Michael Hebler

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

With an old-fashioned writing style and a connection to the beloved Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol, The Ghost of Christmas Past by author Michael Hebler is a must-read for the Christmas season or any other time of the year. The story opens with The Ghost of Christmas Past attempting to save a suicidal woman, but when the spirit fails, it is sent on a journey to view the life it led in the past. While the spirit does not initially know if it was, in life, a female or a male, it learns the truth about its upbringing, including the relationship it had with its father. The spirit, after witnessing its own life and death, journeys back to the earthly world to try to save the suicidal woman and show her the truth about her own past.

There is much to love about The Ghost of Christmas Past. While I was initially drawn to the book because of the connection with A Christmas Carol, I quickly learned that the story stood on its own but still retained the old-fashioned writing style associated with Dickens. My favorite part of the book was when The Ghost of Christmas Past traveled back to its own beginnings. The scene of the spirit’s death was one of those rare book moments when you read through the pages without being aware of anything else around you. Also of note was the mention of Ebenezer Scrooge, which was greatly appreciated, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. At the root of the story is family misunderstandings, a connection author Michael Hebler constructed with ease, showcasing the theme without hitting the reader over the head with it. The writing was beautiful, the story was reminiscent of the original, and there was a believable backstory for the Ghost of Christmas Past. I would recommend the book to fans of A Christmas Carol or anyone who is interested in this genre.… (meer)

When you think about it, the title and cover are perfect for the subject matter, the origin of the chupacabra. I love MIchael Hebler’s explanation of how and why the chupacabra came to be.

Jeremiah Whiting’s story ticked me off.

The Civil War caused some heinous acts to be perpetrated. A truly evil being wants to bring death and destruction to the world and will do whatever is necessary to ,ale it happen.

And then I met the American Indian, Yuma.

Michael Hebler has no trouble skewing even a good guy to the bad side, maybe even killing them off.

The details and descriptions are so deep, visualization is a snap, the surroundings coming to life.

Want to know what angers the spirits…you need to read Dawn of the Chupacabra yourself. LOL

Well, Michael, it has been quite the ride. The highs and lows kept me wrapped up in the characters, grieving for them when they passed, reveling with them when something good happens, and I can hardly wait to find another ‘family’ from you to hook up with.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com… (meer)

As I enter the third book in the series, Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler, I have been reading them one after another, I become more fond of Jessie and her tenacity. She had a sordid upbringing, is self reliant, untrusting. Life is not what she would have chosen, but she would make the best of it. If she ever became your friend, it would be for life.

I couldn’t understand her felling of dread and being stalked. After all, the chupacabra was dead…isn’t it? What do you think?

Hate and revenge are strong motivators, leaving some open to being duped and unleashing a horror never known before upon the white man. In this western world, we learn about man’s ability to be good and bad. Are they born that way or do circumstances dictate their actions? I love a book that makes me ponder deep questions.

Suspense, twists and turns, pain and sorrow, but love and hope blossom from the most evil depredations. Sometimes subsequent books in the series don’t hold up, but, no worries. Each book has held more depth, more terror and more suspense than the last. I cannot stop reading, the suspense and sense of urgency driving me to the end…but wait…there’s one more book. YAY!

OMG…NO…Michael, you are sheer evil. I had a feeling something had to happen, but, damn it! I sure didn’t see the ending coming and it was a fabulous surprise.

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Curse of the Chupacabra starts where Book I, Night of the Chupacabra left off and I was immediately engrossed by the opening pages. I was engulfed in Suzanne’s nightmare.

Jesse has a plan, though Suzanne would not approve, if she knew about it. Jessie is a grifter that uses all the tricks at her disposal. Even being a child she has learned well. She is pig headed, stubborn, independent. I love this character.

Suzanne is trying to do right by the kids. She is caring, giving, everything the kids were missing and I am fearful of her future. She feels responsible, though they are not her own.

I am in suspense, waitiing…waiting…waiting…for HIM to pop up. I know he will make an appearance, just when and where is the question.

I love the addition of western myths and legends, Indian shamanism, animal spirits, among the paranormal and supernatural horror. Curse of the Chupacabra has everything needed for a screamfest.

Be careful who you get involved with. Michael Hebler is not afraid to kill off his characters, so your favorite may not make it to the end.

OMG. Curse of the Chupacabra pissed me off so much…I am afraid to see what is to coming, but I am rubbing my hands together in wicked glee as I click that button to begin Book III, Legend of the Chupacabra.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com… (meer)