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Winter's Destiny
She's an architect, a wife, and a mother, but the quiet life ends suddenly for Amy Johnson. Alone, with a fall gale howling around the rafters, she turns to see a woman’s rain-streaked face staring at her through the dark window.
The face is identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy’s life crumbles. Her husband leaves, her only child disappears, and something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. Amy is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where answers stay buried, where time ticks dangerously by, where her life is in constant peril, and worse, where her son, Jamie is hidden.
To find her child, she must find her look-alike, and that dislodges a killer who hunts her relentlessly. Sheriff Dallas Wayburne’s investigation parallels Amy’s, and their combined efforts draw them together when time is critical and when their relationship adds yet another dimension to Amy’s stressful life.
They finally track down the powerful, destructive man behind the scenes, learn the identity of Amy’s look-alike, and unravel a puzzle decades in the making. As time runs out, Amy struggles to save her son while fighting both a dangerous man and the perils of the treacherous Oregon coast.
The face is identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy’s life crumbles. Her husband leaves, her only child disappears, and something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. Amy is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where answers stay buried, where time ticks dangerously by, where her life is in constant peril, and worse, where her son, Jamie is hidden.
To find her child, she must find her look-alike, and that dislodges a killer who hunts her relentlessly. Sheriff Dallas Wayburne’s investigation parallels Amy’s, and their combined efforts draw them together when time is critical and when their relationship adds yet another dimension to Amy’s stressful life.
They finally track down the powerful, destructive man behind the scenes, learn the identity of Amy’s look-alike, and unravel a puzzle decades in the making. As time runs out, Amy struggles to save her son while fighting both a dangerous man and the perils of the treacherous Oregon coast.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2012
164 people are currently reading
1306 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Allan
5 books21 followersI live in the Pacific Northwest where coffee, salmon, and rain rule. My favorite pastimes are traveling, poking around new places, and searching for the sun.
With a formal education in television broadcasting and communications and a background in television production, I come from a media where seconds count, scripts are analyzed for word power, and words paint living memories. It's astounding how a few words can change lives, and bring pleasure, tears, or laughter to so many.
WINTER'S DESTINY and SOUL FIRE are available on Amazon and Smashwords. Please visit me at www.nancyallan.net.
With a formal education in television broadcasting and communications and a background in television production, I come from a media where seconds count, scripts are analyzed for word power, and words paint living memories. It's astounding how a few words can change lives, and bring pleasure, tears, or laughter to so many.
WINTER'S DESTINY and SOUL FIRE are available on Amazon and Smashwords. Please visit me at www.nancyallan.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 13, 2012
Amy Johnson is a successful architect married to a doctor and the mother of a little boy whom she loves deeply. At home one night she hears a sound and turns to the window to see what it is. Who would ever expect to see a figure at their window who is not only bloody but looks just like you?!! Amy's life takes a quick turn from the normal. She finds herself looking for the woman at the window only to have her son go missing and her life in constant peril.
Allan has written a successful thriller. She certainly holds your interest and keeps you turning the pages. I would definitely look for other books that she has written but when I did a search, found that this was her only book so far. I also read some of the comments in other reviews about editing and all the mistakes that appear in a story. I have found that many of the books that I have gotten for my Kindle have this problem and wonder if they have had no editing done to them. Those errors, however, will never affect how I rate a story. Think of the times that a teacher graded your paper in school and gave you two grades. One for content and the other for mechanics. Let's rate the content and let others worry about the mechanics later.
Allan has written a successful thriller. She certainly holds your interest and keeps you turning the pages. I would definitely look for other books that she has written but when I did a search, found that this was her only book so far. I also read some of the comments in other reviews about editing and all the mistakes that appear in a story. I have found that many of the books that I have gotten for my Kindle have this problem and wonder if they have had no editing done to them. Those errors, however, will never affect how I rate a story. Think of the times that a teacher graded your paper in school and gave you two grades. One for content and the other for mechanics. Let's rate the content and let others worry about the mechanics later.
August 6, 2025
This was a brilliant read, a real page turner. Thrills and spills and heart stopping moments.
December 13, 2012
If Goodreads allowed me to rate half stars, then I would give this novel 3.5 stars.
“Winter’s Destiny” is a mystery/thriller/romance novel about a woman who sees an image of herself bleeding outside of her house and then her life collapses around her. It is a fast, intense, lightning-paced read that you won’t want to put down until the amazing conclusion.
I loved this book. It started out quick and, like another reviewer said, I wasn’t sure if the author would be able to keep up the pace but she did and it was phenomenal. Unlike other books, this book didn’t take time out of the action to explain tedious backstories that make you want to put the book down and snooze. While everything was being explained, there was constant action and twists and turns.
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher (the editing was sort of bad but I’m not going to bring that into this) was because it was a little predictable, but I didn’t really mind. Considering it’s a first novel, I think the author did an amazing job. I love the characters from the strong, brilliant Amy to the sweet, tough Dallas. And all of the characters in between including her son and other characters who I won’t mention but who’ll you know by the time you finish were great. Even the villain was awesome (I hated him but he’s the kind of character you love to hate).
The plot itself wasn’t the most original but there still were enough twists to make it not seem like any old average mystery novel. The romance was also adorably sweet and not too overdone; it managed to make you root for Dallas and Amy without taking too much away from the plot or boring you.
One thing I have to comment on is the setting. I absolutely adored it. The cliffs and the danger of the water and “Sneak Waves” were awesome. The author does a terrific job of explaining so that you actually feel as if you’re in the story with the characters, fighting against the suction of a wave trying to drag you out to sea. The fact that the setting lent itself to the dangers of the whole story was awesome. And I’d love to have a house on the coast designed by Amy (when you read it you’ll know which house I’m talking about).
The writing was pretty good too; I didn’t expect too much from a first novel but my expectations were surpassed. The writing added to the story and if I was in a bookstore looking for the next book to read I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book by Nancy Allan because I know her writing style will only get better as she gains more experience. She has description but not so much that you’ll grow bored and she’s good at showing feelings over telling.
Overall, a great quick read. If you’re looking for something engrossing then you’ll like this book. Any fans of mystery thrillers will love it for a fast paced, fun read. Definitely recommended.
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
“Winter’s Destiny” is a mystery/thriller/romance novel about a woman who sees an image of herself bleeding outside of her house and then her life collapses around her. It is a fast, intense, lightning-paced read that you won’t want to put down until the amazing conclusion.
I loved this book. It started out quick and, like another reviewer said, I wasn’t sure if the author would be able to keep up the pace but she did and it was phenomenal. Unlike other books, this book didn’t take time out of the action to explain tedious backstories that make you want to put the book down and snooze. While everything was being explained, there was constant action and twists and turns.
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher (the editing was sort of bad but I’m not going to bring that into this) was because it was a little predictable, but I didn’t really mind. Considering it’s a first novel, I think the author did an amazing job. I love the characters from the strong, brilliant Amy to the sweet, tough Dallas. And all of the characters in between including her son and other characters who I won’t mention but who’ll you know by the time you finish were great. Even the villain was awesome (I hated him but he’s the kind of character you love to hate).
The plot itself wasn’t the most original but there still were enough twists to make it not seem like any old average mystery novel. The romance was also adorably sweet and not too overdone; it managed to make you root for Dallas and Amy without taking too much away from the plot or boring you.
One thing I have to comment on is the setting. I absolutely adored it. The cliffs and the danger of the water and “Sneak Waves” were awesome. The author does a terrific job of explaining so that you actually feel as if you’re in the story with the characters, fighting against the suction of a wave trying to drag you out to sea. The fact that the setting lent itself to the dangers of the whole story was awesome. And I’d love to have a house on the coast designed by Amy (when you read it you’ll know which house I’m talking about).
The writing was pretty good too; I didn’t expect too much from a first novel but my expectations were surpassed. The writing added to the story and if I was in a bookstore looking for the next book to read I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book by Nancy Allan because I know her writing style will only get better as she gains more experience. She has description but not so much that you’ll grow bored and she’s good at showing feelings over telling.
Overall, a great quick read. If you’re looking for something engrossing then you’ll like this book. Any fans of mystery thrillers will love it for a fast paced, fun read. Definitely recommended.
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
July 25, 2021
This wasn't a polished story at all and much of it was unrealistic. Killers that kill everyone without batting an eye but continually over and over "warn" the main characters but don't kill THEM makes no sense. So many other things simply weren't realistic. The author has a writing style that with some more experience could be really good but I found this book somewhat amateurish and unpolished. And everything the main character did or thought was followed with an exclamation point!! Everything!!!! It was crazy!!! Yeah. It gets to you. Then they has to add in a romance that was so inappropriate and odd that it was just kind of forced in there. Yeah. A woman has no idea where her kid is - but hey, let's start dating! The story idea was good though and I think there is great potential here... Just wasn't crazy about this one.
September 8, 2016
Alone, with a fall gale howling around the rafters, Amy Johnstone turns to see a woman’s rain-streaked face staring back at her through the dark window.
The face is...identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy's life crumbles. Something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. She is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where her life is in constant peril, and where her child has been taken.
WINTER’S DESTINY is an edge-of-the-seat thriller - love story set on the rugged Pacific Coast of Oregon. Here, the story reaches its unique and spectacular conclusion.
The face is...identical to her own!
Instantly, Amy's life crumbles. Something sinister surrounds her and those she loves. She is catapulted into a world she knows nothing about--a place where a killer rules, where her life is in constant peril, and where her child has been taken.
WINTER’S DESTINY is an edge-of-the-seat thriller - love story set on the rugged Pacific Coast of Oregon. Here, the story reaches its unique and spectacular conclusion.
June 28, 2012
I received this as a Goodreads first read. My mom asked me if I had anything she could read while I finished up my last book so I passed this to her. She normally takes 3-4 days to read anything and she finished this in 2. She told me after she finished that I needed to hurry because this book was FANTASTIC!!! Now having finished this I must say she was right! I LOVED this book! I was completely hooked from page one! It was so action-packed that I had to force myself to put it down to sleep! I look forward to more books!!
October 19, 2020
I don't know what I expected from this book, but the opening sequence made me wonder if the author could keep up the pace and the heavily descriptive prose without it all falling in on itself! The book remained fast paced but left me somewhat underwhelmed, I found the whole thing a bit far fetched.
March 14, 2012
This book hit the floor running! After the first chapter, I wondered how the author would keep up the pace through the rest of the book! She did! Lots of twists, turns and surprises in this fast read!
May 5, 2012
Not very often a book grabs me in the first few pages, but this one did. An exceptionally pacy, exciting read. Perhaps a little unrealistic in the numerous close escapes, nevertheless I enjoyed the read.
May 2, 2012
This was a thriller that was so good. You never figured it out ahead of time like most. Keep me not wanting to put it down when I just had to. Worth it.....for sure. Will look for more by Nancy Allan!!
October 26, 2014
This was a fast paced book. I read this in three days and really liked it to the very end. Right from page one, it kept you interested and on the edge of your seat. I would definitely recommend this one if you like mystery, surprises, great characters and good writing. Well done!
March 17, 2012
Well written, fast paced, a real good story, characters are believable and come to life...a spectacular ending.
March 29, 2012
intense, some predictability, but the story flowed well and kept you in suspense.
April 16, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is a very fast read, I never wanted to put it down. It really kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to more books from Nancy Allan
June 2, 2012
I read this book in a day . I loved it .
August 2, 2012
Full of suspense from beginning to end, a book that really keeps your attention.
August 8, 2012
I loved this book! I agree with many of the other reviews, this book grabbed my attention from the first paragraph. I read the book in 2 days, something I rarely do.
November 24, 2012
good book some parts hard to follow and believe but enjoyable. Read it in one day...good plot and had me guessing some and some was easy to figure out.
December 29, 2012
Another great free freebie from Amazon. A gritty story about Amy, who discovers that her perfect life wasn't was it seemed! A fast paced, twist and turn page turner.
October 22, 2015
Ok for a free one but wouldn't have paid for it.
March 31, 2019
Really?
When I first started reading this I thought I had finally found a book that I won't want to put down and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Truth is I couldn't wait to see what happened next because I just wanted it.to be over already! There were some good edge of your seat moments but there was a whole lot of really? Another one? I think it could have been a really great story but to me it seemed like the author was trying too hard and forgot that sometimes less is more. There were a few editing errors as well. Overall it was okay but not great!
When I first started reading this I thought I had finally found a book that I won't want to put down and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Truth is I couldn't wait to see what happened next because I just wanted it.to be over already! There were some good edge of your seat moments but there was a whole lot of really? Another one? I think it could have been a really great story but to me it seemed like the author was trying too hard and forgot that sometimes less is more. There were a few editing errors as well. Overall it was okay but not great!
June 14, 2017
Thoroughly Enjoyed
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The story kept moving and threw surprises and it made me want to finish it. I will be reading more of Nancy's books. It's nice to find a new author to read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The story kept moving and threw surprises and it made me want to finish it. I will be reading more of Nancy's books. It's nice to find a new author to read!
March 8, 2018
This action packed thriller kept me turning the pages till the very end to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the story and the ending was just what I hoped for. A highly enjoyable read!
September 27, 2018
Jumbled thriller that starts with a woman in a remote house on the Oregon coast seeing a face identical to her own through a rain-spattered window. This sets off an unlikely scenario of deceit, deception, and a pursuit that piles one peril on top of another.
October 18, 2020
Addicting
It was impossible to put down. Amy and Dallas are an adorable couple and even better characters. Even when making stupid decisions you understand why they made them. Full of twists and turns I was never sure what was going to happen next.
It was impossible to put down. Amy and Dallas are an adorable couple and even better characters. Even when making stupid decisions you understand why they made them. Full of twists and turns I was never sure what was going to happen next.
March 17, 2022
Review of Winter’s Destiny
I usually read mysteries, and although it turned out to be a bot more suspenseful, I enjoyed it. I also liked that there was a happy conclusion which did not leave me the feeling of “what” as the book ended.
I usually read mysteries, and although it turned out to be a bot more suspenseful, I enjoyed it. I also liked that there was a happy conclusion which did not leave me the feeling of “what” as the book ended.
February 26, 2018
Typical romance/suspense
Kept my interest. Descriptions of Oregon coast intriguing. Resolution not so obvious as to make the book boring. Very light, quick reading.
Kept my interest. Descriptions of Oregon coast intriguing. Resolution not so obvious as to make the book boring. Very light, quick reading.
March 25, 2018
Great Read
This book was really good! Good read if you love action! Also, has just the right amount of romance thrown in!
This book was really good! Good read if you love action! Also, has just the right amount of romance thrown in!
November 28, 2018
A 5 Star book
This book pulls you in right away with the face in the window that is exactly like yours. Was Amy imagining it or was it real?
This book pulls you in right away with the face in the window that is exactly like yours. Was Amy imagining it or was it real?
January 22, 2019
Action
From the first page to the last this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Enjoyed reading it, truly.
From the first page to the last this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Enjoyed reading it, truly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews