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The Underground Stream
Recovering from a recent shock in a rented cottage in the quaint whaling village of Hampton Harbor, twenty-four-year-old Gail Loring senses that she has been in the house before, and soon she grows obsessed with discovering its secret
169 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1991
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About the author
Velda Johnston
74 books30 followersVelda Johnston was a writer of romantic suspense. She also wrote under the pseudonym 'Veronica Jason'.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 27, 2013
I started to read Ms. Johnston's books back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. The Late Mrs. Fonsill, The People From the Sea, The Stone Maiden and The Light in the Swamp come to mind. A dash of romance, some light suspense, and enough of a plot that you would need closure. Think 'contemporary gothic' and you have an idea of how she writes. I scarfed up her books.
Years went by with many new authors and my taste in genres expanded. So it was a surprise to run across her name and a book I have never read before. THE UNDERGROUND STREAM refers to a sense of past time moving beneath the present.
Gail Loring was on a sabbatical from her job. A previous relationship left her depressed and the author implies she may have had a nervous breakdown. That said, she finds herself renting a cottage in the vacation town of Hampton Harbor. She isn't living there long before she loses track of time and finds herself living in the same house as someone else over 100 years ago. At first she is worried that she is losing it, then she realizes there is a reason for everything that is happening.
Martin Crowley is a young man who keeps her grounded. He wants more from their relationship but she knows she is not able to do anything until she conquers her dilemma. Will he still be around?
I am giving THE UNDERGROUND STREAM three solid stars because I liked it. The romance came across as a little dry but the author did a good job keeping you intrigued about what was happening in the past. Some occurrences were rehashed one time too many but this wasn't a big problem. I just didn't need to hear things more than once. All things are tidied up at the end but I was expecting more 'oomph' for a better word.
If you like Barbara Michaels, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart or Susanna Kearsley you might like her stories. If you enjoy historical mysteries you may want to read something by Ms. Johnston. As far as I remember all of the stories that I read had a romance though it may be somewhat tame compared to how today's authors write. Her central theme is all about secrets with some teasers. Because she wrote most of her books awhile ago you may run across some dated material but give her a try if you like a little mystery/suspense with some light romance.
Years went by with many new authors and my taste in genres expanded. So it was a surprise to run across her name and a book I have never read before. THE UNDERGROUND STREAM refers to a sense of past time moving beneath the present.
Gail Loring was on a sabbatical from her job. A previous relationship left her depressed and the author implies she may have had a nervous breakdown. That said, she finds herself renting a cottage in the vacation town of Hampton Harbor. She isn't living there long before she loses track of time and finds herself living in the same house as someone else over 100 years ago. At first she is worried that she is losing it, then she realizes there is a reason for everything that is happening.
Martin Crowley is a young man who keeps her grounded. He wants more from their relationship but she knows she is not able to do anything until she conquers her dilemma. Will he still be around?
I am giving THE UNDERGROUND STREAM three solid stars because I liked it. The romance came across as a little dry but the author did a good job keeping you intrigued about what was happening in the past. Some occurrences were rehashed one time too many but this wasn't a big problem. I just didn't need to hear things more than once. All things are tidied up at the end but I was expecting more 'oomph' for a better word.
If you like Barbara Michaels, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart or Susanna Kearsley you might like her stories. If you enjoy historical mysteries you may want to read something by Ms. Johnston. As far as I remember all of the stories that I read had a romance though it may be somewhat tame compared to how today's authors write. Her central theme is all about secrets with some teasers. Because she wrote most of her books awhile ago you may run across some dated material but give her a try if you like a little mystery/suspense with some light romance.
January 29, 2018
A story with an interesting concept...a woman goes back in time and experiences the life of her great, great, great, great grandmother. I liked the story and found the idea of it interesting, but there were unanswered questions for me. We never find out if this event is all in her head or if it is more of a supernatural event and it is actually happening. I'm guessing the author wanted it this way. It's up to the reader to decide on their own at the end of the story. It was an easy read and was written well.
December 30, 2024
This was pretty good, with its time travel/reincarnation theme, as well as mystery, suspense, crime drama, and some romance thrown in.
Where it was weak was the motivation for the (past life) villain of the story to go completely berserk the way he did. He had every right to be angry when the (past life) h revealed her secret, but to do what he did afterward was stretching it a bit, or rather a lot! He had a lot of character flaws, but it still didn't make sense. And we're really supposed to believe that he's let the one person he wanted most to get revenge on get away with it for $$$ reasons???? COME ON!!! No one's that avaricious!!
As for present days: I prefer a story where the bedroom scenes happen between the H and h, instead of the h and the OM, even though this was before she met the H. That really bugged me; she gets naked with the OM, but the H gets only a few dull kisses!
Also, the ending was too abrupt. This was a good story, as the suspense builds, and the h finds clues to what she's looking for, but at the end it was kind of a letdown.
Where it was weak was the motivation for the (past life) villain of the story to go completely berserk the way he did. He had every right to be angry when the (past life) h revealed her secret, but to do what he did afterward was stretching it a bit, or rather a lot! He had a lot of character flaws, but it still didn't make sense. And we're really supposed to believe that he's let the one person he wanted most to get revenge on get away with it for $$$ reasons???? COME ON!!! No one's that avaricious!!
As for present days: I prefer a story where the bedroom scenes happen between the H and h, instead of the h and the OM, even though this was before she met the H. That really bugged me; she gets naked with the OM, but the H gets only a few dull kisses!
Also, the ending was too abrupt. This was a good story, as the suspense builds, and the h finds clues to what she's looking for, but at the end it was kind of a letdown.
June 10, 2021
I read this book long ago and remembered that I enjoyed it but I honestly didn't remember the story, just that there was a supernatural element that was interesting. It is a short book and so things move along quickly but I think I would have liked just a little more detail in the storyline.
The main character, Gail Loring, having gone through some difficult times, seeks time away in the Hamptons where she finds herself exploring an old family mystery from 100 years before. Her journey brings her, through otherworldly means, back and forth in time as the mystery unfolds. I think the author moved the character through time fairly seamlessly and it seemed to work.
There is also a romance that begins to develop in the story but it moves along in a strange manner so it just didn't seem to flow like I expected it to. The ending wasn't the best. It would have been nice to have had some kind of an epilogue to answer those lingering questions.
The main character, Gail Loring, having gone through some difficult times, seeks time away in the Hamptons where she finds herself exploring an old family mystery from 100 years before. Her journey brings her, through otherworldly means, back and forth in time as the mystery unfolds. I think the author moved the character through time fairly seamlessly and it seemed to work.
There is also a romance that begins to develop in the story but it moves along in a strange manner so it just didn't seem to flow like I expected it to. The ending wasn't the best. It would have been nice to have had some kind of an epilogue to answer those lingering questions.
November 23, 2020
True Bloodlines. The Elite r a Perfection I wish I could attain but being black means it’s a club I can never belong to. Thank u for your contributions. In society.... extraordinary World/ To be in the presents of such Divinity
April 22, 2022
I'd never heard of Velda Johnston until this book was my book club read this month. She is definitely on my list now. I love a good time travel or reincarnation story and in this one Johnston delivered both.
August 14, 2020
Brought me back to the days of reading my mother's Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart novels in the early 70's. Some of the references are dated but a very short and enjoyable read.
September 1, 2021
Fun quick read of solving an old family horror story with time swapping interludes. Enjoyable
October 11, 2011
I was really impressed with this first Velda Johnston read for me...it will not be the last! I felt like I was gulping down the last pages of the novel in anticipation of what was to come. I think this book is a quick and easy read for anyone that likes romantic suspense.
April 25, 2015
I read this book years ago. In fact, I can't tell you how long ago it was. It is one of my favorite books of all time. I am not sure why this story spoke to me, but it did. There is something about this particular book just stays with me. I just never have tired of it.
July 4, 2015
A story with it all - Crime, Ghosts, Spells, Disastrous Affair - A new place to live with lots of history to research & ends with romance. I found this to be a very interesting book, some may find it so unbelievable it would not interest them! Worth reading!
December 10, 2015
This was a wonderful read! The man character is fascinated by the stories of her ancestors. Creepy things happen as she slips between times and sees the world through one of her ancestors eyes. Deliciously creepy and atmospheric with a bit of romance mixed in. My favorite type of read!
November 13, 2010
Quick fun read.
February 7, 2012
I got into this book right from the start. It was a very quick read and though sometimes seemed a little rushed, I still really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews