Location: United States
Member Since: 02 Jun, 2009
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Sharon E. Cathcart


Biography:

Sharon E. Cathcart is a former journalist and newspaper editor. She has co-authored one non-fiction book, "Born of War ... Dedicated to Peace," and written another, "Les Pensees Dangereuses." "In The Eye of The Beholder" is her first novel. She is already at work on the sequel, "In The Eye of The Storm."

"Les Pensees Dangereuses" and "In The Eye of The Beholder" are both available on Smashwords.

Sharon lives in the Silicon Valley region of California, with her husband Jeff.

Where to find Sharon E. Cathcart online:

Website: http://home.earthlink.net/~scathcart1964/sharonecathcart
Twitter: SharonCathcart
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2962472.Sharon_E_Cathcart/blog

Where to buy in print:

http://treasurelinebooks.com/InTheEyeOfTheBeholder.aspx

Books:

Sui Generis
Ebook Price: Free! 7480 words. Fiction by Sharon E. Cathcart on June 3, 2010
Author Sharon E. Cathcart ("In The Eye of The Beholder," "Les Pensees Dangereuses") presents a sampler of essays and short fiction. The collection features "Heart of Stone," a short story never previously published.
Les Pensees Dangereuses: Dangerous thoughts about life, love, pets, friends and depression
You set the price! 28810 words. Non-Fiction by Sharon E. Cathcart on October 2, 2009
star star star (3)
Part autobiography and part inspiration, "Les Pensees Dangereuses" (French for "dangerous thoughts") is a series of essays on friendship, spirituality, education, bullying, animals, clinical depression and more. Author Sharon E. Cathcart ("In The Eye of The Beholder") shares her thoughts, including an unfinished autobiography, "Unmasking My Phantoms: My Dance With Madness," in this new book.
In The Eye of The Beholder
Ebook Price: $2.95 USD. 58850 words. Fiction by Sharon E. Cathcart on June 6, 2009
star star star star star (5)
When French equestrian Claire Delacroix loses her fiance in a tragic accident, she comes to live at the Paris Opera during its 1890s heyday. Whilst working at the opera, she meets a mysterious, masked stranger: Erik. Is it possible that the two of them will heal the pain of each other's past?

Tag Cloud:

animals    autobiography    bullying    depression    education    equestrian    fantasy    fantasy fiction    fiction general    friendship    london    marriage equality    mental illness    opera garnier    paris    phantom of the opera    religion and politics    sociology    spirituality   

Favorite Authors on Smashwords:


Smashwords Book Reviews:

  • Dream Catcher - Romance Short Story on Jun. 12, 2009 star star star star
    Nice premise. Author has a lot of potential. Recommend a solid proofreader; otherwise quite good.
  • Edward's Song on Jun. 17, 2009 star star star
    Overall, a good attempt. As the previous reader indicated, I wonder what the backstory was for Edward. A point of research: you have Edward using a sabre to thrust and parry. A sabre is not a thrusting weapon; it's a slicing weapon, intended to be used while on horseback (as opposed to ground combat). Something to consider for future works. :-)
  • Spellbound on Aug. 25, 2009 star star star star
    Regency author Jaimey Grant has done it again with "Spellbound." In this novel, Ms. Grant has brought more of her interesting (and interconnected) characters together in a plot filled with intrigue and suspense. In this tale, Tristan hires a retired actress, Raven, to pretend to be his fiancee so that he can stop his grandmother's nagging at him to get married. Needless to say, they fall in love despite themselves, but (as the saying goes), the course of true love ne'er did run smooth. There are obstacles to be overcome and intrigues to resolve. Ms. Grant's characters are well-drawn and believable, and I particularly like seeing minor characters from another of her tales being given an opportunity to tell their own stories in each book.
  • The Jade Owl on Oct. 23, 2009 star star star star star
    I became acquainted with Edward C. Patterson via Operation eBook Drop: he founded the project and I'm a participating author. It seemed a natural progression to likewise acquaint myself with his work. "The Jade Owl" is a science fiction/fantasy novel that starts out with Sinologist Rowden Gray being denied a job originally offered to him at San Francisco's Asian Art Museum. A passerby in the museum picks up the telegram Gray discards, and then leads Gray on a search for the artifact that obsessed Gray's late mentor (the eponymous owl). Patterson's research into Chinese culture and traditions is first-rate (his MA in the field bears that out). Throw in a tremendous gift for phrasing that makes his prose read like poetry, the ability to draw fascinating characters (I am no expert on LGBT literature, but I felt like I had met every one of his characters -- gay or straight -- out in the real world), and a fascinating mystery to be solved. Patterson's work is sure to find fans across many genres.
  • Betrayal on Nov. 05, 2009 star star star star star
    I've said before that I'm a walk-away from the romance genre. I had begun to feel like I was reading the same book over and over again. Then I had the good fortune to meet author Jaimey Grant when we both entered a writing contest. She asked me if I would review one of her books, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It says a lot that I would not only read one of her books but have just finished a third one; Jaimey's characters are well-developed and her plots are entertaining. Minor characters from some of her titles have major roles in others. I think "Betrayal" is the best of Jaimey Grant's books that I have read so far. Her heroine, Brianna, is not the typical Regency novel bluestocking; she has spent time in a madhouse and in prison. The hero, Adam Prestwick, is hired by her family to return her to them because she has the fortune that they want to spend. Naturally, Adam and Brianna fall in love (this is a romance novel), but there are many obstacles to be overcome during the course of the story. Jaimey doesn't pull punches about hard situations, even while she writes a "clean" romance. I cannot recommend her books highly enough to fans of the genre ... including my fellow walkaways.
  • Come, Wewoka & Diary of Medicine Flower on Dec. 10, 2009 star star star star
    Ed Patterson has written some glorious poetry with evocative imagery in the first half of this book. "Come, Wewoka" consists of numerous pieces discussing aspects of the Trail of Tears and describing the history of the Cherokee nation. "Diary of Medicine Flower" is a delightful series of philosophical essays on a variety of topics. I particularly enjoyed the essay about the spirit pouch, which contains items that touch an individual's soul, and how we should always have a spirit pouch (I presume in a figurative sense) to remind of us of who we are. Highly recommended for admirers of poetry or those interested in Native American thoughts and culture.
  • The Closet Clandestine: a queer steps out on Jan. 05, 2010 star star star star
    As always, Ed Patterson's poetry is outstanding for its vocabulary and meter. I liked some poems better than others, but that is frequently the case with an epic anthology of this sort. I found Ed's treatment of issues surrounding "coming out" to be very sensitive. Not for younger readers due to subject matter and occasional vulgar language.
  • The Fox on Mar. 05, 2010 star star star star star
    Arlene Radasky's "The Fox" is a fascinating crossover between historical fiction and fantasy. Her heroine, Aine, is an archaeologist who is visited by Jahna, an ancient Pictish Druid who lived at the site Aine is exploring. Radasky has clearly researched not only bog archaeology but Celtic mythology, Druidic practices and life in the ancient British Isles. Her facts are spot-on (this is an area of interest for me). On top of that, she has created interesting characters in both the modern and ancient world. Archaeologists and ancients alike are well-rounded, multi-dimensional characters. Even the "villains" are well thought-out and complex. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and recommend it to fans of fantasy, archaeology procedural stories and historical fiction alike.
  • Bobby's Trace on Mar. 11, 2010 star star star star star
    In "Bobby's Trace," author Edward C. Patterson has created a ghost story with some rather unusual twists. Protagonist Perry Chaplin is just back after a bereavement leave disguised as a vacation. His partner, Bobby, has been gone a month at the time the book's events occur. Perry's co-worker, Mary, tells him to go on a blind date and gives him a phone number. His boss, Mrs. Wickersham, tells him to go to church and see a priest. When Perry dials the number for the blind date, he sets in motion a series of events with entertaining twists and turns. Bobby doesn't want to be dead, Perry's date turns out to be more than he bargained for ... and all of the plot points converge in an unexpected and compassionate manner.
  • Music, Food, and Death (The State Of New Orleans Through The Eyes Of The Strippers) on Mar. 30, 2010 star star star star star
    Author John Buffalo Mailer (son of Norman Mailer) was once commissioned by Playboy to write an article about post-Katrina New Orleans. Numerous editorial policy changes ensued, and the article eventually reverted to him. Mailer chose to publish this gritty look at New Orleans exclusively as an eBook, and I feel privileged to have read it. His prose is evocative, and the interviews with the strippers and bartenders show the gritty underbelly of a city that is still trying to recover from disaster. I will say that this book is not for the faint of heart. There are discussions of murders, sex, prostitution and drug use. Mailer pulls no punches in showing the darker side of recovery in a devastated city. A short read, and well worth exploring.
  • 100 Stories for Haiti on Apr. 19, 2010 star star star star
    "100 Stories for Haiti" is an anthology of short tales, collected to raise money for relief in the aftermath of the recent earthquake. Each of the stories is enjoyable in its own right, although I preferred some to others (this is to be expected in a collection of this type). Overall, a splendid effort on the part of diverse writers to raise money in a good cause.
  • Surviving an American Gulag on Jun. 10, 2010 star star star star star
    I've liked all of the books I've read by Edward C. Patterson. "Surviving an American Gulag" is the first one that actually made me cry. Patterson's protagonist, Private Winslow Gibbs, is an overweight draftee soldier during the Vietnam era. He is assigned to a special training unit at Fort Gordon in hopes of returning to regular basic after he has lost some weight. Gibbs' interactions with the other soldiers on the STU range from the antagonistic to the friendly as he becomes more physically fit and gets to know himself better in the process. The additional short story at the end of the book, "Dime a Dip," is particularly poignant as it deals with migrant workers. In today's political environment, this compassionate look at those in need should not be overlooked.
  • The Widow's Granddaughter on Jun. 14, 2010 star star star star star
    Author J. Timothy King's short story, "The Widow's Granddaughter" is a poignant and entertaining tale about a man doing the right thing for the wrong reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed each character and the perspective that they brought to the situations. In this story, even the stereotypical used car salesman can make good. Well done!
  • ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes: Year 1 on Jun. 15, 2010 star star star star star
    I used to be in the music business, back in the dark recesses of time. With this collection of short stories, author Susan Helene Gottfried provides an entertaining and accurate description of life on the road, conflicts among band members, and even burgeoning family life. The members of ShapeShifters, Gottfried's fictional band, and their families are drawn with depth and sensitivity. Very entertaining and highly recommended. I can't wait to read "Demo Tapes (Year 2)."
  • Eagle Quest on Jun. 21, 2010 star star star star star
    In this well-researched YA novel, middle school students Billy, Hap and Fiona make friends with Mitch, the proverbial new kid in town (Klamath Falls, OR). Mitch is adopted, but has been told that his mother was Native American. He is very much interested in learning about his cultural heritage and, as part of that, wishes to go on a vision quest. Mitch enlists the aid of his newfound friends, and the four go into the Bear Valley Bald Eagle Refuge for an illegal overnight camping trip that will allow Mitch to get the lay of the land for his own solo venture. The kids' families are frantic, of course ... and they do run into some troublesome situations. Everything comes out well, of course, and the kids all learn some lessons. Author Marva Dasef includes useful appendices with information on bald eagles, Native American spirituality, the tribes mentioned in the book ... and some writing prompts for YA readers to consider their own quests and adventures. Highly enjoyable and entertaining.
  • Finding Your Own Inner Strength on Jun. 22, 2010 star star star star star
    Lori Osterman's short memoir on dealing with child sexual abuse is well-written, emotionally gripping, and well worth the time to read. Fellow survivors will find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their experiences, and draw strength from Lori's courageous honesty.
  • ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes (Year 2) on Jun. 29, 2010 star star star star star
    I've read both sets of "Demo Tapes," and enjoyed them thoroughly. I used to work in the music business, and Susan's characters are true-to-life, entertaining and well-developed. Brava to the author for an outstanding collection of short stories.
  • No Irish Need Apply on Jul. 08, 2010 star star star star
    Well-written and moving, "No Irish Need Apply" is a coming of age story about two gay youths, Kevin and Louis. They meet in school as assigned study partners and eventually discover that they feel more for one another than friendship. Patterson treats the challenges of gay youth (dealing with homophobic students, coming out to family, etc.) with a gentle and honest hand. Highly recommended for GLBT people, their families and allies, and members of PFLAG/GLSEN and similar organizations.
  • Turning Idolater on Jul. 13, 2010 star star star star star
    I was initially uncertain what to make of Turning Idolater. I'm a great admirer of Edward C. Patterson's work, but I just could not imagine how a book about a gay man who strips on the Internet, whilst obsessing over the language of Moby Dick, could somehow intertwine with information about the rare book trade and a murder mystery. Yet, in the end, that story turned out to be absolutely brilliant. As always, Patterson's prose is gorgeous; the descriptions of whales, gulls, a cat and a dog in Provincetown are particular standouts in that regard. His protagonist, Philip, is a sympathetic fellow -- not without his flaws, certainly, which make him human instead of a cardboard caricature. There's more to Philip than meets the eye, which we learn as the tale progresses. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good literary novel.
  • Look Away Silence on Jul. 15, 2010 star star star star star
    Keep tissues handy when you read this beautiful love story that takes place in the early days of HIV/AIDS. I wept many times. Edward C. Patterson's "Look Away Silence" is a story about many kinds of love besides the romance between Matt and Martin; it is about loving communities and families, and volunteers who take on the difficult duties in order to provide respite to caregivers. It is about people who find strength during crises that they believe will take them down: people who are phenomenally courageous. I have admired Patterson's novels for some time now, but honestly believe this one to be his best. Inspiring, though-provoking and, yes -- one that will make you cry.
  • Banshee Angel Of Judgement on Jul. 16, 2010 star star star star
    Two things kept me from giving this novella a full five stars. First, there were numerous run-on sentences with commas placed so poorly that they almost made no sense. The second problem was my grounding in Celtic mythology; the banshee (or bean sidhe) is not a vengeful mortal soul, but a fairy harbinger of death. All of that said, Billy Young's novel has a good premise -- the vengeant spirit of a woman falsely accused of witchcraft visits her judgment on all who offend her from the time of her initial demise in the late 17th century until three hundred years in the future. The most interesting, and best developed, parts of the novel focus on Helen's accusation and trial for witchcraft. Young has a good understanding of why most women were accused of witchcraft: their property became forfeit to the local government. He describes the various "tests" that women were put through: tortures that would make people confess to anything in order for the abuse to stop. The parts of the tale that take place in modern times, focused on two amusement park employees who pass by the "witch's house" every day on their way home almost feel tacked on by comparison. Complaints aside, this was an entertaining short read. Horror/thriller buffs are likely to enjoy it very much.