Even Angels Fall

The Face of Heaven

Tangled Souls

Can the sins of previous generations be passed down from one person to the next? Can scandals, lies, and forbidden passions travel in a person’s bloodstream inherited from their forefathers?

The Face of Heaven takes on these questions and more, with a story of a family built not only on cruel deceptions, but also on the foundation that the sins of the parents are also the sins of the children and those sins can linger and fester in a haunted house...

The mysteries and secrets unfold in this haunting novel like a poisonous lotus blossom redolent with a tangled web of emotions and luxurious evil...

For Sabrina The Mansion Was A Dark Horror That Would Not Leave Her Mind

Excerpt

Echoes of the Past

THE THUNDERSTORM CALMED DOWN and the rain finally ceased as the first light of day rose above the horizon to grace t he earth and shine down upon my damp face. The ominous gray clouds were drifting away as the sun broke free and the sight of a rainbow in the sky touched me with sweet melancholy for the naive and trusting girl I used to be; a girl who was as innocent as a summer breeze, but now she is more like a wild, unpredictable tornado, bringing mass destruction wherever she goes...

I stood and stared up at that enormous, imposing mansion and I quivered. I started to walk away; I actually had to will my legs forward and make myself cross the road. Then I paused. A blast of icy wind touched me like a ghostly hand and I spun around, my heart jumping into my throat.

My eyes immediately flicked back to the haunted house at the end of the long driveway. I trembled and thought it might have even looked peaceful if the sun hadn’t suddenly taken refuge behind a passing dark cloud.

“Sa-brin-aaa,”it was whispering my name. I could hear it. No! I could feel it! My blood tingled with forewarning. The faint trace of a chill rippled down my spine. Though I was across the street from the house, even being this close unnerved me.

Have courage, Sabrina, I told myself, have faith.

Yet, even as the sun rose higher and higher in the sky, burning off the billowy fog that engulfs our sleepy town, it softly whispers to me that I should have done things differently, but I am a person ruled by love and vengeance, and the constant need for both, and it seems as though I might never be able to change.

At some point in my life I have to lean to harden my heart and not let love and passion rule my way of thinking or my decision-making.I shivered as I haled a passing cab. The drive slowed down, put led to the curb, and I quickly climbed into the backseat and heated a heavy sigh.

"Where to Miss?" asked the cabby, turning to peer at me over his shoulder. ¬The man gave me an odd look when I hesitated to answer, and then I suddenly remembered that I was still wearing the long white nightgown and the satin slippers which were both dripping wet. and my short brown hair was terribly disheveled.

I managed a weak smile. I was so cold my teeth were chattering and I even felt the chill seeping through my damp clothes to my bones. I couldn’t stop shaking.

"Are you all right, Miss?" He had kind brown eyes and a rugged pudgy face. "Where would you like me to take you?" he asked again.

I didn’t know what to say, I was rendered momentarily speechless. Oh, I wasn't sure where home was these days! I certainly couldn't return to that old house which I could still view by its tall witch's cap peeking above the treetops and beyond the tall black gates.

Where was I going? In my heart, I knew l had to finally go home go back to my parents house to the only home I 'd ever known. But was it still my home now? Surely, I couldn’t t go back there and look into my father's brave eyes that must befitted with such disappointment.

I groaned aloud, for what other choice did I really have? But to go beds hone t o see my father and deal with my and her? N one I had to face up to I had done.

"I'm fine. Please take me to 5674 Chester street." I said, sitting back and leaning my head against the headrest.

As I was sitting there numbly looking out the window and up at the sky, something dark and enormous catches my eye, although silently calling out to me, willng my return. It is, of course, the haunted Tate Mansion, which beckons me as it reaches out with its swirling fog like the cold and bony arms of death, trying to capture my soul and bring me back within its menacing walls. Something or someone in the house is still silently pleading for me to come hack to a place I have sworn I would never return to And I know wherever I go or how far I travel, I will always feel its death like embrace holding me here in ways even I am unaware of.

But I have fled, escaped. I am finally free!

Oh, the great relief I feel to be free at last!

But even as I told myself all that to boost my confidence and raise my wilted spirits, I wondered why just merely gazing back at the house does a strong sensed foreboding enter my heart? Was this the end of it, or just the beginning? Am I a part of the darkness now? Am I controlled by it, or was I merely summoned by some strange force conjured within that house?

Oh, that malevolent old mansion wasn’t simply any ordinary house but one built upon lies, murder, and betrayal… sadly like the very foundation of my own life. Yet, I knew in my heart one day I‘d have to return. How did I know? Because I still felt its strong lure now, reaching out to ensnare me again, only this time I resisted its siren wail, but it put a sudden familiar gall in my mouth. I know when that day finally comes it will only be to convince myself that the house was merely brick, glass, and mortar, not alive not waiting for its next innocent victim, not still waiting for me.

But it was…

Reviews

Mauro has written a creative story with a thoroughly intriguing plot. Book Two of the Devour Family Saga: THE FACE OF HEAVEN began with Sabrina fleeing from the Tate mansion and all of the mysteries and ominous spirits it contained. Sabrina wanted to get away from Richard Tate and start over. The conflict perpetually builds and climbs, mounting tension between the characters as well as the setting. Mauro's descriptions, especially the scenes between Sabrina and the house, and those that evoke fear, are superb. She is able to raise feelings of fear that build the suspense. THE FACE OF HEAVEN isn't primarily a Romance, but instead a Horror/Gothic novel that explores Sabrina's inner conflict between who she wants to be and her perception of who she really is. THE FACE OF HEAVEN looks at relationships—both healthy and unhealthy—between lovers, mothers and daughter, and fathers and daughters. It explores the ideas of psychic abilities coupled with spiritual warfare. Most importantly, it asks and examines, from a female perspective, the age-old proverb about the sins of the father being passed onto the son. Novelspot Reviews by Maci Walker

The second book in the Devour saga, THE FACE OF HEAVEN is filled with mystery, intrigue, romance, ghosts and secrets galore...Reminiscent of the writing style of Victoria Holt, THE FACE OF HEAVEN is a book steeped in mystery, lies and secrets...Mauro really knows how to draw out a mystery. The reveals in this story never seem to end. The plotline is sinister and darkly compelling. Lies have been built on lies and superstitions. The characters, even the dead ancestors of both families, are extremely complex and draw readers into their stories. Readers can’t help but want to know what will become of Sabrina and the haunted Tate Mansion. And like the first book, THE FACE OF HEAVEN, both answers many questions and asks many more. This is one saga that keeps readers coming back. Reviewed by Tammy--Love Romances.

WONDERFUL!
Reviewed by Rogue Storm for: Enchanted in Romance.com

THE FACE OF HEAVEN is the second in a three part saga written by the gifted Sherry Hall-Mauro about two families caught in a tangled web of dark secrets, family lies, and the paranormal...Hall-Mauro masterfully weaves an eerie tale of deception, seduction, passion and murder. I was totally unprepared for the surprise twisted ending of THE FACE OF HEAVEN and can barely contain myself while waiting for the final manuscript about these two ill fated families.--Donna, eCataRomance Reviewer

You will find that The Face of Heaven reads like a book that one of your favorite gothic author’s might have written. I was reminded of authors from years gone by like: Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, and Anya Seton.
As you read through the ever increasingly dark and sinister plotline, you find yourself wondering what will become of Sabrina Devour Ayers. I’d be surprised if those of you with vivid of imaginations couldn’t place yourself right there beside Sabrina each time she enters the spooky, hostile environment of the Tate Mansion. I can’t wait for the conclusion to this trilogy! If you haven’t read The Face of Heaven yet, you’re missing out on a real treat!! --Reviewed by Rogue Storm/Enchanted in Romance Reviews

Power, seduction, revenge, and loss; these are the blocks on which Ms. Mauro’s; The Face of Heaven is built. Tentatively framed with hope, filled with mystery and a menacing, yet, well-executed plot line, this sequel to Even Angels Fall will grip the reader from the first word to the last. Mauro’s voice remains true to the story and its characters. The skillful writing of this author and her convincing technique causes this reviewer to highly recommend this second installment in the trilogy by Sherry Mauro. --Reviewed by Rho, A Romance Review

I've just finished reading "THE FACE of HEAVEN.” But is that really the end? I hope not! Because if that were really the end of the story, then I would guess that, there would be another follow-up after this!! Well, I can’t wait to find out whether Sabrina will finally accept her place beside the Tate family, or if she will still be pining away for her lost love! A wonderful read! It kept me glued once I started reading it just to find out whom Sabrina finally ends up with in the end. --Teoh, reader