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Spirit Talk
"A beautiful coming of age story dealing not only with grief but discovering who you are and what life has in store for you...Emotional, vibrant narration with homespun characters makes this a must-read." N.N. Light, Author and Book Reviewer
"You must read this book if you love stories of psychics and the paranormal...with a healthy dose of romance and a dash of dread. Colleen McManus Hein's engaging debut novel (the first in a series) introduces us to Fiona, a young woman journeying through the discovery, acceptance and enhancement of her special gifts, encouraged by her charismatic grandmother, Mary." - An Amazon customer
"McManus Hein beautifully recreates the pre-internet world in which the story is set, with letter-writing, a small town library and book shop, and late-night whispered calls on the hallway phone." - An Amazon customer
_______________________________
In 1985, Fiona is a young woman from the suburbs of Chicago on the doorstep of the tidy life her parents planned for college, career, then hopefully marriage and children. Never mind the dead relatives who speak in Fiona’s ear. Never mind Fiona’s vivid dreams which then play out in real life. They are not part of the plan.
When a series of misfortunes interrupts Fiona’s fate, she finds herself living with her grandmother in a remote town in northern Minnesota. Grandma Mary has been shunned by Fiona’s parents due to her fortune-teller and medium. As Fiona begins to learn her grandmother’s trade, she is finally allowed to embrace and explore the beautiful gift her parents tried to deny her.
And speaking of denial, Fiona falls for the one man in town who is off-limits. As her psychic abilities unfold, so does her heart. But is it safe for Fiona to open metaphysical and emotional doors? When dealing with the occult, probably not, but Fiona discovers she has more courage than she knew. A deeply immersive novel of paranormal suspense.
"A creatively complex yet engaging literary read that is really different from much that is out there. A very promising start to an intriguing series." Tabitha Parkes - Goodreads; Indie Book Reviewers
I usually love reading paranormal romance/supernatural/ghost/psychics themed books, so this is a genre I’m familiar with. But I’ve been suffering some burnout as of late as to me it all is feeling the same these days… too many recycled plots and wanna-bees. But the description for “Spirit Talk” was intriguing and the opening sample caught my attention so I gave it a shot. I must say that Colleen McManus Hein is unarguably a very gifted writer, but more than that she also impressed me with her solid world building and sheer creativeness on many levels. All too often I read works that feel clearly derivative of other books, and although … A charming, entertaining read for fans of Young Adult and Adult literary paranormal drama/light romance. (5 stars) Stacy Ann Decker—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
Intelligently imaginative…well-written and nicely edited, “Spirit Talk” by Colleen McManus Hein is a great book for fans of paranormal fiction, new-adult drama and light romance, etc. It holds its own with the depth of the world building and plot structure, and an interesting cast characters and plenty of intrigue to go around. Recommend for ages 16+ (4.5 stars) Marcella-Louisa Gonzales—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
"You must read this book if you love stories of psychics and the paranormal...with a healthy dose of romance and a dash of dread. Colleen McManus Hein's engaging debut novel (the first in a series) introduces us to Fiona, a young woman journeying through the discovery, acceptance and enhancement of her special gifts, encouraged by her charismatic grandmother, Mary." - An Amazon customer
"McManus Hein beautifully recreates the pre-internet world in which the story is set, with letter-writing, a small town library and book shop, and late-night whispered calls on the hallway phone." - An Amazon customer
_______________________________
In 1985, Fiona is a young woman from the suburbs of Chicago on the doorstep of the tidy life her parents planned for college, career, then hopefully marriage and children. Never mind the dead relatives who speak in Fiona’s ear. Never mind Fiona’s vivid dreams which then play out in real life. They are not part of the plan.
When a series of misfortunes interrupts Fiona’s fate, she finds herself living with her grandmother in a remote town in northern Minnesota. Grandma Mary has been shunned by Fiona’s parents due to her fortune-teller and medium. As Fiona begins to learn her grandmother’s trade, she is finally allowed to embrace and explore the beautiful gift her parents tried to deny her.
And speaking of denial, Fiona falls for the one man in town who is off-limits. As her psychic abilities unfold, so does her heart. But is it safe for Fiona to open metaphysical and emotional doors? When dealing with the occult, probably not, but Fiona discovers she has more courage than she knew. A deeply immersive novel of paranormal suspense.
"A creatively complex yet engaging literary read that is really different from much that is out there. A very promising start to an intriguing series." Tabitha Parkes - Goodreads; Indie Book Reviewers
I usually love reading paranormal romance/supernatural/ghost/psychics themed books, so this is a genre I’m familiar with. But I’ve been suffering some burnout as of late as to me it all is feeling the same these days… too many recycled plots and wanna-bees. But the description for “Spirit Talk” was intriguing and the opening sample caught my attention so I gave it a shot. I must say that Colleen McManus Hein is unarguably a very gifted writer, but more than that she also impressed me with her solid world building and sheer creativeness on many levels. All too often I read works that feel clearly derivative of other books, and although … A charming, entertaining read for fans of Young Adult and Adult literary paranormal drama/light romance. (5 stars) Stacy Ann Decker—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
Intelligently imaginative…well-written and nicely edited, “Spirit Talk” by Colleen McManus Hein is a great book for fans of paranormal fiction, new-adult drama and light romance, etc. It holds its own with the depth of the world building and plot structure, and an interesting cast characters and plenty of intrigue to go around. Recommend for ages 16+ (4.5 stars) Marcella-Louisa Gonzales—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
- GenresParanormal
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2018
About the author
Colleen McManus Hein
18 books112 followersColleen McManus Hein is a lover of books. When not reading, writing, or playing with dogs, you may find her turning tarot or holding a seance by candle light.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 19, 2018
Fiona’s senior year in high school was going according to her parents’ plan when the rug is pulled out from under her. Her father passes away and life is no longer the same. She struggles to appear normal yet hides a secret. She can hear the spirits and can predict certain events. When a flood wipes out her childhood home, she feels a calling to go live with her maternal grandmother in a small town in Minnesota. She says good-bye to her family and heads north.
Her grandmother is an estranged relative but from the moment they hug, peace and harmony infuses Fiona. The more she gets to know Grandma Mary, the more she learns about her special psychic gift. She learns how to read palms, listen and relay messages from the beyond, read fortunes and even help find things/people who are lost.
But all is not rosy when you’re dealing with the occult. There are some people who want to study her while others are just afraid of what they don’t understand. When a strange man offers her more money than she’s ever earned to “study” her and her abilities, will she accept? Can she leave the town who’s taken her in and made her feel welcome, including the man who’s stolen her heart?
Spirit Talk is a beautiful coming of age story dealing not only with grief but discovering who you are and what life has in store. It’s about spreading your wings and embracing your secret gifts and abilities. It’s about falling in love and letting go of the past. Emotional, vibrant narration with homespun characters makes this a must read.
What really drew me into the story had to be the description of life in northern Minnesota. I closed my eyes on many occasions and was back in Cloquet, MN (where I have family). Her description of the layout of Duluth was spot-on and I wonder if the author has visited or lived there at one time.
The paranormal/occult theme is well researched and realistic. Not scary in the least, the reader is drawn into the positive-charged side of it rather than the dark magick. Fiona and Grandma Mary aren’t evil but conduits of the spiritual realm, sharing messages of hope with people.
If you’re looking for a heart-warming story with sweet characters and a young woman finding her way in the world, pick this up today. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Favorite Character/Quote: Nicole must have picked up on Fiona’s discomfort because she caught Fiona’s eye. “I know it seems like I’m upset, but I’m really happy about what you told me. It’s nice to know there are spirits looking out for me.”
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Her grandmother is an estranged relative but from the moment they hug, peace and harmony infuses Fiona. The more she gets to know Grandma Mary, the more she learns about her special psychic gift. She learns how to read palms, listen and relay messages from the beyond, read fortunes and even help find things/people who are lost.
But all is not rosy when you’re dealing with the occult. There are some people who want to study her while others are just afraid of what they don’t understand. When a strange man offers her more money than she’s ever earned to “study” her and her abilities, will she accept? Can she leave the town who’s taken her in and made her feel welcome, including the man who’s stolen her heart?
Spirit Talk is a beautiful coming of age story dealing not only with grief but discovering who you are and what life has in store. It’s about spreading your wings and embracing your secret gifts and abilities. It’s about falling in love and letting go of the past. Emotional, vibrant narration with homespun characters makes this a must read.
What really drew me into the story had to be the description of life in northern Minnesota. I closed my eyes on many occasions and was back in Cloquet, MN (where I have family). Her description of the layout of Duluth was spot-on and I wonder if the author has visited or lived there at one time.
The paranormal/occult theme is well researched and realistic. Not scary in the least, the reader is drawn into the positive-charged side of it rather than the dark magick. Fiona and Grandma Mary aren’t evil but conduits of the spiritual realm, sharing messages of hope with people.
If you’re looking for a heart-warming story with sweet characters and a young woman finding her way in the world, pick this up today. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Favorite Character/Quote: Nicole must have picked up on Fiona’s discomfort because she caught Fiona’s eye. “I know it seems like I’m upset, but I’m really happy about what you told me. It’s nice to know there are spirits looking out for me.”
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
May 6, 2019
Fiona is fresh out of high school and has big plans for her life--college and all the fun it entails. Sadly, her father dies right before she graduates and all her plans go up in smoke. Soon after that a flood destroys her house. For awhile she and her mother stay with her sister until the family agrees Fiona should go stay with her grandmother Mary in Fireside, Minnesota for awhile. Fiona's mother and grandmother are estranged. Fiona believes it's because her grandmother is a witch who reads cards and palms and that her mother disapproves. Fiona is anxious to see her grandmother Mary because she's only had a few visits with her throughout her entire life. Turns out her grandmother is a sweet lady Fiona comes to admire. Fiona is anxious to learn all her grandmother is willing to teach her. She's spent her whole life hearing the voices of spirits and could never share this with anyone, especially her father who thought such things were of the devil. Fiona embarks on a whole new life in the little town of Fireside, Minnesota. She's growing close to her grandmother, learning about her spiritual gifts, how to read cards and palms. She even begins to give readings to clients. Along the way she meets a handsome widower named Henry who has a three year old boy. To make some extra money she begins to babysit for him. But Henry becomes much more than an employer. Fiona falls for him, but due to their age difference and the fact he's recently widowed, Fiona hides her feelings.
This is a sweet, engaging story of a girl with supernatural gifts embarking on a new life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one. The author built a good world and in depth characters. If you like paranormal with a twist of romance and intrigue, you'll love Spirit Talk.
This is a sweet, engaging story of a girl with supernatural gifts embarking on a new life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one. The author built a good world and in depth characters. If you like paranormal with a twist of romance and intrigue, you'll love Spirit Talk.
February 28, 2019
I really liked this book! It was a very quick read.
After a family tragedy, Fiona moves to Minnesota to live with her aging grandmother. The family wasn't close to her for reasons Fiona and her older sister don't quite understand. While living with Grandma Mary, she learns a lot about her grandparents, her mom's life before she married, and about herself. Grandma Mary teaches her to use to psychic abilities. Fiona begins to love this tiny Minnesota town and it's citizens. A mysterious stranger with an interesting offer opens this book up for a good series.
*I received this Kindle edition book from a Goodreads giveaway*
After a family tragedy, Fiona moves to Minnesota to live with her aging grandmother. The family wasn't close to her for reasons Fiona and her older sister don't quite understand. While living with Grandma Mary, she learns a lot about her grandparents, her mom's life before she married, and about herself. Grandma Mary teaches her to use to psychic abilities. Fiona begins to love this tiny Minnesota town and it's citizens. A mysterious stranger with an interesting offer opens this book up for a good series.
*I received this Kindle edition book from a Goodreads giveaway*
December 2, 2019
Spirit Talk by Colleen McManus Hein
After a series of misfortunate events Fiona’s college plans are dashed. As a result of the tight financial situation Fiona sets off to live with her Grandma Mary in Fireside, Minnesota. Grandma Mary has a reputation as a tarot card reading fortuneteller, who also reads palms and communes with spirits. Fiona is excited by this move, finally she’ll have someone to guide her. Fiona has always heard voices and been able to find lost objects. However, these things were discouraged by her father. Grandma Mary is pleased to be able to pass her knowledge of the occult on to her granddaughter as well as giving her a more detailed family history. Fiona also enjoys hearing stories about her mother growing up.
Fiona is a quick study and starts to make a name for herself in their small community of Fireside. She’s also making friends and feels like she would love to make her move here permanent. However, fate intervenes again and the story takes a drastic turn. “Spirit Talk” doesn’t have a cliffhanger, but ends with a teaser about the direction Fiona’s life is taking.
My one complaint about “Spirit Talk” is how many times the tarot cards meanings are gone over. One. At. A. Time. The whole freaking deck of fifty-two cards, three different times. This bogged down and screwed up the pace of the story without moving the plot forward. When authors repeat things like this over and over it gives me the feeling that they are trying to raise their word count. Or don’t trust their readers to be smart enough to catch on. Authors’ please don’t do that! This story, in particular, is strong enough without the repetition of bloated text.
FYI: If you want to learn to read tarot cards, this would be a good primer, and you get a story as a bonus. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** November 15, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of proofing errors, mostly extra or wrong words.
Rating: *** Three Stars
After a series of misfortunate events Fiona’s college plans are dashed. As a result of the tight financial situation Fiona sets off to live with her Grandma Mary in Fireside, Minnesota. Grandma Mary has a reputation as a tarot card reading fortuneteller, who also reads palms and communes with spirits. Fiona is excited by this move, finally she’ll have someone to guide her. Fiona has always heard voices and been able to find lost objects. However, these things were discouraged by her father. Grandma Mary is pleased to be able to pass her knowledge of the occult on to her granddaughter as well as giving her a more detailed family history. Fiona also enjoys hearing stories about her mother growing up.
Fiona is a quick study and starts to make a name for herself in their small community of Fireside. She’s also making friends and feels like she would love to make her move here permanent. However, fate intervenes again and the story takes a drastic turn. “Spirit Talk” doesn’t have a cliffhanger, but ends with a teaser about the direction Fiona’s life is taking.
My one complaint about “Spirit Talk” is how many times the tarot cards meanings are gone over. One. At. A. Time. The whole freaking deck of fifty-two cards, three different times. This bogged down and screwed up the pace of the story without moving the plot forward. When authors repeat things like this over and over it gives me the feeling that they are trying to raise their word count. Or don’t trust their readers to be smart enough to catch on. Authors’ please don’t do that! This story, in particular, is strong enough without the repetition of bloated text.
FYI: If you want to learn to read tarot cards, this would be a good primer, and you get a story as a bonus. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** November 15, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of proofing errors, mostly extra or wrong words.
Rating: *** Three Stars
January 28, 2019
Charming
Very detailed and interesting. The heroine’s life is described in descriptive detail. Although a menace arises at the end of the book the majority of it provided a cozy foundation.
Very detailed and interesting. The heroine’s life is described in descriptive detail. Although a menace arises at the end of the book the majority of it provided a cozy foundation.
January 26, 2019
Wii be a favorite
This has been one of the best written books I have ever read.
I would highly recommend to any one ..
Looking forward of the next one..
This has been one of the best written books I have ever read.
I would highly recommend to any one ..
Looking forward of the next one..
March 12, 2026
What a sweet sweet read! I love Fiona’s conversations with her grandma and all the letter exchanges with her sister back home! I never thought a story about psychics and paranormal could be so beautifully packed with the strength of family bonds, followed by the right amount of grief and romance sprinkled in between.
Gosh, this book is beautiful. Paranormal experiences and psychic abilities do not unfold through exaggerated, frightening scenes, even when they involve unknown spirits. Instead, everything unravels gently through the process of recognizing the ability, trying, trusting, learning again and again, and eventually trying with confidence.
One message that becomes a key takeaway for me is that you are not automatically a good psychic simply because you inherit a gift from a family member. Just like Fiona, you need to understand what you can do, trust yourself, open up to someone with years of experience like Grandma Mary, practice your ability on people, learn from different sources, and then practice again and again. Living with Grandma Mary after a family tragedy helps Fiona discover her life purpose and enhance her psychic abilities, while also learning stories about her mother’s young life that were never talked about.
Just when she feels that her new life has settled, a mysterious man approaches her and her grandma with an offer of a large amount of money if they agree to go to a hidden place and become objects of study. What will they do about it? And what do the spirits have to say?
Gosh, this book is beautiful. Paranormal experiences and psychic abilities do not unfold through exaggerated, frightening scenes, even when they involve unknown spirits. Instead, everything unravels gently through the process of recognizing the ability, trying, trusting, learning again and again, and eventually trying with confidence.
One message that becomes a key takeaway for me is that you are not automatically a good psychic simply because you inherit a gift from a family member. Just like Fiona, you need to understand what you can do, trust yourself, open up to someone with years of experience like Grandma Mary, practice your ability on people, learn from different sources, and then practice again and again. Living with Grandma Mary after a family tragedy helps Fiona discover her life purpose and enhance her psychic abilities, while also learning stories about her mother’s young life that were never talked about.
Just when she feels that her new life has settled, a mysterious man approaches her and her grandma with an offer of a large amount of money if they agree to go to a hidden place and become objects of study. What will they do about it? And what do the spirits have to say?
March 29, 2026
This was another free book from Kindle Unlimited that I joined for 3 months free from Amazon. It turned out to be a "young adult" book and was pretty basic. And then even though it showed being only 93% finished, the story ended rather abruptly and the rest of the book was an exerpt from the next book in the series.
The story was OK, but everything that happened was good and sugar-coated and a bit to "romancy" for me. It was a quick read so I don't mind and I got a chuckle out of the part where she was this 19-year old who was a nanny for this 28-year old widower and wondering if "something was going to happen". It never did, because of the young adult nature of the book.
I went to the library and got some more large-print books yesterday. Reading on the Kindle is a bit different, but quick, and the selection of free books on Kindle Unlimited is rather limited (lol). Hopefully I found some better stories.
The story was OK, but everything that happened was good and sugar-coated and a bit to "romancy" for me. It was a quick read so I don't mind and I got a chuckle out of the part where she was this 19-year old who was a nanny for this 28-year old widower and wondering if "something was going to happen". It never did, because of the young adult nature of the book.
I went to the library and got some more large-print books yesterday. Reading on the Kindle is a bit different, but quick, and the selection of free books on Kindle Unlimited is rather limited (lol). Hopefully I found some better stories.
September 23, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I found the story to be mostly fast paced and easy to follow. I didn't much care for the reading of the cards in such detail. I can appreciate why the author would choose that but it just slowed the book down, in my opinion. With the first one I felt a big disconnect from the main character and then the book entirely. This one turned into a bummer for me but had potential.
July 28, 2019
Kept my attention
Good story about a young woman who has some psychic abilities and whose grandmother helps develop them. Kind of a cliffhanger in that she leaves at the end of the story for a "facility" where her abilities will be tested but you have to read the next book to follow that plotline.
Good story about a young woman who has some psychic abilities and whose grandmother helps develop them. Kind of a cliffhanger in that she leaves at the end of the story for a "facility" where her abilities will be tested but you have to read the next book to follow that plotline.
October 16, 2024
“Spirit Talk” by Colleen McManus Hein offers a reflective and mystical journey into the unseen. With gentle wisdom, it touches on themes of connection and intuition. I enjoyed its subtle, thoughtful approach.
December 6, 2024
Spirit Talk
Spirit Talk by Colleen McManus Hein. This is an interesting venture into the spirit world. The new job she undertakes sounds like a resort. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
Spirit Talk by Colleen McManus Hein. This is an interesting venture into the spirit world. The new job she undertakes sounds like a resort. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the notes on reading cards!
July 10, 2024
The story was good but I loved how the book also gave information on how to give readings with cards!
August 29, 2024
Good book
September 2, 2024
Still reading this book. Love this coming of age story and all the ups and downs
September 11, 2024
I really enjoying reading this story but I thought it ended quite abruptly just as I was really getting into the storyline.
March 22, 2019
I read this book a month ago, yet it is still on my mind and I'm looking for the next in the series! Fully developed characters and a good storyline. The one thing I had a problem with was a fresh high school graduate entering a relationship with a mid to late 20s (or even older) man. The author calls him the "forbidden" love not due to differences in age and emotional maturity, but due to him being a widower. The book would have been just as good focusing on Fiona's gifts, without the romantic entanglement.
March 10, 2019
It is an interesting story about a young girl. Right before graduation her father dies, then their house is lost in a flood. Instead of college, she goes to live with her grandmother. There she learns about her psychic abilities. I was confused about her calling her mom by her name, however I did like the characters and look forward to following this story. I won this ebook from Goodreads.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews