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Leah
Leah knows that her mother died in a car accident when Leah was small and that her father, who used to be the gentlest dad in the world, has become increasingly controlling and occasionally violent.
She also knows that her recurring dreams are telling her something more about how and why her mother died, and why her dad turned nasty, but they are becoming progressively more disturbing and confusing.
When Leah meets Ben, she is excited to have a friend she can confide in and have fun with, but is he what he seems?
The voice of Leah’s mother repeatedly tells her to rely on her instincts, but when Leah is run over in a freak accident and Ben’s family take over her welfare, are they protecting her or using her?
And why would anyone, good or evil, bother with an ordinary girl just about to go to university?
She also knows that her recurring dreams are telling her something more about how and why her mother died, and why her dad turned nasty, but they are becoming progressively more disturbing and confusing.
When Leah meets Ben, she is excited to have a friend she can confide in and have fun with, but is he what he seems?
The voice of Leah’s mother repeatedly tells her to rely on her instincts, but when Leah is run over in a freak accident and Ben’s family take over her welfare, are they protecting her or using her?
And why would anyone, good or evil, bother with an ordinary girl just about to go to university?
- GenresParanormal
282 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2012
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 29, 2013
Leah is a young girl struggling with a strict father and a new school. Memories of her mother's death and recurring nightmares haunt her. When she meets Ben, her life seems to be taking a turn from the better. But, things aren't what they seem. A shocking accident changes everything, and soon Leah's world is turned upside down.
What a fantastic read! I connected with Leah right away. She's a sympathetic, likable character I immediately began to root for. When she meets Ben, the story really takes off. I am absolutely in love with the romance between Ben and Leah. He's cute, considerate, responsible, funny, and mysterious. What isn't to like? When Leah's strict father becomes inexplicably violent, Ben and his family are there to protect her. And when Leah can't keep her nightmares secret any longer, Ben is there to lend an ear. But, why is his father so insistent upon protecting Leah? And, what is Ben and his family hiding? Is the key to everything hidden in Leah's lost memories?
I wish I could say more about this book, but I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free. I can say I am in awe of the author's talent and creativity. Instead of recycling the same paranormal characters, Baker has created something completely new and original. The romantic story that unfolds is entirely believable and Ben is certainly crush-worthy. My only complaint was the ending--it was very abrupt. Fortunately, there is a sneak preview of the next book in the series that gives the reader a good idea of where the story is headed. I cannot wait for book two. This is a series that has serious potential. I'll be first in line to buy every book this author writes.
What a fantastic read! I connected with Leah right away. She's a sympathetic, likable character I immediately began to root for. When she meets Ben, the story really takes off. I am absolutely in love with the romance between Ben and Leah. He's cute, considerate, responsible, funny, and mysterious. What isn't to like? When Leah's strict father becomes inexplicably violent, Ben and his family are there to protect her. And when Leah can't keep her nightmares secret any longer, Ben is there to lend an ear. But, why is his father so insistent upon protecting Leah? And, what is Ben and his family hiding? Is the key to everything hidden in Leah's lost memories?
I wish I could say more about this book, but I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free. I can say I am in awe of the author's talent and creativity. Instead of recycling the same paranormal characters, Baker has created something completely new and original. The romantic story that unfolds is entirely believable and Ben is certainly crush-worthy. My only complaint was the ending--it was very abrupt. Fortunately, there is a sneak preview of the next book in the series that gives the reader a good idea of where the story is headed. I cannot wait for book two. This is a series that has serious potential. I'll be first in line to buy every book this author writes.
October 28, 2012
This is the opening story of Leah. Initial impressions were of a young woman with little confidence or self esteem, meets young handsome Ben, member of the band, Liberation and both about to start at university, maybe a romance? It then becomes apparent that she is the victim of control and even physical abuse by a father, she still loves. Past incomplete events appear in nightmares, horrors soon turn into paranormal creatures, Harbingers. The description of which may become visitations of your own nightmares, but I hope not. An accident forces Leah on a journey of fear, mystery, romance and ultimately truth, of the knowledge and acceptance of other life forms for good and opposing evil. She starts to learn that she has an important purpose and a value to these opposing factions of good and evil.
This is an intriguing and mysterious story. At the end of this novel the reader is just coming to terms with an unusual, original and fascinating paranormal idea. I felt an initial disquiet at a few loose threads, to me important ones. However, the writer Andrea Baker takes pity on her readers and leaves an introductory chapter of the next episode in what I believe will become a fascinating series. The loose threads start to be dealt with....
The story is aimed toward younger audiences but I think it has appeal for YA and a much broader age range of readers.
I've considered this for 4 or 5 stars, personally I feel it is a good four star, and if the first chapter of the next book is anything to go on I think that 5 stars will soon follow. I've enjoyed it and have no hesitation recommending it to those who enjoy paranormal elements in their reading choices.
This is an intriguing and mysterious story. At the end of this novel the reader is just coming to terms with an unusual, original and fascinating paranormal idea. I felt an initial disquiet at a few loose threads, to me important ones. However, the writer Andrea Baker takes pity on her readers and leaves an introductory chapter of the next episode in what I believe will become a fascinating series. The loose threads start to be dealt with....
The story is aimed toward younger audiences but I think it has appeal for YA and a much broader age range of readers.
I've considered this for 4 or 5 stars, personally I feel it is a good four star, and if the first chapter of the next book is anything to go on I think that 5 stars will soon follow. I've enjoyed it and have no hesitation recommending it to those who enjoy paranormal elements in their reading choices.
August 11, 2016
Good Read Across all audiences --- Including NA and YA!!!
Leah (Worlds Apart #1) was a sweet story, and good first book of a new fantasy romance series. Though aimed at the “fantasy romance” audience, I think this book would also have a really big appeal for both NA, and especially YA readers, who are looking for a “clean romance” book to read. I know if I had a teenage daughter, I would approve of her reading this book for sure.
Leah’s our main character in the book… and I really liked her. She seems like your average, normal 19-year old girl, except for the fact that she keeps having strange, and sometimes frightening nightmares. And ever since her mother’s death, her father just hasn’t been the same.
And then she meets Ben. Ben is wonderful… I LOVED his character! He was a sweet guy from the very beginning. But there is a reason he’s met her… and sooner or later, with Ben’s help, Leah starts understanding more and more about herself and what her strange dreams actually mean.
For all of you fantasy-romance buffs, this was a different story… and I haven’t read anything similar to this book previously, with the supernatural creatures that are in this book. So, if you are looking for a something a little different than the usual fantasy books, this will probably be just what you are looking for!
By the end of the book, all is finally revealed… however, like me, you’ll be longing to read book #2 right away!!!
Leah (Worlds Apart #1) was a sweet story, and good first book of a new fantasy romance series. Though aimed at the “fantasy romance” audience, I think this book would also have a really big appeal for both NA, and especially YA readers, who are looking for a “clean romance” book to read. I know if I had a teenage daughter, I would approve of her reading this book for sure.
Leah’s our main character in the book… and I really liked her. She seems like your average, normal 19-year old girl, except for the fact that she keeps having strange, and sometimes frightening nightmares. And ever since her mother’s death, her father just hasn’t been the same.
And then she meets Ben. Ben is wonderful… I LOVED his character! He was a sweet guy from the very beginning. But there is a reason he’s met her… and sooner or later, with Ben’s help, Leah starts understanding more and more about herself and what her strange dreams actually mean.
For all of you fantasy-romance buffs, this was a different story… and I haven’t read anything similar to this book previously, with the supernatural creatures that are in this book. So, if you are looking for a something a little different than the usual fantasy books, this will probably be just what you are looking for!
By the end of the book, all is finally revealed… however, like me, you’ll be longing to read book #2 right away!!!
April 19, 2014
I was intrigued to read Leah, which was described as a NA Paranormal Romance. Paranormal is not my usual genre, but I often enjoy them. Although an interesting storyline, the book kind of fell flat for me.
The protagonist, Leah, was not particularly physically attractive and her personality seemed rather dull and a bit whiny. So when sweet and handsome Ben came along and showed such interest, telling her she was perfect, it just did not ring true. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two. I feel like the Leah character could be reworked a bit and some witty dialog added.
I kept reading to understand the reason Leah was having her reoccurring & confusing nightmares and to figure why Ben & his family were so overly nice to her. It seemed all the "reasons" and action were packed into the very end.
In all, the story was creative, but did not draw me in. Since this first of the series has introduced the main characters and explained the supernatural mystery, hopefully the following books will be stronger.
This read was provided by the author for an honest review.
The protagonist, Leah, was not particularly physically attractive and her personality seemed rather dull and a bit whiny. So when sweet and handsome Ben came along and showed such interest, telling her she was perfect, it just did not ring true. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two. I feel like the Leah character could be reworked a bit and some witty dialog added.
I kept reading to understand the reason Leah was having her reoccurring & confusing nightmares and to figure why Ben & his family were so overly nice to her. It seemed all the "reasons" and action were packed into the very end.
In all, the story was creative, but did not draw me in. Since this first of the series has introduced the main characters and explained the supernatural mystery, hopefully the following books will be stronger.
This read was provided by the author for an honest review.
April 21, 2014
This was a good read. One thing that I truly appreciated about this author's writing is that out was very straightforward. I like how she didn't fill the book with unnecessary words or with artsy metaphors that complicate rather than add to the plot. I liked Leah. I thought she was a strong character and was very likable. I also liked the elements of mystery and suspense that the author incorporated which made this a quick read. Without giving too much away, I kept turning the pages to try and figure out what was going on with these daydreams/visions/flashbacks that Leah was having and how they tied in with the current events being told I the story. I normally don't read paranormal, which is why when given the opportunity to read this book, I jumped all over it. I like venturing out of my norm (which is contemporary) if the risk is worth it. In this case, it was. I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it.
**I was given a complimentary copy of Leah in exchange for an honest review, which I have done.**
**I was given a complimentary copy of Leah in exchange for an honest review, which I have done.**
April 18, 2014
I revive this book from the author for an honest review.
Ok, so I'm not sure how to write a review for Leah! I enjoyed the idea of the book but to me it was to fast and not enough know how, I mean really they met and had a few meetings and he broke down her wall, and then all the crazy stuff happened and bam, we find out the truth. It has a ton of promise, I'm not sure I will read anymore in this series due to the fact that it was too fast and it just felt way too rushed. I wish the author the best with this series and hope it does well. But the writing style wasn't for me.
Ok, so I'm not sure how to write a review for Leah! I enjoyed the idea of the book but to me it was to fast and not enough know how, I mean really they met and had a few meetings and he broke down her wall, and then all the crazy stuff happened and bam, we find out the truth. It has a ton of promise, I'm not sure I will read anymore in this series due to the fact that it was too fast and it just felt way too rushed. I wish the author the best with this series and hope it does well. But the writing style wasn't for me.
November 22, 2012
I had read snippets of this book in earlier form and was looking forward to seeing how the story unfolded. Sadly, my feelings about this book are mixed. There are aspects I thoroughly enjoyed, but there was also elements that weren't as strong and detracted from the overall story.
STORY: We follow the journey of Leah as she recalls an earlier part of her life where she was plagued by bad dreams. While the premise isn't exactly the most original, the execution was pretty well done and the ideas that sprung from it were entertaining.
There were times I felt the pacing was too slow and the mystery was dragged on too much, only to be revealed too fast and no consequence or character reaction conveyed. Also, for all Leah's 'questions', she actually doesn't get a single answer, and makes very little effort to get answers either.
The epilogue I felt was totally unnecessary. It dumped far too much information and would have been much better weaved into the actual story.
But for fans of this genre, it won't disappoint in terms of plot.
CHARACTERS: For the most part the characters were well thought out and rounded. However there were time where I felt Leah acted out of character and there didn't seem much rationale for this. Ben is pretty generic and doesn't really have any unique features as a character, and this was perhaps why I felt his relationship with Leah was a little stilted and forced. I also got pretty sick of Leah's self-depreciation but again this seems an expected trait for this genre so I won't look into it too much.
Leah's dad was well done and the twist regarding him was also well portrayed.
SETTING/VOICE: The descriptions are well done and we can picture pretty well the surroundings and what's going on. The voice however of Leah wasn't quite there for me. At times it sounded extremely formal and Leah did have some insights that didn't seem very natural for a character her age.
PRESENTATION: The cover is certainly eye-catching and the pitch reads well. Unfortunately I did come across several typoes in the text and there were several slips into the present tense which I found jarring. The style of writing is generally easy to read and get into.
OVERALL: For fans of the fantasy romance genre who like a staple romance plot with the supernatural thrown in, this is definitely something worthwhile to dip into if you're looking for new books. For me, however, the strong plot did not make up for the elements I found lacking. If you want something a little more ground-breaking, look elsewhere.
STORY: We follow the journey of Leah as she recalls an earlier part of her life where she was plagued by bad dreams. While the premise isn't exactly the most original, the execution was pretty well done and the ideas that sprung from it were entertaining.
There were times I felt the pacing was too slow and the mystery was dragged on too much, only to be revealed too fast and no consequence or character reaction conveyed. Also, for all Leah's 'questions', she actually doesn't get a single answer, and makes very little effort to get answers either.
The epilogue I felt was totally unnecessary. It dumped far too much information and would have been much better weaved into the actual story.
But for fans of this genre, it won't disappoint in terms of plot.
CHARACTERS: For the most part the characters were well thought out and rounded. However there were time where I felt Leah acted out of character and there didn't seem much rationale for this. Ben is pretty generic and doesn't really have any unique features as a character, and this was perhaps why I felt his relationship with Leah was a little stilted and forced. I also got pretty sick of Leah's self-depreciation but again this seems an expected trait for this genre so I won't look into it too much.
Leah's dad was well done and the twist regarding him was also well portrayed.
SETTING/VOICE: The descriptions are well done and we can picture pretty well the surroundings and what's going on. The voice however of Leah wasn't quite there for me. At times it sounded extremely formal and Leah did have some insights that didn't seem very natural for a character her age.
PRESENTATION: The cover is certainly eye-catching and the pitch reads well. Unfortunately I did come across several typoes in the text and there were several slips into the present tense which I found jarring. The style of writing is generally easy to read and get into.
OVERALL: For fans of the fantasy romance genre who like a staple romance plot with the supernatural thrown in, this is definitely something worthwhile to dip into if you're looking for new books. For me, however, the strong plot did not make up for the elements I found lacking. If you want something a little more ground-breaking, look elsewhere.
May 5, 2014
I received this book for an honest review
I enjoyed the story and the characters but I felt jilted at the end. I loved the fact that Leah doesn't remember much about her past and of course there is Ben and the way that he feels about her. I look forward to reading the rest of this story to see where and how it plays out.
I enjoyed the story and the characters but I felt jilted at the end. I loved the fact that Leah doesn't remember much about her past and of course there is Ben and the way that he feels about her. I look forward to reading the rest of this story to see where and how it plays out.
October 11, 2014
A paranormal YA/NA novel, “Leah” is the first in this series and involves a new set of paranormal creatures. The premise for this story is intriguing and offers some new twists to the paranormal/ fantasy genre for readers to explore.
Read full review in the 2014 October issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 October issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 15, 2012
It is moving and mysterious story. I am starting loving paranormal novels about young adults. I am waiting impatiently for the second part of these series.
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September 5, 2014Read my review in the October release of InD'Tale's magazine. http://indtale.com/
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews