Category: Published Books

SCATTERING THE ASHES IS THE NOVEL EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ!

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THE NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS AWARDED ITS HIGHEST PRIZE IN LITERARY FICTION TO SCATTERING THE ASHES!!!

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MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW PRAISES SCATTERING THE ASHES:

“A thoroughly ‘reader engaging’ and deftly crafted novel from first page to last, Scattering the Ashes showcases author Paul Russell Semendinger’s genuine flair for originality as well as an especially distinctive and effective narrative storytelling style.”

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READERS’ FAVORITE GIVES SCATTERING THE ASHES FIVE STARS:

“The narrative was perfectly paced and incredibly rich with details. Sam’s voice proved to be exactly what the reader needed to immerse themselves in the narrative and feel each part of the story resonate inside their heart. Scattering the Ashes was just as self-reflective as it was entertaining. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places where Sam went, I enjoyed the way the story flowed and I loved the way Sam over thought everything (that was common and human of him!).

Scattering the Ashes by Paul Russell Semendinger

was phenomenal.

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Scattering the Ashes, was released by Artemesia Publishing in hardcover in October 2019.  It is a huge hit!  (Please see below for the publisher’s postcard graphic for the novel.)

This is a story that will engage and inspire readers to overcome challenges and to learn to appreciate the people and simpler things in their lives.  Written in an enjoyable prose, this story has a strong character-driven plot with surprising humor.  

Scattering the Ashes tells the story of Sam Holmes, a school teacher, not yet thirty years old, who is living an uneventful, yet not unpleasant, life.  Although he doesn’t admit it to himself, Sam is lonely.  While Sam is a dedicated and hard-working teacher, he is energized by the fact that the school year has ended and an endless summer sits before him.  Sam plans to use much of this free time to train for his first marathon in New York City.

Sam’s life is radically changed when his father passes away.  He soon finds himself in the office of Donald M. Stevens as the contents of his father’s Last Will and Testament are read to him.  Sam learns that this Will is not like any other.  Before he can earn his inheritance, Sam must visit various places that had been significant in his father’s life.  As a result, Sam is thrust into a journey he neither wanted nor asked for.

Scattering The Ashes is the story of a young man and his father told through travels to locations that were meaningful to them.   This story is also told through the real life confrontations Sam faces as he returns to work and is forced to deal with a contentious situation.   As he tries to make sense of this difficult period, Sam has to confront his father’s past history and decisions as an educator himself.

Fortunately, it is during his travels that Sam meets a special young woman, Rachel Parker, who helps bring direction, clarity, and focus to him.  A runner herself, and experienced marathoner, Rachel provides inspiration, guidance, and support to Sam.  As such, it is through his experiences with Rachel that Sam Holmes makes the critical decisions that will impact the rest of his life. 

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Reviewers for this work have been extremely positive.  The story has been called “delightful” and “uplifting.”

One reviewer stated, “I enjoyed Paul’s story very much. It led me to deep thoughts on death and on all sorts of life stuff. The writing has good flow and good characterization.“

Author Paul Semendinger has been told of this work, “You have something special on your hands.”