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The Old Coal Miner's Lamp
After Billy loses his life in a mining accident, he becomes the carrier of the Old Coal Miner's Lamp, helping to guide other lost souls on their way to the Light.
Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.
Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?
Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.
Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?
Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.
Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?
Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.
Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?
- GenresParanormal
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2020
21 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 1, 2020
A Lamp Shines Brightly
As a reader, this book tugged on my heartstrings, having had a loved one die in a mining accident, so it was a difficult read at times, however, Peplow has such an authentic way of crafting true-to-life characters that I was able to settle into the story. The reader is drawn into a world that no longer exists however her descriptions allow you to walk thru history as well as gain an understanding of life for those working the mines.
The storyline is captivating as you walk hand in hand with the departed crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead, each character searching for meaning and understanding of their current and new realities.
Detailed, enchanting, suspenseful and heartbreaking at times. Those who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction will enjoy the journey of The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp.
As a reader, this book tugged on my heartstrings, having had a loved one die in a mining accident, so it was a difficult read at times, however, Peplow has such an authentic way of crafting true-to-life characters that I was able to settle into the story. The reader is drawn into a world that no longer exists however her descriptions allow you to walk thru history as well as gain an understanding of life for those working the mines.
The storyline is captivating as you walk hand in hand with the departed crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead, each character searching for meaning and understanding of their current and new realities.
Detailed, enchanting, suspenseful and heartbreaking at times. Those who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction will enjoy the journey of The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp.
March 2, 2020
The first chapter set the tone and had an almost odd calm as things happened to Billy there in the mine. Chapter two took things to the present and upped my intrigue as it described Mike's strange visions. By Chapter four, Peplow had upped the creepy factor and definitely let the reader know they would be dealing with a ghostly situation. I was more than ready to proceed from there.
The scenes with Jackie and Mike's subconscious were well done and made me feel as if I were there alongside him. Mike's past lives and descriptions were very interesting to traipse through. And then what happened to Danielle after touching him between some of his experiences...it was shocking and had my attention.
Even after the regression, strange things continued happening with Mike and it upped the suspense and anxiety as I waited to see what would happen next and how these two worlds would collide.
The blend of haunting ghost story and coal miner history was great and very entertaining.
When the Darkness started to make a strong appearance in some of the later chapters, it certainly upped the stakes and made things even more intense. I didn't expect things to get this dark, but it was a pleasant surprise that held my attention.
All in all, this was a great second book from an author who is terrific at weaving a tale. I am looking forward to more from her in the future.
The scenes with Jackie and Mike's subconscious were well done and made me feel as if I were there alongside him. Mike's past lives and descriptions were very interesting to traipse through. And then what happened to Danielle after touching him between some of his experiences...it was shocking and had my attention.
Even after the regression, strange things continued happening with Mike and it upped the suspense and anxiety as I waited to see what would happen next and how these two worlds would collide.
The blend of haunting ghost story and coal miner history was great and very entertaining.
When the Darkness started to make a strong appearance in some of the later chapters, it certainly upped the stakes and made things even more intense. I didn't expect things to get this dark, but it was a pleasant surprise that held my attention.
All in all, this was a great second book from an author who is terrific at weaving a tale. I am looking forward to more from her in the future.
March 1, 2020
All I had to do was say bravo to this!!!! Such a major fan of the time period you set the story up for sure! Such a delight to read! Keep it up! What happened to Billy...OMG! Then how it jumped to Mike and his story! The darkness is the enemy and it was something that made me want to read more, and more!
April 6, 2020
Paranormal thats almost believable!
Enjoyed this book. The story was different and I like the setting of where it took place. Looking forward to this authors next book
Enjoyed this book. The story was different and I like the setting of where it took place. Looking forward to this authors next book
December 18, 2020
The author has created a world that runs parallel to our own, wherein the dead continue to exist.
Billy, once a miner, travels back and forth from his dimension to our own, helping those who have died 'cross over' and it is there he meets Mike who is battling his own demons. There is a link between the two that is interwoven in the story, culminating in a battle with the forces of darkness for Mike's very survival.
This is an amazing novel. It is a ghost story that warms the heart with a few heart-stopping moments thrown in and a perfect for a winter's evening.
Billy, once a miner, travels back and forth from his dimension to our own, helping those who have died 'cross over' and it is there he meets Mike who is battling his own demons. There is a link between the two that is interwoven in the story, culminating in a battle with the forces of darkness for Mike's very survival.
This is an amazing novel. It is a ghost story that warms the heart with a few heart-stopping moments thrown in and a perfect for a winter's evening.
October 7, 2020
This is a charming and touching story. We watch the modern day relationship of Danielle and Mike develop against a dark backdrop of Victorian mines and the paranormal.
I have family in heavy industry and I just loved the occasional coarse work banter.
But I might still sleep with the light on tonight!
I have family in heavy industry and I just loved the occasional coarse work banter.
But I might still sleep with the light on tonight!
February 14, 2021
Luminous and Profound
I loved this amazing novel! It's a haunting story that starts with a bang and only gets better from there. The characters are incredibly lifelike, and the exquisite prose makes it a book that's difficult to put down. I look forward to reading more work from this author. Highly recommended!
I loved this amazing novel! It's a haunting story that starts with a bang and only gets better from there. The characters are incredibly lifelike, and the exquisite prose makes it a book that's difficult to put down. I look forward to reading more work from this author. Highly recommended!
April 18, 2023
I read this after having read Ashes to Ashes by the same author. It was great to get the origin story of how Billy, the spirit guide in Ashes to Ashes, became a ghost and how Mike came to meet Danielle, the psychic medium. Peplow is very knowledgeable about coal mining and I learned much about the terminology and processes including how dangerous it was. Regarding modern vocabulary, there were on occasion, some anachronistic references such as the use of "spoilt brats" in Billy's chapters set in the 1880s, when this term was invented a century later. Aside from that, I liked the Billy chapters better than the Mike chapters in the first half; I liked the journey through British history as Billy helped lost souls, mainly of dead coal miners, but also of how he got to see pivotal moments in the UK such as the Queen taking the throne, as well as his own bittersweet personal journey of seeing his daughter grow up and grandchildren in addition to sadder family deaths and WW2, etc.
The Mike chapters were interesting story-wise, but I would've preferred separate chapters, or section breaks for Mike and Danielle's point of view parts, rather than head-hopping between Mike and Danielle from one paragraph to the next. That's personal preference though; it wasn't confusing about who was speaking/thinking. Otherwise I liked the process of past life regression that Jackie, assisted by Danielle did to Mike. Mike's past lives as a Confederate soldier, a passenger on the Titanic and Guy Fawkes were a bit cliche, but still interesting enough. There were a few inconsistencies with the use of past and present tense in some chapters, but luckily the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, so this didn't distract from my overall reading enjoyment.
The last third was the best, by far in the book. I really enjoyed Peplow's original and imaginative take on living people becoming trapped in a spirit dimension, including the threat they experienced at the hands of malevolent ghosts. I loved how Billy and Mike/Danielle's stories became intertwined and how Billy and his family came to their aid. I also liked all of the main characters and disliked the villains in the story. This book is a good horror, with sinister villains that issue scary threats. Worth a read for fans of both ghost and gory horror.
The Mike chapters were interesting story-wise, but I would've preferred separate chapters, or section breaks for Mike and Danielle's point of view parts, rather than head-hopping between Mike and Danielle from one paragraph to the next. That's personal preference though; it wasn't confusing about who was speaking/thinking. Otherwise I liked the process of past life regression that Jackie, assisted by Danielle did to Mike. Mike's past lives as a Confederate soldier, a passenger on the Titanic and Guy Fawkes were a bit cliche, but still interesting enough. There were a few inconsistencies with the use of past and present tense in some chapters, but luckily the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, so this didn't distract from my overall reading enjoyment.
The last third was the best, by far in the book. I really enjoyed Peplow's original and imaginative take on living people becoming trapped in a spirit dimension, including the threat they experienced at the hands of malevolent ghosts. I loved how Billy and Mike/Danielle's stories became intertwined and how Billy and his family came to their aid. I also liked all of the main characters and disliked the villains in the story. This book is a good horror, with sinister villains that issue scary threats. Worth a read for fans of both ghost and gory horror.
January 21, 2023
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp
Subtitle:
Author: Vicky Peplow
Genre: Literature and Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Billy loses his life in a mining accident. From then on, he helps the recently departed to cross over to the light.
Many years later, Mike has flashbacks to a time he was never part of. But rather than flashbacks, he is in the actual situation, with all the risks associated to that.
Danielle is a medium who helps Mike understand what is happening. Can they work things out before the danger catches up with them?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-packed, and full of suspense and intrigue.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a paranormal mystery.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspense, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
After Billy loses his life in a mining accident, he becomes the carrier of the Old Coal Miner’s Lamp, helping to guide other lost souls on their way to the Light.
Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.
Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?
Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.
Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp
Subtitle:
Author: Vicky Peplow
Genre: Literature and Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Billy loses his life in a mining accident. From then on, he helps the recently departed to cross over to the light.
Many years later, Mike has flashbacks to a time he was never part of. But rather than flashbacks, he is in the actual situation, with all the risks associated to that.
Danielle is a medium who helps Mike understand what is happening. Can they work things out before the danger catches up with them?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-packed, and full of suspense and intrigue.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a paranormal mystery.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspense, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
After Billy loses his life in a mining accident, he becomes the carrier of the Old Coal Miner’s Lamp, helping to guide other lost souls on their way to the Light.
Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.
Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?
Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.
Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?
About the Author:
February 16, 2021
How in the world do I go into detail without a spoiler? Okay, here goes. First, I would like to say this...this book is absolutely amazing. I am so glad this wonderful gem of a story exists. At first, I thought it was going to be predictable, but still good. But let me tell you, I was wrong and I am glad I was wrong. This story has twists and turns, throwing in precise movement within the story. Meaning, while there was the suspense—there was a reason for it and it made sense. Within the first chapter, you are grabbed in and thrown into a world of emotions. You care about the characters, perhaps at times even saying out loud “Oh no” as you witness the many events in the character’s lives throughout. I found myself teary-eyed smiling at other times, and just simply a brilliant book. The author's overview of coal mining, history, war, etc. was all perfect and I seriously appreciate this author's amazing storytelling and voice. I will be forever following her books. So more, please!
Strong Female Characters: Yes
Strong Male Characters: Yes
Suspense: Yes
Mystery: Yes
Epicness level: Amazing!
Strong Female Characters: Yes
Strong Male Characters: Yes
Suspense: Yes
Mystery: Yes
Epicness level: Amazing!
March 30, 2021
For fiction writers, genre selection has always been a balancing act. More genre means bigger potential readership, but it is also harder to pull it off.
This author did just that.
The storyline has an interesting premise. The narrative toggles between a former coal miner in the 1800s helping the dead with crossing, and present day Mike’s relationship with Danielle, a psychic helping him with his “visions.” It is a remarkable novel of paranormal, romance and historical fiction, against the backdrop of coal mining and European history, reminiscent of The Sixth Sense.
The author was skillful in writing between 1800s and present day, picking up the nuances that makes both eras believable.
At times, I did find it difficult to get my bearings. In a few chapters, I had to read several pages in before I knew whether the scene was reality or just a nightmare. The present day chapters were a little repetitive to start but got interesting after.
Still, it is a very difficult premise to pull off and this author has done a remarkable job with that.
This author did just that.
The storyline has an interesting premise. The narrative toggles between a former coal miner in the 1800s helping the dead with crossing, and present day Mike’s relationship with Danielle, a psychic helping him with his “visions.” It is a remarkable novel of paranormal, romance and historical fiction, against the backdrop of coal mining and European history, reminiscent of The Sixth Sense.
The author was skillful in writing between 1800s and present day, picking up the nuances that makes both eras believable.
At times, I did find it difficult to get my bearings. In a few chapters, I had to read several pages in before I knew whether the scene was reality or just a nightmare. The present day chapters were a little repetitive to start but got interesting after.
Still, it is a very difficult premise to pull off and this author has done a remarkable job with that.
Want to read
August 17, 2020The title of the book captivated me. I am the son of a coal miner and brought up in a coal mining village. The book was every bit of what I expected, earthy, honest with deep characters that are well portrayed. Without being exist, I found it incredible that author Vicky Peplow could portray the tough northern life of a coal miner, without being down a coal-mine. She has a vast knowledge of the life down a coal mine, the drudgery, the realism, the harshness, the filth and the heat. She writes with ease about many of the tragedies of the coal mining industry. Amazingly, the book spans a hundred years, with flashbacks and ghosts from former lives. Extremely well written, the storyline is kept on track and Vicky is adept at showing atmosphere. Quite poignant adding an old black and white image throught te chapters. There is a useful "Coal-miners dictionary"at the end of the book. Well done. Highly recommended, Recommended reading for anyone who has never lived in a coal mining village.
September 14, 2020
The Old Coal Miner's Lamp. What can I say. I picked up this book and could not put it down. It literally grabs you from the start hand keeps a hold on you until the very last sentense. The history told in this book is amazing. The amount of research this author did to make this book possible was extensive. The author's knowledge of coal mining, along with so much more is unending. The story is no quick read amd the reader will want to read it slowly just to absorb the details of the book. My favorite part, besides EVERYTHING, is how different entities react to their sudden situation and how so many of them choose to remain while others choose to go. Those that remain each go down different paths. Amongst all the death, fright, and generations covered so brilliantly in this story, there is the ULTIMATE love story. Highly recommend and look forward to following this author as she continues to use her amazing talents as a writer.
November 20, 2020
"The Old Coal Miner's Lamp" cover was simple, but the contents surpassed my expectations. From the start, I knew this story was going to be suspenseful and emotional. In chapter one, we witnessed an immense amount of fear coursing through the coal miner's mind and body. He feared leaving his family behind. Then, there was the fear of the lamp fading, the voices not reaching him in time, and the weight of the rocks keeping him in his underground tome. Finally, the sadness when he realized he had died and was a spirit at his funeral.
Following scenes/chapters were just as powerful and vivid as their predecessor. I couldn't fathom watching helplessly the events that unfolded at the show. (Read the story for more details)
If you believe in Hell and the pit, the experiences described there are what you expect. Nothing pleasant. Pain at every turn.
Through everything, I was happy with the epilogue. I could imagine Mike's jaw hitting the floor.
Following scenes/chapters were just as powerful and vivid as their predecessor. I couldn't fathom watching helplessly the events that unfolded at the show. (Read the story for more details)
If you believe in Hell and the pit, the experiences described there are what you expect. Nothing pleasant. Pain at every turn.
Through everything, I was happy with the epilogue. I could imagine Mike's jaw hitting the floor.
November 27, 2020
The Old Coal Miner's Lamp
I really enjoyed this piece by author Vicky. I was struck with how real she made the prologue scene of the mine being brought down.
I felt sorry for the man who had his legs crushed underneath the rubble, how she etched his feelings into the words. I felt like I was in that mine, watching as the rock had fallen into his legs and how the rest of the mine had come tumbling down.
My only two concerns were there were some grammatical errors and a few sentences that didn't make sense to me that I had to re-read it to get what was supposed to be there. The other concern was I feel as if the glossary was not needed. Just a simple description here and there from the characters would have been sufficient!
All and all, a great read! I am happy that I was given the chance to read it!
I really enjoyed this piece by author Vicky. I was struck with how real she made the prologue scene of the mine being brought down.
I felt sorry for the man who had his legs crushed underneath the rubble, how she etched his feelings into the words. I felt like I was in that mine, watching as the rock had fallen into his legs and how the rest of the mine had come tumbling down.
My only two concerns were there were some grammatical errors and a few sentences that didn't make sense to me that I had to re-read it to get what was supposed to be there. The other concern was I feel as if the glossary was not needed. Just a simple description here and there from the characters would have been sufficient!
All and all, a great read! I am happy that I was given the chance to read it!
January 26, 2022
Historical Fiction meets Paranormal Romance
You'll find yourself living the tough life of a miner in a rock strewn valley just off the coast of Northern England, until the coal pit's ceiling comes a falling, and oh so not in a good way. The author brings the life, and death, of a very particular miner to light, and he in turn brings a special miners lamp's light into play.
Historical fiction is the flavor of the first half of Ms. Peplow's tale, along with a few added special characters with unique ties to this particular past. She, a medium; He, maybe something more.
A little past midway the story gets paranormally interesting as the special characters get close 😉. If you are a fan of either genre, or both, it's a worthy read.
You'll find yourself living the tough life of a miner in a rock strewn valley just off the coast of Northern England, until the coal pit's ceiling comes a falling, and oh so not in a good way. The author brings the life, and death, of a very particular miner to light, and he in turn brings a special miners lamp's light into play.
Historical fiction is the flavor of the first half of Ms. Peplow's tale, along with a few added special characters with unique ties to this particular past. She, a medium; He, maybe something more.
A little past midway the story gets paranormally interesting as the special characters get close 😉. If you are a fan of either genre, or both, it's a worthy read.
September 18, 2022
I love historical fiction, and this gives me that plus a taste of the paranormal. In the beginning, you get to know Billy, a deceased coal miner, and learn he carries a Davey Lamp to help souls cross over to the other side. Mike, who lives in the house in the town where the mine site is located, starts having disturbing visions of mining accidents, and seeks help from a local woman named Danielle who has "the gift". Danielle and Mike have a noticeable connection and grow close over a short period of time. When a troubled soul gets Mike into trouble, Danielle puts herself in danger to help him. You learn about the unexpected connection that Billy has with Mike and Danielle. The book kept my interest throughout. I recommend you experience this journey for yourself. You won't regret it.
August 24, 2020
Hooked from the first chapter!
If you like mystery, ghosts, afterlife, soul connections then this is for you!! First off, book is really well written. The first chapter was captivating --taking place in the past and then moves to present day. I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed the ride into the ghost dynamics as well as family relations. Main characters are well developed. I liked Billy. I like the idea of visions and finding meaning and purpose. Isn't that what we all want? A good book is able to pull you in in that way and the Old Coal Miners Lamp does just that :)
If you like mystery, ghosts, afterlife, soul connections then this is for you!! First off, book is really well written. The first chapter was captivating --taking place in the past and then moves to present day. I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed the ride into the ghost dynamics as well as family relations. Main characters are well developed. I liked Billy. I like the idea of visions and finding meaning and purpose. Isn't that what we all want? A good book is able to pull you in in that way and the Old Coal Miners Lamp does just that :)
September 22, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It opens with Billy, who works in a coal mine and sadly dies in the opening chapter. In the present day, Mike begins to have episodes where he travels to another time and place.
I loved Billy’s account as he travelled through time as a ghost. He guides lost souls with his lamp. The nostalgia was especially good and I really felt for him as life progressed without him. He watches his family as they cope without him.
In the present day, the storyline between Mike and Danielle was lovely. The tension between them was moving.
A really good read which I’d recommend to others.
I loved Billy’s account as he travelled through time as a ghost. He guides lost souls with his lamp. The nostalgia was especially good and I really felt for him as life progressed without him. He watches his family as they cope without him.
In the present day, the storyline between Mike and Danielle was lovely. The tension between them was moving.
A really good read which I’d recommend to others.
October 27, 2020
"The Old Coal Miner's Lamp" weaves seamlessly between the present and the past as we plunge with the main characters into different time zones, horrific mining accidents, the world wars. The last book I read which described the miner's life with an insider view was "Sons and Lovers" (DH Lawrence). This book is in the same league as it depicts mining life and the related tragedies with great accuracy. This speaks highly of the author's grasp on her background. She skillfully injects paranormal romance into the narrative to keep the reader hooked right to the end. Go for it, I'd say! Recommended!
December 7, 2020
Awesome book
This was a very well written suspenseful book. I had a hard time putting it down from the first chapter. It starts off in 1877 with a coal miner, Billy, dying in a mining accident. Billy then takes on the role of guiding lost souls to the other side. The descriptions of the deceased trying to understand their new circumstances were touching. This storyline ties in with present day Mike, who is having visions of people dying and seeks help from Danielle. Everything ties together in an ending that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Great book! I would definitely recommend it.
This was a very well written suspenseful book. I had a hard time putting it down from the first chapter. It starts off in 1877 with a coal miner, Billy, dying in a mining accident. Billy then takes on the role of guiding lost souls to the other side. The descriptions of the deceased trying to understand their new circumstances were touching. This storyline ties in with present day Mike, who is having visions of people dying and seeks help from Danielle. Everything ties together in an ending that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Great book! I would definitely recommend it.
February 6, 2021
Loved this story.
I don't normally pick books with spiritual phenomenon in, but for some reason this pulled me in. I loved the history in this book just as much as the actual atory and the relationship between the two main characters. I loved the way the book flipped from past to present and the different perspectives, it gave a much more rounded story. I couldnt help willing these people to get what they needed. Brilliant story, brilliant run through history without becoming bogged down in detail and a wonderful relationship that held more than what met the eye. Loved seeing familiar language in a UK based book too, really made me feel at home.
I don't normally pick books with spiritual phenomenon in, but for some reason this pulled me in. I loved the history in this book just as much as the actual atory and the relationship between the two main characters. I loved the way the book flipped from past to present and the different perspectives, it gave a much more rounded story. I couldnt help willing these people to get what they needed. Brilliant story, brilliant run through history without becoming bogged down in detail and a wonderful relationship that held more than what met the eye. Loved seeing familiar language in a UK based book too, really made me feel at home.
May 15, 2023
Good story, clumsily told
A fantasy horror story about two once-in-a-century chosen ones, soul mates, connecting with a coal miner from the past. The story moves in two threads—the coal miner, in first person, through time and the couple, in third person with a lot of head-hopping, meeting and working together in the present to solve a paranormal problem. The threads connect in a satisfactory way at the end.
The underlying story is interesting, but it's so unprofessionally told that the book is a tough slog to get through. A good editor might have helped, or the author's increased experience might improve future books.
A fantasy horror story about two once-in-a-century chosen ones, soul mates, connecting with a coal miner from the past. The story moves in two threads—the coal miner, in first person, through time and the couple, in third person with a lot of head-hopping, meeting and working together in the present to solve a paranormal problem. The threads connect in a satisfactory way at the end.
The underlying story is interesting, but it's so unprofessionally told that the book is a tough slog to get through. A good editor might have helped, or the author's increased experience might improve future books.
August 7, 2020
I couldn't put the book aside. It kept my interest from the first chapter onward. I don't usually like books that flip back and forth between two time frames because they are usually so confusing and takes the interest away from the overall story. This book, however, was easy to read and you were able to follow the story and didn't get confused. The interaction between long time descendants was interesting and I enjoyed the ghost aspect. Good vs evil was well played out. Good job with this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 15, 2020
Seamless Plot. Easy and Delightful to Read.
Seamless plot. I love how easy and delightful to read this book. It is not a kind of book that is a fast-paced read. Take your time to enjoy this read and its amazing details of description . Although it happens long time ago, the author puts us right into the times, including the tensions and emotions involve, it felt like its current like a present history if there is such a word. I love the flow, the characters, and the entire theme of this book. If you enjoy historical fiction this is your book.
Seamless plot. I love how easy and delightful to read this book. It is not a kind of book that is a fast-paced read. Take your time to enjoy this read and its amazing details of description . Although it happens long time ago, the author puts us right into the times, including the tensions and emotions involve, it felt like its current like a present history if there is such a word. I love the flow, the characters, and the entire theme of this book. If you enjoy historical fiction this is your book.
October 16, 2020
First i am giving a five stars to this story. I habe read books that took me on a rollercoaster ride. I always loved it. This time, i was sent in a stratospheric ride while this started softly and then i could not stop it. In my personal experience, i love darkness and light, the balance that they created. The author reminded me of my inner self. I would love to have more books like this on my shelves than those books from known authors who have lost the juice or killed their muse. I recommend a read like book this and the following of the author. You never know whose ghost is around!
November 3, 2020
I wanted something spooky and supernatural, because duh, Halloween, but wasn't in the mood for gore or despair, and this was my perfect answer. The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp was a story that had me hooked from the get go, curious to see how all the pieces from different times would come together. With a mixture of intrigue, creep factor and historical factoids the story line moved along quickly bring it to a climax that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Vicky Peplow has written an absolute corker and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for her next release.
Vicky Peplow has written an absolute corker and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for her next release.
March 31, 2021
There is a lot to like about this novel.
Using a dual timeline, it tells two stories more than a century apart that are, of course, intertwined. To avoid spoilers, I won't say more, but it introduces the reader to a part of England that receives less attention than the southern regions in most books, and opens a window into the hardscrabble struggle of British miners through the World Wars to the present.
Spirit guides, ghosts, paranormal investigators and Sunderland mines! Paranormal yet in a different way from the familiar storylines in a way I really enjoyed.
Using a dual timeline, it tells two stories more than a century apart that are, of course, intertwined. To avoid spoilers, I won't say more, but it introduces the reader to a part of England that receives less attention than the southern regions in most books, and opens a window into the hardscrabble struggle of British miners through the World Wars to the present.
Spirit guides, ghosts, paranormal investigators and Sunderland mines! Paranormal yet in a different way from the familiar storylines in a way I really enjoyed.
July 7, 2021
Awesome book!
The old coal miner's lamp is a sad but heart felt story. Many coal miners risk their lives every day working under dangerous conditions and their families can only pray that they are alive and well. Even though, the main character loses his life during the collapse of coal. His coal miner's lamp is left behind.His determination and hard work resides into the old coal miner's lamp to help other coal miners on their journey. This is a great book that can be read over and over again.
The old coal miner's lamp is a sad but heart felt story. Many coal miners risk their lives every day working under dangerous conditions and their families can only pray that they are alive and well. Even though, the main character loses his life during the collapse of coal. His coal miner's lamp is left behind.His determination and hard work resides into the old coal miner's lamp to help other coal miners on their journey. This is a great book that can be read over and over again.
December 1, 2021
Good vs. Evil
This is a paranormal mystery with two main characters. Both have died from a coal mining accident. Billy's spirit helps other victims cross over to the light to join deceased family members. Mikes spirit is being taken over by an evil force to keep him from crossing over to the light. He seeks the help of a medium to fight the evil being. A story of good vs. Evil. The setting is in a coal mining town in England. The story is riveting. I would recommend this book.
This is a paranormal mystery with two main characters. Both have died from a coal mining accident. Billy's spirit helps other victims cross over to the light to join deceased family members. Mikes spirit is being taken over by an evil force to keep him from crossing over to the light. He seeks the help of a medium to fight the evil being. A story of good vs. Evil. The setting is in a coal mining town in England. The story is riveting. I would recommend this book.
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