Finding Ways is a cautionary story about a treacherous spiritual commune called Ways. It is controlled by leaders who seek to take advantage of both wealthy and poor innocent people with varying emotional and spiritual needs. The leaders’ actions eventually fuel the crimes that result. The fictional story setting is a small university town in Tennessee with quiet streets and elegant older homes, some predating the Civil War. Conflicts start to arise when a few commune members begin to question the strict obedience and sexual rules and the cult-like rituals. At the same time, some neighbors unexpectedly find themselves involved with Ways when they become increasingly concerned and vocal about the organization’s large gatherings at curious nightly activities. Life threatening decisions are made both inside and outside the commune to deal with the emerging dangerous situations.

When a burglary occurs at one neighbor’s house near the commune, the Police become involved. They begin a series of investigations into that crime, as well as the Ways commune whose existence had been previously unknown to them. The Police involvement along with a visit from a social worker from the town causes increasing tensions among all the unusual characters and draws you into their personal struggles to find ways to save themselves. It asks you to put yourself in their shoes, choose whose side you are on, and decide which way you will follow. After your decision is made, it ultimately asks you the haunting question: Does it all end here?

Reviews

I loved the book. Can't wait for the next installment.  —TC

I really liked the book. It's so different from your first books. The topic surprised me, but it's very timely, because a commune has recently taken over a property in a nearby town and the members are trying to convince people in other towns to join their group. People are worried and upset. —BWS

Just finished your wonderful book. Such a unique story line. We'll need a sequel. Accolades, fan- fare and hugs going out to my famous author friend. Great work-AGAIN!  —JW

Wanted to let you know I enjoyed Finding Ways very much. I was intrigued from the start that the impetus for writing it was based on your own experience living down the road from a commune. I looked forward to engaging with the characters and finding out what would happen. Nice twist at the end!  —JS

I just finished reading Finding Ways and found it such a good read! I enjoyed your other two books so much and this new book is just as engrossing. The characters are very interesting people and portrayed so well. I haven't thought of cults or read about them in a long time. But your book brought back a time long ago when my husband and I had a similar experience living near one. Thank you for continuing to write such thought provoking books.  —LL (age 95 and still kicking)

Congratulations on a new book--Intriguing story!  —AS

Read this lovely book on our trip. I felt like I knew some of the characters.  —CK

I finished the new book and I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel.  —JM

Just finished reading Finding Ways. With a few chapters to go, I tried predicting how it would end. I failed. I think you have cleverly written your character Walter into the last chapter so that there will be a sequel. Maybe he will drink Kool Aid with Jim Jones in Guyana. The possibilities are endless.  —JN

I loved your book, but the end made me mad! You have to write a sequel.  —HT

This was an excellent book. I couldn't put it down. Just had to know how it ended and that was a complete surprise! —BA

I loved this book and had to keep reading until I finished it. It was an intriguing topic made even more interesting because it was very loosely based on the author's experience years earlier.  —MR

An excellent read! The characters and settings in the book were so real. I felt like I was part of the story.  —EW

Finding Ways reminded me of Agatha Christy's books--interesting characters, unusual settings and a surprise ending--a really great read. I've ordered books for my friends. 
—PB

Great book--Netflix needs this story!  —PC

I really enjoyed Finding Ways. Looking forward to Father Walter's continuance. Also thank you--I never had a clue what oleander could do!  —RM

 I loved the book. You are an excellent writer. It stirred up old memories. My brother was in a commune years ago and it was an agonizing experience for my family. —AK