Passing Through

About the Book

Passing Through tells the story of a restless spirit, Palmer Bramlett, who finds himself wandering through the beach cottage he built and lived in for years before old age and frailty put him in a nearby nursing home, where he spent the last, unhappy days of his life. He finds new purpose in the family now living in the refurbished home and is drawn to gifted but handicapped six-year old Beth Ann Eastman, whose unique perspective makes her aware of the ghostly presence. From their first encounter, Bramlett, a pediatrician in life, fears that young Beth Ann will need his diagnostic talents. As he adjusts to his spirit world he’s drawn to other family members-- rebellious Reid Junior, impetuous Ben, and their parents, Reid, an uptight accountant, and Candy, gifted and beautiful musician turned stay-at-home mom. The brothers’ chance encounter with a psychopath puts the whole family in jeopardy. As Beth Ann begins to communicate with Bramlett and to trust him a disturbing allegation from his past emerges to put his intentions in question. Beth Ann’s hospitalization brings the old controversy into stark focus. As Bramlett helps the family survive a potential killer, a violent storm and their own insecurities, he finds his own peace and the way to pass through to the next phase of his existence.

About the Author

Ron Smith has spent more than 35 years as a writer and editor, working as newspaper reporter, public relations executive and editor of trade magazines. He’s currently editor of Southwest Farm Press, a trade publication covering Southwest farming and ranching. Ron has received numerous awards for writing and photography. Smith also worked in public relations, specializing in media relations for agricultural companies. He earned a Masters Degree in English from Clemson University in South Carolina. When he’s not working or writing fiction, he’s probably fishing. Ron lives with his wife Pat in Denton, Texas. They have two grown children, Stacey and Nick, and two grandsons, Aaron and Hunter..