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By Chance
Visions of the past are haunting, but future premonitions are frightening. Especially knowing the day and time of your death. When Tara McPherson enters her office Piazza the morning of December fifteenth, destiny stares her in the face. A 187-year-old vision begins the moment her eyes lock with a lurking stranger.
Tara McPherson was seven when she saw her first premonition. A vision so sinister, she repressed her clairvoyance. Thirty years later, malevolent Tom Spencer enters her life determined to exact vengeance against Alcott Home and Design’s Dream Team—Tara McPherson, Laura Alcott, and Leanne Davis. To save their lives, Tara must overcome her fear and recall repressed visions.
Guarded and levelheaded, Leanne Davis is Retrocognitive and sees essences of people’s past. Charming, empathetic, and the consummate Southern belle, Laura Alcott is Clairsentient and knows people’s thoughts before they speak. Compassionate and scrupulous, Tara McPherson is Precognitive and can see the future.
On Christmas morning when they open a mysterious gift, their secure world collapses. Never have the girl’s combined gifts been more critical than now. With the help of a supernatural presence from eighteenth-century South Carolina, they combined their powers to outwit their assailant. But they can’t change Tara’s vision. Doing so will cause greater consequences. The girl’s only choice is to accept fate or risk altering destiny.
Tara McPherson was seven when she saw her first premonition. A vision so sinister, she repressed her clairvoyance. Thirty years later, malevolent Tom Spencer enters her life determined to exact vengeance against Alcott Home and Design’s Dream Team—Tara McPherson, Laura Alcott, and Leanne Davis. To save their lives, Tara must overcome her fear and recall repressed visions.
Guarded and levelheaded, Leanne Davis is Retrocognitive and sees essences of people’s past. Charming, empathetic, and the consummate Southern belle, Laura Alcott is Clairsentient and knows people’s thoughts before they speak. Compassionate and scrupulous, Tara McPherson is Precognitive and can see the future.
On Christmas morning when they open a mysterious gift, their secure world collapses. Never have the girl’s combined gifts been more critical than now. With the help of a supernatural presence from eighteenth-century South Carolina, they combined their powers to outwit their assailant. But they can’t change Tara’s vision. Doing so will cause greater consequences. The girl’s only choice is to accept fate or risk altering destiny.
319 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2014
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
E. Denise Billups
15 books131 followersE. Denise Billups is an American author born in rural Alabama, raised in New York City, formed by a multicultural environment. Previously a Wall Street Portfolio Analyst, Denise now writes haunting paranormal mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. The rigors of ballet shaped her childhood and earlier years — a discipline she carried into her writing. Today, Denise lives in New York City, where she’s a fitness fanatic by morning, a writer by day, and an avid reader during her free time. When she’s not penning her next thriller, she’s lost in the pages of a book, indulging her passion for literature or surrounding herself with friends and family. For more insight into Denise’s world of fiction, visit her website at edenisebillups.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 4, 2020
By Chance, written by E. Denise Billups, focuses on three women who have a shared, unknown connection in the beginning of this supernatural story. Although they start out as colleagues working on a TV home remodeling show that gives a house away each year to one lucky entrant, they become friends over time and support one another through multiple difficult, personal situations. They also have varying degrees of paranormal abilities, enabling them to predict what might happen and to recall memories from long ago. When they each receive a peculiar gift one holiday morning, they turn to each other to protect themselves from a harmful entity seeking vengeance.
Enter Tom and his family. He appears to be a man suffering from something awful that occurred in the past. He previously won the home giveaway contest, but after time, things went awry. We never quite know what happened, but he wants to punish the show for its lies and the unfairness it's caused in his life. He makes a difficult decision to leave his family in order to travel around the country to get revenge against the show, stalking and hunting down the three women (and a few others) who were part of his downfall.
Told from different perspectives, we learn the history leading up to Tom's anger through the eyes of different situations and characters. At the same time, we watch the women try to discover who is out to get them, as Tom's notes and presents are purposefully confusing. The women are also unable to clearly see Tom's identity, and nothing indicates he is past winner, at least in the beginning. As the events unfold, and Tom unravels, he makes mistakes which lead to someone figuring out his identity. But then, they can't actually find him. They just foresee the final encounter, which doesn't bode well for their futures. What can the trio do to stop him?
While the supernatural abilities are important to the story, they aren't what made this such a great read for me. Billups created memorable characters with painful history and wonderful, outgoing personalities. I believed the kindred spirit and friendship among the three primary women, and they kept my attention throughout the tale. The concept of the story was intriguing--a home giveaway contest gone wrong. Or did it? There is a heightened psychological aspect to this story because at times, we are unsure who might be involved in the entire situation. It creates good suspense and makes for a very easy read.
This isn't a whodunit tale, nor is it focused on what actually went wrong with the house that was given away. It's more a story of perspective and overcoming challenges. The main plot takes place over about a year, and the subplots are plenty--we see all the new relationships and events in the women's lives while the stalking continues to occur. Sometimes it's the things you don't know that will haunt you in the end.
Tom suffers through a lot, but we won't find out all the details until much further in the book than you'd expect. I turned the pages quickly on a flight halfway across the country, and before long, it'd ended. Pacing and timing were strong, and I found myself invested in the outcome. The ending was a nice surprise, and I realized how much I enjoy Billups' writing style. A definite recommend from me for fans of something that blends a few genres and turns out a solid story.
Enter Tom and his family. He appears to be a man suffering from something awful that occurred in the past. He previously won the home giveaway contest, but after time, things went awry. We never quite know what happened, but he wants to punish the show for its lies and the unfairness it's caused in his life. He makes a difficult decision to leave his family in order to travel around the country to get revenge against the show, stalking and hunting down the three women (and a few others) who were part of his downfall.
Told from different perspectives, we learn the history leading up to Tom's anger through the eyes of different situations and characters. At the same time, we watch the women try to discover who is out to get them, as Tom's notes and presents are purposefully confusing. The women are also unable to clearly see Tom's identity, and nothing indicates he is past winner, at least in the beginning. As the events unfold, and Tom unravels, he makes mistakes which lead to someone figuring out his identity. But then, they can't actually find him. They just foresee the final encounter, which doesn't bode well for their futures. What can the trio do to stop him?
While the supernatural abilities are important to the story, they aren't what made this such a great read for me. Billups created memorable characters with painful history and wonderful, outgoing personalities. I believed the kindred spirit and friendship among the three primary women, and they kept my attention throughout the tale. The concept of the story was intriguing--a home giveaway contest gone wrong. Or did it? There is a heightened psychological aspect to this story because at times, we are unsure who might be involved in the entire situation. It creates good suspense and makes for a very easy read.
This isn't a whodunit tale, nor is it focused on what actually went wrong with the house that was given away. It's more a story of perspective and overcoming challenges. The main plot takes place over about a year, and the subplots are plenty--we see all the new relationships and events in the women's lives while the stalking continues to occur. Sometimes it's the things you don't know that will haunt you in the end.
Tom suffers through a lot, but we won't find out all the details until much further in the book than you'd expect. I turned the pages quickly on a flight halfway across the country, and before long, it'd ended. Pacing and timing were strong, and I found myself invested in the outcome. The ending was a nice surprise, and I realized how much I enjoy Billups' writing style. A definite recommend from me for fans of something that blends a few genres and turns out a solid story.
July 18, 2018
By Chance by E. Denise Billups is psychological supernatural suspense at its best. There’s no need to worry about the bog down of backstory; it’s ALL story. Billups takes the reader on a journey from present to past to future and back again seamlessly through the minds of heroines/protagonists, Leanne, Tara, and Laura. There’s a lot going on here, but Billups does a masterful job putting it all together through descriptive writing and perfect pacing. There’s an unspeakable crime that’s been committed or about to be committed (you have to read it!), and Billups wields multiple POVs from beginning to end, also putting us in the mind of psychotic madman, Tom.
From Charleston South Carolina to Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Billups descriptions and imagery are brilliant; they will suck you into the story and keep you grounded there. “In South Carolina, Mother Nature overlooked winter and soared full-fledged into spring, blitzing December with unusual warmth and balmy breezes. Along Charleston’s Battery Promenade, Palmetto trees sway from coastal winds, and early risers, though stunned, welcome the warmth as they start their morning ritual.” “The Village at Northstar stands surreal. In the center of the village, lights shine heavenward, revealing snow-covered mountains.”
Billups is subtle in her writing, but all the element demands your attention just the same. The supernatural doesn’t bang you over the head but finds its way into the story quietly and then wraps itself around you. It’s the same with the chemistry between Michael and Laura revealed also with a supernatural flare, arguably the best I’ve read: subtly sensual but persuasively powerful. I wanted more. The beauty and strength of this novel are in its layers, story depth, and complex character development. The pacing is such that I felt like I was watching JFK at the end, the tempo lightning fast and the tension at its highest. I was literally on edge. And the resolution was anything but predictable. Finally, I like that the story stands alone, but the mention of descendants, Ariel, Darra, and Destine tells me there may be more. Fingers crossed!
From Charleston South Carolina to Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Billups descriptions and imagery are brilliant; they will suck you into the story and keep you grounded there. “In South Carolina, Mother Nature overlooked winter and soared full-fledged into spring, blitzing December with unusual warmth and balmy breezes. Along Charleston’s Battery Promenade, Palmetto trees sway from coastal winds, and early risers, though stunned, welcome the warmth as they start their morning ritual.” “The Village at Northstar stands surreal. In the center of the village, lights shine heavenward, revealing snow-covered mountains.”
Billups is subtle in her writing, but all the element demands your attention just the same. The supernatural doesn’t bang you over the head but finds its way into the story quietly and then wraps itself around you. It’s the same with the chemistry between Michael and Laura revealed also with a supernatural flare, arguably the best I’ve read: subtly sensual but persuasively powerful. I wanted more. The beauty and strength of this novel are in its layers, story depth, and complex character development. The pacing is such that I felt like I was watching JFK at the end, the tempo lightning fast and the tension at its highest. I was literally on edge. And the resolution was anything but predictable. Finally, I like that the story stands alone, but the mention of descendants, Ariel, Darra, and Destine tells me there may be more. Fingers crossed!
October 29, 2017
“By Chance” is the first book by E. Denise Billups I have read. Will I ever read another book by the author? I think so.
Although I am not a fan of mystical literature, I definitely found the book intriguing and enjoyable.
Tara McPherson, the main character of “By Chance” has had premonitions all her life, but sometimes her visions were so frightening, that she repressed her clairvoyance.
But when malevolent and mentally unstable Tom Spencer enters her life to take revenge on Alcott Home and the Design’s Dream Team for which Tara McPherson works, she starts taking her premonitions more seriously and helped by her colleagues and friends Laura Alcott, and Leanne Davis, she tries to unblock her gift, recall her repressed visions and save the three girls’ lives.
I am not a specialist on metaphysical matters of the beyond, but I did enjoy the story telling, the suspense and the characters. If you are a fan of the genre, “By Chance” might be your chance for a pleasant read.
Although I am not a fan of mystical literature, I definitely found the book intriguing and enjoyable.
Tara McPherson, the main character of “By Chance” has had premonitions all her life, but sometimes her visions were so frightening, that she repressed her clairvoyance.
But when malevolent and mentally unstable Tom Spencer enters her life to take revenge on Alcott Home and the Design’s Dream Team for which Tara McPherson works, she starts taking her premonitions more seriously and helped by her colleagues and friends Laura Alcott, and Leanne Davis, she tries to unblock her gift, recall her repressed visions and save the three girls’ lives.
I am not a specialist on metaphysical matters of the beyond, but I did enjoy the story telling, the suspense and the characters. If you are a fan of the genre, “By Chance” might be your chance for a pleasant read.
November 28, 2017
Captivating from start to end!
I began reading this story during the course of a move and had to stop mid-way through after shutting off the internet at my old address. For two weeks straight I was on pins and needles as I waited for service at my new home. I could hardly wait to discover the ending, and when I did I was quite surprised with the unexpected turn of events.There was so much to love about this read. In charming dialogue and detail the author skillfully unfolds each characters back and present stories, slowly drawing the reader in like a moth to a flame. The paranormal angle set the tone for high- suspense, and kept me reading, curious, and guessing. My favorite characters were Tara and Laura. Both characters were intriguing and relatable. Also, the descriptions of Carolina were vivid and very much on point. As I believe I mentioned before in a prior review of another of this author's works, Billups is a master storyteller. I even took note of some of my favorite passages. One of my favorites was Tara's thoughts of her father, and another was Laura's thoughts of her deceased husband. Here's one of Tara's...
- Never had she heard her fathers voice so light. Years of anger vanished with one call. The call was so intimate, Tara felt uncomfortable watching.
I was truly quite surprised to find that this was a debut novel! I very highly recommend this story to all readers interested in suspense, and paranormal reads! By Chance, is certainly one for the home bookshelf!
Much deserved 5 stars!
I began reading this story during the course of a move and had to stop mid-way through after shutting off the internet at my old address. For two weeks straight I was on pins and needles as I waited for service at my new home. I could hardly wait to discover the ending, and when I did I was quite surprised with the unexpected turn of events.There was so much to love about this read. In charming dialogue and detail the author skillfully unfolds each characters back and present stories, slowly drawing the reader in like a moth to a flame. The paranormal angle set the tone for high- suspense, and kept me reading, curious, and guessing. My favorite characters were Tara and Laura. Both characters were intriguing and relatable. Also, the descriptions of Carolina were vivid and very much on point. As I believe I mentioned before in a prior review of another of this author's works, Billups is a master storyteller. I even took note of some of my favorite passages. One of my favorites was Tara's thoughts of her father, and another was Laura's thoughts of her deceased husband. Here's one of Tara's...
- Never had she heard her fathers voice so light. Years of anger vanished with one call. The call was so intimate, Tara felt uncomfortable watching.
I was truly quite surprised to find that this was a debut novel! I very highly recommend this story to all readers interested in suspense, and paranormal reads! By Chance, is certainly one for the home bookshelf!
Much deserved 5 stars!
November 15, 2017
A delightfully original story. The three main characters are each unique but connected which comes to light (pun intended referencing Melissa). The pace of the book was well timed never a dull moment but she spent the appropriate amount of time character building simultaneously. I really enjoy supernatural stories of witches, telepaths, and voodoo; but this story creates its own unique gifts and combinations of gifts.
The flashbacks throughout the story were done in an unusual and fantastic way; a main character lived the moments so they were real to her and she was a person in that memory - but as herself. A fantastic read, I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you for creating this interesting story that a reader can feel like they are a part of!
The flashbacks throughout the story were done in an unusual and fantastic way; a main character lived the moments so they were real to her and she was a person in that memory - but as herself. A fantastic read, I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you for creating this interesting story that a reader can feel like they are a part of!
March 25, 2019
Another great read!
I was hooked from the first – seriously, I had all the right “whys and whats” to keep me turning page after page after page.
And then came the supernatural, mystical aspect and I kind of fell in love.
The theme is mysterious at times, suspenseful at others, a little creepy at some – but that’s probably because I’m a little faint at heart.
In some parts I’d think “oh, I know what’s coming” and then I’d be completely caught off guard.
And the ending? A twist I totally hadn’t seen coming.
The writing, as I’d come to expect is a mixture of simple and complex, a unique style I’ve come to enjoy from this author.
Totally recommend it!
I was hooked from the first – seriously, I had all the right “whys and whats” to keep me turning page after page after page.
And then came the supernatural, mystical aspect and I kind of fell in love.
The theme is mysterious at times, suspenseful at others, a little creepy at some – but that’s probably because I’m a little faint at heart.
In some parts I’d think “oh, I know what’s coming” and then I’d be completely caught off guard.
And the ending? A twist I totally hadn’t seen coming.
The writing, as I’d come to expect is a mixture of simple and complex, a unique style I’ve come to enjoy from this author.
Totally recommend it!
July 11, 2017
This novel was an intriguing mix of suspense, mystery and the mystical. There were times I longed for even more of the backstory, as it was about a place I enjoy immensely, old Charleston, with a nod to its complex history. I travel there often and could easily picture the influential families, the Alcott's and the Gowan's. One of the houses in the story named, "The Pink Lady" was one of the grand residences out on the Battery and held a family secret hidden in the attic for generations. Lake Tahoe was also relevant to the plot and kudos to the fabulous ending with a deep understanding of the psychological aspects that Tom, the antagonist was experiencing.
The mystical elements of the story were the coolest part for me. The author has an enviable knowledge of the beyond, the use of protective crystals, visions and unusual gifts that connect us to our ancestors. My favorite expression concerning this focus was called, "Shushing." By Chance was a truly entertaining read that will keep you guessing until the very end! I am looking forward to reading more of this authors's work.
The mystical elements of the story were the coolest part for me. The author has an enviable knowledge of the beyond, the use of protective crystals, visions and unusual gifts that connect us to our ancestors. My favorite expression concerning this focus was called, "Shushing." By Chance was a truly entertaining read that will keep you guessing until the very end! I am looking forward to reading more of this authors's work.
May 22, 2019
E. Denise Billups is an absolutely fantastic author. This is my second read from her, and she is now definitely on my auto-buy list!
By Chance had me hooked from the beginning and kept me invested all the way through. There’s a bit of mystery and suspense, and even when I thought I knew what was happening, I was caught off guard. Brilliant.
I absolutely love the journey we are taken on from the past to the present to the future and back again. It’s written seamlessly, and I love that we get to know each of the leading ladies this way.
The setting was beautiful. I absolutely love E. Denise Billups’ writing. She brings you into the story and really makes you feel like you’re part of the world.
I highly recommend checking By Chance out. It’s on my favorites of 2019!
* I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
By Chance had me hooked from the beginning and kept me invested all the way through. There’s a bit of mystery and suspense, and even when I thought I knew what was happening, I was caught off guard. Brilliant.
I absolutely love the journey we are taken on from the past to the present to the future and back again. It’s written seamlessly, and I love that we get to know each of the leading ladies this way.
The setting was beautiful. I absolutely love E. Denise Billups’ writing. She brings you into the story and really makes you feel like you’re part of the world.
I highly recommend checking By Chance out. It’s on my favorites of 2019!
* I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
May 2, 2020
By Chance: E. Denise Billups
An intriguing story of three girls who, between them, possess the power to see into the past, present and future. They must work together to outwit Tom Spencer, a stalker with a motive for murderous revenge.
While two of the girls are used to their powers, it is imperative that Tara learns to unblock visions long repressed if she is ever to be able to save them all.
This well written book has a storyline and setting which I found to be quite original. These held my attention throughout the book. I also appreciated the unexpected ending – one that even the girls with all their powers of perception hadn´t envisaged.
Don´t miss out on this paranormal thriller. Highly Recommended.
An intriguing story of three girls who, between them, possess the power to see into the past, present and future. They must work together to outwit Tom Spencer, a stalker with a motive for murderous revenge.
While two of the girls are used to their powers, it is imperative that Tara learns to unblock visions long repressed if she is ever to be able to save them all.
This well written book has a storyline and setting which I found to be quite original. These held my attention throughout the book. I also appreciated the unexpected ending – one that even the girls with all their powers of perception hadn´t envisaged.
Don´t miss out on this paranormal thriller. Highly Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews