The Awakening of Dan Hanley: A Novel

by Rita K. Hamilton

Overview

To get his college degree as quickly as possible, twenty-one year old Dan needs to live with Margaret, an unknown distant relative. The elderly landlady claims she can communicate psychically with animals. Dan is dumbfounded. She doesn't seem the weirdo type. She has to be a shyster, evil, or just plain crazy. To protect himself from the possibility of Margaret's corrupting influence, he devises a plan. He will keep as much distance between them as their "work for room and board" arrangement will allow. A complicating factor is Laurie, the cute girl next door. Dan struggles to resist his attraction to her. He doesn't have the time or money for romantic entanglements. Besides, he is convinced she has been brainwashed by Margaret. Then there is Bill Saxon, neighborhood thug, thief, and animal tormentor, who takes an instant dislike to Dan. Seventy pounds lighter than Bill and inexperienced at fist fighting, Dan knows he is no match for Bill. Additional issues center around the animals: Sobra, the timid Labrador; her mother, Lady; Petey, the parakeet; and the cats, Taylor, Katy, Princess, and Cherish. Each playa significant part in a life lesson for Dan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781418469597
Publisher:	Authorhouse
Publication date:	09/21/2004
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Rita has been a school librarian, part-time church secretary, substitute teacher, and is currently a full time homemaker. But she considers her true vocation that of student and seeker of the hidden realities behind life and its purpose.

She has been a hospice volunteer, certified church lay speaker, member of a writers' group, and serves on the board of a homeless animal shelter. She is currently still actively learning, pursing writing, and spending time with her husband, Howard, a retired high school teacher.

They live in Shelbyville, Indiana with two dogs, three cats, and a cockatiel. She is working on her second book, I Wonder, a Hodgepodge Reflecting upon Life.

Preface

She traced and retraced the rim of her teacup with a finger. "I'm sure you're aware there are many forms of ESP: psychokinesis, precognition, clairvoyance, and telepathy to name a few."

He waved nonchalantly, and lied. "Of course."
"Well." She took a deep breath. "I have a rather unusual psychic gift."
"You do?" Figuring he had better humor her, he asked, "What kind?"
"I can participate in two-way communication with animals."
"W--wh--what?"
"I can communicate psychically with animals, mainly cats and dogs."
Dan sat dumbfounded. What he was seeing and what he was hearing didn't compute. For her age, Mrs. Canfield was a beauty. He noted her correct posture; slender, stylish clothed figure; and silver-gray, beauty shop hair-do. Only a thin upper lip that disappears when she smiles deeply and slightly pudgy cheeks detracted from her appearance. In every way she appeared the perfect example of a lady from her generation. She even looked queen-like at times. She just didn't seem the weirdo type.

"You needed to know, Dan, because people often consult me about problems with their pets. I also do a lot of volunteer work for a private shelter for homeless animals. If the need should arise, I would like to feel I could call on you for help."

As he continued to gawk at her, the image of his always on guard against sin, Bible-quoting mother flashed through his mind. Could she be right after all? Was it really possible for someone to be given evil powers? Was this attractive, old woman, who had offered him the opportunity of a lifetime, a witch? No, he couldn't believe that. But, if she wasn't, then she was lying for some unknown reason and that could still spell trouble.

Confronted with something he didn't know how to handle, Dan felt the urge to withdraw. He jumped up, grabbing his chair to keep it from falling. "I--I've got to think about this." Ignoring her expression pleading for understanding, he hurried out of kitchen and house.

Not knowing where else to go, he wandered toward the university and sank down against a maple tree at the core of the empty campus. He pondered his predicament. What was he getting himself into? Was Mrs. Canfield evil, a shyster, or just plain crazy? He wished he knew which of the three it was. Then maybe he would know how to respond to her.