Regina Smeltzer and the Light of Logan review

The Light of Logan by Regina Smeltzer

Contemporary Christian horror

Harbourlight, October, 2018

$5.99

$16.99

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About the Book:

Crows are appearing in Logan, South Carolina, and no one knows why. No one except an elderly blind man Mr. Charlie and a timid young agnostic, Ruth Cleveland. When Nate Baxter, falls in love with Ruth, he's unaware she is hiding a secret that threatens his Christianity and will drive him far from her. Will God use this unlikely trio to save the town from an evil never imagined by the residents of Logan?

Review:

The occult plays a central part in this marvelously creepy tale of spiritually challenging events revealing the deep-seeded underbelly of animosity in one small town.

Ruth is one of those lost souls that make you want to take her home and feed her and just love her up. She’s been beaten by life but doesn’t seem to know she could just give up and meld into fate. Even when she reaches the point where she’s ready to deal with the devil, circumstances miraculously and weirdly intervene to save her from herself. But for what purpose? Mr. Charlie, the mysterious blind man Ruth met and visits with daily, tries to prepare Ruth for the role only he seems to understand she is called to play.

While I found the character of Nate, Ruth’s love interest, a bit plastic, he plays his role well. Peopled with natural, loving side characters beset by raw evil, The Light of Logan is a story that makes readers wonder what would happen in your community if a law that removed taxation exemptions currently enjoyed by non-profits was enacted.

Recommended for those who like a little night terror with their daily inspiration.

Deadly Decision by Regina Smeltzer

Deadly Decision

Regina Smeltzer

Harbourlight Books, a division of Pelican Ventures LLC

c. 2014

Christian Supernatural

Contemporary Ghost stories

Paranormal Romance

$4.99 eBook

$16.99 Print

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About the Book

Bill Iver didn't expect anything more than hard work when he offered to help his daughter and son-in-law restore their rented historic South Carolina home, but then he sees two boys in the attic--and his hand passes through one of them. Bill has always believed that being absent from the body meant being present with the Lord, but if that is true, what did he see? And why does the boy dressed in 19th century clothing look familiar while the second boy, dressed in jeans and sweatshirt, look like the missing grandson of the house's owner? What is the connection between the two boys--and Bill? Hesitant to share his experience with his pastor, but consumed with the need to understand, Bill seeks a worldly explanation which leads him down a trail of decisions that are deadly to body and soul. Through the mire, he must undo the consequences of his choices, discover what his visions mean, and uncover an age-old mystery that will bring closure and reconciliation.

My Review

I confess I like scary stories, though the occult and demonology, not so much. While Smeltzer’s story contains elements of the above, those elements did not overwhelm the story. The driving force was supernatural. There is a difference. I also like being surprised, and while Smeltzer had me wondering which side of truth I might end up on, I enjoyed turning pages to follow the adventure.

I also confess Bill, the narrator and main character of this adventure, was not my favorite person. However, the author made him so real that I forgave him his foibles, even if I don’t want him for a close friend. It takes skill to weave a backstory into the present in a way that doesn’t feel like a report, and this Smeltzer did with aplomb. There is a reason for every character’s need to accept the challenge of a quest, and a familial, generational dream was an excellent prompt. On the other hand, using obvious secrets between characters to drive tension was uncomfortable. Other readers may certainly feel different and get a kick out of watching the interplay among family and friends, especially as Bill blunders along, trying to figure out how to be a heroic superdad, yet allow his heart to open.

This tale of misconceptions, age-old family history and a spooky house was fun. Told in first person through the main character’s eyes, readers who enjoy highly inspirational reading that explores some difficult truths behind Satan being alive and well on planet Earth will appreciate a good shiver from Deadly Decision.

About the Author

Regina Smeltzer writes Christian fiction that reflects God's love for us, his creations. A member of the SCWW and ACFW, she has won the Writer's Digest short story award and was named a semi-finalist in the Genesis Competition. She has served as a public health nurse and college professor for more40 years. She and her husband have four children, who have given her five grandchildren. www.ReginaSmeltzer.com