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Grave Refrain
Andrew Hayes, a brilliant but troubled guitarist in an up-and-coming band, has been haunted since childhood by the presence of his muse. One night during a performance in San Francisco he spots her--but she vanishes before he can catch her. Desperate to find her, he accepts a curious offer to stay in the city, moving into a dilapidated Victorian undergoing renovations that stir up far more than dust. Andrew's life soon becomes even more chaotic with the arrival of martini-swilling ghosts and a troupe of flesh-and-blood stoner spiritualists bringing bad tidings from the Great Beyond.The dark side of his obsession creates visions both thrilling and menacing. As he struggles to solve the mysteries threatening the woman he loves, Andrew discovers his life is repeating a refrain more deadly than he'd ever imagined. Inspired by the sexy noirs and comedies of the past, Grave Refrain transports the reader to where the things that go bump in the night not only thrill you, but might just take your breath away for good.
484 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Glover
4 books44 followersA writer and recovering CPA, I live in San Francisco in an old house with a brood of people -- some taller, some shorter, all of whom I adore. As a child I often hid under the blankets with a dog-earred copy The Norton Anthology of English Literature, obsessing over the men in the sepia squares.
I've written for magazine and radio---even penned a few musical comedies and forced fine actors to make fools of themselves for charity. My first novel, Grave Refrain, will be released on Valentine's Day, 2012. If you like mystery, martini-swilling ghosts, and a clever set of cursed lovers, read on.
I've written for magazine and radio---even penned a few musical comedies and forced fine actors to make fools of themselves for charity. My first novel, Grave Refrain, will be released on Valentine's Day, 2012. If you like mystery, martini-swilling ghosts, and a clever set of cursed lovers, read on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 30, 2012
“Clarence nodded. ‘Our ghosts are partial to Tolkien.’
“Oh, that’s nothing. Ours are totally into Dashiell Hammett,’ Zoey replied.”
-“Grave Refrain,” p. 353.
4.5 stars
This novel was an entertaining read. It’s a ghost story and a love story, but there are elements of mystery and suspense. The characters are eccentric, which I liked, and despite the sinister nature of some (but not all) of the spectres, there is quite a bit of comic relief.
A three-piece rock band from England travels across the pond to live in an old house in San Francisco, while they contemplate their next career move. Fortunately for the band, three attractive women move in upstairs. Unfortunately for all, the house is haunted. Dashiell Hammett enthusiasts and fans of "The Thin Man" films will have more than a passing interest in the house’s ghosts and their history.
Although the story is contemporary, references to classic Hollywood abound. There are also references to music, the poetry of Browning and Frost, and the history of San Francisco. In fact, the author makes good use of the city, setting some important scenes on Haight Street, at a former speakeasy, and at the Newton Society Columbarium.
Sarah M. Glover is an intelligent writer, but her narrative isn’t stuffy or pretentious. She treats such heavy subjects as destiny and supernatural curses with a stylish, witty hand. At four hundred sixty-nine pages, “Grave Refrain” is not a quick read, but it is a satisfying one. Do yourself a favour, and in deference to the ghosts, read it while listening to Hoagy Carmichael and sipping a Manhattan or a Martini. You’ll be glad you did.
“Oh, that’s nothing. Ours are totally into Dashiell Hammett,’ Zoey replied.”
-“Grave Refrain,” p. 353.
4.5 stars
This novel was an entertaining read. It’s a ghost story and a love story, but there are elements of mystery and suspense. The characters are eccentric, which I liked, and despite the sinister nature of some (but not all) of the spectres, there is quite a bit of comic relief.
A three-piece rock band from England travels across the pond to live in an old house in San Francisco, while they contemplate their next career move. Fortunately for the band, three attractive women move in upstairs. Unfortunately for all, the house is haunted. Dashiell Hammett enthusiasts and fans of "The Thin Man" films will have more than a passing interest in the house’s ghosts and their history.
Although the story is contemporary, references to classic Hollywood abound. There are also references to music, the poetry of Browning and Frost, and the history of San Francisco. In fact, the author makes good use of the city, setting some important scenes on Haight Street, at a former speakeasy, and at the Newton Society Columbarium.
Sarah M. Glover is an intelligent writer, but her narrative isn’t stuffy or pretentious. She treats such heavy subjects as destiny and supernatural curses with a stylish, witty hand. At four hundred sixty-nine pages, “Grave Refrain” is not a quick read, but it is a satisfying one. Do yourself a favour, and in deference to the ghosts, read it while listening to Hoagy Carmichael and sipping a Manhattan or a Martini. You’ll be glad you did.
February 16, 2012
Andrew and his friends, Simon and Christian, a trio that make up a band called The Lost Boys. One night a legendary music producer, Neil St. John, offers them the chance to go state side (the boys have been playing pubs in London) to San Fran and live in an old Victorian house he is renovating. The boys could use a break so they agree.
Did I mention the house is haunted? Oh, yeah, it is. By these two, Nicholas and Noreen Chamberlain, inspired by Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man; a fictitious detective team known for their witty banter and love for a good martini. See, Nick and Nora are both dead, but they can't be together. Even in the afterlife, something is holding them back from spending all of eternity together.
More on that later.
Regardless, Andrew and his friends take up residence in the house and before you know it, Nick and Nora aren't the only two they are sharing it with.
Enter, Emily, Zoey and Margot. They are in need of a place to live as well since the lease on their apartment is up. Zoey has to have good light for her art work, Margot just wants enough room to be comfortable, and Emily likes the charm of good house. Just so happens that the house the boys live in is more like a duplex and soon, the girls move in.
But see, it's so much more complicated than that. For Andrew's whole life he's been plagued by his "muse". Most everyone thought, or thinks, he has lost his mind. That he's imagined this woman and she doesn't exist. Whatever the case, The Lost Boys don't care because she has been the drive behind some of their best songs.
Imagine Andrew's surprise when he sees this muse, in the flesh and blood, at one of his shows. You'd think it's be all sunshine and roses. Wrong! He comes across a little too harsh and Emily flees the club convinced he hates her. Little does she know, he lives in the flat below her.
Awkward...
But the boys do their best to welcome the ladies by throwing a dinner party. Instant attraction, like lovers spanning across several lifetimes, for Andrew and Emily. Their connection is undeniable. They both feel this pull to one another like they've known each other forever. And Andrew, right from the get go is very protective of his muse. Especially when it comes to a certain college professor of Emily's, who is like scum.
Dr. Vandin.
Even the name sends chills down my spine.
Forgetting the bad doctor for a second, let's focus back on those martini drinking ghosts. See, they need some help and it seems only Andrew and Emily can help them. They need to be reunited. They truly can't be at peace until they are back together.
And this is where the story picks up. Emily is determined to reunite the lost lovers. Andrew...not so much. He just wants to spend time with Emily. And he gets his wish as they all load up and held up the coast to find Nick. Yeap! They have Nora's ashes, they just need to find Nick's.
I won't go any further with the details of the story, for fear that I'll spoil it all for you, but know that Vandin isn't the only thing these young lovers fear. There is so much more waiting for them on their journey.
With a group of people who have become a family of sorts, and with the help of some spiritualistic ghost hunting stoners and their van, RIP- Big Doobie. You are missed.
Andrew and Emily face much more than they ever bargained for. But two questions remain. One, will true love- an all encompassing, fire breathing, passionate love- be enough to stand the test of time? That is, if they don't run out of it before it's too late.
And two, what was his answer?! Will poor Herschel get the help he needs?
Sarah is a dear friend of mine and I'm very happy for her book release! Today, February 14, you can order Grave Refrain from either Amazon or Omnific Publishing. If you love a love story that takes you on a roller coaster ride down the coast of California with an electric cast of supporting characters and throws a mystery in- not to mention a few surprise twists- then you'll love Grave Refrain.
Did I mention the house is haunted? Oh, yeah, it is. By these two, Nicholas and Noreen Chamberlain, inspired by Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man; a fictitious detective team known for their witty banter and love for a good martini. See, Nick and Nora are both dead, but they can't be together. Even in the afterlife, something is holding them back from spending all of eternity together.
More on that later.
Regardless, Andrew and his friends take up residence in the house and before you know it, Nick and Nora aren't the only two they are sharing it with.
Enter, Emily, Zoey and Margot. They are in need of a place to live as well since the lease on their apartment is up. Zoey has to have good light for her art work, Margot just wants enough room to be comfortable, and Emily likes the charm of good house. Just so happens that the house the boys live in is more like a duplex and soon, the girls move in.
But see, it's so much more complicated than that. For Andrew's whole life he's been plagued by his "muse". Most everyone thought, or thinks, he has lost his mind. That he's imagined this woman and she doesn't exist. Whatever the case, The Lost Boys don't care because she has been the drive behind some of their best songs.
Imagine Andrew's surprise when he sees this muse, in the flesh and blood, at one of his shows. You'd think it's be all sunshine and roses. Wrong! He comes across a little too harsh and Emily flees the club convinced he hates her. Little does she know, he lives in the flat below her.
Awkward...
But the boys do their best to welcome the ladies by throwing a dinner party. Instant attraction, like lovers spanning across several lifetimes, for Andrew and Emily. Their connection is undeniable. They both feel this pull to one another like they've known each other forever. And Andrew, right from the get go is very protective of his muse. Especially when it comes to a certain college professor of Emily's, who is like scum.
Dr. Vandin.
Even the name sends chills down my spine.
Forgetting the bad doctor for a second, let's focus back on those martini drinking ghosts. See, they need some help and it seems only Andrew and Emily can help them. They need to be reunited. They truly can't be at peace until they are back together.
And this is where the story picks up. Emily is determined to reunite the lost lovers. Andrew...not so much. He just wants to spend time with Emily. And he gets his wish as they all load up and held up the coast to find Nick. Yeap! They have Nora's ashes, they just need to find Nick's.
I won't go any further with the details of the story, for fear that I'll spoil it all for you, but know that Vandin isn't the only thing these young lovers fear. There is so much more waiting for them on their journey.
With a group of people who have become a family of sorts, and with the help of some spiritualistic ghost hunting stoners and their van, RIP- Big Doobie. You are missed.
Andrew and Emily face much more than they ever bargained for. But two questions remain. One, will true love- an all encompassing, fire breathing, passionate love- be enough to stand the test of time? That is, if they don't run out of it before it's too late.
And two, what was his answer?! Will poor Herschel get the help he needs?
Sarah is a dear friend of mine and I'm very happy for her book release! Today, February 14, you can order Grave Refrain from either Amazon or Omnific Publishing. If you love a love story that takes you on a roller coaster ride down the coast of California with an electric cast of supporting characters and throws a mystery in- not to mention a few surprise twists- then you'll love Grave Refrain.
March 5, 2015
GRAVE REFRAIN by sarah.m.glover is an excellent read that will keep you completely enthralled from the beginning to the end,body and soul.
between the love story backing our leads, Andrew and Emily and the ghost story spun between nick and nora,our unrequited spirts in love,i found it extremely difficult to decide who pulled off at being more epic, once i learnt that all four seemed to be entwined by fate, one bought together by a series of supernatural events or something we call , coincidence.
loved the way Sarah, began her story,with music,dress and dates before finishing it off with ghosts, spirits,a colubarium and a key.
"peace ? peace is a mercurial word.you may only have so much peace in this life.but you have the keys for it.use them.and if you do,then yes there will be peace.it its way."
-lady in white
[image error]
highly recommended to anybody wanting a layed-back yet eventful read at the eve of a cold winter's night and an hour before the clock strikes 12.......
enjoy... ;)
between the love story backing our leads, Andrew and Emily and the ghost story spun between nick and nora,our unrequited spirts in love,i found it extremely difficult to decide who pulled off at being more epic, once i learnt that all four seemed to be entwined by fate, one bought together by a series of supernatural events or something we call , coincidence.
loved the way Sarah, began her story,with music,dress and dates before finishing it off with ghosts, spirits,a colubarium and a key.
"peace ? peace is a mercurial word.you may only have so much peace in this life.but you have the keys for it.use them.and if you do,then yes there will be peace.it its way."
-lady in white
[image error]
highly recommended to anybody wanting a layed-back yet eventful read at the eve of a cold winter's night and an hour before the clock strikes 12.......
enjoy... ;)
April 16, 2012
This book owned me heart and soul from the first page. It's an epic love story that follows the intensely passionate, almost manic, romance of tortured British rock god, Andrew Hayes, and his muse, the lovely Emily Thomas. But that's only just skimming the iceberg. The ghostly tale spun by the gloriously talented, Sarah Glover, left me with goosebumps and looking over my shoulder. There are both malevolent and benevolent spirits haunting this story and these young lovers' lives. Against all odds, they must fight supernatural forces and a curse that's been handed down for centuries if they truly want to be together.
Grave Refrain had me swooning, laughing, crying, and shivering with its intensity. The writing is spectacular and witty. Most surprising of all was underlying tone of humor that kept me on my toes with martini swilling ghosts pulling grand gestures and a pack of hippy spiritualists willing to risk it all to help out these star-crossed lovers.
I only wish I could be Andrew's muse too.
Grave Refrain had me swooning, laughing, crying, and shivering with its intensity. The writing is spectacular and witty. Most surprising of all was underlying tone of humor that kept me on my toes with martini swilling ghosts pulling grand gestures and a pack of hippy spiritualists willing to risk it all to help out these star-crossed lovers.
I only wish I could be Andrew's muse too.
July 16, 2012
This is one of my top five most favorite books! I really wish everyone would take a chance on this book. It's the whole package: love, action, thrills, poetry, music, genius, ghosts, hilarious characters you'll love and so much more! It was so good I didn't want it to end (and mind you, this is the first time I've ever said those words). I wish she'd make a sequel! This story...this was a real love story. Gave me goosebumps.
January 13, 2012
Sarah's new novel proves once again what a truly gifted writer and storyteller she is..."Grave Refrain" defies expectations -- a fantastic read!!!
April 3, 2012
Reviewed By~Robin
Review Copy Provided By~ARC by Publisher
Ms. Glover’s debut novel is simply riveting. I had my heartstrings pulled and I tended to not want to let go as it spun its magical web around me. I have always wanted an old run down Victorian house, complete with its resident ghosts to renovate. I found the perfect house in this story if only I could find it in real life. Nick and Nora the resident ghosts are just as compelling as the rest of the cast. I wanted to reach out and help them become reunited.
As you get caught up in the renovations, the ghost sightings, the rooftop windows to the stars, dinner, and jazz music, I found myself simply enchanted.
Every good love story is also equipped with great romance. This story has more than its fair share of great romance. Andrew Hayes sexy, brooding tortured soul…guitarist/lead vocals for the band, The Lost Boys, a little like classic group the ‘Doors’. Then there is Andrews’s best friend, bassist, Christian Wood sexy in his own way with his, John Lennon glasses and Irish accent. If there wasn’t enough testosterone as it were you add bohemian drummer Simon Godden imagine if you will, dreadlocks/French accent/from New Orleans, do I need go on. With this explosive combination you have a band that rules the universe, with songs rich in meaning that draw you in and touch your soul.
Okay so I guess every romance has to have another half. Fate has stepped in choosing someone for each of those sexy guys. Heat starts to rise. Andrew has had a muse all his life for his music. Only problem is he has never met her and she has driven him crazy (literally) at times. Into the Skellar walks Emily Thomas, lover of vintage things. Unable to believe he has finally found his muse Andrew rushes off of the stage as Emily exits. We also find that not only has fate brought these two souls together but they are somehow connected to the past.
Emily’s roommate Zoey, artist with funky hair, overalls and well-endowed bosom, knows Simon; they used to go to camp together. They wrote to each other for years, both are only too happy to renew their….ummm…friendship with benefits.
Emily’s other roommate, prim and proper, Dr. Margot…the most level headed of three. Margot tries to keep things in perspective but as we soon find out, things will spiral out of control complicating everything in its path. Margot soon finds herself just as caught up in the romance of things as everyone else.
As ‘The Lost Boys’ strive to make a name for themselves, romance wanting to take its toll and ghosts wanting to be together, along with mystery…surrounded with suspense…this little story has something for everyone.
At every twist and turn in this story I couldn’t help but fall hopelessly in love with the characters. Whether they are forefront in the story or in the background, they are very real bunch that just tug at your heartstrings.
I found myself laughing and crying and wanting very much to go on their adventure to reunite the resident ghosts ‘Nick and Nora”, despite the evil ghosts that want to hinder them from ever finding true love.
I laughed at the fortune teller guys with their van from the sixties, bar, shag rug and plenty of pot. You can imagine this in the Haight Asbury/San Francisco area. At one point, these hilarious pot smoking guys hold a séance, drawing out one mean ghost that jumps first into Simon and then Zoey’s body. How fun, I remembered holding séance’s while in junior high and high school. I think we even had one in college. We used to laugh our…you know what off.
Emily ends up stealing Nora from a moratorium and puts her ashes into a hookah pipe, where at one point they have to keep her safe so she doesn’t get smoked. As things heat up between Andrew and Emily you don’t know if what they feel for each other is real or if they are processed by the romantic spirits of the ghosts that want to be together.
Not wanting to spoil too much of the storyline you will just have to read this incredibly well written story. It is probably the most captivating list of characters and storyline that I have had the chance to read in a very long time. It is fresh and full of warmth and romance that draws you in with each word, each description and each feeling that tumbles from the pages. As you keep turning the pages you find yourself laughing and crying. You begin to believe once again in the magic of romance with the fumbling ways of beginning love and you begin to remember the way it was when you first fell in love. I cherish this book and look forward to much more to come from Ms. Glover along with the next ghost adventure.
You will be spellbound…I am sure of it. I was, finding disappointment as it came to an end or did it?
Review Copy Provided By~ARC by Publisher
Ms. Glover’s debut novel is simply riveting. I had my heartstrings pulled and I tended to not want to let go as it spun its magical web around me. I have always wanted an old run down Victorian house, complete with its resident ghosts to renovate. I found the perfect house in this story if only I could find it in real life. Nick and Nora the resident ghosts are just as compelling as the rest of the cast. I wanted to reach out and help them become reunited.
As you get caught up in the renovations, the ghost sightings, the rooftop windows to the stars, dinner, and jazz music, I found myself simply enchanted.
Every good love story is also equipped with great romance. This story has more than its fair share of great romance. Andrew Hayes sexy, brooding tortured soul…guitarist/lead vocals for the band, The Lost Boys, a little like classic group the ‘Doors’. Then there is Andrews’s best friend, bassist, Christian Wood sexy in his own way with his, John Lennon glasses and Irish accent. If there wasn’t enough testosterone as it were you add bohemian drummer Simon Godden imagine if you will, dreadlocks/French accent/from New Orleans, do I need go on. With this explosive combination you have a band that rules the universe, with songs rich in meaning that draw you in and touch your soul.
Okay so I guess every romance has to have another half. Fate has stepped in choosing someone for each of those sexy guys. Heat starts to rise. Andrew has had a muse all his life for his music. Only problem is he has never met her and she has driven him crazy (literally) at times. Into the Skellar walks Emily Thomas, lover of vintage things. Unable to believe he has finally found his muse Andrew rushes off of the stage as Emily exits. We also find that not only has fate brought these two souls together but they are somehow connected to the past.
Emily’s roommate Zoey, artist with funky hair, overalls and well-endowed bosom, knows Simon; they used to go to camp together. They wrote to each other for years, both are only too happy to renew their….ummm…friendship with benefits.
Emily’s other roommate, prim and proper, Dr. Margot…the most level headed of three. Margot tries to keep things in perspective but as we soon find out, things will spiral out of control complicating everything in its path. Margot soon finds herself just as caught up in the romance of things as everyone else.
As ‘The Lost Boys’ strive to make a name for themselves, romance wanting to take its toll and ghosts wanting to be together, along with mystery…surrounded with suspense…this little story has something for everyone.
At every twist and turn in this story I couldn’t help but fall hopelessly in love with the characters. Whether they are forefront in the story or in the background, they are very real bunch that just tug at your heartstrings.
I found myself laughing and crying and wanting very much to go on their adventure to reunite the resident ghosts ‘Nick and Nora”, despite the evil ghosts that want to hinder them from ever finding true love.
I laughed at the fortune teller guys with their van from the sixties, bar, shag rug and plenty of pot. You can imagine this in the Haight Asbury/San Francisco area. At one point, these hilarious pot smoking guys hold a séance, drawing out one mean ghost that jumps first into Simon and then Zoey’s body. How fun, I remembered holding séance’s while in junior high and high school. I think we even had one in college. We used to laugh our…you know what off.
Emily ends up stealing Nora from a moratorium and puts her ashes into a hookah pipe, where at one point they have to keep her safe so she doesn’t get smoked. As things heat up between Andrew and Emily you don’t know if what they feel for each other is real or if they are processed by the romantic spirits of the ghosts that want to be together.
Not wanting to spoil too much of the storyline you will just have to read this incredibly well written story. It is probably the most captivating list of characters and storyline that I have had the chance to read in a very long time. It is fresh and full of warmth and romance that draws you in with each word, each description and each feeling that tumbles from the pages. As you keep turning the pages you find yourself laughing and crying. You begin to believe once again in the magic of romance with the fumbling ways of beginning love and you begin to remember the way it was when you first fell in love. I cherish this book and look forward to much more to come from Ms. Glover along with the next ghost adventure.
You will be spellbound…I am sure of it. I was, finding disappointment as it came to an end or did it?
October 28, 2012
The Review: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
I highly recommend this. Ms. Glover’s clever mix of humor, mystery, and love have created a story that you won’t be able to put down. The novel pulsates with a sense of urgency. If you are able to do so, Ms. Glover’s knack for providing vivid descriptions will easily put you back sync with everything from the emotions of the characters, the look of the city, and down to the smell of the room that they are in.
Grave Refrain is a story which questions how far you’d go for love and how long will that love last. The enjoyable main characters, Emily and Andrew, explore this theme throughout the story. Although there seems to be many secondary characters (including the city of San Francisco), their appearances and dialogue do not slow down the story, but ensure that our star-crossed lovers stay somewhat grounded and within the world they are supposed to live.
At times it felt as if I was watching an old Hollywood movie with modern-day characters. It was almost as if Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Montgomery Clift or Spencer Tracy would appear and give their two cents on what the characters should do next. All of this was juxtaposed with the rock and roll style of Andrew and his band that is on the edge of super stardom.
Grab a blanket (you’ll need that), your best vintage clothes or rocker t-shirt, and your favorite libation and enjoy the story.
Have you read it too? Let us know what you think.
I highly recommend this. Ms. Glover’s clever mix of humor, mystery, and love have created a story that you won’t be able to put down. The novel pulsates with a sense of urgency. If you are able to do so, Ms. Glover’s knack for providing vivid descriptions will easily put you back sync with everything from the emotions of the characters, the look of the city, and down to the smell of the room that they are in.
Grave Refrain is a story which questions how far you’d go for love and how long will that love last. The enjoyable main characters, Emily and Andrew, explore this theme throughout the story. Although there seems to be many secondary characters (including the city of San Francisco), their appearances and dialogue do not slow down the story, but ensure that our star-crossed lovers stay somewhat grounded and within the world they are supposed to live.
At times it felt as if I was watching an old Hollywood movie with modern-day characters. It was almost as if Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Montgomery Clift or Spencer Tracy would appear and give their two cents on what the characters should do next. All of this was juxtaposed with the rock and roll style of Andrew and his band that is on the edge of super stardom.
Grab a blanket (you’ll need that), your best vintage clothes or rocker t-shirt, and your favorite libation and enjoy the story.
Have you read it too? Let us know what you think.
February 17, 2012
“It’s always about a girl, isn’t it?” pg.47
Well no Andrew Hayes…as a matter of fact it isn’t! This story is about a girl, a boy, their quirky crazy friends and an entourage of characters…some alive and some not.
Grave Refrain transported me to San Francisco, wearing a flowing bohemian skirt and vintage cardigan, traipsing the city as well as the coastal country side with my British musician man chasing history and ghosts and battling a curse. Did I mention the British musician hottie by my side? Yeah, he’s crazy about me.
Ok, he is crazy about Emily Thomas, but while I am reading the story…I am Emily Thomas (minus the ominous curse and a slew of ghosts wanting me dead).
There are parts of this book that are so romantic that I actually audibly sighed. There are parts that had me laugh so hard I spit my drink on the page. And there are parts of this book that are so intense that I might have bounced up and down in bed at a God forsaken time of night and woke up my husband…more than once.
The worse part of the book?
Page 469 “THE END”
Why does it always have to end???
Sarah Glover is an incredibly talented author and her debut novel is a captivating, funny, ROMANTIC, unique, intense adventure. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future!
Well no Andrew Hayes…as a matter of fact it isn’t! This story is about a girl, a boy, their quirky crazy friends and an entourage of characters…some alive and some not.
Grave Refrain transported me to San Francisco, wearing a flowing bohemian skirt and vintage cardigan, traipsing the city as well as the coastal country side with my British musician man chasing history and ghosts and battling a curse. Did I mention the British musician hottie by my side? Yeah, he’s crazy about me.
Ok, he is crazy about Emily Thomas, but while I am reading the story…I am Emily Thomas (minus the ominous curse and a slew of ghosts wanting me dead).
There are parts of this book that are so romantic that I actually audibly sighed. There are parts that had me laugh so hard I spit my drink on the page. And there are parts of this book that are so intense that I might have bounced up and down in bed at a God forsaken time of night and woke up my husband…more than once.
The worse part of the book?
Page 469 “THE END”
Why does it always have to end???
Sarah Glover is an incredibly talented author and her debut novel is a captivating, funny, ROMANTIC, unique, intense adventure. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future!
February 4, 2013
This was one of those unusual reading experiences I have now and then. Main and secondary characters are in their early 20s (not my preferred characters age), it’s about ghosts (not my preferred paranormal), it has too many subplots, uneven story flow, sometimes too much pondering by the heroine. But I loved the story, and the intense hero, and the original plot, and something else about the whole thing that I can’t quite explain. It will probably be a reread in the future, so it goes to my favorites shelf.
HERO is a Performer, composer and musician, extremely smart and gifted, intense, obsessed with a girl he’s dreamed about for years and when he finds she’s real, he’d do anything to keep her, even getting involved in her bizarre quest to help a couple of ghost get their HEA.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: paranormal/drama
LENGTH: 567 pages
HERO is a Performer, composer and musician, extremely smart and gifted, intense, obsessed with a girl he’s dreamed about for years and when he finds she’s real, he’d do anything to keep her, even getting involved in her bizarre quest to help a couple of ghost get their HEA.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: paranormal/drama
LENGTH: 567 pages
July 15, 2012
Few things irk me more than a romance cock-blocked by the would-be lovers’ uncommunicative ignorance. Too often, I’m screaming, “Stop with the inward monologues and talk to each other already!”
None of that here. What a fresh breath of sultry air. These lovers are thwarted by on-the-road band life, ghouls, ancient curses, and murderous professors. Backed by a love of many lifetimes, they work together, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, to fight the odds. I wanted nothing more to see the two of them make it, and gripped my Kindle through one of the most compelling and terrifying climaxes I’ve read in awhile. Sweet mother, Glover knows how to envelope all five senses with ghostly horrors. Sleep well, Chamberlains.
None of that here. What a fresh breath of sultry air. These lovers are thwarted by on-the-road band life, ghouls, ancient curses, and murderous professors. Backed by a love of many lifetimes, they work together, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, to fight the odds. I wanted nothing more to see the two of them make it, and gripped my Kindle through one of the most compelling and terrifying climaxes I’ve read in awhile. Sweet mother, Glover knows how to envelope all five senses with ghostly horrors. Sleep well, Chamberlains.
December 20, 2012
Amazing! I enjoyed this story so so much. I will never forget Andrew and Emily. I strong and FOREVER love. I didn't want it to end. I hope Sarah M. Glover writes more! She is able to tie you to these characters like I've never felt before. I want to see more of Nick and Nora... what a love story! It would also be great see Zoey and Christian's and Margot and Simon's journey, through there eyes. God, I love them all! Thank you Sarah M. Glover so much for writing. Please keep it up you are great at it. Can't wait to read more of your works.
June 9, 2012
Paranormal...Romance...Rock 'n Roll...Poetry...Mystery/Suspense...All of these elements combine in Grave Refrain by Sarah M. Glover to give you a story worth reading and loving.
This book was on my radar for quite a while before I read it, and if it's been on yours as well?!? Don't wait any longer...make it your next book.
Read the rest of my review here: http://bookishtemptations.com/2012/06...
This book was on my radar for quite a while before I read it, and if it's been on yours as well?!? Don't wait any longer...make it your next book.
Read the rest of my review here: http://bookishtemptations.com/2012/06...
April 14, 2012
My full review will be up Saturday, but I was so impressed with this book. Just incredibly good reading!
My Review:
Warning: this is a LONG book, but it is worth every single moment spent reading it. I loved this book.
Andrew is part of a three-part rock band from England. One night a huge rock manager (Neil...although he is retired) drops in on their gig and offers them a place to stay in San Francisco. Taking him up on the offer in the hopes it will lead them to a break, the three members of The Lost Boys: Andrew, Christian, and Simon, move into the rambling in-complete-disrepair victorian house in San Francisco. They quickly find out the house is haunted by two lovers who can never see each other, Nick and Nora.
Andrew has his own ghost. His entire life, his dreams have been filled with his imaginary muse. He's sure that she's a real person. He's just never been able to find her. This confidence in her existence has caused him severe mental issues, including a stay in a mental institution. Andrew is a tortured artistic soul. He's incredibly talented, but along with that talent comes some emotional issues.
Emily lives with her two roommates Margot and Zoey. They are looking for a new place to live when Zoey's childhood friend Christian moves to town. In the meantime, Emily has become obsessed with an itinerant guitar player that she's found in the park. She thinks he's homeless and several things come together so that the three girls end up living with the three band members in this house haunted by Nick and Nora.
There is so much to this story. It was just incredibly written. From the moment I started reading it, I became immersed in the story and really did not want to put it down. Emily and Andrew are each tortured in their own way. They have this huge deep connection which they both realize is completely crazy since they just met. As a result, they both hide the depth of how much they are connected and have been for MUCH longer than they've known each other. I loved their love story, although I hated how long it took them to be honest about their true feelings and the depth of them.
There's a ton going on here. The six people in the house are trying to figure out the mystery of why Nick and Nora (the ghosts) can't be together. The band is on the verge of making it HUGE and are dealing with all those pressures. The house-owner, Neil, has his own secrets and history that come to play in the whole story. Emily is dealing with an obsessive professor who is trying to make her last semester at school impossible. In the midst of all this is the house which is constantly being worked on by various contractors who are in and out and being driven away in terror by the ghosts. It was so funny to watch the comings and goings of the workmen and their fright especially since there are six people living in this house who aren't bothered by them at all. There's also a group of 4 stoners offering comedic breaks to the story with their ghostbusting antics.
This was just a great book. The romance story line was gorgeous...and there are actually several of them going on so you get several stories in one. The suspense was amazing. I couldn't figure out how this all was going to come out with an HEA. I was extremely pleasantly surprised by the depth and writing in this book. It was really wonderful reading.
My Review:
Warning: this is a LONG book, but it is worth every single moment spent reading it. I loved this book.
Andrew is part of a three-part rock band from England. One night a huge rock manager (Neil...although he is retired) drops in on their gig and offers them a place to stay in San Francisco. Taking him up on the offer in the hopes it will lead them to a break, the three members of The Lost Boys: Andrew, Christian, and Simon, move into the rambling in-complete-disrepair victorian house in San Francisco. They quickly find out the house is haunted by two lovers who can never see each other, Nick and Nora.
Andrew has his own ghost. His entire life, his dreams have been filled with his imaginary muse. He's sure that she's a real person. He's just never been able to find her. This confidence in her existence has caused him severe mental issues, including a stay in a mental institution. Andrew is a tortured artistic soul. He's incredibly talented, but along with that talent comes some emotional issues.
Emily lives with her two roommates Margot and Zoey. They are looking for a new place to live when Zoey's childhood friend Christian moves to town. In the meantime, Emily has become obsessed with an itinerant guitar player that she's found in the park. She thinks he's homeless and several things come together so that the three girls end up living with the three band members in this house haunted by Nick and Nora.
There is so much to this story. It was just incredibly written. From the moment I started reading it, I became immersed in the story and really did not want to put it down. Emily and Andrew are each tortured in their own way. They have this huge deep connection which they both realize is completely crazy since they just met. As a result, they both hide the depth of how much they are connected and have been for MUCH longer than they've known each other. I loved their love story, although I hated how long it took them to be honest about their true feelings and the depth of them.
There's a ton going on here. The six people in the house are trying to figure out the mystery of why Nick and Nora (the ghosts) can't be together. The band is on the verge of making it HUGE and are dealing with all those pressures. The house-owner, Neil, has his own secrets and history that come to play in the whole story. Emily is dealing with an obsessive professor who is trying to make her last semester at school impossible. In the midst of all this is the house which is constantly being worked on by various contractors who are in and out and being driven away in terror by the ghosts. It was so funny to watch the comings and goings of the workmen and their fright especially since there are six people living in this house who aren't bothered by them at all. There's also a group of 4 stoners offering comedic breaks to the story with their ghostbusting antics.
This was just a great book. The romance story line was gorgeous...and there are actually several of them going on so you get several stories in one. The suspense was amazing. I couldn't figure out how this all was going to come out with an HEA. I was extremely pleasantly surprised by the depth and writing in this book. It was really wonderful reading.
June 15, 2012
I highly recommend this. Ms. Glover’s clever mix of humor, mystery, and love have created a story that you won’t be able to put down. The novel pulsates with a sense of urgency. If you are able to do so, Ms. Glover’s knack for providing vivid descriptions will easily put you back sync with everything from the emotions of the characters, the look of the city, and down to the smell of the room that they are in.
Grave Refrain is a story which questions how far you’d go for love and how long will that love last. The enjoyable main characters, Emily and Andrew, explore this theme throughout the story. Although there seems to be many secondary characters (including the city of San Francisco), their appearances and dialogue do not slow down the story, but ensure that our star crossed lovers stay somewhat grounded and within the world they are supposed to live.
At times it felt as if I was watching an old Hollywood movie with modern day characters. It was almost as if Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Montgomery Clift or Spencer Tracy would appear and give their two cents on what the characters should do next. All of this was juxtaposed with the rock and roll style of Andrew and his band that is on the edge of super stardom.
Grab a blanket (you’ll need that), your best vintage clothes or rocker t-shirt, and your favorite libation and enjoy the story.
Grave Refrain is a story which questions how far you’d go for love and how long will that love last. The enjoyable main characters, Emily and Andrew, explore this theme throughout the story. Although there seems to be many secondary characters (including the city of San Francisco), their appearances and dialogue do not slow down the story, but ensure that our star crossed lovers stay somewhat grounded and within the world they are supposed to live.
At times it felt as if I was watching an old Hollywood movie with modern day characters. It was almost as if Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Montgomery Clift or Spencer Tracy would appear and give their two cents on what the characters should do next. All of this was juxtaposed with the rock and roll style of Andrew and his band that is on the edge of super stardom.
Grab a blanket (you’ll need that), your best vintage clothes or rocker t-shirt, and your favorite libation and enjoy the story.
May 7, 2012
Meh.
I read a lot, so I very much wonder about the five star reviews of this book. Are they forced from a desperate publisher? I don't know.
All the five stars actually made me look back at the book and skim it, asking myself what I hated about this book. I really didn't like any of it. The ghost that were supposed to be scary, were not. The characters were lackluster. It was just super cliche and poorly executed.
What I do know is that this is not a good book.
There were some good elements, but it was mostly hokey. It was not suspenseful in the least. The ghosts talked A LOT to the point I was thinking, just tell them what you need them to do. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
The characters were as flat as the apparitions. Here's Zoey, she's lovable and likes to cook. Here's Margot! She's angry and a professor. Gag.
The well written areas of the book deal with music. I particularly enjoyed the club scenes and details therein, but those scenes were few and far between
I read a lot, so I very much wonder about the five star reviews of this book. Are they forced from a desperate publisher? I don't know.
All the five stars actually made me look back at the book and skim it, asking myself what I hated about this book. I really didn't like any of it. The ghost that were supposed to be scary, were not. The characters were lackluster. It was just super cliche and poorly executed.
What I do know is that this is not a good book.
There were some good elements, but it was mostly hokey. It was not suspenseful in the least. The ghosts talked A LOT to the point I was thinking, just tell them what you need them to do. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
The characters were as flat as the apparitions. Here's Zoey, she's lovable and likes to cook. Here's Margot! She's angry and a professor. Gag.
The well written areas of the book deal with music. I particularly enjoyed the club scenes and details therein, but those scenes were few and far between
February 19, 2012
Get out the martini glasses and the cocktail shaker; noir has never been more intoxicating. Sarah Glover’s kinetic prose leaps from the page and carries you along; transporting the reader through the passionate twists of Andrew and Emily’s very current, gritty, San Francisco club-scene love story, and the sentimental, noir, speak-easy, turns of Nick and Nora’s ghost story. This is a great read, with memorable characters that, in Nora’s words, “Take no prisoners.”
Warning: if you need your beauty sleep better save this love ghost story for another night.
Warning: if you need your beauty sleep better save this love ghost story for another night.
October 1, 2013
There's an elegant beauty to the way Glover crafts her characters, giving each an inherent sense of self and creating in the couples we see through this book with a divinely crafted ability to compliment each other. The setting echoes the story line: an intersection of the past with the present, an examination of how a love can be epic while being down to earth and beyond the grave. I sipped this story like a bold brew of coffee with just the right amount of sugar and cream: it awakened me, comforted me, gave me a little buzz, and left me satisfied.
September 4, 2012
Holy goodness I loved this book! I have a weakness for 1930's screwball comedies, so the inclusion of Nick and Nora Charles (ish)...well, I swoon. And speaking of swooning, I mean, I don't care how much of a "modern woman" you are, every girl in some way wants to be the hot musician's muse.
I finished this book on the train from NYC, and I emailed the author, saying "I AM NOT CRYING I HAVE SOMETHING IN MY EYE!" Ahem. Yes.
I finished this book on the train from NYC, and I emailed the author, saying "I AM NOT CRYING I HAVE SOMETHING IN MY EYE!" Ahem. Yes.
April 20, 2012
I thought it would take me a long time to read Grave Refrain but to my surprise it sucked me in and I became a speed reader! Living in San Francisco made me appreciate the story even more- Give me ghosts, humor, romance all together and I am a happy person. Sarah Glover, I am a big fan and thank you for your gift of writing!
January 21, 2012
A Muse, soul mates, ghosts, and stoner psychics make this a great read! You'll go through a whole range of emotions from angst to laughter and in the end you'll end up sighing knowing that you didn't really want this to end. Ms. Glover has a wonderful debut novel!
March 11, 2012
Loved the passion! Loved the wit! It's a story unlike any other I've ever read. I had a blast on every step of the journey with Emily and Andrew!
July 9, 2012
I have never read a book like this before!! It scared me, made me laugh and made my heart skip a beat when this couple talked about the love they had for one another! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!
January 16, 2012
As I began reading Grave Refrain, the debut novel for author Sarah M. Glover, I was instantly drawn in to the real-world situations created. Three women sharing an apartment. Must find new digs. Hot band at the bar – meaning, the guys were cute and the band played **actual** music (probably helped that they were foreign, and Ms. Glover was skilled in utilizing foreign vernacular!). I was also highly impressed with the way in which Ms. Glover presented soul mates. C'mon. It's a romance read. There's a HEA. You know it's coming. What wasn't immediately apparent was the manner in which Ms. Glover would create interest, a flowing plot arc, and characters that feel like they're my besties from college.
The beginning of Grave Refrain was an exercise in excellent character development. By around 100 pages in, I was spun into even more character development as the paranormal entities were introduced much like slim metallic thread in a quality scarf; not too much in one area and evenly distributed. We also were exposed to our FIRST villain and his wretched perversions. The third person omniscient perspective was a FABULOUS choice by Ms. Glover. I thoroughly enjoy watching Andrew and Emily squirm during passionate as well as uncomfortable situations.
It's a given that Andrew and Emily will end up together. As the strings of fate appear to indiscriminately pluck dischordant melodies within their lives and their relationship, more than a simple resolution becomes necessary in this well-crafted plot. Lending itself quite nicely to the plot are several well-known authors, including poets Robert Frost and this snippet from Robert Browning:
“You were made perfectly to be loved – and surely I have loved you, in the idea of you, my whole life long.” --Robert Browning (p.238)
Directly followed by this gem of writing, Ms. Glover gives us the gut-wrenching emotion that could only come from a hero like Andrew:
“How? How can I want you like this? I was raised better than this, you must know. With manners and etiquette. So proper, so poised at all times. If you cut me, I swear it'll run blue. My father's people were all the epitome of English culture, Emily. My mum, Christ, she'd die a thousand deaths if she knew what I'm thinking of doing to you right now. There's sanity in this head, I swear.” (p. 238)
I cannot fathom how Ms. Glover fashioned Andrew and Emily so shrewdly, creatively and passionately that I was completely and utterly floored when I read this passage, which isn't any new information. The way, however, it is said...the emotion present … **swoon**
The paranormal bent in this novel is well-distributed, and there are friendly as well as malevolent ghosts involved throughout the story. Some habitation of bodies ensues, and the action-packed resolution follows a creepy séance. I burned through the last 150 pages of this book, to simply see how everything turned out. Ms. Glover surely didn't disappoint!
There were a couple points within Grave Refrain that I felt the writing was a bit immature, but those were almost always followed by gems, as though I had to dig in a coal mine to salvage the diamond. Additionally, these sporadic points where there was a lull allowed my brain to wrap around some of the intense emotions and situations present. I look forward to reading future works by Ms. Glover and watching her writing further develop in this genre.
The beginning of Grave Refrain was an exercise in excellent character development. By around 100 pages in, I was spun into even more character development as the paranormal entities were introduced much like slim metallic thread in a quality scarf; not too much in one area and evenly distributed. We also were exposed to our FIRST villain and his wretched perversions. The third person omniscient perspective was a FABULOUS choice by Ms. Glover. I thoroughly enjoy watching Andrew and Emily squirm during passionate as well as uncomfortable situations.
It's a given that Andrew and Emily will end up together. As the strings of fate appear to indiscriminately pluck dischordant melodies within their lives and their relationship, more than a simple resolution becomes necessary in this well-crafted plot. Lending itself quite nicely to the plot are several well-known authors, including poets Robert Frost and this snippet from Robert Browning:
“You were made perfectly to be loved – and surely I have loved you, in the idea of you, my whole life long.” --Robert Browning (p.238)
Directly followed by this gem of writing, Ms. Glover gives us the gut-wrenching emotion that could only come from a hero like Andrew:
“How? How can I want you like this? I was raised better than this, you must know. With manners and etiquette. So proper, so poised at all times. If you cut me, I swear it'll run blue. My father's people were all the epitome of English culture, Emily. My mum, Christ, she'd die a thousand deaths if she knew what I'm thinking of doing to you right now. There's sanity in this head, I swear.” (p. 238)
I cannot fathom how Ms. Glover fashioned Andrew and Emily so shrewdly, creatively and passionately that I was completely and utterly floored when I read this passage, which isn't any new information. The way, however, it is said...the emotion present … **swoon**
The paranormal bent in this novel is well-distributed, and there are friendly as well as malevolent ghosts involved throughout the story. Some habitation of bodies ensues, and the action-packed resolution follows a creepy séance. I burned through the last 150 pages of this book, to simply see how everything turned out. Ms. Glover surely didn't disappoint!
There were a couple points within Grave Refrain that I felt the writing was a bit immature, but those were almost always followed by gems, as though I had to dig in a coal mine to salvage the diamond. Additionally, these sporadic points where there was a lull allowed my brain to wrap around some of the intense emotions and situations present. I look forward to reading future works by Ms. Glover and watching her writing further develop in this genre.
February 10, 2012
Originally posted on Cozy Up With A Good Read
This book was definitely an interesting read for a romance novel, nothing like what I was expecting at all! I have not read many romance novels, to be honest, but I am so glad I read this one (I have a preconceived notion about romance novels and this one definitely changed that for me!) This book really blew me away because it so much more than just a love/romance story. I have to start out by saying that I do believe in ghosts, so this story really creeped me out even more!
So I don't usually do this but I have to mention the cover of the book. I absolutely loved it! After reading the book I feel that it definitely captures the whole feeling of darkness that the story has to it. This is definitely a book I would pick up in stores if I saw just because of the cover.
Sarah has amazing descriptions that really make you feel like you are feeling it yourself. In talking about the band's music playing she writes:
Sound exploded against the walls. Sound so raw and vibrant...
I love reading something that uses such descriptive words, it makes me fall into the world the author created even more. And with this book I definitely feel into Sarah's world!
I enjoy my romance novels but this one definitely had so much more to it than just boy meets girl and falls in love. The martini-swilling ghosts are there for a reason, and it quickly becomes apparent that they are not going to let anyone rest until they can. The ghosts really give this book a creepy aspect, there were parts where I was actually kind of frightened imagining this happening (remember I do believe in ghosts). I think this gave a nice touch to the story and made it more than just a regular romance, there was actually a story and plot behind it.
What made this book fun too was how Sarah added in a little bit of science behind the story. *THIS NEXT PART IS KIND OF SPOILERISH!*
I really thought it was interesting how Sarah incorporated a little section of science behind the debunking of ghosts. Emily being a grad student studying psychology uses the ghosts as a premise behind her grad paper, despite the fact her professor does not believe in ghosts.
*SPOILER OVER*
The characters were easy to connect with throughout the story as well. I really enjoyed Emily's character because she was a strong woman who didn't rely on Andrew for everything. She took things in her own hands and would go off on her own often. I find in a lot of the romance novels that I've read the girl always needs to be taken care of and is not able to do things on her own.
This story was definitely a great read, though it was a little long, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. And the ghost aspect definitely made this one an amazing read!
This book was definitely an interesting read for a romance novel, nothing like what I was expecting at all! I have not read many romance novels, to be honest, but I am so glad I read this one (I have a preconceived notion about romance novels and this one definitely changed that for me!) This book really blew me away because it so much more than just a love/romance story. I have to start out by saying that I do believe in ghosts, so this story really creeped me out even more!
So I don't usually do this but I have to mention the cover of the book. I absolutely loved it! After reading the book I feel that it definitely captures the whole feeling of darkness that the story has to it. This is definitely a book I would pick up in stores if I saw just because of the cover.
Sarah has amazing descriptions that really make you feel like you are feeling it yourself. In talking about the band's music playing she writes:
Sound exploded against the walls. Sound so raw and vibrant...
I love reading something that uses such descriptive words, it makes me fall into the world the author created even more. And with this book I definitely feel into Sarah's world!
I enjoy my romance novels but this one definitely had so much more to it than just boy meets girl and falls in love. The martini-swilling ghosts are there for a reason, and it quickly becomes apparent that they are not going to let anyone rest until they can. The ghosts really give this book a creepy aspect, there were parts where I was actually kind of frightened imagining this happening (remember I do believe in ghosts). I think this gave a nice touch to the story and made it more than just a regular romance, there was actually a story and plot behind it.
What made this book fun too was how Sarah added in a little bit of science behind the story. *THIS NEXT PART IS KIND OF SPOILERISH!*
I really thought it was interesting how Sarah incorporated a little section of science behind the debunking of ghosts. Emily being a grad student studying psychology uses the ghosts as a premise behind her grad paper, despite the fact her professor does not believe in ghosts.
*SPOILER OVER*
The characters were easy to connect with throughout the story as well. I really enjoyed Emily's character because she was a strong woman who didn't rely on Andrew for everything. She took things in her own hands and would go off on her own often. I find in a lot of the romance novels that I've read the girl always needs to be taken care of and is not able to do things on her own.
This story was definitely a great read, though it was a little long, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. And the ghost aspect definitely made this one an amazing read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2012
I loved this book. I give it 4.5 Flowers for my review.
Sarah M. Glover put all the qualities I think a great book has into this one.
It was funny, without being comic, the phrase "Big Doobie" (its actually a van) is going to make me grin every time I think about it for a long while to come!! It was suspenseful with spine tingling quotes like "he swore he heard something coming from the floor above. It sent ice water through his veins and stood the hairs on his neck on end. With a shudder, he placed his arm over his other ear to block out the sound. A sound he had heard before. It was unmistakable — a man’s eerie laughter and the tinkling of a piano".
I had to know more. This is a book that you may have to put down, but the story doesn't stay with the book. I found it crossing my mind at all times, and from the first few pages I was hooked.
The mystery of this story was well drawn out. It didn't give too much away, and it stopped any frustration that normal mystery's can cause me by actually giving me nuggets of information along the way that kept me wanting to know more.
I found the love story between the two main characters believable and quite realistic, right down to how the female lead Emily kept second guessing herself, her guy and their whole relationship, even though her heart knew the right of it all along!! They had some intense love scenes that almost made me feel like I had intruded on an intimate moment. Its wonderful when a book can evoke such emotion.
The reason I didn't give it a full 5 flowers, is I would have really like to know the origin of the mysterious curse. My curiosity is still ramped up. I also felt that there were a few story lines that seemed prominent in the beginning and then they seemed to fade away. Her professors story line is a good example of that. It was almost like they were a main part of the storyboard, but that it didn't end up developing quite like they were planned to.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a love for the paranormal, for a good mystery or even for that person who has willing read a Harlequin romance... or two!!
Sarah M. Glover put all the qualities I think a great book has into this one.
It was funny, without being comic, the phrase "Big Doobie" (its actually a van) is going to make me grin every time I think about it for a long while to come!! It was suspenseful with spine tingling quotes like "he swore he heard something coming from the floor above. It sent ice water through his veins and stood the hairs on his neck on end. With a shudder, he placed his arm over his other ear to block out the sound. A sound he had heard before. It was unmistakable — a man’s eerie laughter and the tinkling of a piano".
I had to know more. This is a book that you may have to put down, but the story doesn't stay with the book. I found it crossing my mind at all times, and from the first few pages I was hooked.
The mystery of this story was well drawn out. It didn't give too much away, and it stopped any frustration that normal mystery's can cause me by actually giving me nuggets of information along the way that kept me wanting to know more.
I found the love story between the two main characters believable and quite realistic, right down to how the female lead Emily kept second guessing herself, her guy and their whole relationship, even though her heart knew the right of it all along!! They had some intense love scenes that almost made me feel like I had intruded on an intimate moment. Its wonderful when a book can evoke such emotion.
The reason I didn't give it a full 5 flowers, is I would have really like to know the origin of the mysterious curse. My curiosity is still ramped up. I also felt that there were a few story lines that seemed prominent in the beginning and then they seemed to fade away. Her professors story line is a good example of that. It was almost like they were a main part of the storyboard, but that it didn't end up developing quite like they were planned to.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a love for the paranormal, for a good mystery or even for that person who has willing read a Harlequin romance... or two!!
October 19, 2013
This is more than a ghost story, so don’t let the crossed out word scare you off. This is definitely a love story…a ghostly love story.
Andrew Hayes is the lead singer/guitarist/song writer of the band The Lost Boys. He’s been on the road playing gigs with his about-to-breakout-band and, more importantly, searching for his muse. He thinks he’s found her in Emily Thomas, a college student working on her graduate degree in San Francisco. She’s always been unlucky in love and relationships. She sees a musician playing in the park one day and is inexplicably drawn to him.
If this were a normal romance novel, girl would meet boy and then they would spend the rest of the time chasing each other…all in the name of love. However, this is a paranormal romance novel, so you just know this is the beginning of a story that will tangle you up in its web with every turn of the page.
The pair are visited in their home (yes, they live in the same building) by two spirits who were lovers in the past – Nick and Nora. These two ghostly lovers are destined to never be in the same place at the same time. Emily feels it’s up to her to help them, and begs Andrew to help, too. His bandmates, Simon and Christian, and her roommates, Margot and Zoey, are also enlisted to help.
As the characters follow clues, hold seances, and discover deep familial secrets, your original thoughts about where the story was headed will be turned completely upside down. I found myself yelling at the pages and reading more and more to find a fix to the predicament or to find out if it could be fixed.
The sign of a good book? When it ends and you’re desperate for more. Sarah M. Glover wrote a good book. While the story is complete and whole, I fell for the well-developed characters and immediately found myself hoping for a sequel. I highly recommend Grave Refrain…intense moments and all.
DJ, Contributor
fics2flicks.com
Andrew Hayes is the lead singer/guitarist/song writer of the band The Lost Boys. He’s been on the road playing gigs with his about-to-breakout-band and, more importantly, searching for his muse. He thinks he’s found her in Emily Thomas, a college student working on her graduate degree in San Francisco. She’s always been unlucky in love and relationships. She sees a musician playing in the park one day and is inexplicably drawn to him.
If this were a normal romance novel, girl would meet boy and then they would spend the rest of the time chasing each other…all in the name of love. However, this is a paranormal romance novel, so you just know this is the beginning of a story that will tangle you up in its web with every turn of the page.
The pair are visited in their home (yes, they live in the same building) by two spirits who were lovers in the past – Nick and Nora. These two ghostly lovers are destined to never be in the same place at the same time. Emily feels it’s up to her to help them, and begs Andrew to help, too. His bandmates, Simon and Christian, and her roommates, Margot and Zoey, are also enlisted to help.
As the characters follow clues, hold seances, and discover deep familial secrets, your original thoughts about where the story was headed will be turned completely upside down. I found myself yelling at the pages and reading more and more to find a fix to the predicament or to find out if it could be fixed.
The sign of a good book? When it ends and you’re desperate for more. Sarah M. Glover wrote a good book. While the story is complete and whole, I fell for the well-developed characters and immediately found myself hoping for a sequel. I highly recommend Grave Refrain…intense moments and all.
DJ, Contributor
fics2flicks.com
July 15, 2013
I read Grave Refrain: A Love/Ghost Story as part of a buddy read. And I am glad that it was part of a buddy read because it made me push myself past a less than stellar beginning.
Once I was into the book there were several amazing things that I loved. I loved Andrew because he was a true tortured, passionate, possessive H. I loved his obsession/madness with the h and I loved every aspect of him and his music and his band. I loved that the band was right on the cusp of stardom and how that affected him and the h. I liked that the h was quirky and I liked that even when she was insecure and afraid she stayed in the relationship. If the book had centered around their relationship, both of their insecurities within the relationship, his obsession/madness, and the music/band I would have liked it much more. I did also enjoy the supporting characters, especially Simon with his doubts concerning the h and how out of control the H is in regards to her.
The book is long, too many times written passively, and it was incredibly busy because along with all of that, the characters are also dealing with ghosts. For whatever reason, I was not completely sold on the ghosts and felt that they were not needed. There was enough meat in the remaining parts of the story to provide an excellent book with a more manageable length.
All that said, Andrew was a fucking fantastic H and his passion and obsession for the h was riveting. He was truly tortured and mad at times. It brought to mind all the stories about artists feeling more deeply and responding with more fervor than normal folks. When the H and h came together they were frenzied and intense...pure ecstasy. I loved it. He was protective and frantic and I loved that too. I just wished it wasn't interspersed with the whole ghost story line, otherwise it would have been a 5 star read.
Once I was into the book there were several amazing things that I loved. I loved Andrew because he was a true tortured, passionate, possessive H. I loved his obsession/madness with the h and I loved every aspect of him and his music and his band. I loved that the band was right on the cusp of stardom and how that affected him and the h. I liked that the h was quirky and I liked that even when she was insecure and afraid she stayed in the relationship. If the book had centered around their relationship, both of their insecurities within the relationship, his obsession/madness, and the music/band I would have liked it much more. I did also enjoy the supporting characters, especially Simon with his doubts concerning the h and how out of control the H is in regards to her.
The book is long, too many times written passively, and it was incredibly busy because along with all of that, the characters are also dealing with ghosts. For whatever reason, I was not completely sold on the ghosts and felt that they were not needed. There was enough meat in the remaining parts of the story to provide an excellent book with a more manageable length.
All that said, Andrew was a fucking fantastic H and his passion and obsession for the h was riveting. He was truly tortured and mad at times. It brought to mind all the stories about artists feeling more deeply and responding with more fervor than normal folks. When the H and h came together they were frenzied and intense...pure ecstasy. I loved it. He was protective and frantic and I loved that too. I just wished it wasn't interspersed with the whole ghost story line, otherwise it would have been a 5 star read.
September 6, 2012
Sarah Glover treats us with a perfect mix of romance, mystery and paranormal, with vibrant characters that develop in front of your eyes and enough poetry, suspense and magic to keep you reading into the night.
“The Lost Boys”, a pub band needing some fresh air abandons London and move to San Francisco. Struggling to find their own place in life, they move to a decaying Victorian house under renovations and hit the local scene.
Andrew, the tortured sexy guitarist who has been haunted by his muse - his “perfect woman”- all his life soon finds himself face to face with her, her neighbour Emily.
“If history books recorded such things, they would note that the Lost Boys’ assault on their neighbours’ hearts began on that Friday, at around six p.m.”
Of course nothing is simple for Andrew: the old dusty mansion is not only inhabited by the band members, Emily and her two best friends Margot and Zoey, they also have ghosts.
I love the way Nick and Nora - resident ghosts - spin around, unveiling their own romance and taking us deeper into the refrain of love and death that seem to be repeating itself in the lives of Andrew and Emily.
As the plot thickens, we’re introduced to a new world of colourful characters, some alive, some not so much. A group of séance performing stoners, an recognized music producer, a fortune teller and a bunch of not so peacefully-resting spirits guide us through this trip, while the romance grows and the weird dangerous situations raise.
Good music, hot sexy musician with a British accent, intelligent humour, brightly written story with well developed characters, poetry and mystery…Who can ask for more?
I’ll have a Martini with a side of Andrew Hayes. Sigh.
“Somewhere nearby a piano swooned jazz.”
“The Lost Boys”, a pub band needing some fresh air abandons London and move to San Francisco. Struggling to find their own place in life, they move to a decaying Victorian house under renovations and hit the local scene.
Andrew, the tortured sexy guitarist who has been haunted by his muse - his “perfect woman”- all his life soon finds himself face to face with her, her neighbour Emily.
“If history books recorded such things, they would note that the Lost Boys’ assault on their neighbours’ hearts began on that Friday, at around six p.m.”
Of course nothing is simple for Andrew: the old dusty mansion is not only inhabited by the band members, Emily and her two best friends Margot and Zoey, they also have ghosts.
I love the way Nick and Nora - resident ghosts - spin around, unveiling their own romance and taking us deeper into the refrain of love and death that seem to be repeating itself in the lives of Andrew and Emily.
As the plot thickens, we’re introduced to a new world of colourful characters, some alive, some not so much. A group of séance performing stoners, an recognized music producer, a fortune teller and a bunch of not so peacefully-resting spirits guide us through this trip, while the romance grows and the weird dangerous situations raise.
Good music, hot sexy musician with a British accent, intelligent humour, brightly written story with well developed characters, poetry and mystery…Who can ask for more?
I’ll have a Martini with a side of Andrew Hayes. Sigh.
“Somewhere nearby a piano swooned jazz.”
September 12, 2013
Grave Refrain: A Love/Ghost Story by Sarah M. Glover is a paranormal romance.
Since he was a kid, musician Andrew Hayes has been searching for his muse, the woman he has seen in his dreams and other places. When his band travels to San Francisco, Andrew sees it as a chance to search a new city for his muse, and this time he actually finds her. Emily Thomas moves with her two friends into an old house that's said to be haunted by a pair of lovers. What she doesn't expect is meeting and falling in love with Andrew -- and that the ghosts seem to need her and Andrew's help in order to finally be together. Soon, Andrew and Emily are trying to figure out how to reunite the ghosts -- and why the two of them seem to be part of a cycle of tragic, doomed love ...
This book has a lot going on in it -- music, new love, old love, ghosts, creepy obsessions, mysteries. I enjoyed all the literary and music references Glover has in the book, and she brings the city of San Francisco and other locales to life until they are almost like slightly spooky characters in their own right.
However, the action does drag in places, and it takes a while for the story to get going. Even when the plot starts moving along, there are a lot of stops and starts with Andrew and Emily's relationship. I also felt like there were a few too many subplots, including one with Andrew and some of his issues with his mother and father and his band's struggle to break out and make it big. The subplots are interesting, but some of them slowed the book down for me.
Overall, this book didn't quite work for me, but if you enjoy ghost stories, you might want to check it out.
Since he was a kid, musician Andrew Hayes has been searching for his muse, the woman he has seen in his dreams and other places. When his band travels to San Francisco, Andrew sees it as a chance to search a new city for his muse, and this time he actually finds her. Emily Thomas moves with her two friends into an old house that's said to be haunted by a pair of lovers. What she doesn't expect is meeting and falling in love with Andrew -- and that the ghosts seem to need her and Andrew's help in order to finally be together. Soon, Andrew and Emily are trying to figure out how to reunite the ghosts -- and why the two of them seem to be part of a cycle of tragic, doomed love ...
This book has a lot going on in it -- music, new love, old love, ghosts, creepy obsessions, mysteries. I enjoyed all the literary and music references Glover has in the book, and she brings the city of San Francisco and other locales to life until they are almost like slightly spooky characters in their own right.
However, the action does drag in places, and it takes a while for the story to get going. Even when the plot starts moving along, there are a lot of stops and starts with Andrew and Emily's relationship. I also felt like there were a few too many subplots, including one with Andrew and some of his issues with his mother and father and his band's struggle to break out and make it big. The subplots are interesting, but some of them slowed the book down for me.
Overall, this book didn't quite work for me, but if you enjoy ghost stories, you might want to check it out.
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