Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Alternate Cover Edition: B00BU7TYBS


A mysterious house. An old journal. A dusty chest holding more than secrets.

Each talisman found in the chest grants the chosen a gift, a unique ability. But with that power comes a burden—the duty of The Order.

Something is coming.

Something evil.

And it's up to The Order to stop it.


WINDOW, Now EPISODE 1 of The Talisman Chronicles

Chloe Blake has a unique gift, an odd connection to her house that results in glimpses of the past, present, and future via the picture window in her living room. Unfortunately, it’s a gift that sometimes proves to be more of a curse. Especially when she tries to help out Ethan Reynolds, the gorgeous boy who lives across the street – an endeavor that, for some reason, always seems to backfire. Or leave her covered in mud.

But the house is convinced Ethan’s life is in danger and Chloe’s the only one who can save him. The problem is, he thinks she’s more than a little crazy.

Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2013

15 people are currently reading
621 people want to read

About the author

T.M. Franklin

40 books491 followers
T.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Awards. She's since written four additional novels and several best-selling short stories...and there's always more on the way.

Connect with T.M. Franklin

Web site: http://www.TMFranklin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TMFranklinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TM_Franklin
Email: TMFranklinAuthor@gmail.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
82 (41%)
4 stars
54 (27%)
3 stars
42 (21%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
9 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
42 reviews
March 7, 2013
Sometimes it's hard to get into a short story; there may not be enough time to develop the characters or learn about their history or even find a reason to like them.

Luckily, that's not the case with Window. T.M. Franklin gives us a short story about Chloe, who has an amazing relationship with her...HOUSE, as seen through the front window. It's a constant in her life, like her Aunt Cora or her best friend Miranda. But sometimes something that seems to be a gift can feel like a curse, and sometimes that curse really can be a gift.

Chloe can't sit back when a life is threatened--especially when it's Ethan's. He's the boy across the street, the one who used to be her best buddy until the weirdness started. But things aren't always as they seem, and sometimes people have much more depth than they display.

So go, buy, read about Chloe and Ethan and The Window. It'll make you smile and have you wondering what's going to happen next; you may giggle, you may even gasp. But I'm sure you'll love it!
Profile Image for Irene.
1,909 reviews129 followers
March 17, 2013
5 stars
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading Window.
From the first page I was drawn into the story.
T.M.Franklin has written this so well that you can't help but keep reading as you need to know what will happen next.
I loved the relationships between Chloe, Ethan and Miranda.
They each bought so much to the story line and the use of Twitter between the characters was a brilliant idea by the author.
Great writing T.M.Franklin, this story was exactly what I was looking for today.
I finished reading with a huge smile and lot's of love in my heart, thank you for writing and sharing.
Profile Image for Carolamex.
241 reviews
March 16, 2013
I love T.M.Franklin's stories. This one is another paranormal one but short and very quick read. I like her original plots and the way she gave us this story, compelling and gripping in few chapters. It kept me engaged from the first page and i read it in one go. I also enjoyed a lot the twitter exchanges between the characters! Very well done. Thoroughly savored it and look forward to reading more of her books. Loved!
Profile Image for Sydney Logan.
Author 33 books627 followers
March 19, 2013
A fantastic short story with characters you truly care about. T.M. Franklin's creativity never fails to impress me. I loved the storyline, the Tweets, and Ethan. :)
Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews49 followers
March 16, 2013
A bit of paranormal, a bit of romance, a bit of mystery...a LOT of WONDERFUL!

Chloe lives in a house that loves her. She can feel it. It also shows her pictures in the living room window. It shows her the past, the present, and things that might happen. Yes, she knows she's a bit weird, but she takes it in stride, as does her aunt (who she lives with) and her best friend Miranda.

The house seems to care about Ethan, the young man across the street. He and the two girls used to be great friends, but then along came high school and now he's the BMOC.

When the house shows her something shocking about Ethan, Chloe has to decide what to do.

This novella is short, but it has all the elements needed to keep you reading. I know I sat and read it in one go. Well done, Ms. Franklin. More, please?
Profile Image for Jeanne McDonald.
Author 21 books543 followers
February 7, 2017
A great beginning

I've loved the words of TM Franklin from my very encounter with her stories and this only adds to my love. She has a way of placing a reader in the middle of the action and leaves them feeling satisfied yet begging for more. Window is a great example of this. A fast paced story filled with wonderful twists. I can't wait to start the next episode. A quick, easy read with relatable characters. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Sandi Layne.
Author 20 books155 followers
June 4, 2013
Short, sweet, and adorable. Chloe is a brave soul and Ethan is a good guy.

I just wish it had been longer, because I want to know them better. However, the conflict in the story: "Will he believe me?" was resolved and that makes a complete tale.

And I wasn't sure I would, but I enjoyed the use of the twitter-style communications when they popped up.
Profile Image for L.G. Castillo.
Author 42 books436 followers
March 16, 2013
Holy cow this story was amazing! Longer review, and a plea to the author to write more about Chloe and Ethan, coming soon.
Profile Image for Olivia Ard.
Author 7 books72 followers
January 18, 2017
Chloe Blake has an unusual connection to her aunt's house. It shows her things . . . things like her best friend Miranda getting ready in the morning, or her mother when she was a young girl. She doesn't know how or why she's able to see the past, present, and possible future through the living room's picture window; she just takes it in stride and tries to keep quiet. But when she sees that Ethan, her handsome estranged friend, will soon be in mortal peril, she can't keep her abilities a secret any longer. She must try to find a way to prevent that possible future from coming true.

This is a fantastic beginning to the Talisman Chronicles. Per her usual, T.M. Franklin manages to spin a tale equal parts adventure, friendship, magic, and romance. I read it very quickly and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next episode in the series. Totally and completely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Aixa.
61 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2013
Some short stories are hard to really enjoy. Sometimes they leave you hanging and wanting more or confused about what is happening in the story but that is not the case when it comes to stories by T.M. Franklin.

T.M. Franklin is an outstanding author that brings stories to live and make you feel a part of them. Her words drag you into a world of suspense, mystery, love and adventure among other things. This story being one of them…

Window by T.M. Franklin is a tale of love, mystery, and friendship with a touch of paranormal about a girl and her house. Her words are magical and it makes you wish you were really part of the story.

Window is also about a girl and her house and the magical connection they have, a connection that goes as far back as her mother. No one else in the family has this connection with the house but they understand it.

Chloe feels this connection at a young age; she feels it through warmth and safety and throughout the years as she gets older the feeling doesn’t go away. The house is there for her by showing her things from the past; the present and what could be of the future should she decide to follow the clues.

With the help of her Aunt Cora and her best friend Miranda, Chloe will be able to unravel the clues given by the house through a window to get what the house wants for her to be happy.

Will Chloe follow the clues, or will she let destiny happen without her intervening?

I loved the short story it was wonderful and all kinds of awesome. I would recommend this story to any of my friends that are looking for a short sweet and mysterious story.
I can’t wait to read more from T.M. Franklin.
Profile Image for Sue  .
325 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2017
I really enjoyed meeting characters in this story that were not only likeable but also had a bit of depth to them, which is something you don’t always find in a short story. I really liked the storyline which was interesting right to the end. The story has a great paranormal concept of a girl who sees visions of the past, the present, and the future, all shown to her by the house she lives in, and there is a hint of a blossoming romance with the boy across the street. This was an enjoyable read and a promising start to a series. Recommended to all paranormal lovers.
Profile Image for Kris Thompson.
Author 15 books48 followers
April 18, 2013
From the beginning to the end I found myself absolutely in love with Chloe and could relate with her on so many levels. It has been ::cough:: many years since I've been in school, but I felt myself slipping into Chloe's friendships, excitements, crushes, and fears with ease. T.M. Franklin has done a marvelous job, in a short period of time, drawing in the reader and taking them on a gripping ride filled with mystery, hope, suspense, and laughter. I can't wait for all my friends to finish reading this story so we can all talk about it together. And for some of you who have daughters between the ages 13 to 18, I genuinely think they'd love this story.


Profile Image for Kristie.
40 reviews
April 1, 2013
Loved this short story when it was posting in real time on Twitter a few months back, so I was thrilled to be able to pick up a free copy on Amazon today. This is a really quick read. Chloe has a very special connection with her childhood home, which shows her glimpses of past and [possible] future events. When the house shows her glimpses of her secret crush's death, Chloe must race against time and fate to save him...
Profile Image for M.B..
Author 41 books286 followers
May 14, 2017
I originally read this when it was first released, and this is my review from back then (I will edit at the end)

The touch of paranormal to what is a seemingly normal house makes for an interesting story. Chloe has always been linked to the house and the picture window in the living room. It shows her things. Thinks of the past, the present, and what could be.

Chloe, apart from her gift, is your average teenage girl who isn’t part of the ‘in crowd’ at school, preferring to spend her time with her best friend Miranda. Ethan, the boy who lives across the road whom she has a crush on, used to be their friend, but became big man on campus and decided to hang with the popular crowd. Chloe and Miranda is fine about this, until the house shows Ethan in danger.

What follows is a very sweet story about friendship and caring for others and hilarious Twitter conversations. Without spoiling the story, I will say it took me about an hour to read it and I loved every minute. The characters are likeable and relateable, even with the gift Chloe has, and the reader cares about them just as much as the house does.

I want a house like that, that makes me feel warm and fuzzy

*EDIT*

The way Franklin has extended and adapted this story to make it the beginning of a series is fantastic as she hasn't lost the soul of the original story. It smoothly leads into the next without any hitches!
Profile Image for Sarah.
888 reviews
December 24, 2017
I was disappointed by this book because the whole "duty of the Order" thing that was mentioned in the synopsis was nowhere to be found in this book. I assume it's something that will be introduced in later books, but if that's the case, I think it's misleading to list it here with this book.

As it was, this book is just about a magic window who helps reunite two friends (and allow them to form a relationship). It just felt like an ordinary girl likes boy teenage drama story with a magic window to help advance their relationship. I wanted something more meaningful than that.
Profile Image for Jolanda Gelissen.
438 reviews12 followers
November 14, 2017
Chloe Blake has inherited a unique gift from her late mother. Ever since she was a little girl, one specific window in their house would show her visions of possible futures. She tries to see it as a gift, but often it’s more of a curse. For example when her attempts to help end up alienating a childhood friend, Ethan Reynolds. Now in high school, the window keeps showing her visions of Ethan, urging Chloe to protect or help him, and enticing her with the possibility of becoming more than estranged friends.

Being a teenager, Chloe struggles with the visions she receives and the responsibility she feels. Although her aunt Cara and friend Miranda re very supportive, she often gets frustrated. TM Franklin makes this clear in her writing, but also shows Chloe’s determination in trying to help Ethan without looking like a fool. I liked Ethan’s reaction when Chloe finally revealed part of her secret; it seems like the kind of response you’d expect from a teenage boy, but heartwarming nonetheless.

Aside from her visions of Ethan, Chloe also sees more ominous things in the window. She can’t place them yet, and doesn’t know what they mean. When she realizes there is a connection between her and these visions, this marks the start of a greater adventure than saving a crush from certain death.
1,384 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2017
What was, what is, what could be ..... Chloe is having a hard time figuring out what to do with the information she is being given. And it looks like there's trouble ahead. Definitely one of my new favourite series.
84 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2017
This was a good read. It kept your interest and you wanted more even though it had younger characters. Can't wait to read more. Well worth the time to read.
Profile Image for Tracy Fritts.
1,477 reviews36 followers
December 30, 2017
I thought these was a really good story and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Cami.
300 reviews
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed this short story and would be interested to see what comes next. The window is kind of interesting.... I wonder how it came to be the way it is? What caused it to give these visions?
Profile Image for Amber Hodges.
312 reviews23 followers
January 13, 2017
I wasn't sure what to think of this book. It is actually a book that I usually wouldn't pick up. The author emailed me to tell me that she was releasing this book in a series called the Talisman Chronicles and was seeing if I was interested in joining the tours for the books and review the books. Since I have read and loved her books before, I couldn't say no. I'm glad I didn't.

This book was a very quick read since it is very small. I laid down and finished it in a couple hours and can't wait to get the next book. Even though it is short, you still get sucked into the characters and want to see what happens next.

I've never read a book before that talks about seeing the past, present, and future through a window but the author does it right. She makes it seem realistic and leaves you with lots of little hints of what is to come.

Chloe seems like a wonderful girl with a good head on her shoulders. She follows her heart, even when it makes her lose people in her life. I love that about her. She is head strong but sweet and smart at the same time.

Ethan grew on me. At first he comes across as a jerk, but I am sure the author did that on purpose. He comes more to his own as the book progresses and you get to see him for who he really is. I can't wait to learn more about him in the following books of this series.

This was a great paranormal read that is good for any gender or age, anyone can get sucked into this story. I can't wait to get the other books so I can keep reading and figure out what ends up happening to all the characters I got to meet.
Profile Image for Lexie.
2,066 reviews356 followers
April 9, 2014
Short and very sweet, this was a wonderful short story and introduction to Franklin's writing.
+++

Oddly while reading this, I didn't get a sense of 'short story' from it. normally you can tell in a story--the author cuts some corners development wise or the writing is written at break neck pace. With WINDOW however Franklin writes it at a slow, but not meandering pace letting everything unfold naturally.

Immediately we're shown that Chloe accepts her gift and those closest to her (her Aunt Cora and her best friend Miranda) accept her gift for what it is as well. Its neither a curse nor a blessing, it just is. The window shows Chloe images of her mother's past, images of her friends going about their days and sometimes images of a possible future she can prevent.

Franklin doesn't delve too much into the nature of the power nor the ramifications of when Chloe can see the future. Its touched upon briefly and acknowledged, but not a major factor of the plot. Anyone who enjoys time travel/psychic stories will immediately think of some of the more negative possibilities however (where is the line drawn between changing the future and making that future occur?)

Chloe reacts in realistic ways--her immediate concern isn't that she'll be found crazy if she tells Ethan, its that he'll call her crazy and then ignore her advice. Miranda offers some sassy commentary and her Aunt Cora has an almost worried air about her, but she trusts Chloe (just as she trusted Chloe's mother).

And the House itself is a character really--a bit mischievous, a bit sentimental and a whole lot of caring. In its own silent way it shows Chloe that she needs to be more then just a spectator in life, that sometimes you need to participate if you want the future that you can call your own.
Profile Image for M.B..
Author 41 books286 followers
January 3, 2014
Let me start this review by saying I am a bit of a fangirl when it comes to T. M. Franklin's books. I love her writing and the magic with which she weaves a story. Although it's only a short story/novella, Window is no different to her full length novels. It draws you in from the very first word and doesn't release you until the final one.

The touch of paranormal to what is a seemingly normal house makes for an interesting story. Chloe has always been linked to the house and the picture window in the living room. It shows her things. Thinks of the past, the present, and what could be.

Chloe, apart from her gift, is your average teenage girl who isn't part of the 'in crowd' at school, preferring to spend her time with her best friend Miranda. Ethan, the boy who lives across the road whom she has a crush on, used to be their friend, but became big man on campus and decided to hang with the popular crowd. Chloe and Miranda is fine about this, until the house shows Ethan in danger.

What follows is a very sweet story about friendship and caring for others and hilarious Twitter conversations. Without spoiling the story, I will say it took me about an hour to read it and I loved every minute. The characters are likeable and relateable, even with the gift Chloe has, and the reader cares about them just as much as the house does.

I want a house like that, that makes me feel warm and fuzzy :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AnnMarie .
318 reviews36 followers
August 29, 2013
Seriously one of the best short stories I have read in a long time. Definite WOW factor.

Supernatural, mystery, romance, a house offering love and visions to a young girl. Really a very good story line.

The is the story of Chloe, a girl who sees visions of things that have happened and things that could happen through the picture window of her living room. Her house loves her and shows her things as well as gives her feelings of comfort. She knows she's different and accepts her gift, though at times burdensome and embarrassing. Author adds a very nice touch of Chloe's aunt knowing and understanding her gift.

Then we have Ethan, the boy across the street. They were friends until he caves to his father's wishes of not being friends with the "strange" girl.

Chloe over time has saved him more than once with her visions. And in time Ethan balks at his fathers wishes because really does like Chloe, he always has.

That's a lot of words for such a short story but the author definitely packed it full of a WOW factor. Yep, said that twice but it is most assuredly warranted!

You need to read this little story. Sooooo good!!!

Three times - WOW!!
Profile Image for Beyond the Squee.
53 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2013
This review may also be found at:
Beyond the Squee: Book Reviews
www.beyondthesquee.com


A bit of paranormal, a bit of romance, a bit of mystery...a LOT of WONDERFUL!

Chloe lives in a house that loves her. She can feel it. It also shows her pictures in the living room window. It shows her the past, the present, and things that might happen. Yes, she knows she's a bit weird, but she takes it in stride, as does her aunt (who she lives with) and her best friend Miranda.

The house seems to care about Ethan, the young man across the street. He and the two girls used to be great friends, but then along came high school and now he's the BMOC.

When the house shows her something shocking about Ethan, Chloe has to decide what to do.

This novella is short, but it has all the elements needed to keep you reading. I know I sat and read it in one go. Well done, Ms. Franklin. More, please?


I told my kids to read this one...and they love it, too!
Profile Image for Stephanie Pires.
18 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2013
I'm always quick to read a book by an independent author and this is one that quickly made it on to my TBR list. I've fan-girled and flailed over TM Franklin for a while, and she's always one to keep an eye out for. This short story is no exception.

T.M. Franklin has a way of taking a very realistic experience and adding just enough of the paranormal to make it believable. I loved the friendship portrayed between Chloe and Miranda, just two teenage girls making their way through the normal everyday existence of a typical teenager. I also loved the exploration of the relationship between Chloe and Ethan; how they were once childhood friends and learning how the strain of "growing up" had an effect on that relationship was reminiscent of my own experiences.

I really enjoyed reading this as well as the included excerpt of "MORE" T.M. Franklin's first full-length novel.
6,205 reviews41 followers
January 9, 2017
Chloe feels that a house is calling to her. In the house where she now lives she sees visions in the window. Sometimes they are of events in the past, sometimes events in the near present and, at times, events in the future that might (and might not) take place.

She has a friend, Miranda, who knows what Chloe can do. Chloe wonders if she can stop future bad things from happening and gets a major test on that when she sees her once friend Ethan get into a very serious car accident.

Stopping something from happening might depend on whether or not the person you tell about the event actually believes you or not, of course.

Then there's the problem of something else she sees. That's a great battle of some kind coming. What is it, when is it, and can she do anything to stop it become three major questions.

A very interesting read.
Profile Image for Jess Brown.
Author 4 books38 followers
March 31, 2013
I always look forward to a T.M. Franklin story, they’re so well-crafted. Generally, I’m not a fan of short stories; I like to sink my teeth into long tales, but T.M. does such a good job of getting the reader attached to a character in a short amount of time that I’m always glad to spend the time.

Chloe and Ethan are likeable kids, and the concept of the piece is intriguing. What if you could see possible futures through your window, but had no clue how to change them?

I’m revising a novel of my own that’s couched in the same tense as this story: third person present. This is a cool tense to use, as it makes everything that happens seem more tangible. It really works for ‘Window’. Four and a half stars.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
December 30, 2016
A sweet fast read about a Chloe and her special skills. A nice YA with an interesting twist giving us an intro to the troubles coming. In the meantime Chloe and her best friend and sidekick Miranda are all a flutter about what it is showing her about Ethan. Miranda knows Chloe's secret and teams up with her to assist in any way. It is a quick fun read clean kindling of a romance and a lead to what is to come.

This is my first read for this author and I can hardly wait to see what is coming up in the series, the sneak peak at the end of this story let's us know there will be lots more excitement and action in the coming books. I can hardly wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.