Fateful Dreams

by Marcia Carrington

It is one year since both Elissa and Marius lost their spouses in a plane crash, which has left them reeling and confused. On the one year anniversary of their spouses’ loss they both see a dream where their late spouses are pushing them towards each other, even though Elissa and Marius do not know one another. A chain of events brings about the meeting of Elissa and Marius, but their grief may stand in the way of them coming to terms with their lives, and each other’s presence…

Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2018

About the author

Marcia Carrington writes about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. She writes in a variety of genres, mainly romance but also, comedy, suspense, crime, paranormal, mystery, YA and NA. Her collection of thirty-four books vary in length from full-length works to novellas, novelettes to short stories.

Marcia's latest book is short story romance THE FUNERAL, released in September 2019, and will be venturing again into science fiction/paranormal territory with DREAM STATE, a novelette slated for release in December 2019.

Apart from writing and reading, Marcia also has a great love for coffee. The morning coffee has always been a staple for Marcia, and something which she cannot do without. There is just something about the fresh aroma of coffee early in the morning, and anytime for that fact, which proves irresistible to her.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elissa lost her husband a year ago in a plane crash. She's been grieving ever since, she's lost her zest for life.

Marius lost his wife a year ago in a plane crash. He's been grieving ever since.

Something happens to both of them that may change their lives even further. In dreams both see their spouses pushing them toward one another. Just a dream .. or a message from beyond?

When they come face to face they are both astonished, confused, yet each of them feel they've known each other forever.

Will they overcome their fear of the future and contemplate their own lives together? Or will the grief keep them from seeing further than the life they've been living this past year?

For a short story, this one really packed a punch. Two lost souls who have a second chance of happiness ... if only they're brave enough to reach for it. Is it meant to be?

Many thanks to the author who shared this digital short story with me. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story that in my opinion leaves the reader an unforgettable impression. I’m not going to spoil by telling the entire story but what I want to point out is that the author demonstrates that love wins over death. Two souls that have tragically lost their mates are driven towards one another thanks to an unknown impetus that later is revealed under the guise of an immense love coming from their departed spouses. I read this book in one breath and I still remain fascinated by the developing of the story and its wonderful ending.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fateful Dreams start with Elissa and Marius mourning the anniversary of their spouse’s death. Caught in limbo, they can’t go backward, but it grieves them to go forward, until the dream. Experiencing the same death, they come together to find the cause of this anomaly.

For a novella, I found Fateful Dreams by Marcia Carrington an engrossing read which could easily appease readers who like short and sweet romances. I love how the author fits so much emotion into her stories so quickly. I wanted to cry with Elissa and Marius towards the end of the book, this reveals the power of the connection the characters have with each other.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible to find love when you've lost the one you thought would be your forever? One year after a devastating loss, both Marius and Elissa are still grieving and having trouble moving on with their lives. By way of a dream, they get a little nudge from those lost loved ones. This one is a quick read, easily finished in under an hour, but it's packed full of emotion as Marius and Elissa meet in the real world and start picking up the pieces of their lives. Fateful dreams is more about the beginning of moving on after a loss than burning love story, but it certainly left me with a smile and a feeling of hope - something we all need in our lives.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this one. very good and interesting

[Kasimir Tailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can one dream ease the pain of the past?

One year has passed since both Elissa and Marius lost their spouses, and their lives have been on pause ever since. While their siblings try their best to get them back on track — live- and lovewise — nothing seems to help…until a fateful dream changes everything.

„Fateful Dreams“ gets four out of five stars. It is a really cute short story about the loss of love and finding one’s way back to live. The story might not have a revolutionary new plot, but it doesn’t need to. The connection between Marius and Elissa is instantly there, and even though they don’t know each other, yet, they are drawn to each other by that one dream they just can’t seem to get over.

Why four stars, not five? I think the story might become great if it was longer, and got some „spice“ in the plot. Also, I think the two protagonists are slightly too much alike for a fantastic story that would be worth five stars. Still, I really enjoyed reading it.

What makes this story special are the small details. Like the name of the café (at least I hope Google translated it correctly^^ try it!), or the reader’s anticipation for Elissa and Marius to finally meet. I think the question why these two characters are connected is beautifully solved by Marcia Carrington; I even got goosebumps!

Final judgement : Read „Fateful Dreams“! It’s worth it, guys!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Elissa and Marius had both fallen fast asleep after taking a shower’

Author Marcia Carrington has published many books about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. Marcia’s books are novellas cum short stories and that is one reason they are such a pleasure to read: she has an idea, develops it rapidly, lets us know the characters it affects, and ties it all up with a bow a the end.
Stories of loss of spouse traumas exist but few authors can present a marriage rupture and the impact on both isolated now single figures and causative agent (with a hint of paranormal insight) as well as Marcia - and in so few pages.

She offers a taste of the setting of the past tragedy (and blink of light for finding respite) from the first page – “Tomorrow’s the first anniversary of Jason’s passing, I can’t believe it,” Elissa said, holding the telephone tightly in her grip. Elissa’s sister Elena shook her head, and nodded. “Yes, the time’s gone by so quickly.” “It has,” Elissa said, wiping a tear from her eye with her hand. “But it hasn’t made it any easier.” Elena sighed, biting her lips. “They say time heals things, but it’s never as cut and dry as some people say,” Elena said, nodding, as Elissa did the same. “Would you like me to stay with you tonight?” “What about Eamon?” Elena chuckled as she thought of him, moving a strand of blond hair behind her ear. “Eamon wouldn’t mind, he’s a very understanding husband.” Elissa knew this was true about Eamon, but did not want to take Elena away from him on her account. “No, I’m…I’m okay, thanks so much Elena. You’ve always been a tower of support, but if you don’t mind, I’d prefer to be alone tonight.” “I understand Elissa.” “Can I…see you tomorrow?” Elissa asked, playing with the fabric of her blouse. “Sure honey, whatever you want. I can see you at the café tomorrow, you know, Oneira. Does that work for you?” “It does. See you there around 11:00AM,” Elissa said. “Done. Good night honey.” “Bye Elena,” Elissa said, placing the red phone in the holder. “I really do need time to think tonight,” Elissa said, pursing her lips. Looking around the living room, Elissa remembered something. She knew Jason loved whichever room he was in to have atmosphere, and proceeded to the kitchen.’

Or as the synopsis distills, ‘It is one year since both Elissa and Marius lost their spouses in a plane crash, which has left them reeling and confused. On the one year anniversary of their spouses' loss they both see a dream where their late spouses are pushing them towards each other, even though Elissa and Marius do not know one another. A chain of events brings about the meeting of Elissa and Marius, but their grief may stand in the way of them coming to terms with their lives, and each other's presence...

Sensitivity of this nature comes naturally to Marcia. Her books may make a fast read, but the impact is lasting!.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marius and Elissa are both suffering from grief. They have both lost their spouses in a plane crash.
They come together and forge a bond and connection. This story was very realistic and believable. The emotions that the characters displayed were heartfelt. The story was easy to follow. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from the author.
This was book was provided to me by the author as a digital copy for review. Thank you!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short story has you reading about Elissa and Marius losing their spouses. I thought the story was well written and has you reading till the end. Two people meeting from a dream and discovering they both lost their spouses. The author pulled at my emotions from sadness and smiles, for the two characters.
“I voluntarily reviewed and advance copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.”
Thank you for sharing your book with us.

[CoffeeMom H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick, easy loveable story from Marcia Carrington. I enjoyed the build-up of this storyline and the characters. The emotion that went to this book was outstanding. I really wish I could have given this book five stars however there were parts in there that had me going back to read again, and this book to me felt rushed. I loved the concept of this story and the twists that she used in it, as two people whom both had lost themselves after losing a loved one find hope again.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is a great short story and I love the idea the author brings to readers. Ever have a loved one pass away, but wonder if they may still be trying to reach you? Marcia Carrington delves into an interesting subject in a wonderful way and adds this special book to her many others. I always love a story by this author and hope others will grab one or more of the great tales.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc review For honest review. This short story is very cute is of two characters elissa and marcius who spouses died and on the anniversary of their death they have a dream that brings them together to find a answer.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about Elissa and Marius losing their spouses and they dreamed about meeting each other. It was a well written story and the words went smoothly. I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[LORRIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. It was amazing to watch the grief be overcome by friendship

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about two people struggling to make it after the death of their spouses.
It's a heart warming push from beyond that bring them together.
Overall, this is a really sweet read.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is only a quick read it took me less than an hour don't think that it means it doesn't pack a punch This is a book that draws you in from the very first page and doesn't let go until you turn that last page deeply emotional book about letting go and learning to live again.

Elissa and Marius both felt the loss of their spouses they had been lost in a plane crash and both the survivors where having trouble moving on in fact they where both locked in their grief and where barely living. When both have a dream about their dead spouse pushing them towards one another they tried to ignore it but when they realise both have had the same dream they have to wonder if more is in affect. Will they be able to finally move on is their future with one another did they get a message from beyond the grave You will have to read to make your own decision

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE ROUGH RIDE!!!
Wow! A spinning eddy of surprising circumstances and unpredictable events launch all of your emotions into play wonderfully. Twixt and twined and put through the wringer with so much heartache, loss and grieving trying to put your life back together and finding companionship after your world shattered. All the twists and turns along with a few bumps here and there make for one enjoyable experience. In true Marcia form this baby rocks you to the core and comes together flawlessly. The characters and their personalities are so realistic and genuine it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are descriptive and detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as it balances out while it plays off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Marcia, thanks for sharing.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Elissa and Marius. Both Elissa and Marius suffered the loss of their spouse the year before. They had been in mourning when they both had a dream featuring each other and their spouses. In the dream, Elissa's husband and Marius's wife were telling them to move on. When Elissa and Marius actually met, they were shocked to see each other and each mentioned the dream. They decided to meet again to talk about things and realized they had even more in common. This was a sweet book about helping someone move on from a loss. I think Marius and Elissa were meant to meet and be together, i think they needed to help each other heal. Good one.

[Dani Readsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet read.
Loved the concept behind the story, it Kept my interest from start to finish. Great story about lost love and finding new love again.
Would have been a 5 star but I would have rather had different POV’s in the chapters rather then keep skipping between each person without spaces, I had to go back a re-read some parts, also if it had been longer there could have been more development in the characters.
Otherwise enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[Lori Caprio Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently started reading the paranormal genre and I think this story was intriguing and captivating. Both reeling from the loss of their spouses Ellissa and Marius are drawn together by their deceased loved ones in a dream. Makes you think of the significance of your own dreams and if the outcome if you listen.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with the author bringing a story of lost love . The author does a great job bringing two grieving people together and helping each other in the process.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Myrna Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short story a real gem. It is so meaningful like a message from behind the veil. I like to think that two unhappy people who were mourning their loved ones were truly guided from the spirit world. I absolutely loved it.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fateful Dreams by Marcia Carrington is an awesome read. This story has a lot of emotions like hope, loss, love and to follow your dreams. I loved reading this story and I highly recommend it to all.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Ann Alton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming. I loved the characters, and for a short story the author did well developing them. Sweet, short read.

[Lynn Roncone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that bring comfort to those who have lost a loved one. I had tears in my eyes from beginning to end.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book and the storyline flowed throughout the book and you will definitely fall in love with the characters. I absolutely loved this book.