The Medium — Noelle Sickels

In 1940's New Jersey, Helen Schneider struggles not only with the uncertainties of life and love during war time, but also with the unique challenge of how to heed the insistent voices of the dead.

Helen's childhood is marked with vivid premonitions, and as a young woman, her gift expands to include automatic writing and the rare ability to make spirits materialize. Her German grandmother, a sometimes fraudulent medium, urges her to learn the techniques that keep clients happy. The U. S. Army wants to employ Helen as a psychic spy, and they're willing to use threats to recruit her. Her boyfriend Billy disapproves of her freakish talent, and Helen fears the day may come when he asks her to choose between it and him. Helen, assailed by these battling demands, resolves to determine why the dead come to her and what to do about it.

This historical tale of suspense and romance is rich with details that animate both the home front during World War II and the mysterious, eerily appealing realm of ghosts and spirit guides.