What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Diaries #1
Case #1: Sarah Beth Hawkins
While rifling through her deceased father’s belongings, a young woman named Taija Ford discovered a maze of files filled with journal entries and old letters that mention various claims of hauntings and alleged demonic possession. The oldest dating back to 1881. This particular file asserts a girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins was attacked by an unseen entity.
In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.
The Ghost Diaries is an episodic series of short stories.
In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.
The Ghost Diaries is an episodic series of short stories.
ebook
First published December 17, 2012
About the author
Willow Cross
52 books299 followersWillow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a scaredy-cat dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost, and a few of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 27, 2012
I was given an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first, in many to come, episodic short stories in the Ghost Diaries Series. This short revolves around Taija Ford. Some time after her fathers death, she starts going thru his belongings and comes across mounds of files that are filled with journals and letters. The first that she stumbles upon dates back to the late 1800's and is about a young girl that seems to be attacked by something of the paranormal. She notices notes are jotted down in this journal in her fathers handwriting. Suspicious of what secret life her father had, she starts her own investigations, one of the journals, and the other to find out the truth about her father and how he ties into all of this.
I loved this adult paranormal read. I could not put it down! The author has several paranormal writings under her belt, but this one is far different from the rest. Looks like we are getting to see another peek at what this author can do. I can't wait to read more of this series. I am hooked.
Warning: Adult read! Contains adult language and adult situations.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews.
This is the first, in many to come, episodic short stories in the Ghost Diaries Series. This short revolves around Taija Ford. Some time after her fathers death, she starts going thru his belongings and comes across mounds of files that are filled with journals and letters. The first that she stumbles upon dates back to the late 1800's and is about a young girl that seems to be attacked by something of the paranormal. She notices notes are jotted down in this journal in her fathers handwriting. Suspicious of what secret life her father had, she starts her own investigations, one of the journals, and the other to find out the truth about her father and how he ties into all of this.
I loved this adult paranormal read. I could not put it down! The author has several paranormal writings under her belt, but this one is far different from the rest. Looks like we are getting to see another peek at what this author can do. I can't wait to read more of this series. I am hooked.
Warning: Adult read! Contains adult language and adult situations.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews.
January 18, 2013
This is not my usual read, and it's been a while since I've read a story in the form of diary entries. I am so pleased that I took the time out to read Willow Cross's Ghost Diaries (#1).
Willow Cross's writing style is so beautifully crafted and appropriate in this story. It was refreshing to read a collection of well-constructed and eloquently described diary entries that were written in the style of 19th century writers. Willow Cross's manipulation of her sentence construction and vocabulary choices, provided an enjoyable read with an edgy and sinister flavour.
The construction of the plotline via diary entries worked effectively with a smooth flow and a quick pace. I would have appreciated a closer connection to the characters; there was just enough to feel as though I was able relate to them.
If you are looking for a quick read, filled with a ghostly, sinister edge, then be sure to pick up a copy of Willow Cross's Ghost Diaries (#1).
Willow Cross's writing style is so beautifully crafted and appropriate in this story. It was refreshing to read a collection of well-constructed and eloquently described diary entries that were written in the style of 19th century writers. Willow Cross's manipulation of her sentence construction and vocabulary choices, provided an enjoyable read with an edgy and sinister flavour.
The construction of the plotline via diary entries worked effectively with a smooth flow and a quick pace. I would have appreciated a closer connection to the characters; there was just enough to feel as though I was able relate to them.
If you are looking for a quick read, filled with a ghostly, sinister edge, then be sure to pick up a copy of Willow Cross's Ghost Diaries (#1).
December 29, 2012
Ghost Diaries
By Willow Cross
Case #1 Sarah Beth Hawkins
A young woman discovers papers in her father’s attack along with journal entries from private journals. She learns that she is from a long line of ghost hunters and these papers, contained in hatboxes tell the story. This story grips you from the beginning. You find yourself reading and drawn into the journal entries of the possessed or is she just going mad. You will have to read this case to find out and determine for yourself if it is just mad musings or has something evil been involved. Now I am anxious to see what other cases will be uncovered. I can’t recommend this story enough. It will leave you truly thinking and hungry for more.
Bella Doerres M.Ed 12/19/2012
By Willow Cross
Case #1 Sarah Beth Hawkins
A young woman discovers papers in her father’s attack along with journal entries from private journals. She learns that she is from a long line of ghost hunters and these papers, contained in hatboxes tell the story. This story grips you from the beginning. You find yourself reading and drawn into the journal entries of the possessed or is she just going mad. You will have to read this case to find out and determine for yourself if it is just mad musings or has something evil been involved. Now I am anxious to see what other cases will be uncovered. I can’t recommend this story enough. It will leave you truly thinking and hungry for more.
Bella Doerres M.Ed 12/19/2012
January 9, 2013
This short story moves like lightning. It's a series of letters and diary entries written by Sarah and her family, and not a single word is superfluousness. I like that. :)
The author brilliantly recreates the speech style and mores of that story's time frame (late 1800s), and makes the letters/diary entries come to life, expressing the innermost feelings and fears of Sarah, her mom, and others. Not shockingly, the entries are about a ghostly presence that has invaded the family's upper middle class home and gripped the sensibilities of their fair and innocent daughter. It's the perfect recipe for all things strange and supernatural.
This is case one. I can hardly wait for case two. Yippie! :)
I recommend this short story for all adults YA.
The author brilliantly recreates the speech style and mores of that story's time frame (late 1800s), and makes the letters/diary entries come to life, expressing the innermost feelings and fears of Sarah, her mom, and others. Not shockingly, the entries are about a ghostly presence that has invaded the family's upper middle class home and gripped the sensibilities of their fair and innocent daughter. It's the perfect recipe for all things strange and supernatural.
This is case one. I can hardly wait for case two. Yippie! :)
I recommend this short story for all adults YA.
February 22, 2013
10+*s. I purchased my copy of this book from Amazon.com and am ready to give my honest opinion.
WOW.....What can I say? This short story is masterfully written and intriguingly addictive in the writing style of Willow Cross. This magnificent writer has caught my attention with a ghost story that sucked me in while I held on tight for the wild roller coaster ride that I have read yet. This is a MUST read story that will capture your soul and keep it in its pages from beginning to end!! I am extremely excited to read more of this marvelously written tale!! Thank you, Willow Cross, you are a literary master.
WOW.....What can I say? This short story is masterfully written and intriguingly addictive in the writing style of Willow Cross. This magnificent writer has caught my attention with a ghost story that sucked me in while I held on tight for the wild roller coaster ride that I have read yet. This is a MUST read story that will capture your soul and keep it in its pages from beginning to end!! I am extremely excited to read more of this marvelously written tale!! Thank you, Willow Cross, you are a literary master.
January 2, 2013
I was giving a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This is not a YA book.
Willow Cross has done it again, Ghost Diaries, Case #1 Sarah Beth Hawkins is an amazing piece of work. The book isn't very long, but don't be fooled, because Willow packed a lot of great stuff in this one. I have said this before, and I will say it again Willow has a great talent for making her stories come alive. I could see the whole thing playing out like a movie in my head. I am anxiously awaiting for case #2 to be released. If you like mystery this is the book for you.
Willow Cross has done it again, Ghost Diaries, Case #1 Sarah Beth Hawkins is an amazing piece of work. The book isn't very long, but don't be fooled, because Willow packed a lot of great stuff in this one. I have said this before, and I will say it again Willow has a great talent for making her stories come alive. I could see the whole thing playing out like a movie in my head. I am anxiously awaiting for case #2 to be released. If you like mystery this is the book for you.
March 30, 2013
A gift from Smashwords by the author for an honest review, so thank you!!
I love reading about ghost and all the scary good stuff. Taija Ford finds her daddy's journals, which she comes to find out are research on old paranormal case's that he has worked on. I can understand how Taija could get wrapped up in all of Sarah's and her family's diaries!! I was getting wrapped up myself LOL. I love how the author puts everything together. I think Taija is smart enough to cary on her daddy's work. This was a great short read and looking foward to see what Taija finds in the next hatbox.
I love reading about ghost and all the scary good stuff. Taija Ford finds her daddy's journals, which she comes to find out are research on old paranormal case's that he has worked on. I can understand how Taija could get wrapped up in all of Sarah's and her family's diaries!! I was getting wrapped up myself LOL. I love how the author puts everything together. I think Taija is smart enough to cary on her daddy's work. This was a great short read and looking foward to see what Taija finds in the next hatbox.
December 29, 2012
On the edge of my seat!
I love this ghost story!! It is like "Exorcist" meets a wicked "Man of my Dreams". ;)
I have read almost all of the Willow Cross books, & I love them all for different reasons! I really like it when one of my favorite authors decides to mix it up a bit!
She literally had me on the edge of my seat. I will be anxiously awaiting more of these ghost stories!
I love this ghost story!! It is like "Exorcist" meets a wicked "Man of my Dreams". ;)
I have read almost all of the Willow Cross books, & I love them all for different reasons! I really like it when one of my favorite authors decides to mix it up a bit!
She literally had me on the edge of my seat. I will be anxiously awaiting more of these ghost stories!
February 4, 2013
Taija Ford was going through her dead fathers things and found some files about of hauntings and alleged demonic possession.
this book is about a Girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins who was possessed by a demon and what happens to her and her family
I loved reading this book it may be a quick read but i am sure you will as well
this book is about a Girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins who was possessed by a demon and what happens to her and her family
I loved reading this book it may be a quick read but i am sure you will as well
June 8, 2022
Fun
I loved this little story and all the letters that make it real thank you for the read and keep writing in this way it makes the reading mechanics easier on my eyes you keep writing and I will keep reading g sincerely christinedunne Harlingen Texas'
I loved this little story and all the letters that make it real thank you for the read and keep writing in this way it makes the reading mechanics easier on my eyes you keep writing and I will keep reading g sincerely christinedunne Harlingen Texas'
January 16, 2013
This is a short story about Sarah Beth Hawkins & an unseen entity. Taija Ford found letters & diaries that tell the story of Sarah.
An old man sold Sarah`s dad a silver box & that`s when the headaches & dreams started. It also brought her the love of her life or so it seems to Sarah. Her mother can feel the evil which has invaded their home. Something is really wrong with Sarah for she has never behaved this way before.
Is she dreaming, has she gone mad, or is she now possessed?
Willow has outdone herself going from YA to adult read. This is an awesome story! I`m sure this series will just keep getting better!
An old man sold Sarah`s dad a silver box & that`s when the headaches & dreams started. It also brought her the love of her life or so it seems to Sarah. Her mother can feel the evil which has invaded their home. Something is really wrong with Sarah for she has never behaved this way before.
Is she dreaming, has she gone mad, or is she now possessed?
Willow has outdone herself going from YA to adult read. This is an awesome story! I`m sure this series will just keep getting better!
January 27, 2013
This was an intriguing start to what promises to be an excellent short story series. Willow Cross is a pro at telling a wicked good ghost story and this in no exception. I really found myself feeling for the characters and even though the story wasn't very long it definitely left you wanting more. I am excited to read the next bit of story because I can't wait to see what happens next and how it all ties together in the end. If you are looking to read something that goes bump in the night Ghost Diaries is definitely recommended.
January 30, 2013
I'm not sure what to say... I'm once again floored at the caliber of writing this Author offers to the Literary community at large. Willow Cross has the ability to weave magic into her words, providing the reader with a real glimpse into her characters worlds. So much so, that you feel like you are there... experiencing it yourself. Ghost Diaries kept me up at night, yet made me long for the next installment! Kudos to Willow Cross and her new hit series, Ghost Diaries!
July 5, 2013
By the author Willow Cross who has brought you amazing stories brings you another story of secrets and of files that leads Taija Ford to investigate her fathers files after his death. This is the first story of the series that will take you where know one has gone before. Will Taija Ford figure out what her father was up to? Will looking through files make her go mad? To find out get your copy today you will not regret it..
July 6, 2017
Where is Constance Hawkins?
In some stories, it reads like a camp fire story, in others, it reads like this. This is a journal style tale of possession, which I must say reads well. It could easily be blown out to a full story and I could easily see this in movie format. Whether it’s based on something real or not I didn’t look into, but I did enjoy the read, and I am still wondering… where did mom go?
In some stories, it reads like a camp fire story, in others, it reads like this. This is a journal style tale of possession, which I must say reads well. It could easily be blown out to a full story and I could easily see this in movie format. Whether it’s based on something real or not I didn’t look into, but I did enjoy the read, and I am still wondering… where did mom go?
March 31, 2024
Ghost Diaries #1: Sarah Beth Hawkins by Willow Cross was an eerie tale of demonic possession and the deterioration of a home because of this. the story is told by way of letters and journal entries which i found quite chillingly effective.
since this is the start of a series, Willow Cross hit a home run, knocking it out of the ballpark. i can't wait for the next entry.
highly recommended.
5 stars out of 5.
since this is the start of a series, Willow Cross hit a home run, knocking it out of the ballpark. i can't wait for the next entry.
highly recommended.
5 stars out of 5.
May 15, 2022
Not enough substance … pun intended. Possible feminist elements (an “oppression,” you say?) and some (unintentionally?) hilarious moments, like when our leading lady’s parents come upon their daughter whilst she is carrying out ghostly fornications, but not enough for one offering at ~20 pages. And frankly nothing we haven’t seen before.
July 2, 2022
Quick read. Interesting.
I liked the book. It kept me interested but I was disappointed by the ending, it was anticlimactic. The author mentioned several things in the story a couple times that pulled you in but never followed through on them. But overall, it was a good read,could have better with some adjustments.
I liked the book. It kept me interested but I was disappointed by the ending, it was anticlimactic. The author mentioned several things in the story a couple times that pulled you in but never followed through on them. But overall, it was a good read,could have better with some adjustments.
September 30, 2017
Very interesting. I love reading old diaries or old letters and this keeps you really interested. Some of the pages are written by her mother so you know there is some truth in what Sarah Hawkins was going through.
August 15, 2023
Sarah Beth Hawkins is with her father when a peddler approaches with a beautiful silver box. After they take it home strange things start happening in their home. Strange voices and moving objects are only the beginning.
December 8, 2019
Amazing
This was a good read, I found the beginning of the book to be quite interesting all the way to the end of the story. A most read!
This was a good read, I found the beginning of the book to be quite interesting all the way to the end of the story. A most read!
January 17, 2020
Fast & furious!
Could not put it down! It is a unique rewriting of The Exorcist. Thoroughly enjoyed! Will seek this author again.
Could not put it down! It is a unique rewriting of The Exorcist. Thoroughly enjoyed! Will seek this author again.
January 30, 2013
Taija Ford stumbled upon a few hat boxes in her father’s attic, inside these hat boxes were journals. Some intact, others crumbling from age. To her surprise, she discovered she comes from a long line of paranormal investigators. Her father David Ford and before him his own father, started this endeavor. Now Taija is on her very first case to discover if in fact is there any truths to life after death. Now Taija will start where her father left off and follow in his footsteps.
In the hat boxes were journals from a young girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins.
From March 18, 1881- May 7, 1881 the Hawkins family would face unusual circumstances. It all started with a beautiful silver box her father bought for Sarah off an unknown down on his luck, disheveled man. For some bread, apples and a bit of cheese, the silver box was Sarah’s but soon she will discover there is a lot more to the box then the beauty of it.
That is where their lives take a turn for the worse.
The following day after receiving the silver box from the unknown man, Sarah started showing signs of sickness. Not only was she faced with sickness, but also plagued with the strangest of dreams someone like her shouldn’t be having. Dreams of a beautiful man.
Every day the presence in the house get worse and worse, evil has entered their house and they now know this, but not Sarah. They hear her talking to herself more and more and laughing.
With the town’s people whispering of Witches and the casting of spells, could this escalate out of control?
Can this family battle the unseen evil and get their daughter back to the young, happy girl she once was before getting the silver box? How can they battle something they cannot see, and where do they start? Or will the evil prevail and overtake the family?
Ghost Diaries Case #1- Sarah Beth Hawkins was a great short read. If you’re looking for something to read, but don’t have the time for a long novel, this is definitely something to consider. It takes you on a journey, has a big of spookiness to it, and has you guessing. It’s very well written and it makes you feel like you are reading someone’s personal diary as well as going through their pain right along with them. I can’t wait to see what is next in the ‘Ghost Diaries’ I give this book 5 stars!
FOR MORE REVIEWS LIKE THIS ONE PLEASE VISIT US AT CYNTHIASHEPP.WORDPRESS.COM AND WERE ALSO ON FACEBOOK AT CYNTHIA SHEPP BOOK REVIEWS AND EDITING
In the hat boxes were journals from a young girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins.
From March 18, 1881- May 7, 1881 the Hawkins family would face unusual circumstances. It all started with a beautiful silver box her father bought for Sarah off an unknown down on his luck, disheveled man. For some bread, apples and a bit of cheese, the silver box was Sarah’s but soon she will discover there is a lot more to the box then the beauty of it.
That is where their lives take a turn for the worse.
The following day after receiving the silver box from the unknown man, Sarah started showing signs of sickness. Not only was she faced with sickness, but also plagued with the strangest of dreams someone like her shouldn’t be having. Dreams of a beautiful man.
Every day the presence in the house get worse and worse, evil has entered their house and they now know this, but not Sarah. They hear her talking to herself more and more and laughing.
With the town’s people whispering of Witches and the casting of spells, could this escalate out of control?
Can this family battle the unseen evil and get their daughter back to the young, happy girl she once was before getting the silver box? How can they battle something they cannot see, and where do they start? Or will the evil prevail and overtake the family?
Ghost Diaries Case #1- Sarah Beth Hawkins was a great short read. If you’re looking for something to read, but don’t have the time for a long novel, this is definitely something to consider. It takes you on a journey, has a big of spookiness to it, and has you guessing. It’s very well written and it makes you feel like you are reading someone’s personal diary as well as going through their pain right along with them. I can’t wait to see what is next in the ‘Ghost Diaries’ I give this book 5 stars!
FOR MORE REVIEWS LIKE THIS ONE PLEASE VISIT US AT CYNTHIASHEPP.WORDPRESS.COM AND WERE ALSO ON FACEBOOK AT CYNTHIA SHEPP BOOK REVIEWS AND EDITING
January 25, 2013
Ghost Diaries, Case #1
Sarah Beth Hawkins
by
Willow Cross
~Synopsis~
While rifling through her deceased father’s belongings, a young woman named Taija Ford discovered a maze of files filled with journal entries and old letters that mention various claims of hauntings and alleged demonic possession. The oldest dating back to 1881. This particular file asserts a girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins was attacked by an unseen entity.
In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.
The Ghost Diaries is an episodic series of short stories.
~My Review~
Taija Ford goes through her fathers belongings after his death. She finds journals and letters from back in the 1800's.
This story is about Sarah Beth Hawkins. While Sarah and her dad are in town they encounter a strange man. This man pushes her father to trade a small, silver box for some food. Her father gives in and the silver box now belongs to Sarah.
Once they arrive home, Sarah puts the box by her bed. Soon after she starts to experience headaches and strange dreams. Some kind of entity is taking Sarah over. Her mother can feel the evil in her house and it is beyond frightening what it does to Sarah.
These journal entries tell us what Sarah went through and how her mother and father watched it happen on a daily basis.
This book is a great adult, paranormal read.
I had never read a Willow Cross book before. I was pleasantly surprised, especially with it being such a short read.
This is the first case. Willow will bring more cases to these short stories. So read on book lovers.
I give this book 4 NarlyNut Stars
Sarah Beth Hawkins
by
Willow Cross
~Synopsis~
While rifling through her deceased father’s belongings, a young woman named Taija Ford discovered a maze of files filled with journal entries and old letters that mention various claims of hauntings and alleged demonic possession. The oldest dating back to 1881. This particular file asserts a girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins was attacked by an unseen entity.
In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.
The Ghost Diaries is an episodic series of short stories.
~My Review~
Taija Ford goes through her fathers belongings after his death. She finds journals and letters from back in the 1800's.
This story is about Sarah Beth Hawkins. While Sarah and her dad are in town they encounter a strange man. This man pushes her father to trade a small, silver box for some food. Her father gives in and the silver box now belongs to Sarah.
Once they arrive home, Sarah puts the box by her bed. Soon after she starts to experience headaches and strange dreams. Some kind of entity is taking Sarah over. Her mother can feel the evil in her house and it is beyond frightening what it does to Sarah.
These journal entries tell us what Sarah went through and how her mother and father watched it happen on a daily basis.
This book is a great adult, paranormal read.
I had never read a Willow Cross book before. I was pleasantly surprised, especially with it being such a short read.
This is the first case. Willow will bring more cases to these short stories. So read on book lovers.
I give this book 4 NarlyNut Stars
July 7, 2013
Willow Cross
Ghost Diaries, Case #1- Sarah Beth Hawkins
Ghost stories are never top on my list, so wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this but was soon found myself fascinated by the journal entries and how the author had pulled the story together. A very quick read, it’s fast paced and each entry detailed how the demonic possession was progressing day by day. Thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ghost Diaries, Case #1- Sarah Beth Hawkins
Ghost stories are never top on my list, so wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this but was soon found myself fascinated by the journal entries and how the author had pulled the story together. A very quick read, it’s fast paced and each entry detailed how the demonic possession was progressing day by day. Thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2013
I won this ebook during a blog hop and I wasnt too sure about it. I sat down the other night and wanted something different to read and I picked this book. Let me tell you it was different and it held me and when I was on the last page I was sad that it ended. I love that it had "dairy" ex certs from the characters it was happening to.
August 23, 2013
I love it! I really like the diary format. I will be reading the rest of them soon!
September 26, 2014
I like it.
July 25, 2016
Interesting
This is a story based on diaries that were found from the Hawkings family in 1881. Very quick and interesting read.
This is a story based on diaries that were found from the Hawkings family in 1881. Very quick and interesting read.
May 9, 2013
agh. ok story but I need more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews