What do you think?
Rate this book
Set in Stone
Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
5 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Anna Cruise
29 books462 followersAnna Cruise has been writing and drooling over boys since middle school. Lots of years have passed but some things never change...
Her novels include IT WAS YOU, IT WAS ME, IF I FALL, SET IN STONE and MAVERICK. Additional titles releasing during 2013 include a stand-alone NA, DOWN BY THE WATER and two untitled novels.
Her novels include IT WAS YOU, IT WAS ME, IF I FALL, SET IN STONE and MAVERICK. Additional titles releasing during 2013 include a stand-alone NA, DOWN BY THE WATER and two untitled novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 27, 2012
Story
Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
My Thoughts
I CAN'T. I CAN'T. My heart hurts! Set in Stone was amazing! I cried twice, and I don't even care that I have school tomorrow. I knew I had to finish this book.
I love the ending! It proved that Valerie did grow, that she had the ability to move on, even though it didn't feel like that when he had to leave. I just love that because to me, that meant that no matter what obstacles are placed in your life, you can get through them, learn, and move on. Man, just simply…amazing. Valerie was an awesome character. Smart, beautiful,and artistic. Also, I LOVED how the good guy had dark hair for once! Okay, I know what you're thinking. Some heroes have dark hair, and yeah, they do. But not when compared to another blonde, brighter, guy. If there's two guys, the girl normally chooses the one with light hair, not the dark hottie with a past. Or at least, not until the end. Noel is just wonderful. He's sweet, patient, and his season is winter!? I love him to death.
The descriptions were very detailed and easy to picture. I liked how Valeria was so artistic. I mean, I want to write all over my walls now! And, Geoff? I knew he liked Val! I mean, I was little thrown off by that one chick, but I was right in the end. ;p
Thank you so much, Ms. Balmanno, for letting me start my school year with a great book on my mind. I totally recommend it! (:
Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
My Thoughts
I CAN'T. I CAN'T. My heart hurts! Set in Stone was amazing! I cried twice, and I don't even care that I have school tomorrow. I knew I had to finish this book.
I love the ending! It proved that Valerie did grow, that she had the ability to move on, even though it didn't feel like that when he had to leave. I just love that because to me, that meant that no matter what obstacles are placed in your life, you can get through them, learn, and move on. Man, just simply…amazing. Valerie was an awesome character. Smart, beautiful,and artistic. Also, I LOVED how the good guy had dark hair for once! Okay, I know what you're thinking. Some heroes have dark hair, and yeah, they do. But not when compared to another blonde, brighter, guy. If there's two guys, the girl normally chooses the one with light hair, not the dark hottie with a past. Or at least, not until the end. Noel is just wonderful. He's sweet, patient, and his season is winter!? I love him to death.
The descriptions were very detailed and easy to picture. I liked how Valeria was so artistic. I mean, I want to write all over my walls now! And, Geoff? I knew he liked Val! I mean, I was little thrown off by that one chick, but I was right in the end. ;p
Thank you so much, Ms. Balmanno, for letting me start my school year with a great book on my mind. I totally recommend it! (:
April 1, 2012
I couldn't put this book down! The second the book revealed it's mythology plot twist I was hooked and glued - and decided it was 100% worth it to stay up until 2am reading. Now I wish I had spaced the book out b/c I could have savored it over the course of the weekend. Which only means one thing: I will absolutely be re-reading this book!
The characters in the book were fantastic [especially Noel!] and left me dying to learn more about them. If I had to voice a complaint it was simply that I didn't want the book to end. I always feel a little silly reading YA novels since I'm well into my twenties but this book didn't absolutely scream high-school to me. Maybe it was the mythology tie-in to the plot - that gets me every. time. I think anyone would absolutely enjoy curling up in this world and letting the story unravel!
I can't wait to read more from Beth Balmanno!
The characters in the book were fantastic [especially Noel!] and left me dying to learn more about them. If I had to voice a complaint it was simply that I didn't want the book to end. I always feel a little silly reading YA novels since I'm well into my twenties but this book didn't absolutely scream high-school to me. Maybe it was the mythology tie-in to the plot - that gets me every. time. I think anyone would absolutely enjoy curling up in this world and letting the story unravel!
I can't wait to read more from Beth Balmanno!
January 12, 2015
Whew! This book sent me through a heap of emotions and I just couldn't stop reading.
I found the premise so fresh and new. The story line was unpredictable for me which I loved! There were no moments when I thought to my self, "...and now this happens." The story kept moving at a great pace with just the right amount of development throughout.
I was immediately pulled into the mythology involved with this story. It is so well integrated with real life.
Set in Stone follows Valerie a 15 year old who has yet to come into her own. She has a faltering relationship with her mom and her dad is consumed with business. The story opens with a family camping trip that Val is none too excited to be apart of. Little does she know it is this trip that will change her life.
Her character is so real and I related with so much of what she was feeling and experiencing at that age. Her first love and loss. Every time she smiled in the book I smiled right along with her.
It was hard for me to remember that this book was aimed for a younger age (I am in my mid 20's) Set in Stone could be enjoyable for any age not just young adults.
It was so nice to see Val gain her strength at the end of the book. I really felt like I had journeyed with her.
Oh! And I loved the characters of Noel and Leo as well. I would be interested to know how Balmanno came up with their concept! It was great that despite the fact they are Gods, they can also be realized as human as well.
This book was just so great! I can not wait to read the sequel!!
I found the premise so fresh and new. The story line was unpredictable for me which I loved! There were no moments when I thought to my self, "...and now this happens." The story kept moving at a great pace with just the right amount of development throughout.
I was immediately pulled into the mythology involved with this story. It is so well integrated with real life.
Set in Stone follows Valerie a 15 year old who has yet to come into her own. She has a faltering relationship with her mom and her dad is consumed with business. The story opens with a family camping trip that Val is none too excited to be apart of. Little does she know it is this trip that will change her life.
Her character is so real and I related with so much of what she was feeling and experiencing at that age. Her first love and loss. Every time she smiled in the book I smiled right along with her.
It was hard for me to remember that this book was aimed for a younger age (I am in my mid 20's) Set in Stone could be enjoyable for any age not just young adults.
It was so nice to see Val gain her strength at the end of the book. I really felt like I had journeyed with her.
Oh! And I loved the characters of Noel and Leo as well. I would be interested to know how Balmanno came up with their concept! It was great that despite the fact they are Gods, they can also be realized as human as well.
This book was just so great! I can not wait to read the sequel!!
April 19, 2012
**REVIEW**Possible Spoilers..Taken from my Blog Le' BookSquirrel
What a cute read..Who knew a stone could cause so much trouble?The story revolves around Valerie finding the stone and Leo trying to get said stone using his powers of persuasion and Noel trying to protect Valerie 's from Leo's persuasiveness.Valerie and Noel have an almost instant attraction all the while Noel is fighting his need to get the magic stone.Im not mentioning what the stone's powers are as I do not want to ruin the story.Valerie Has to make a decision on who to give the stone to Leo or Noel..In the end she chooses.
I love finding new Authors to read!I did think it was a bit slow in certain places but it picks up just as you start thinking its slow.Definitely worth reading!Would totally be up for reading more from Beth Balmanno.You can find Set In Stone HERE on Amazon.
What a cute read..Who knew a stone could cause so much trouble?The story revolves around Valerie finding the stone and Leo trying to get said stone using his powers of persuasion and Noel trying to protect Valerie 's from Leo's persuasiveness.Valerie and Noel have an almost instant attraction all the while Noel is fighting his need to get the magic stone.Im not mentioning what the stone's powers are as I do not want to ruin the story.Valerie Has to make a decision on who to give the stone to Leo or Noel..In the end she chooses.
I love finding new Authors to read!I did think it was a bit slow in certain places but it picks up just as you start thinking its slow.Definitely worth reading!Would totally be up for reading more from Beth Balmanno.You can find Set In Stone HERE on Amazon.
April 7, 2012
I chose to read Balmanno's Set in Stone based on a recommendation but without knowing anything about the story. How very glad I am that I was so trusting.
Balmanno easy draws the reader into her world with a creative tale and spectacular characters. I felt myself just as caught up in Valerie's dilemma as she was. I felt her suffering as well as her joy. It was hard not to be thrust into their world with the incredible way Balmanno set's a scene. The book carried my attention all the way through to it's moral inspired ending. Hopefully it will be read by many teenagers and adults alike as there really is too much to live for to make hasty decisions while in the heat of the emotional moment.
Balmanno easy draws the reader into her world with a creative tale and spectacular characters. I felt myself just as caught up in Valerie's dilemma as she was. I felt her suffering as well as her joy. It was hard not to be thrust into their world with the incredible way Balmanno set's a scene. The book carried my attention all the way through to it's moral inspired ending. Hopefully it will be read by many teenagers and adults alike as there really is too much to live for to make hasty decisions while in the heat of the emotional moment.
April 6, 2012
I really enjoyed Valerie as a strong female main character, I found myself agreeing with her and sympathizing with her rather than being annoyed by her, which happens so often with other books. There are none of those "But just SAY what you MEAN!" moments in Set in Stone. I liked how the characters were introduced for a purpose, and fleshed out enough to know them without being over-descriptive or tedious. Overall, I recommend this book as a nice alternative to so much YA romance out there. I learned a little bit about mythology, enjoyed the main character. I hope we get to know Jess a little more in future books.
August 12, 2016
I just finished reading Set in Stone this past weekend and I don't think there are enough words to describe how enjoyable it was. It is a book that takes you on a journey through growth and love. The setting is beautifully described... so much so, that you feel like you're there. The characters seem so real that you can relate to them. I cried when I was done reading, not only because the story was so poignant, but because my journey was over. Only for the moment, I hope. I'm looking forward to reading much more from this lovely author!!
November 10, 2016
I loved it !!! The story was so interesting and it was just so good !!! XD I loved Valerie and Noel they were so sweet and cute together. And I was on the verge of tears when he had to leave. But Valerie was so strong, of course he was sad but she didn't go all Bella on us, and I was just so awesome :)
April 5, 2012
Just finished the book!
I got hooked right away by this story. It kept me away at night until late and I only put the book down because my eyes would stop working!
I loved the characters! I loved Valerie.
I really really want a sequel...and more Noel.
Did I say I want more Noel?
So I loved this book!! Very well paced and never got boring. The main character never let me down or annoyed me ( a common thing for me ) and the plot was well written and well placed in the book.
The only thing that I did not like was reaching the end. I wanted more!!!
I wanted more Noel, Val, Geoff , Leo !
I got hooked right away by this story. It kept me away at night until late and I only put the book down because my eyes would stop working!
I loved the characters! I loved Valerie.
I really really want a sequel...and more Noel.
Did I say I want more Noel?
So I loved this book!! Very well paced and never got boring. The main character never let me down or annoyed me ( a common thing for me ) and the plot was well written and well placed in the book.
The only thing that I did not like was reaching the end. I wanted more!!!
I wanted more Noel, Val, Geoff , Leo !
March 5, 2016
Didn't expected that I would enjoy it as much as I did. The plot and characters are really good and I loved reading it. I really liked the chemistry between Noel and Valerie. There are lots of sexual tension between them which I really enjoyed. The plot is amazingly beautiful that I totally immersed myself into it. At first, I thought that this book wouldn't be that great but now I'm glad for picking it up. It was a quick read and I've completed it in one sitting. Now I know that you shouldn't judge a book by It's cover. I was pretty shocked with the ending though it was really heart breaking.
April 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down once I started. I love the brother dynamic in books. I loved the details and the characters the author created, I was swooning over Noel. I was literally shocked with the ending though..not necessarily my first choice for an ending but hopefully there will be a sequel,, definitely worth reading!
April 7, 2012
This is such a great book and deserves to be The Next Big Thing In YA. Great characters, great voice and such a great story. We need a sequel. NOW.
February 28, 2012
Loving this one...
April 29, 2012
Excellent read. Hoped to read it while on vacation, but couldn't put it down. Finished it before we left. A real page turner. Looking forward to the sequel.
January 6, 2013
it was so flipping good!!!!! I loved it to death and I knew Geoff liked her!!! oh and the extra little bit at the end with the sequel!! I want to read it so bad!!
June 14, 2012
4.5 STARS
I won this book in a contest. Naturally, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had entered the contest after seeing the Goodreads summary above and thought, "why not? It looks interesting!" Plus, the thought of two attractive guys warring over a girl got me interested, too. Admittedly, I'm a sucker for plots that contain any sort of love-triangle. But what I want to say is that I am beyond impressed with this debut e-book. It's much longer than any other e-book I've read to date, and I loved that. Beth Balmanno has a way with words.
Valerie is only fifteen years old when she stumbles off of a path in the woods on her annual hiking trip. This path leads her to a magical, glowing stone that has a temperature that alternates between hot and cold. Not long after finding the stone, she runs into two boys: Noel and Leo. Noel, the boy who wishes to protect her from unknown forces, soon finds himself falling in love with Valerie. Leo, the boy who seems to be surrounded by constant sunshine and has the ability to hypnotize Val into doing almost anything he wishes, will stop at nothing to retrieve the stone from her. What powers lurk within this magical stone? Why do such two, gorgeous boys want it so badly that they will follow her away from her campsite and attend her school in an attempt to retrieve? And why, oh why, does Val feel such an inexplicable draw to the dark-haired beauty that is Noel Flannery?
The plot for this book is great. I haven't come across anything like it and the incorporation of Celtic lore was a bonus for me. I love any type of mythology, but I have never stumbled across Celtic mythology before. Balmanno introduces you to a new kind of history as Valerie works to uncover the secrets of her precious stone. And, may I add, she does it with an expertise that is enviable. I guarantee that this plot is not one that you have come across before and, overall, it will be a pleasant surprise to you.
The foreshadowing connected to Noel and Leo's true identities was a bit obvious at times. If you sat down and thought about things for a second, you could figure out what they were and what their powers entailed on your own, though their history and purpose would be something completely unexpected. For the most part, the book was not that predictable.
The characterization in this novel was genius. Val was so stubborn, so desperate to be loved and cared for, simply to be noticed. That's all she wanted. And that is something that Noel was so willing to give to her. To him, she was the ultimate beauty. I enjoyed watching Val's journey to self-discovery. I also enjoyed watching her gain her strength near the end of the book. I'm sure that if I were ever put into a situation that could change the fate of the world as we know it, I'd probably freak out just as much as she had, probably even more.
Noel and Leo were mesmerizing. I love their Celtic history and the fact that they're utter opposites, yet so willing to help each other when they're in the proper state of mind. Leo is warm and wonderful while Noel is cold and wise. And together, they make the ultimate pair of eye-candy in the form of twins. They left me begging to read more and more!
This book was an enjoyable read and I do plan on obtaining the sequel whenever it comes out. As of now, Balmanno is working on another book before getting back to the sequel, but I will be eagerly anticipating it. I am choosing to give this book 4.5 stars. While it blew me away as a debut novel, it did have one drawback to me and that was that, at times, it lacked flow. Everything seemed to just "magically" fall into place in some instances. Before Val could sit down and fully contemplate one major happening, some other major event happened that was somehow connected to the previous event so perfectly that it was almost ironic. I wish, at times, that there was more room for detail. Aside from that, I have no qualms with this novel and believe that its sequel will be a novel worth checking out, especially since I couldn't stop myself from reading the sneak-peek of the sequel in the back of the prequel and I'm currently brimming with anticipation.
This is definitely an e-book worth reading if you ever have the time. A cute little read to grab for the Summer!
I won this book in a contest. Naturally, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had entered the contest after seeing the Goodreads summary above and thought, "why not? It looks interesting!" Plus, the thought of two attractive guys warring over a girl got me interested, too. Admittedly, I'm a sucker for plots that contain any sort of love-triangle. But what I want to say is that I am beyond impressed with this debut e-book. It's much longer than any other e-book I've read to date, and I loved that. Beth Balmanno has a way with words.
Valerie is only fifteen years old when she stumbles off of a path in the woods on her annual hiking trip. This path leads her to a magical, glowing stone that has a temperature that alternates between hot and cold. Not long after finding the stone, she runs into two boys: Noel and Leo. Noel, the boy who wishes to protect her from unknown forces, soon finds himself falling in love with Valerie. Leo, the boy who seems to be surrounded by constant sunshine and has the ability to hypnotize Val into doing almost anything he wishes, will stop at nothing to retrieve the stone from her. What powers lurk within this magical stone? Why do such two, gorgeous boys want it so badly that they will follow her away from her campsite and attend her school in an attempt to retrieve? And why, oh why, does Val feel such an inexplicable draw to the dark-haired beauty that is Noel Flannery?
The plot for this book is great. I haven't come across anything like it and the incorporation of Celtic lore was a bonus for me. I love any type of mythology, but I have never stumbled across Celtic mythology before. Balmanno introduces you to a new kind of history as Valerie works to uncover the secrets of her precious stone. And, may I add, she does it with an expertise that is enviable. I guarantee that this plot is not one that you have come across before and, overall, it will be a pleasant surprise to you.
The foreshadowing connected to Noel and Leo's true identities was a bit obvious at times. If you sat down and thought about things for a second, you could figure out what they were and what their powers entailed on your own, though their history and purpose would be something completely unexpected. For the most part, the book was not that predictable.
The characterization in this novel was genius. Val was so stubborn, so desperate to be loved and cared for, simply to be noticed. That's all she wanted. And that is something that Noel was so willing to give to her. To him, she was the ultimate beauty. I enjoyed watching Val's journey to self-discovery. I also enjoyed watching her gain her strength near the end of the book. I'm sure that if I were ever put into a situation that could change the fate of the world as we know it, I'd probably freak out just as much as she had, probably even more.
Noel and Leo were mesmerizing. I love their Celtic history and the fact that they're utter opposites, yet so willing to help each other when they're in the proper state of mind. Leo is warm and wonderful while Noel is cold and wise. And together, they make the ultimate pair of eye-candy in the form of twins. They left me begging to read more and more!
This book was an enjoyable read and I do plan on obtaining the sequel whenever it comes out. As of now, Balmanno is working on another book before getting back to the sequel, but I will be eagerly anticipating it. I am choosing to give this book 4.5 stars. While it blew me away as a debut novel, it did have one drawback to me and that was that, at times, it lacked flow. Everything seemed to just "magically" fall into place in some instances. Before Val could sit down and fully contemplate one major happening, some other major event happened that was somehow connected to the previous event so perfectly that it was almost ironic. I wish, at times, that there was more room for detail. Aside from that, I have no qualms with this novel and believe that its sequel will be a novel worth checking out, especially since I couldn't stop myself from reading the sneak-peek of the sequel in the back of the prequel and I'm currently brimming with anticipation.
This is definitely an e-book worth reading if you ever have the time. A cute little read to grab for the Summer!
May 30, 2012
While hiking on a camping trip 15-year-old Valerie falls, ends up off the trail, and find herself in a strange place in the forest where she finds a beautiful, mysterious stone. She knows the stone is special, but she doesn't tell anyone about it. Almost immediately, a beautifully tempting dark-haired guy shows up, but Valerie knows something isn't quite right about it all. The next thing she knows, this same hot guy has enrolled in her school. Not only is he now attending, but his brother Leo, who is blonde, tanned, and has an irresistible pull about him is also attending. She ends up telling her friend Geoff about everything and he tries to help her find out the origins of the stone, and the mysterious guys who seem to want it. Noel, the dark hottie, ends up falling for Valerie and pledges to keep her safe. As Valerie delves into finding the truth about the stone and the two mysterious boys, what she discovers is almost beyond belief, and Valerie has to make a very important decision that could change the world.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning. The story and the characters were unique, fresh, and creative. The Celtic lore concept surrounding the stone and the mythological element surrounding the story and the characters was brilliant. I don't want to give too much away about that, because that is part of what makes this book so amazing. I loved seeing Valerie's character develop in strength throughout the novel. Leo and Noel were Gods, and totally hot. I loved the romance between Noel and Valerie, and felt like I was experiencing the whole gamut of emotions Valerie did, right along with her. The book is filled with twists and turns, and just when you think you know what's next, Beth takes the story in a different direction, keeping you guessing and intrigued the whole time. Romance, mythology, magic, hot guys, great plot - Set in Stone has it all and I would definitely recommend it.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning. The story and the characters were unique, fresh, and creative. The Celtic lore concept surrounding the stone and the mythological element surrounding the story and the characters was brilliant. I don't want to give too much away about that, because that is part of what makes this book so amazing. I loved seeing Valerie's character develop in strength throughout the novel. Leo and Noel were Gods, and totally hot. I loved the romance between Noel and Valerie, and felt like I was experiencing the whole gamut of emotions Valerie did, right along with her. The book is filled with twists and turns, and just when you think you know what's next, Beth takes the story in a different direction, keeping you guessing and intrigued the whole time. Romance, mythology, magic, hot guys, great plot - Set in Stone has it all and I would definitely recommend it.
July 3, 2014
Valerie's life takes an unexpected turn when she comes across a glowing stone on the trails one day. She and her family have gone on a camping trip, intent on enjoying everything nature has to offer. The sight of the stone draws her in like a moth to a flame. She has to have it, even if it means she'll need to keep its existence a secret from everyone else.
When the enigmatic Noel suddenly pops up in her life, Valerie isn't sure as to what she should make of it. Part of her wonders if his presence is due to her finding the stone. Is it possible she's stumbled onto a world she knows nothing about? If so, what does Noel want with her? Should she return the stone to him and be rid of him, once and for all? Those questions and more ripple through her mind the more time she spends with him.
To make matters worse, she now has to contend with his brother's presence. It's obvious the stone has brought them to her. The question is, why? How is she supposed to change the outcome of what clearly seems to be a war happening between the two?
Determined in making sense of the unexpected series of events she's inadvertently set into motion, Valerie soon realizes that things aren't as simple as they seem. The boys have an agenda, one she's caught in the middle of. One, sadly, she's not sure she'll come out of unscathed.
Set In Stone is certainly an intriguing story. I love the fact that Anna has used the elements of the seasons to tell a story about two gods vying for control. It's endearing, too, to see Valerie struggle to make the best choices possible. I truly wonder as to whether which of the brothers will come out on top in the long run. Just how much will Valerie's world change, I wonder? Only time will tell!
When the enigmatic Noel suddenly pops up in her life, Valerie isn't sure as to what she should make of it. Part of her wonders if his presence is due to her finding the stone. Is it possible she's stumbled onto a world she knows nothing about? If so, what does Noel want with her? Should she return the stone to him and be rid of him, once and for all? Those questions and more ripple through her mind the more time she spends with him.
To make matters worse, she now has to contend with his brother's presence. It's obvious the stone has brought them to her. The question is, why? How is she supposed to change the outcome of what clearly seems to be a war happening between the two?
Determined in making sense of the unexpected series of events she's inadvertently set into motion, Valerie soon realizes that things aren't as simple as they seem. The boys have an agenda, one she's caught in the middle of. One, sadly, she's not sure she'll come out of unscathed.
Set In Stone is certainly an intriguing story. I love the fact that Anna has used the elements of the seasons to tell a story about two gods vying for control. It's endearing, too, to see Valerie struggle to make the best choices possible. I truly wonder as to whether which of the brothers will come out on top in the long run. Just how much will Valerie's world change, I wonder? Only time will tell!
May 24, 2012
Valerie Ramsey thinks of herself as a typical 15 year old high school student…completely average. Until the day, she makes an extraordinary discovery. While camping with her parents and friends, Valerie finds a perfect stone with a Celtic Cross imbedded inside it. The stone is imbued with magical forces beyond Valerie's awareness and those forces will stop at nothing to possess the stone. Those forces do come packaged as two very hunky young men, Noel and Leo. It is a race to discover the truth about the stone and the mysterious Noel and Leo, because the decisions she makes might change the world forever.
Set in Stone is a totally refreshing new story that hooked me almost instantly. I didn’t want to put it down. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen Beth Balmanno would pull you into a totally unexpected direction. Ms. Balmanno artfully put us on an emotional roller coaster ride with lots of twist and turns. I really enjoyed the mythology aspects, the personal growth of the characters and the romantic tension. So, when is the sequel coming out because I don’t want to miss it!
This copy of Set in Stone was given to me by Beth Balmanno in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Stone is a totally refreshing new story that hooked me almost instantly. I didn’t want to put it down. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen Beth Balmanno would pull you into a totally unexpected direction. Ms. Balmanno artfully put us on an emotional roller coaster ride with lots of twist and turns. I really enjoyed the mythology aspects, the personal growth of the characters and the romantic tension. So, when is the sequel coming out because I don’t want to miss it!
This copy of Set in Stone was given to me by Beth Balmanno in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2012
Wow, this story was amazing!
The story has a very unique plot, great characters, and strong female with a difficult ending. So glad that there is a second book! Because I was yelling at the end, I wanted to throw the book across the room but that would break my ipad so I reframed and a good thing because I turned a few pages and bam chapter one to the next book which I devoured immediately. With all the sad situations surrounding Valerie, she remains strong in front of others very sad but life goes on. I felt her pain and broken hart when she had to stay behind…what female has not. I was glad that she found happiness even though it was for a little while. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Leo and Noel oh my Gods! You guys can fight over me any time enough said.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
The story has a very unique plot, great characters, and strong female with a difficult ending. So glad that there is a second book! Because I was yelling at the end, I wanted to throw the book across the room but that would break my ipad so I reframed and a good thing because I turned a few pages and bam chapter one to the next book which I devoured immediately. With all the sad situations surrounding Valerie, she remains strong in front of others very sad but life goes on. I felt her pain and broken hart when she had to stay behind…what female has not. I was glad that she found happiness even though it was for a little while. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Leo and Noel oh my Gods! You guys can fight over me any time enough said.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
Read
August 27, 2012I am so grateful someone recommended this book to me. I downloded the book onto my iPad so I was able to start the read at my leisure. Let me tell you that once I started to read the first page, it thoroughl captured my interest, so much so that it was difficult to put down. What an awesome writer! It ceases to amaze me how authors come up with storylines. Balmanno must have a unique personality (and mind) not to mention IMAGINNATION! I would defintely recommen this but (and have done so already). Additionally, where can you enhance your mind with hours of entertainment for a mere $2.99? I give this book a 5-star rating. And by the way, I just found out Balmanno has authored another book -NINE LIVES. That's my next read.
August 6, 2012
A refreshingly different paranormal/fantasy ya story centering around celtic folklore. A wonderful heroine who starts out being a typical teen but by the end of the book has reached a maturity and gains much strength that the reader can't help but feel admiration for her. Like a magnetic pull this book tore me away from another book I was reading and kept me glued to each page. I was a lttle surprised to discover there is to be a sequel but am defintiely looking forward to it.
June 20, 2013
Great book, not what I was expecting but it was better. I love the characters, they're all likable people (even Leo). I was surprised by the ending but in some ways I am glad it ended the way it did, although I really wanted Valerie to end up with Noel and was really disappointed that he left...twice! Great read :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2013
I was really hoping there would be a way for Noel and Valerie to live happily ever after. This was the most original love story I have ever read. Beautiful and sweet and I am left desperate for Noel to be in my life!! I loved the mystery involved. The mythology twist was a fantastic surprise and now I'm in love with a God :)
July 27, 2014
I really liked this book! It was sweet, heartbreaking and hopeful. Ended like a read alone novel, everything is pretty much tied up but in the back of my Kindle version it mentions that Beth Balmanno is working on a sequel(im guessing she decided to go under the pen name Anna Cruise) but i can't find any mention of a sequel online. So is there going to be a sequel? I wouldn't mind more Noel.
November 24, 2012
This book is amazing and i hope to see the sequel soon!!! Its one of those books that you will stay up all night reading just to finish. Thank you Beth Balmanno for writing such an awesome story and letting us fall in love with Noel!!!
July 11, 2013
I thought this book was pretty good. The only complaints I had was that the romance moved very quickly and that the middle seems dull and didn't have much if a story other then spending time with Noel. but other than that this book was pretty good. an easy read.
August 13, 2014
I dunno about this book, was an interesting read with the mythology twist and everything but even with the time limit it seemed slow and almost pointless. Everything that happened was for nothing it seems other than for others to realize they need her in their lives?
May 18, 2012
Well told story. Not a genre of book that I typically read. I enjoyed the main character and found myself identifying with her as I recalled my turbulent high school years.
May 31, 2012
I thought this book was so beautifully written with a fabulous storyline. It grabs your attention and pulls you into the story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews