Terri Reid

Creatures, Hauntings, Legends, Myths, Phenomenon.All things that make us think, make us wonder, and sometimes makes our hair stand on end.Visit the realm of the unknown, where mysterious creatures lurk in the shadows. A place where myths and legends abound. Take in the stories and ponder their meaning. Read about unexplained phenomenon, and wonder.Three authors offer glimpses into the question, what if? Some of the stories are dark, some are scary, and some are hopeful. But all these stories have a common thread... the unknown.

Over one hundred years ago, a group of witches, escaping a second wave of Witch Trials made their way from New England to Whitewater, Wisconsin, known as Second Salem. Others, seeking knowledge in spiritualism and the occult, also made their way to the city and, through their ignorance, unleashed an evil entity poised to destroy the city. Three sisters, the Willoughby Witches, created an incantation strong enough to ensnare the demon. But, magic requires payment, and so the sisters sacrificed themselves to keep their city and their family safe. Now, 120 years later, the incantation is at its end, and the demon grows stronger every day. Three sisters, three witches, know that now is the time for them to step up and face the creature their ancestors faced and sacrifice whatever they need in order to keep Whitewater safe. Catalpa Willoughby always thought that Donovan Farrington was her one true love, but Donovan's decision to join the league of the demon known as the Master has Cat both frightened and confused. In order to fight the demon, she and her sisters were charged with finding a soulmate who can help them on this journey. Will that soulmate be Donovan, or could it be the mysterious stranger in town, Finias Bailey, who seems to know more about the Willoughbys than he should.

Over one hundred years ago, a group of witches, escaping a second wave of Witch Trials made their way from New England to Whitewater, Wisconsin, known as Second Salem. Others, seeking knowledge in spiritualism and the occult, also made their way to the city and, through their ignorance, unleashed an evil entity poised to destroy the city. Three sisters, the Willoughby Witches, created an incantation strong enough to ensnare the demon. But, magic requires payment and so the sisters sacrificed themselves to keep their city and their family safe. Now, 120 years later, the incantation is at its end and the demon grows stronger every day. Three sisters, three witches, know that now is the time for them to step up and face the creature their ancestors faced and sacrifice whatever they need in order to keep Whitewater safe. Joseph Norwalk is Whitewater's new Police Chief, taking over after the former one was incarcerated. When he meets Hazel Willoughby, he realizes that there's something unique about the gorgeous brunette. Heatedly arguing with him that she doesn't deserve a ticket because she would never park in front of a fire hydrant, and it's obvious that someone else moved her pickup trick for spite, Joseph is intrigued. Not only does she have spunk and spirit, but she also seems to have a secret. Which is another thing they seem to have in common.

I've had many of my fiction readers ask me about turning my weekly blog "Freaky Friday" into a book. But, as I looked at many of my stories, a number of them had links to websites or newspaper articles, so there were copyright issues. I had quite a few of my own stories, but not really enough to create a book. Then, my good friend and paranormal mystery writer, Ophelia Julien, told me that she also had a large selection of personal stories, but not enough for her own book. So, we collaborated and "Ghosts, Graves, and Groves" was born. (Like Dr. Frankenstein yelling, "It's alive ) The name of the book comes from, well, obviously ghost stories, but also Ophelia's paranormal books always have graves on the cover and my paranormal books always have trees - so we thought "Ghosts, Graves and Groves" represented who we are and what we do. I hope you enjoy this selection of true stories. These are either incidents that happened to us personally or stories that we heard from the people who experienced them.

Over one hundred years ago, a group of witches, escaping a second wave of Witch Trials made their way from New England to Whitewater, Wisconsin, known as Second Salem. Others, seeking knowledge in spiritualism and the occult, also made their way to the city and, through their ignorance, unleashed an evil entity poised to destroy the city. Three sisters, the Willoughby Witches, created an incantation strong enough to ensnare the demon. But, magic requires payment and so the sisters sacrificed themselves to keep their city and their family safe. Now, 120 years later, the incantation is at its end and the demon grows stronger every day. Three sisters, three witches, know that now is the time for them to step up and face the creature their ancestors faced and sacrifice whatever they need in order to keep Whitewater safe. Lord Henry McDermott, college professor, anthropologist, and archeologist has yearned to learn more about the legend of the Willoughby Witches. Taking the summer off to research the folklore, Henry discovers that there is more waiting for him in Whitewater than just a story. More than just the beautiful woman who finds him after his accident. And more than data and details. There is, in fact, magic.

Un romance breve inspirado en Taylor SwiftEsta historia est inspirada en la canci n de Taylor Swift: "You BelongWith Me." ("Estamos hechos el uno para el otro").Molly y Jack han sido vecinos y mejores amigos desde que eranpeque os. Pero el verano antes del ltimo curso de secundaria deJack, el joven pasa todas las vacaciones lejos de Molly. Cuando regresa, no solo es su f sico lo que ha cambiado notoriamente, los sentimientosde Molly por l tambi n lo han hecho. Desafortunadamente, el primer d a de clase el nuevo atractivo del chico capta laatenci n de la principal animadora y la chica m s popular de toda laescuela. Tendr Molly siquiera la oportunidad de conquistar su coraz n?Hay tres generaciones de fans de Taylor Swift en mi casa. Personalmente, me encanta que sus canciones retraten las preocupaciones ylos l os mentales que todos experimentamos sobre todo en nuestra poca adolescente, sentimientos que, por supuesto, todav a nos invadenen nuestra etapa adulta.Me divert much simo escribiendo esta historia que ha sido revisadapor una adorable lectora beta pre-adolescente y muchas mujeresquienes dejaron su adolescencia a os atr s, y todas lo han disfrutadomucho. Se trata de un romance muy entra able y MUY apto paratodas las edades.

Over a thousand years ago a brave band of Knights of the Round Table agreed to enter Morganna's castle and remove an ancient spell that allowed the sorceress the ability to travel in time. But they had been betrayed, Morganna caught the young men and despite Merlin's protection, cast a spell upon them that would age them a year for every day they lived as men. Merlin did the only thing he could; he changed the men to horses so they could roam as immortals until someone could break the spell. For more than one thousand years, the Herdin family was charged with the duty to help the horses and break the spell. Once every hundred years, the signs aligned and another Herdin risked their life to free the knights. This time, Meaghan Herdin's father, Lord John, is the last surviving male heir in the Herdin line. Will he be able to break the spell or will Morganna and her followers destroy Meaghan's family? Set in Ireland in the 18th century, Eochaidh - The Legend of the Horseman, is filled with love, adventure, loyalty and magic.

Mandy, a novice nurse at Freeport hospital, took the elevator down to get supplies for her area. It only took a moment to go from four down to three. The elevator doors opened to a dimly lit floor. She walked out and glanced to her right. The empty nurses station was just down the hall before the double doors that she assumed led to the now empty rooms. There were a few boxes on the counter that surrounded the station, but other than those, the station was empty. She turned to the left and saw the closed door with the word "Supplies" stenciled on it. Hurrying over to the doors, she pulled out the key and inserted it into the lock. A light switch was conveniently located right inside the door and Mandy switched it on. Bright light flooded the interior of the supply room. Metal shelves lined up in narrow aisles throughout the room. She easily located the sheets and also found a plastic tub she could use to carry them upstairs. She piled the sheets into the tub, carried them out of the room, then turned off the light and then locked the door.Hefting the tub back into her arms, she turned around and was surprised to see a little girl standing next to the empty nurses station. Mandy guessed the little girl was about eight years old. She had a hospital gown on and her hair was styled in two braids that hung on either side of her head. She must have wandered away from the Pediatric Ward on the second floor. "Hey sweetheart," she said. "I'm Mandy. Are you lost?"The girl stared at the nurse for a long moment, but didn't answer."Come on, I can bring you back to your room," Mandy coaxed, not wanting to frighten the child. The child didn't respond. Mandy put the tub down, looked back up and the child was gone. Shaking her head in surprise, Mandy slowly stepped forward, her heart thumping in her chest. The little girl must have dashed behind the counter, that had to be where she was. "Little girl," she called. "Where are you?"She peeked behind the nurses station expecting to find the child hiding, but no one was there. All of the cabinets and desks that used to be behind the counter were gone, so just the shell of the counter stood around her. There was nowhere to hide. Nowhere to go.A chill ran up Mandy's spine.She backed away from the station, her mouth dry and her heart pounding. She grabbed the tub of sheets and dashed to the elevator, beating on the button in desperation. Not daring to look over her shoulder at the wing behind her. Finally, the elevator doors opened, and she nearly tripped getting in, she was so eager to leave the floor. She pressed the fourth-floor button and gasped with relief when the doors opened into the bright floor.Mary and Bradley help solve the mystery that is keeping the ghosts of thirteen children stranded in an unused section of the hospital. And, with Mikey arrival imminent, they prepare for other changes in the Alden household.

The old book shook, its illustrated pages fluttering wildly back and forth until it reached the center pages and froze. A shadow climbed from the depths of the bindings, pushing its way out from the ink and linen, the embossed gold and paint, the leather and twine. It pushed its way out of one realm into another, from faerie to earth, from yesterday into today. He stood next to the counter and slowly gazed around. It had been a long time since he had stood on the surface. He studied the shelves, his eyesight clear even in the dark. He didn't know if the items were familiar because of the books he'd read or the memories he held. He inhaled deeply. Some of the scents were also familiar: old books, dust, lemon polish and wood. But they were old memories, memories from his life before his escape. Sean O'Reilly and the other members of the Order of Brigid's Cross have to track down a changeling who has come to the Chicago area to seduce young women and bring them down to faery. But will one of their own become a victim to his dangerous spell?

A distinct chill went up Professor Elaine Wright's spine. She slowly turned around and her heart dropped when she saw the ghost of a young girl standing near the road. Like the other ghosts Elaine had encountered, the girl was translucent. Elaine could make out her features, but if she looked closely she could see through her to the woods beyond. The girl had shoulder length, brown hair, and Elaine could see where a dimple was hidden in her cheek. Elaine's heart sank; it was the ghost of Marsha Swanson, the first victim and the girl who had been in her dream.Marsha shook her head, and tears began to roll down her cheek. "I'm cold, so cold," she said. "Can you help me get warm?"She lifted pleading, tear-filled eyes to Elaine. She began to fade from view, but before she was totally gone, she turned back to Elaine. "Please help me," she cried desperately, tears filling her eyes. "I'm so cold."Elaine Wright has been called in to help solve a case of disappearing coeds from the college in Baraboo, Wisconsin. But Detective Ryan Wagner wanted more than Elaine's expertise in criminology when he called on her to help solve the crime, he wanted the benefit of her psychic gift. And he wanted another chance to get to know the professor in a more personal way.

Mary O'Reilly Alden froze and stared into the living room. She could swear that something moved in there. She walked around the counter, towards the living room, and heard a soft giggle. It sounded like a child's voice, but there was something about it that sent chills down her spine. "Who's there?" she asked, walking to the entrance of the room.The giggle repeated, this time clearer. "I don't find this funny at all," she replied firmly, trying not to show her fear. "Now, if you want my help, you will show yourself."She looked around and saw the branches of the Christmas tree shake. She started to step forward, but a sudden grip of instinctual fear held her back. The giggle repeated, and then the voice called out, "Mary. Mary. I've found you."Mary gripped the edge of the couch, her knees weakening beneath her. It was the voice from the asylum, and it was in her home. The spirit from the asylum has followed Mary O'Reilly home for the holidays. But there are no chestnuts roasting on the open fires he's creating. With Rosie and Stanley in danger, will Mary and company be able to assure themselves of a Merry Christmas, or will things go terribly, terribly wrong?

Even though her father's murderer had been found and killed, Bruce Blackwood's spirit would still not rest. Now his focus was on his daughter, Brooke, and the danger she would be in if she ever recovered the childhood memory of his death. Who can she trust when it seems the very people who should watch over her, her parents, were part of the plot?Art O'Reilly not only has to protect Brooke from those who want to do her harm, but also from the growing feelings he has for her. She's an innocent and, right now, considers him her Knight in Shining Armor. Can he make her understand that he doesn't want to be her hero? He just wants her to see him as he is; a man in love.

A new family just moved in next door to Colin's house. A family with some pretty weird habits. But when Colin and the Dublin Ohio Paranormal Investigators (DOPIs) discover the new neighbors are actually vampires, what will they do? My Neighbor's A Vampire is a story about tolerance and understanding.

Ruth McCredie was about in the middle of the field, she decided. Thiswould be a good place to get a few more samples. She looked back at therow she was standing in and saw four ears laying in the dirt."Perfect," she said, reaching back for another plastic bag. "These will begreat."Hurrying down the row towards the ears, she was surprised to hear a crackin the distance. Before she could react, she felt the blow of the bullet enteringher body. She stared, wide-eyed, at the blood blossoming across hersweatshirt."I've been..." she began, more bewildered than afraid, but then her kneesgave out and she fell to the ground. The soft earth absorbed the impact fromthe fall, but a sharp stalk scraped her face. She gasped in pain, but the gaspgave way to choking as her life ebbed away, the rich, brown soil absorbingher blood.A bullet shot rings out on the night of the Super Moon and a promising collegestudent is killed. Was it an accident, or did her research into falseclaims by a bio-tech, agricultural company garner her too much attention?The wrong kind of attention. Mary and Bradley have to find out or Ruth McCredie will never rest.

The bedroom door flew open with a powerful crash. "What the...?" Mary exclaimed. Mike nodded. "Yeah, well see, that's the problem," he said with a sigh. "You brought someone home with you tonight.""What?" "And it looks like she's not real happy about your relationship with Bradley," he said."I have a jealous ghost in my house?" Mary asked, astonished.Mike shook his head apologetically. "No, sweetheart," he said. "You have a jealous poltergeist in your home."As if on cue, the drawers in Mary's dresser opened, and her clothing started flying across the room. Mary turned back to Mike. "Really?" she asked. "Like I need this now?"She walked into the center of her bedroom and immediately was hit in the face by a pair of her own underwear. And this time she was sure of it. She heard a giggle, and then suddenly the entire room was filling with swirling clothing.Bradley came running into the room and the ruckus ended. "What happened?" he asked."I think I just met one of your former girlfriends," Mary said, pulling a pair of underwear from out of her neckline. "And I don't think she was very happy to meet me."