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Stranger on the Shore

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This spellbinding fictional story spins a web of linked mysteries about a beautiful young woman, Marisa, who is found almost lifeless on the bank of the East River in New York City. The Investigating Detective’s preliminary conclusion -- she “must have fallen out of the sky.”

Chris, grieving the loss of his fiancé Theresa, meets the enigmatic Arielle on the beach and agrees to meet her at a party. However, when he arrives at the party, he finds no sign of Arielle, but instead meets Marisa, a waitress who bears an uncanny resemblance to Theresa and even possesses her complete memory. Chris is stunned by the coincidence and wonders if everything is part of some greater plan orchestrated by Arielle.

As the story unfolds, Marisa's identity is revealed and her destiny to face one of the most notorious cartel leaders in a deadly battle becomes clear. Along the way, Ana and Chris develop a tumultuous love affair, which ultimately leads Chris to fight by Ana's side as she battles the cartel leader. But the story takes a twist when the mysterious Arielle appears at the most critical moment in the fight, adding another layer of mystery to the tale. Will Chris and Marisa triumph over their foes and find happiness together, or will the forces against them prove too strong? Follow along as Stranger on the Shore unravels these mysteries and more.

198 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2024

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About the author

William J. Borak

1 book132 followers
Bill Borak is a retired business professional who
worked as a Management Consultant for half of his 42 years in business. In this capacity he worked primarily for Fortune 100 companies (AT&T, Bloomberg Financial, Pfizer, Merck, etc.) developing Technology based solutions and Organization analysis via White papers for C level Executives. During this time, he drafted a few family-oriented articles published by the local papers and a chapter in a technology based textbook (Data Management, Barbara von Halle and David Kull, Editors, published by Auerbach). Bill is a life-long New Jersey resident and graduate of Rutgers University. Bill has struggled with Parkinson's Disease for about the last 10 years. Despite his challenges and difficult days, he possessed the mental fortitude and personal discipline to write and publish his first novel, fulfilling a lifelong dream!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for William Borak.
Author 1 book132 followers
March 23, 2023
Hi William Borak,

Good day!

This is Cali Smith from Book Savvy International Inc.

Congratulations on receiving a positive review from Kirkus Book Review! This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your talent and dedication as an author. Your work has not only captured the attention of Kirkus but has also earned recognition for its quality and excellence. May this positive review be just the beginning of many more accolades to come. Wishing you continued success on your literary journey!

Once again, congratulations on your success!

Have a great day and take care always,

Sincerely Yours,
Cali Smith

Marketing Fulfillment Officer

Book Savvy International Inc.

Los Angeles, California 90210

Contact number: 12134333127 (1007)

cali.smith@booksavvyinternationalinc.com

KIRKUS REVIEWS

TITLE INFORMATION
STRANGER ON THE SHORE
William J. Borak
Atmosphere Press (198 pp.)
$23.99 hardcover
ISBN: 979-8330458172
September 26, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Stranger on the Shore by William Borak is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, romance, and suspense that grips you from the very first page. The story centers on Marisa, a young woman with a seemingly impossible connection to Chris, a man haunted by the loss of his fiancée. Borak weaves an intricate tale, blending deep emotional resonance with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways.
The characters are vividly portrayed, and each one feels incredibly real and relatable. Chris’s journey, from grief to a renewed hope for love, is beautifully executed, while Marisa’s mysterious connection to his past keeps you constantly guessing. The addition of Arielle, an enigmatic figure who seems to hold the keys to the unfolding mystery, gives the story a mystical element that adds to the suspense.
Borak’s writing is atmospheric and compelling, bringing the settings to life, especially the contrast between the quiet solitude of the shore and the dangerous, intense world of cartel showdowns. The plot builds steadily, culminating in a powerful showdown that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Borak surprises you with another twist, keeping the suspense alive until the very end.
If you’re a fan of novels that blend romance and intrigue with an otherworldly touch, Stranger on the Shore is a must-read.
It’s a beautifully written, spellbinding story that keeps you hooked until the last page.



Profile Image for Lilly.
124 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2023
Amidst the poignant backdrop of Chris's heart-wrenching grief following the loss of his beloved Theresa, fate casts its enigmatic spell through the enigmatic Arielle. Instead of Arielle, he is unexpectedly face-to-face with Marisa, a waitress who not only bears an uncanny resemblance to Theresa but possesses the profound depths of Theresa's memories. This extraordinary convergence of circumstances leaves Chris pondering the orchestration of events by Arielle, contemplating the existence of a grander scheme at play. Within the tumultuous realm of a passionate love affair, Chris embarks upon a demanding odyssey alongside Marisa, only to be astounded by the sudden emergence of Arielle. The quest for triumph over their adversaries and the forging of a shared path to happiness becomes a daunting endeavor, with opposing forces threatening to prove insurmountable.

Stranger on the Shore stands as a triumphant testament to the art of storytelling, intricately unraveling a tapestry woven with compelling mysteries and multifaceted characters. With consummate skill, author William Borak breathes life into Marisa, Chris, and Arielle, endowing each with their own intricate struggles and fervent desires. The palpable chemistry between Chris and Marisa infuses the narrative with a magnetic allure, while the undercurrent of destiny imparts a profound sense of significance to their intertwined journey. Just as the story appears to follow a predictable trajectory, the arrival of the enigmatic Arielle at a pivotal juncture injects a fresh layer of intrigue, further entangling the already intricate plot. The narrative is suffused with an aura of uncertainty and fervent anticipation, leaving readers perched on the edge of their seats, eagerly yearning for the resolution that lies ahead.

William Borak's masterful storytelling, vibrant characters, and intricate plot dynamics make Stranger on the Shore an undeniable gem in the literary landscape. A must-read for those seeking a transcendent and spellbinding journey into the depths of fate, love, and the unwavering spirit of the human heart.
Profile Image for caleigh.
391 reviews1,010 followers
December 5, 2023
no rating bc i don’t want to ruin the average of a book w so few ratings (especially an indie author’s), but i didn’t enjoy this.

the writing was very awkward, it felt like someone trying to write a formal email rather than telling a story. especially with the dialogue, nobody talks like this. i don’t know what the editing process was, obviously, but it needed to be longer and more thorough either way. it felt like i was reading a first draft.

i didn’t particularly like the storyline either. the plot felt predictable yet still completely out of left field. the whole “guardian angel” thing was a stupid addition in my eyes, especially considering i’m not religious and this book isn’t marketed as that either.

to anyone wanting to read this, be aware that it reads as more of a cheesy christian fiction with philosophical themes, and not as the thriller that it’s marketed as. it’s like the author couldn’t find just one niche that fit his story, so he threw it all in there because why not.

with all of that being said, it was a fast read and i love supporting new/indie authors so i don’t regret the purchase! this would definitely be a one star if i were to give it a rating, but if you can look past bad writing + the plot/themes interest you, then give it a shot.
Profile Image for Savannah Rose.
2 reviews
May 17, 2026
I want to talk about Chris first, because that is where this book truly lives. Not in the mystery, not in the danger, not even in the love story, as beautiful as all of that is. It lives in the quiet, suffocating reality of a man who has lost the person he was supposed to spend his life with, and who does not quite know how to exist in the world that followed. William J. Borak writes grief the way people actually carry it, not as something dramatic that announces itself, but as something you just keep moving with, day after day, because there is nothing else to do.

Chris lost Theresa before the story even begins. By the time we meet him, the loss is already settled into him like weather. And it is in that state, raw and unguarded, that he meets Arielle on the shore. She is a strange presence, warm and deliberate, and she invites him back into the world so gently that he almost does not notice it happening. When he arrives at the party she invited him to and finds she has disappeared, and instead comes face to face with Marisa, a waitress who wears Theresa's face and carries her complete memory, the moment does not feel like a plot twist. It feels like the kind of thing that could break a person all over again.

Borak does not let Chris react the way fiction usually lets grieving characters react. He keeps him still, uncertain, and achingly human throughout.
What unfolds between Chris and Marisa, who we come to know as Ana, is not a simple love story. It is something more complicated and more honest than that. Chris is not sure whether what he feels is for Ana or for the ghost of Theresa she carries inside her. Ana is discovering who she is outside of a memory that was never originally hers. Watching the two of them find each other anyway, in the middle of all that confusion and tenderness, is the most moving part of this entire book.

The cartel threat that tightens around Ana gives the story its urgency, and Borak handles it well. But even in its most tense moments, the emotional current underneath never goes cold. When Chris chooses to fight by Ana's side, it is not because he is brave. It is because losing someone again, standing by and watching it happen, is simply not something he has left in him. That is the kind of character writing that stays with you.

And then there is Arielle, who returns at the most critical moment of all. I will not say what happens. I will only say that her reappearance felt, to me, like the story exhaling. Like everything that had been held in tension finally releasing into something that made a strange, profound kind of sense.

James May narrates with exactly the right restraint. His voice never pushes the emotion further than the writing asks for, which is exactly what this story needs. There were moments listening where I had to remind myself to breathe.

Stranger on the Shore is one of those rare books that understands what grief actually does to people, and then builds something generous and hopeful around that understanding. I finished it feeling like I had been seen somehow, which is not something I say about books very often. Read it. You will feel it long after it ends.
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,678 reviews132 followers
April 22, 2023
William J. Borak’s Stranger on the Shore is an engrossing novel that boasts a plethora of twists and turns, leaving readers yearning for more. The main protagonist, Chris, is a character with complex relationship issues and a troubled past. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancé, Theresa, Chris encounters the captivating Arielle on the beach, and the two make plans to rendezvous at a party hosted by Garvey on the Jersey shore. Unfortunately, Arielle fails to show up, and Chris is equally let down by the women he meets at the party. Despite this setback, Chris has a stroke of luck when he meets Marisa Flores, a charming waitress at the party who captures his attention. Although he reconnects with Arielle in the coming days, Chris finds himself irresistibly drawn to Marissa due to her striking resemblance to Theresa. However, Marissa has a secret: she is actually Ana Moreno from Colombia, who was hiding from the Baka cartel that killed her family and left her unconscious on the beach. With a plan for revenge against the cartel, Ana reveals herself to be a strong and resilient survivor, possessing an amazing personality that captivates Chris and readers alike.

The book’s suspenseful flashbacks featuring Chris keep readers engaged in a back-and-forth of unfolding events, making this riveting thriller an absolute page-turner. The well-written prose artfully blends mystery, thriller, and fiction, making it a must-read for fans of those genres. Chris’s emotional journey, from losing his beloved wife to meeting two women who are eerily similar, is compellingly portrayed through the author’s skilled narration. When Marissa reveals her true identity to Chris, it’s a shocking twist that readers won’t see coming but will find entirely plausible. The author seamlessly parallels two storylines with Chris and Ana and in Columbia, where a man named Baka is on the hunt for Ana, adding to the book’s intrigue.

Stranger on the Shore is an excellent thriller that offers more than just romance. Its intriguing characters and numerous twists and turns will leave you enthralled and eager for more. If you’re a fan of mystery, thriller, and romance, this novel is a must-read, offering a compelling and well-crafted storyline that captivates readers from start to finish.
Profile Image for Jacob Brooks.
1 review
May 18, 2026
I want to be honest about something. I almost did not finish the first chapter. Not because it was bad, but because it opened with a kind of quiet strangeness that I was not sure I was ready for. A woman named Marisa pulled from the East River, barely alive, with no explanation that makes any sense. A detective muttering that she must have fallen out of the sky. I remember thinking, where exactly is this going?

It went somewhere I never expected.
By the time I understood who Marisa really was, who Ana is underneath all the mystery, and what she is walking toward with that cartel threat tightening around her, I was completely invested in a way I cannot fully explain. Borak writes danger the way it actually feels in real life. Not loud. Just present. Slowly unavoidable.

But the part that truly got me was Chris. This is a man still carrying the loss of Theresa, the woman he was going to marry, when life hands him something that should be impossible. He meets Ana and she has Theresa's face. Her memories. Everything. Watching him try to make sense of that, watching him choose to love her anyway and then choose to fight beside her when everything is on the line, that is the emotional core of this book and it is handled with so much care.
And then there is Arielle. She appears at the beginning like a gentle nudge from the universe and vanishes. She comes back at the end at exactly the moment you are holding your breath. I will not say more than that. Just know that when she returns, the whole story clicks into place in a way that made me sit very still for a few minutes.

James May narrates beautifully. He never overdoes it. He just lets the story breathe, which is exactly right.
This book is mysterious, emotional, tense and quietly profound. One of the most satisfying listens I have had in a long time. If you have been sitting on this one, stop waiting.
Profile Image for Jude  Stephens.
1 review
April 3, 2026
Stranger on the Shore is a beautifully layered novel that pulls readers into a world where reality and the unseen collide in unexpected ways. William Borak crafts a story that feels both intimate and expansive, following Chris, a Wall Street banker whose life takes a profound turn after encountering the enigmatic Arielle. What begins as a chance meeting quickly unfolds into something far deeper, intertwining with the lingering presence of lost love through Theresa.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its seamless blending of suspense, emotion, and subtle elements of the supernatural. Borak doesn’t just tell a story, he builds an atmosphere where every moment feels charged with meaning. The inclusion of characters like Marisa, the observant waitress, adds richness and depth, making the narrative feel alive from multiple perspectives.

At its core, the book explores grief, faith, and the human struggle to make sense of life’s most difficult moments. Even as the characters face overwhelming challenges, there’s an underlying thread of hope that keeps the story grounded and relatable. The pacing keeps you turning pages, while the emotional weight lingers long after.

Overall, Stranger on the Shore is a compelling, thought-provoking read that masterfully combines mystery, faith, and human connection. It’s the kind of story that not only entertains but also invites reflection, making it a truly memorable experience.
15 reviews
January 3, 2026
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic.Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, the tremors subsided, and I felt steadier on my feet. Incredibly, I also regained much of my energy and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve felt in years.If you or a loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s disease, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www.naturepathherbalclinic.com info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
Profile Image for Maxiumus.
14 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2024
In the book, Stranger on the Shore, William Borak crafts an intricate tale where disparate events intertwine. Chris, a Wall Street banker, encounters a mysterious woman, Arielle, and experiences a collision of realities involving lost love, Theresa. The author skillfully weaves into the narrative a sense of magic, infusing deeper layers into the narrative. The convergence of characters, including a waitress named Marisa, adds complexity. Amidst grief, faith becomes a guiding light, leading characters through trials. Borak's storytelling prowess creates a suspenseful, action-packed page-turner with relatable characters facing insurmountable odds, making this story a great read.
4 reviews
September 23, 2025
After my PD diagnosis, I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex and sinemet as the disease progressed but didn’t help much. In July last year, I started on PD-5 herbal protocol from Uine health centre. Few months into the treatment, I made a significant recovery. After I completed the recommended treatment plan, almost all my symptoms were gone, had wonderful improvement with my movement and tremors. Its been 6 months since I completed the treatment, I live a better life. Visit or google www. limitlesshealthcenter. com
1 review
July 20, 2026
Chris is an easy character to empathize with. His struggle to move forward after such a devastating loss feels genuine, and his reactions to the strange events unfolding around him are believable. Marisa is equally compelling, evolving from someone surrounded by mystery into a courageous woman with a remarkable destiny. The relationship between Chris and Marisa develops naturally amid danger and uncertainty, making the emotional moments feel earned.
1 review
July 20, 2026
The premise immediately grabbed me. A young woman is discovered nearly lifeless on the shore, another woman appears who looks exactly like a man’s deceased fiancée and somehow carries her memories, and a mysterious stranger seems to know far more than she lets on. Rather than giving easy answers, the story gradually reveals how these seemingly impossible events are connected.
Profile Image for Piggy P Pig.
1 review
July 20, 2026
Stranger on the Shore is one of those novels that keeps you questioning what's real and what lies just beneath the surface. I went into it expecting a mystery, but what I found was a story that blends suspense, grief, romance, and the unexplained in a way that kept me turning the pages.
2 reviews
July 20, 2026
The ending ties together many of the lingering questions while still leaving a sense of wonder about fate, purpose, and second chances. It's the kind of book that stays with you after you've finished because it invites you to think about the connections between love, loss, and destiny.
1 review
June 30, 2026
This book constantly balanced action with heartfelt moments.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another surprise changed the entire direction of the story.
5 reviews
June 30, 2026
The blend of romance and suspense felt natural rather than forced. The relationships added emotional weight to all the danger surrounding the characters.
3 reviews
June 30, 2026
The Stranger on the Shore delivers mystery, adventure, emotional drama, and unforgettable characters. It kept me entertained from beginning to end.
4 reviews
June 30, 2026
I finished this book with plenty to think about. The themes of fate, identity, and second chances stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
2 reviews
June 30, 2026
I appreciated how the author slowly revealed the truth instead of rushing through the mystery. The payoff was worth the wait.
1 review
June 30, 2026
The mystery surrounding Marisa had me hooked from the very beginning. Every answer only seemed to raise more questions, and I loved every minute of it.
3 reviews
June 30, 2026
I appreciated how the author slowly revealed the truth instead of rushing through the mystery. The payoff was worth the wait.
1 review
June 30, 2026
The final confrontation was intense and cinematic. I could easily imagine this story being adapted into a movie.
1 review
June 30, 2026
If you enjoy books that mix suspense with emotional storytelling, you'll probably love this one. It kept me invested from the first page to the last.
1 review
June 30, 2026
The emotional depth of Chris's character made the story much more than an action thriller. His struggle with loss felt authentic and heartfelt.
1 review
June 30, 2026
Arielle was one of the most intriguing characters in the novel. Every time she appeared, I knew something important was about to happen.
2 reviews
June 30, 2026
The combination of detective work, cartel action, romance, and mystery created a story that appealed to me on so many different levels.
1 review
June 30, 2026
I honestly had no idea where this story was heading, and that's what made it so enjoyable. Every prediction I made turned out to be wrong.
1 review
June 30, 2026
The supernatural elements were woven into the story without overpowering the mystery. They added just enough intrigue to make everything even more captivating.
1 review
June 30, 2026
Marisa is a fascinating character. Her mysterious past and incredible strength made her someone I wanted to root for from beginning to end.
1 review
June 30, 2026
I loved that the story wasn't just about solving a mystery. It explored love, destiny, loss, and redemption in a way that felt meaningful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews