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The Keeper
The Keeper is young adult paranormal romance set in old Rye Wilderness in Manatee County Florida.
Sixteen year old Kaylee Carmichael has had a rough year with the loss of her best friend in a horrible accident. Things don’t get any easier when her family relocates to southern Florida on an old plantation. She doesn’t make friends easily but she doesn’t need them; she has her horses,her family and her memories of Cassie. But when strange things start happening in the house and on the land and everyone (herself included) thinks she’s losing her mind, a friend may be exactly what she needs. That’s what she finds in Zeke.
Zeke is golden and beautiful and everything Kaylee isn’t yet somehow he seems to be sent just for her; maybe even heaven sent.
As the two delve into the mysteries of the plantation and explore the paranormal, Kaylee can’t help falling for him, but Zeke is hiding a dark secret that could change everything. And things only get more complicated when another strange boy comes into the picture and takes a special interest in Kaylee.
What does he seem to know about her that she doesn’t?
One thing is clear, something evil is awry and Kaylee finds herself right in the middle of it. Even so, all she can think of is how she feels about Zeke. Could a boy so perfect love her back?
She doesn’t think so and she has no plans of finding out. When Zeke finally finds out the truth how will he react and how will he tell her what he’s been hiding?
Most importantly, can the two get to the bottom of the evil that has taken hold of the plantation and protect Kaylee and her family from danger or will this love story have a tragic ending?
Sixteen year old Kaylee Carmichael has had a rough year with the loss of her best friend in a horrible accident. Things don’t get any easier when her family relocates to southern Florida on an old plantation. She doesn’t make friends easily but she doesn’t need them; she has her horses,her family and her memories of Cassie. But when strange things start happening in the house and on the land and everyone (herself included) thinks she’s losing her mind, a friend may be exactly what she needs. That’s what she finds in Zeke.
Zeke is golden and beautiful and everything Kaylee isn’t yet somehow he seems to be sent just for her; maybe even heaven sent.
As the two delve into the mysteries of the plantation and explore the paranormal, Kaylee can’t help falling for him, but Zeke is hiding a dark secret that could change everything. And things only get more complicated when another strange boy comes into the picture and takes a special interest in Kaylee.
What does he seem to know about her that she doesn’t?
One thing is clear, something evil is awry and Kaylee finds herself right in the middle of it. Even so, all she can think of is how she feels about Zeke. Could a boy so perfect love her back?
She doesn’t think so and she has no plans of finding out. When Zeke finally finds out the truth how will he react and how will he tell her what he’s been hiding?
Most importantly, can the two get to the bottom of the evil that has taken hold of the plantation and protect Kaylee and her family from danger or will this love story have a tragic ending?
- GenresAngelsYoung Adult
294 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2011
1 person is currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Crawford Vernold
1 book22 followersJessica Crawford Vernold is a 34 year old mother of four residing in Bradenton, Florida where she was born and raised. She is a fifth generation South Floridian. Her husband is also a Florida native. Jessica had a complicated upbringing with a single and troubled mother but she had many happy memories with her grandparents, who had a large part of her childhood. She says she couldn't have survived her childhood without her sister, Erin, and calls her a gift from above. Her grandfather wrote stories and was the best storyteller ever. He was known for his stories about leprechauns and claimed to be an angel until his passing. He truly believed that angels were among us.
Jessica earned her degree in Elementary Education while pregnant with her first two children and was a working mother and student. She taught two years of first grade but decided to stay home with her third child after that, as he was not well as an infant. A few years later she had her fourth child and shortly after she wanted to return to work because the recession was affecting the family business and they were no longer able to make ends meet. Unfortunately, budget cuts made finding a teaching position impossible and over the next two years, her family lost their home and cars. They had no alternative other than to move in with a friend. The home only had one extra room that all six members of the family had to share. The children had to sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. It was during this time that Jessica became very depressed and the marriage was strained due to stress. Her husband pushed her to complete a book she had began two years prior. Jessica did not have any desire to pick it back up. She was hopeless.
One day for some reason she decided to open the file and read the first chapter she had written. She found inspiration and over the next several weeks she was engrossed in the story only stopping when she had to. She didn't even sleep much and tributes the book to her salvation from deep depression. It was an escape. When it was finished, she was very proud of the 90,000 word young adult paranormal romance she had written, but found it impossible to find a literary agent to agree to represent her work. So the book sat for a year. Her and her husband agreed the only option would be to self publish through a website. So they saved their money and he purchased a web site for her. Then she self published her book electronically to online stores and on her site. She owes her husband everything for believing in her and pushing her and supporting her. The most important thing is that people read and enjoy her work. But she secretly dreams that one day she will be published and see her dream come true in print.
Jessica earned her degree in Elementary Education while pregnant with her first two children and was a working mother and student. She taught two years of first grade but decided to stay home with her third child after that, as he was not well as an infant. A few years later she had her fourth child and shortly after she wanted to return to work because the recession was affecting the family business and they were no longer able to make ends meet. Unfortunately, budget cuts made finding a teaching position impossible and over the next two years, her family lost their home and cars. They had no alternative other than to move in with a friend. The home only had one extra room that all six members of the family had to share. The children had to sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. It was during this time that Jessica became very depressed and the marriage was strained due to stress. Her husband pushed her to complete a book she had began two years prior. Jessica did not have any desire to pick it back up. She was hopeless.
One day for some reason she decided to open the file and read the first chapter she had written. She found inspiration and over the next several weeks she was engrossed in the story only stopping when she had to. She didn't even sleep much and tributes the book to her salvation from deep depression. It was an escape. When it was finished, she was very proud of the 90,000 word young adult paranormal romance she had written, but found it impossible to find a literary agent to agree to represent her work. So the book sat for a year. Her and her husband agreed the only option would be to self publish through a website. So they saved their money and he purchased a web site for her. Then she self published her book electronically to online stores and on her site. She owes her husband everything for believing in her and pushing her and supporting her. The most important thing is that people read and enjoy her work. But she secretly dreams that one day she will be published and see her dream come true in print.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 8, 2012
This was a wonderful book. Probably my favorite that I've read so far this year. It kept me on the edge of my seat always wanting to know what was going to happen next. The characters were incredibly well written. When Kaylee was getting attacked by the evil spirits in her house, you could also identify and feel her fear. When she thinks about Cassie and the accident you feel pity for her. Zeke is also very well written. I just wish that his time before he met Kaylee was talked about a little more. I was very curious about it, even though it's not important to the story. Nick was written so well, he actually kinda scared me while reading the book. Some of the plot twists were pretty predictable, and I knew it was going to happen at the end of the book when I was about halfway through. Other plot twist left the read thinking, holy crap, where did that come from. The plot twist and the very end of the book completely floored me. I saw it going a completely different way than how it went. When the story ended, I felt like I was losing a friend. Even though it was a little predictable, I fell in love with this book, and would suggest it to everyone that likes suspenseful, YA, and paranormal books.
December 9, 2011
**I received this book from the author but that did not influence this review** I should start off by letting you know that books with angels are absolutely my favorite category for YA books and this one did not disappoint! The story starts out with Kaylee and her family moving from the west coast to Florida because Kaylee’s parents think she needs a change to get her out of her depression. Kaylee is plagued with guilt because her best friend, Cassie, was killed in a car accident but she survived. The Carmichaels move to a beautiful old plantation house on acres and acres of land which is beautiful and perfect for Kaylee’s two horses. Naturally Kaylee has to start a new school and make new friends, but almost immediately meets the very gorgeous and swoonworthy Zeke, who comes across as light and warmth. The way the author describes him is amazing….I knew not only what he looked like and how he spoke and felt, but the aura he gave off as well. Any girl would be crazy not to fall for him, which is exactly what Kaylee does.
However, she still keeps her options open briefly and agrees to go out with Nick, who is described as cold and dark, and clearly isn’t who he first claims to be. While I got the sense he was not good, there was still something about him that was very intriguing for me. Maybe the fact that he was absolutely gorgeous with dark hair? But he was rough with a tendency towards being too physical, which in the end made him quite intimidating.
Soon strange things start happening and it is critical that Zeke is around to protect Kaylee. Kaylee can’t understand why she would catch his attention, but Zeke soon reveals himself to her for what he truly is: an angel, her guardian angel. She soon learns that evil demons, who live in the dimension we know as hell, want to expand their territory but need access to portals so they can occupy heaven and the place in between as well. The place in between is where souls go for people whose fates are not yet decided, such as people that were never baptized. The demons have begun to raise an army by occupying the place in between and controlling those souls, so that there is only heaven left to conquer. They just need to get into heaven through a portal.
However, there is one person who guards the portals and can cross into any dimension. This person is called the keeper of the keys and is a descendent of the archangel Michael. This position changes and passes on to the next in line. However, during the change of hands there is opportunity for evil to strike. This story is about the journey Kaylee and Zeke set out on to find out who the the new keeper of the keys is so he can be blessed, which in turn will allow for less chance for the evil demons to reach heaven.
The Keeper is a touching love story that had me turning the pages into the night. I could feel the chemistry between Kaylee and Zeke. I loved how it ended and it how all the loose ends got tied up with no major cliff hanger. I had my suspicions how the story line would play out, but the book was so well written that I needed to see how all the characters reacted to everything, which is what made the book such an enjoyable read for me. If you are looking for a love story and you have a thing for angels I would definitely check this book out!
However, she still keeps her options open briefly and agrees to go out with Nick, who is described as cold and dark, and clearly isn’t who he first claims to be. While I got the sense he was not good, there was still something about him that was very intriguing for me. Maybe the fact that he was absolutely gorgeous with dark hair? But he was rough with a tendency towards being too physical, which in the end made him quite intimidating.
Soon strange things start happening and it is critical that Zeke is around to protect Kaylee. Kaylee can’t understand why she would catch his attention, but Zeke soon reveals himself to her for what he truly is: an angel, her guardian angel. She soon learns that evil demons, who live in the dimension we know as hell, want to expand their territory but need access to portals so they can occupy heaven and the place in between as well. The place in between is where souls go for people whose fates are not yet decided, such as people that were never baptized. The demons have begun to raise an army by occupying the place in between and controlling those souls, so that there is only heaven left to conquer. They just need to get into heaven through a portal.
However, there is one person who guards the portals and can cross into any dimension. This person is called the keeper of the keys and is a descendent of the archangel Michael. This position changes and passes on to the next in line. However, during the change of hands there is opportunity for evil to strike. This story is about the journey Kaylee and Zeke set out on to find out who the the new keeper of the keys is so he can be blessed, which in turn will allow for less chance for the evil demons to reach heaven.
The Keeper is a touching love story that had me turning the pages into the night. I could feel the chemistry between Kaylee and Zeke. I loved how it ended and it how all the loose ends got tied up with no major cliff hanger. I had my suspicions how the story line would play out, but the book was so well written that I needed to see how all the characters reacted to everything, which is what made the book such an enjoyable read for me. If you are looking for a love story and you have a thing for angels I would definitely check this book out!
December 9, 2011
Celeste’s review: **I received this book from the author but that did not influence this review** I should start off by letting you know that books with angels are absolutely my favorite category for YA books and this one did not disappoint! The story starts out with Kaylee and her family moving from the west coast to Florida because Kaylee’s parents think she needs a change to get her out of her depression. Kaylee is plagued with guilt because her best friend, Cassie, was killed in a car accident but she survived. The Carmichaels move to a beautiful old plantation house on acres and acres of land which is beautiful and perfect for Kaylee’s two horses. Naturally Kaylee has to start a new school and make new friends, but almost immediately meets the very gorgeous and swoonworthy Zeke, who comes across as light and warmth. The way the author describes him is amazing….I knew not only what he looked like and how he spoke and felt, but the aura he gave off as well. Any girl would be crazy not to fall for him, which is exactly what Kaylee does.
However, she still keeps her options open briefly and agrees to go out with Nick, who is described as cold and dark, and clearly isn’t who he first claims to be. While I got the sense he was not good, there was still something about him that was very intriguing for me. Maybe the fact that he was absolutely gorgeous with dark hair? But he was rough with a tendency towards being too physical, which in the end made him quite intimidating.
Soon strange things start happening and it is critical that Zeke is around to protect Kaylee. Kaylee can’t understand why she would catch his attention, but Zeke soon reveals himself to her for what he truly is: an angel, her guardian angel. She soon learns that evil demons, who live in the dimension we know as hell, want to expand their territory but need access to portals so they can occupy heaven and the place in between as well. The place in between is where souls go for people whose fates are not yet decided, such as people that were never baptized. The demons have begun to raise an army by occupying the place in between and controlling those souls, so that there is only heaven left to conquer. They just need to get into heaven through a portal.
However, there is one person who guards the portals and can cross into any dimension. This person is called the keeper of the keys and is a descendent of the archangel Michael. This position changes and passes on to the next in line. However, during the change of hands there is opportunity for evil to strike. This story is about the journey Kaylee and Zeke set out on to find out who the the new keeper of the keys is so he can be blessed, which in turn will allow for less chance for the evil demons to reach heaven.
The Keeper is a touching love story that had me turning the pages into the night. I could feel the chemistry between Kaylee and Zeke. I loved how it ended and it how all the loose ends got tied up with no major cliff hanger. I had my suspicions how the story line would play out, but the book was so well written that I needed to see how all the characters reacted to everything, which is what made the book such an enjoyable read for me. If you are looking for a love story and you have a thing for angels I would definitely check this book out!
However, she still keeps her options open briefly and agrees to go out with Nick, who is described as cold and dark, and clearly isn’t who he first claims to be. While I got the sense he was not good, there was still something about him that was very intriguing for me. Maybe the fact that he was absolutely gorgeous with dark hair? But he was rough with a tendency towards being too physical, which in the end made him quite intimidating.
Soon strange things start happening and it is critical that Zeke is around to protect Kaylee. Kaylee can’t understand why she would catch his attention, but Zeke soon reveals himself to her for what he truly is: an angel, her guardian angel. She soon learns that evil demons, who live in the dimension we know as hell, want to expand their territory but need access to portals so they can occupy heaven and the place in between as well. The place in between is where souls go for people whose fates are not yet decided, such as people that were never baptized. The demons have begun to raise an army by occupying the place in between and controlling those souls, so that there is only heaven left to conquer. They just need to get into heaven through a portal.
However, there is one person who guards the portals and can cross into any dimension. This person is called the keeper of the keys and is a descendent of the archangel Michael. This position changes and passes on to the next in line. However, during the change of hands there is opportunity for evil to strike. This story is about the journey Kaylee and Zeke set out on to find out who the the new keeper of the keys is so he can be blessed, which in turn will allow for less chance for the evil demons to reach heaven.
The Keeper is a touching love story that had me turning the pages into the night. I could feel the chemistry between Kaylee and Zeke. I loved how it ended and it how all the loose ends got tied up with no major cliff hanger. I had my suspicions how the story line would play out, but the book was so well written that I needed to see how all the characters reacted to everything, which is what made the book such an enjoyable read for me. If you are looking for a love story and you have a thing for angels I would definitely check this book out!
Read
March 27, 2011So awesome. There isn't much else to say. It is appropriate for middle school and up. Interesting, spooky, thrilling with a phenomenal romantic plot. I fell in love with Zeke and Kaylee. You can try it free on the site. readthekeeper.com
July 15, 2017
Great romantic fiction
May 28, 2020
This is the best book! My favorite so far.
May 21, 2012
My rating: 4/5 stars
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
As said, Kaylee's year has been really rough, since she's lost her best friend in a car accident she feels responsible for.
So her family packs their bags and moves to Florida. Into a creepy old house. Yay.
Everything's still quite crappy, but then she meets Zeke. Who isn't exactly what he looks like.
And after that, along comes Nick! They are absolute opposites, Zeke full of light and goodness, Nick the devilish bad boy. No surprise, we'll have some intriguing moments with lovetriangle and all the mysterious going around..
As said, Kaylee's year has been really rough, since she's lost her best friend in a car accident she feels responsible for. So her family packs their bags and moves to Florida. In a creepy old house. Yay. Everything's still quite crappy, but then she meets Zeke. Who isn't exactly what he looks like. And then along comes Nick! They are absolute opposites, Zeke full of light and goodness, Nick the devilish bad boy. No surprise, we'll have some intriguing moments with lovetriangle and all the mysteries going around!
First I was little confused, when the story mostly concentrated on horses. Basically nothing really happened before their move to Florida. But luckily things really starts going after that.
Kaylee goes to new school, where she meets Zeke. Blond guy who looks like he just dropped down from heaven. Just *swoon*! He's full of light and goodness and you just have to love him!
Which Kaylee does, nearly at first sight. I know, not a fan of "love-at-first-sight", but it didn't bother me.
Probably because I fell in love with Zeke too ;)
But since their relationship doesn't really get forward, Kaylee gets tempted when a dark and handsome guy named Nick walks up to her door. Another swoon!
He's the total opposite from Zeke. Just as Zeke is full of light and blond and stuff, Nick is full of darkness with dark appearance. He's all devil and physical and you just want to rip his clothes off.
Soon scary stuff starts happen. I mean scary. I had some trouble reading in occasions. Cause I'm such a wuss.
After these events we'll find out the truth behind everything. Just a hint, there might be some angels and demons involved..
And we'll also find out what or who really is The Keeper!
I absolutely loved this book! After the slow beginning things really sped up and when Zeke and Nick came to the picture, I couldn't get my hands away from this book!
I was quite happy with the ending, though there was some unfinished business. Which made me wonder.. When will the second book come out, or will there ever be one? Because I sure hope so!
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing your story! :) Hopefully we get to hear more about Kaylee!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
As said, Kaylee's year has been really rough, since she's lost her best friend in a car accident she feels responsible for.
So her family packs their bags and moves to Florida. Into a creepy old house. Yay.
Everything's still quite crappy, but then she meets Zeke. Who isn't exactly what he looks like.
And after that, along comes Nick! They are absolute opposites, Zeke full of light and goodness, Nick the devilish bad boy. No surprise, we'll have some intriguing moments with lovetriangle and all the mysterious going around..
As said, Kaylee's year has been really rough, since she's lost her best friend in a car accident she feels responsible for. So her family packs their bags and moves to Florida. In a creepy old house. Yay. Everything's still quite crappy, but then she meets Zeke. Who isn't exactly what he looks like. And then along comes Nick! They are absolute opposites, Zeke full of light and goodness, Nick the devilish bad boy. No surprise, we'll have some intriguing moments with lovetriangle and all the mysteries going around!
First I was little confused, when the story mostly concentrated on horses. Basically nothing really happened before their move to Florida. But luckily things really starts going after that.
Kaylee goes to new school, where she meets Zeke. Blond guy who looks like he just dropped down from heaven. Just *swoon*! He's full of light and goodness and you just have to love him!
Which Kaylee does, nearly at first sight. I know, not a fan of "love-at-first-sight", but it didn't bother me.
Probably because I fell in love with Zeke too ;)
But since their relationship doesn't really get forward, Kaylee gets tempted when a dark and handsome guy named Nick walks up to her door. Another swoon!
He's the total opposite from Zeke. Just as Zeke is full of light and blond and stuff, Nick is full of darkness with dark appearance. He's all devil and physical and you just want to rip his clothes off.
Soon scary stuff starts happen. I mean scary. I had some trouble reading in occasions. Cause I'm such a wuss.
After these events we'll find out the truth behind everything. Just a hint, there might be some angels and demons involved..
And we'll also find out what or who really is The Keeper!
I absolutely loved this book! After the slow beginning things really sped up and when Zeke and Nick came to the picture, I couldn't get my hands away from this book!
I was quite happy with the ending, though there was some unfinished business. Which made me wonder.. When will the second book come out, or will there ever be one? Because I sure hope so!
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing your story! :) Hopefully we get to hear more about Kaylee!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
March 29, 2014
Great first book by a talented author! The story was original and had twists the whole way through. Hope the author is working on another book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews