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Path Seekers #1
Hacienda Moon
From the #1 Amazon Bestselling author of The Prelude, KaSonndra Leigh comes a new expanded edition of a Southern gothic paranormal romance story about love, loss, and grief.
Can they mend their broken hearts, or will the curse destroy them...again?
After losing her five-year-old daughter and her psychic abilities, police medium, Tandie Harrison, leaves the NYPD and returns to her hometown of Bolivia, North Carolina. Hoping that restoring the once beautiful plantation house known as Chelby Rose will help her heal, she dives into the work with the aid of the handsome house caretaker, Eric.
But there’s more to Eric than meets the eye, and Tandie soon finds herself inexplicably drawn to him...just as he’s drawn to her... just as she felt drawn to the house.
No ghostly warnings will stop them. Nor the strange dreams, or frightening sightings.
Not even the centuries-old curse haunting them both, or the tangled web of deceit and intrigue involving the whole town.
Tandie has already lost everything she held close to her heart once. Terrified or not, she will not let it happen again.
Hauntingly beautiful, the expanded edition of the beloved Southern Gothic Paranormal Romance tells a story about love, loss, grief, and healing. It will make you cry, laugh, and occasionally hide under the covers while turning the pages with bated breath.
Can they mend their broken hearts, or will the curse destroy them...again?
After losing her five-year-old daughter and her psychic abilities, police medium, Tandie Harrison, leaves the NYPD and returns to her hometown of Bolivia, North Carolina. Hoping that restoring the once beautiful plantation house known as Chelby Rose will help her heal, she dives into the work with the aid of the handsome house caretaker, Eric.
But there’s more to Eric than meets the eye, and Tandie soon finds herself inexplicably drawn to him...just as he’s drawn to her... just as she felt drawn to the house.
No ghostly warnings will stop them. Nor the strange dreams, or frightening sightings.
Not even the centuries-old curse haunting them both, or the tangled web of deceit and intrigue involving the whole town.
Tandie has already lost everything she held close to her heart once. Terrified or not, she will not let it happen again.
Hauntingly beautiful, the expanded edition of the beloved Southern Gothic Paranormal Romance tells a story about love, loss, grief, and healing. It will make you cry, laugh, and occasionally hide under the covers while turning the pages with bated breath.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
KaSonndra Leigh
20 books703 followersAuthor of the International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, and coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 24, 2015
WoW WoW WoW! KaSonndra Leigh you have done it again. This book is amazing, captivating, thrilling, engrossing, mysterious, hypnotic, spooky, creepy, haunting, tragic, seductive and beautiful. I want to thank the wonderful KaSonndra Leigh for providing me, along with my fellow moderators, with an ARC ebook. I have been desperately hanging to read this book, ever since Ka informed us of it, and let me tell you I was captivated from the first page. I was instantly drawn into the story and was ready for the ride it was about to take me on. And, what a ride it was.
Hacienda Moon is about a Tandie Harrison, a psychic who works as a medium for the police. Going through a bitter divorce, her life is flung out of control, when her daughter is tragically killed in a car accident. Tandie is devastated, and so was I. I mean, I was crying already when reading about this. This is every mothers worst nightmare and my heart was breaking and aching. At this point, Tandie decides to pack up her life in New York and move to small town called Bolivia, which is not far from where she grew up. She moves into a very old and run-down plantation home, which goes by the name of Chelby Rose, and soon finds herself getting all caught up in it's haunting past. She hires a contractor, Eric Fontalvo, to help renovate, without even realising that he too is connected to Chelby Rose. They both find that they are drawn to each other, but have no idea as to why they have such a strong connection. The tension between these two is palpable and you can feel the electricity buzzing off the page. You are vying so desperately for them to find their way into each others arms, and you know that if they do, they can set off a curse, which has been plaguing the Chelby's and Fontalvo's for centuries. A curse that also affects the town and it's people.
I was really spooked at times and had to stop reading and check the dark corners of my home. I know, I know, I'm insane, but that's how much I freaked myself out. But then the story was so intriguing and I was feverishly hanging on and peeling back the layers. The mystery was finally revealing itself and the creepiness factor went away. There was so much to take in and the suspense was driving me insane, in a good way. KaSonndra Leigh really knows how to keep you guessing and wanting. I felt every emotion, every bump in the night, every heartbreak, and every suspenseful twist and turn. It is a story that has all the elements of a gothic mystery, with some romance and nail-biting tension that will have you gasping for air. I am seriously in awe, and am going to be hanging on for the next instalment of this fabulous series.
Hacienda Moon is about a Tandie Harrison, a psychic who works as a medium for the police. Going through a bitter divorce, her life is flung out of control, when her daughter is tragically killed in a car accident. Tandie is devastated, and so was I. I mean, I was crying already when reading about this. This is every mothers worst nightmare and my heart was breaking and aching. At this point, Tandie decides to pack up her life in New York and move to small town called Bolivia, which is not far from where she grew up. She moves into a very old and run-down plantation home, which goes by the name of Chelby Rose, and soon finds herself getting all caught up in it's haunting past. She hires a contractor, Eric Fontalvo, to help renovate, without even realising that he too is connected to Chelby Rose. They both find that they are drawn to each other, but have no idea as to why they have such a strong connection. The tension between these two is palpable and you can feel the electricity buzzing off the page. You are vying so desperately for them to find their way into each others arms, and you know that if they do, they can set off a curse, which has been plaguing the Chelby's and Fontalvo's for centuries. A curse that also affects the town and it's people.
I was really spooked at times and had to stop reading and check the dark corners of my home. I know, I know, I'm insane, but that's how much I freaked myself out. But then the story was so intriguing and I was feverishly hanging on and peeling back the layers. The mystery was finally revealing itself and the creepiness factor went away. There was so much to take in and the suspense was driving me insane, in a good way. KaSonndra Leigh really knows how to keep you guessing and wanting. I felt every emotion, every bump in the night, every heartbreak, and every suspenseful twist and turn. It is a story that has all the elements of a gothic mystery, with some romance and nail-biting tension that will have you gasping for air. I am seriously in awe, and am going to be hanging on for the next instalment of this fabulous series.
November 6, 2017
Hacienda Moon is the first book I've read by KaSonndra Leigh. I have to be honest it isn't my usual story, however, I was looking for something different and this book was definitely that. It's a dark gothic novel with a spooky edge.
Tandie Harrison is moving out of the big city and back to near her hometown. She has found a quirky house, Chelby Rose to stay at that is in need of some maintenance. Eric Frontalvo is the handyman for the job and Tandie doesn't mind him hanging around. The house has its own spooky feel to it and is the perfect place for a psychic to live even if she has lost her mojo.
Tandie is a writer, but this story is about to take a life of its own. With a looming murder on the horizon, some strange events and some deadly visitors this book is one spooky ride. There is more to Eric than it seems and the house is the key to an ancient mystery.
Like I said this isn't my usual read and I think if you like a spooky mystery you'll love this one. Ghosts, murder and a side helping of romance this book is one exciting journey. It has so much to offer. It's creative and addictive. It took me a little while to get sucked into this book, but it was worth the perseverance. It can be read as a standalone. However, Tandie and Eric's story continue next July in the sequel.
I'm rating this book 4 stars out of 5. I think if you like the gothic on the edge style books you would easily rate this one 5. I enjoyed it, but I will not be looking for more books in a similar style. I prefer sassy over spooky.
*I received an ARC as part of the RABT Book Tours. My blog post will be 25th November. My review is honest and fair.*
Tandie Harrison is moving out of the big city and back to near her hometown. She has found a quirky house, Chelby Rose to stay at that is in need of some maintenance. Eric Frontalvo is the handyman for the job and Tandie doesn't mind him hanging around. The house has its own spooky feel to it and is the perfect place for a psychic to live even if she has lost her mojo.
Tandie is a writer, but this story is about to take a life of its own. With a looming murder on the horizon, some strange events and some deadly visitors this book is one spooky ride. There is more to Eric than it seems and the house is the key to an ancient mystery.
Like I said this isn't my usual read and I think if you like a spooky mystery you'll love this one. Ghosts, murder and a side helping of romance this book is one exciting journey. It has so much to offer. It's creative and addictive. It took me a little while to get sucked into this book, but it was worth the perseverance. It can be read as a standalone. However, Tandie and Eric's story continue next July in the sequel.
I'm rating this book 4 stars out of 5. I think if you like the gothic on the edge style books you would easily rate this one 5. I enjoyed it, but I will not be looking for more books in a similar style. I prefer sassy over spooky.
*I received an ARC as part of the RABT Book Tours. My blog post will be 25th November. My review is honest and fair.*
July 28, 2012
Wow, this was such a completely unexpected mind-warp!! First off, a great big thank you to author KaSonndra Leigh for allowing myself and my fellow moderators to have an ebook ARC of her latest work! I have been so anxious to get my hands on this story, and KaSonndra did not disappoint!!
Summary:
Hacienda Moon is the story of a woman named Tandie Harrison who is looking for a fresh start after her world was torn apart. A terrible car accident took away her psychic visions and left her beloved daughter dead; divorced and ready for a new chapter, she decides to move back near her hometown to the Chelby Rose plantation house. But as Tandie settles in, she becomes very aware that something is not right about her new home. With no friends or family to come to her aid, Tandie welcomes the support of the tempting and mysterious Eric Fontalvo, who has ties of his own to the house. Hired to repair the run-down home, Eric spends many hours with Tandie and they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Neither of them suspected that what was behind all the strange occurrences was something rooted far into their past and more dangerous than they understood, and a nearly three centuries-old curse threatens to put an end more than just their romance.
This book was like an edge-of-your-seat haunting mystery thriller feast with a sexy romance on the side!! I loved the slowly-building mystery, it was like gradually putting together pieces of a puzzle when you had no idea what the picture would be! I've always loved stories where signs and destiny lead to something amazing happening that no one expected, and that's exactly what KaSonndra gives us here. There were so many creepy moments and spine-tingling twists that kept me guessing, I felt like a detective at times when I analyzed what each one could mean! I loved how each little detail led to another clue or explained one piece of the mystery, and the symbolism and signs that popped up gave me chills. This was such a clever and uniquely written plot, and it all came together perfectly to create a mesmerizing tale!
My emotions were definitely on high alert with this book; Tandie's accident and the loss of her daughter was so incredibly sad, I was in tears and wanted so badly for her to have a chance at a new life. As she was enduring all of the terrifying events at Chelby Rose, it broke my heart that she had to keep facing so much pain. I loved Eric with her and how they both seemed to complement the other and be just what they needed. When the reveal about the curse and their past came to light, I couldn't wait for them to be together and wanted so badly for the obstacles to be out of their way. The sparks were flying like the fourth of July when these two got together!!
Hacienda Moon was a great suspenseful, heartwarming, scary read that I definitely recommend! Just be sure to avoid reading it late at night... =)
Summary:
Hacienda Moon is the story of a woman named Tandie Harrison who is looking for a fresh start after her world was torn apart. A terrible car accident took away her psychic visions and left her beloved daughter dead; divorced and ready for a new chapter, she decides to move back near her hometown to the Chelby Rose plantation house. But as Tandie settles in, she becomes very aware that something is not right about her new home. With no friends or family to come to her aid, Tandie welcomes the support of the tempting and mysterious Eric Fontalvo, who has ties of his own to the house. Hired to repair the run-down home, Eric spends many hours with Tandie and they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Neither of them suspected that what was behind all the strange occurrences was something rooted far into their past and more dangerous than they understood, and a nearly three centuries-old curse threatens to put an end more than just their romance.
This book was like an edge-of-your-seat haunting mystery thriller feast with a sexy romance on the side!! I loved the slowly-building mystery, it was like gradually putting together pieces of a puzzle when you had no idea what the picture would be! I've always loved stories where signs and destiny lead to something amazing happening that no one expected, and that's exactly what KaSonndra gives us here. There were so many creepy moments and spine-tingling twists that kept me guessing, I felt like a detective at times when I analyzed what each one could mean! I loved how each little detail led to another clue or explained one piece of the mystery, and the symbolism and signs that popped up gave me chills. This was such a clever and uniquely written plot, and it all came together perfectly to create a mesmerizing tale!
My emotions were definitely on high alert with this book; Tandie's accident and the loss of her daughter was so incredibly sad, I was in tears and wanted so badly for her to have a chance at a new life. As she was enduring all of the terrifying events at Chelby Rose, it broke my heart that she had to keep facing so much pain. I loved Eric with her and how they both seemed to complement the other and be just what they needed. When the reveal about the curse and their past came to light, I couldn't wait for them to be together and wanted so badly for the obstacles to be out of their way. The sparks were flying like the fourth of July when these two got together!!
Hacienda Moon was a great suspenseful, heartwarming, scary read that I definitely recommend! Just be sure to avoid reading it late at night... =)
July 30, 2012
Hacienda Moon is a seductive tale of one woman’s journey to confront the demons of her past and find the courage to face her future. Its is a mesmerising novel that explores the deepest depths of human nature.
Hacienda Moon has everything a gothic novel needs. Mystery, curses, death, secret rooms, spooky attics, graves and all wrapped up in a ghostly old house full of gloomy and dark atmosphere.
KaSonndra is a very beautiful and skilled writer. I could feel all of the emotions the characters were going through. The heartbreak, grief, loneliness, anguish and sexual desire.
What all good spooky stories need is a gorgeous old haunted house. Chelby Rose, is just that. I fell in love with it. Especially its history and delightful ghosts.
The love interest between Tandie and Eric, was written so perfectly. First they were unsure of each other, suspicious and guarded. Their friendship blossomed and turned into a passionate romance. It wasn't rushed and moved along with the most perfect timing with the rest of the story.
I have to mention Ella, one of the ghosts. She was my favourite character in the novel. With her terrible laugh and the way she would run off into the woods screaming. She was utterly wonderful in a wrathful kind of way. I could just picture her out in the rose garden, that she was so in love with, dressed in her period clothing and hacking at the roses, completely enraged. Some may find her frightful. I found her to be just enchanting.
It was a fantastic read, gripping with suspense and the story unfolding as you go along keeping your nerves on edge.
Thank you KaSonndra for such a spooktastic gothic story and thank you for the ARC to read. I feel very honoured. Loved It.
Hacienda Moon has everything a gothic novel needs. Mystery, curses, death, secret rooms, spooky attics, graves and all wrapped up in a ghostly old house full of gloomy and dark atmosphere.
KaSonndra is a very beautiful and skilled writer. I could feel all of the emotions the characters were going through. The heartbreak, grief, loneliness, anguish and sexual desire.
What all good spooky stories need is a gorgeous old haunted house. Chelby Rose, is just that. I fell in love with it. Especially its history and delightful ghosts.
The love interest between Tandie and Eric, was written so perfectly. First they were unsure of each other, suspicious and guarded. Their friendship blossomed and turned into a passionate romance. It wasn't rushed and moved along with the most perfect timing with the rest of the story.
I have to mention Ella, one of the ghosts. She was my favourite character in the novel. With her terrible laugh and the way she would run off into the woods screaming. She was utterly wonderful in a wrathful kind of way. I could just picture her out in the rose garden, that she was so in love with, dressed in her period clothing and hacking at the roses, completely enraged. Some may find her frightful. I found her to be just enchanting.
It was a fantastic read, gripping with suspense and the story unfolding as you go along keeping your nerves on edge.
Thank you KaSonndra for such a spooktastic gothic story and thank you for the ARC to read. I feel very honoured. Loved It.
July 28, 2012
I'd like to thank the wonderful KaSondra Leigh for providing me with an ARC of this book to read prior to it's release date.
This book was not what I expected, that is for sure! I actually did not read the blurb prior to reading it, so I only had an inkling of what it was about. I wasn't ready for spooky, mysterious, tragic, crazy, and adventurous!
This is the story of Tandie, a woman who returns to her roots after tragedy strikes her life. It's the story of how she learns to live her life again through experiencing the lives of others. You see, Tandie is a psychic who works for the police. While going through a bitter divorce, her daughter is killed in a tragic car accident. Distraught, devastated and not sure what to do with her life, Tandie moves to the small town of Bolivia, not far from where she grew up. It is there that she finds new friends, new love, and a story of tragedy that has spanned 300 years.
I really loved the way Leigh worked the spook into this story. It's a ghost story but it's not scary, just spooky. And I love how Tandie is not afraid of them. Not afraid to communicate with them to get to the bottom of what haunts and curses this small southern town.
And her two love interests, Saul and Eric, are just perfect vying for her affections. Saul is the perfect gentleman, with his Southern style, beautiful blue eyes, and charm, he wants to win Tandie's love and wants her to help put his family's ghosts to rest. Eric, with his rough good looks and quirky sense of humor, wants to keep her at arms length, afraid to get involved and risk losing her to the curse that has plagued his family for centuries. Eventually the tension between Eric and Tandie is undeniable. And their attraction is palpable. I wanted them to get together so badly, but things kept getting in the way!
Tandie quickly learns that the ghosts of Bolivia are trying to tell her something and that they can't be set free until all rights are wronged. She wants to help them, but has to put the puzzle together piece by piece.
Leigh has written a beautiful love story, full of adventure, mystery and intrigue. I have to say that at times I had to put the book down for fear it would get too creepy and I wouldn't be able to sleep. However, Leigh never took it to that level. And I couldn't put it down for long without wanting to pick it back up, I read it in just three days!
Thanks for writing such a great story KaSondra. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This book was not what I expected, that is for sure! I actually did not read the blurb prior to reading it, so I only had an inkling of what it was about. I wasn't ready for spooky, mysterious, tragic, crazy, and adventurous!
This is the story of Tandie, a woman who returns to her roots after tragedy strikes her life. It's the story of how she learns to live her life again through experiencing the lives of others. You see, Tandie is a psychic who works for the police. While going through a bitter divorce, her daughter is killed in a tragic car accident. Distraught, devastated and not sure what to do with her life, Tandie moves to the small town of Bolivia, not far from where she grew up. It is there that she finds new friends, new love, and a story of tragedy that has spanned 300 years.
I really loved the way Leigh worked the spook into this story. It's a ghost story but it's not scary, just spooky. And I love how Tandie is not afraid of them. Not afraid to communicate with them to get to the bottom of what haunts and curses this small southern town.
And her two love interests, Saul and Eric, are just perfect vying for her affections. Saul is the perfect gentleman, with his Southern style, beautiful blue eyes, and charm, he wants to win Tandie's love and wants her to help put his family's ghosts to rest. Eric, with his rough good looks and quirky sense of humor, wants to keep her at arms length, afraid to get involved and risk losing her to the curse that has plagued his family for centuries. Eventually the tension between Eric and Tandie is undeniable. And their attraction is palpable. I wanted them to get together so badly, but things kept getting in the way!
Tandie quickly learns that the ghosts of Bolivia are trying to tell her something and that they can't be set free until all rights are wronged. She wants to help them, but has to put the puzzle together piece by piece.
Leigh has written a beautiful love story, full of adventure, mystery and intrigue. I have to say that at times I had to put the book down for fear it would get too creepy and I wouldn't be able to sleep. However, Leigh never took it to that level. And I couldn't put it down for long without wanting to pick it back up, I read it in just three days!
Thanks for writing such a great story KaSondra. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
August 1, 2012
Review also on my blog
So first things first, I would like to thank KaSonndra for giving me the honor of reading and reviewing her newest and utterly amazing book. I am totally honored that i got a chance to review this as it's a fantastic read. Now on to the actual review. Hacienda Moon has everything that a novel needs to be great. From loss, to horrifying murders, to breathtaking love story, and lastly to some rather crazy and scary ghost, the way KaSonndra incorporated all these elements into the novel created a mesmerizing tale. I loved the main character Tandie. I couldn't believe how strong she was even after everything that happened to her. She didn't let herself breakdown even of she really wanted to. She was a great character. Tandie's emotions and really all the emotions in the book were so strong and well written that I could feel them coming of the pages in waves.
Not only do we have a great heroine but we have a plot that will render you speechless. Most of the events in the novel, with the exception of like two, surprised me. I would find myself predicting one thing happening and something completely different would happen out of nowhere. The plot also has just the right amount of spooky elements. It wasn't scary and it wasn't the type of book that causes you to be scared by every sound for a week after you finished it. No, this book has just the right amount of creepy elements to keep you on your edge.
I loved every aspect of this book. The plot was different and unpredictable. The love story between Eric and Tandie was beautiful. It wasn't rushed. It was just perfect and well they were perfect for each other, and why wouldn't they be of they are the center of a two hundred and sixty year old curse. I felt like I was a part of the book.
I would recommend this book for everyone. It's awesome in every way. We have mystery, love story, and creepy, evil , some nice and some well I guess some very confused ghosts haunting Chelby Rose plantation.
So first things first, I would like to thank KaSonndra for giving me the honor of reading and reviewing her newest and utterly amazing book. I am totally honored that i got a chance to review this as it's a fantastic read. Now on to the actual review. Hacienda Moon has everything that a novel needs to be great. From loss, to horrifying murders, to breathtaking love story, and lastly to some rather crazy and scary ghost, the way KaSonndra incorporated all these elements into the novel created a mesmerizing tale. I loved the main character Tandie. I couldn't believe how strong she was even after everything that happened to her. She didn't let herself breakdown even of she really wanted to. She was a great character. Tandie's emotions and really all the emotions in the book were so strong and well written that I could feel them coming of the pages in waves.
Not only do we have a great heroine but we have a plot that will render you speechless. Most of the events in the novel, with the exception of like two, surprised me. I would find myself predicting one thing happening and something completely different would happen out of nowhere. The plot also has just the right amount of spooky elements. It wasn't scary and it wasn't the type of book that causes you to be scared by every sound for a week after you finished it. No, this book has just the right amount of creepy elements to keep you on your edge.
I loved every aspect of this book. The plot was different and unpredictable. The love story between Eric and Tandie was beautiful. It wasn't rushed. It was just perfect and well they were perfect for each other, and why wouldn't they be of they are the center of a two hundred and sixty year old curse. I felt like I was a part of the book.
I would recommend this book for everyone. It's awesome in every way. We have mystery, love story, and creepy, evil , some nice and some well I guess some very confused ghosts haunting Chelby Rose plantation.
July 29, 2012
Wow what can i say about this awsome book.. Firstly i would like to thank the awsome and wonderful author KaSonndra Leigh for giving the honour of reading and reviewing the ARC of her latest masterpiece. Once again KaSonndra has created a must read. This story has a little bit of everything love, ghosts, recarnation, curses, witches, murder and dont forget mystery. It was such an adventurous ride.
After a terrible car accident claims the life of her precious daughter and let me tell you i was in tears at this stage no mother should lose their child and she also loses her psychic ability who has until now been helpful as she worked as a medium for the police. Tandie Harrison wants a fresh start so she decides to move to Bolivia ( not south america) which is not far from where she grew up, she wants to write again. She moves to an old and very spooky looking plantation home which is called Chelby Rose. Chelby Rose has a dark tragic past and Tandie is as much a part of this history as anyone but she does not relise it until things start happening and she starts searching for it, this history need to be told and Tandie needs to write it. She meets her contractor Eric Fontalvo and lets just say sparks fly straight away, they are so drawn together and cant explain why. And the tension between these two is funny at times, slowly things start to happen around them as their connection grows so Tandie slowly discovers the history of the house and the people that lived it in it, once she finds a diary and starts having visions related to what is written in the diary . I want you to all go and read this book so that is all im telling you about the story. It is so worth it.
It was a bit spooky but not spooky enough for me not to be able to read in the dark LOL. It was a rollercoaster of a ride and i would ride that rollercoaster again any day. The story had me at the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going on what was the history behind all of it wanting to know what would happen next. I loved every second of this book and cannot wait to get it on paperback. KaSonndra is an awsome author and this is the second of her books i have read and it is the second that i apsolutely love and i know it will not be the last. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE AS IT HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING...A MUST READ
September 15, 2012
First of all, I'd like to thank the author for giving me a chance to read and review her latest book.
Hacienda Moon is equal parts romance and spooky (in a good way). I loved it!
The main characters in the book:
Tandie's world is shattered when she loses her baby girl in an accident after a truck rams into them throwing them off a bridge. She survived, her child dies. She picks the pieces of her life, and after going through divorce from her husband moves to Bolivia, North Carolina and starts her life afresh.
Eric Fontalvo is a contractor, goodlooking and knows his way around a broken house. He has been hired to do repairs in Chelby Rose, a house rumoured to be haunted. At first he is cautious, at the same time finds himself pulled toward the beautiful woman, and the new owner of Chelby Rose. He has secrets that date as far back as 250 years.The only way for him to solve whatever that haunts his family is by getting closer to the woman now ocuupying the house where it all began.
Saul Chelby is the owner of the Chelby Rose, the house passed on to him by his father. It has been in his family for centuries, within it's confines secrets that hold three families in its web. He is mysterious, goodlooking and lives the kind of lifestyle that tends to raise eyebrows. And there is a reason he feels so attracted to the woman he just rented the plantation house Chelby Rose.
Then there are side characters who are just as interesting and important and at times spooky. They are weaved in the story to form larger picture of the story.
The story begins with Tandie's loss. We follow her as she moves from New York, as she begins to glue the pieces of a past that tangles with her present together, then as she falls inlove. And finally her happy ever after - for now. KaSonndra wraps the story well, leaving no threads hanging. At one point, I asked myself what happened to his friend, Virgil, for him to behave the way he did? Maybe a small hint from either Abby or Eric would solve that riddle.
I highly recommend this book. If has all the elements to keep the reader turning the pages. Ghosts,curses, witches, exact dose of romance.
Hacienda Moon is equal parts romance and spooky (in a good way). I loved it!
The main characters in the book:
Tandie's world is shattered when she loses her baby girl in an accident after a truck rams into them throwing them off a bridge. She survived, her child dies. She picks the pieces of her life, and after going through divorce from her husband moves to Bolivia, North Carolina and starts her life afresh.
Eric Fontalvo is a contractor, goodlooking and knows his way around a broken house. He has been hired to do repairs in Chelby Rose, a house rumoured to be haunted. At first he is cautious, at the same time finds himself pulled toward the beautiful woman, and the new owner of Chelby Rose. He has secrets that date as far back as 250 years.The only way for him to solve whatever that haunts his family is by getting closer to the woman now ocuupying the house where it all began.
Saul Chelby is the owner of the Chelby Rose, the house passed on to him by his father. It has been in his family for centuries, within it's confines secrets that hold three families in its web. He is mysterious, goodlooking and lives the kind of lifestyle that tends to raise eyebrows. And there is a reason he feels so attracted to the woman he just rented the plantation house Chelby Rose.
Then there are side characters who are just as interesting and important and at times spooky. They are weaved in the story to form larger picture of the story.
The story begins with Tandie's loss. We follow her as she moves from New York, as she begins to glue the pieces of a past that tangles with her present together, then as she falls inlove. And finally her happy ever after - for now. KaSonndra wraps the story well, leaving no threads hanging. At one point, I asked myself what happened to his friend, Virgil, for him to behave the way he did? Maybe a small hint from either Abby or Eric would solve that riddle.
I highly recommend this book. If has all the elements to keep the reader turning the pages. Ghosts,curses, witches, exact dose of romance.
November 29, 2012
I am on the fence with the book its not quite a four and not a three either. So I am going to do what I always do mark it down and see if I want to return to the story. If I do I will bump it up to a four.
It took me a while to get into this book, the beginning seemed a bit disjointed and I had push a little to keep reading it, but once the story go going it was good. It was as if the pieces finally fell together around 30% through the book and then I had to finish it.
The spirits of the book is what kept me going, trying to understand their motives and wanting them to find peace was central to the charm of this book. The romance story was beautiful, the idea of two soul that belonged no matter what is enchanting.I liked the stories of both Eric/Tandie and Enrique/Alice's, however the heat between them was luke- warm. I needed to have a eyebrows singed after two centuries of longing..... The final coming together of the characters was a relief but I wish the climb to get there was a little more challenging.
The haunted withdrawn Character of Saul was heart breaking and a loose end that can turn into a book cause he needs peace.
Another loose end was the story of Virgil and Abby, it seemed out of place and the book did not resolve the reason for their relationship but unlike Saul's fate it does not seem feel like a lead into another story it just that lick of hair that wont stay it place, odd and frustrating.
Anyways if you like ghost stories and southern charm you will like this book it was fun.
So I went back tot he world of Hacienda moon four stars it is!
It took me a while to get into this book, the beginning seemed a bit disjointed and I had push a little to keep reading it, but once the story go going it was good. It was as if the pieces finally fell together around 30% through the book and then I had to finish it.
The spirits of the book is what kept me going, trying to understand their motives and wanting them to find peace was central to the charm of this book. The romance story was beautiful, the idea of two soul that belonged no matter what is enchanting.I liked the stories of both Eric/Tandie and Enrique/Alice's, however the heat between them was luke- warm. I needed to have a eyebrows singed after two centuries of longing..... The final coming together of the characters was a relief but I wish the climb to get there was a little more challenging.
The haunted withdrawn Character of Saul was heart breaking and a loose end that can turn into a book cause he needs peace.
Another loose end was the story of Virgil and Abby, it seemed out of place and the book did not resolve the reason for their relationship but unlike Saul's fate it does not seem feel like a lead into another story it just that lick of hair that wont stay it place, odd and frustrating.
Anyways if you like ghost stories and southern charm you will like this book it was fun.
So I went back tot he world of Hacienda moon four stars it is!
August 11, 2012
First I wish to thank the author, KaSonndra Leigh, for providing me with the ebook.
Romance, suspense, paranormal wrapped up in southern scenery makes this book a must read. After the death of her daughter and a divorce, Tandie moves to an old plantation. Here she connects with the ghosts of the past and a love that bridges over centuries. Witchcraft, curses and ghosts treat the reader to a story they don't want to put down.
I wasn't sure if this was going to be my kind of book. I'm not much into romances, but I do love paranormal. The story sucked me in and wouldn't let it's grip loose until the end. Ms. Leigh wove all the elements perfectly together with twists that created a page turning book.
You might be thinking, ok, she's loved it, so why only 4 stars? I so wanted to give 5, but I found myself having a bit of a hard time imagining what some of the characters looked like. The cover seemed off from how they were described, which made for a bit of confusion. I've found that I much prefer covers with either no characters on it, or just a silhouette, so I can use my imagation a bit more.
Who should read this? Anyone who likes a mixture of romance, paranormal and history I highly recommend this to you.
Romance, suspense, paranormal wrapped up in southern scenery makes this book a must read. After the death of her daughter and a divorce, Tandie moves to an old plantation. Here she connects with the ghosts of the past and a love that bridges over centuries. Witchcraft, curses and ghosts treat the reader to a story they don't want to put down.
I wasn't sure if this was going to be my kind of book. I'm not much into romances, but I do love paranormal. The story sucked me in and wouldn't let it's grip loose until the end. Ms. Leigh wove all the elements perfectly together with twists that created a page turning book.
You might be thinking, ok, she's loved it, so why only 4 stars? I so wanted to give 5, but I found myself having a bit of a hard time imagining what some of the characters looked like. The cover seemed off from how they were described, which made for a bit of confusion. I've found that I much prefer covers with either no characters on it, or just a silhouette, so I can use my imagation a bit more.
Who should read this? Anyone who likes a mixture of romance, paranormal and history I highly recommend this to you.
September 8, 2012
I first became aware of this author from her published book “When Copper Suns fall”. From then on I’ve became a huge supporter of this author and a huge fan. She gave me a opportunity to read her adult novel, which I thank her for. I'm not a fan of ghost novels, but I do find this book to be well written and worth the read.
The plot is great, even though I had problems with the characters. There was a main plot with the ghosts and the past lives of Tandie and Enrique, but there was also a subplot that comes into play later on in the novel. I love how the story is loosely based on the real story of a warship called the Fortuna that attacked the region now known as Brunswick County, North Carolina on September 4, 1748. The added history gave the story an interesting plot device. What I also liked as well was the fact that the two main characters are reincarnated, and even though they couldn’t be together in their past lives, they finally meet once again in present day and had a chance to start over. Tandie is the reincarnation of Alice and Eric is the reincarnation of Enrique. The ghosts were an interesting part of the story, from the three little children to Ella, the evil sister of Alice who killed Alice out of jealousy. I wasn’t so thrilled of Tandie being an author. I didn’t think it added to the story, and it only became interesting when you find out that these are characters she saw in her dreams all her life and that they were based on real people.
This book takes place in present life from the point of view of Tandie, our main character. She recently moved to a small town of Bolivia located in North Carolina.
Tandie is our main female character in this book. For someone who recently lost her daughter, she is strong. I find it sweet that she carries her daughters picture around and finds strength in that picture when ever she looks at it. However, I find her to be a little slow for being a psychic. She has an ability that lets her see ghosts and past events, but when ghost from the past appears before her she thinks it’s a real person dressed in olden style clothes. I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t think anyone in this day in age would wear some olden style clothes. Then, for no apparent reason, she suddenly believes in the ghosts she’s seeing, and recognizes them as ghosts.
Eric is our main male character of this book. He’s described as a great, attractive man who loves his job. Though I do hate how Eric acts around Tandie. He doesn’t want to get close to her because of a curse on his family. Despite this, Tandie wants to be with Eric, not caring about the curse. Eric's point of view is shown in the book, but I found his to be a bit boring and unnecessary. I would have been happier if it was just Tanndie's point of view, because she was the center of the whole plot line, and even though, yes Eric was part of it, I just didn't see his part as interesting as Tandie's.
Then there are the side characters in this book. Abby’s a character whose personality seems to be all over the place. One minute she looks like a great girl, but then as you continue to read her personalty changes to that of a jealous girlfriend of Eric towards Tandie, but they aren't together. This is shown when Tandie first walks into the bar that she works in, and warns her to stay away from Eric. She also blames everything on Tandie, even though they only just met. She really annoys me at times, and I think she’s my least favorite character in the whole book. In my opinion a pointless character to the plot. There is a few other side characters that appear like the ghosts children. Eric's pastor also appear a few times in the book.
I find the romance at an okay pace. Given that they were lovers in another life, that bond would speed things up a little. Though with Eric avoiding Tandie for the most part, it was hard to see how they fell in love in the first place. They did consummate their love near the ending of the book, after Tandie reassured him that they’ve waited over 300 years for this.
The plot is great, even though I had problems with the characters. There was a main plot with the ghosts and the past lives of Tandie and Enrique, but there was also a subplot that comes into play later on in the novel. I love how the story is loosely based on the real story of a warship called the Fortuna that attacked the region now known as Brunswick County, North Carolina on September 4, 1748. The added history gave the story an interesting plot device. What I also liked as well was the fact that the two main characters are reincarnated, and even though they couldn’t be together in their past lives, they finally meet once again in present day and had a chance to start over. Tandie is the reincarnation of Alice and Eric is the reincarnation of Enrique. The ghosts were an interesting part of the story, from the three little children to Ella, the evil sister of Alice who killed Alice out of jealousy. I wasn’t so thrilled of Tandie being an author. I didn’t think it added to the story, and it only became interesting when you find out that these are characters she saw in her dreams all her life and that they were based on real people.
This book takes place in present life from the point of view of Tandie, our main character. She recently moved to a small town of Bolivia located in North Carolina.
Tandie is our main female character in this book. For someone who recently lost her daughter, she is strong. I find it sweet that she carries her daughters picture around and finds strength in that picture when ever she looks at it. However, I find her to be a little slow for being a psychic. She has an ability that lets her see ghosts and past events, but when ghost from the past appears before her she thinks it’s a real person dressed in olden style clothes. I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t think anyone in this day in age would wear some olden style clothes. Then, for no apparent reason, she suddenly believes in the ghosts she’s seeing, and recognizes them as ghosts.
Eric is our main male character of this book. He’s described as a great, attractive man who loves his job. Though I do hate how Eric acts around Tandie. He doesn’t want to get close to her because of a curse on his family. Despite this, Tandie wants to be with Eric, not caring about the curse. Eric's point of view is shown in the book, but I found his to be a bit boring and unnecessary. I would have been happier if it was just Tanndie's point of view, because she was the center of the whole plot line, and even though, yes Eric was part of it, I just didn't see his part as interesting as Tandie's.
Then there are the side characters in this book. Abby’s a character whose personality seems to be all over the place. One minute she looks like a great girl, but then as you continue to read her personalty changes to that of a jealous girlfriend of Eric towards Tandie, but they aren't together. This is shown when Tandie first walks into the bar that she works in, and warns her to stay away from Eric. She also blames everything on Tandie, even though they only just met. She really annoys me at times, and I think she’s my least favorite character in the whole book. In my opinion a pointless character to the plot. There is a few other side characters that appear like the ghosts children. Eric's pastor also appear a few times in the book.
I find the romance at an okay pace. Given that they were lovers in another life, that bond would speed things up a little. Though with Eric avoiding Tandie for the most part, it was hard to see how they fell in love in the first place. They did consummate their love near the ending of the book, after Tandie reassured him that they’ve waited over 300 years for this.
August 27, 2012
Full review can be found here.
As soon as I read the synopsis for this one, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more and so when the promo tour also offered six review copies, I immediately signed up for one of the six. I didn’t actually receive my copy until after the promo post (here) and I had a couple of other blog tour books to read before I could crack this one open, but I had itchy-finger-syndrome when it came to this one.
I cracked it open for the first time after having just finished another book of a very different genre. In hindsight, that wasn’t the best idea ever. I should have given myself some time to unwind from the first book before I cracked open this one. I also only allowed myself the time to read the prologue and things might have been different had I been able to immediately continue on to the first couple of chapters. The consequence of not doing so was that the prologue left me thrown and not entirely enraptured. This is my own fault, of course, and I suspect that my experience of starting the book would have been very different had I approached it differently.
It doesn’t help that I’ve been very busy recently, which meant that for the first few chapters I was only managing to snatch a chapter or two at a time rather than sitting down and reading a large chunk all at once (which is my preference). As a result of this style of reading, the story felt very slow-burning to me. This is not at all a bad thing. The author took her time to present each part of the story just as she wanted it to be presented, taking the reader down a dark path of confusing twists and turns and more than a few dead ends rather than rushing in to things head on.
There were certain things that were certainly confusing. At times I could tell that the person Tandie, the main character, was interacting with was not of our time. In fact, it seemed odd that she herself didn’t stop to question why on earth these people would be wearing period dress rather than jeans and a t-shirt. At other times I couldn’t figure out whether she was interacting with someone living or with one of the dead. These sorts of scenes really leant to the spooky feel that was gradually being built up in the story.
Right now I have a thing about ghosts in my paranormal / urban fantasy stories. They’re not as used and abused as vampires and werewolves (yet) which gives the author a little more leeway to make their ghosts relatable characters who are still unique in their own way. I liked all of the characters but one of the ghosts in particular (not naming names so people can deduce which of the characters are ghosts on their own should they choose to read the book). She was a chilling but fabulous character, very complex.
Though I had some reservations to begin with, the story soon smashed them all apart and turned out to be a gripping thrill ride. Well, I say thrill ride but I want to stress that it is slow burning. Things come together very slowly, but once all of the pieces are in place, it is definitely worth it! I really enjoyed the book.
As soon as I read the synopsis for this one, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more and so when the promo tour also offered six review copies, I immediately signed up for one of the six. I didn’t actually receive my copy until after the promo post (here) and I had a couple of other blog tour books to read before I could crack this one open, but I had itchy-finger-syndrome when it came to this one.
I cracked it open for the first time after having just finished another book of a very different genre. In hindsight, that wasn’t the best idea ever. I should have given myself some time to unwind from the first book before I cracked open this one. I also only allowed myself the time to read the prologue and things might have been different had I been able to immediately continue on to the first couple of chapters. The consequence of not doing so was that the prologue left me thrown and not entirely enraptured. This is my own fault, of course, and I suspect that my experience of starting the book would have been very different had I approached it differently.
It doesn’t help that I’ve been very busy recently, which meant that for the first few chapters I was only managing to snatch a chapter or two at a time rather than sitting down and reading a large chunk all at once (which is my preference). As a result of this style of reading, the story felt very slow-burning to me. This is not at all a bad thing. The author took her time to present each part of the story just as she wanted it to be presented, taking the reader down a dark path of confusing twists and turns and more than a few dead ends rather than rushing in to things head on.
There were certain things that were certainly confusing. At times I could tell that the person Tandie, the main character, was interacting with was not of our time. In fact, it seemed odd that she herself didn’t stop to question why on earth these people would be wearing period dress rather than jeans and a t-shirt. At other times I couldn’t figure out whether she was interacting with someone living or with one of the dead. These sorts of scenes really leant to the spooky feel that was gradually being built up in the story.
Right now I have a thing about ghosts in my paranormal / urban fantasy stories. They’re not as used and abused as vampires and werewolves (yet) which gives the author a little more leeway to make their ghosts relatable characters who are still unique in their own way. I liked all of the characters but one of the ghosts in particular (not naming names so people can deduce which of the characters are ghosts on their own should they choose to read the book). She was a chilling but fabulous character, very complex.
Though I had some reservations to begin with, the story soon smashed them all apart and turned out to be a gripping thrill ride. Well, I say thrill ride but I want to stress that it is slow burning. Things come together very slowly, but once all of the pieces are in place, it is definitely worth it! I really enjoyed the book.
August 23, 2012
Review coming very soon! Let me just say I am in love with this novel!
See my review at:http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...
Most importantly, I need to scream at the top of my lungs, " Wow!!! I fell completely in love with this book from the very first page!!"
The very first page already had me on the same emotional coaster that our heroine was on, the writing is so good that I literally had to put my Kindle down to grab a tissue and get my tears under control. I kept repeating to myself over and over, "Why??!!?" But the book had me hooked like a fish in the pond.
I loved the fact it was set in the south, especially a creepy quiet town that has its fair share of ghost stories that even adults still fear. And yes there are some very interesting small towns out there in rural America that will have you afraid of the dark from the histories.
It is strange for me; I am scared to hear the stories but I can't help but listen, kinda like when you cover your eyes but peek through your fingers at a gory movie. That's me basically!
But Hacienda Moon was a haunting take on love that travels through the generations and curses that still affect people today. It was eerie, romantic, scary, funny, and really breathtaking. I was floored by this novel.
The plot was well planned out and every detail of the story plays an important part in our character, Tandie's life. I can't stand when a story will go off on a tangent and it have no basis on the actual story. Hacienda Moon doesn't do this at all. Every encounter, even if it seemed small, ties in so expertly that it leaves you saying to yourself wow I never thought about it like that.
Tandie is definitely an interesting character. She is a medium who worked with the police for many years until something terrible happens and she loses her "sight". She tries to put her life back together by moving away to an old house with its own troubled past.
Besides Tandie, we have a lot of supporting characters that are so mysterious I had a hard time figuring out who to trust and who to keep my eyes on.
And of course Saul Chelby was one of my guilty favorites. That is all I am going to say about the lovely Saul. (I loved the names in the stories, they are so awesome!)
Annnnd Enter Eric. What a southern gentlemen!! Scratch that: a sexy southern gentlemen who has his own secret past that makes everything a little more touchy and hot.
As I read through the novel, I felt more and more like Chelby Rose Manor was more of a character than the setting. It is so full of life and mystery. The illustration on the front cover is a beautiful recreation of the house our author, KaSonndra Leigh, crafts in the pages of her novel.
Hacienda Moon is one of those wonderfully written books that can't be contained in just one genre, but instead delves into many like mystery, a paranormal thriller, romance, and a little bit of some historical fiction in it for good measure.
See my review at:http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...
Most importantly, I need to scream at the top of my lungs, " Wow!!! I fell completely in love with this book from the very first page!!"
The very first page already had me on the same emotional coaster that our heroine was on, the writing is so good that I literally had to put my Kindle down to grab a tissue and get my tears under control. I kept repeating to myself over and over, "Why??!!?" But the book had me hooked like a fish in the pond.
I loved the fact it was set in the south, especially a creepy quiet town that has its fair share of ghost stories that even adults still fear. And yes there are some very interesting small towns out there in rural America that will have you afraid of the dark from the histories.
It is strange for me; I am scared to hear the stories but I can't help but listen, kinda like when you cover your eyes but peek through your fingers at a gory movie. That's me basically!
But Hacienda Moon was a haunting take on love that travels through the generations and curses that still affect people today. It was eerie, romantic, scary, funny, and really breathtaking. I was floored by this novel.
The plot was well planned out and every detail of the story plays an important part in our character, Tandie's life. I can't stand when a story will go off on a tangent and it have no basis on the actual story. Hacienda Moon doesn't do this at all. Every encounter, even if it seemed small, ties in so expertly that it leaves you saying to yourself wow I never thought about it like that.
Tandie is definitely an interesting character. She is a medium who worked with the police for many years until something terrible happens and she loses her "sight". She tries to put her life back together by moving away to an old house with its own troubled past.
Besides Tandie, we have a lot of supporting characters that are so mysterious I had a hard time figuring out who to trust and who to keep my eyes on.
And of course Saul Chelby was one of my guilty favorites. That is all I am going to say about the lovely Saul. (I loved the names in the stories, they are so awesome!)
Annnnd Enter Eric. What a southern gentlemen!! Scratch that: a sexy southern gentlemen who has his own secret past that makes everything a little more touchy and hot.
As I read through the novel, I felt more and more like Chelby Rose Manor was more of a character than the setting. It is so full of life and mystery. The illustration on the front cover is a beautiful recreation of the house our author, KaSonndra Leigh, crafts in the pages of her novel.
Hacienda Moon is one of those wonderfully written books that can't be contained in just one genre, but instead delves into many like mystery, a paranormal thriller, romance, and a little bit of some historical fiction in it for good measure.
August 28, 2012
Hacienda Moon (The Path Seekers) KaSonndra Leigh
I was given this copy by author free for review, but as always on the basis that my opinion is honestly held, and whether paid for or free my views are not influenced by that. Integrity is important to me and gushing false reviews do neither author or reader any favours. As always my views are what I honestly feel about this book.
This book fits well within the paranormal romance genre and is also a mystery/thriller rather than just simple romance. Tandie Harrison was a police medium, but had suffered the tragedy of her daughter dying, divorce from her husband and losing her visions. Seeking a fresh start she moves into an old plantation house Chelby Rose.
The house is the centre of a mystery that’s focussed a round a centuries old curse. The characters are well written and seem very real people and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. There's two sizzling potential love interests, firstly house owner Saul Chelby and then caretaker the delicious Eric, a host of “characters” from bar owner Virgil and his strange sister Abby, his wife Shania to a strange girl who tells Tandie she is her gardener whether Tandie wants her to be or not... and there are spiders, lots of them! There also an old galleon out to sea at night, but oddly only Tandie and a few others can see it. Witches, ghosts. People that appear real but aren't really there – poor Tandie wonders what is happening to her?
Tandie is writing a fiction novel but as her new life unfolds she finds that the events she has been writing about begin to come true, and her characters bear names frighteningly similar to real people in the area. The more she tries to work out what’s happening the deeper the mysteries that unfold. And her visions return though in a different form to what she is used to. She becomes suspected in a murder and her life is in danger – who can she trust. Tandie discovers that in the local area the worlds of the living and the dead are intertwined with dangerous results. The story is a knife edge roll with events constantly unfolding and plots that lead into further plots... it will certainly keep you enthralled to the end.
Its an excellent book if you enjoy paranormal romance, no vampires or werewolves here but a host of witches and ghosts to keep you on the edge of the seat. The characters are well described and come across as fitting well into the story and I felt a real connection with them. To enjoy a book I have to feel empathy with the characters and feel as if I am “in” the book – Hacienda Moon didn't disappoint. Its well edited too – few errors and a good length for me – I love a good long book to entertain me for several hours. Its 613 kb, 292 pages and real value at just £1.96.
Stars: Four, a book I really enjoyed and I'll look forward to Tandi's next adventure
I was given this copy by author free for review, but as always on the basis that my opinion is honestly held, and whether paid for or free my views are not influenced by that. Integrity is important to me and gushing false reviews do neither author or reader any favours. As always my views are what I honestly feel about this book.
This book fits well within the paranormal romance genre and is also a mystery/thriller rather than just simple romance. Tandie Harrison was a police medium, but had suffered the tragedy of her daughter dying, divorce from her husband and losing her visions. Seeking a fresh start she moves into an old plantation house Chelby Rose.
The house is the centre of a mystery that’s focussed a round a centuries old curse. The characters are well written and seem very real people and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. There's two sizzling potential love interests, firstly house owner Saul Chelby and then caretaker the delicious Eric, a host of “characters” from bar owner Virgil and his strange sister Abby, his wife Shania to a strange girl who tells Tandie she is her gardener whether Tandie wants her to be or not... and there are spiders, lots of them! There also an old galleon out to sea at night, but oddly only Tandie and a few others can see it. Witches, ghosts. People that appear real but aren't really there – poor Tandie wonders what is happening to her?
Tandie is writing a fiction novel but as her new life unfolds she finds that the events she has been writing about begin to come true, and her characters bear names frighteningly similar to real people in the area. The more she tries to work out what’s happening the deeper the mysteries that unfold. And her visions return though in a different form to what she is used to. She becomes suspected in a murder and her life is in danger – who can she trust. Tandie discovers that in the local area the worlds of the living and the dead are intertwined with dangerous results. The story is a knife edge roll with events constantly unfolding and plots that lead into further plots... it will certainly keep you enthralled to the end.
Its an excellent book if you enjoy paranormal romance, no vampires or werewolves here but a host of witches and ghosts to keep you on the edge of the seat. The characters are well described and come across as fitting well into the story and I felt a real connection with them. To enjoy a book I have to feel empathy with the characters and feel as if I am “in” the book – Hacienda Moon didn't disappoint. Its well edited too – few errors and a good length for me – I love a good long book to entertain me for several hours. Its 613 kb, 292 pages and real value at just £1.96.
Stars: Four, a book I really enjoyed and I'll look forward to Tandi's next adventure
September 14, 2012
Originally Reviewed At:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author for Honest Review
Reviewer: Me
Well after having collected myself from being scared to sleep with my lights off for the past week, I can honestly say…I LOVED THIS BOOK.
When I first began reading Hacienda Moon, I was almost certain I was not going to like it, and positively certain I was NOT going to love it. This story began very tragic, and I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of it redeeming itself from a beginning that shattered my heart. However, yes there is but, once I began flipping pages and sinking my teeth into the mystery of Chelby Rose, Hacienda Moon began to twine itself around me, sprout roots and grow. And grow. And grow. And grow into a beautifully woven story I couldn’t put down. Needless to say, I am very glad the heartbreaking beginning didn’t stop me from discovering and loving this hauntingly enchanting novel.
Our story is centered around Tandie, a young woman with a powerful gift, psychic visions. After the tragic death of her daughter, Tandie’s visions disappear, and with nothing else to do, she decides to move back to her hometown. Once there, she becomes the tenant of a strange old house known as, Chelby Rose. From here, we are taken on an unpredictable Gothic journey of loss, sacrifice, deception, and most importantly, love.
Throughout the majority of the novel, my heart was thrashing around in my chest in sheer anticipation of what was going to transpire next. Honestly, I was all over the place trying to predict where KaSonndra was going to toss my emotions. Should I laugh? Should I cry? Should I hide up under the covers like a crazy person? I believe she truly hits on every chord, from happy, to devastated, angry and fearful. And adding two delectable southern gentlemen to the mix was just the icing on the cake. Eric oh Eric, please come do some repairs on MY house.
Overall, with an evil grin and diabolical laughter, I highly recommend Hacienda Moon to anyone looking to add a little mystery to their romance. It will make you smile, laugh, and possibly scare you out of sleeping. But I promise, once you get over the hump that is the tragic beginning, you will fall in love with Tandie, Eric and all the ghosts of Castle Hayne and Chelby Rose.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author for Honest Review
Reviewer: Me
Well after having collected myself from being scared to sleep with my lights off for the past week, I can honestly say…I LOVED THIS BOOK.
When I first began reading Hacienda Moon, I was almost certain I was not going to like it, and positively certain I was NOT going to love it. This story began very tragic, and I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of it redeeming itself from a beginning that shattered my heart. However, yes there is but, once I began flipping pages and sinking my teeth into the mystery of Chelby Rose, Hacienda Moon began to twine itself around me, sprout roots and grow. And grow. And grow. And grow into a beautifully woven story I couldn’t put down. Needless to say, I am very glad the heartbreaking beginning didn’t stop me from discovering and loving this hauntingly enchanting novel.
Our story is centered around Tandie, a young woman with a powerful gift, psychic visions. After the tragic death of her daughter, Tandie’s visions disappear, and with nothing else to do, she decides to move back to her hometown. Once there, she becomes the tenant of a strange old house known as, Chelby Rose. From here, we are taken on an unpredictable Gothic journey of loss, sacrifice, deception, and most importantly, love.
Throughout the majority of the novel, my heart was thrashing around in my chest in sheer anticipation of what was going to transpire next. Honestly, I was all over the place trying to predict where KaSonndra was going to toss my emotions. Should I laugh? Should I cry? Should I hide up under the covers like a crazy person? I believe she truly hits on every chord, from happy, to devastated, angry and fearful. And adding two delectable southern gentlemen to the mix was just the icing on the cake. Eric oh Eric, please come do some repairs on MY house.
Overall, with an evil grin and diabolical laughter, I highly recommend Hacienda Moon to anyone looking to add a little mystery to their romance. It will make you smile, laugh, and possibly scare you out of sleeping. But I promise, once you get over the hump that is the tragic beginning, you will fall in love with Tandie, Eric and all the ghosts of Castle Hayne and Chelby Rose.
August 18, 2012
KaSonndra Leigh's is a name you will soon remember because she's about to hit the big time.
A while ago, I read her novel Copper Suns and while reading Hacienda Moon I have noticed that her writing has greatly improved. She's ready for the big time!
Unlike Copper Suns, Hacienda Moon is not a YA novel. No sir re bobby! This one is for the adults!
A gothic romance you won't want to put down. This book is full of ghosties, bumpities, psychic visions, and ahhhhh!! SPIDERS!!!
There's also a bit of swoon in it, too! And your heart will ache for Tandie (the main character) who has lost her child and is trying to get on with her life.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book was that it was based in the South. And because KaSonndra Leigh is a southern girl she did the South proud by not adding a jillion idioms. Thank Bob!! It always makes me so mad when southerners are portrayed as poor speaking ninnies who just sit on the front porch drinking iced tea saying phrases that maybe their great great grandmothers said. KaSonndra also doesn't go all Gone With the Wind like others tend to do. Sure, Tandie lives in an old plantation house but this house has nothing on Tara.
Hacienda Moon is a great read. If you're looking for a mystery, a ghost story, a romance, or even a contemporary... somehow... KaSonndra Leigh wrote just that ;)
A while ago, I read her novel Copper Suns and while reading Hacienda Moon I have noticed that her writing has greatly improved. She's ready for the big time!
Unlike Copper Suns, Hacienda Moon is not a YA novel. No sir re bobby! This one is for the adults!
A gothic romance you won't want to put down. This book is full of ghosties, bumpities, psychic visions, and ahhhhh!! SPIDERS!!!
There's also a bit of swoon in it, too! And your heart will ache for Tandie (the main character) who has lost her child and is trying to get on with her life.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book was that it was based in the South. And because KaSonndra Leigh is a southern girl she did the South proud by not adding a jillion idioms. Thank Bob!! It always makes me so mad when southerners are portrayed as poor speaking ninnies who just sit on the front porch drinking iced tea saying phrases that maybe their great great grandmothers said. KaSonndra also doesn't go all Gone With the Wind like others tend to do. Sure, Tandie lives in an old plantation house but this house has nothing on Tara.
Hacienda Moon is a great read. If you're looking for a mystery, a ghost story, a romance, or even a contemporary... somehow... KaSonndra Leigh wrote just that ;)
October 16, 2012
A gothic romance with elements of demonic possession, ghosts, psychics, witches and a murder mystery all combine with history to make an engaging and enjoyable story. There are several characters that are introduced with little to no involvement and development, with actions that seem to contraindicate the need for their inclusion. Fortunately, the characters that are ‘flatter’ are also more active in the multitude of sub-plots the author has included.
While I really believe this book has an amazing premise, and the research for historical elements was spot on, there were editing issues that could have been addressed. Voices in point of view often got muddled, and Enrique’s voice is the weaker of the two main characters. Any of the plots could have made an engaging and interesting story, and all of the pieces would have fit together a bit more clearly; although I applaud the ambition of this author in combining the different characters with different purposes and trying to come to a conclusion that ends each story-line satisfactorily. But, it was a satisfactory story to while away a few hours of
‘down time’ with a book.
*I had purchased a copy of this book for my own enjoyment long before the opportunity to review presented itself. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
While I really believe this book has an amazing premise, and the research for historical elements was spot on, there were editing issues that could have been addressed. Voices in point of view often got muddled, and Enrique’s voice is the weaker of the two main characters. Any of the plots could have made an engaging and interesting story, and all of the pieces would have fit together a bit more clearly; although I applaud the ambition of this author in combining the different characters with different purposes and trying to come to a conclusion that ends each story-line satisfactorily. But, it was a satisfactory story to while away a few hours of
‘down time’ with a book.
*I had purchased a copy of this book for my own enjoyment long before the opportunity to review presented itself. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 31, 2012
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for Gothic novels and this one is really great. It comes complete with a psychic, a curse, some witches, possessions and a few dead bodies. The first chapter or so were a bit slow. I struggled to understand the accident that cost Tandie her daughter, but as things moved along they made sense. What really impressed me the most was the historical elements of the story.
KaSonndra really brought the reason for the curse to life in the pages. As she gave away bits of the story over time, it kept me turning the pages. I wanted to know more. I wanted to find out how the curse was broken. I wanted to find out what role Baby B played in helping her mother from the other side too.
Usually the climax of gothic novels isn't very fulfilling, but that's not the case with Hacienda moon. In fact, I was really surprised at who the evil spirits were possessing, or dwelling within. I was also surprised at how part of Tandie's past is tied in with the evil. This is a great dark and stormy night read. Its not very long, only 245 pages, but after the initial chapters it moves along at a nice pace and will keep you interested until the last page is turned.
KaSonndra really brought the reason for the curse to life in the pages. As she gave away bits of the story over time, it kept me turning the pages. I wanted to know more. I wanted to find out how the curse was broken. I wanted to find out what role Baby B played in helping her mother from the other side too.
Usually the climax of gothic novels isn't very fulfilling, but that's not the case with Hacienda moon. In fact, I was really surprised at who the evil spirits were possessing, or dwelling within. I was also surprised at how part of Tandie's past is tied in with the evil. This is a great dark and stormy night read. Its not very long, only 245 pages, but after the initial chapters it moves along at a nice pace and will keep you interested until the last page is turned.
August 25, 2012
I love a good dark gothic read once in awhile and that is exactly what I got in Hacienda Moon.
Leigh managed to weave an intricate tale full of intrigue, curses, ghosts, witches, possession, love and even death. All while sweeping you not only into the present but also into the past with creepy tales of murder and mystery and a deadly family legacy centuries in the making and a love that couldn't be killed with time.
And while this story may have moved a little slowly the first half, it certainly didn't lack for anything during the last half. The slow build up to not only the mystery but the romance was well worth the anticipation and craftily done.
Anyone that loves a good ghost story and romance, really needs to give this one a try.
This was very well executed and I give it a very solid 4 Stars!
Leigh managed to weave an intricate tale full of intrigue, curses, ghosts, witches, possession, love and even death. All while sweeping you not only into the present but also into the past with creepy tales of murder and mystery and a deadly family legacy centuries in the making and a love that couldn't be killed with time.
And while this story may have moved a little slowly the first half, it certainly didn't lack for anything during the last half. The slow build up to not only the mystery but the romance was well worth the anticipation and craftily done.
Anyone that loves a good ghost story and romance, really needs to give this one a try.
This was very well executed and I give it a very solid 4 Stars!
February 21, 2015
Cheesy. But I finished it.
August 20, 2012
looks and sounds awesome...
November 9, 2017
This book follows Tandie who is a former police medium. Deciding to move back home to North Carolina she runs into Eric her first day back – literally! She moves into a house that is desperate need of repairs/renovation and has a strong presence of spiritual activity, hoping it will help your psychic abilities and her writers block. Eric is the contractor hired to renovate the house she is renting so they get thrown together a lot. Strange things keep happening in the house and it’s so exciting to watch the progression of their relationship.
This was the first book I had read by KaSonndra Leigh but I was so excited to delve into this story of ghosts, psychics and romance. This book is very gripping and once you start the story you will get so wrapped up in what is happening that you won’t even realize how much time has gone by. I love all the elements that the author put into this book; if you haven’t read a book by KaSonndra Leigh then you should definitely try this.
**4 Stars - I was offered a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was the first book I had read by KaSonndra Leigh but I was so excited to delve into this story of ghosts, psychics and romance. This book is very gripping and once you start the story you will get so wrapped up in what is happening that you won’t even realize how much time has gone by. I love all the elements that the author put into this book; if you haven’t read a book by KaSonndra Leigh then you should definitely try this.
**4 Stars - I was offered a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 6, 2023
Thank you so much to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me !!
“I dream of a man, someone who lived a long time ago.”
Witches, psychic powers and ghosts there to curse families … this book was really good.
When I got into it I wasn’t expecting anything in particular but then it kinda grows in front of your eyes and you can’t help but get familiar and affectionate with the characters.
Tandie and Eric story was one about curses, ghosts, enemies and reincarnation. But most of all it was a story of soulmates finding each other once again after two thousand years and finally having the time to be together for real.
The book in itself had a fast paced narrative and despite the inevitable pain at the beginning of the story, it was funny, entertaining and even a bit spicy !!!
I’m glad I had the chance to read it and hopefully get to meet the characters again in the next book in the series !!
“Sometimes the spirits don’t know they’ve moved on, the dead among the living.”
“I dream of a man, someone who lived a long time ago.”
Witches, psychic powers and ghosts there to curse families … this book was really good.
When I got into it I wasn’t expecting anything in particular but then it kinda grows in front of your eyes and you can’t help but get familiar and affectionate with the characters.
Tandie and Eric story was one about curses, ghosts, enemies and reincarnation. But most of all it was a story of soulmates finding each other once again after two thousand years and finally having the time to be together for real.
The book in itself had a fast paced narrative and despite the inevitable pain at the beginning of the story, it was funny, entertaining and even a bit spicy !!!
I’m glad I had the chance to read it and hopefully get to meet the characters again in the next book in the series !!
“Sometimes the spirits don’t know they’ve moved on, the dead among the living.”
March 25, 2023
Suspenseful reading ahead! Don’t say i didn’t warn you… seriously this book is very eerie and it is paranormal themed, which i did not know i liked so much. It is so very descriptive of the setting, you believe you are part of the characters. The love story does not disappoint, Tandie and Eric’s love transcends time, and soon enough they discover why the mystery of their strong connection, with it comes a lot of heartbreak and sadness but happiness too.
December 13, 2017
Be prepared to become addicted to this story from the very beginning. KaSonndra Leigh has created characters who are engaging and creepy. The story itself has so many aspects you would not expect. Yes, its a Gothic Story, but there is Romance, History, and so much more woven throughout.
The twists and surprises are plenty and will keep you flipping pages til the very end.
The twists and surprises are plenty and will keep you flipping pages til the very end.
December 14, 2017
I think that overall this is a very interesting concept and the execution of both the plot and the compelling characters were very well done. Fast Paced and Fun fueled. It is a wonderful addition to the gothic genre. Once I was in this novel I was immersed for sure. One of my favorite things was the pacing. I felt like everything really flowed smoothly and led to an easy read.
December 17, 2017
Vivid characters and descriptions mixed in with a seamless storyline makes for a very fluid, emotional, and page turning novel. I loved where KaSonndra Leigh took these characters and can’t wait to read more.
September 4, 2021
Pleasant surprise
I am so happy I read this story. It was so full of emotions and struggles from past hurts. But then you find joy and everything fell in place making this a perfect story. I highly recommend it. Reading it was a nice break from stress.
I am so happy I read this story. It was so full of emotions and struggles from past hurts. But then you find joy and everything fell in place making this a perfect story. I highly recommend it. Reading it was a nice break from stress.
March 27, 2023
Wow, just wow is all I can say. This story had me hooked in the first chapter .It was hard to out down. It was like watching a movie in my head 😃 ..I enjoyed the history of both MCs ery well written ..thank you...
May 4, 2015
Note: The author is my friend, but that has nothing to do with my opinion of the book or my review.
Hacienda Moon and I got off to kind of a rocky start. There's a lot going on, and the absolutely mundane beginning of Tandie and Eric's meeting in an airport for a good two seconds (wherein they didn't even exchange names) set me off on the wrong foot. From the way this book began, you'd never think it beheld some creepy, haunting, dark stuff. Color me surprised--and, strangely, pleased.
Because it is in the creepy, haunting, dark parts of this story that the power of it all pulls through the most. The writing, while at some points is a little jarring, comes together during the creepy scenes. The atmosphere, while at other times seems rather lacking, lays on the haunting thick. And the dread I felt reading the dark portions, usually involving death, were spot-fuckin'-on. Outside of this, the story tried, it really did, but in the beginning it just wasn't working out. Until this happened:
From that point onward, I was pretty much invested. Though still rocky, the story improved until I found myself at a point where I didn't even get distracted by small things like syntactical structure and Tandie constantly talking aloud to herself. It was just a really fun, sometimes kinda freaky, ride that I dove headfirst into, which is why I gave it the grand title of "bathroom break book"--because I would not let Hacienda Moon go.
The only reason I'm givin' it a 3 instead of a 4 is due to the beginning, mostly, Tandie's novel excerpts (noooo. Also, how the fuck do you not notice the first 20 pages of your manuscript are missing? And why did Miss Marsha not mention it before she started reading page 21 at the start? e.o) and Saul. Because I HATE love triangles. Even subtle ones. Maybe The Emerald Isle will resolve his little obsession with Tandie, but until then I will hold his weird ass in contempt. Hmph.
Hacienda Moon and I got off to kind of a rocky start. There's a lot going on, and the absolutely mundane beginning of Tandie and Eric's meeting in an airport for a good two seconds (wherein they didn't even exchange names) set me off on the wrong foot. From the way this book began, you'd never think it beheld some creepy, haunting, dark stuff. Color me surprised--and, strangely, pleased.
Because it is in the creepy, haunting, dark parts of this story that the power of it all pulls through the most. The writing, while at some points is a little jarring, comes together during the creepy scenes. The atmosphere, while at other times seems rather lacking, lays on the haunting thick. And the dread I felt reading the dark portions, usually involving death, were spot-fuckin'-on. Outside of this, the story tried, it really did, but in the beginning it just wasn't working out. Until this happened:
Another thunderclap rumbled the store, startling Tandie. She peeked through the small window of the dirty wooden door and checked the rain's intensity. A figure stood beside the driver side door to her car. Lightning flashed and bathed the street in light, making it easy to see the shadowed figure belonged to a man. And then the street darkened, covering his shadow. A few seconds later, lightning flashed again, showing how empty the street was now. p. 33
From that point onward, I was pretty much invested. Though still rocky, the story improved until I found myself at a point where I didn't even get distracted by small things like syntactical structure and Tandie constantly talking aloud to herself. It was just a really fun, sometimes kinda freaky, ride that I dove headfirst into, which is why I gave it the grand title of "bathroom break book"--because I would not let Hacienda Moon go.
The only reason I'm givin' it a 3 instead of a 4 is due to the beginning, mostly, Tandie's novel excerpts (noooo. Also, how the fuck do you not notice the first 20 pages of your manuscript are missing? And why did Miss Marsha not mention it before she started reading page 21 at the start? e.o) and Saul. Because I HATE love triangles. Even subtle ones. Maybe The Emerald Isle will resolve his little obsession with Tandie, but until then I will hold his weird ass in contempt. Hmph.
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