1856 Texas Phebe Whiteside, a thirty-seven-year-old governess, finds new employment at Queens Court Acres, a stately mansion in South Texas. She also finds a ghost. The three-story mansion harbors the spirit of Edmund McAdams, the former owner of the estate. His murder was never solved. Old mysteries are revealed, and Phebe begins a quest to bring Edmund’s tortured spirit peace and reunite him with his lost love. A Pandora’s Box of secrets and lies are unleashed as she digs deeper into forbidden territory. Everyone has something to lose if the secrets come out. One will kill to see that doesn’t happen.
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Let me introduce myself...My name is Patty Wiseman. A lifetime ago, as a child, I found myself lost in the stories my 1st grade teacher opened up to me. Over the years, my love of reading deepened and another interest formed-the love of writing. I have several short stories published and a few poems. I am a history buff and love to read and write in past eras. My Velvet Shoe Collection Series includes "An Unlikely Arrangement" and "An Unlikely Beginning" ,"An Unlikely Conclusion." The 4th book in the series was released in Aug. of 2016. "An Unlikely Deception." They are based in 1929 and shadows a story of my grandparents arranged marriage. This work is fictional,. One idea sparked a whole series of fictional works. My plan is for 6 books in the series. I've just released a new contemporary work. That One Moment. This is a stand alone. I'm very proud of it! I've lived in Texas for over 30 years being transplanted from the State of Washington. I have two grown sons, 12 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a loving husband, Ron. We live in the country with our dog, Cutter. I hope you will check out my new book and enjoy the journey with me.
Writing awards include: 1st place short Story award in Summer Contest on Angie's Diary, 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Conclusion 2013 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Beginning 2012, a 2nd place award in Romance with the Forward National Literary Awards for An Unlikely Arrangement, The 'Fifty Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Contest with the Author Show. I'm a VIP member of the Worldwide Who's Who for Women, a member of the Marshall Woman's Club of Marshall, a former secretary of the E. Texas Writers Association, and member of N.E. Texas Writers Organization. I belong to the Texas Federation of Woman's Club Marshall Chapter.
You can find me and my books on Amazon, Kindle or buy from my website to get an autographed copy. You can also order them from any bookstore.
You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Pinterest.
Based on the strength of the likable main character, Phebe, I really wanted to love this book. The story is interesting, as well as the cast of characters, both the living and the dead. The historical details feel accurate, except (based on the blurb making a point of it being set in south Texas) I kept wanting to see some flavor of the region, which is quite different from other parts of Texas (I lived there for several years). Even today, it feels like part of Mexico, and would have been even more so in the 1850's, just a few short years after Texas separated from Mexico, but there is no connection to south Texas in the story. It feels like it could be set in many other places, but definitely not there. The pacing was good until the end, and then it felt very rushed and not as satisfying as I'd hoped.
I kept thinking while reading that this would make a good suspense movie! I do recommend it to those who like flinch-free ghost stories and mysteries in a historical setting.
This was a pleasant story and I'm happy to give it three stars. I didn't know the year in which it was set until I read the blurb since it's not mentioned in the narrative, but I did like the fact it's set in America. I find the descriptions of the food etc very interesting. Some points did worry me, for example, I'm not sure calling a woman Ms was common practice in those days. It sounded too modern and I feel that an unmarried woman would be titled Miss. I also wondered if the governess would hand out paper to her young pupils since chalk and slates might have been more common. As it's set in 1850's America I also wondered about the children having their evening meal with their parents. In England, the middle class liked their evening meal in peace or with invited guests and children were usually confined to the nursery. Again, I don't know how this would relate to the American way of family life. I was amused that Phebe seemed to be talking to herself an awful lot. Her thoughts were placed in speech marks and it made for strange reading, although I did get used to it. The story itself was short, but pleasant to read. Although a ghost story, with a murderous strand to it, I knew everything would turn out okay in the end.
This is my third Patty Wiseman book. I really enjoyed this one. The story developed well with an air of mystery and interesting characters. It was easy to imagine each character and visualize the scenes. No part of this book was boring or stalled, a really pleasant read. The end was disappointing because it felt under developed.
Phebe Whiteside arrives at Queens Court Acres to take a new position as governess for three small children. But noises in the night, family secrets, and Phebe's insatiable curiosity send her on a quest not only to help a ghost caught between worlds move on with his love in the afterlife but to solve a mystery that has haunted this family for many years. Edmund is tormented. But until secrets are revealed, and perpetrators are made to pay, he cannot join Mary in the afterlife to be united forever. Phebe can see and talk to Edmund. She is brave and faces things that would frighten many others away. This quote from the book grabbed me. "I stand between two realms as a messenger for a mystery that happened long ago." As that messenger, she helps reveal what is hidden and bring peace to the dead. The author did a great job of keeping the murderer's identity under wraps until the very end. I had no idea and was shocked when it was revealed. This is a short read and perfect for the spooky Halloween season.
There is one person willing to shed blood if the mystery gets uncovered. If the truth is revealed much will be exposed to a lot of folks. Governess, Phebe obtained a job at Queens Court Acres. Little did she know of the bizarre happenings that would begin when she finds books, a cherry glass on a wooden table and more uncanny coincidences. She didn’t believe in ghosts so what could all this mean? She soon ventures into the prohibited terrain where evil lurks and finds out things that could make the hair stand up on one’s skin. The ghost, Edmund, whose killer was not ever caught, has been tormented for a long time and his spirit remains in a great manor. Phebe makes it her mission to help him find peace as well as his long-ago soul mate. Author Patty Wiseman has done wonderful work in writing this time period mystery. She conveys sentiments of genuine human experiences mixed with the imaginary, and she captured my attention from the very first page.
Somewhere Between is a ghost story and murder mystery. Phebe is a governess that solves the mystery.
I picked up this book from the author at a craft show called Funky Finds. The story was enjoyable and fast-paced. It was easy to read and didn’t take me very long. I read most of it in one afternoon. I didn’t figure out the mystery until it was revealed at the end. I like how things about the mystery were revealed little by little. The only thing that I didn’t like was the ending that occurred on the last couple pages. I won’t put a spoiler in my review, but it was something that seemed strange and out of place. I was left wondering where it came from.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes murder mysteries and wants an interesting story.
Generational Secrets, An Overly Curious Governess, And A Ghost Equals Mystery!
Patty Wiseman weaves together a unique love story with a mysterious twist! Phebe takes a position as a governess, hoping to start fresh in a new home in 1856 Texas. Multiple family and staff mention the past few governesses left due to the ghost. Curiosity getting the better of her when she hears loud thumps upstairs, she follows her instincts...and events start to unfold. She should leave it alone, but could she? Despite the family doing their best to keep secrets, the ghost and Phebe have other plans. Read along as Phebe learns the truth of this family. And you shall know the truth...and the truth is what set them free.
This is a nice little paranormal/mystery. I think I'd like to have seen the main character, Phebe, as a nanny/detective. She has the curiosity and logical thinking which I'd love to see her using in multiple settings. Phebe: Nanny Detective, the series.
This isn't a lost opportunity for Patty Wiseman. She could create a new character with the personality, courage, and forthright personality going from home to home where other nannies fear to tread. I could really see her as almost a freelance paranormal problem solver. Various families are distraught since they can't keep a nanny. Why? Things that go bump in the night send the drab nannies running. This is already set up in this book. Phebe applies for the task of educating the Powell children and discovers the reason why the Powells just can't seem to keep a nanny employed.
Anyway, I see the barely sprouting seeds of a fun cozy paranormal mystery series. However, to achieve this, the author needs a lot of set up and background on Phebe and the jobs she takes on. Like Nanny McPhee or even Mary Poppins, Phebe can be such a strong woman solving problems with her wit, curiosity, and intelligence.
So, the series I'd like to see isn't quite there in this book, but there is so much potential here, I'd hate to see it go to waste with Phebe giving into the somewhat trite romance at the end. Throw caution to the winds, Patty Wiseman. You have a character here with far more potential than you've given her.
The book is a quick and moderately enjoyable read with the paranormal aspects. Read it and see if you don't think I'm right about Phebe.
I enjoyed "Somewhere Between" by Patty Wiseman. Phebe's intelligence, curiosity, and bravery while investigating the family mystery and ghost in the attic kept me reading. Filled with multi-dimensional, strong characters, this story flowed well, and the ending surprised. The love match at the end, however, felt rushed, but it provided a happy note for the finale.