Spirit Talk · (Book One of the Fiona Series)

In 1985, Fiona is a young woman from the suburbs of Chicago on the doorstep of the tidy life her parents planned for her: 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 profession: 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? Probably not, but Fiona discovers she has more courage than she knew.

Book One in the Fiona Series.

Reviews:

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 I appreciate literary influences (as is mildly felt here on occasion as well), when something this original comes along it is a refreshing change of pace! Some of the writing was downright lyrical in the simple elegance of the prose, and other times I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. I like that some questions get answered and situations get resolved, but the ending definitely leaves you curious about what will happen in the future, so I hope the next book is available soon … 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. Half the fun in reading this book is trying to figure out exactly what is going on… what it all means. But there were some times where I felt it could have used some paring down…but it develops nicely and then I was engaged until the end… my jaw was open more than once! Despite the crowded field of this genre, Colleen did a great job of bringing in a unique voice and making the story wholly her own, and giving it a fresh feel. I certainly didn’t feel like I’ve read this million times before, even if it has a somewhat familiar literary premise on some level… it is still riveting with more depth that I initially expected. While it takes its time to really develop the tension I like for an engrossing story, it does get there and the ending will make you wish you already had book #2! Interesting characters who are relatable and unusual, and profound and insightful observations on Fiona’s place in her world will take you along for this engrossing, supernatural, romantic journey. Recommend for ages 16+ (4.