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Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story
Bad Dreams - Lucy's Story.
Lucy Wilson was happy with her life. She had a beautiful home in the Yorkshire countryside where she lived with her adoring husband and their two gorgeous daughters. She had a photography hobby that she’d turned into a moderately successful business. She loved her family and her friends, and her life was good.
Right up until she died.
This is Lucy’s story—before and after.
Lucy's Story won't frighten you but it might make you cry, and I hope it will make you smile a little.
This is a spin-off from my Rapid Eye Movement series and it contains spoilers for all three books in the series.
Lucy Wilson was happy with her life. She had a beautiful home in the Yorkshire countryside where she lived with her adoring husband and their two gorgeous daughters. She had a photography hobby that she’d turned into a moderately successful business. She loved her family and her friends, and her life was good.
Right up until she died.
This is Lucy’s story—before and after.
Lucy's Story won't frighten you but it might make you cry, and I hope it will make you smile a little.
This is a spin-off from my Rapid Eye Movement series and it contains spoilers for all three books in the series.
Paperback
First published July 12, 2023
18 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Sheridan
8 books174 followersI live on the beautiful Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland with my husband and our two rough collies.
I'm an avid fan of motorcycle racing (MotoGP and WSB) and Formula 1, having attended 33 live F1 races at various circuits in Europe. over the last 20+ years.
Reading has always been a hobby of mine and I love nothing better than escaping into the world between the pages. A couple of years ago, the seed of an idea came to me. I ran with it, purely for fun, and Rapid Eye Movement was born. Out of that came The Dreaming.
Dream Catcher, the final book in the trilogy was published in June 2022, and Bad Dreams - a Rapid Eye Movement spin-off is now available.
Collie Hair Soup, published in November 2024, is my personal account of all the rough collies and cats that have shared my life over the years. The cover image is my current rough collie - Lassie.
I'm an avid fan of motorcycle racing (MotoGP and WSB) and Formula 1, having attended 33 live F1 races at various circuits in Europe. over the last 20+ years.
Reading has always been a hobby of mine and I love nothing better than escaping into the world between the pages. A couple of years ago, the seed of an idea came to me. I ran with it, purely for fun, and Rapid Eye Movement was born. Out of that came The Dreaming.
Dream Catcher, the final book in the trilogy was published in June 2022, and Bad Dreams - a Rapid Eye Movement spin-off is now available.
Collie Hair Soup, published in November 2024, is my personal account of all the rough collies and cats that have shared my life over the years. The cover image is my current rough collie - Lassie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 17, 2024
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
I have previously read a couple of books in this series by this author, and I didn't realize that this one was the fourth, so I skipped the third. The good thing is that, considering the little spoiler that Lucy, the main character of the series, is dead, I felt that I could read this book entirely as a standalone.
I also felt that this book is completely different from the others in the series. This time, we find a book that is a compendium of memories. Lucy is back as a ghost and starts remembering the passages of her life while observing how the lives of her husband and children develop.
If you are looking for an action-packed thriller, this is not the case. But if you are looking for a lighthearted book that is perfectly written and edited, you must definitely go for it.
PS: Since I was born in Tenerife, Canary Islands, I was surprised at how the author described a past holiday on my island! What a lovely surprise it was!
I have previously read a couple of books in this series by this author, and I didn't realize that this one was the fourth, so I skipped the third. The good thing is that, considering the little spoiler that Lucy, the main character of the series, is dead, I felt that I could read this book entirely as a standalone.
I also felt that this book is completely different from the others in the series. This time, we find a book that is a compendium of memories. Lucy is back as a ghost and starts remembering the passages of her life while observing how the lives of her husband and children develop.
If you are looking for an action-packed thriller, this is not the case. But if you are looking for a lighthearted book that is perfectly written and edited, you must definitely go for it.
PS: Since I was born in Tenerife, Canary Islands, I was surprised at how the author described a past holiday on my island! What a lovely surprise it was!
July 26, 2023
An emotional and powerful story!
‘Bad Dreams’ follows Lucy Wilson after her sad and untimely death in ‘Rapid Eye Movement’.
She gets to witness her own funeral and along with her new friends, acceptance, depression, anger, bargaining, and denial, she roams the village where she once lived happily with her family. This story spans a number of years, taking you into the past as Lucy reminisces on her life, and the present and future as she watches her family and friends, grieve, come to terms, and move on from her death. All the while she’s trying to figure out how she died.
Yet again, Amanda has done an amazing job creating a story that has you laughing out loud one minute and then sobbing the next. A brilliantly written story to add to the REM series.
Highly recommended!
‘Bad Dreams’ follows Lucy Wilson after her sad and untimely death in ‘Rapid Eye Movement’.
She gets to witness her own funeral and along with her new friends, acceptance, depression, anger, bargaining, and denial, she roams the village where she once lived happily with her family. This story spans a number of years, taking you into the past as Lucy reminisces on her life, and the present and future as she watches her family and friends, grieve, come to terms, and move on from her death. All the while she’s trying to figure out how she died.
Yet again, Amanda has done an amazing job creating a story that has you laughing out loud one minute and then sobbing the next. A brilliantly written story to add to the REM series.
Highly recommended!
August 12, 2023
Bad Dreams: Lucy’s Story (Rapid Eye Movement series Book 4) by Amanda Sheridan.
This book challenges your beliefs in the afterlife. What do you believe in? Does our spirit go to another place? Do we have a say in what happens? Can we hone our own destiny, and strangely, do we have one?
If you have read the compelling, Rapid Eye Movement series, you will know Lucy Wilson has died.
This was a fascinating concept with a storyline that intrigued me very much. Being dead turned perceptions on its head and had me wondering where the story was going.
Does our consciousness survive when we die…? This is a question that will linger in your head as you read Lucy’s account of being dead.
A visual journey takes you through her past life, as life itself marches onward unabated—though very much affected by Lucy’s absence. A tender, emotional look at all the people she loved. The heartache of seeing her own children growing up, and friends too, who continued their lives.
The chapters which included, Ross, I found extremely poignant and heartfelt.
A well-written, unusual, and beautifully told story.
This book challenges your beliefs in the afterlife. What do you believe in? Does our spirit go to another place? Do we have a say in what happens? Can we hone our own destiny, and strangely, do we have one?
If you have read the compelling, Rapid Eye Movement series, you will know Lucy Wilson has died.
This was a fascinating concept with a storyline that intrigued me very much. Being dead turned perceptions on its head and had me wondering where the story was going.
Does our consciousness survive when we die…? This is a question that will linger in your head as you read Lucy’s account of being dead.
A visual journey takes you through her past life, as life itself marches onward unabated—though very much affected by Lucy’s absence. A tender, emotional look at all the people she loved. The heartache of seeing her own children growing up, and friends too, who continued their lives.
The chapters which included, Ross, I found extremely poignant and heartfelt.
A well-written, unusual, and beautifully told story.
July 17, 2023
If you have read Rapid Eye Movement and the other books in Amanda Sheridan’s REM series (which I fully recommend you do) then you will love this. Based after the events of Rapid Eye Movement, Lucy is now dead but due to resource and training complications with her Grief family who are there to help her transition, she is destined to roam the Earth (well her village at least) for many years to come. In some really poignant and some funny moments too she replays her old life while watching her husband and children and family and friends as they go through life without her, some handling it better then others. She witnesses their highs and lows as they grow up and move on. There is even a small scene where she gets reunited with her dog where I admit I shed a manly tear or two. At the heart of this story is a tale of love and how live goes on and the author brilliant brought that concept and the concept of the afterlife to…umm life in her flowing well paced writing style. I look forward to reading more for the author.
September 30, 2023
Attending her own funeral, Lucy, who passed at a young age, initially had no idea how she died.
Frequent flashbacks, memories entering her thoughts, Lucy tried to piece together events and conversations that would lead her to the cause. Going over her life, reliving memories, desperately wanting to see her family again and see had they missed her and how they were coping. And throughout it all there was a constant nagging in the back of her mind about a person she was familiar with but couldn't put her finger on why!
Another fantastic read by this talented author. Book 4 in the series and it certainly didn't disappoint. Telling the story of life after death through the eyes of Lucy, still with it's ups and downs as she sees her loved ones picking up the pieces and moving on with their lives. The story covers the emotions of a tragedy on both sides of the coin but also the joy of seeing a family grow and live their own lives to the full. With a combination of humour, pride, jealousy and sadness, it is a thought provoking story and leaves you contemplating with the beautiful and heartwarming thought that your own loved ones are always close by, watching over you, forever present. Excellent work, I would recommend the whole series without a shadow of a doubt.!
Frequent flashbacks, memories entering her thoughts, Lucy tried to piece together events and conversations that would lead her to the cause. Going over her life, reliving memories, desperately wanting to see her family again and see had they missed her and how they were coping. And throughout it all there was a constant nagging in the back of her mind about a person she was familiar with but couldn't put her finger on why!
Another fantastic read by this talented author. Book 4 in the series and it certainly didn't disappoint. Telling the story of life after death through the eyes of Lucy, still with it's ups and downs as she sees her loved ones picking up the pieces and moving on with their lives. The story covers the emotions of a tragedy on both sides of the coin but also the joy of seeing a family grow and live their own lives to the full. With a combination of humour, pride, jealousy and sadness, it is a thought provoking story and leaves you contemplating with the beautiful and heartwarming thought that your own loved ones are always close by, watching over you, forever present. Excellent work, I would recommend the whole series without a shadow of a doubt.!
July 24, 2023
Having read all three of the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to this book and I wasn’t disappointed. An intriguing and usual series, and I think it is important to read them in the right order. Some books in a series can be read as standalone novels, but I wouldn’t recommend that with these. This is the story of Lucy’s life, and then her death, and it is fascinating to hear her interpretation of events. I was particularly fascinated with how the various phases of grief are characterised, and I thought “Depression” was particularly well done. Although there are many sad parts to this story there is also a great deal of wry humour. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more work by this author.
July 18, 2023
Wow! Bad Dreams by Amanda Sheridan is a powerful, sometimes sad, and very funny account of Lucy’s life and death following her part in the Rapid Eye Movement series.
Bad Dreams is a spin off from the series, providing an in-depth backstory to Lucy and a dummy’s guide to negotiating with the grief family (5 stages of grief). Personally, I would read the series first, so as not to ruin the suspense. But equally, Bad Dreams stands alone as a novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bad Dreams for all its insightful complexity, desperately heart wrenching moments, and perfectly timed humour. Great fun! Perhaps the party animal and housemate, Onia, should have a spin-off.
Bad Dreams is a spin off from the series, providing an in-depth backstory to Lucy and a dummy’s guide to negotiating with the grief family (5 stages of grief). Personally, I would read the series first, so as not to ruin the suspense. But equally, Bad Dreams stands alone as a novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bad Dreams for all its insightful complexity, desperately heart wrenching moments, and perfectly timed humour. Great fun! Perhaps the party animal and housemate, Onia, should have a spin-off.
July 16, 2023
We all get to attend our own funerals, but will we be there in such an active form as Lucy is? She’s rather surprised to be present, well, that it’s being held in a church, anyway, with somebody who never met Lucy saying what a wonderful person she was—and she’s not even dressed for the occasion. At least she’s got used to the idea of being dead by now.
Being dead seems so boring though. A visit from the Grief Family--Denial, Anger, Bargain, Depression and Acceptance--helps reconcile Lucy to her new status. She's lucky to get their advice, as they usually counsel the bereaved family left behind--Lucy's just a good opportunity for some staff training, it seems.
Left to herself, Lucy forms a routine, using her former home as a base from which to explore the village behind closed doors, seeing aspects of the private lives of the community she's never seen before--and doesn't want to see again. She's also able to keep an eye on husband--now grieving widower-- Charlie, as well as her daughters--too young to lose their mother. There's a bittersweet side to observing them picking up the pieces though, not to mention the fog which surrounds the actual circumstances of her death and the slow surfacing of vague ideas of a woman named Jennifer.
Author Amanda Sheridan picks up the threads of Lucy's life on the other side as she comes to terms with her changed circumstances and builds some sort of life-in-death. It's a practical examination of somewhere nobody wants to go and therefore rarely if ever thinks about. There's a good deal of humour--much of it wry as might be expected in the circumstances--alongside the serious subject of one woman's acceptance of the inevitable unacceptable. Thought-provoking and at times tear-inducing.
Being dead seems so boring though. A visit from the Grief Family--Denial, Anger, Bargain, Depression and Acceptance--helps reconcile Lucy to her new status. She's lucky to get their advice, as they usually counsel the bereaved family left behind--Lucy's just a good opportunity for some staff training, it seems.
Left to herself, Lucy forms a routine, using her former home as a base from which to explore the village behind closed doors, seeing aspects of the private lives of the community she's never seen before--and doesn't want to see again. She's also able to keep an eye on husband--now grieving widower-- Charlie, as well as her daughters--too young to lose their mother. There's a bittersweet side to observing them picking up the pieces though, not to mention the fog which surrounds the actual circumstances of her death and the slow surfacing of vague ideas of a woman named Jennifer.
Author Amanda Sheridan picks up the threads of Lucy's life on the other side as she comes to terms with her changed circumstances and builds some sort of life-in-death. It's a practical examination of somewhere nobody wants to go and therefore rarely if ever thinks about. There's a good deal of humour--much of it wry as might be expected in the circumstances--alongside the serious subject of one woman's acceptance of the inevitable unacceptable. Thought-provoking and at times tear-inducing.
March 30, 2026
Captivating Concept
I loved the premise of this book. We all wonder what happens to us when we die. And so, this novel has an enigmatic pull to it. The story is written with such care and sincerity, I found myself laughing and crying as I read. The heartbreak of Lucy witnessing loved ones carry on without her gives way to silly, endearing moments that reveal her humility. Above all, the true essence of her remains. The ending is thought-provoking and touching. I hadn’t read Books 1-3 of this series. But I will now! I purchased Book 1 right away. This is a fulfilling, engaging read that I highly recommend.
I loved the premise of this book. We all wonder what happens to us when we die. And so, this novel has an enigmatic pull to it. The story is written with such care and sincerity, I found myself laughing and crying as I read. The heartbreak of Lucy witnessing loved ones carry on without her gives way to silly, endearing moments that reveal her humility. Above all, the true essence of her remains. The ending is thought-provoking and touching. I hadn’t read Books 1-3 of this series. But I will now! I purchased Book 1 right away. This is a fulfilling, engaging read that I highly recommend.
August 17, 2023
If you have read Rapid Eye Movement and the other books in Amanda Sheridan’s REM series (which I fully recommend you do) then you will love this. Based after the events of Rapid Eye Movement, Lucy is now dead but due to resource and training complications with her Grief family who are there to help her transition, she is destined to roam the Earth (well her village at least) for many years to come. In some really poignant and some funny moments too she replays her old life while watching her husband and children and family and friends as they go through life without her, some handling it better then others. She witnesses their highs and lows as they grow up and move on. There is even a small scene where she gets reunited with her dog where I admit I shed a manly tear or two. At the heart of this story is a tale of love and how live goes on and the author brilliant brought that concept and the concept of the afterlife to…umm life in her flowing well paced writing style. I look forward to reading more for the author.
March 22, 2026
Loved it.
June 30, 2024
"Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" by Amanda Sheridan is a beautifully crafted novel that captivated me from start to finish, despite it not being my usual genre. Sheridan’s writing is engaging and vividly descriptive, pulling me into the world of Lucy, a ghost navigating the stages of grief personified as people, which is both clever and moving. The emotional depth of Lucy's journey from attending her own funeral to accepting her death, coupled with her humorous, down-to-earth nature, makes her a relatable and endearing character. The setting of Yorkshire is vividly depicted, enhancing the reading experience with its beautifully described village shops. The short stories at the novel’s end showcase Sheridan's versatility and are a delightful addition. Although some sections felt a bit expository, this minor flaw is overshadowed by the novel’s strengths. The integration of the "Rapid Eye Movement" series provides depth for existing fans, while still allowing the book to stand alone. Overall, "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" is an emotionally resonant and compelling read that beautifully blends humor, pathos, and rich character development, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and engaging story.
November 16, 2024
Bad Dreams: Lucy’s Story by Amanda Sheridan is a must read. I loved this book!
The author takes on a heavy subject with the death of the main character, who is a wife and mother in the prime of her life. She leaves a loving family behind to grieve her loss, but she comes back as a ghost to witness her husband responsibly raising their two daughters with the same love and tenderness as both parents had done.
The journey to her discovering that she is a ghost and being visited by entities representing the five stages of grief is hilarious and that lends a humorous touch to the tragic plot theme.
As a ghost, Lucy accepts her current state of being and can revisit family and friends as an observer to find that, while they mourn her, they can go on with their lives and thrive. That brings her peace and happiness.
This is truly an inspiring story and a joy to read. I highly recommend it.
The author takes on a heavy subject with the death of the main character, who is a wife and mother in the prime of her life. She leaves a loving family behind to grieve her loss, but she comes back as a ghost to witness her husband responsibly raising their two daughters with the same love and tenderness as both parents had done.
The journey to her discovering that she is a ghost and being visited by entities representing the five stages of grief is hilarious and that lends a humorous touch to the tragic plot theme.
As a ghost, Lucy accepts her current state of being and can revisit family and friends as an observer to find that, while they mourn her, they can go on with their lives and thrive. That brings her peace and happiness.
This is truly an inspiring story and a joy to read. I highly recommend it.
July 3, 2024
It is an excellent story that took me completely by surprise. Having died, Lucy comes back as a ghost and what follows is an engaging tale of the past and present. The tie-ups with the other books in the series came, as they say (for me) from left field. I love the details in the first-person telling that drew me in and made me eager to find out more, as there is one surprise after another. The book can be a standalone read but would work better with some knowledge of what happened before (but explanations are provided, regardless). It makes for a delightful read.
August 17, 2024
Deeply Moving and Strange
I borrowed Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story from the Kindle Unlimited Library and read it using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I found this story by Amanda Sheridan to be a deeply moving and provide a unique exploration of life, loss, and what we fear, hope or love to come after. I also appreciated how the novrl narrative, centered around Lucy’s journey as a ghost, is both emotional and thought-provoking – both in a good and sad way. Unlike many books I have read in this genre, this one is different - this book doesn't rely on the usual ghost story tropes but instead offers a thoughtful perspective on grief from the other unlit side – the side of the dead and how they might grieve the life and loved ones they’ve left behind. This touched a cord with me and made think about this scenario; for sure we are all going to die.
On writing, I liked how Lucy’s story is told with a conversational, almost intimate style that sucked me in as if I was chatting with a friend – that friend is me the reader - in way. I also loved how Sheridan balances the bittersweet moments with light – appropriate dose - touches of humor, making the ghost relatable and endearing as limited character. Enjoyed how eventually Lucy reflects on her life, her past (and all is past) relationships, and the petty details that once made her human; this is beautifully done. I especially appreciated the somewhat wise portrayal of the five stages of grief as characters; this added depth and a creative twist to an already compelling story.
Overall, I would say Bad Dreams: Lucy’s Story is a poignant read that left me reflecting on life and death and what is heavy to deal with such as love, loss, and the ties that bind us, even after death. Again not the typical ghost story. This is more of a cry of grief, an ask for closure or call for belief that would linger in readers’ minds if they so wish to think and reflect about it. But again, different people would react differently – and some might ask about the true meaning of life. Are there spirits? Heaven or Hell or Void? etc. This story is deep nonetheless stays on the simplistic – wide-audience silver screen adaptation – side. Many questions raised; many remain unanswered. As it seems everyone loves a Lucy!
I borrowed Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story from the Kindle Unlimited Library and read it using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I found this story by Amanda Sheridan to be a deeply moving and provide a unique exploration of life, loss, and what we fear, hope or love to come after. I also appreciated how the novrl narrative, centered around Lucy’s journey as a ghost, is both emotional and thought-provoking – both in a good and sad way. Unlike many books I have read in this genre, this one is different - this book doesn't rely on the usual ghost story tropes but instead offers a thoughtful perspective on grief from the other unlit side – the side of the dead and how they might grieve the life and loved ones they’ve left behind. This touched a cord with me and made think about this scenario; for sure we are all going to die.
On writing, I liked how Lucy’s story is told with a conversational, almost intimate style that sucked me in as if I was chatting with a friend – that friend is me the reader - in way. I also loved how Sheridan balances the bittersweet moments with light – appropriate dose - touches of humor, making the ghost relatable and endearing as limited character. Enjoyed how eventually Lucy reflects on her life, her past (and all is past) relationships, and the petty details that once made her human; this is beautifully done. I especially appreciated the somewhat wise portrayal of the five stages of grief as characters; this added depth and a creative twist to an already compelling story.
Overall, I would say Bad Dreams: Lucy’s Story is a poignant read that left me reflecting on life and death and what is heavy to deal with such as love, loss, and the ties that bind us, even after death. Again not the typical ghost story. This is more of a cry of grief, an ask for closure or call for belief that would linger in readers’ minds if they so wish to think and reflect about it. But again, different people would react differently – and some might ask about the true meaning of life. Are there spirits? Heaven or Hell or Void? etc. This story is deep nonetheless stays on the simplistic – wide-audience silver screen adaptation – side. Many questions raised; many remain unanswered. As it seems everyone loves a Lucy!
October 25, 2023
"Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" by Amanda Sheridan is a refreshingly unique take on life, death, and the afterlife. The story is masterfully crafted, offering a perspective on what happens to Lucy after her passing. While many books focus on the loved ones left behind, this narrative invites readers to witness the dead grappling with their own grief and the loss of their life and family. It's not a horror story but rather a tale of love and acceptance.
The story skillfully alternates between Lucy's living life and her experiences as a ghost. It also provides insights into the lives of her family and best friend during her time as a spirit. The incorporation of the five stages of grief as actual characters adds a delightful touch of quirkiness to the narrative.
Sheridan excels in character development, offering a deep, emotionally charged view of Lucy's relationships, particularly with her beloved dog, Ross. Lucy's interactions with Charlie when they were dating are especially endearing, and Sheridan's ability to make her characters come to life is striking.
The incorporation of Jennifer, a character from the prequels, adds an interesting layer to the story, as their mutual dislike is an unexpected twist.
While the story occasionally jumps back and forth in time, leading to some repetition, it doesn't detract from the overall experience.
Sheridan also delves into the world of indie writers within the narrative, offering insights into the challenges they face.
The novel delves into Lucy's ghostly journey, revisiting her past, fears, and passions. It's a heartwarming exploration of letting go, watching loved ones move on, and pondering the nature of life after death.
In summary, "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" is a captivating and emotionally charged read. Amanda Sheridan's storytelling is exceptional, making Lucy's journey one that readers won't easily forget. The book offers a fresh perspective on the afterlife and beautifully delves into the complexities of love, grief, and acceptance. It's a must-read for those looking for a thought-provoking and heartwarming narrative.
The story skillfully alternates between Lucy's living life and her experiences as a ghost. It also provides insights into the lives of her family and best friend during her time as a spirit. The incorporation of the five stages of grief as actual characters adds a delightful touch of quirkiness to the narrative.
Sheridan excels in character development, offering a deep, emotionally charged view of Lucy's relationships, particularly with her beloved dog, Ross. Lucy's interactions with Charlie when they were dating are especially endearing, and Sheridan's ability to make her characters come to life is striking.
The incorporation of Jennifer, a character from the prequels, adds an interesting layer to the story, as their mutual dislike is an unexpected twist.
While the story occasionally jumps back and forth in time, leading to some repetition, it doesn't detract from the overall experience.
Sheridan also delves into the world of indie writers within the narrative, offering insights into the challenges they face.
The novel delves into Lucy's ghostly journey, revisiting her past, fears, and passions. It's a heartwarming exploration of letting go, watching loved ones move on, and pondering the nature of life after death.
In summary, "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" is a captivating and emotionally charged read. Amanda Sheridan's storytelling is exceptional, making Lucy's journey one that readers won't easily forget. The book offers a fresh perspective on the afterlife and beautifully delves into the complexities of love, grief, and acceptance. It's a must-read for those looking for a thought-provoking and heartwarming narrative.
April 9, 2024
I loved, loved, loved this. Not my usual genre, so I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The author's writing is beautifully descriptive, and engaging. I devoured it in a couple of days, saying just one more chapter, before realising I had read several. I even gave the author a follow on Amazon, something I rarely do. I will be reading more from this author in the future.
First off, Charlie and Lucy were just so cute. Their love for each other was heartwarming. Although, it was difficult for Lucy to see Charlie shack up with her best friend Claire, I am glad that he did. He deserved some happiness, as did Claire. Gavin however, what a (insert your own expletive) vile man!
I thought it was very clever how the author gave the stages of grief personas. Lucy, struggling to come to terms with the fact she is dead, has to go through stages of grief, eg anger, depression, acceptance. These stages are presented as people, talking her through what is happening and experiencing. A very clever way to show this.
Lucy dips into her loved ones dreams, and sees memories of her life, some happy, some sad. I could feel Lucy's frustration at the beginning of the novel, being trapped in her village, not being able to speak, leave, eat, and it made me chuckle when she refers to herself as a 'pervy ghost.' Lucy was down to earth, and funny, the kind of woman you would want to be friends with.
The short stories at the end of the novel were a nice touch, and demonstrated how the author can adapt to different writing styles and techniques.
The writing was flawless, I didn't pick up on any grammatical errors, and the world building was exceptional, I love Yorkshire, and it was described beautifully, you can visualise the little village shops for example.
My only, very tiny criticism, is sometimes I felt the author was telling and not showing, in some parts. A few sections did feel like a long speech to the reader. However, the characterization is great. You experience a range of emotions for all of the characters, which in my eyes is the most important job an author has!
First off, Charlie and Lucy were just so cute. Their love for each other was heartwarming. Although, it was difficult for Lucy to see Charlie shack up with her best friend Claire, I am glad that he did. He deserved some happiness, as did Claire. Gavin however, what a (insert your own expletive) vile man!
I thought it was very clever how the author gave the stages of grief personas. Lucy, struggling to come to terms with the fact she is dead, has to go through stages of grief, eg anger, depression, acceptance. These stages are presented as people, talking her through what is happening and experiencing. A very clever way to show this.
Lucy dips into her loved ones dreams, and sees memories of her life, some happy, some sad. I could feel Lucy's frustration at the beginning of the novel, being trapped in her village, not being able to speak, leave, eat, and it made me chuckle when she refers to herself as a 'pervy ghost.' Lucy was down to earth, and funny, the kind of woman you would want to be friends with.
The short stories at the end of the novel were a nice touch, and demonstrated how the author can adapt to different writing styles and techniques.
The writing was flawless, I didn't pick up on any grammatical errors, and the world building was exceptional, I love Yorkshire, and it was described beautifully, you can visualise the little village shops for example.
My only, very tiny criticism, is sometimes I felt the author was telling and not showing, in some parts. A few sections did feel like a long speech to the reader. However, the characterization is great. You experience a range of emotions for all of the characters, which in my eyes is the most important job an author has!
November 28, 2023
‘Bad Dreams’ by Amanda Sheridan is an entertaining read that follows Lucy Wilson who learns, to her chagrin, that she is dead. She has no idea how or why it happened.
Borrowing themes from the movie “The Sixth Sense” (the unknowing ghost), this story follows Lucy as she comes to grips with her demise, spying on the still-living and trying to understand where/what she is. She eventually puts together that she is living on via people’s dreams. With time, she masters this new way of existing and, through long flashbacks, we learn a lot about her past life.
No question, Lucy is a wonderful person and many of the stories are heartwarming. Author Sheridan is talented at portraying the authentic slice of life and skillfully warms our hearts. After a while, though, one wonders where this is all going. And then, jarringly, a few late turns. A new character is introduced into the story in a pivotal role, an old friend, Jennifer. And her husband takes up with her former best friend.
I liked the story quite a bit, more before the Jennifer turn, especially those moments when we learned about her loving relationship with her husband Charlie and her kids. That all had a great feeling of realism and was heart-warming.
This novel could have used a strong developmental edit, since at times it just seemed to wander. But the author is so strong a writer, the reader doesn’t mind it too much as she take us down the rabbit trails of Lucy’s past with loving scenes with Charlie or the children.
This is a rather fun read and recommended. Although a spin-off from author Sheridan’s “Rapid Eye Movement” series, it stands alone as a novel and is easily read on its own merits. Overall it felt like 3.5 stars to me, better than a 3 but not quite a 4.
Borrowing themes from the movie “The Sixth Sense” (the unknowing ghost), this story follows Lucy as she comes to grips with her demise, spying on the still-living and trying to understand where/what she is. She eventually puts together that she is living on via people’s dreams. With time, she masters this new way of existing and, through long flashbacks, we learn a lot about her past life.
No question, Lucy is a wonderful person and many of the stories are heartwarming. Author Sheridan is talented at portraying the authentic slice of life and skillfully warms our hearts. After a while, though, one wonders where this is all going. And then, jarringly, a few late turns. A new character is introduced into the story in a pivotal role, an old friend, Jennifer. And her husband takes up with her former best friend.
I liked the story quite a bit, more before the Jennifer turn, especially those moments when we learned about her loving relationship with her husband Charlie and her kids. That all had a great feeling of realism and was heart-warming.
This novel could have used a strong developmental edit, since at times it just seemed to wander. But the author is so strong a writer, the reader doesn’t mind it too much as she take us down the rabbit trails of Lucy’s past with loving scenes with Charlie or the children.
This is a rather fun read and recommended. Although a spin-off from author Sheridan’s “Rapid Eye Movement” series, it stands alone as a novel and is easily read on its own merits. Overall it felt like 3.5 stars to me, better than a 3 but not quite a 4.
January 29, 2024
This book surprised me. When you pick up a book about the paranormal, you don’t expect to read it from the ghosts’s point of view. I like ghost stories and I like mysteries, and this book had a little bit of both. The main character starts off being confused about everything. One minute she’s a wife, mother of two darling girls, and a professional photographer. The next moment she’s not sure what she is, only that she’s not alive anymore.
Part of the book is her solving the mystery of her death. There is no traditional English Inspector from Scottland Yard to help her find her way, but she does get visited by all the stages of grief. A ghost who feels grief is a new concept, and I thought the author handled it well.
I liked Lucy. I was hesitant, at first, because there was one good review that mentioned her cussing, and some authors seem to feel the need to go overboard with smutty language. But Lucy came across as kind of lovable, eccentric type, not unlike a great aunt I once had. Though her language may be occasionally colorful, she didn’t talk like the sailors and marines I once associated with.
As I mentioned, the book starts as a mystery story, but it becomes something else.
It’s also a story of how a family copes with the loss of a loved one. We always want to give people trite advice when they lose someone like it will get better with time. I think the honest answer is it doesn’t, but we learn to live with it. And we do move on as Lucy’s family does.
A jealous ghost? I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch your family go on living and to see them find other people to give their love to. Lucy somehow manages better than I would in that situation.
I enjoyed the book. I think you will also.
October 25, 2023
Somewhat to my surprise, I loved this book. Most of my fiction reading nowadays is limited to mysteries which are firmly rooted in reality, so my heart sank a little when I realised that this is a story of a dead woman who has come back as a ghost. The fact that it appeared to be a spin-off from an earlier series of three books, none of which I have read, added to my unease. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Certainly, there are spoilers in this book for the earlier series, but it is very much a standalone novel. The basic idea, of course, isn’t new. What made the book stand out for me is the quality of the writing and the empathy which the author engenders for the main character. Lucy Wilson is (or was!) a down-to-earth young woman with an occasionally smutty sense of humour (once, she describes herself as a “pervy ghost” for spying on two people having sex). As the years go by, she is able to watch her widowed husband and two daughters slowly rebuild their lives without her. She finds, though, that death can be incredibly boring, as all that she can do is observe – she can’t converse with the living, touch them, or even let them know that she is there. But, overriding everything, is the sense of foreboding, as it is impossible to avoid feeling that there is more sadness to come. The ending reminded me of a scene from a famous 1990s film which moved me to tears at the time (I won’t name it here in case it sounds like a spoiler). Overall, therefore, a very enjoyable book and one which I would be very happy to recommend … even to those who don’t normally ‘do’ ghost stories.
July 25, 2023
I have not read the author's previous book mentioned, "Rapid Eye Movement" so I didn't have a frame of reference for the character Lucy. However, after reading this very entertaining book, "Bad Dreams" I plan the read it.
I very much enjoyed this author's writing style and light humor as she brings us into Lucy's world as a deceased character. The way Lucy attends her own funeral, wanders around her home town and learns personal things about her neighbors and friends since she is able to penetrate their privacy and see everything. (which is creepy)
So, although I enjoyed this book very much, as I read, I kept waiting for a crisis, not so much that we already know this lady has passed on, which is a crisis in and of itself, but I kept waiting for something dramatic to happen, to give this story a bigger purpose, but it wasn't there. Lucy seemed almost too accepting of her demise, but perhaps that was the overall theme of the book, looking at the hereafter in the sense of still existing, although this is a fictional piece.
So I gave this book four stars because to me, it felt like it was just missing a punch to it, something even more dramatic than being a voyeur to other people in their lives, including her own family. Yet overall, it was very well written, and a very original theme!
I very much enjoyed this author's writing style and light humor as she brings us into Lucy's world as a deceased character. The way Lucy attends her own funeral, wanders around her home town and learns personal things about her neighbors and friends since she is able to penetrate their privacy and see everything. (which is creepy)
So, although I enjoyed this book very much, as I read, I kept waiting for a crisis, not so much that we already know this lady has passed on, which is a crisis in and of itself, but I kept waiting for something dramatic to happen, to give this story a bigger purpose, but it wasn't there. Lucy seemed almost too accepting of her demise, but perhaps that was the overall theme of the book, looking at the hereafter in the sense of still existing, although this is a fictional piece.
So I gave this book four stars because to me, it felt like it was just missing a punch to it, something even more dramatic than being a voyeur to other people in their lives, including her own family. Yet overall, it was very well written, and a very original theme!
November 7, 2023
"Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" is a captivating and emotionally charged narrative that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the life of Lucy Wilson. At the outset, Lucy's life appears picture-perfect with a loving family, a beautiful home, and a successful photography business. However, everything takes a dramatic turn when she starts having unsettling dreams about a mysterious woman named Jennifer.
The author, skillfully weaving together the before and after aspects of Lucy's life, provides a poignant exploration of the human psyche and the impact of unexpected events on a seemingly idyllic existence. Readers are taken on an emotional journey, and the story's ability to elicit a wide range of emotions is a testament to the author's talent.
While "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" may not be a traditional horror novel, it manages to grip readers' hearts and minds with its evocative storytelling. The characters are beautifully developed, making it easy for readers to connect with Lucy and empathize with her experiences.
One notable aspect is the seamless integration of this book with the "Rapid Eye Movement" series, offering fans of the series a deeper understanding of the overarching narrative. However, for those new to the series, it might be slightly challenging to navigate the interconnected storyline.
The author, skillfully weaving together the before and after aspects of Lucy's life, provides a poignant exploration of the human psyche and the impact of unexpected events on a seemingly idyllic existence. Readers are taken on an emotional journey, and the story's ability to elicit a wide range of emotions is a testament to the author's talent.
While "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" may not be a traditional horror novel, it manages to grip readers' hearts and minds with its evocative storytelling. The characters are beautifully developed, making it easy for readers to connect with Lucy and empathize with her experiences.
One notable aspect is the seamless integration of this book with the "Rapid Eye Movement" series, offering fans of the series a deeper understanding of the overarching narrative. However, for those new to the series, it might be slightly challenging to navigate the interconnected storyline.
February 24, 2024
"Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" is an emotional journey through the life and afterlife of Lucy Wilson. From her idyllic existence in the Yorkshire countryside to her unexpected death and subsequent experiences in the afterlife, the book offers a unique perspective on loss, love, and the bonds that endure beyond death.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions. Chapters like "Proud Mum" beautifully capture the depth of a mother's love and pride, eliciting both tears and smiles from readers. Similarly, moments of reflection, such as Lucy's contemplation of her daughters' futures, resonate with authenticity and poignancy.
However, the book's structure and pacing may leave readers feeling disconnected at times. The frequent shifts between Lucy's memories and her afterlife experiences can be disorienting, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative. Additionally, while the premise of exploring life after death is intriguing, the execution falls short of fully exploring its potential.
Despite its flaws, "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" offers moments of genuine emotion and introspection. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and stories that explore themes of love and loss may find value in Lucy's journey. However, those seeking a tightly plotted narrative with consistent pacing may be left wanting more.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions. Chapters like "Proud Mum" beautifully capture the depth of a mother's love and pride, eliciting both tears and smiles from readers. Similarly, moments of reflection, such as Lucy's contemplation of her daughters' futures, resonate with authenticity and poignancy.
However, the book's structure and pacing may leave readers feeling disconnected at times. The frequent shifts between Lucy's memories and her afterlife experiences can be disorienting, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative. Additionally, while the premise of exploring life after death is intriguing, the execution falls short of fully exploring its potential.
Despite its flaws, "Bad Dreams: Lucy's Story" offers moments of genuine emotion and introspection. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and stories that explore themes of love and loss may find value in Lucy's journey. However, those seeking a tightly plotted narrative with consistent pacing may be left wanting more.
September 8, 2024
I love reading about ghosts from the perspective of ghosts, so this book was entertaining for me. Lucy, who was a high-end photographer while alive, wife, and mom to girls, realizes she is dead and that she still exists inside the dreams of her loved ones. As long as the dreamer is in REM sleep, she can travel within the confines of her village, but no further. When the dreamer wakes, she enters a black void, blinking “out of existence.” The plot centers around how Lucy figures out how to exist in the afterlife (in and eventually outside of dreams), how she died, and what happens next. As she tries to process her life and death, the five stages of grief, all personified as her new Grief Family, show up to help her with sometimes questionable advice. I liked that the book looks at how someone who has died experiences grief and that it answers questions I’ve often wondered about ghosts, like do they see their deceased pets, and of course, can they see everything, even the spicy stuff? In Lucy’s case, the answer is yes. It’s a sometimes moving, sometimes light hearted, and always exceptionally-written story. If you're looking for horror, this might not be for you, but if you love the paranormal and want a unique take on the soul’s journey to understanding their death in the
afterlife, I highly recommend this one.
afterlife, I highly recommend this one.
October 7, 2023
Bad Dreams is part of the amazing Rapid Eye Movement series and it tells Lucy’s tale. If you haven’t read the others in the series, this can be read as a stand-alone, but parts will be better understood if you’ve read the first three.
The story is brilliantly put together, and tells what happened to Lucy AFTER she died. I’ve read plenty of books where the focus is on the people left behind after a loved one dies, but never one where we have to watch the dead person come to terms with their grief of losing their own life and their entire family. This is not a horror story though. It’s a story of love and acceptance. The story flashes back and forth between Lucy’s living life and what is happening after she died, while also giving the reader insight into what happens to her family and best friend during her time as a ghost. The invention of the five stages of grief as real people was an excelled addition and added a bit of quirkiness to the story.
The book makes a nice addition to the series, especially if you were invested in Lucy’s character during the first book, as I was.
This is an emotional read but also has some cracking one liners in there, really showcasing Amanda Sheridans knack for humour as well.
The story is brilliantly put together, and tells what happened to Lucy AFTER she died. I’ve read plenty of books where the focus is on the people left behind after a loved one dies, but never one where we have to watch the dead person come to terms with their grief of losing their own life and their entire family. This is not a horror story though. It’s a story of love and acceptance. The story flashes back and forth between Lucy’s living life and what is happening after she died, while also giving the reader insight into what happens to her family and best friend during her time as a ghost. The invention of the five stages of grief as real people was an excelled addition and added a bit of quirkiness to the story.
The book makes a nice addition to the series, especially if you were invested in Lucy’s character during the first book, as I was.
This is an emotional read but also has some cracking one liners in there, really showcasing Amanda Sheridans knack for humour as well.
October 14, 2023
Having read other books in this series I was pleased to find this back story for one of the main characters in the first book. Lucy Wilson died in Rapid Eye Movement and I found her own retelling of her life story completely absorbing and quite a page turner – not for extraordinary events but for the way her life unfolded. The book is written as though Lucy is a ghost, watching her loved ones in the aftermath of her death, but also recalling her early life. Author Amanda Sheridan does a beautiful job of weaving past and present events together with much humour and realism. There's one very tender scene involving Lucy's dog that brought tears to my eyes. Towards the end, Lucy begins to make connections with Jennifer, the other protagonist in book one, and this is done seamlessly.
Everything about Lucy – her temperament, personality, speech and actions – are completely in keeping with book one. I enjoyed the way she talked to her loved ones, even though they weren't aware of her. Lucy's existence as a ghost made me reflect on the impact we have on those around us and how they might remember us after we are no longer in their lives. I found this an easy and very enjoyable read and it's probably my favourite book of the series.
Everything about Lucy – her temperament, personality, speech and actions – are completely in keeping with book one. I enjoyed the way she talked to her loved ones, even though they weren't aware of her. Lucy's existence as a ghost made me reflect on the impact we have on those around us and how they might remember us after we are no longer in their lives. I found this an easy and very enjoyable read and it's probably my favourite book of the series.
December 4, 2023
"Bad Dreams" unfolds as a poignant spin-off from the "Rapid Eye Movement" series. Lucy Wilson, living a content life in the idyllic Yorkshire countryside, finds her tranquility disrupted by haunting dreams featuring a mysterious woman, Jennifer. As Lucy grapples with the emotional upheaval caused by these dreams, Sheridan delicately weaves a tale that transcends paranormal romance into a realm of psychological depth and women's fiction.
The narrative gracefully navigates Lucy's life before and after the mysterious dreams, providing readers with a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Sheridan's prose evokes a spectrum of emotions, from heartwarming joy to tearful introspection. While not a typical fright-inducing ghost story, "Lucy’s Story" captivates with its exploration of the human psyche and the unforeseen turns life can take.
This spin-off, laden with emotional resonance, serves as both a standalone narrative and a companion to the Rapid Eye Movement series. However, potential readers should note the presence of spoilers for the series' previous three books. "Bad Dreams" is a beautifully crafted addition to the world of paranormal romance, offering a tale that lingers in the heart long after the final page.
The narrative gracefully navigates Lucy's life before and after the mysterious dreams, providing readers with a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Sheridan's prose evokes a spectrum of emotions, from heartwarming joy to tearful introspection. While not a typical fright-inducing ghost story, "Lucy’s Story" captivates with its exploration of the human psyche and the unforeseen turns life can take.
This spin-off, laden with emotional resonance, serves as both a standalone narrative and a companion to the Rapid Eye Movement series. However, potential readers should note the presence of spoilers for the series' previous three books. "Bad Dreams" is a beautifully crafted addition to the world of paranormal romance, offering a tale that lingers in the heart long after the final page.
September 13, 2023
I had read Amanda Sheridan's prequels to this book, which I enjoyed immensely, and I was delighted to purchase this.
The author’s statement that struck me most was with regard to life after death. I, too, believe that we live on through people's memories, and if we have progeny, our DNA lives on.
The protagonists' characters are very well developed. Telling Lucy's story through her own eyes as a ghost gave a deep, emotional insight into Lucy’s relationships with her family and much loved dog, Ross. I imagine this loyal dog was based on the author’s own dogs.
The author managed to successfully weave Jennifer, a character from the prequels, into Lucy’s story. It was interesting that these two diverse characters did not like each other.
The time zones jumped back and forth, and some repetition was inevitable, but it did not detract from the book.
The author also promotes reviewing indie writers in a couple of chapters and gives an insight into the difficult world indie writers navigate. Amanda Sheridan deserves recognition as one of the better ones. She writes extremely well. I highly recommend the prequels as well.
The author’s statement that struck me most was with regard to life after death. I, too, believe that we live on through people's memories, and if we have progeny, our DNA lives on.
The protagonists' characters are very well developed. Telling Lucy's story through her own eyes as a ghost gave a deep, emotional insight into Lucy’s relationships with her family and much loved dog, Ross. I imagine this loyal dog was based on the author’s own dogs.
The author managed to successfully weave Jennifer, a character from the prequels, into Lucy’s story. It was interesting that these two diverse characters did not like each other.
The time zones jumped back and forth, and some repetition was inevitable, but it did not detract from the book.
The author also promotes reviewing indie writers in a couple of chapters and gives an insight into the difficult world indie writers navigate. Amanda Sheridan deserves recognition as one of the better ones. She writes extremely well. I highly recommend the prequels as well.
February 10, 2024
Ghost experiencing grief
At the heart of this captivating tale lies Lucy, a relatable and endearing protagonist whose journey through death's embrace is both poignant and enlightening. As Lucy navigates the realms of grief and acceptance, Sheridan balances mystery, paranormal elements, and the resilience of familial bonds. Lucy's transformation into a ghost experiencing grief is a unique perspective that adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a both refreshing and thought-provoking story.
Furthermore, the inclusion of quirky humor serves to lighten Lucy’s emotional journey, making it both relatable and engaging.
I enjoyed the exploration of themes such as love, loss and self-discovery. Through Lucy's eyes, we witness the enduring impact of her presence on the lives of those she left behind, as well as the profound sense of longing and acceptance that accompanies her newfound state of being.
Also, the seamless integration of previous series characters, such as Jennifer, adds depth and dimension to Lucy's story, enhancing the overall narrative and providing a sense of continuity for fans of Sheridan's previous books.
At the heart of this captivating tale lies Lucy, a relatable and endearing protagonist whose journey through death's embrace is both poignant and enlightening. As Lucy navigates the realms of grief and acceptance, Sheridan balances mystery, paranormal elements, and the resilience of familial bonds. Lucy's transformation into a ghost experiencing grief is a unique perspective that adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a both refreshing and thought-provoking story.
Furthermore, the inclusion of quirky humor serves to lighten Lucy’s emotional journey, making it both relatable and engaging.
I enjoyed the exploration of themes such as love, loss and self-discovery. Through Lucy's eyes, we witness the enduring impact of her presence on the lives of those she left behind, as well as the profound sense of longing and acceptance that accompanies her newfound state of being.
Also, the seamless integration of previous series characters, such as Jennifer, adds depth and dimension to Lucy's story, enhancing the overall narrative and providing a sense of continuity for fans of Sheridan's previous books.
April 1, 2024
Bad Dreams: Lucy’s Story, by Amanda Sheridan, is the 4th book in her Rapid Eye Movement series. The book begins with Lucy coming to realize that she is dead, a ghost. She has conversations with entities representing the stages of grief and is told she cannot do most of the things she could do when alive. She attended her own funeral, and wandered about her home and the surrounding village, but she found she could not go beyond that. She reflects upon her childhood, her parents that died in a car crash when she was young, her adoptive parents, and her life with her husband and children.
Lucy cannot remember what killed her, and does not know who “Jennifer” is, although the name keeps popping into her head. This is an odd sort of book, because there is not a typical story arc, and I found that to be a detriment. Therefore, I give the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to a 4. Even though this book is well written, the fact that the MC, Lucy, is dead makes it difficult to create any real tension in the story; the worst has already happened. Important note: this book gives a summary of what occurred in the previous books.
Lucy cannot remember what killed her, and does not know who “Jennifer” is, although the name keeps popping into her head. This is an odd sort of book, because there is not a typical story arc, and I found that to be a detriment. Therefore, I give the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to a 4. Even though this book is well written, the fact that the MC, Lucy, is dead makes it difficult to create any real tension in the story; the worst has already happened. Important note: this book gives a summary of what occurred in the previous books.
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