| Review for Haunted By Evil Haunted by Evil is a book for thrill seekers. Cynthia does an excellent job of keeping the reader's attention during action sequences - I couldn't put the book down until I finished the story. She's done a wonderful job of portraying a very dramatic set of events, along with a nice touch of romance, while sparing us any unnecessary gore, foul language, and sexual content. It takes great talent for a romantic thriller to work without those aspects in today's market, and Cynthia has pulled it off." --Alissa Dunn, author of The Unclaimed Christmas Gift |
Reviews for Pursued By Evil
These reviews are also available on www.BarnesandNoble.com and www.Amazon.com and www.onceuponaromance.com
These reviews are also available on www.BarnesandNoble.com and www.Amazon.com and www.onceuponaromance.com
Once Upon A Romance's Review of Pursued By Evil
Felicia feels all is well with the world. What could be better than turning 21? However, her world is about to change forever. On her 21st
birthday, Felicia's legal guardian gives her a letter from her mother. Her mother is alive and well and living just behind her home.
Felicia needs some answers and she needs them now.
Natalie, her mother, explains a story to Felicia, which almost seems too much to be true except for the fact there is proof to back up the
story. Natalie left her baby because she has been running for her life. Natalie had mistakenly gotten involved with a cult and in
particular, the leader of the cult, Luther, who thought himself a god and her, his future queen. Luther had been thrilled to know he had a
daughter.
Luther also knows his daughter has achieved the age of 21 and is still a virgin because he has known where she was all along and
had people "guarding" her. It is now time for her to begin her life with him and her sacrifice will take him to the next level of godliness.
Natalie takes Felicia on the run to a detective friend, Dylan. Dylans has his own mission where Luther is concerned so he is happy to
help them with theirs. Together they work to avoid being captured by Luther and in the process take down his little empire.
I found Pursued By Evil to be a very intense book. Being intense is certainly not a bad thing, but be prepared when you read it. This isn't
the type of book to sit down and read when you want something light before bed. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your
seat with anticipation.
I truly appreciated the dynamics formed by the play between good and evil, God and Satan, in Cynthia's writing. The book causes the
reader to stop and think a bit about the life they are involved in and the world around them. The characters are well thought out although
I would have liked just a bit more information about them in the physical sense. However, keep in mind that is my preference where
you might like to create more on your own. The nuances in this book are well defined and clearly lead from one step to the next so the
flow in this book is fantastic. - Lori Graham, Once Upon A Romance
Felicia feels all is well with the world. What could be better than turning 21? However, her world is about to change forever. On her 21st
birthday, Felicia's legal guardian gives her a letter from her mother. Her mother is alive and well and living just behind her home.
Felicia needs some answers and she needs them now.
Natalie, her mother, explains a story to Felicia, which almost seems too much to be true except for the fact there is proof to back up the
story. Natalie left her baby because she has been running for her life. Natalie had mistakenly gotten involved with a cult and in
particular, the leader of the cult, Luther, who thought himself a god and her, his future queen. Luther had been thrilled to know he had a
daughter.
Luther also knows his daughter has achieved the age of 21 and is still a virgin because he has known where she was all along and
had people "guarding" her. It is now time for her to begin her life with him and her sacrifice will take him to the next level of godliness.
Natalie takes Felicia on the run to a detective friend, Dylan. Dylans has his own mission where Luther is concerned so he is happy to
help them with theirs. Together they work to avoid being captured by Luther and in the process take down his little empire.
I found Pursued By Evil to be a very intense book. Being intense is certainly not a bad thing, but be prepared when you read it. This isn't
the type of book to sit down and read when you want something light before bed. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your
seat with anticipation.
I truly appreciated the dynamics formed by the play between good and evil, God and Satan, in Cynthia's writing. The book causes the
reader to stop and think a bit about the life they are involved in and the world around them. The characters are well thought out although
I would have liked just a bit more information about them in the physical sense. However, keep in mind that is my preference where
you might like to create more on your own. The nuances in this book are well defined and clearly lead from one step to the next so the
flow in this book is fantastic. - Lori Graham, Once Upon A Romance
Felicia grew up with a woman who loved her and gave her a foundation of faith. She grew up with Michael who is pushing their
relationship to a point of driving her away. But it is the letter she opens on her twenty-first birthday that truly begins a nightmare from
which Felicia doubts she'll ever awake. Everything about her life is not what she thought.
Worse, she finds herself caught up in murder and running from a cult leader who wants her at any cost, even if it means killing everyone
around her.
The story contrasts the hope of faith with the fear and destruction of a satanic cult. This book is one wild ride, but definitely not for the
faint of heart. The abrupt ending, though wrapping up the primary story line, calls for a sequel, which I understand the author is working
on. (Read complete review at members.tripod.com/crscheidiesivil/bookreviews/id2.html)
relationship to a point of driving her away. But it is the letter she opens on her twenty-first birthday that truly begins a nightmare from
which Felicia doubts she'll ever awake. Everything about her life is not what she thought.
Worse, she finds herself caught up in murder and running from a cult leader who wants her at any cost, even if it means killing everyone
around her.
The story contrasts the hope of faith with the fear and destruction of a satanic cult. This book is one wild ride, but definitely not for the
faint of heart. The abrupt ending, though wrapping up the primary story line, calls for a sequel, which I understand the author is working
on. (Read complete review at members.tripod.com/crscheidiesivil/bookreviews/id2.html)
Great Suspense Read
In this debut novel by Cynthia Hickey, the reader is left breathless at times...truly believable characters and interesting plot with a faith
line intricately woven in so that the book isn't preacy...I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense read! - Robin, a
reviewer
Evil Really DOES Exist
This is one of the most gripping 'pursuit' novels I have ever read. Young Felicia Wingate must run from an evil cult leader who is
determined to sacrifice her life for his own malignant purposes. Betrayal, murder and lust are some of the evils that pursue Felicia, and
only her faith in God sustains her during the trials she must endure -- her faith, and the help of a bitter, disillusioned cop. Well told, with
vivid descriptions, several unexpected plot twists and believable characters, Cynthia Hickey's 'Pursued By Evil' belongs on the book shelf
of everyone who enjoys reading excellent novels. I strongly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.-
Charles Cordova, the author of Journey To Myridia
The Heroine
PURSUED BY EVIL, Cynthia Hickey's first novel, has much to offer the reader: fast pace, action, adventure, mystery, and a truly sinister
villain, but necessary as these elements are, they are not what captured me. My heart belongs to Felicia, the protagonist, whose
innocence is the leaven in this particular loaf of fiction as well as the salt which gives it savor. She is the wholesome girl next door that
every boy longs to meet but has begun to suspect doesn't exist. In a world full of real and fictional women who readily compromise
themselves to prove they are genuine, it is incredibly refreshing to discover the character of Felicia, whose goodness and purity
permeate the work. Felicia is an honest to God, Christian heroine: no more ... no less ... nothing better. Great job, Cynthia Hickey.- Dan
Skelton, the author of BOOJUM
Action Packed
PURSUED BY EVIL is Cynthia Hickey's debut novel. The story flows quickly and imagery is perfect. It is an impressive start to her career.
The ending is packed with action and proves to be one of the book's most dramatic scenes. It did seem to be left open for a sequel, and
I hope the author is planning to return readers to Felicia's world. - RoundTableReviews
Bravo, Cynthia!
Felicia Wingate has had the perfect life - a nurturing environment that would make many children envious of her. But that perfect life
suddenly shatters when she receives a mysterious letter from an even more mysterious individual - a witch, who claims to be her
mother. In a matter of seconds, Felicia's life is in complete disarray as she's forced from her protective shelter and driven deep into the
unknown on a horrifying roller coaster ride. Now, Felicia is on the run... traveling from an eerie haunted forest to a domain that's as icy as
the ones that seek after her. Felicia Wingate no longer has the perfect life... Felicia Wingate, is Pursued By Evil. - Tim Johnson, author
DETAILED ANALYSIS -RELIGIOUS CONTENT - There are Biblical references mentioned in various places throughout the story
indicating some of the character's beliefs. These characters pray from time to time and there is a Christian conversion that occurs in the
story. There are also satanic occult practices mentioned. However, this is only to strengthen the evil nature of some of the characters.
-ADULT LANGUAGE/CONTENT - The word hell is utilized only once in the story, and this is the only profane word that is used... and I
might add that it is used by a non-Christian character. This is another reason that I liked this literary creation. In my opinion, profanity and
graphic sexuality is not a necessity when it comes to delivering a great story. And, Cynthia Hickey has substantially proven that my
opinion on this matter must count for something, since I completed her manuscript in just two days while keeping a very busy schedule.
I say, 'Bravo, Cynthia! Bravo!' In short, I see no reason why anyone above 10 years of age should be kept from reading this story. The
adult content in general is plenty mild enough for the eyes of a pre-teen. -VIOLENT CONTENT - I see more violence on TV than what I
read in this story. Frankly speaking, I scarcely see anything that's worth watching on TV any more... I usually have to watch a DVD of
some favorite movie or re-run that I've always liked. My advice... read Pursued By Evil... TV has gone down the tube. -CONCLUSION -
Cynthia Hickey has developed a mysterious and thrilling romantic adventure that'll make you yearn for more when it's all said and done.
- Tim Johnson, author of Twisted Oak:Eyes of Discernment
In this debut novel by Cynthia Hickey, the reader is left breathless at times...truly believable characters and interesting plot with a faith
line intricately woven in so that the book isn't preacy...I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense read! - Robin, a
reviewer
Evil Really DOES Exist
This is one of the most gripping 'pursuit' novels I have ever read. Young Felicia Wingate must run from an evil cult leader who is
determined to sacrifice her life for his own malignant purposes. Betrayal, murder and lust are some of the evils that pursue Felicia, and
only her faith in God sustains her during the trials she must endure -- her faith, and the help of a bitter, disillusioned cop. Well told, with
vivid descriptions, several unexpected plot twists and believable characters, Cynthia Hickey's 'Pursued By Evil' belongs on the book shelf
of everyone who enjoys reading excellent novels. I strongly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.-
Charles Cordova, the author of Journey To Myridia
The Heroine
PURSUED BY EVIL, Cynthia Hickey's first novel, has much to offer the reader: fast pace, action, adventure, mystery, and a truly sinister
villain, but necessary as these elements are, they are not what captured me. My heart belongs to Felicia, the protagonist, whose
innocence is the leaven in this particular loaf of fiction as well as the salt which gives it savor. She is the wholesome girl next door that
every boy longs to meet but has begun to suspect doesn't exist. In a world full of real and fictional women who readily compromise
themselves to prove they are genuine, it is incredibly refreshing to discover the character of Felicia, whose goodness and purity
permeate the work. Felicia is an honest to God, Christian heroine: no more ... no less ... nothing better. Great job, Cynthia Hickey.- Dan
Skelton, the author of BOOJUM
Action Packed
PURSUED BY EVIL is Cynthia Hickey's debut novel. The story flows quickly and imagery is perfect. It is an impressive start to her career.
The ending is packed with action and proves to be one of the book's most dramatic scenes. It did seem to be left open for a sequel, and
I hope the author is planning to return readers to Felicia's world. - RoundTableReviews
Bravo, Cynthia!
Felicia Wingate has had the perfect life - a nurturing environment that would make many children envious of her. But that perfect life
suddenly shatters when she receives a mysterious letter from an even more mysterious individual - a witch, who claims to be her
mother. In a matter of seconds, Felicia's life is in complete disarray as she's forced from her protective shelter and driven deep into the
unknown on a horrifying roller coaster ride. Now, Felicia is on the run... traveling from an eerie haunted forest to a domain that's as icy as
the ones that seek after her. Felicia Wingate no longer has the perfect life... Felicia Wingate, is Pursued By Evil. - Tim Johnson, author
DETAILED ANALYSIS -RELIGIOUS CONTENT - There are Biblical references mentioned in various places throughout the story
indicating some of the character's beliefs. These characters pray from time to time and there is a Christian conversion that occurs in the
story. There are also satanic occult practices mentioned. However, this is only to strengthen the evil nature of some of the characters.
-ADULT LANGUAGE/CONTENT - The word hell is utilized only once in the story, and this is the only profane word that is used... and I
might add that it is used by a non-Christian character. This is another reason that I liked this literary creation. In my opinion, profanity and
graphic sexuality is not a necessity when it comes to delivering a great story. And, Cynthia Hickey has substantially proven that my
opinion on this matter must count for something, since I completed her manuscript in just two days while keeping a very busy schedule.
I say, 'Bravo, Cynthia! Bravo!' In short, I see no reason why anyone above 10 years of age should be kept from reading this story. The
adult content in general is plenty mild enough for the eyes of a pre-teen. -VIOLENT CONTENT - I see more violence on TV than what I
read in this story. Frankly speaking, I scarcely see anything that's worth watching on TV any more... I usually have to watch a DVD of
some favorite movie or re-run that I've always liked. My advice... read Pursued By Evil... TV has gone down the tube. -CONCLUSION -
Cynthia Hickey has developed a mysterious and thrilling romantic adventure that'll make you yearn for more when it's all said and done.
- Tim Johnson, author of Twisted Oak:Eyes of Discernment
Lizzie's parents had come to the "New World" with the dream to head west and make a life for their family. They had to stop in New York to
raise the funds to continue with their dream as the trip over took everything they had. Together they found jobs and had their dream on
track. However, during a rain storm one night, they were taken by a run-away carriage and left three children to quickly become adults.
Zeke at 12, took over as the man of the family and did odd jobs to bring in money. Lizzie, being the eldest, got a job as a maid and Abby, at
8, took over the care of the household.
After losing her job, Lizzie approached her siblings with the idea of continuing their parent's dream. After selling everything they possibly
could and with the help of a kind neighbor woman, their adventure began. The train ride from NY to Independence, MO was not the
excitement they had thought it would be but they arrived intact and began to make friends while getting set up with a wagon train.
The path across America led them through many trials and tests of their faith in God. However, they hung true and even enjoyed a few
triumphs. Lizzie found herself falling in love with the wagon master along the way, which proved to be a good thing because she was
quickly earning the nickname "Calamity".
Their trek took them trough some of the most beautiful country they had ever seen along with the depths of land that was aptly called "hell
on earth". They experienced the loss of dear friends along with the birth of new hope. They met friendly Indians, along with the unfriendly,
and even an unscrupulous gambler to stir up excitement.
It's funny to think about the history classes that I took during my years of schooling and how bored I was by facts, figures and dates.
However, if you take history, such as these pioneers and create a story, I can read about it for hours.
Cynthia Hickey did a fine job of illustrating the strengths and the faith of the pioneers, which made way for the life we enjoy today. As a
woman, we often take for granted the strength of the men on these westerly journeys. In A Dream Fulfilled, Cynthia illustrates their
gentleness which fortified the strength of the women. She was able to put into words the effectiveness of teamwork both within a family
structure, and a hodge podge crew of individuals. I would love to see Cynthia do a sequel of the first years after reaching the "dream" and
how it was turned into reality. - Lori Graham, Once Upon A Romance
*******************************
After the unexpected deaths of their parents, siblings Lizzie, Zeke and Abby band together. Lizzie, the eldest, works hard to scrape together
enough money to follow her father's dream of heading west, while raising her younger brother and sister.
Three years later, nineteen-year-old Lizzie packs up their necessary belongings, selling the rest, and set off to Missouri where they will
join a wagon train. Zeke, now twelve, and Abby, now nine, are ready to start fresh in a new land, but they have no idea of the dangers
ahead. Buffalo, Indians and disease are only a few of the problems they encounter, but they are determined to make a new life for
themselves.
William Aiken, the wagon train's leader, finds himself attracted to the gutsy teen, Lizzie, and enjoys the company of her siblings. Soon
marriage is in the air, but can their marriage survive life on the trail?
A DREAM FULFILLED is a delightful read. Wagon trains are a favorite setting of mine, not many romances tackle this tough era. Cynthia
Hickey captures the history admirably. The danger of life on the trail is portrayed well, and true to life. Many died along the way. Expect
such realism in this book.
I had a hard time putting Lizzie and William's story down, and come the ending, I still wanted more. Perhaps the author will consider
revisiting the pair as they forge their new life in Oregon? - RoundTableReviews
*******************************
Cynthia Hickey's novel, A Dream Fulfilled, takes readers on a perilous journey along the Oregon Trail through the eyes of her characters.
Lizzie Springer and her two younger siblings, Luke and Abby, have lost their parents in an accident. Their father had plans of going west to
settle in Oregon, and the three head out of the confinements of the big city for the adventure of their lives in order to fulifll their father's
dream.
Thrust into the frontier, the Springers face many dangers: raging rivers, deserts, Indians, and kidnappers. But through all this, Ms. Hickey
gently weaves the romance between William Aiken, the wagon train master, and Lizzie into the story. They marry along the trail, a perfect
match, complimenting each other's strengths and making up for each other's weaknesses. William gets Lizzie out of one dilemma after
another.
One thing I really enjoyed about the book is the interactions between Lizzie and Abby. The dialogue between them was just great. I really
love Lizzie's character. She is fresh, independent, and yet unselfish. Aiken is heroic, protective of women and children, a truly chivalric
character. Ida is a freed slave who is hardworking and brave. Her husband Luke is strong, yet gentle, and willing to help his fellow man
even at the risk of injury or death. Zeke is borderline rebellious, anxious to grow up into manhood.
Some authors romanticize the west. It is evident that Cynthia Hickey researched the history of the Oregon Trail with all its hardships and
dangers. She doesn't hold back the dirt, sweat, grime, or the hardships. Descriptions of dust getting into the characters' teeth, their
clothes covered with it, the heat, the cold, the physical challenges of crossing rivers, deserts, and mountains, really bring the story alive
and make it 'real'. Also, many books these days glamorize the life of characters, especially in the romance genre. The heroine is never
dirty or sweaty, but pristine and perfectly clean. She never gets her hands soiled. In my opinion this makes for a boring read. So, I like this
aspect of A Dream Fulfilled.
If anything, A Dream Fulfilled enlightens readers to the perils of frontier life and what hardships our pioneer ancestors faced in order to
settle the west. It is suitable for youth to adult. I hope Ms. Hickey will consider writing a sequel to this book. - Rita Gerlach, author of The
Rebel Pledge
Reviews
| Reviews for A Dream Fulfilled |
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