The Innkeeper on the Edge of Paris

The Innkeeper on the Edge of Paris

J. Schlenker

J. Schlenker

After living in conflict about following her heart versus staying in her comfort zone for three years following her divorce, Isa Muir announces to the shock of family and colleagues she is quitting her job as elementary school librarian and buying a one way ticket to France. She is drawn to a centuries-old inn on the outskirts of Paris. She never expects her stay there will lead to a ghost, reincarnation, and love, not with a Frenchman, but a Scotsman named Daniel. The innkeeper, Claire, calls it destiny. Review 5 Stars 'A ghost story and a romance all rolled into one! A compelling read.' The Wishing Shelf REVIEWThis story is a bit of a mix of things. It's a ghost story; but not in a frightening way. It's a love story; not in an overly soppy way. And it's a study of Paris; but not in a boring 'travel book' sort of way. As I say, it's a mix of things which the author throws into a pot and 'TA DA!' we have a very enjoyable novel. So, to the plot. Isa is the wife of Nick. But she's not happy. So she sets off to an old inn in Paris to, well, do lots of things: to think, to find a bit of space, possibly to forget. Lots of things. But, as with life, what she finds there is not what she expected, including a ghost and new love in the form of, no, not a Frenchman, but a Scotsman. This is a very atmospheric story. The author knows her setting and wants the reader, like the characters, to be immersed in it. It's also very much a character-led story, most of it falling on the downtrodden Isa who must find her wings. It's a little slow paced but that's in keeping with the story. And the little twists in the plot worked well, keeping me turning the page. The best word to describe this book is 'idiosyncratic'. Or, 'odd'. Possibly 'unique' is a good word for it to. Many of the characters you will meet including, of course, the innkeeper, is a little odd. Also, the inn - yes, the pub is almost acharacter in the story - is, well, full of character too. Finally, there's the new love interest. He's very different to the emotionally stunted Nick. He's bold and a bit of an extrovert. I think I sort of fancy him myself. All in all, this is a well-constructed story full of interesting characters and, also, a mystery (the ghost) for the characters to unravel. I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys romance and the thought of throwing away the apron and rushing off to Paris. To be honest, I wouldn't mind doing that too.
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Jessica Lost Her Wobble

Jessica Lost Her Wobble

J. Schlenker

J. Schlenker

"Jessica Lost Her Wobble" is psychological in nature. At mid-life, Jessie, the main character, after many upsets, moves to an island for contemplation of her life and to make a new start. While there she reflects back on her beginnings in the early 20th century in England, her move to New York City, and marriage at a young age, while making friends with a girl half her age. This friendship opens up a new world for her and helps her explore her own soul. Jessie becomes a part of the island otherwise known as a local as she reinvents her life there and finds love. But all is not as it seems.This is J. Schlenker's first novel, written during NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. It was a finalist in the 2014 William Faulkner - William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition and earned a Readers Favorite five star award.
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The Color of Cold and Ice

The Color of Cold and Ice

J. Schlenker

J. Schlenker

Sybil has dreams; the prophetic kind, although interpreting them correctly is another matter. Her latest dream involves her sister Emerald, who wants to pursue her art once more and move on with her life after losing her husband. John, once felt he was making a difference as an ER doctor, but finds himself slipping away in his Manhattan practice as well as in his marriage. Allison, John's wife wants to change her ho hum existence with John into something spectacular. Mark, Allison's brother, a struggling musician, wants to quit rambling in life and find his purpose.The cold changes everything.
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