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Permission: The Red Door Diaries
Lady Gregory can speak with the spirits of the dead. But when the lives of her makeshift family are at risk, can she use her magic to save them before it's too late?
Having recently lost her own daughter to yellow fever, Lady Gregory takes two young women under her wing after their parents also died of the fever. To survive in a man’s world and keep bread on the table for her and the young women, Lady Gregory turns to the world’s oldest profession, but she isn’t exactly what she seems and has a special talent: she can conjure the spirits of the dead for grieving widowers.
But when local women in the town of Concord are suddenly attacked at night by a mysterious creature, Lady Gregory tries to stay out of the limelight until her fate is tied inexplicably to the cases. Once the local deputy gets involved and wants more than her help, Lady Gregory finds that no matter how far she’s run from her past, there are some things she just can’t escape.
To save the lives of her makeshift family, Lady Gregory must face her dark past and go down a path that will unlock the secrets to her true power, but might also risk her very soul...
Having recently lost her own daughter to yellow fever, Lady Gregory takes two young women under her wing after their parents also died of the fever. To survive in a man’s world and keep bread on the table for her and the young women, Lady Gregory turns to the world’s oldest profession, but she isn’t exactly what she seems and has a special talent: she can conjure the spirits of the dead for grieving widowers.
But when local women in the town of Concord are suddenly attacked at night by a mysterious creature, Lady Gregory tries to stay out of the limelight until her fate is tied inexplicably to the cases. Once the local deputy gets involved and wants more than her help, Lady Gregory finds that no matter how far she’s run from her past, there are some things she just can’t escape.
To save the lives of her makeshift family, Lady Gregory must face her dark past and go down a path that will unlock the secrets to her true power, but might also risk her very soul...
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Ron Vitale
42 books50 followersRon Vitale is a fantasy and science fiction author. He has a Master’s degree in English Literature from Villanova University where he studied the works of Alice Walker and Margaret Atwood, interpreting their novels with a psychological Jungian approach by showing how the central female protagonists in their novels use storytelling as a means to heal themselves from trauma. He lives in a small town outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In the fall of 2008, he published his fantasy novel Dorothea’s Song as an audiobook on Podiobooks and for sale in the Amazon.com Kindle store, and in 2011 he published Lost, the first book in the Cinderella’s Secret Witch Diaries series, in 2012 the second book in the series, Stolen, was published and in 2014 the third book in the series, Found was released.
Ron has since published Awakenings and Betrayals, books 1 and 2, of the Witch’s Coven Novel series, Faith, the first book in the Jovian Gate Chronicles and Ahab's Daughter, book 1 in the Werewhale Saga. He keeps himself busy by writing his blog, and on learning how to be a good father to his kids all while working on his next book.
In the fall of 2008, he published his fantasy novel Dorothea’s Song as an audiobook on Podiobooks and for sale in the Amazon.com Kindle store, and in 2011 he published Lost, the first book in the Cinderella’s Secret Witch Diaries series, in 2012 the second book in the series, Stolen, was published and in 2014 the third book in the series, Found was released.
Ron has since published Awakenings and Betrayals, books 1 and 2, of the Witch’s Coven Novel series, Faith, the first book in the Jovian Gate Chronicles and Ahab's Daughter, book 1 in the Werewhale Saga. He keeps himself busy by writing his blog, and on learning how to be a good father to his kids all while working on his next book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 26, 2020
4/5 Stars
Lady Gregory has a family that she built from orphans and those who have experienced loss. With her ability to summon spirits that have passed, she and her family make a living by helping grieving widowers to have one last night with their loved one. But what happens when a cop wants in on the action and a killer is on the loose?
This was an interesting supernatural story. The elements were unique and I especially liked the use of consent throughout the whole story. However, I did find myself getting annoyed with most of the major characters from time to time, simply because I felt their emotions switched too quickly.
I am intrigued on where this story will go in the next installment.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Lady Gregory has a family that she built from orphans and those who have experienced loss. With her ability to summon spirits that have passed, she and her family make a living by helping grieving widowers to have one last night with their loved one. But what happens when a cop wants in on the action and a killer is on the loose?
This was an interesting supernatural story. The elements were unique and I especially liked the use of consent throughout the whole story. However, I did find myself getting annoyed with most of the major characters from time to time, simply because I felt their emotions switched too quickly.
I am intrigued on where this story will go in the next installment.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
August 25, 2020
A wonderful too short story. Lady Gregory can speak to the Spirits, but is it enough to keep her family safe. Thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new series.
September 5, 2020
Permission is the beginning of a series about Lady Gregory, a medium and more. She has 2 wards and a male friend that comprise her family. To the outside world, it looks as though she is the madam in the world’a oldest profession, though there is much more than meets the eye. There is also another problem. Young women in the area are going missing then found with their bodies mutilated.
This book is my type of book. It is a slow burn. Sometimes you wish it wasn’t so enigmatic but it’s worth the wait for the information. It’s what I would almost call a supernatural cozy mystery.
I like the way the world and characters are introduced. It’s much like an artist painting a canvas. First you see th rough sketch of the subjects. Slowly, more details are added and then the first coats of color, then shading and detail until Theworld is well defined. You can almost feel the rain dripping and feel the sun shining. You can also picture the characters. Even the minor characters are detailed enough to picture them.
Mr. Vitale seems to start out with standard characters for a Victorian horror story but those standard characters soon change and have their own personalities. Be prepared for some unusual twists and turns. Mr Vitale paid a great deal of attention to even the smallest detail. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
This book is my type of book. It is a slow burn. Sometimes you wish it wasn’t so enigmatic but it’s worth the wait for the information. It’s what I would almost call a supernatural cozy mystery.
I like the way the world and characters are introduced. It’s much like an artist painting a canvas. First you see th rough sketch of the subjects. Slowly, more details are added and then the first coats of color, then shading and detail until Theworld is well defined. You can almost feel the rain dripping and feel the sun shining. You can also picture the characters. Even the minor characters are detailed enough to picture them.
Mr. Vitale seems to start out with standard characters for a Victorian horror story but those standard characters soon change and have their own personalities. Be prepared for some unusual twists and turns. Mr Vitale paid a great deal of attention to even the smallest detail. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
April 6, 2021
Lady Gregory has many secrets to keep. Her way of making a living is not acceptable in proper society, and those who think they have it figured out haven't guessed the half of it! Her past is troubled and full of pain, but she has build a new family full of love and acceptance - until a serial killer in their community starts to put cracks in the life she has built. Relationships and lives are at stake in this twisty mystery. Slow start - but one of those where it definitely did not go the direction I was expecting it to.
It's got a British Victorian meets Southern Gothic vibe to it. In some ways it reads like a cozy but there are a couple brief (consensual) sex scenes and a level of grotesque and violence you would not expect from that genre. Lily and Rose, the two adopted adult daughters, sometimes acted very young for their age and other times were the streetwise young women they were described as. I suppose part of that could be the late 1860's setting. Lots of drama between Lady Gregory and Charles as well with their unconventional relationship. The ending is a bit grim dark with a teaser of hope in the epilogue that sets the stage for the free novelette offered in the end matter.
This is the first book in a new series and does contain a full story arc.
It's got a British Victorian meets Southern Gothic vibe to it. In some ways it reads like a cozy but there are a couple brief (consensual) sex scenes and a level of grotesque and violence you would not expect from that genre. Lily and Rose, the two adopted adult daughters, sometimes acted very young for their age and other times were the streetwise young women they were described as. I suppose part of that could be the late 1860's setting. Lots of drama between Lady Gregory and Charles as well with their unconventional relationship. The ending is a bit grim dark with a teaser of hope in the epilogue that sets the stage for the free novelette offered in the end matter.
This is the first book in a new series and does contain a full story arc.
August 22, 2020
Lady Gregory's little family and business are being threatened and even though she thinks she knows what she is doing she doesn't have a clue who and what she is messing around with but after an earlier incident with the police officer William who unfortunate for them is evil as they come and wants to blackmail Lady Gregory in more ways than one, she goes to her old mentor for help and Rose is awakened to her talents, what Lady Gregory doesn't realize is how strong Rose really is. Lily has fallen in love with a young man named Jack who loves her very much and wants to run away with her.
Unfortunately, tragedy strikes. Action, romantic suspense. The storyline was very interesting, characters are intriguing. Cliff hanger. I was given an ARC copy from Bookfunnel without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
Unfortunately, tragedy strikes. Action, romantic suspense. The storyline was very interesting, characters are intriguing. Cliff hanger. I was given an ARC copy from Bookfunnel without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
October 10, 2021
I thought this might be a pleasant read with some seances to commune with the dearly departed. Turns out there was more to the characters than that. Each chapter revealed a more complex story. The reader will be tugged to emphasize with one character then find a different character more in need of reader support. It really was a good story with some unpleasant side effects and an undesirable finish.
August 26, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and drama with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and drama with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 20, 2020
This book is amazing! Great characters, tons of action, and a very suspenseful ending indeed!
August 24, 2020
This was a terrifyingly exciting story! I loved the dark magic blended with the Victorian setting. It was pleasantly surprising. I am looking forward to more books to complete the story! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews