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Stone Ties
Stone ties.....it ties a man to his tradition, a woman to her love.
Stone seduces and unites, it betrays and destroys.
When Simeon discovers a cryptic mark engraved on the Baylis memorial, it opens a door; a door to discovery and understanding; a door to an unexpected relationship; a door to another time.
In his search to understand its meaning he'll learn much; much about the nature of attraction, much about pride and tradition, much about betrayal and loss.
One woman loves him, one woman claims him. One ties through understanding, one ties across time.
When the stone ties are broken, who will survive?
Stone seduces and unites, it betrays and destroys.
When Simeon discovers a cryptic mark engraved on the Baylis memorial, it opens a door; a door to discovery and understanding; a door to an unexpected relationship; a door to another time.
In his search to understand its meaning he'll learn much; much about the nature of attraction, much about pride and tradition, much about betrayal and loss.
One woman loves him, one woman claims him. One ties through understanding, one ties across time.
When the stone ties are broken, who will survive?
Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2013
6 people want to read
About the author
Steven Hobbs
2 books2 followersI grew up in Yorkshire in the UK. With a passionate interest in history, and the history of art, I have published articles in The Book Collector, The 1890s: An Encyclopedia of British Literature, Art, and Culture, and most recently The Journal of Pre-Raphaelite Studies.
Stone Ties is my first novel. My second, The Lanese Print is now available on Kindle. I am currently working on my third.
I was delighted to win the Non Fiction category of the 2013 Indie Book of the Day Flash Writing competition.
Stone Ties is my first novel. My second, The Lanese Print is now available on Kindle. I am currently working on my third.
I was delighted to win the Non Fiction category of the 2013 Indie Book of the Day Flash Writing competition.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 18, 2013
Stone Ties is an independently published novel by Steven Hobbes, released in April 2013. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Simeon is an architectural consultant. At the Baylis memorial, he discovers a cryptic marking etched in stone. He is in search of a sculpture known as The Northern Master.
Simeon's research and investigation take him on many travels. On one such journey he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Flora. Flora seems to know a little bit about the cryptic symbol that has Simeon so obsessed. However, she is not inclined to reveal anything she may know. In fact, the more Simeon discovers, the more agitated Flora becomes.
The story flips back and forth between present day and the 18th century. Jacob and Mary's story has a huge impact on the lives of those in the present day.
Jacob is in love with Mary and she loves him as well, but Mary continues to put off marriage. Her friendship and fascination with another man will have catastrophic consequences.
One part love story, one part mystery, one part history, this is a truly engrossing novel.
I will confess that I know nothing at all about stone or etchings or sculpture. This made the story even more interesting.
There is a stunning and shocking twist toward the end that you won't see coming.
These self published and independent authors often blow me away. The author builds suspense and mystery at a pace that keeps you turning pages and losing track of time. I'm amazed at the imagination this author has.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Anyone that enjoys fiction, mystery, history and romance will like this book.
This is a good solid A.
For more information about this author visit my blog at http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
Simeon is an architectural consultant. At the Baylis memorial, he discovers a cryptic marking etched in stone. He is in search of a sculpture known as The Northern Master.
Simeon's research and investigation take him on many travels. On one such journey he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Flora. Flora seems to know a little bit about the cryptic symbol that has Simeon so obsessed. However, she is not inclined to reveal anything she may know. In fact, the more Simeon discovers, the more agitated Flora becomes.
The story flips back and forth between present day and the 18th century. Jacob and Mary's story has a huge impact on the lives of those in the present day.
Jacob is in love with Mary and she loves him as well, but Mary continues to put off marriage. Her friendship and fascination with another man will have catastrophic consequences.
One part love story, one part mystery, one part history, this is a truly engrossing novel.
I will confess that I know nothing at all about stone or etchings or sculpture. This made the story even more interesting.
There is a stunning and shocking twist toward the end that you won't see coming.
These self published and independent authors often blow me away. The author builds suspense and mystery at a pace that keeps you turning pages and losing track of time. I'm amazed at the imagination this author has.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Anyone that enjoys fiction, mystery, history and romance will like this book.
This is a good solid A.
For more information about this author visit my blog at http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
April 22, 2013
This is a story which links the 18th Century and the present day through the love of stone. Simeon is a consultant and researcher who is fascinated by the work of an historic sculptor he knows only as The Northern Master. Flora is a lively, talented and enigmatic sculptor whose work he buys. They meet and the monogram of MJ and the initials JD turn up in various places adding mystery and intrigue to the plot.
There are two deftly handled time frames here, both the present day narrative and the story of those working in the 18th Century at the Cathedral in Worcester. We meet those producing sculpture for monuments as well as those carving to renew the fabric of the building. Simeon is determined to find the name of the sculptor whose work he has so admired. The story is exciting as it reaches a climax both now and in the past. It’s a thrilling and unusual story, beautifully written and very engaging in its subject matter. There’s a short author note at the end so that we can see where some of the inspiration came from. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the role of the author’s imagination. This is a great bit of storytelling.
There are two deftly handled time frames here, both the present day narrative and the story of those working in the 18th Century at the Cathedral in Worcester. We meet those producing sculpture for monuments as well as those carving to renew the fabric of the building. Simeon is determined to find the name of the sculptor whose work he has so admired. The story is exciting as it reaches a climax both now and in the past. It’s a thrilling and unusual story, beautifully written and very engaging in its subject matter. There’s a short author note at the end so that we can see where some of the inspiration came from. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the role of the author’s imagination. This is a great bit of storytelling.
September 28, 2013
Stone Ties will remain with you for a long time after the book is closed. It has a great storyline which builds as the tension in the novel builds. It moves between the 18c and the present day, which moves the story along at a fast pace, but this does not in any way spoil the read, and is not at all confusing. I found it a completely different read which showcased immense research with great storytelling and imagination. The descriptions were detailed and picturesque and the dialogue believable and engaging. The characters in both eras were well developed and were completely individual.
The prologue really drew me in and the authors note was very useful. It is a page turning novel full of escapism. It has romance, history and mystery in abundance and a neat twist in the tale. There is attraction, betrayal and loss running alongside pride and tradition. It kept me guessing, kept me reading and I loved the subject matter.
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Barbara Goldie, from The Kindle Book Review
The prologue really drew me in and the authors note was very useful. It is a page turning novel full of escapism. It has romance, history and mystery in abundance and a neat twist in the tale. There is attraction, betrayal and loss running alongside pride and tradition. It kept me guessing, kept me reading and I loved the subject matter.
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Barbara Goldie, from The Kindle Book Review
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews