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Nine Steps to Sara
When single mom Sara Darling inherits an estate in the remote English countryside, she jumps at the chance to become Lady of the Manor. With 8 year old son Jack and best friend Joanie in tow, they explore the nearly deserted mansion, isolated from the rest of the world except for the nearby village where everybody seems to know her business. Distracted by the charming chauffeur, Will, soon Sara never wants to leave her newfound home.
But the eerie manor house is hiding more than a ruined garden and plumbing issues, and it's up to Sara to find out what the loyal staff isn't telling. When Sara finds Jack talking to an empty room, she begins to wonder if she made the right decision uprooting her tiny family as the spooky surroundings fuel her imagination.
Especially when she starts to hear the voice talk back.
Is her ancestor's unnatural attachment to Jack borne of concern or something more sinister? When she discovers the truth, will Sara accept the legacy she's inherited, or run for her life?
But the eerie manor house is hiding more than a ruined garden and plumbing issues, and it's up to Sara to find out what the loyal staff isn't telling. When Sara finds Jack talking to an empty room, she begins to wonder if she made the right decision uprooting her tiny family as the spooky surroundings fuel her imagination.
Especially when she starts to hear the voice talk back.
Is her ancestor's unnatural attachment to Jack borne of concern or something more sinister? When she discovers the truth, will Sara accept the legacy she's inherited, or run for her life?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2012
38 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Olsen
48 books341 followersLisa Olsen is a writer, wife and mother of two, currently living in the Pacific Northwest. A complete TV addict, she also enjoys online RPG's, singing, reading, and cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 31, 2012
Holds the dubious distinction of being one of the worst books I have ever read! I would have abandoned early on if it had not been "assigned" by one of my book clubs. What a joke that it had sounded somewhat interesting in the review.
This novel was so poorly written and conceived that I was actually laughing while reading the very silly dialogue, filled with cliches. The premise was totally not credible! Cartoon-like story with cardboard characters. Earned one star in my book, then just before the (long awaited) ending it nearly earned 1 and a half stars. NEARLY, but not quite. Don't waste your time on this one; take ten steps and run!
This novel was so poorly written and conceived that I was actually laughing while reading the very silly dialogue, filled with cliches. The premise was totally not credible! Cartoon-like story with cardboard characters. Earned one star in my book, then just before the (long awaited) ending it nearly earned 1 and a half stars. NEARLY, but not quite. Don't waste your time on this one; take ten steps and run!
October 10, 2012
Alright. I just finished the book and the only real comment I have is...what is the whole ending, or lack thereof, about? I don't understand the purpose of the Nine, nor do I understand what exactly was going on. No history was offered with respect to the twist.
This book was honestly really about the protagonist and her love interest. Seriously. It was a lot of narrative about the two flirting back and forth and not much else. By the time the story starts unraveling, one starts to feel as if they're in for a large reveal. Well guess what?!? You get NOTHING! After you've spent hours reading this novel, your reward is a big fat piece of NOTHING.
The author can spin a tale, no doubt...but I get the feeling that her purpose was to keep the reader in suspense and that she didn't have an exit strategy. Your reward for reading the book is simply that you were slightly entertained for a bit. That was a complete waste of $3.99.
If someone happened to get more than I did from the "reveal" at the end, please message me. I would love to know.
This book was honestly really about the protagonist and her love interest. Seriously. It was a lot of narrative about the two flirting back and forth and not much else. By the time the story starts unraveling, one starts to feel as if they're in for a large reveal. Well guess what?!? You get NOTHING! After you've spent hours reading this novel, your reward is a big fat piece of NOTHING.
The author can spin a tale, no doubt...but I get the feeling that her purpose was to keep the reader in suspense and that she didn't have an exit strategy. Your reward for reading the book is simply that you were slightly entertained for a bit. That was a complete waste of $3.99.
If someone happened to get more than I did from the "reveal" at the end, please message me. I would love to know.
October 23, 2012
This book had the potential to be really special. There were some plot points and some characters that I found delightful and charming, but in the end it had some major flaws that I just could not get past.
Sara Darling is living the dream when she discovers that she is now heir to the Darling family estate in England. While the estate is in a bit of disrepair, she is excited to fix things up and make a life in the English countryside with her son. Of course, it doesn't hurt when the handsome and mysterious chauffeur (Will) catches her eye. Then, strange things start happening in the house, and Sara must figure out what is behind them and why she is receiving warnings that her son, Jack, is in danger.
It sets itself up as a ghost story, but the ghost becomes a minor player behind the human bad guys. And the human bad guys seemingly come out of nowhere and ARE NEVER EXPLAINED. The author never explains the connection between the nine and the Darling family. She never explains their motivation. Through the whole story, the relationship between Sara and Will moves at lightning speed. While the author tries to give a reason for this in the plot, I wound up being distracted most of the time and thinking "real people simply do not act like this". This book is half flirting between Will and Sara and half plot. I did enjoy the ghost story, but found the lack of resolution at the end to be too much to overcome.
Sara Darling is living the dream when she discovers that she is now heir to the Darling family estate in England. While the estate is in a bit of disrepair, she is excited to fix things up and make a life in the English countryside with her son. Of course, it doesn't hurt when the handsome and mysterious chauffeur (Will) catches her eye. Then, strange things start happening in the house, and Sara must figure out what is behind them and why she is receiving warnings that her son, Jack, is in danger.
It sets itself up as a ghost story, but the ghost becomes a minor player behind the human bad guys. And the human bad guys seemingly come out of nowhere and ARE NEVER EXPLAINED. The author never explains the connection between the nine and the Darling family. She never explains their motivation. Through the whole story, the relationship between Sara and Will moves at lightning speed. While the author tries to give a reason for this in the plot, I wound up being distracted most of the time and thinking "real people simply do not act like this". This book is half flirting between Will and Sara and half plot. I did enjoy the ghost story, but found the lack of resolution at the end to be too much to overcome.
October 31, 2012
I loved the premise of this book but was immediately put off by the lack of character development and choppy/campy/silly dialogue between them (at times it was hard to get past it was so ridiculous!). I was frustrated with Sara's constant acceptance of everything, including Will, whom she just falls for in a matter of days/weeks with no idea who he is...and she never gave it another thought why someone who has suddenly been given the title as Lady of a manor would be "allowed" happily to "date" a driver/part of her staff (sort of).
At the end, I was left wanting much, much more. What was the significance of the numbers 1 and 9? Who were they and what is their story? And, despite having doubts about Will the book ends with her inviting him back into the house (Ugh!). Will's character seemed to never quite know what side he was on...although I had a feeling early on that he wasn't all what he claimed to be.
Two stars because I think the ghost, Gemma, was the most interesting. Overall: the whole book fell totally flat and the ebook version I read on my Kindle needed some serious editing!
At the end, I was left wanting much, much more. What was the significance of the numbers 1 and 9? Who were they and what is their story? And, despite having doubts about Will the book ends with her inviting him back into the house (Ugh!). Will's character seemed to never quite know what side he was on...although I had a feeling early on that he wasn't all what he claimed to be.
Two stars because I think the ghost, Gemma, was the most interesting. Overall: the whole book fell totally flat and the ebook version I read on my Kindle needed some serious editing!
February 9, 2017
If you are reading this expecting a super creepy ghost story, then back away because that isn't what you get.
Yes it does feature an old estate, with it's very own ghost but the main part of the story is about Sara who inherits the estate, the alleged curse and everyone around her who comes to help her and protect Jack.
I did find some of the language used strange and a bit off for something written in modern times, almost like the entire estate was stuck in a different era, but I would have expected it to be more of a thing to people coming in from the outside. Indeed my main criticism of this, was the way that Sara was very accepting of everything around her. She came across as truly naive, which was surprising for an older mother with a semi grown child.
Saying that, I still enjoyed the time I spent at the manor reading this tale.
Yes it does feature an old estate, with it's very own ghost but the main part of the story is about Sara who inherits the estate, the alleged curse and everyone around her who comes to help her and protect Jack.
I did find some of the language used strange and a bit off for something written in modern times, almost like the entire estate was stuck in a different era, but I would have expected it to be more of a thing to people coming in from the outside. Indeed my main criticism of this, was the way that Sara was very accepting of everything around her. She came across as truly naive, which was surprising for an older mother with a semi grown child.
Saying that, I still enjoyed the time I spent at the manor reading this tale.
September 5, 2013
This was so frustrating to read! This should be labeled more as a romance, not a ghost story. I did not know it was possible to make a ghost boring, but Olsen managed quite well.
The unintresting and undevloped charcters left me bored and rolling my eyes. Speaking of rolling my eyes, "an eye roll was given" just does not flow well. Have you ever heard of show, not tell. This book never brings you into the story at all.
The dialog was just stupid most of the time, I kept wondering who would ever talk this way? Altough not liking anyone, at all, in the book didn't help that.
If you are looking for a romance with a little mystry you may like this, the writing is pretty horrible though. If you are looking for a mysetery or a ghost story don't bother.
The unintresting and undevloped charcters left me bored and rolling my eyes. Speaking of rolling my eyes, "an eye roll was given" just does not flow well. Have you ever heard of show, not tell. This book never brings you into the story at all.
The dialog was just stupid most of the time, I kept wondering who would ever talk this way? Altough not liking anyone, at all, in the book didn't help that.
If you are looking for a romance with a little mystry you may like this, the writing is pretty horrible though. If you are looking for a mysetery or a ghost story don't bother.
June 30, 2012
I've been eagerly anticipating this book since the author first announced it and it definitely didn't disappoint... First off, who wouldn't want to be in Sara's shoes and and inherit a freaking mansion! The characters were great, the ghosts creepy, and the setting was perfect. Just when I thought I knew how it was going to end it completely caught me by surprise! Another great story by Lisa Olsen.
October 10, 2012
I should have lowered my expectations. The description sounded interesting, an eerie ghost tale with a plucky heroine and her precocious son. There is a good book idea in there but it fails to come to fruition. There is a reason it is free on the kindle.
The characters are flat and poorly written. The story is not eerie and only mildly interesting. Most of the book is just the characters talking at each other.
The characters are flat and poorly written. The story is not eerie and only mildly interesting. Most of the book is just the characters talking at each other.
November 5, 2012
I don't know how this book got so many 5 star ratings on Amazon. Maybe I am not the target audience for this book...even though mystery and romance are some of my favorite books to read. Oh well. It was just ok for me.
September 25, 2015
I enjoyed the story although it was a bit slow for me. Good characters and good story line. I was glad the author didn't make Will a villain because I would have been mad for sure. The ghost aspect was interesting and I liked how the conflict was resolved.
July 3, 2012
This was a great book. Lisa Olsen is on my my must read list.
October 4, 2012
I was a little disappointed with the ending of this novel. I felt like I never really understood who or what was trying to hurt Jack and why.
March 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy read, it is not a spectacular classic novel but it was good. I needed an easy romance and this book delivered!
December 1, 2012
Sara Darling, divorced, single mother to 8 year old Jack, is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. She's just inherited a grand mansion in the English countryside, and she's to become the Lady of the Manor. Along with her son and her irreverent best friend, Joanie, they uproot their lives in L.A. and fly straight to England to see just what being royalty is all about. They'll encounter the local village folk who are ecstatic to finally have a proper Darling in the halls of Darling park. As they explore the sprawling estate, they meet all kinds of interesting people, including a stuffy housekeeper, a strange old shop owner, and the charming and handsome handyman, Will. Sara instantly falls in love with the place and never wants to leave. But, even if she wanted to, she couldn't. Part of the inheritance stipulates that she never leave the massive home. To Sara, that's not a problem...until she discovers her son carrying on full conversations in empty rooms and the villagers wanting her to stay in the home as if their lives depend upon it. The more she digs into her ancestors' history, she'll discover that all is not what it seems with the home and the newly important people in her life.
Frankly, I was expecting more of a haunted house story from this book. The premise is interesting. Big spooky mansion in the English countryside, people that are entirely too eager to please, a ghost ancestor with questionable motivations, strange and ancient structures in the woods. The setup had all the makings of what could have been a very good haunted house story. As it turned out, Nine Steps to Sara is almost more of a romance than anything else. Which, honestly, I have no problem with...if that's what I was looking to read.
Are there scary elements to the book? Yes. There is a ghostly, haunted house plot running through the book but unfortunately, that doesn't really kick in until half way through the book. For nearly 50% of the book, there are very few scares and only the slightest hints at the ghostly goings on. It's more about Sara getting used to life as an American, thrust into the roll of English Nobility while she tries to entertain an abrasive best friend that can't live without her internet and cable TV. The latter half of the book does deal with those elements more but still not enough as the budding relationship between Sara and Will (that's not really a spoiler, you knew it was coming) while the mysteries of the home and its past and what's REALLY going on slowly trickle in.
From a character standpoint, I found it to be a mixed bag. I liked Will as the roguish, mystery man who walks a fine line in his flirting with a woman 'above his station' and how he has Sara off her game. The stuffy housekeeper is also fun to see interact with Sara. Since Sara's American, she finds much of English tradition to be 'stuffy' and the housekeeper is constantly keeping herself in check. Joanie is ok. Frankly, she's so high maintenance that I'm surprised Sara didn't smack her at times, but the opposition doesn't play too badly. The main issue with the characters in this book is Sara herself. She wasn't ditsy but she wasn't a super genius (which is fine, I don't mind that at all). I just found her...too accepting of things. 'There's a ghost here? Oh that's fine. Wait, she's telling my son he'll die if stays here? Bah, that's no biggie, we'll stay here'. I just didn't believe it. She was very nonchalant for the better portion of the book after finding out the spirits were trying to tell she and Jack that he was in danger. She was willing to just 'see what happens', even when people she was starting to trust were giving her reasons NOT to trust them. She was frightened at times but not enough for someone who's son was being threatened. Just my opinion. That kind of tainted the character for me throughout.
I like Olsen's writing style, but there are a few things that begin to stand out. Lots of 'eye rolls were given' and 'sheepish smiles' and 'lopsided grins'. While there's nothing wrong with those types of emotion descriptors they to tend to jump off the page when they crop up frequently. Once again, this is just an opinion. It may be picking nits, but noticing them constantly took me out of the story at times. Other than those issues, I like the flow of her writing and how she lends description to scenes. The dialogue is generally pretty solid, with each character having their own voice, but sometimes overuse of commas rather than making multiple sentences makes it seem like everyone's speaking in one long winded sentence. Once again, just an opinion.
**Ok, enough with the nitpicking. But I had to mention the bad with the good to justify the rating based on my opinions. As always, I never intend to come off as if I'm 'bashing' an author, because I'm not.**
In the end, Nine Steps To Sara is solid read. I liked it. I didn't really like it and I didn't love it, but I still liked it. I discovered Olsen when I took a chance on Pretty Witches All In A Row (which I REALLY liked, you should check it out if you already haven't). I just felt that the potential to be a very moody and atmospheric ghost story was lost in the day to day of the story and Sara herself lacked the urgency and sense of danger of what she was wrapped up in. The ending was satisfying though, so she did a fine job of giving the novel closure. I especially liked the final several sentences of the book.
Not a bad book by any means, Nine Steps To Sara warrants a look-see.
Frankly, I was expecting more of a haunted house story from this book. The premise is interesting. Big spooky mansion in the English countryside, people that are entirely too eager to please, a ghost ancestor with questionable motivations, strange and ancient structures in the woods. The setup had all the makings of what could have been a very good haunted house story. As it turned out, Nine Steps to Sara is almost more of a romance than anything else. Which, honestly, I have no problem with...if that's what I was looking to read.
Are there scary elements to the book? Yes. There is a ghostly, haunted house plot running through the book but unfortunately, that doesn't really kick in until half way through the book. For nearly 50% of the book, there are very few scares and only the slightest hints at the ghostly goings on. It's more about Sara getting used to life as an American, thrust into the roll of English Nobility while she tries to entertain an abrasive best friend that can't live without her internet and cable TV. The latter half of the book does deal with those elements more but still not enough as the budding relationship between Sara and Will (that's not really a spoiler, you knew it was coming) while the mysteries of the home and its past and what's REALLY going on slowly trickle in.
From a character standpoint, I found it to be a mixed bag. I liked Will as the roguish, mystery man who walks a fine line in his flirting with a woman 'above his station' and how he has Sara off her game. The stuffy housekeeper is also fun to see interact with Sara. Since Sara's American, she finds much of English tradition to be 'stuffy' and the housekeeper is constantly keeping herself in check. Joanie is ok. Frankly, she's so high maintenance that I'm surprised Sara didn't smack her at times, but the opposition doesn't play too badly. The main issue with the characters in this book is Sara herself. She wasn't ditsy but she wasn't a super genius (which is fine, I don't mind that at all). I just found her...too accepting of things. 'There's a ghost here? Oh that's fine. Wait, she's telling my son he'll die if stays here? Bah, that's no biggie, we'll stay here'. I just didn't believe it. She was very nonchalant for the better portion of the book after finding out the spirits were trying to tell she and Jack that he was in danger. She was willing to just 'see what happens', even when people she was starting to trust were giving her reasons NOT to trust them. She was frightened at times but not enough for someone who's son was being threatened. Just my opinion. That kind of tainted the character for me throughout.
I like Olsen's writing style, but there are a few things that begin to stand out. Lots of 'eye rolls were given' and 'sheepish smiles' and 'lopsided grins'. While there's nothing wrong with those types of emotion descriptors they to tend to jump off the page when they crop up frequently. Once again, this is just an opinion. It may be picking nits, but noticing them constantly took me out of the story at times. Other than those issues, I like the flow of her writing and how she lends description to scenes. The dialogue is generally pretty solid, with each character having their own voice, but sometimes overuse of commas rather than making multiple sentences makes it seem like everyone's speaking in one long winded sentence. Once again, just an opinion.
**Ok, enough with the nitpicking. But I had to mention the bad with the good to justify the rating based on my opinions. As always, I never intend to come off as if I'm 'bashing' an author, because I'm not.**
In the end, Nine Steps To Sara is solid read. I liked it. I didn't really like it and I didn't love it, but I still liked it. I discovered Olsen when I took a chance on Pretty Witches All In A Row (which I REALLY liked, you should check it out if you already haven't). I just felt that the potential to be a very moody and atmospheric ghost story was lost in the day to day of the story and Sara herself lacked the urgency and sense of danger of what she was wrapped up in. The ending was satisfying though, so she did a fine job of giving the novel closure. I especially liked the final several sentences of the book.
Not a bad book by any means, Nine Steps To Sara warrants a look-see.
July 18, 2013
I liked this book. It had some problems, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. Our story is about American Sara Darling, who finds out she's the heiress of a fantastic British fortune. Needing to make a new life for herself and her son, she flies out to see the ancestral home. Along the way, she meets Will (who is handsome and seems to like her), the formidible Mrs Poole (the housekeeper), and the shy maid Katie. Oh, and the ghost of Gemma Darling, her ancestress.
At first, things seem okay to Sara. Sure, she's having a problem fitting in, but everyone allows her the time since she's American. The house is too big, and she realizes that many lives depend on her. And, most of all, her son is finally happy.
Then, things get a little weird. There's the ghost, for one. And the condition in the inheritance that states she must live in the house in order to keep the inheritance. There's the slimy businessman who wants to turn her home into a hotel.
All of this made a good book. What kept if from being a great book, frankly, was Sara herself. She was just too timid. Other than standing up for herself once that I can recall, she always had to have someone else fight her battles. Mostly it was Will coming to her rescue, or Gemma, or her friend Joanie. She just seemed to be too much of a limp noodle. A sweet limp noodle, but still.
The ending also annoyed me (though part of it cheered me greatly). We have a huge build up for a ghost story, and I'm expecting the final show down to be more of a paranormal nature then a flesh and blood one. I felt like it was pretty much out of the blue. We had hints about "The Nine" coming for Sara's son, but the actual attack was very sudden. There were no real hints (except maybe one, and only if you squinted) as to the real villainous plot.
The only thing that saved the ending for me was Sara nearly not going back to Will. Sorry for the spoiler, but it's the last few pages. She was this close to just saying good-bye. Of saying, You hurt me and I don't trust you. What kind of relationship can we have? I've seen this ending in so many movies and books, where the hero or heroine betrays the trust of the other, and is instantly forgiven because TWU WUV. In that small space of time, I actually liked Sara more because she was standing up for herself, despite everything her screaming to keep Will.
So, basically, it was a good book and I'm going to keep it. I just hope that the next heroine has more of a backbone.
At first, things seem okay to Sara. Sure, she's having a problem fitting in, but everyone allows her the time since she's American. The house is too big, and she realizes that many lives depend on her. And, most of all, her son is finally happy.
Then, things get a little weird. There's the ghost, for one. And the condition in the inheritance that states she must live in the house in order to keep the inheritance. There's the slimy businessman who wants to turn her home into a hotel.
All of this made a good book. What kept if from being a great book, frankly, was Sara herself. She was just too timid. Other than standing up for herself once that I can recall, she always had to have someone else fight her battles. Mostly it was Will coming to her rescue, or Gemma, or her friend Joanie. She just seemed to be too much of a limp noodle. A sweet limp noodle, but still.
The ending also annoyed me (though part of it cheered me greatly). We have a huge build up for a ghost story, and I'm expecting the final show down to be more of a paranormal nature then a flesh and blood one. I felt like it was pretty much out of the blue. We had hints about "The Nine" coming for Sara's son, but the actual attack was very sudden. There were no real hints (except maybe one, and only if you squinted) as to the real villainous plot.
The only thing that saved the ending for me was Sara nearly not going back to Will. Sorry for the spoiler, but it's the last few pages. She was this close to just saying good-bye. Of saying, You hurt me and I don't trust you. What kind of relationship can we have? I've seen this ending in so many movies and books, where the hero or heroine betrays the trust of the other, and is instantly forgiven because TWU WUV. In that small space of time, I actually liked Sara more because she was standing up for herself, despite everything her screaming to keep Will.
So, basically, it was a good book and I'm going to keep it. I just hope that the next heroine has more of a backbone.
August 26, 2018
Book Review- Nine Steps to Sara by Lisa Olsen
This story starts out interesting as Sara learns of her inheritance. Sara has inherited an English estate and she moves in with her son Jack. They are welcomed with open arms as Sara tries to get used to being a Lady. Jack finds a new friend in a mystery lady that warns he can’t stay there. Sara becomes angry for the warnings that could scare her son. She searches for the woman but never finds her until she realizes she is the ghost of a former Lady Darling. Sara’s confusion and disbelief about the whole situation is a realistic reaction. She comes across as a relatable character that balks at the strict English etiquette which accompanies her title. It is fun to watch the American try to fit in to the British Nobility.
Will is the son of the former grounds keeper and is drawn to Sara instantly. He wants to help her get used to being a Lady and hopes she will choose to stay at the manor. He and Sara start to grow closer as he helps her figure out what is truly going on as the ghost of Gemma Darling tries to tell Sara about the danger to come. Sara is determined to make the right choices for the manor and protect her son from any danger that could arise. Will promises to help her as she learns to trust him.
Unfortunately, she learns that the danger Gemma warns about is truly real and those she thought she could trust betray her. She fights to save those she loves.
It is quite the journey as her best friend, her son, and Will join her in. Then add in the ghost and the warnings of danger and the suspense grows. You have no clue what is truly going on. The visions Sara has freak her out when she realizes they aren’t just dreams. When the author finally reveals the true danger, it is quite shocking. The ideas are medieval in nature and in modern times, barbaric. It adds a dark edge to the story as Sara realizes what is happening and who is involved. It was an interesting ride, I give it a 4 out of 5.
This story starts out interesting as Sara learns of her inheritance. Sara has inherited an English estate and she moves in with her son Jack. They are welcomed with open arms as Sara tries to get used to being a Lady. Jack finds a new friend in a mystery lady that warns he can’t stay there. Sara becomes angry for the warnings that could scare her son. She searches for the woman but never finds her until she realizes she is the ghost of a former Lady Darling. Sara’s confusion and disbelief about the whole situation is a realistic reaction. She comes across as a relatable character that balks at the strict English etiquette which accompanies her title. It is fun to watch the American try to fit in to the British Nobility.
Will is the son of the former grounds keeper and is drawn to Sara instantly. He wants to help her get used to being a Lady and hopes she will choose to stay at the manor. He and Sara start to grow closer as he helps her figure out what is truly going on as the ghost of Gemma Darling tries to tell Sara about the danger to come. Sara is determined to make the right choices for the manor and protect her son from any danger that could arise. Will promises to help her as she learns to trust him.
Unfortunately, she learns that the danger Gemma warns about is truly real and those she thought she could trust betray her. She fights to save those she loves.
It is quite the journey as her best friend, her son, and Will join her in. Then add in the ghost and the warnings of danger and the suspense grows. You have no clue what is truly going on. The visions Sara has freak her out when she realizes they aren’t just dreams. When the author finally reveals the true danger, it is quite shocking. The ideas are medieval in nature and in modern times, barbaric. It adds a dark edge to the story as Sara realizes what is happening and who is involved. It was an interesting ride, I give it a 4 out of 5.
September 5, 2015
***I own a copy of this book. All thoughts are 100% my own.***
When we meet Sara, she, her best friend, and her son are headed to their new home in a remote English village Apparently, Sara’s son is the only remaining male heir to an English Baronet. Everything seems quaint and picturesque until some strange goings on happen. In all the craziness, Sara finds herself relying on Will, the local jack-of-all-trades. Will makes himself indispensable to her.
I’m going to stop there with the description. Honestly, I was woefully unimpressed with this book. It’s lauded as being a ghost story. And only in as much as there IS a ghost in it. Otherwise, it’s not a ghost story. It’s described as paranormal, again, only because there’s a ghost in it. And there’s a touch of romance, but not really. There’s a lot of potential in this book, it just didn’t rise to the occasion for me. And though it’s an alright read, There’s nothing bad to say about the story, only that it never fully dedicated itself to any particular thing and remained lukewarm. I never got invested in the characters, so the climax was rather anti-climatic.
I don’t normally do this, but I will put here, this particular book wasn’t bad enough for a 2 star rating, but it isn’t something that I’d recommend to my friends due to its lackluster feeling.
When we meet Sara, she, her best friend, and her son are headed to their new home in a remote English village Apparently, Sara’s son is the only remaining male heir to an English Baronet. Everything seems quaint and picturesque until some strange goings on happen. In all the craziness, Sara finds herself relying on Will, the local jack-of-all-trades. Will makes himself indispensable to her.
I’m going to stop there with the description. Honestly, I was woefully unimpressed with this book. It’s lauded as being a ghost story. And only in as much as there IS a ghost in it. Otherwise, it’s not a ghost story. It’s described as paranormal, again, only because there’s a ghost in it. And there’s a touch of romance, but not really. There’s a lot of potential in this book, it just didn’t rise to the occasion for me. And though it’s an alright read, There’s nothing bad to say about the story, only that it never fully dedicated itself to any particular thing and remained lukewarm. I never got invested in the characters, so the climax was rather anti-climatic.
I don’t normally do this, but I will put here, this particular book wasn’t bad enough for a 2 star rating, but it isn’t something that I’d recommend to my friends due to its lackluster feeling.
June 17, 2013
The premise of this book was interesting, but unfortunately, the setting, plot, and character development didn't deliver. Right from the beginning, I found myself unsure of what time period the story was taking place. As an American, I guess I have the preconceived notion that the only English estates that still have a proper housekeeper, gardener, et al, belong to the Queen. Are there still Brits who live like this, insisting on keeping the class distinctions as they are in the Downton Abbey television series? I kept thinking this was a historical novel, and quite frankly, it might have been better if it had been.
The plot had some great scary moments, but I wasn't too worried about the characters because they hadn't been developed enough. Sara was weak, her best friend Joanie was unlikeable, and Jack, Sara's son, didn't take on any kind of active role. The only character I had any sympathy for was Will, and I liked the poor ghost, too. I wish I could recommend this book because I love scary ghost stories, but the flaws in this book make me hesitate. A good editor could help polish this novel and make it great.
The plot had some great scary moments, but I wasn't too worried about the characters because they hadn't been developed enough. Sara was weak, her best friend Joanie was unlikeable, and Jack, Sara's son, didn't take on any kind of active role. The only character I had any sympathy for was Will, and I liked the poor ghost, too. I wish I could recommend this book because I love scary ghost stories, but the flaws in this book make me hesitate. A good editor could help polish this novel and make it great.
September 7, 2013
3 1/2 stars (rounded up to 4)
This is pretty much a modern take on the classic gothic novel. So the premise of the story is that Sara and her eight year old son Jack inherit a huge estate and Royal title from some long lost relative in England. She ups stakes and moves there to collect dragging her BFF Joanie along for the ride.
She arrives to find that the estate is quite delapidated, but there is plenty of dough to fix it up and to live high on the hog while doing it. Only proviso is that she has to make the estate her primary residence in order to get any of the inheritance. Which would be all well and good, except of course that is where things start to get creepy.
Sara's friend Joanie is annoying as heck and not much of a friend. She certainly doesn't show us anywhere in the book that she deserves Sara's loyalty.
The romance in this one moves WAY too fast for a woman who is supposedly taking it slow because of her nasty divorce.
But if you look past those two things, while a bit predictable, Nine Steps to Sara has just enough creepiness to make the ghost story enjoyable without making it a true horror story.
This is pretty much a modern take on the classic gothic novel. So the premise of the story is that Sara and her eight year old son Jack inherit a huge estate and Royal title from some long lost relative in England. She ups stakes and moves there to collect dragging her BFF Joanie along for the ride.
She arrives to find that the estate is quite delapidated, but there is plenty of dough to fix it up and to live high on the hog while doing it. Only proviso is that she has to make the estate her primary residence in order to get any of the inheritance. Which would be all well and good, except of course that is where things start to get creepy.
Sara's friend Joanie is annoying as heck and not much of a friend. She certainly doesn't show us anywhere in the book that she deserves Sara's loyalty.
The romance in this one moves WAY too fast for a woman who is supposedly taking it slow because of her nasty divorce.
But if you look past those two things, while a bit predictable, Nine Steps to Sara has just enough creepiness to make the ghost story enjoyable without making it a true horror story.
October 25, 2013
American, Sara Darling has just inherited an estate in England and is now a millionaire. To recieve Darling Park she must sign a contract to make it her permanent home with her 8 year old son Jack. Upon arriving, she is ecstatic over the size of the estate, but something this steeped in history is surely haunted right? Correct, Jack is talking to an old lady only he can see, and Sara keeps hearing strange noises in the night. But it seems there is something more sinister at work here than just a ghost...
Nine Steps to Sara, was a reasonably good book, the story line wasn't too bad and it all made sense. It wasn't what I was expecting in two ways; first I thought it was going to be a horror, although some things were a little creepy I don't think I'd consider it a horror, more like just a ghost story. Secondly, I thought the ghost was going to be evil and just continue haunting the. So it turned out really interesting.
Nine Steps to Sara, was a reasonably good book, the story line wasn't too bad and it all made sense. It wasn't what I was expecting in two ways; first I thought it was going to be a horror, although some things were a little creepy I don't think I'd consider it a horror, more like just a ghost story. Secondly, I thought the ghost was going to be evil and just continue haunting the. So it turned out really interesting.
July 25, 2013
This was a really fun read. Was it great work of literature? No, but sometimes you just want a fun little romp and this certainly delivered. With an air of the slightly gothic (i.e lots of atmosphere, little actual horror), this story centers around a newly divorced American whose son has inherited a vast and somewhat creepy estate in England. As he is still a minor, she is now the regent of the estate. Sara can be a bit of a twit (giggling madly about her new gentleman friend), but overall she’s a sensible woman who deals with things going bump in the night almost too rationally. Some of the other characters are a bit flimsily sketched (Sara’s best friend among them), but this is a plot rather than character-driven work. Fun read, some interesting elements about the responsibility of the aristocracy to enhance the lives of “their people”, and some fun spooky elements. The central conspiracy fell a bit short, but it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyability of the work.
September 7, 2016
I think I liked this book because I had absolutely no expectations going into it. I got it as a free book off of Amazon and liked the cover. I have never read anything by Lisa Olsen before. I liked Sara and I liked her relationship with the chauffeur Will. The son was a little weird but he was not in much of the book so it was ok. Her supposed best friend is a horrible person and annoyed me. I liked the creepy housekeeper and was ok with the other characters in general. I agree with other reviews that this was more of a romance than a ghost story and there was a lot left unexplained, such as who are the Nine, which is a pretty big question for the story line. I actually finished the book and went online to see when the second was coming out. But if there is another book with more answers or not, I still liked this one. It's not rocket science, it won't open worlds for you, but it's a good easy read and that's all I was looking for.
April 12, 2013
Prepare to be whisked away to an England that isn't quite so jolly as Sara's been lead to believe. Newly minted Lady Sara Darling has just gotten the news of a lifetime; she's inherited a lavish country estate in the south of England. It's no surprise when things aren't all as they seem, and soon they've got all the earmarks of a genuine haunted mansion. Instead of heading for the hills, plucky Sara decides to find out more about the ghostly relative who haunts the halls of Darling Park, invisible to all but her young son Jack. While Jack isn't afraid of the mysterious Lady, Sara is troubled by the tragedy she uncovers in her family's past. With the help of her hilariously self-absorbed friend Joanie, and the charismatic local handyman Will, Sara must hurry to learn the secrets of Darling Park before it's too late.
February 4, 2016
This was an ok read. Sara, newly divorced, and her son inherit a large estate and move to England. Within days of her arrival, she begins to receive mysterious messages about the safety of her son, learns the house is haunted, and her friend, who has traveled to England with her, is injured in several strange accidents. In all of this, Sara doesn't seem to mind, just accepts it with a "Que Sera" attitude. She falls in love with a man hired to be her chauffeur, but never seems to question much of him either. Her son's life is placed in danger and even with that event, she doesn't try to move out, move him into her room or even closer to her room. Her friend is an extremely unlikable character, and the staff weird and totally uncharacteristic for the time period. I did like the ghost, however. Wasn't hard to figure out where the book was going. Some editing errors.
June 26, 2016
Fabulous
I haven't read a ghost story in years and thought I would take a chance with this. So glad I did, I loved it.
Beautifully written, relatable characters, wonderfully atmospheric and I was instantly transported in to the heart of the story as if I was actually there.
The story itself unfolds with a mix of romance and the spectre of the unexplained. Sara and Jacks good fortune sets in place a chain reaction of events changing their life as they knew it in more ways than one.
Lisa builds layer upon layer of the story with an effortless skill. Vividly descriptive I could see every room and place in my minds eye.
My first but defiantly not my last book by this author. I hope there will be a book 2. X
I haven't read a ghost story in years and thought I would take a chance with this. So glad I did, I loved it.
Beautifully written, relatable characters, wonderfully atmospheric and I was instantly transported in to the heart of the story as if I was actually there.
The story itself unfolds with a mix of romance and the spectre of the unexplained. Sara and Jacks good fortune sets in place a chain reaction of events changing their life as they knew it in more ways than one.
Lisa builds layer upon layer of the story with an effortless skill. Vividly descriptive I could see every room and place in my minds eye.
My first but defiantly not my last book by this author. I hope there will be a book 2. X
September 18, 2012
Wow! Now I can take a breath of relief. But I am a little sad that the story's over... I loved the ending. And the excitement. The characters too... I just wish I knew how old Will and Sara were. Hmm.
Anyways, this is my first ghost-related book I've read and I've made a good choice with this being my first one. And Lisa Olsen just has a nice writing style you can easily slip into. At first I thought this story would be your typical mansion-haunting-ghost right after Sara inherited it, but there's so much more to it... The personalities of the characters aren't wishy-washy and you just need to keep on reading to know what'll happen next...
Anyways, this is my first ghost-related book I've read and I've made a good choice with this being my first one. And Lisa Olsen just has a nice writing style you can easily slip into. At first I thought this story would be your typical mansion-haunting-ghost right after Sara inherited it, but there's so much more to it... The personalities of the characters aren't wishy-washy and you just need to keep on reading to know what'll happen next...
October 30, 2012
This was, overall, a very good book. While some of the supporting characters were a bit annoying, there was a great storyline and just the right amount of creepiness. Although, I'm confused as to how some readers still don't understand what the "Nine" refers to. I thought the writer did a great job of letting you know what they were without having to completely spell it out. And really, it doesn't matter if the Nine aren't all listed by name, the main character didn't actually know everyone in town, so it wouldn't have mattered anyway. The author only noted the names of the people she actually knew.
August 11, 2015
I normally am not a fan of ghost stories, however this one held my interest from beginning to end without scaring me so I couldn't finish. Lisa Olsen did a great job of character development with this story. Sara started out as a young, scared,single, American, mother, who just inherited a lot of money and a huge home in England and ended her as being a strong woman who fought with everything she had to save her child, and to keep what was rightfully theirs. She no longer allowed everyone to walk all over her, and that made me respect her even more.
October 10, 2012
It was a fun, quick read. The editing was not so great and seeing as how I don't really pay attention to that stuff, to get my notice and actually distract me means it was pretty bad. There were extra words in some spots, missing words in other places but I'm sure it could have been worse.
I enjoyed the story though for a free Kindle book. I thought the ending could have lasted longer and explained more but most of my questions were answered. Fun book for free.
I enjoyed the story though for a free Kindle book. I thought the ending could have lasted longer and explained more but most of my questions were answered. Fun book for free.
January 13, 2013
The title was off putting. It nearly had nothing to do with the book.
While it was pegged as a ghost story, it never got too creepy.
The American girl inheriting a massive British fortune didn't go nuts with the money. But it was still fun to consider.
The romance part was clean and sweet.
The best friend was obnoxious.
I'm sounding negative, but I have to say over all it was a fun read that I really enjoyed. No masterful work, but it did the job of entertaining.
While it was pegged as a ghost story, it never got too creepy.
The American girl inheriting a massive British fortune didn't go nuts with the money. But it was still fun to consider.
The romance part was clean and sweet.
The best friend was obnoxious.
I'm sounding negative, but I have to say over all it was a fun read that I really enjoyed. No masterful work, but it did the job of entertaining.
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