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Countenance
In Countenance, debut novelist Joy Ross Davis creates a suspenseful yet heartfelt story full of intrigue and unexpected revelations, where magic is made in the kitchen and angels can fall in love. Her memorable characters inhabit a home that is more than it seems, unwittingly preparing for a final showdown where forces battle for the souls of both those who reside there and the dead who cannot move on to the next realm.
Thirty-eight-year-old Nealey Monaghan’s life is turned upside-down one night when her sister’s estranged ex-husband kills nearly everyone she loves in one fell swoop. Numb to the world, Nealey is taken in by her charmingly eccentric Aunt Sylvie, cookbook author and proprietress of the Playhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast in the hills of Tennessee. Hoping to help her niece find purpose and meaning in her life again, Sylvie makes Nealey a co-owner and begins teaching her the tricks of the trade…and the secrets of the house.
Unbeknownst to either of them, nor to the ghost relatives who have lived there since they were murdered in 1889, there is a common thread running through their veins, and a deep secret that is dying to come out…
Thirty-eight-year-old Nealey Monaghan’s life is turned upside-down one night when her sister’s estranged ex-husband kills nearly everyone she loves in one fell swoop. Numb to the world, Nealey is taken in by her charmingly eccentric Aunt Sylvie, cookbook author and proprietress of the Playhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast in the hills of Tennessee. Hoping to help her niece find purpose and meaning in her life again, Sylvie makes Nealey a co-owner and begins teaching her the tricks of the trade…and the secrets of the house.
Unbeknownst to either of them, nor to the ghost relatives who have lived there since they were murdered in 1889, there is a common thread running through their veins, and a deep secret that is dying to come out…
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2013
3 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 30, 2013
Joy Davis has created a nearly new genre of novels with her writing of "Countenance." I strongly advise all to read this fascinating novel and we all look forward to more coming from what may be a literary genius.
December 28, 2013
I loved the book! It is well written ( that really matters to me) and is a wonderful story. Looking forward to the sequel.
April 6, 2023
Countenance by Award-Winning author, Joy Ross Davis
Nealey Monaghan's life is about to change in ways she could never imagine or predict...
From the unspeakable, to the ghostly and angelic, author Joy Ross Davis immediately captured my attention by masterfully bringing her characters to life, one by one, generation by generation, in this heartfelt gem of wonder and intrigue.
Surrounding the reader with a most unique setting within the rolling hills of Tennessee, the author opens the doors of The Playhouse Inn~ a bed and breakfast full of secrets, as it breathes magic and mayhem amongst the peculiar and eccentric, and leads its guests on a journey where good and evil exist under one roof, where love and forgiveness are genuine, and the romantic and adventurous walk hand in hand. A journey of the best kind!
With a treasure trove of meaningful characters, a whirlwind of suspense, and vivid descriptions throughout, I not only fell in love with this story as I became emotionally attached, but Countenance became the story I hadn't realized I was missing, until now...
The haunting, the heartwarming, and heroic are the very elements that make this mystical, paranormal narrative a delightful blend of the charming and captivating!
5 Stars
#Countenance
#JoyRossDavis
Wild Sage Book Blog
Nealey Monaghan's life is about to change in ways she could never imagine or predict...
From the unspeakable, to the ghostly and angelic, author Joy Ross Davis immediately captured my attention by masterfully bringing her characters to life, one by one, generation by generation, in this heartfelt gem of wonder and intrigue.
Surrounding the reader with a most unique setting within the rolling hills of Tennessee, the author opens the doors of The Playhouse Inn~ a bed and breakfast full of secrets, as it breathes magic and mayhem amongst the peculiar and eccentric, and leads its guests on a journey where good and evil exist under one roof, where love and forgiveness are genuine, and the romantic and adventurous walk hand in hand. A journey of the best kind!
With a treasure trove of meaningful characters, a whirlwind of suspense, and vivid descriptions throughout, I not only fell in love with this story as I became emotionally attached, but Countenance became the story I hadn't realized I was missing, until now...
The haunting, the heartwarming, and heroic are the very elements that make this mystical, paranormal narrative a delightful blend of the charming and captivating!
5 Stars
#Countenance
#JoyRossDavis
Wild Sage Book Blog
February 26, 2013
For two days I've been living with the charming cast of characters in Joy Ross Davis' debut novel, "Countenance."
Although the Playhouse Inn only exist in the pages of this well-written novel, the author's lyrical writing style and storytelling ability had me roaming through the rooms (like an invisible guest) in this beautiful old bed and breakfast located in the hills of Tennessee.
From the beginning, I fell in love with Aunt Sylvie, an adored cookbook author and the proprietor of this one hundred year old home. We all need an "Aunt Sylvie" doting over us and whipping up her magic in the kitchen of this ancient inn where angels and ghosts live in harmony with the human inhabitants and guests.
That is until a troublemaker named Max shows up, but I'll say no more about this rascal as you will want to read this novel for yourself.
You will step into Nealey's shoes as she returns to the Playhouse Inn, hoping to recover - in both body and spirit - from a horrific event that claimed the lives of her husband, two young children, and her sister. You will be charmed and delighted by brothers, Worthy and Noble, as they go about doing what they do best. Who can forget the lovely Anna..and her two beautiful girls, Mae and Maggie, and the protective and constant companion, Lulu.
And then there's Benton, the ruggedly handsome and muscular custodian of the place. Aw, Benton...how you do restore my faith.
From the opening lines until the last page, you will be swept away with the strength of this story. Your spine will tingle.. you'll laugh, you'll cry. Then you'll want to get on the phone and book a stay at the Playhouse Inn. And if no one picks up the phone, then you must simply order this book and start reading now. You will not be disappointed.
~ Kathleen M. Rodgers, author of the Amazon bestselling novel, "The Final Salute."
Although the Playhouse Inn only exist in the pages of this well-written novel, the author's lyrical writing style and storytelling ability had me roaming through the rooms (like an invisible guest) in this beautiful old bed and breakfast located in the hills of Tennessee.
From the beginning, I fell in love with Aunt Sylvie, an adored cookbook author and the proprietor of this one hundred year old home. We all need an "Aunt Sylvie" doting over us and whipping up her magic in the kitchen of this ancient inn where angels and ghosts live in harmony with the human inhabitants and guests.
That is until a troublemaker named Max shows up, but I'll say no more about this rascal as you will want to read this novel for yourself.
You will step into Nealey's shoes as she returns to the Playhouse Inn, hoping to recover - in both body and spirit - from a horrific event that claimed the lives of her husband, two young children, and her sister. You will be charmed and delighted by brothers, Worthy and Noble, as they go about doing what they do best. Who can forget the lovely Anna..and her two beautiful girls, Mae and Maggie, and the protective and constant companion, Lulu.
And then there's Benton, the ruggedly handsome and muscular custodian of the place. Aw, Benton...how you do restore my faith.
From the opening lines until the last page, you will be swept away with the strength of this story. Your spine will tingle.. you'll laugh, you'll cry. Then you'll want to get on the phone and book a stay at the Playhouse Inn. And if no one picks up the phone, then you must simply order this book and start reading now. You will not be disappointed.
~ Kathleen M. Rodgers, author of the Amazon bestselling novel, "The Final Salute."
March 6, 2013
Countenance features people who help, people who need help, plus ghosts who fit the same categories and the protective angels who will bring wisdom and light to the situation.
The Play House Inn, bed and breakfast, offers some magical gourmet food to the guests, along with some serious spiritual healing and learning. Enjoy the read along with a special character -- a loving Irish Wolfhound named LuLu.
I could go to the Play House Inn and play house in the kitchen any time! I would let the dog have treats while we wandered from kitchen to attic, 'petting' the woodwork.
Aunt Sylvie offers shelter to her niece, Nealey, who has endured an horrific tragedy. Nealey's path back to living is surrounded by loving family on all spiritual planes, a huge, protective dog and those strong and wise guardian angels. The support team has its work cut out because evil has come to the Play House too. Evil that would destroy Nealey and all of the others to get to her. In an environment where tragedy has ruled for generations, why would evil not be the winner? It doesn't look good.
I recommend COUNTENANCE for an uplifting, but yet 'be-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read, We KNOW,(we think) that good will triumph. But, still....
The Play House Inn, bed and breakfast, offers some magical gourmet food to the guests, along with some serious spiritual healing and learning. Enjoy the read along with a special character -- a loving Irish Wolfhound named LuLu.
I could go to the Play House Inn and play house in the kitchen any time! I would let the dog have treats while we wandered from kitchen to attic, 'petting' the woodwork.
Aunt Sylvie offers shelter to her niece, Nealey, who has endured an horrific tragedy. Nealey's path back to living is surrounded by loving family on all spiritual planes, a huge, protective dog and those strong and wise guardian angels. The support team has its work cut out because evil has come to the Play House too. Evil that would destroy Nealey and all of the others to get to her. In an environment where tragedy has ruled for generations, why would evil not be the winner? It doesn't look good.
I recommend COUNTENANCE for an uplifting, but yet 'be-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read, We KNOW,(we think) that good will triumph. But, still....
March 7, 2013
http://www.amazon.com/Countenance-ebo...
In Countenance, debut novelist Joy Ross Davis creates a suspenseful yet heartfelt story full of intrigue and unexpected revelations, where magic is made in the kitchen and angels can fall in love. Her memorable characters inhabit a home that is more than it seems, unwittingly preparing for a final showdown where forces battle for the souls of both those who reside there and the dead who cannot move on to the next realm.
Thirty-eight-year-old Nealey Monaghan’s life is turned upside-down one night when her sister’s estranged ex-husband kills nearly everyone she loves in one fell swoop. Numb to the world, Nealey is taken in by her charmingly eccentric Aunt Sylvie, cookbook author and proprietress of the Playhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast in the hills of Tennessee. Hoping to help her niece find purpose and meaning in her life again, Sylvie makes Nealey a co-owner and begins teaching her the tricks of the trade…and the secrets of the house.
Unbeknownst to either of them, nor to the ghost relatives who have lived there since they were murdered in 1889, there is a common thread running through their veins, and a deep secret that is dying to come out…
In Countenance, debut novelist Joy Ross Davis creates a suspenseful yet heartfelt story full of intrigue and unexpected revelations, where magic is made in the kitchen and angels can fall in love. Her memorable characters inhabit a home that is more than it seems, unwittingly preparing for a final showdown where forces battle for the souls of both those who reside there and the dead who cannot move on to the next realm.
Thirty-eight-year-old Nealey Monaghan’s life is turned upside-down one night when her sister’s estranged ex-husband kills nearly everyone she loves in one fell swoop. Numb to the world, Nealey is taken in by her charmingly eccentric Aunt Sylvie, cookbook author and proprietress of the Playhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast in the hills of Tennessee. Hoping to help her niece find purpose and meaning in her life again, Sylvie makes Nealey a co-owner and begins teaching her the tricks of the trade…and the secrets of the house.
Unbeknownst to either of them, nor to the ghost relatives who have lived there since they were murdered in 1889, there is a common thread running through their veins, and a deep secret that is dying to come out…
April 2, 2013
Kudos to Joy Ross Davis for having her dreams come true in her debut novel Countenance! I enjoyed this book from cover to cover with its engaging story line and characters so well written as to include them in my friends/enemies list. This page turner keep me captivated and wanting to know more with every turn of her well phrased narrative. I have a new appreciation for Bed and Breakfasts and for the recipes contained herein. Once again congratulations to Joy for a job very well done!
June 17, 2013
WOW!!!! What a book. I have never read a story like this before. I loved it. It kept me glued to my seat. I was reading the book with excitement. I couldn't wait to turn the pages to see what was gonna happen. I really loved the characters in the book. The ghost were favorites also except this Max. O I didn't like him and his friend.O and there is a love story in here also. He sounds so heavenly! I can't wait I sure hope there is a part 2. Great job Joy.
October 3, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is an intriguing ghost/supernatural story with a sympathetic cast of ghosts, angels, eccentrics and evil spirits. Oh yes, and cookery. It is the most delightfully domestic book about haunting that I have ever read, anchored in real life. I could almost taste the food and smell the flowers. The book even ends with a recipe. Great idea.
It is quite scary in places, moving and action packed, reminding me of films like Ghost or Sixth Sense.
A lovely book.
It is quite scary in places, moving and action packed, reminding me of films like Ghost or Sixth Sense.
A lovely book.
August 24, 2013
After a tragedy Nealy Monaghan retreats to her Aunt Sylvie's Bed and Breakfast in Tennessee, hoping to escape her ghosts of the past - only to run into ghosts of the future and old secrets in the old inn. For a fantasy romp with colorful characters, illusory angels and demons, magic and mayhem ... you'll enjoy this author's imaginative and innovative debut book!
October 22, 2013
GREAT READ! COULD HARDLY PUT IT DOWN.
April 13, 2014
I loved this book! Such a sweet story! Can't wait for the next book! A must read
October 8, 2019
COUNTENANCE by Joy Ross Davis is a heart-warming mystery filled with love, family and unexpected events. It is set at the Playhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast in the hills of Tennessee where Nealey Monaghan is taken in by her eccentric Aunt Sylvie after a devastating tragedy befalls Nealey’s family. The engaging cast of characters and the vivid descriptions of the setting kept me intrigued from beginning to end. There are plenty of twists and turns to the story. There are angels and ghosts that reside in this magical inn and keep things lively with their antics. I loved the descriptions of the food and was thrilled to find a recipe at the end! COUNTENANCE is a charming and delightful book and I highly recommend it!
December 18, 2018
Author Joy Ross Davis weaves a heart breaking tale of the unimaginable horrors of losing your family in a horrendous crime, and the day by day survival in the aftermath. Main character Nealey's struggle to get on with her life is lovingly narrated in this tale. Will the strength of family, ghostly beings and angelic intervention be enough to save Nealey and protect her from additional tragedy from an evil family nemesis?
Some great characters that will fill you with hope, tears, and laughs, and yummy recipes too! A charming, poignant read indeed.
Some great characters that will fill you with hope, tears, and laughs, and yummy recipes too! A charming, poignant read indeed.
December 18, 2018
Great book
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm so going to read her other work. This story has ghosts, an angel, a Scottish hound name Lulu who wears a pink bonnet, and some serious magic with some serious bad guys. The book is exciting it has real life situation in the first encounter when you meet Nealy. Loved this book
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm so going to read her other work. This story has ghosts, an angel, a Scottish hound name Lulu who wears a pink bonnet, and some serious magic with some serious bad guys. The book is exciting it has real life situation in the first encounter when you meet Nealy. Loved this book
November 10, 2023
Fairytale magic in a fast paced modern day story with echos from the past. Invigoratingly seductive in the way she spins a tale, this first novel by Joy Ross Davis is definitely a must read. It will have you ignoring all other duties until the final page is turned and even then you will find yourself daydreaming of life at The Playhouse Inn.
April 21, 2023
Wonderful read. Hard to put down.
August 2, 2015
I liked this story ok. The ingredients where great: centuries old house, family secrets, fight between good and evil, friendship and love. But I felt that the story was quite scattered: constant interruptions, half truths, wringing hands, dizzy and swooning women as a family trait and too many oh-dears. I like conclusions and at the end too many things where left open to my liking. At the beginning the story got a hold of me and I had to keep on reading, then I got very frustrated and annoyed but I still wanted to know how things would turn out, and luckily I liked the ending just fine.
August 10, 2016
I love a good ghost story, especially one that's set in the South! The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life, making them sympathetic, creating a mysterious setting, and pulling the reader into the story. I really liked Aunt Sylvie's character and would like to try some of the recipes from her cookbook!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews