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Second Chances
Guided by the wolf Avatar, control-obsessed Freddie’s powers emerge to battle her rage-filled ghostly stalker. Will she get a second chance to live and love?
Starting life in an orphanage, Darian slips into a world of perversity when adopted by Harry and Ruth Beel. Kindled by the rage his life has engendered, his inherent powers begin to grow. His obsession to become at one with the Power leads him to a woman he believes is the key.
Fredrika Marsh has led a quiet, controlled life, her only risks being her work as a technical analyst and her friendship with her quirky friend Jodi. Then chaos appears in the ghostly visage of a man who threatens her and, ultimately, her friends.
Avatar, the wolf, after nearly losing his life force to Darian and sensing the innocent somehow connected to this monster, is dedicated to helping Fredrika survive the dark power that drives Darian by encouraging her to embrace her own power.
Every corner of Fredrika’s life is invaded, her self-sufficiency lost. She must trust others to survive. Most of all, she must risk trusting herself, for the paranormal ability she fears is the only way she can survive. Her search for answers brings Garrison McCrary into her life, raising the question: will she get a second chance—a chance to live and to love?
Starting life in an orphanage, Darian slips into a world of perversity when adopted by Harry and Ruth Beel. Kindled by the rage his life has engendered, his inherent powers begin to grow. His obsession to become at one with the Power leads him to a woman he believes is the key.
Fredrika Marsh has led a quiet, controlled life, her only risks being her work as a technical analyst and her friendship with her quirky friend Jodi. Then chaos appears in the ghostly visage of a man who threatens her and, ultimately, her friends.
Avatar, the wolf, after nearly losing his life force to Darian and sensing the innocent somehow connected to this monster, is dedicated to helping Fredrika survive the dark power that drives Darian by encouraging her to embrace her own power.
Every corner of Fredrika’s life is invaded, her self-sufficiency lost. She must trust others to survive. Most of all, she must risk trusting herself, for the paranormal ability she fears is the only way she can survive. Her search for answers brings Garrison McCrary into her life, raising the question: will she get a second chance—a chance to live and to love?
426 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2010
4 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Dannye Williamsen
30 books37 followersBorn in Memphis, TN, in 1949, Dannye Williamsen is insightful and innovative in her approach to life, and her writing is designed to share that experience with you. In "Second Chances" and its sequel "The Threads That Bind," as well as in "Center Stage," Dannye offers you characters whose strength and humor in the face of adversity draws you into their world. Her subtle unfolding of the lives of her characters, especially the adversaries, manipulate your emotions until you are no longer able to place them neatly into their predetermined roles. In 2015 Dannye wrote the manuscript for "Chasing Shadows," a Brita Madison Paranormal Mystery and has since published two more in the series - "Shattered Hearts" and "Unraveling Memories." Check out www.DannyeWilliamsen.com for her latest releases.
Her first nonfiction work with co-author John Dean Williamsen titled "It's Your Move! Transform Your Dreams From Wishful Thinking To Reality" won a Bronze Award in the 2004 Book of the Year Awards. She offers nonfiction books and CDs to help you appreciate who you really are; apply what you learn to your day-to-day experiences; and finally, just experience the joy of change. Her nonfiction writings seek to provide information that not only helps you balance your physical, emotional and intellectual centers, but helps you develop a conscious awareness of your use of them.
Her business background in management ranges from land investment to commodity trading to her own entrepreneurial ventures, experiences which she uses in her two novels.
Dannye Williamsen has always sought diversity and excellence in her life, which has resulted in her being named to Marquis' Who's Who in America™, Who's Who in the World™, and Who's Who of American Women™ since 2002, and in 2009 to Who's Who in Finance and Business™. She extends that effort into her search for spiritual understanding and her writing.
Her first nonfiction work with co-author John Dean Williamsen titled "It's Your Move! Transform Your Dreams From Wishful Thinking To Reality" won a Bronze Award in the 2004 Book of the Year Awards. She offers nonfiction books and CDs to help you appreciate who you really are; apply what you learn to your day-to-day experiences; and finally, just experience the joy of change. Her nonfiction writings seek to provide information that not only helps you balance your physical, emotional and intellectual centers, but helps you develop a conscious awareness of your use of them.
Her business background in management ranges from land investment to commodity trading to her own entrepreneurial ventures, experiences which she uses in her two novels.
Dannye Williamsen has always sought diversity and excellence in her life, which has resulted in her being named to Marquis' Who's Who in America™, Who's Who in the World™, and Who's Who of American Women™ since 2002, and in 2009 to Who's Who in Finance and Business™. She extends that effort into her search for spiritual understanding and her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 16, 2011
Second Chances is what I would term a paranormal suspense with a touch of romance. This is a genre that is new to me; at least since I read Anne Rice's vampire series years ago. But I'm not comparing the two as there are no vampires in this story. Second Chances is a story of good versus evil. What comes to the fore, however, are the qualities of forgiveness and love. In this story, the two main characters take totally different paths in life--one goes down the road of good; the other becomes evil. Now most of us would take the stance that the evil one "gets what he deserves", but in this story we see that love is ever expanding and that not only can it overcome evil, but it can actually transform evil into something that is pure love. In the end, what I took away from this riveting story is that there really is no evil in the universe--there is only love. We all travel down paths of our own making; some of these paths might be good while others might be negative or evil, but in the end there is no condition (whether physical or spiritual) that cannot be transformed by love.
This wonderful story comes with a strong message that while subtle, cannot be dismissed. The story holds the reader spellbound with its tale of paranormal events, evil deeds, suspense, friendship and romance. At the end of the day, however, the message comes through loud and clear. Everything is love; everything can be transformed by love. In Second Chances, I was enthralled, held in suspense and even enchanted, in the end I came away feeling inspired and opening my heart to the fact that love truly does conquer all.
This wonderful story comes with a strong message that while subtle, cannot be dismissed. The story holds the reader spellbound with its tale of paranormal events, evil deeds, suspense, friendship and romance. At the end of the day, however, the message comes through loud and clear. Everything is love; everything can be transformed by love. In Second Chances, I was enthralled, held in suspense and even enchanted, in the end I came away feeling inspired and opening my heart to the fact that love truly does conquer all.
December 20, 2011
Second Chances by Dannye Willamsen
Review by Greta Burroughs
I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.
On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us but it is a personal choice as to which is predominent. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.
Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind."
Review by Greta Burroughs
I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.
On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us but it is a personal choice as to which is predominent. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.
Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind."
July 16, 2012
I enjoyed this supernatural thriller, with suspense, romance and murder thrown into the mix. It’s gripping stuff, well written and tightly plotted.
I won’t tell you what happens as that info is in the book blurb and I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I can say that this story is a definite page turner and will steal your attention. Towards the end, I was so rushing to get to the finale and find out what was going to happen that I missed my train stop!
I really liked the character of Avatar, the wolf. He’s a rounded, thoughtful character who introduces the book and the sets the eerie, ‘what’s really going on here?’ atmosphere from the beginning. The personalities of Jeff, Garrison, Freddie, Darian and Jodi are all well-rounded individuals, especially the two central characters of Freddie and Darian. We watch as they lead their separate lives while the threads connecting them are secretly weaving more tightly.
What does a woman do when she finds that she can no longer keep chaos at bay with the forceful control she spreads over everything? The author tells us that Freddie had “spent most of her time trying to orchestrate her life in an attempt to not feel empty, to not feel like a failure despite her success, to not feel lonely.” In the book, she begins to learn new things about herself, her strengths and weaknesses, and the dark secrets that she has never been told. Who is the mystery shadow that comes to haunt her, which she nicknames Mr Personality?
Then there’s Darian. What does a man do when he is broken and becomes a fragment of those parts he once was? Ms Williamsen tells us: “Feelings were all Darian had that he could call his own. So he guarded them carefully, treasured them. Whenever an experience evoked a new feeling, he studied the experience and savoured the feeling in his mind until he could determine where it belonged. Each feeling had a place and a purpose in his mind. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. One day he would have all the pieces.”
There is a lot of philosophy and deep thinking in this novel, lying in the background, which I found interesting. I was underlining many things for the ‘notes’ section. The story investigates the yin and yang, the two sides of the coin; the dark and light of the human character. What makes us do what we do?
It also steps into the nature versus nurture debate. Who are we really? What creates a person? Are people’s characters innate or do our experiences shape us? If someone’s experiences are only dark, how will they turn out? Can we sympathise if they also turn out dark?
Then there is the idea of fate. What is fate, are we fated to take a certain path no matter how many choices are offered to us?
And what is choice? Do we all deserve a second chance? Would everyone actually want a second chance? Everyone has choices. As Ms Williamsen writes, “Our lack of understanding of our relationship to the Universe is why we make choices that aren’t healthy.”
There is a lot to tickle your thinking buds in here besides the actual story.
So, all in all, a good storyline, some fascinating ideas, a good plot, interesting and rounded characters, good pace and a definite page turner, along with some creepy scenes, a drop of romance and some genuinely spooky goings on.
The only downside is that this book is a little too dark for me. This genre of book is not one that I normally read. But, that's just me. Anyone who does read horrors and supernatural dark stories will absolutely love it.
I won’t tell you what happens as that info is in the book blurb and I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I can say that this story is a definite page turner and will steal your attention. Towards the end, I was so rushing to get to the finale and find out what was going to happen that I missed my train stop!
I really liked the character of Avatar, the wolf. He’s a rounded, thoughtful character who introduces the book and the sets the eerie, ‘what’s really going on here?’ atmosphere from the beginning. The personalities of Jeff, Garrison, Freddie, Darian and Jodi are all well-rounded individuals, especially the two central characters of Freddie and Darian. We watch as they lead their separate lives while the threads connecting them are secretly weaving more tightly.
What does a woman do when she finds that she can no longer keep chaos at bay with the forceful control she spreads over everything? The author tells us that Freddie had “spent most of her time trying to orchestrate her life in an attempt to not feel empty, to not feel like a failure despite her success, to not feel lonely.” In the book, she begins to learn new things about herself, her strengths and weaknesses, and the dark secrets that she has never been told. Who is the mystery shadow that comes to haunt her, which she nicknames Mr Personality?
Then there’s Darian. What does a man do when he is broken and becomes a fragment of those parts he once was? Ms Williamsen tells us: “Feelings were all Darian had that he could call his own. So he guarded them carefully, treasured them. Whenever an experience evoked a new feeling, he studied the experience and savoured the feeling in his mind until he could determine where it belonged. Each feeling had a place and a purpose in his mind. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. One day he would have all the pieces.”
There is a lot of philosophy and deep thinking in this novel, lying in the background, which I found interesting. I was underlining many things for the ‘notes’ section. The story investigates the yin and yang, the two sides of the coin; the dark and light of the human character. What makes us do what we do?
It also steps into the nature versus nurture debate. Who are we really? What creates a person? Are people’s characters innate or do our experiences shape us? If someone’s experiences are only dark, how will they turn out? Can we sympathise if they also turn out dark?
Then there is the idea of fate. What is fate, are we fated to take a certain path no matter how many choices are offered to us?
And what is choice? Do we all deserve a second chance? Would everyone actually want a second chance? Everyone has choices. As Ms Williamsen writes, “Our lack of understanding of our relationship to the Universe is why we make choices that aren’t healthy.”
There is a lot to tickle your thinking buds in here besides the actual story.
So, all in all, a good storyline, some fascinating ideas, a good plot, interesting and rounded characters, good pace and a definite page turner, along with some creepy scenes, a drop of romance and some genuinely spooky goings on.
The only downside is that this book is a little too dark for me. This genre of book is not one that I normally read. But, that's just me. Anyone who does read horrors and supernatural dark stories will absolutely love it.
February 6, 2012
Firstly, this is an excellent paranormal story by Dannye Williamsen .She has a way of captivating her readers with her confident style of writing, easy flow and a very good plot. There are no boring fillers, scenes are described with such expertise that you almost feel that you there.Also,one of the hardest things to do is edit your own work. In this novel, Dannye proved her abililties as an editor. Her editing, in my opinion, was flawless.
The one thing that struck me about this book was the power. Although, predominately this is a story about a battle between good and evil, the power aspect of it really shone through for me. The two main characters struggled to maintain this in their lives, therefore forcing them to follow a different path in order to try and re-gain control. One good, one evil, both demanding sympathy in different ways. Several times I found myself feeling this and I was questioned why. Again, the power thing- this time the author over the reader.
In the end it became a fight between the characters, Darian and Freddie to see who would win the emotional fight, who would gain control.
No spoilers here, I recommend you read this book for yourself. However, there is more to this book than meets the eye, in my opinion. On the surface, it is a thoroughly enjoyable, paranormal page turner. Into the mix, the author throws in some romance, action and spine tingling moments. Delve into this book deeper and you will find much more material to study .Food for thought on the psychological aspects of it all, what makes people act in a certain way, different actions, different ways of dealing with things? Does love conquer all or is it power? Well, I recommend you read it and decide for yourself.
To conclude:
Very good storyline, skilfully planned throughout, the author had complete control of her characters at all times, no waffle or straying off the point. The underlying material is there if you want to analyse it, if not just enjoy the book for what it is. I did!
The one thing that struck me about this book was the power. Although, predominately this is a story about a battle between good and evil, the power aspect of it really shone through for me. The two main characters struggled to maintain this in their lives, therefore forcing them to follow a different path in order to try and re-gain control. One good, one evil, both demanding sympathy in different ways. Several times I found myself feeling this and I was questioned why. Again, the power thing- this time the author over the reader.
In the end it became a fight between the characters, Darian and Freddie to see who would win the emotional fight, who would gain control.
No spoilers here, I recommend you read this book for yourself. However, there is more to this book than meets the eye, in my opinion. On the surface, it is a thoroughly enjoyable, paranormal page turner. Into the mix, the author throws in some romance, action and spine tingling moments. Delve into this book deeper and you will find much more material to study .Food for thought on the psychological aspects of it all, what makes people act in a certain way, different actions, different ways of dealing with things? Does love conquer all or is it power? Well, I recommend you read it and decide for yourself.
To conclude:
Very good storyline, skilfully planned throughout, the author had complete control of her characters at all times, no waffle or straying off the point. The underlying material is there if you want to analyse it, if not just enjoy the book for what it is. I did!
February 22, 2013
I found myself reading Second Chances in a period in which I had precious little time to devote to reading… and after the first few pages I was so hooked that I started carving out every possible moment to go on reading… during meals and even in the bathtub, something I never do for fear of damaging the reader!
Today, I finished the book, and I must confess I did not read the incipit for the following book, Threads that Bind, because I want to be surprised and enchanted again by the dexterity with which Dannye Williamsen manages to bind the reader, both with the plot and with her fluent, rich style, full of beautiful descriptions so well calibrated that they become precious ornaments to the story without suffocating it.
Another gift this book has to offer is the underlying philosophy of the eternal struggle between good and evil, faced here from a new, original perspective, that of two twins, parted at birth and forced by life along totally different paths. Is evil something we are born with? And is there something good even in the most evil person? These are some of the questions Dannye Williamsen addresses in her book, and while she gives, of course, her own answer to them, Second Chances offers the reader the possibility of lingering and pondering on the mystery of ying and yang, present in each of us, but that we often tend to ignore.
Add to all this a plot that verges on horror in a very new way, which reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Carrion Comfort (for Darian has something in common with the “mind vampires” we find there, even if he uses his power in a very self-centered and distorted way) and you have the recipe for the perfect book to keep you company in a long and cold January evening!
A five star book, no doubt!
Today, I finished the book, and I must confess I did not read the incipit for the following book, Threads that Bind, because I want to be surprised and enchanted again by the dexterity with which Dannye Williamsen manages to bind the reader, both with the plot and with her fluent, rich style, full of beautiful descriptions so well calibrated that they become precious ornaments to the story without suffocating it.
Another gift this book has to offer is the underlying philosophy of the eternal struggle between good and evil, faced here from a new, original perspective, that of two twins, parted at birth and forced by life along totally different paths. Is evil something we are born with? And is there something good even in the most evil person? These are some of the questions Dannye Williamsen addresses in her book, and while she gives, of course, her own answer to them, Second Chances offers the reader the possibility of lingering and pondering on the mystery of ying and yang, present in each of us, but that we often tend to ignore.
Add to all this a plot that verges on horror in a very new way, which reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Carrion Comfort (for Darian has something in common with the “mind vampires” we find there, even if he uses his power in a very self-centered and distorted way) and you have the recipe for the perfect book to keep you company in a long and cold January evening!
A five star book, no doubt!
January 26, 2012
Is there really evil in the world? Yes. It goes by the name of Darian.
I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story.
Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating!
While reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.
Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance.
THIS IS A MUST READ!
I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story.
Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating!
While reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.
Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance.
THIS IS A MUST READ!
June 3, 2012
Second Chances by Dannye Williamsen
This is quite simply one of the best paranormal thrillers I have read. Second Chances grips the reader from the outset and carries them along in a huge tide of eloquent, flowing style, intriguing characters, and heart-hammering plot.
Centring around two characters: Darian and Fredrika, Dannye Williamsen’s novel is not merely about good versus evil. It examines the complexity of human characteristics and demonstrates that fate and circumstance play their part, too. Both characters have substance. Fredrika represents goodness and has a well-balanced strength. Darian is truly disturbing, yet fascinating. He is bent on destruction, but salvation could be around the corner if only Fredrika is willing to accept his conditions and, indeed, him.
Ms Williamsen is a mistress of suspense. Her plot unfolds methodically, building considerable tension and emotion. Her use of language is masterful. I have read only a handful of novels that have left me begging for more, and Second Chances is one of those.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz’s books, this novel is actually better than any other of this genre that I have read. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to reading Ms Williamsen’s next novel, The Threads That Bind.
This is quite simply one of the best paranormal thrillers I have read. Second Chances grips the reader from the outset and carries them along in a huge tide of eloquent, flowing style, intriguing characters, and heart-hammering plot.
Centring around two characters: Darian and Fredrika, Dannye Williamsen’s novel is not merely about good versus evil. It examines the complexity of human characteristics and demonstrates that fate and circumstance play their part, too. Both characters have substance. Fredrika represents goodness and has a well-balanced strength. Darian is truly disturbing, yet fascinating. He is bent on destruction, but salvation could be around the corner if only Fredrika is willing to accept his conditions and, indeed, him.
Ms Williamsen is a mistress of suspense. Her plot unfolds methodically, building considerable tension and emotion. Her use of language is masterful. I have read only a handful of novels that have left me begging for more, and Second Chances is one of those.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz’s books, this novel is actually better than any other of this genre that I have read. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to reading Ms Williamsen’s next novel, The Threads That Bind.
April 10, 2012
Tops among the positives regarding author Dannye Williamsen is how clearly she cares about the art and craft of her storytelling. She plots her dark fiction to reveal deeper spiritual issues even as she entertains her readers. For those who enjoy the writing style of Darcie Chan (The Mill River Recluse), Carmen DeSousa (She Belongs to Me) and metaphysical twists to their reads, Ms. Williamsen will not disappoint. ~ K.L. Nappier, author of the Full Wolf Moon Trilogy
February 11, 2012
This paranormal romance painted a very unique picture of good vs. evil. Freddie, a seemingly normal financial analyst, is suddenly being haunted and tormented by a dark presence with unexplained intentions. The author does a nice job of creating this villain from the beginning of his existence and actually has the reader torn between hate and pity for him. Good vs. Evil progresses the story and in the end you’ll find yourself with a new understanding of that very concept. My interest was kept throughout this book, following Freddie trying to uncover the mystery and wondering what would happen next.
June 13, 2013
This was an outstanding paranormal thriller. I like books that can make you think and feel and Mrs. Williamsen delivers with a capital D. This is not only about a fight between good and evil...it is so much more. The author gives the reader just enough information to get them thinking and enough action and chills to keep you glued to the pages and hoping it doesn't end.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews