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Summerland #1
Across the Veil
#1 Amazon Best Seller -Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Anthologies & Short Stories
#1 Amazon Best Seller - Literature & Fiction > Short Stories
Princess Talia from Summerland has been hiding across the veil in the human world for the past five years.
Starring in a hit television show as human actress, Natalie Thurmont, her charmed new life is shattered when the past comes knocking on her door.
"Across the Veil" won Romance in the Backseat book review's Paranormal Fight Club short story contest.
Short Fiction (6,200 words)
#1 Amazon Best Seller - Literature & Fiction > Short Stories
Princess Talia from Summerland has been hiding across the veil in the human world for the past five years.
Starring in a hit television show as human actress, Natalie Thurmont, her charmed new life is shattered when the past comes knocking on her door.
"Across the Veil" won Romance in the Backseat book review's Paranormal Fight Club short story contest.
Short Fiction (6,200 words)
24 pages, ebook
First published March 13, 2011
15 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Kessler
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Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of passionate, page-turning paranormal fiction. She's a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
She also publishes horror and thriller novels under the pseudonym, L.A. Kessler.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist and tarot card reader. Her first tarot deck, Practical Tarot, is being release by Beyond Words Publishing with a companion book, Practical Tarot: Learn to read tarot cards intuitively in 2025.
Follow Me on BlueSky Here
Sign up for my Newsletter
Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of passionate, page-turning paranormal fiction. She's a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
She also publishes horror and thriller novels under the pseudonym, L.A. Kessler.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist and tarot card reader. Her first tarot deck, Practical Tarot, is being release by Beyond Words Publishing with a companion book, Practical Tarot: Learn to read tarot cards intuitively in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 26, 2011
This was a short, but sweet paranormal romance read!
I enjoyed it and think that the author did a great job (considering this is a short fiction).
The story is about Nathalie Thurmout, once know as Princess Thalia, Princess of Light. She "crossed the veil" (left her Fae Kingdom Summerland) 5 years ago and entered a new world, the world of humans.
Becoming a star of Avalon Magic, the hottest TV show, she thinks she finally got over the reasons for "crossing the veil" in the first place...
She thinks she finally got over her past..and that's when Keth walks into the picture, and in her life..again.
It was a sweet story, I will repeat myself. I wish it was a novella, because I would sure want to know more about Nathalie's life before "crossing the veil". For a short read, I think the characters were well developed, though they didn't have that much "space" (pages) to show their full "potential".
Overall, I would most definitely love to read more from Lisa, cause she masters the "romance field". She really succeeded in creating a passionate love story!
I enjoyed it and think that the author did a great job (considering this is a short fiction).
The story is about Nathalie Thurmout, once know as Princess Thalia, Princess of Light. She "crossed the veil" (left her Fae Kingdom Summerland) 5 years ago and entered a new world, the world of humans.
Becoming a star of Avalon Magic, the hottest TV show, she thinks she finally got over the reasons for "crossing the veil" in the first place...
She thinks she finally got over her past..and that's when Keth walks into the picture, and in her life..again.
It was a sweet story, I will repeat myself. I wish it was a novella, because I would sure want to know more about Nathalie's life before "crossing the veil". For a short read, I think the characters were well developed, though they didn't have that much "space" (pages) to show their full "potential".
Overall, I would most definitely love to read more from Lisa, cause she masters the "romance field". She really succeeded in creating a passionate love story!
October 12, 2011
Warning: This book is full of action! This is a must read short story that left me breathless.
My Rating: 5 of 5
My Thoughts/Review: This was a fast paced short story that left me wanting more. It is about a fairy Princess who escapes her world to live among humans because she does not want to marry the guy her family has betrothed her to. So she goes to California and has a career in acting. She misses her home but what she misses most is the love of her life. She can not seem to get him out of her head. That is until an opportunity presents itself for her to see him again.
What will she do? Can love stand the test of time? Will it ruin her?
Then she finds out that he is closer than she thought. She must fight her past that will collide with her future in order to save her life. This story will leave you breathless as you go on a quick journey to see if love will stand the ultimate test of time.
Advice: This is a must read Short story. It will leave you wanting more.
My Rating: 5 of 5
My Thoughts/Review: This was a fast paced short story that left me wanting more. It is about a fairy Princess who escapes her world to live among humans because she does not want to marry the guy her family has betrothed her to. So she goes to California and has a career in acting. She misses her home but what she misses most is the love of her life. She can not seem to get him out of her head. That is until an opportunity presents itself for her to see him again.
What will she do? Can love stand the test of time? Will it ruin her?
Then she finds out that he is closer than she thought. She must fight her past that will collide with her future in order to save her life. This story will leave you breathless as you go on a quick journey to see if love will stand the ultimate test of time.
Advice: This is a must read Short story. It will leave you wanting more.
October 24, 2011
The got this book as a part of R2R.
This story story caught me from the beginning. I was intrigued and read in less than an hour. This is a fae story about Princess Talia and her fate she fled from. Even though this was a short read, it didn't lack for substance because it was there. Yes, I wish the story would have been much longer because I enjoyed it so much. I would love to read the prequel that led up to the point where the story began. Great Job. I would read more from this author.
This story story caught me from the beginning. I was intrigued and read in less than an hour. This is a fae story about Princess Talia and her fate she fled from. Even though this was a short read, it didn't lack for substance because it was there. Yes, I wish the story would have been much longer because I enjoyed it so much. I would love to read the prequel that led up to the point where the story began. Great Job. I would read more from this author.
August 5, 2011
Across the Veil was a nice, short paranormal love story. Princess Talia crosses the veil in order to live in the human world. She is running from the man she has been betrothed to. In the human world, she goes by the name Natalie and is an actress for a hit television show. After 5 years, she is found.
This is a pretty good story. I think it would have done wonders for it to be novel length. There was so much back-story that I felt I missed out on. There wasn't time for the characters to be developed. There is so much the author could have written about to lengthen this story.
It has lots of potential though. I thought the plot was intriguing. I would have liked to know more about this fantasy world that Natalie comes from – it sounds like a neat place! The book held my attention all the way through, and the writing was good as well. I'd recommend this for fans of fae, as well as other paranormal lovers. It's also good if you're wanting a quick 30 minute escape from the world.
This is a pretty good story. I think it would have done wonders for it to be novel length. There was so much back-story that I felt I missed out on. There wasn't time for the characters to be developed. There is so much the author could have written about to lengthen this story.
It has lots of potential though. I thought the plot was intriguing. I would have liked to know more about this fantasy world that Natalie comes from – it sounds like a neat place! The book held my attention all the way through, and the writing was good as well. I'd recommend this for fans of fae, as well as other paranormal lovers. It's also good if you're wanting a quick 30 minute escape from the world.
July 27, 2012
Across the Veil is a wonderful little short story. I usually don’t read short stories unless they are by an author I know, about characters I know. There is just not enough time to slip into a new world and care about the characters.
Lisa Kessler was able to capture my interest in this world (I want to know about it) and write a romance that felt real. It made my heart go a pitter-patter . It is less than 26 pages, but there is a lot of story in there.
The story is about a Fae princess that leaves her home (in another dimension) to escape having to marry Faldo, who she doesn’t love. She also left behind the one man she did love, his brother Keth.
to read the rest of this review:
http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...
Lisa Kessler was able to capture my interest in this world (I want to know about it) and write a romance that felt real. It made my heart go a pitter-patter . It is less than 26 pages, but there is a lot of story in there.
The story is about a Fae princess that leaves her home (in another dimension) to escape having to marry Faldo, who she doesn’t love. She also left behind the one man she did love, his brother Keth.
to read the rest of this review:
http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...
May 6, 2011
I had the privilege of reading Across The Veil and instantly fell in love with it.
It was amazing how Lisa Kessler, the author, managed to fit a complete story in just 6000 words. She packed the story full of heat, descriptive words, and polished it off with a well thought-out plot.
The pacing in most short stories often feels off or forced in someway. In this little jewel, the pacing of everything came naturally. This book left me without any questions other than, will Lisa write a full story sometime? I hope she does!
In Across the Veil, you get to a sneak peak into the movie making business, a deadly feud between brothers, and glimpse at the Fae world. You will also witness the death of a vampire and revel in the romance between Keth and Talia.
Talia and Keth are amazing characters who deserve a full book! However, leaving the story as it is will also satisfy your thirst for a good read.
It was amazing how Lisa Kessler, the author, managed to fit a complete story in just 6000 words. She packed the story full of heat, descriptive words, and polished it off with a well thought-out plot.
The pacing in most short stories often feels off or forced in someway. In this little jewel, the pacing of everything came naturally. This book left me without any questions other than, will Lisa write a full story sometime? I hope she does!
In Across the Veil, you get to a sneak peak into the movie making business, a deadly feud between brothers, and glimpse at the Fae world. You will also witness the death of a vampire and revel in the romance between Keth and Talia.
Talia and Keth are amazing characters who deserve a full book! However, leaving the story as it is will also satisfy your thirst for a good read.
October 10, 2011
This book was an over-all fun and light read. Its like one of the books i would pick if i wanted to have a relaxed and short read on an rainy day. Even though this book did have a wierd combination of Vampires and Fairies( i only say wierd because ive havent read a book yet that had a mix of the two.) it had some action,and wooh! the romance! and also a historical feel to it. Alot of things i know but luckily none of these clashed badly with each other, it meshed and was written very well and straight to the point! it was so straight to the ponit that when i got to the last page i was like "What the heck! Thats it?" i was left sreaming i want more! and "I wish"...... i wish we had even more background on the characters... i wish there were more pages! But besides the I wish, Kessler did not leave me dissapointed at all! It was short&sweet and im looking foward to reading more of her stories either short or three hundred pages!
4 Thumbs ^^^^ *Tt*
4 Thumbs ^^^^ *Tt*
April 1, 2011
I have been following Lisa's writing since I met her on MySpace, where she posted weekly short stories on her blog and I'm a big fan. I have been rooting for her writing journey and I'm happy to say that a week (or so) after she published this story on Amazon, she received a three book contract for her Night trilogy and a novella. Congrats to her! So, on to the review of Across the Veil. I love Lisa's characters. They are so real and believable. And her blending of the real world with the fantasy world is effortless. The life and adventures of Princess Talia, aka Natalie Thurmont, are exciting and intriguing and I can only hope that Lisa will expand her story into a full novel someday. *fingers crossed*
September 30, 2011
"Across the Veil" was a sweet, fairy-tale-esque story of true love and happily ever after. I liked Natalie/Talia, and would have enjoyed getting to know her better. Keth was your basic knight on a white horse type, while Faldo's villainy was almost over-the-top. A little more background might have made him a more believable character, but given that this was a very short story, there was enough to understand. One minor aspect that I very much liked was the interference of electronic and digital signals with Talia's magic, an explanation I found both unique and satisfying. Overall, "Across the Veil" was a pleasant if occasionally melodramatic story, and I'd like to hear more from this world.
March 27, 2011
i really liked this book. It was a very short story that followed Talia, a princess of summerland who had escaped after being betrothed to her lover's brother, who found happiness in hurting others.
I really loved everything that happened. With it being so short i didn't expect to become so involved with the characters but i did. As bad things happened to them i found myself gasping and going oh no that can't happen.
I loved it, it was a really good short story that i will read over and over again :)
I really loved everything that happened. With it being so short i didn't expect to become so involved with the characters but i did. As bad things happened to them i found myself gasping and going oh no that can't happen.
I loved it, it was a really good short story that i will read over and over again :)
August 2, 2011
Lisa Kessler +vamps = awesome reading! Fab short story with everything you could ever need from vamp fiction -- peril, lust, romance...hubba hubba of a hero :) Now I defo can't wait to read NightWalker!
June 3, 2011
Wanted to give 3 1/2. A sweet but short fantasy romance. I would have loved to see an expanded version, or perhaps a prequel that develops the characters more so we can see how they came to the action in this story.
March 18, 2011
My new release is now available!!! It's a 25 page short story that won Romance in the Backseat's Paranormal Fight Club... Hope you enjoy it!
August 9, 2015
What an action packed short story! A fairy Princess of Light, Nathalie Thurmout, has escaped from her own world to avoid being forced to marry the man who her family have betrothed her to - he’s actually the wicked brother of the man she loves. She is living as an actress in California, missing her home and, most of all, the love of her life. When both men reappear in her new life there’s bound to be trouble!
A brilliantly written, fast paced paranormal romance that grips the reader from the start. For such a short story, the author creates a new world with well developed characters in an exciting adventure. If you’ve never read anything by this author before this is a short introduction - but, really, what have you been doing to miss out on her brilliant books? When you’ve read this you’ll know it makes sense to search out more by her! You can view books I’ve read and reviewed by her at https://splashesintobooks.wordpress.c... (This review won't be live there until August 15th!)
A brilliantly written, fast paced paranormal romance that grips the reader from the start. For such a short story, the author creates a new world with well developed characters in an exciting adventure. If you’ve never read anything by this author before this is a short introduction - but, really, what have you been doing to miss out on her brilliant books? When you’ve read this you’ll know it makes sense to search out more by her! You can view books I’ve read and reviewed by her at https://splashesintobooks.wordpress.c... (This review won't be live there until August 15th!)
November 7, 2016
When, Talia, a fae princess crossed the veil to the human realm, it was for self-preservation. Always linked to the man who betrayed her, she only called on him when his brother found her location. Now, a life hangs in the balance and Talia must make an epic choice.
Across the Veil begins in the human realm and ends across the veil in Summerton. It is a quick story about the will to do what it takes to save true love and conquer evil. I was engaged from the beginning and enjoyed the short journey between worlds. The author did a wonderful job constructing a fantasy world that will draw in the reader.
Across the Veil begins in the human realm and ends across the veil in Summerton. It is a quick story about the will to do what it takes to save true love and conquer evil. I was engaged from the beginning and enjoyed the short journey between worlds. The author did a wonderful job constructing a fantasy world that will draw in the reader.
April 19, 2011
A fantastic read with intriguing characters. The story held my attention right from the very first paragraph and kept me turning the pages. For a short fantasy romance story, Across the Veil packs a satisfying punch. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting, romantic read. Great job, Lisa!
December 11, 2015
I just read this last night before I went to bed and it was so good. I was hoping it was part of a series so, I could download and read the rest. I'm going to check to find out and I'm really hoping it is. Read this awesome short story.
September 16, 2011
I want to read this!! Wow this short story is jam-packed with emotion.... A fast paced and easy read! I loved it
August 2, 2011
(short story) there definitely should have been more :) would have made a great longer story.
July 30, 2015
LIght, short and entertaining read. Too short to have much depth. Could be a good book if it was longer and developed the story and characters more.
July 5, 2011
Princess Talia’s parents have arranged for her to marry her loves brother. After having her heart broken she decides to leave Summerland and cross the veil to a human populated Hollywood. After working as an actress for five years her fiancée finds her. Faldo uses the fact that he is looking for his brother Keth, who also crossed the veil for a reason to contact her. He blackmails her into helping him. Talia does not wish to see either brother. One has broken her heart and the does not wish to marry. Keth and Talia soon discover that Faldo’s wretched plans go far deeper than just reacquiring something that he feels was stolen.
This is a very short novella. I read it in under an hour. I think the shortness took away from the overall story. The romance between Talia and Keth was a rekindle for the most part. Their separation had been due to a misunderstanding. Once they reconnected there was immediate kissing and heavy petting, but it all seemed rushed. I think this was largely due to the fact that there is an immense amount of plot and activity in a few short pages.
This is a very short novella. I read it in under an hour. I think the shortness took away from the overall story. The romance between Talia and Keth was a rekindle for the most part. Their separation had been due to a misunderstanding. Once they reconnected there was immediate kissing and heavy petting, but it all seemed rushed. I think this was largely due to the fact that there is an immense amount of plot and activity in a few short pages.
October 4, 2011
Princess Talia of, well, the land across the veil, has been masquerading as a TV detective ever since she became enmeshed in a dramatic love triangle between two brothers; Keth and Faldo. Her world is turned upside when she is forced to seek out Keth, her true love, at the behest of his evil brother Faldo, whom she was supposed to marry. She hasn't seen Keth in many years but the minute they set eyes upon one another again the passion is reunited. I'll leave the description at that so as not to spoil the end...
I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job building a fairy world (complete with its own language and a system of intricate binding tattoos) in a short amount of time. The romance is sweet and the story is well written. A short, satisfying read.
May 9, 2011
Even though it's not usually a genre I read, I found this piece very fun! I loved the magic that was used, and how powerful it was even a good distance away. The romance itself wasn't too interesting to me, just cause I'm not a big fan of it, but the fantasy world was amazing. I completely didn't expect what happened on the other side of the veil, but it was a fun ride to figure out how our two lovers would fair against the unexpected danger.
This was a fun quick read, and with so much magic, fae creatures, and even a few blood-drinkers! I highly recommend it for folks wanting to get away from real life for a while. And this story is definitely the ticket. ;)
This was a fun quick read, and with so much magic, fae creatures, and even a few blood-drinkers! I highly recommend it for folks wanting to get away from real life for a while. And this story is definitely the ticket. ;)
May 21, 2011
Across the Veil, was a well constructed character driven story in a quick, easy to read package. This is the first novella I’ve read that had a fully developed storyline and characters in only twenty-five pages while still achieving the emotional intensity a reader craves. I found myself quickly passionate about the heroine and her well-being. I highly recommend this for a short and enjoyable read. The only negative is that I wish there was more. Of course, that is a great place to leave a reader. Great job, Lisa Kessler. After reading, Across the Veil, I’m now anxiously awaiting your upcoming release, Night Walker, from Entangled Publishing.
July 10, 2013
Sweet Novella!
I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to read ACROSS THE VEIL and was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Kessler has an easy-to-read writing style that lured me into her world and characters. For a short story, she had a lot of information to get across and she did so with beautiful, descriptive sentences and heated conflict between the characters. The initial re-union between Talia and Keth was a bit rushed for me, but this is a short story after all! I guess that just means Ms. Kessler either needs to write a novel length prequel or sequel to VEIL so that I can truly fall in love with the characters and the wonderful fae world she creates.
I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to read ACROSS THE VEIL and was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Kessler has an easy-to-read writing style that lured me into her world and characters. For a short story, she had a lot of information to get across and she did so with beautiful, descriptive sentences and heated conflict between the characters. The initial re-union between Talia and Keth was a bit rushed for me, but this is a short story after all! I guess that just means Ms. Kessler either needs to write a novel length prequel or sequel to VEIL so that I can truly fall in love with the characters and the wonderful fae world she creates.
May 31, 2011
This story packs everything a novel would have into 26 pages. Deceit, magic, love, supernatural beings, adventure, despair, romance, oh my!
A delightful tale for everyone. As an author of children's books I can see the story as one for every little girl who gets her prince charming (with some editing) and as a reader of YA books, I can see this developed into a full length novel to delight every teen who reads it.
Lisa has told this story very well for a fast read that leaves us panting and hankering for more.
I can see why it would win any award!
A delightful tale for everyone. As an author of children's books I can see the story as one for every little girl who gets her prince charming (with some editing) and as a reader of YA books, I can see this developed into a full length novel to delight every teen who reads it.
Lisa has told this story very well for a fast read that leaves us panting and hankering for more.
I can see why it would win any award!
September 27, 2011
Disclaimer: I got a free ebook copy through the Read to Review. Thank you to the Author & R2R :)
Across the Veil was a short, sweet and fun paranormal short story. I would have liked to have seen a little more set up; the story jumps in so fast it feels a little abrupt. It would have been great to see a little bit of Natalie/Thalia's current life, her daily routine - and same goes for Keth.
The story moves quickly, and is full of romance, magic and good vs. evil. The end has a great fairy tale vibe to it.
I definitely enjoyed this, it was a fun read on a rainy afternoon.
Across the Veil was a short, sweet and fun paranormal short story. I would have liked to have seen a little more set up; the story jumps in so fast it feels a little abrupt. It would have been great to see a little bit of Natalie/Thalia's current life, her daily routine - and same goes for Keth.
The story moves quickly, and is full of romance, magic and good vs. evil. The end has a great fairy tale vibe to it.
I definitely enjoyed this, it was a fun read on a rainy afternoon.
September 30, 2011
I'm usually not a fan of short stories but Across the Veil left me wanting for more.
Lisa Kessler has managed to create characters that you can get attached to in a short period of time, which is definitely not easy. This book was a great short read and kept me involved and entertained from the beginning to the end.
I would've loved for it to be a novel/series as I know it's something I would read for sure! This is the kind of book that I'd re-read every time I'm looking for a short good story. The plot was good and it would've made an awesome full-fledged novel!
Lisa Kessler has managed to create characters that you can get attached to in a short period of time, which is definitely not easy. This book was a great short read and kept me involved and entertained from the beginning to the end.
I would've loved for it to be a novel/series as I know it's something I would read for sure! This is the kind of book that I'd re-read every time I'm looking for a short good story. The plot was good and it would've made an awesome full-fledged novel!
March 31, 2011
Even thought this book was a fast read, it is nothing short of brilliant. The plot was very original, pace was good, Characters and world both well developed. The twist were what kept me hanging on I NEEDED to find out what was happening. Overall it was a blast to read. I would definitely refer friends, and anyone else to read this book.
Please visit: http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com For More!
Please visit: http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com For More!
September 28, 2011
This is a good story. It could be a great story. As I read, I kept wishing for a deeper sense of what the characters were feeling at each moment and more back story into what made them who they are(maybe in flashback form?). The story is a strong one and could support a full length book. It's well worth the read as it is, but I really hope the author considers expanding her solid story into a full length novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews