her parents, estrangement from her terminally-ill aunt, and a betrayal by her best friend. But now her career following natural disasters in temporary insurance claims offices ends abruptly, as Maggie returns home to face her past.

But why does the house hold a mysterious spell over her? Why does she have the persistent feeling that her aunt is haunting her? Why did her aunt lie to her about the circumstances of her parents' deaths? Who is the ghost child that may be hanging around the house? And what's with the guy next door who seems so hostile toward her? FOLLOWING DISASTERS is a tightly-woven ghost story that raises questions about legacies and their influence on our choices.

Genres: Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unforgettable novel weaves all the elements of a great ghost story while raising deep, provocative questions about family and love and loss and the many ways we survive. Twenty-one-year-old Maggie Owen inherits not only her dead aunt's house, but a family legacy of secrets and pain and longing and, ultimately, hope. As Maggie struggles with her own sorrows -- the loss of her parents, a friend's betrayal, the desire for love (enter a mysterious and handsome stranger-next-door) -- she immerses herself in her aunt's life story. It's a story of immense suffering, but it also reveals, strewn among many personal disasters, her aunt's strength. That strength, like the house, is part of Maggie's inheritance. In trying to understand her aunt's life, in embodying that life while living in a house that may or may not be haunted, Maggie finds answers she needs. This book is a tapestry with so many intricate threads weaving in and out and through it seems magical. McCabe's gorgeous, complex vision reveals the magic and mystery omnipresent in everyday life. She unveils every lovely painful thing that allows Maggie, and those of us like her, to go on living.

[Dianne Ascroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel rather slow to get into as the main character, Maggie-Kate is a difficult person to get to know. She almost reluctantly reveals her story as she languishes in the house that she has inherited from her aunt, thinking about her past and reading her aunt’s journals. But the author has deftly created a multi-layered story that is gradually revealed through Maggie-Kate’s memories and her aunt’s writings. The two accounts of the past don’t always match and this compels the reader to keep reading. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as straightforward as it might first appear.
As well as the challenging plot, the author has created complex characters, with sometimes conflicting motivations spurring their actions, and they seem more real as a result.
There are tense moments in the story but this isn’t a typical horror story or a ghost story that makes you want to hide under the bedclothes. Rather it’s a thought provoking supernatural tale and I found it intriguing rather than frightening. This story lingered in my mind after I read it and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story that makes them think.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first sentence until the last, Following Disasters is one of the most beautifully complex stories I’ve ever read. Full of characters who are each full of contradictions and secrets, including ghosts who don’t seem to wish to fully reveal themselves, this is an absolutely delicious read. Part mystery, part paranormal, with a touch of romance and a double helping of fully realized relationships, McCabe writes about betrayal and abandonment, mental and physical illness, and the blurred line between longing and obsession. This book is going on my To-Be-Read-Again shelf.

[Ctrl, Alt Books! · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I would like to say, like usual, how happy I was to be apart of this tour. This was a little different though, it did not sway to far from my usual reading tastes. In the beginning I did notice that I found myself reading a lot slower than usual, though this could be because I did not know what to expect, as I continued reading, I found my attention was caught and the need to see what happened next started to arise, though still at a steady pace.

I found this book to be a great read, it really introduced me to something new and fresh. It also had me really thinking about the possibility of something similar to the books plot actually happening, though I could already see that disclaimer, I’m sure you all know the one I am speaking about, the ones we see at the end of movies credits that go sort of like this: All people, places etc are purely by coincidence and are not related to any actual events, etc….I am sure you all know what I mean.

I would have to say this was quite a enjoyable read and really introduced me to something new, if your at home on a rainy day, as I was when I read the book, curl up with your blanket on your couch and dive right in.

~Marie

[Shauna Viele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy's grasp of story weaving shines through in her debut novel. I kept thinking the story seemed familiar, but couldn't quite place where or why. Then, at a recent book signing here in her hometown, it dawned on me: I read the original short story version in a creative writing class we took together. Over the years and many revisions, the story has grown, expanded, and become a work of art. Nancy deftly shifts perspectives and time as the main character, Maggie-Kate, and her aunt's diary entries flesh out the details of Maggie-Kate's life. Betrayal, disappointment, tragedy, and the slow realization that she is not the only one who has suffered grief and loss make for an intriguing read. Well worth the time, and a story that will return to haunt you, begging you to read it again.
Some reviewers have thought the book ended happily; the author stated recently that she felt it was rather sad. I describe it as haunting, and left a bit open. There is some closure on Maggie-Kate's part about her aunt and her family's dark secrets, but not completely. It seems strange to me that Maggie-Kate still owns the aunt's house, even though she has moved into the house next door and started her own family. (This is my reason for marking my review as having a spoiler.) But maybe that is because there are still more chapters for a sequel to this story.

[Lissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Owens spent most of her younger years living with her terminally ill aunt. For a time, she was content with the way things were going between them. Until her mother decided enough was enough and yanked her away from the calm, though sometimes chaotic, life she's led. Upon reaching her twenty-first birthday, she inherits her aunt's home after she dies. In her mind, she's not sure what to make of things. Nevertheless, she's determined in making sense of her aunt's world and their own chaotic pasts. Only then can she lay her ghosts to rest.

When I first dove into Following Disasters, I confess I thought the story was some sort of romance. Mind you, the story does contain a little romance, but that's not its focal. I'm honestly glad the book has surpassed my expectations, however. Nancy McCabe delivers a bittersweet and quite heart-wrenching story that sticks with you long after you've read it.

The reader finds him/herself immersed in Maggie's plight as she tries to makes sense of what her aunt has left behind after unexpectedly dying. In Maggie's mind, she relives parts of her past, remembering the love and care her aunt showed her throughout her childhood. She also remembers the pain and heartache that came with loving those around her.

Maggie's life has never been easy. She's had to contend with her ailing aunt, her angry mother, as well as the loss of her father, to name a few. Nevertheless, she's done her best to live life as she sees fit. Deep inside, she often wishes she could change her circumstances, but she soon learns that she doesn't have to. It's best to learn from our mistakes, for you never know what's waiting for you at the end of that glowing bright rainbow.

A truly melancholic story, Following Disasters is one anyone can relate to. Taking place during a time where life was much simpler than it is now, it's a story that shows us that anything is possible, even throughout the most darkest moments in our lives. We just have to believe in the world around us and trust our instincts when it comes to those we come across.

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Disasters...I dived right in without knowing anything about this book. I wanted to go in blind....

Maggie Owen...turns 21 and as a gift receives a house. Yeah a house. Her Aunt dies..and she gets this house. Not a great gift considering that her life has been a struggle and nothing seems to be getting any better...battling demons of her past, her parents death, dealing with her terminally ill Aunt or rather not dealing with since they are estranged, and then a betrayal from her best friend. It's safe to say that Maggie should be a little weary about getting close to anyone that should be the closest in her life. She is going through a slew of problems. And now this house.

Chock full of mystery and intrigue, Maggie discovers that this house has got a hold of her...haunting, indeed. An insanely wonderful and flowing read. Fast paced, haunting, mysterious...I recommend.


Thanks as always to the wonderful peeps at goodreads, to the author Nancy McCabe , and to the publishers of this book for my free copy of this book that I won via giveaway in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free to read and review. The story centers around Maggie Owen, who receives a beautiful Victorian house bequeathed to her by her recently deceased aunt, on her twenty-first birthday. Having no family or ties to worry about, Maggie decides to move back to the house to live, leaving her career as a claims adjuster for natural disasters. The story focuses on the women in Maggie Owen’s family, their struggles, fears, secrets, and obsessions, as they go about their lives, not stopping to understand how their lives will impact on others around or after them. As the book follows these lives throughout the years, moving back and forth in time, it shows how family members’ lives, that have been torn apart by secrets, obsessions, fears, and lessons learned can somehow be brought back together despite the inevitable repercussions, which reverberate throughout. I have chosen not to go into these, to prevent spoiling the story for readers. The author also shows how relationships matter can and will impact lives in ways no one ever imagined possible. The book provides a fantastic view of how one family’s members lived and worked through their fears, and obsessions across generations and years, finally to the point of healing. Though sometimes a tad bit slow moving, I found the book read well and was well written.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl needs a hug

Oh, the disasters young Maggie Kay has experienced in her short life: a fire that killed her father and grandfather, her mothers’s depression and many boyfriends, and her favorite aunt Beth’s lupus. In high school a confused Maggie Kay admits herself to a private school to escape. But there where she encounters disasters of another kind; Inability to fit in with wealthy students and betrayal by fellow students she had trusted. She drops out college to work for an insurance company where she is sent to assist at weathered disasters around the country.
Her life completely changes on her 21st birthday when she inherits her aunt Beth’s huge house which she decides to live in. Sorting through Beth’s house and journals journals and with her own memories and haunting dreams Maggie Kay begins to learn the secrets of her confusing family:
Aunt Beth loved Jacob, Sister Sarah married Jacob, Jacob loved guns.
Beth pined for children, Sarah, not so much, Jacob went hunting.
Maggie Kay finally begins to heal herself through her art and an interesting neighbor…and, oh no, still another disaster.!

[Darlyn Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy McCabe has written an easy-to-read, complicated book. At first, I was irritated that her protagonist, Maggie-Kate Owen, receives a magnificent Victorian house when her estranged aunt conveniently dies on Maggie's twenty-first birthday. Unattached, an orphan, with no particular interests to prohibit relocation, she tidily packs up and moves her life, like a blank slate, to its new location. There's even an easy-on-the-eyes love interest next door. We should all have such troubles, yes?

But as the novel moved back and forward in time, including inserts from her Aunt Beth's journals ("This Diary Belongs to Elizabeth Margaret Owens - Everyone Else Keep Out") the multi-layered story began to capture my imagination. Family secrets, including illness, loss, and betrayal, are teased out with a delicate hand. Why is Maggie so apathetic? What is Erin up to? Who is Carol, really? Is the house haunted? Is Maggie possessed?

Rarely has a psychological thriller caused me to care so much about the characters. Rarely has a ghost story lingered as hauntingly.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me was kind of hard to get into for awhile. The book alternates between Maggie present day, and entries in her deceased Aunt’s diary she had growing up.

One thing that stands out to me is Maggie’s depression she suffers just like her mother had. Depression is devastating and can be hereditary. My family suffers from it with myself included.
Maggie just sort of exists but doesn’t really live.

She inherits her Aunt’s home on her 21st birthday. Is her Aunt’s home haunted? Do family secrets have a way of resurfacing? Can a family member stop another from the same demons she suffered?

This book has so many different layers to it. It’s a good book to curl up with your favorite blanket and beverage and read the winter day away.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC courtesy of the author.
I have read all of Nancy McCabe's non fiction works so I was eager to read her debut novel. It was an intriguing read. The story centers on three women and their struggles, fears, inhibitions, talents, and obsessions. McCabe hops forward and backward in time to weave the strands of her story, allowing the reader to gain insight as it unfolds. Following Disasters is a poignant look at how families can be torn asunder, lost, yet strangely found again in the shards of the past when secrets are revealed to aid in the healing. The book is also about acceptance of a person's shortcomings as well as those who are held close.

[Gloria Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Owen ends up orphaned and alone in her aunt's huge, empty house, where dark memories and possible ghosts fight for space in her mind. A strange malaise overtakes her body, and Maggie has to fight a vague and threatening past and suspicious nature. A really good book .