What do you think?
Rate this book
Resurrecting Harry
Devastated by Harry Houdini’s unexpected death, his widow, Bess, clings to his promise to deliver a coded message from beyond the grave. She’s determined to provide the bridge for him to cross, just like she assisted him on the stage, even if that means befriending her husband’s sworn enemy.
In order to save the only woman he’s every loved from self-destruction, Harry puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch. Even with Harry’s soul and memories, Erich feel out-of-place and disconnected from everything once his.
Will Erich be able to help Bess over her loss and will any good come from resurrecting Harry?
In order to save the only woman he’s every loved from self-destruction, Harry puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch. Even with Harry’s soul and memories, Erich feel out-of-place and disconnected from everything once his.
Will Erich be able to help Bess over her loss and will any good come from resurrecting Harry?
- GenresRomance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Constance Phillips
43 books314 followersConstance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son, now on his own, is planning a wedding, reconfirming that romance still lives and breathes.
When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.
Fairyproof and Resurrecting Harry are available now through Crescent Moon Press. The Novella sequel to Fairyproof, Council Courtship is also now available. Her first Contemporary Romance, All That's Unspoken, will be available from Turquoise Morning Press December 15, 2013 and The Ultimate Catch will be released in 2014 from Whiskey Creek Press.
When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.
Fairyproof and Resurrecting Harry are available now through Crescent Moon Press. The Novella sequel to Fairyproof, Council Courtship is also now available. Her first Contemporary Romance, All That's Unspoken, will be available from Turquoise Morning Press December 15, 2013 and The Ultimate Catch will be released in 2014 from Whiskey Creek Press.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 2, 2013
Taking the Houdini mystique and combining it with a story of love that endures beyond the grave makes this a memorable novel. Bess Houdini, Harry's grieving widow, strives to hang on to every memory of her late husband. In this alternative history, Harry's soul is placed in the body of Erick Welch and he's given the opportunity to help her move on. But he only has one month to accomplish this. The mysteries and obstacles placed in his path are not only external, but Harry himself, gets in the way more often than not.
Phillips delivers a beautiful story, extremely well written, with characters who seem alive. Her ability to bring not only the characters, but their surroundings to life is excellent. Bess is sympathetic and believable and it's easy to empathize with her. Erich is conflicted as he comes to terms with not only the present, but the past and future as well.
This was a very fast read for me and kept me guessing to the very end. It also made me do a bit of research on "our" Bess. I think I much prefer Phillips' version. I'll be remembering this book for a long time. The story is that good and it's that different from the rest. Highly recommend!
Phillips delivers a beautiful story, extremely well written, with characters who seem alive. Her ability to bring not only the characters, but their surroundings to life is excellent. Bess is sympathetic and believable and it's easy to empathize with her. Erich is conflicted as he comes to terms with not only the present, but the past and future as well.
This was a very fast read for me and kept me guessing to the very end. It also made me do a bit of research on "our" Bess. I think I much prefer Phillips' version. I'll be remembering this book for a long time. The story is that good and it's that different from the rest. Highly recommend!
March 4, 2013
Awesome & inspiring! I was immediately drawn into the story and the history. Resurrecting Harry is a wonderful tale of how love endures and conquers everything, even death. It is beautifully written and told through both Harry’s and Bess’s points of view. The transformation of Harry’s feeling and attitudes throughout the novel are believable and moving. The interactions between the other characters in Resurrecting Harry are well developed, interesting, and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between the characters and the suspenseful ending. I was touched by the writing and felt the author captured the lengths to which men will go to honor, protect, and love the women in their lives.
Resurrecting Harry is absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it.
After Harry passes away, he leaves behind the love of his life — Bess. Resurrecting Harry is a story about what could have happened to Bess if Harry had been able to make the greatest escape of all — escaping death. The story begins when an awe-inspiring and supernatural spirit named Jaden, offers Harry a chance to return to life and his beloved Bess. However, there is a catch, Harry must assume a different body and not tell anyone who he really is, especially his wife. His new persona is the young and handsome Erich Welch. Erich/Harry now has only one month to convince Bess not to contact Harry via a séance on the one year anniversary of his death. If she cancels, Harry will be granted a second chance to live the rest of his life with his true love. Unfortunately Bess is being heavily influenced by her friends; friends that Harry does not trust.
Resurrecting Harry is absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it.
After Harry passes away, he leaves behind the love of his life — Bess. Resurrecting Harry is a story about what could have happened to Bess if Harry had been able to make the greatest escape of all — escaping death. The story begins when an awe-inspiring and supernatural spirit named Jaden, offers Harry a chance to return to life and his beloved Bess. However, there is a catch, Harry must assume a different body and not tell anyone who he really is, especially his wife. His new persona is the young and handsome Erich Welch. Erich/Harry now has only one month to convince Bess not to contact Harry via a séance on the one year anniversary of his death. If she cancels, Harry will be granted a second chance to live the rest of his life with his true love. Unfortunately Bess is being heavily influenced by her friends; friends that Harry does not trust.
February 23, 2013
Resurrecting Harry is a fascinating story that explores “what if” Harry Houdini had a second chance to come back after his death to save the woman he loves. Houdini is a master escape artist, so what if he escaped even death? He makes a deal with a celestial being to do just that. Constance Phillips takes us back in time to the Houdini’s world and shows us life from Houdini’s wife’s side and how she grieves since his death.
I absolutely loved this book and it’s not something I’d typically read. I loved getting inside both the Houdini’s heads and hearts and learning about their life and times. The premise is unique and clever and turns the Houdini’s relationship and expectations on their ears.
A touching tale that delves into love, responsibility, loyalty, death and grief. I’m going to have to read more on Houdini now. Such a fascinating character!
I absolutely loved this book and it’s not something I’d typically read. I loved getting inside both the Houdini’s heads and hearts and learning about their life and times. The premise is unique and clever and turns the Houdini’s relationship and expectations on their ears.
A touching tale that delves into love, responsibility, loyalty, death and grief. I’m going to have to read more on Houdini now. Such a fascinating character!
March 1, 2018
This is such a great story, I couldn’t put it down. The author does a wonderful job of weaving true events into a fictionalized story, the lines are quite blurred. The characters jump off the page and the imagery painted by the author had me feeling I was in the scene with the characters. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
March 17, 2013
I loved this book! There I said it. Constance Phillips does not disappoint. I was really curious when I read the blurb about this book. I have always had an interest in Houdini and was intrigued on how this book would play out. The story begins with Harry in a purgatory of sorts re-living all of his past failures. He is brought out of this endless spiral by Jaden. The keeper of this existence. Jaden informs Harry that he has been dead for 11 months. He soon offers Harry a proposition. If he can get Bess to stop her séance of trying to contact Harry’s spirit then he may get yet another chance at life not only for himself but with his beloved Bess. Harry would be brought back in a different body but retain all of his memories. If Harry doesn’t succeed he will forever live in a world of nothingness. Since Harry does not believe in an ever after he agrees and figures it will be very simple to get Bess to realize that deep within his new body and life is the Harry that she has loved. Harry, who is now Erich, soon realizes that 11 lonely months has changed Bess and she is not the same that she once was. Erich now faces a huge obstacle of befriending and hopefully earning Bess’s love all over again. Bess in turn becomes conflicted with her growing feelings for this newcomer. She is weary because in the time since her husband passed away she has been bombarded by charlatans and swindlers just trying to get a piece of Harry’s legacy. She feels it is her duty to protect the public’s memory and her own memories. Along with the strangers are those who Harry has harmed who wish to try to blackmail Bess into holding the séance for both monetary and notoriety that would help them recover what they feel Harry took away. Through Bess and Erich’s journey you get a sense of reawaken and epiphanies. Bess reawakens to a new life of possibilities that doesn’t have to surround her dead husband’s life. Erich has epiphanies about things that he never realized happened. Especially feelings that Bess had that he/Harry ignored or took for granted. In the end, will the new love bloom and start a new and different life or will the old ways creep back in and snatch away the bright possibilities?
Overall, an extremely well done book that drives you forward with each chapter. You can almost believe that this really did happen! This had to have been challenging to take historical characters and develop them in a way in which would propel and strengthen the story. Connie Phillips does a wonderful job navigating the waters of bother paranormal and historical romance. Her choice of Bess and Harry was a clever one. Though many stories have been told about they you will be hard pressed to find such a good paranormal romance with a focus about them. In general I would whole-heartedly recommend this book! If you like a bit of paranormal and a bit of the historical you will love Resurrecting Harry. Great job, Connie!
Overall, an extremely well done book that drives you forward with each chapter. You can almost believe that this really did happen! This had to have been challenging to take historical characters and develop them in a way in which would propel and strengthen the story. Connie Phillips does a wonderful job navigating the waters of bother paranormal and historical romance. Her choice of Bess and Harry was a clever one. Though many stories have been told about they you will be hard pressed to find such a good paranormal romance with a focus about them. In general I would whole-heartedly recommend this book! If you like a bit of paranormal and a bit of the historical you will love Resurrecting Harry. Great job, Connie!
May 25, 2013
Harry Houdini’s soul now resides in the body of Erich Welch. On a mission to save his wife, Erich must earn her trust and get her to call off the anniversary séance. He is certain she will recognize his soul, but is sadly mistaken upon their first meeting.
Beth Houdini has grieved for her husband for nearly a year. Harry has promised her that not even death can chain him, and he would speak with her again. She is desperate to talk to him. From the day he dies, her life has fallen apart, and she is unable to do some of the simplest things. When she meets Erich, there is an instant attraction that causes her to feel as though she is betraying Harry’s memory, but having him around soothes her soul and makes her smile. In many ways, he reminds her of her husband, even if he is more humble and empathetic than Harry. It takes all of her willpower to fight her growing need of Erich.
After his untimely death, Harry Houdini is offered a second chance to save his wife, Beth, whom he loves and must do anything within his power to help. Her faith in him is so tremendous she believes he will contact her on the anniversary of his death. He must stop the séance she plans to hold or she will forever be a bitter, grief-stricken shell of a woman, and he will cease to exist. If he can get through to her, they can both have a chance at a long life together. Still, her sorrow and anger may prove to be too difficult to overcome. But Harry Houdini has never shied away from a challenge, and he does not intend to start now, his only hope that her future involves him.
This is a wonderful story about true love and sacrifice. It shows that love and hope are strong enough to overcome any obstacle—even death. I find the story heartwarming, sweet and tender. Beth’s character shows how strongly grief can affect a person and act like a slow poison, inhibiting happiness and joy from being experienced long after the initial heartbreaking loss. And the underlying message of hope and second chances add depth and enjoyment to the storyline. There are many lessons to be learned within the pages of this clever tale that will stay with the reader after the last page is turned.
HCHarju
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Beth Houdini has grieved for her husband for nearly a year. Harry has promised her that not even death can chain him, and he would speak with her again. She is desperate to talk to him. From the day he dies, her life has fallen apart, and she is unable to do some of the simplest things. When she meets Erich, there is an instant attraction that causes her to feel as though she is betraying Harry’s memory, but having him around soothes her soul and makes her smile. In many ways, he reminds her of her husband, even if he is more humble and empathetic than Harry. It takes all of her willpower to fight her growing need of Erich.
After his untimely death, Harry Houdini is offered a second chance to save his wife, Beth, whom he loves and must do anything within his power to help. Her faith in him is so tremendous she believes he will contact her on the anniversary of his death. He must stop the séance she plans to hold or she will forever be a bitter, grief-stricken shell of a woman, and he will cease to exist. If he can get through to her, they can both have a chance at a long life together. Still, her sorrow and anger may prove to be too difficult to overcome. But Harry Houdini has never shied away from a challenge, and he does not intend to start now, his only hope that her future involves him.
This is a wonderful story about true love and sacrifice. It shows that love and hope are strong enough to overcome any obstacle—even death. I find the story heartwarming, sweet and tender. Beth’s character shows how strongly grief can affect a person and act like a slow poison, inhibiting happiness and joy from being experienced long after the initial heartbreaking loss. And the underlying message of hope and second chances add depth and enjoyment to the storyline. There are many lessons to be learned within the pages of this clever tale that will stay with the reader after the last page is turned.
HCHarju
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
March 3, 2013
This story was a breath of fresh air, a refreshing twist on a well known tale. The book started out drawing the reader in. The otherworldly scenes with Jaden were really cool. I liked how the world just sort of shifted without warning. The author really made the most of the limitless creative space available.
Though I probably shouldn't have, I liked Jaden too. There was just something about his devil may care attitude and allusiveness that intrigued me and made me smile.
And I couldn't help but be drawn into Harry (or should I say Erich) and Bess's ups and downs. To me, this story is an ultimate example of star-crossed lovers. Harry loves her and, to a certain extent, she feels the pull as well but won't admit it to him or even herself. The reader is pulled through highs where he does good and she lets him into her life just a little, and lows where she shuts down and shuts him out, breaking his heart.
I spent most of the book, equally hoping that she would see him for who he truly is, but at the same time, I think what I was really hoping for was that she would see him as her true soul mate, which, as Harry or Erich, he most certainly would always be.
Great story, new idea. All in all. Worth a read.
Though I probably shouldn't have, I liked Jaden too. There was just something about his devil may care attitude and allusiveness that intrigued me and made me smile.
And I couldn't help but be drawn into Harry (or should I say Erich) and Bess's ups and downs. To me, this story is an ultimate example of star-crossed lovers. Harry loves her and, to a certain extent, she feels the pull as well but won't admit it to him or even herself. The reader is pulled through highs where he does good and she lets him into her life just a little, and lows where she shuts down and shuts him out, breaking his heart.
I spent most of the book, equally hoping that she would see him for who he truly is, but at the same time, I think what I was really hoping for was that she would see him as her true soul mate, which, as Harry or Erich, he most certainly would always be.
Great story, new idea. All in all. Worth a read.
March 6, 2013
Harry Houdini is dead. Once he reaches the other side he meets up with a heavenly messenger who offers him an opportunity to go back to Earth to save Bess, his grieving widow. On the one year anniversary of his death, Bess plans a seance and it is up to Harry to stop it or he will spend eternity in unending darkness.
As Erich Welsh, Harry becomes a bus boy in a cafe he and Bess used to enjoy. After putting himself in danger to save the life of a youngster, he earns Bess' favor. Soon he becomes her trusted confident even though he is half her age. Love blossoms between them though Bess fights against it. Betrayal and murder follow after a medium Harry tried to discredit seems to entrap his wife.
This charming tale of will make you laugh and cry. Told with such emotive candor we watch as Harry disguised as Erich learns about love, trust, and forgiveness. The story is a fast read and is well written. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Phillips.
As Erich Welsh, Harry becomes a bus boy in a cafe he and Bess used to enjoy. After putting himself in danger to save the life of a youngster, he earns Bess' favor. Soon he becomes her trusted confident even though he is half her age. Love blossoms between them though Bess fights against it. Betrayal and murder follow after a medium Harry tried to discredit seems to entrap his wife.
This charming tale of will make you laugh and cry. Told with such emotive candor we watch as Harry disguised as Erich learns about love, trust, and forgiveness. The story is a fast read and is well written. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Phillips.
March 11, 2013
This is an old-fashioned love story with a ghost story kind of twist. This well-written and well-researched novel explores the what-ifs of the afterlife, and whether the connection between two souls who truly love each other can continue beyond death.
The Great Master of Escape, Harry Houdini, finds himself twisting in the winds of Purgatory. The keeper of the keys offers him one last challenge to escape death itself, and save his grieving widow, Bess, from the self-destructive path she’s chosen.
Harry’s soul is given a new body, a new identity, and a singular mission. He must stop Bess from conducting the séance scheduled for the anniversary of his death. More importantly, he finds he must help Bess stop living in the past and embrace life.
When Harry’s new body – in the form of a younger man named Erich Welsh – first meets Bess on the road, sparks fly between them. Harry thinks it will be easy enough to cheat death and have a second chance to relive his life. It takes time for him to realize it’s not only Bess who needs to stop living in the past, but that Erich also needs to learn from Harry’s mistakes. His soul needs to learn and grow if he and Bess are to really have a chance at true happiness.
Ms. Phillips gives us twists and turns as Erich makes some of the same missteps Harry made in life, and poor Bess is left wondering if she’s going insane at the similarities in the men she’s attracted to. The author gives us the story from both points of view, which gives interesting insight into their motivations, and makes it all the more gratifying when they come to the same conclusions. The love scenes are nicely done, and I loved it that while Bess realizes their age differences a lot at the beginning of the story, by the time they’re in bed together it all falls away.
The author keeps you guessing right up until the end as to whether the pair will ultimately end up together, and whether Harry’s last and greatest escape will be to defy death itself.
While historical fiction isn’t my usual genre, this was a fun, fast read. Despite the 1920s setting, I’d classify it more as a paranormal romance. I loved the author’s first novel, Fairyproof, and have looked forward to reading more of her work. I’m so glad I did, and totally recommend Resurrecting Harry.
The Great Master of Escape, Harry Houdini, finds himself twisting in the winds of Purgatory. The keeper of the keys offers him one last challenge to escape death itself, and save his grieving widow, Bess, from the self-destructive path she’s chosen.
Harry’s soul is given a new body, a new identity, and a singular mission. He must stop Bess from conducting the séance scheduled for the anniversary of his death. More importantly, he finds he must help Bess stop living in the past and embrace life.
When Harry’s new body – in the form of a younger man named Erich Welsh – first meets Bess on the road, sparks fly between them. Harry thinks it will be easy enough to cheat death and have a second chance to relive his life. It takes time for him to realize it’s not only Bess who needs to stop living in the past, but that Erich also needs to learn from Harry’s mistakes. His soul needs to learn and grow if he and Bess are to really have a chance at true happiness.
Ms. Phillips gives us twists and turns as Erich makes some of the same missteps Harry made in life, and poor Bess is left wondering if she’s going insane at the similarities in the men she’s attracted to. The author gives us the story from both points of view, which gives interesting insight into their motivations, and makes it all the more gratifying when they come to the same conclusions. The love scenes are nicely done, and I loved it that while Bess realizes their age differences a lot at the beginning of the story, by the time they’re in bed together it all falls away.
The author keeps you guessing right up until the end as to whether the pair will ultimately end up together, and whether Harry’s last and greatest escape will be to defy death itself.
While historical fiction isn’t my usual genre, this was a fun, fast read. Despite the 1920s setting, I’d classify it more as a paranormal romance. I loved the author’s first novel, Fairyproof, and have looked forward to reading more of her work. I’m so glad I did, and totally recommend Resurrecting Harry.
September 2, 2016
This book a pretty awesome. I learned more about the real Harry Houdini in the first chapter than I ever knew. I enjoyed that this author took the time to research Harry and took real facts about him and put her own spin on things. The type of things we would never know, not having been in the mans life. It gives a really cool spin on reality. I really enjoyed the mix of truth and story that this author created. The whole thing is extremely clever!
Harry died and spent 11 months in purgatory, when he is sent back in a new body. He becomes Erich Welsh, his mission is to stop his beloved wife Bess from the seance she is planning on the anniversary of his death. If he stops her he gets to live the rest of his new life with her, if he fails, he spends the rest of eternity in a dark void.
This is a moving story about love, life, death, grief, second chances and savign the one you love. It will touch your heart without you realizing it. This story will stay with you long after it ends.
This is my first historical fiction novel, and I loved it. It was masterfully done and I'm glad to have read it. This is definitely a must read!
Harry died and spent 11 months in purgatory, when he is sent back in a new body. He becomes Erich Welsh, his mission is to stop his beloved wife Bess from the seance she is planning on the anniversary of his death. If he stops her he gets to live the rest of his new life with her, if he fails, he spends the rest of eternity in a dark void.
This is a moving story about love, life, death, grief, second chances and savign the one you love. It will touch your heart without you realizing it. This story will stay with you long after it ends.
This is my first historical fiction novel, and I loved it. It was masterfully done and I'm glad to have read it. This is definitely a must read!
March 30, 2013
Going to be interviewing here tonight (3-28) on Bewitching Tours Radio and I will write my review as soon as possible. This book is truly one of the best love stories of the ages I have read. So touching. NOT a romance, but a love story!
Join me tonight and learn WHY YOU NEED TO GO READ THIS BOOK!!
CONSTANCE PHILLIPS on BEWITCHING TOURS RADIO with KRISS MORTON, HOST
OMG awesome!
Join me tonight and learn WHY YOU NEED TO GO READ THIS BOOK!!
CONSTANCE PHILLIPS on BEWITCHING TOURS RADIO with KRISS MORTON, HOST
OMG awesome!
May 9, 2015
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this story. It was about a 2nd chance life, love after death and getting back the one you love. Houdini was magic. But could he escape from death? This was a well written romance and I loved every minute. You ever hear that question, if you could bring 1 famous person back from death, who? Seems this author wanted more Harry Houdini. I loved the mix of truth and fiction in this book. If you enjoy the roaring 20's, Harry Houdini and 2nd chances at love, you should read this!
I loved this story. It was about a 2nd chance life, love after death and getting back the one you love. Houdini was magic. But could he escape from death? This was a well written romance and I loved every minute. You ever hear that question, if you could bring 1 famous person back from death, who? Seems this author wanted more Harry Houdini. I loved the mix of truth and fiction in this book. If you enjoy the roaring 20's, Harry Houdini and 2nd chances at love, you should read this!
Want to read
March 30, 2013This looks SO GOOD!!!! I've always been fascinated by Harry Houdini, and this just sounds like a GREAT read. Yay!
February 28, 2018
I really liked the history side of the story it is really a very spiritual read that pulls you in taking you away between fantasy and reality giving you a well balance emotional read. We all say I will love you even after death but for some of us time heals and we move on finding new love, never really forgetting our old one just not holding on to it so much. This isn’t the case for Harry and Bess. This is a love that goes through time building stronger that not even death cannot take it away. You can tell the author put a lot of thought and time into this giving us a delightful romance that will live in our mind through time making us believe more than we could ever hope that our love will stand the test of time only to bring it right back to us when we least expect it.
This is a story based on what if, what if Henry was able to make the greatest escape that he could even escape….. death. Jaden offers Henry a chance of a lifetime he can return to his life with the women he loves. All he has to do is become someone else and never tell anyone who he really is. Now he must face things he never thought he would ever have to one being Bess and making her fall in love with him again as a new man. The only kicker is Bess is very much in love with Henry and has no plans on giving that love up. Henry sure has his hands full. Can he spin his magic again and make Bess fall for him all over again but as someone new? As the story builds there will be more than one obstacle in Henry’s way he must stop the séance or all bets are off. Time is short with lots to accomplice and time is running out.
I really loved this plot it is so meaningful, so heartbreaking at times and so much joy and love it just touches you. I really liked the characters and how the story builds around them. It was a wonderful heartwarming story that truly touched my heart. I just loved it and it will be a book I will read again and again.
**************
This is a story based on what if, what if Henry was able to make the greatest escape that he could even escape….. death. Jaden offers Henry a chance of a lifetime he can return to his life with the women he loves. All he has to do is become someone else and never tell anyone who he really is. Now he must face things he never thought he would ever have to one being Bess and making her fall in love with him again as a new man. The only kicker is Bess is very much in love with Henry and has no plans on giving that love up. Henry sure has his hands full. Can he spin his magic again and make Bess fall for him all over again but as someone new? As the story builds there will be more than one obstacle in Henry’s way he must stop the séance or all bets are off. Time is short with lots to accomplice and time is running out.
I really loved this plot it is so meaningful, so heartbreaking at times and so much joy and love it just touches you. I really liked the characters and how the story builds around them. It was a wonderful heartwarming story that truly touched my heart. I just loved it and it will be a book I will read again and again.
**************
August 8, 2017
Unusual Premise, Excellent book… I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. I like a variety of books, but I wasn't sure of this one when I was offered a copy. This is a well written book with intriguing characters. When Harry is offered an opportunity for a new body to save his wife, Bess's soul and his own, he jumps at the chance. In exchange for this opportunity, he needs to convince Bess to not hold a seance on the one year anniversary of his death to contact him. Since they are soul mates, he is very confident that he can easily convince her even though he will have a different body. Harry doesn't realize how much Bess has changed since he died. For me, the best part of the story is to see the growth of Bess and Harry. I loved this book and will look at other books by this author.
July 17, 2017
I'm a Harry Houdini fan like I'm a fan of Dr. Gregory House (TV show staring Hugh Laurie as Dr. House) You almost love to hate him for his heady, know-it-all arrogance, while feeling sorry for him and wishing you were him at the same time. This is why I picked up Constance Phillips' Resurrecting Harry. Harry has spent nearly a year in Purgatory when he's given the chance to make things right and sent back in a new body with a new mission. Fail and... well you know what happens. Succeed and he gets that much-craved-for second chance. What follows is a masterful blending of love, hate, change, and mystery. Whether you're a Houdini fan or not, this book is worth the read. Bravo Ms Phillips! I received this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest, voluntarily posted, review.
July 18, 2017
I REALLY enjoyed this story tremendously. But if I'd seen the cover first, I may have passed; don't make that mistake.
The story flowed nicely and the relationship between Erich and Bess was enjoyable on its own. But adding the historical factor and that it was a second chance at love following death just makes it that much more fun.
I received this book through eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
The story flowed nicely and the relationship between Erich and Bess was enjoyable on its own. But adding the historical factor and that it was a second chance at love following death just makes it that much more fun.
I received this book through eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2015
For whatever reason (I can't explain it) I have never been a Harry Houdini fan. I don't know why I really have any opinion of him... I mean, the man was alive from 1874-1926... I shouldn't even have any feelings since he was dead almost 50 years before I was born. But... movies, videos, stories about him... I'm not a fan.
Resurrecting Harry didn't improve my feelings about Harry Houdini. At least... not the old Harry Houdini. The book, in fact, pointed out so many reasons that validated why I never really liked him.
The story absolutely made me a fan of Erich Welch... the new, or resurrected Harry. And, it DID make me fall in love with Harry's wife Bess. The memories Bess had of the good times and love she and Harry had made me appreciate their relationship. I think what I most enjoyed about this book though, was following along with Erich as he came to realize that what he focused on as Harry, what he felt he was doing to support Bess and create a happy life, wasn't for the best. Realizing that his time and efforts could have been better spent creating a simple life with Bess, and giving her a family, could have created so much more happiness than the fame and fortune.
While my favorite part of the story was definitely following the relationship progression with Harry/Erich and Bess... I also enjoyed the mystery and thrill of figuring out what Bess' "friends" Martin and Gail, and Joseph were all up to. And I loved every time Jaden entered the story. I can completely visualize the surprise of him showing up each and every time.
So... while I'll probably never be a Harry Houdini fan... I'm definitely a fan of Constance Phillips' take on his story.
Resurrecting Harry didn't improve my feelings about Harry Houdini. At least... not the old Harry Houdini. The book, in fact, pointed out so many reasons that validated why I never really liked him.
The story absolutely made me a fan of Erich Welch... the new, or resurrected Harry. And, it DID make me fall in love with Harry's wife Bess. The memories Bess had of the good times and love she and Harry had made me appreciate their relationship. I think what I most enjoyed about this book though, was following along with Erich as he came to realize that what he focused on as Harry, what he felt he was doing to support Bess and create a happy life, wasn't for the best. Realizing that his time and efforts could have been better spent creating a simple life with Bess, and giving her a family, could have created so much more happiness than the fame and fortune.
While my favorite part of the story was definitely following the relationship progression with Harry/Erich and Bess... I also enjoyed the mystery and thrill of figuring out what Bess' "friends" Martin and Gail, and Joseph were all up to. And I loved every time Jaden entered the story. I can completely visualize the surprise of him showing up each and every time.
So... while I'll probably never be a Harry Houdini fan... I'm definitely a fan of Constance Phillips' take on his story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews