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Petulant Shadows
Dedicated to those who have been abducted, trafficked, abused, and murdered, the families who have lost someone, and the sheepdogs who fight to save them. May your souls find peace.
.................................................
There is a sinister evil hidden in the shadows. Some do not know of its existence yet others are haunted by it every waking moment and every sleepless night.
The legends say that it arrives quiet like the wind, lurking in the shadows as the darkness sets upon the earth each night. It leaches into towns through the smallest of cracks and festers, growing like a fungus that makes everything rot in its path.
A sudden opportunity to flee presents itself to Paisley. Something within her commands her to run. As if guided by the hand of God, she finds shelter in the town of Biernhard and through a man named Grayson.
As Paisley begins to come to grips with her past and embrace a new life for herself, the shadows creep back into her life and the town she calls home. Will this darkness conquer Biernhard and claim Paisley once again, or does the town have its own fortitude against the darkness that it is rumored to have battled and defeated many generations before?
.................................................
There is a sinister evil hidden in the shadows. Some do not know of its existence yet others are haunted by it every waking moment and every sleepless night.
The legends say that it arrives quiet like the wind, lurking in the shadows as the darkness sets upon the earth each night. It leaches into towns through the smallest of cracks and festers, growing like a fungus that makes everything rot in its path.
A sudden opportunity to flee presents itself to Paisley. Something within her commands her to run. As if guided by the hand of God, she finds shelter in the town of Biernhard and through a man named Grayson.
As Paisley begins to come to grips with her past and embrace a new life for herself, the shadows creep back into her life and the town she calls home. Will this darkness conquer Biernhard and claim Paisley once again, or does the town have its own fortitude against the darkness that it is rumored to have battled and defeated many generations before?
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
66 people want to read
About the author
Martha Sweeney
35 books596 followersAfter the age of thirty, Martha realized that her life as a terran was not what it was cracked up to be. Knowing that there was more to life, she embarked on a journey that has tested her resolve, heart, and soul many times over. It continues to do so at this very moment.
She’s astounded that anyone takes any author bio seriously. Why would anything that’s written here be believed when authors are known to invent stuff out of thin air? Martha likes to thank the ether and her higher-self for the enlightenment and odd sense of wonderment about life, the universe, and what exactly she was thinking when she wrote that one obscure story that no one has yet to read, but her husband has heard about.
The oddity of society, particularly the book community has flabbergasted her, making her curious about how a em-dash or ellipses can make people think that AI had any hand in aiding an author to write. She could be sharing complete truths, complete lies, or a mixture in this very bio as you continue to read this. Why are you still reading this, she asks in your ear as if she’s sitting right next to you, right now? Does anyone really care if she’s telling the truth, I mean, come on, she’s an author for God sake? Books are written to pull you from reality with fantasy, though there is much of reality in books to some extent. Where was she going with this thought? I don’t know, don’t remember, so let us continue. What were we discussing? Oh, right, Martha Sweeney’s author bio.
She would like to sum up with this single thought: believe what you want about anything, even her. Beliefs are just thoughts you keep thinking. Whether you think you’re wrong or right, you’re right either way, so why should she care what’s written in her bio because we both know you just want a story that makes you feel. That’s the purpose of books or any form of entertainment. It’s to feel something. She hopes your emotions are kicked in the ass one way or another. If you like a character, she’s content. If you hate a character, she’s content. All in all, she made you feel.
If you’re still reading this, Martha is quite impressed and is giving you an astral projected hug and hopes to meet you in person one day, or not. According to Martha, we’ve already meet if you understand entanglement.
If you are literally thinking, or saying out loud WTF?, Martha wants you to know that very same thought has entered her mind at least twenty times while dictating to me what to write. Whom am I, you ask, that’s not important. My roll is simply to write Martha’s author bio and let you know that she’s a multi-genre author, so there’s a chance you might be interested and like at least one of her currently published books. Enjoy, or not, that’s up to you.
B&N Bestseller: Snowed In With Him Amazon & Apple Bestseller: Breathe In (Just Breathe #1) Amazon Bestseller: Knight Takes Pawn (Red Knight #1)
website: www.marthasweeney.com
facebook: facebook.com/authormarthasweeney
TikTok: tiktok.com/@authormarthasweeney
instagram: instagram.com/marthasweeneyauthor
Pinterest: pinterest.com/MSweeneyAuthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marthatswee...
She’s astounded that anyone takes any author bio seriously. Why would anything that’s written here be believed when authors are known to invent stuff out of thin air? Martha likes to thank the ether and her higher-self for the enlightenment and odd sense of wonderment about life, the universe, and what exactly she was thinking when she wrote that one obscure story that no one has yet to read, but her husband has heard about.
The oddity of society, particularly the book community has flabbergasted her, making her curious about how a em-dash or ellipses can make people think that AI had any hand in aiding an author to write. She could be sharing complete truths, complete lies, or a mixture in this very bio as you continue to read this. Why are you still reading this, she asks in your ear as if she’s sitting right next to you, right now? Does anyone really care if she’s telling the truth, I mean, come on, she’s an author for God sake? Books are written to pull you from reality with fantasy, though there is much of reality in books to some extent. Where was she going with this thought? I don’t know, don’t remember, so let us continue. What were we discussing? Oh, right, Martha Sweeney’s author bio.
She would like to sum up with this single thought: believe what you want about anything, even her. Beliefs are just thoughts you keep thinking. Whether you think you’re wrong or right, you’re right either way, so why should she care what’s written in her bio because we both know you just want a story that makes you feel. That’s the purpose of books or any form of entertainment. It’s to feel something. She hopes your emotions are kicked in the ass one way or another. If you like a character, she’s content. If you hate a character, she’s content. All in all, she made you feel.
If you’re still reading this, Martha is quite impressed and is giving you an astral projected hug and hopes to meet you in person one day, or not. According to Martha, we’ve already meet if you understand entanglement.
If you are literally thinking, or saying out loud WTF?, Martha wants you to know that very same thought has entered her mind at least twenty times while dictating to me what to write. Whom am I, you ask, that’s not important. My roll is simply to write Martha’s author bio and let you know that she’s a multi-genre author, so there’s a chance you might be interested and like at least one of her currently published books. Enjoy, or not, that’s up to you.
B&N Bestseller: Snowed In With Him Amazon & Apple Bestseller: Breathe In (Just Breathe #1) Amazon Bestseller: Knight Takes Pawn (Red Knight #1)
website: www.marthasweeney.com
facebook: facebook.com/authormarthasweeney
TikTok: tiktok.com/@authormarthasweeney
instagram: instagram.com/marthasweeneyauthor
Pinterest: pinterest.com/MSweeneyAuthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marthatswee...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 18, 2023
Definitely check CW/TWs before reading. But.. WOW. Everyone knows this is an unfortunate thing that happens but this author did the research and handles the topic so well. I am completely awestruck and captivated by Paisley’s story. A MUST READ.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all opinions/thoughts above are completely my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all opinions/thoughts above are completely my own!
January 19, 2024
If you enjoy psychological thrillers and suspense...get this book, I loved it. There are some heavy topics so please make sure to read the trigger warnings. This one is definitely a page turner.
October 17, 2023
I'm biased with my review and I don't care. I loved writing this book as challenging as it was regarding the subject matter. A HUGE thanks to everyone who embarks on Paisley's journey of surviving and healing.
September 18, 2023
Petulant shadows is a very unique story that blends real-life travestys with supernatural elements. Please be aware of the triggers before beginning this book. As the dedication indicates, there is a discussion of abduction, trafficking, abuse, and murder.
Paisleys story is a story of strength, resilience, growth, and love. If I am, to be honest, this book wasn't anything like what I was expecting. That being said, it's not a bad thing. I will point out, though, that there are some strong religious undercurrents that may be off-putting for some readers, I enjoyed it, though, because it added yet another layer to the storyline. Aside from the Christian references, it also delves into local folklore, which I personally loved.
The majority of the story takes place after Paisley escapes from her captors. There are small glimpses of the evils she was subjected to, but Sweeney approaches these delicately. Even with a gentler approach to these instances, they are still disturbing but without being distasteful.
This book beautifully blends together genres and tropes to create a story that can appeal to many different types of readers. I definitely would recommend this book to others.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Paisleys story is a story of strength, resilience, growth, and love. If I am, to be honest, this book wasn't anything like what I was expecting. That being said, it's not a bad thing. I will point out, though, that there are some strong religious undercurrents that may be off-putting for some readers, I enjoyed it, though, because it added yet another layer to the storyline. Aside from the Christian references, it also delves into local folklore, which I personally loved.
The majority of the story takes place after Paisley escapes from her captors. There are small glimpses of the evils she was subjected to, but Sweeney approaches these delicately. Even with a gentler approach to these instances, they are still disturbing but without being distasteful.
This book beautifully blends together genres and tropes to create a story that can appeal to many different types of readers. I definitely would recommend this book to others.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2023
Paisley, Greyson, Evelyn, and George all play a significant role in this intense, spine-tingling adventure about 3 small towns and what will happen to them and their families and friends.
This is a first-time read of Martha Sweeney's
I have ventured into and won't be my last
Paisley was taken as a child and submerged into things that she as a child should never have had to experience.
She was recused by Greyson. Little did she know he would become her night and shining Armour. Or would he? Maybe the whole town would be there for each other. In some form or another.
In this book, it has so many twists and turns. I was literally on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen. The words flowed easily across the pages. The book is very well-written. I was consumed and it devoured me all the way through and I couldn't stop reading it.
Martha Sweeney is well-versed in knowing exactly what she writes to keep her audience captivated and held there. I will be coming back for more.
Thanks for giving me the chance to read Petulant Shadow What a remarkable read.
Trigger warnings ⚠️ always read those
This is a first-time read of Martha Sweeney's
I have ventured into and won't be my last
Paisley was taken as a child and submerged into things that she as a child should never have had to experience.
She was recused by Greyson. Little did she know he would become her night and shining Armour. Or would he? Maybe the whole town would be there for each other. In some form or another.
In this book, it has so many twists and turns. I was literally on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen. The words flowed easily across the pages. The book is very well-written. I was consumed and it devoured me all the way through and I couldn't stop reading it.
Martha Sweeney is well-versed in knowing exactly what she writes to keep her audience captivated and held there. I will be coming back for more.
Thanks for giving me the chance to read Petulant Shadow What a remarkable read.
Trigger warnings ⚠️ always read those
September 26, 2023
Truly captivating and unnerving in the most addictive and unsuspecting ways. This isn’t just a book you pick up to read as a quick little time filler and forget about it on the back of your shelf. This book is an all out page turner that will leave you gripping the pages begging for more, pleading for the characters and dreading what is to come.
Each character- human or not, is so elaborately written, each chapter too, written with such depth and detail; Martha Sweeney makes it impossible for you to not be immersed into the lives of those of the townsfolk, feeling as though you are merely one amongst them.
Be sure to check your trigger warnings, (quite literally the dedication page) as this book covers some really heavy but important topics.
Some tropes you may find in this book are
Strong FMC
Gentle but dominant MMC
Supernatural beings / shapeshifters
Found family
Slow burn romance
Semi-forced proximity
Age-gap romance
Coming of age
Each character- human or not, is so elaborately written, each chapter too, written with such depth and detail; Martha Sweeney makes it impossible for you to not be immersed into the lives of those of the townsfolk, feeling as though you are merely one amongst them.
Be sure to check your trigger warnings, (quite literally the dedication page) as this book covers some really heavy but important topics.
Some tropes you may find in this book are
Strong FMC
Gentle but dominant MMC
Supernatural beings / shapeshifters
Found family
Slow burn romance
Semi-forced proximity
Age-gap romance
Coming of age
December 31, 2023
Petulant Shadows by Martha Sweeney is one of those reads that grabs you by the collar and drags you straight into the story. Sad, heartbreaking, haunting, and realistic Petulant Shadows brings readers deeper into the world of those who have suffered such horrific crimes. It reminds me so much of the film, Freedom, that recently was released. Martha Sweeney always knows how to captivate my attention and keep it there waiting for the next grand adventure.
Little did I know this one would be darker, edgier, and more heartbreaking than all of her previous books to date. She has the magic touch in bringing real world issues to life and attention to all. Her characters pop from the pages and become as real as you or me. I also enjoyed the paranormal elements added to this tale. With everything there is darkness and there is light.
The book ends on a lighter note as I followed the heroine's journey. If you're looking for more than just a story, characters that tug and beg you to follow their life, and looking for something suspenseful-this is it. I highly recommend Petulant Shadows to all fans of suspense thrillers and crime fiction alike.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Little did I know this one would be darker, edgier, and more heartbreaking than all of her previous books to date. She has the magic touch in bringing real world issues to life and attention to all. Her characters pop from the pages and become as real as you or me. I also enjoyed the paranormal elements added to this tale. With everything there is darkness and there is light.
The book ends on a lighter note as I followed the heroine's journey. If you're looking for more than just a story, characters that tug and beg you to follow their life, and looking for something suspenseful-this is it. I highly recommend Petulant Shadows to all fans of suspense thrillers and crime fiction alike.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 19, 2023
Y’all! This book will have a hold on me for quite some time.
This book is a thing of complete beauty. A woman saved from human trafficking. A found family and so much freaking love. Found faith and what that love and faith can do to heal and protect.
We are taken in a journey so breathtaking that it don’t even know if I can put it into words. I’m not usually into the paranormal, but this book might have turned me. It’s a dystopian style setting we are thrust into and we get to watch as this town and it’s people learn to not only trust each other, but use that love and faith they’ve been instilled with to protect what is theirs from something so dark and disturbing.
We get romance, found family, faith, shifters, and a happily ever after ending. It’s just so well done.
This book is a thing of complete beauty. A woman saved from human trafficking. A found family and so much freaking love. Found faith and what that love and faith can do to heal and protect.
We are taken in a journey so breathtaking that it don’t even know if I can put it into words. I’m not usually into the paranormal, but this book might have turned me. It’s a dystopian style setting we are thrust into and we get to watch as this town and it’s people learn to not only trust each other, but use that love and faith they’ve been instilled with to protect what is theirs from something so dark and disturbing.
We get romance, found family, faith, shifters, and a happily ever after ending. It’s just so well done.
October 24, 2023
I was hooked from the first chapter. The pacing in this book is everything. It is a slow burn but has so much pay off during the whole story. I really enjoyed the chemistry Paisley and Grayson had and at first it is just the two of them and then you are slowly introduced to some pretty wholesome (and maybe not so wholesome) characters. Also there is a horse named Whiskey which is the best name for a horse. This book is a, the less you know the more you are going to really enjoy it.
Also please check trigger warnings!
I received an ARC of this and I am so happy I did!
Also please check trigger warnings!
I received an ARC of this and I am so happy I did!
November 29, 2023
The narrative mainly focuses on Paisley’s tale after she escapes her captors. The strength and bravery Paisley showed was like no other. As for the aftermath, this small town has way more going on than meets the eye! So many aspects are thrown into the mix that your head will spin with twists.
Martha also does a respectful job of softly mentioning trigger-worthy subjects without going too deep into details. This thriller had a dark undertone, but the faith-based message was beautifully accomplished. It's my first time reading a Christian suspense novel, and I don't think it'll be my last!
Martha also does a respectful job of softly mentioning trigger-worthy subjects without going too deep into details. This thriller had a dark undertone, but the faith-based message was beautifully accomplished. It's my first time reading a Christian suspense novel, and I don't think it'll be my last!
January 2, 2024
This book picks up as Paisley has escaped her captors. We get glimpses of what she was put through while abducted, but the author gets the point across without being distasteful or too graphic. Paisley gets a second chance at love and life, but then must fight against those who she escaped from as they come for the people of the town she has grown so fond of. This story has paranormal elements, as well as folklore come to life and strong Christian beliefs woven throughout. Slow burn but powerful read!
October 8, 2023
Definitely check the trigger warnings!
This book has something for every reader. There is mystery, romance, girl power, supernatural elements, religion, and so much more. The beginning of the book was a bit slow paced for me, but it sets a great foundation for when the twists come into play. The author does a great job at handling heavy topics in this book. A great story of resilience, found family, and faith.
This book has something for every reader. There is mystery, romance, girl power, supernatural elements, religion, and so much more. The beginning of the book was a bit slow paced for me, but it sets a great foundation for when the twists come into play. The author does a great job at handling heavy topics in this book. A great story of resilience, found family, and faith.
November 1, 2023
An unbelievably FANTASTIC story! Check your trigger warnings.
I can't get into it without writing spoilers. If you can handle reading about what the dedication states, then you NEED to read this book. It's beautifully done for such a sensitive topic. The elements of supernatural tied with real life topics of former abuse/abduction and religion were intricately and perfectly executed.
I can't get into it without writing spoilers. If you can handle reading about what the dedication states, then you NEED to read this book. It's beautifully done for such a sensitive topic. The elements of supernatural tied with real life topics of former abuse/abduction and religion were intricately and perfectly executed.
August 22, 2023
Petulant Shadows is a story of new beginnings and slow-burn, second chance love. Full of twists and turns, Paisley takes you on an unforgettable journey that leaves you begging for more!
October 26, 2023
✨PR Book Mail Review✨
From heavy topics and second chances. To supernatural elements with twists and turns. Martha captures your attention from the very first page.
Grayson stumbles upon a woman who is hiding on his property from five strange men. Grayson is the kind-hearted man that he is. He threatens the men to leave and rescues her.
Paisley was taken as a young child and has lived through and witnessed horrible and traumatic experiences. Spending years doing what she must to survive. The opportunity finally presents itself for her to escape. She finds herself in the town of Biernhard.
“You might not believe it, but you are an angel, dearest Paisley. To have chosen to live despite what was done to you. That is commendable.”
As time goes by, paisley finds herself safe within the town while building friendships and learning how to protect herself.
Everything is not what it seems in this friendly town. From evil running around, secrets, and supernatural activities.
Can Paisley run forever from the darkness or will it capture her again? Can the town protect the pure and innocent lives? Will Paisley allow love in her heart?
Check out Petulant Shadows to find out!
The chemistry, slow burn, and fun banter/role-playing were a lot of fun! I loved the supernatural elements with a mystery thrown in there. I felt like this book had a little bit of everything.
Thank you again Martha Sweeney for the beautiful box you sent me. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
From heavy topics and second chances. To supernatural elements with twists and turns. Martha captures your attention from the very first page.
Grayson stumbles upon a woman who is hiding on his property from five strange men. Grayson is the kind-hearted man that he is. He threatens the men to leave and rescues her.
Paisley was taken as a young child and has lived through and witnessed horrible and traumatic experiences. Spending years doing what she must to survive. The opportunity finally presents itself for her to escape. She finds herself in the town of Biernhard.
“You might not believe it, but you are an angel, dearest Paisley. To have chosen to live despite what was done to you. That is commendable.”
As time goes by, paisley finds herself safe within the town while building friendships and learning how to protect herself.
Everything is not what it seems in this friendly town. From evil running around, secrets, and supernatural activities.
Can Paisley run forever from the darkness or will it capture her again? Can the town protect the pure and innocent lives? Will Paisley allow love in her heart?
Check out Petulant Shadows to find out!
The chemistry, slow burn, and fun banter/role-playing were a lot of fun! I loved the supernatural elements with a mystery thrown in there. I felt like this book had a little bit of everything.
Thank you again Martha Sweeney for the beautiful box you sent me. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews