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Merida L. Johns
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Blackhorse Road: A novel of deception and forgiveness and love gained and lost Kindle Edition

by Merida Johns (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 38 ratings
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Under another hand, Blackhorse Road could all too easily have been a singular romance. Johns provides more as she follows Luci down the rabbit hole and out the other side of life experience, bringing readers into a world where . . . transgression changes everything and challenges carefully-constructed foundations of belief and values. As Luci lets go of her lifesavers and navigates obstacles to happiness, her story becomes a vivid portrait of hope and self-examination which ultimately moves into unexpected territory. Novel readers seeking a tale that closely considers deception and forgiveness, love gained and lost, and family ties will welcome the multifaceted Blackhorse Road's ability to come full circle in a satisfyingly unexpected way. - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

It’s the turbulent mid-1960s, and Luci, an eighteen-year-old Southern California girl, is on the quest for self-determination and new beginnings. Three powerful forces influence her values: the grit of her Irish great-grandmother, Lucinda McCormick; the philosophy of choice of her father, Sam; and the 1960s ideals of equity and altruism. But potent foes thwart Luci at every turn. Her budding romance with a handsome United States Air Force Academy cadet sets the stage for conflict and deception that last for two decades. When Luci discovers how her autonomy and her love affair were hijacked, she struggles with anger and bitterness. But from a surprising source, she finds a forgiveness path that restores her well-being and hope and, in the end, faith in herself.
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  1. Language
    English
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  3. Publication date
    July 21, 2020
  4. File size
    3256 KB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A story of romance that moves from personal transformation to personal disaster in the blink of an eye. Readers seeking a tale that considers deception and forgiveness, love gained and lost, and family ties will welcome the multifaceted Blackhorse Road's ability to come full circle in a satisfyingly unexpected way - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

The exceptional self-awareness that the characters show is what stands out in Blackhorse Road. - Gayle Scroggs Essence Coaching

About the Author

Merida Johns writes about how ordinary people tackle challenges, live through sorrow and betrayal, struggle with doubt, and act on their aspirations to achieve flourishing lives.Her stories are learning lessons where awareness and curiosity transport readers to the most unexpected places within themselves.  Merida hails from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, grew up in Southern California, has lived from coast-to-coast in the United States.  Besides writing, she enjoys fabric arts, including knitting and weaving.  She makes her home in the serene Midwest countryside that gives her the inspiration and space for storytelling.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08CCFXFFJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Coffee Cup Press (July 21, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 21, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3256 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

About the author

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Merida L. Johns

Merida L. Johns

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Merida Johns writes nonfiction and fiction.

My nonfiction focuses on leadership and healthcare information systems.

But, at heart, I am is a storyteller who writes women’s fiction and stories of courage, discovery, and love that showcase the protagonist’s journey toward a more fulfilled self.

I blog at www.MeridaJohnsAuthor.com and I am on FB at MeridaJohnsAuthor and IG at MeridaJohns

***

I like writing women’s fiction and the human experience—how ordinary people tackle challenges, live through sorrow and betrayal, struggle with doubt, and act on their aspirations to achieve flourishing lives.

My insight into the power of fiction came during a conference call in late 2017 with a group of fellow life coaches. “What would it be like to help women and men achieve a flourishing life through storytelling?” I asked them.

After that phone call, I got started answering that question. The result was my debut novel titled Blackhorse Road, a compelling story of womanhood and the power of choice, gratitude, and forgiveness published July 21, 2020, by Coffee Cup Press, followed by Flower Girl (2022) and Flawless Witness (2023).

Before embracing writing fiction, I was the author of health informatics and leadership textbooks. Later, I put my leadership experience to use as a leadership coach, focusing on helping women and men fulfill their leadership and economic potential. My range of nonfiction is available on my Amazon Author Page.

***

P.S. My booster is Jack. He is a handsome, mixed-breed dog and is forty pounds of stress-soother.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
38 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Cdb
5.0 out of 5 stars A well-researched novel!
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2020
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This book really flashed me back. As a Southern California high-school and college student in the 60’s, there were so many things in this book that I could relate to. The author did such a great job describing the scenes that readers don’t have to struggle to understand what is going on and where. This book is well written, and contains a fair share of self-help and motivation information.

As I was reading the book, I noticed that I was a bit more than half-way through without a lot of movement in time. I must admit, I questioned when the events that appeared in the trailer (book summary) were going to happen as I was running out of pages. However, the author used an interesting and, in my opinion, well-done time transition (I’ll say no more in order to not ruin it for others), at which point things started happening quickly. I can’t deny that I was surprised at the ending, but absolutely found it to be satisfying.

This book is exceedingly well researched. On more than one occasion, I found myself calling on Google to confirm something that I was just sure wasn’t true. For example, early on in the book readers are introduced to Fairmount Park near Riverside, California as having been designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. I am aware of his many wonderful landscape designs in the eastern part of the US, and was also familiar with Fairmount Park. However, I was definitely surprised to confirm that he did indeed do that park's design!

This book is an easy read, that appears to be directed toward women, from young adults onward. Men may find the book interesting as well, particularly the references to military academies and the Vietnam war. An uplifting book and a great first publication effort by this author.
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F. B. Hart
5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable first novel
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020
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I figure I was two years older back then than Luci Bartolini, so much of what Merida Johns wrote about rang bells in my mind. But Luci’s ability to find forgiveness in the end for her mother’s betrayal is something I would not have been able to muster, as I had withdrawn from an overbearing mother, at least for a time. I’ve looked back and felt that my mother’s generation was one of the first to be left with no solid ground on which to stand: too late for servants to help run a large family; too early for going out in the world with a job of her own. I felt it made for an almost jealous reaction to the freedoms the younger generation was demanding.

The author has good insight into the forgiveness of betrayal by someone you love. I felt she probably had experience as a therapist or maybe even experienced it herself.

I double-checked her on a couple of possible anachronisms I thought I spotted, but she was right. She wrote about some of the places I knew back then, and they seemed right. I look forward to her next novel.
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Betty
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is far more than a fictional "coming of age" story.
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2020
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I loved this book. The style was different than most, the author developed each character in depth - flaws and all. Her graphic descriptions of the places and people were so real, it felt like the reader was watching it unfold. The main core group were like lots of young kids during that time period-so very relatable, however they were different enough to be unpredictable. The heart of the book however, was the depth of the main character's thought process. Through this character and a few other key players, the author was able to share insights into successfully addressing and dealing with difficulty, crisis, and changes in life plans that are directly applicable to the reader, regardless of the age or timeframe. This is so unusual in a fictional book. It really set it apart from the rest. I won't forget the story or the lessons subtly learned.
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Our Town Books
4.0 out of 5 stars definitely worth my reading time...
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2020
A really nice read. What a picture of life in the 60’s. This book deals with so many items, emotions really. From the moment I began to read about the true hardships, the real picture drawn by the people trying to immigrate I wanted to keep reading to see what happened. I wanted to see where this was going to lead. At first I thought the letters would create a back and forth kind of reading confusion. That didn’t happen here. Everything centered around Luci in one way or another and the author seemed to be able to weave this story without any confusion, Even no hiccups to my reading which I thought surely would happen.

This is an interesting book, suitable for all ages.
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Catherine Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all-time favorites!
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2022
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Every word is skillfully crafted and placed! One of those books that I just couldn't put down. It will stay with me forever.
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Elizabeth
5.0 out of 5 stars An unforgettable cast of characters!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2020
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The author weaves together such a rich tapestry of characters whose lives intersect with the main character, Luci. I found myself empathizing with many of them, and continued to think about them after I finished the novel! For instance, had I encountered anyone quite like Marie during my lifetime? Or Chris. What fine character he has! I thought about how we don’t have to search for just one soul-mate—there are others out there if we just open our hearts to the possibility. And of course, I totally related to Doris—Luci’s Inner Critic! I have one of those for sure! I highly recommend this novel. You will be captivated by the characters, as well as the history that is woven into the beautiful tapestry that is “Blackhorse Road”.
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Margaret
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2020
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This is a well written and thoroughly researched book. It was so interesting to follow the characters through the years. I believe everyone can relate to the issues and dilemmas that the multigenerational characters face. I came away asking myself questions about my core beliefs and values and how these are nurtured and called upon in life. For me the most compelling being true forgiveness. Ms Johns is a competent author who can subtlety weave these issues into a fictional story.
Do yourself a favor a read this wonderful book.
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Top reviews from other countries

A Grandma
5.0 out of 5 stars A book about life's options . It is your choice.
Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2020
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When I started reading Ms. Johns book I thought it was a romance novel but further into the book I realized it was much more. It is a story about people facing problems and how they deal with these issues (like a self help book but in a story format.) Her characters are fascinating as each deals with life in his/her own way. There is something everyone can take a way from this book especially in these stressful and difficult COVID-19 times no matter what issues or challenges we face. In the words of the character Sam, "You have three options when you hit a brick wall and can't get what you want. You can be complacent and accept the situation and endure it. You can live a fantasy world and pretend everything is fine. Or you can persist and find a way around the wall." After reading this book, you will want to choose the third option. Definitely a good read.
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G. C.
5.0 out of 5 stars A novel about relationships - the good, the bad and the ugly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2020
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We know that the quality of our life is given by the quality of our relationships. Read this novel to learn the do's and don'ts and their intended and unintended consequences. This novel is a must read for anyone interested in exploring the quality of their life.
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