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Winter Song
Cooper and Sage, inseparable since high school, hope to fulfill their dream of running Winter Song, a bed and breakfast in the Wyoming mountains. But one cold night, Sage is brought to her knees by the news of Cooper’s death. Little does she know Cooper's spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. He is determined to stay with Sage, so she’s never alone again. Noah Finnley a carpenter down on his luck, can’t find work and now he’s being evicted. Things start looking up when the beautiful Sage offers him a partnership at Winter Song. Just one problem, she has a ghost attached to her... and Noah can see dead people. He knows taking the job at Winter Song is a bad idea, but with his landlord threatening to confiscate his belongings and throw him out on the street; he feels he has no other choice - ghost or no ghost. When Sage's life is put in danger, Noah and Cooper must find a way to settle their differences, or Sage might end up among the dead herself.
278 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2013
172 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 13, 2015
I love ghost stories and this is a good haunting with a beautiful and emotional end that makes me want to read more of this author's books.
I picked this one up as a freebie because I really loved this cover by Brandy Walker of Sister Sparrow Graphic Design. Check out her website because she does beautiful work and great covers are my favorite way of finding new-to-me authors. I finished one book about a remote location and needed something else to read in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, so I turned to my Kindle TBR Mountain Range to find something. Once again, this cover called to me and I'm so glad it did.
In the prologue, we learn that Cooper Davis was on a fishing boat when it started to sink. After saving one young man by giving him his wet suit, then the captain, Cooper tries to swim for the lifeboat, while thinking of the woman on shore waiting for him, when all goes dark. We meet Sage McKennan through Cooper's eyes as he's trying to get Sage to hear him talking to her. Deputy Richard Park, who is also one of Sage's oldest friends, knocks on her door. Meanwhile, Cooper is talking away to the Deputy who can't hear him either, while Sage gets Richard a cup of coffee. The deputy informs Sage of the people Cooper saved and of his death. Cooper can't believe he's dead and continues to argue with the two people in the room who can't hear him.
A year later, Sage buys the old cabin that was her dream with Cooper. They were saving money to buy it and then fix it up to be a B&B. Sage buys it with the money she has saved, plus some inheritance money. Sage hires Noah Finnley, a down-on-his-luck handyman, to help her fix up the B&B she's calling Winter Song. She can't really pay Noah, but Noah just got evicted from where he was living so they work out a partnership to get Winter Song up and running so they will both have an income.
Noah's only problem about working with Sage is that he can see ghosts and Cooper is one of the most persistent ghosts he has met in his lifetime. He tries to ignore Cooper but this ghost is determined to protect Sage no matter what and his abilities get stronger every day. Meanwhile, Noah begins to fall in love with Sage. Can Noah convince Cooper to go into the light before Sage finds out he exists? What if Sage finds out that Noah has been able to talk to her dead boyfriend before Noah has a chance to explain why he no longer talks to ghosts?
I enjoyed most of this book because it centers on healing, forgiveness and a belief that there's something more after death. As a ghost, Cooper got annoying, possessive and overprotective, as I imagine he probably acted during his life as well. He did redeem himself in the end and I understood him more by the last page of the book.
WINTER SONG contains several things I love in contemporary romance stories with a paranormal twist -- the creation of a B&B from an old home set within a beautiful, nature-filled state like Wyoming, a ghost who knows what he wants and isn't about to give up until he gets it, a cranky old man who moves in and causes havoc along with a very protective feral dog they all come to love, and a handyman who's not just handy at fixing leaky faucets and roofs, but at fixing broken hearts as well. An unexpected villain adds a few surprises to rile up the last few chapters into some suspense. The end brought tears to my eyes and made me want to look for more books by this new-to-me author. Even though I acquired this book when it was offered on Amazon for free, it's well worth the $2.99 price it's listed at today.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
I picked this one up as a freebie because I really loved this cover by Brandy Walker of Sister Sparrow Graphic Design. Check out her website because she does beautiful work and great covers are my favorite way of finding new-to-me authors. I finished one book about a remote location and needed something else to read in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, so I turned to my Kindle TBR Mountain Range to find something. Once again, this cover called to me and I'm so glad it did.
In the prologue, we learn that Cooper Davis was on a fishing boat when it started to sink. After saving one young man by giving him his wet suit, then the captain, Cooper tries to swim for the lifeboat, while thinking of the woman on shore waiting for him, when all goes dark. We meet Sage McKennan through Cooper's eyes as he's trying to get Sage to hear him talking to her. Deputy Richard Park, who is also one of Sage's oldest friends, knocks on her door. Meanwhile, Cooper is talking away to the Deputy who can't hear him either, while Sage gets Richard a cup of coffee. The deputy informs Sage of the people Cooper saved and of his death. Cooper can't believe he's dead and continues to argue with the two people in the room who can't hear him.
A year later, Sage buys the old cabin that was her dream with Cooper. They were saving money to buy it and then fix it up to be a B&B. Sage buys it with the money she has saved, plus some inheritance money. Sage hires Noah Finnley, a down-on-his-luck handyman, to help her fix up the B&B she's calling Winter Song. She can't really pay Noah, but Noah just got evicted from where he was living so they work out a partnership to get Winter Song up and running so they will both have an income.
Noah's only problem about working with Sage is that he can see ghosts and Cooper is one of the most persistent ghosts he has met in his lifetime. He tries to ignore Cooper but this ghost is determined to protect Sage no matter what and his abilities get stronger every day. Meanwhile, Noah begins to fall in love with Sage. Can Noah convince Cooper to go into the light before Sage finds out he exists? What if Sage finds out that Noah has been able to talk to her dead boyfriend before Noah has a chance to explain why he no longer talks to ghosts?
I enjoyed most of this book because it centers on healing, forgiveness and a belief that there's something more after death. As a ghost, Cooper got annoying, possessive and overprotective, as I imagine he probably acted during his life as well. He did redeem himself in the end and I understood him more by the last page of the book.
WINTER SONG contains several things I love in contemporary romance stories with a paranormal twist -- the creation of a B&B from an old home set within a beautiful, nature-filled state like Wyoming, a ghost who knows what he wants and isn't about to give up until he gets it, a cranky old man who moves in and causes havoc along with a very protective feral dog they all come to love, and a handyman who's not just handy at fixing leaky faucets and roofs, but at fixing broken hearts as well. An unexpected villain adds a few surprises to rile up the last few chapters into some suspense. The end brought tears to my eyes and made me want to look for more books by this new-to-me author. Even though I acquired this book when it was offered on Amazon for free, it's well worth the $2.99 price it's listed at today.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
October 11, 2015
When Sage has to choose between holding on to the spirit of her middle/high school sweetheart or moving on it isn't easy. Especially when her moving on means she has found a man that has an unique skill. This was an amazing read. I laughed and I cried. I really recommend this book. I am very grateful that I won this book in a giveaway and the author signed it! It will be a book that I treasure for years!
December 26, 2015
I really like this author...another new one for me and I know I will be reading more. Loved this book set in Wyoming, a paranormal romance and such fun to read. The storyline and characters are just great. I loved the battle between Noah and Cooper...humorous and gripping at times. Very enjoyable read!
From Amazon:
Sage McKennan never expected she’d have to go at it alone. Cooper Davis had always been by her side as they worked to fulfill their dream of owning a bed and breakfast named, Winter Song. One cold Wyoming night, Sage is brought to her knees by the news of Cooper’s death. She has never felt so alone. Little does she know Cooper hasn’t gone anywhere. His spirit is determined to stay with Sage, so she’s never alone again.
Noah Finnley is down on his luck. He can’t find work and now he’s being evicted. Things start looking up when the beautiful Sage offers him a partnership at Winter Song. Just one problem, she has a ghost attached to her and Noah’s no Ghost Whisperer. He knows taking the job at Winter Song is a bad idea, but with his landlord threatening to confiscated his belongings and throw him out on the street; he feels he has no other choice, ghost or no ghost.
The two men must work together when Sage stumbles upon a mad man's secret. If Noah and Cooper don't find a way to settle their differences, Sage could join Cooper on the other side, permanently.
From Amazon:
Sage McKennan never expected she’d have to go at it alone. Cooper Davis had always been by her side as they worked to fulfill their dream of owning a bed and breakfast named, Winter Song. One cold Wyoming night, Sage is brought to her knees by the news of Cooper’s death. She has never felt so alone. Little does she know Cooper hasn’t gone anywhere. His spirit is determined to stay with Sage, so she’s never alone again.
Noah Finnley is down on his luck. He can’t find work and now he’s being evicted. Things start looking up when the beautiful Sage offers him a partnership at Winter Song. Just one problem, she has a ghost attached to her and Noah’s no Ghost Whisperer. He knows taking the job at Winter Song is a bad idea, but with his landlord threatening to confiscated his belongings and throw him out on the street; he feels he has no other choice, ghost or no ghost.
The two men must work together when Sage stumbles upon a mad man's secret. If Noah and Cooper don't find a way to settle their differences, Sage could join Cooper on the other side, permanently.
December 31, 2021
A super creative, at times laugh-out-loud funny, country romance. Think a Wyoming remake of "Ghost" but where the new love interest can see and hear and interact with the departed lover. The characters are well-written and endearing. There is real and honest conflict as relationships are torn and reknit in various ways. I did NOT see the twist coming near the end, and it feels a little jarring so do be prepared for a tiny bit of violence, but otherwise the story is down home, sweet, tender, and feels 100% genuine. Really enjoyed this.
April 12, 2015
I read this book in one sitting. I knew I would enjoy it because it has everything I love: ghosts, a remote getaway in a natural paradise setting, and a great love story. I'm also a huge sucker for fix-it-up novels. I can't tell you why. I think it's because I read too many Nicholas Sparks novels. Let me tell you, this book felt like a Nicholas Sparks novel, and yes, that is a HUGE compliment! I felt sorry for Cooper the whole time, because I could understand what he was feeling, but it was impossible to not root for Noah, who was just about as dreamy a book boyfriend as I could ever hope for. Sage was a strong and determined character and Ms. McMurrain does a wonderful job in finding that perfect balance between grief for her lost love, determination to honor his memory, and an ever-growing spark between her and Noah. This book definitely brought tears to my eyes. I won't tell you why, partly because I can't give away spoilers and partly because thinking about it will probably make me cry again. I can definitely, however, recommend this book to fans of the paranormal, great love stories, and Nicholas Sparks.
July 15, 2014
“Winter Song” is a paranormal romance with some surprising twists
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 26, 2014
Lovely romantic story about healing from the death of fiance and moving onto a new life and love. I recommend this novel, it is a good read.
June 2, 2015
Good read, enjoyed Quail Crossings more. Read this one in one day.
April 22, 2023
This book has two elements I love in a story—a ghost and a budding romance. The book opens with Cooper Davis not understanding why Sage won't talk to him or even acknowledge his presence. It takes a long minute for him to realize he is dead. He perished in a shipwreck in the frigid Bering Sea, even though Sage had begged him not to go.
Sage is grieving, but she's ready to move forward with a big dream she shared with Cooper. They'd planned on purchasing a cabin on a lake and turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. The motivation for Cooper taking the job on the boat was to finally get the downpayment they needed to make that happen. Now Sage is forced to continue alone. But she can't do it by herself. She needs some serious help with repairs before it can ever be ready for guests.
Enter Noah Finnley. Noah is a down-on-his-luck, out-of-work carpenter on the verge of getting evicted from his apartment. Sage makes him an offer he can't refuse, and he joins her as a partner in the B&B. There's only one major hitch. Noah can see and communicate with ghosts. The conversations he has with Cooper are, at times, humorous, and, at other times, they take a turn toward violence as Cooper sees Noah as an intruder and a threat to his alpha male position in Sage's life. After all, Cooper had promised Sage he'd never leave her. It doesn't matter that he's dead. He selfishly refuses to think of Sage moving on without him. I love all the different complex layers this story takes on when Cooper's father is brought into the mix, not to mention the local sheriff, Richard. I don't want to leave any spoilers here, but I will say if you are up for a good ghost story with a heavy dose of romance, this is the story for you!
Sage is grieving, but she's ready to move forward with a big dream she shared with Cooper. They'd planned on purchasing a cabin on a lake and turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. The motivation for Cooper taking the job on the boat was to finally get the downpayment they needed to make that happen. Now Sage is forced to continue alone. But she can't do it by herself. She needs some serious help with repairs before it can ever be ready for guests.
Enter Noah Finnley. Noah is a down-on-his-luck, out-of-work carpenter on the verge of getting evicted from his apartment. Sage makes him an offer he can't refuse, and he joins her as a partner in the B&B. There's only one major hitch. Noah can see and communicate with ghosts. The conversations he has with Cooper are, at times, humorous, and, at other times, they take a turn toward violence as Cooper sees Noah as an intruder and a threat to his alpha male position in Sage's life. After all, Cooper had promised Sage he'd never leave her. It doesn't matter that he's dead. He selfishly refuses to think of Sage moving on without him. I love all the different complex layers this story takes on when Cooper's father is brought into the mix, not to mention the local sheriff, Richard. I don't want to leave any spoilers here, but I will say if you are up for a good ghost story with a heavy dose of romance, this is the story for you!
December 21, 2017
I loved this book from start to finish and read it over two days, which for me is a miracle as I must be the worlds slowest reader!
Not wanting to write 'spoilers' so will just say I was sobbing as I read the last paragraph. Great characters, well written and I will be reading more from Jennifer McMurrain.
Not wanting to write 'spoilers' so will just say I was sobbing as I read the last paragraph. Great characters, well written and I will be reading more from Jennifer McMurrain.
May 28, 2019
Loved Sage and Noah’s story SO much! But I wasn’t a fan of Cooper at all. I loved that Sage didn’t leave Lucas to rot in that nursing home. It made me love her even more. I SO didn’t see the twist coming. Now I want Noah’s sister’s story...please?!
December 23, 2021
Whoa
Great read, my first time reading Jennifer McMurrain, Jenilyn Micheals book. I was just blown away. It's a book you will cry, laugh and just be whoa did not expect that to happen. On to the next book Summers Ends.
Great read, my first time reading Jennifer McMurrain, Jenilyn Micheals book. I was just blown away. It's a book you will cry, laugh and just be whoa did not expect that to happen. On to the next book Summers Ends.
May 10, 2022
Winter Song: Romance with a side of Paranormal (Spirit of Love Book 1)
The paranormal storyline kept my attention. I was enthused to find out how this book ended. I recommend Winter Song who likes a good read!
The paranormal storyline kept my attention. I was enthused to find out how this book ended. I recommend Winter Song who likes a good read!
December 28, 2017
I loved this totally unique story!
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January 16, 2022Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Very enjoyable story. Loved the characters although Cooper was rather selfish in not letting Sage move on. Can't wait to read the next book!
Very enjoyable story. Loved the characters although Cooper was rather selfish in not letting Sage move on. Can't wait to read the next book!
February 27, 2022
A little bit of romance with an annoying ghost!
December 1, 2023
This was such a sweet love story.
December 12, 2013
Winter Song by Jennifer McMurrain is a fascinating ghost story. It has all of the right elements – a ghost, of course, a person or two who can talk to the ghost, someone who knows of the existence of the ghost and several people who have no clue that the ghost exists or even that there are such specters. The story line follows a love triangle drawn together by the characters and, at times, humorous aspects that will catch your imagination and hold your attention to the end.
Sage McKennan is devastated when she loses the love of her life. Armed with his memory and her determination, she decides to continue with their dream of opening Winter Song, an old two-story cabin as a bed & breakfast. When she hires Noah Finnley, a down-on-his luck carpenter, to help her work on the renovations, the ghost of her dead fiancé makes trouble for them. Noah tries to make Cooper Davis, aka the ghost, go into the light. Cooper refuses because of a promise he had made to Sage to be with her always. There is an odd bit of romance, involving Cooper, Noah, the local sheriff and Sage, with a little criminal activity thrown into the mix.
Do you believe in ghosts? Do you want to know what happens? Jennifer Mc Murrain’s story will test your beliefs. If you want to know how the story plays out, you will have to read it for yourself.
Having a great deal of wanderlust, Jennifer McMurrain traveled the countryside working odd jobs before giving into her muse and becoming a full time writer. She's been everything from a "Potty Princess" in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park to a Bear Researcher in the mountains of New Mexico. After finally settling down, she received a Bachelor's degree in Applied Arts and Science from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. She has won numerous awards for her short stories and novels. She lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, two spoiled cats, and two goofy dogs. (Bio from the authors’ website, www.jennifermcmurrain.com.)
Sage McKennan is devastated when she loses the love of her life. Armed with his memory and her determination, she decides to continue with their dream of opening Winter Song, an old two-story cabin as a bed & breakfast. When she hires Noah Finnley, a down-on-his luck carpenter, to help her work on the renovations, the ghost of her dead fiancé makes trouble for them. Noah tries to make Cooper Davis, aka the ghost, go into the light. Cooper refuses because of a promise he had made to Sage to be with her always. There is an odd bit of romance, involving Cooper, Noah, the local sheriff and Sage, with a little criminal activity thrown into the mix.
Do you believe in ghosts? Do you want to know what happens? Jennifer Mc Murrain’s story will test your beliefs. If you want to know how the story plays out, you will have to read it for yourself.
Having a great deal of wanderlust, Jennifer McMurrain traveled the countryside working odd jobs before giving into her muse and becoming a full time writer. She's been everything from a "Potty Princess" in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park to a Bear Researcher in the mountains of New Mexico. After finally settling down, she received a Bachelor's degree in Applied Arts and Science from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. She has won numerous awards for her short stories and novels. She lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, two spoiled cats, and two goofy dogs. (Bio from the authors’ website, www.jennifermcmurrain.com.)
January 18, 2015
Cooper and Sage were lovers and saved all their money to open a Bed & Breakfast; Cooper took a job on a fishing trawler and dies in an accident.
Sage, now on her own, decides to live their dream and buys Winter Song, an old, much needing repair building. She hires Noah, an out of work carpenter, to help her with the renovation. So far, so good.
What she doesn't know is that the ghost of her former lover is constantly by her side. Noah, however, is able to see and converse with ghosts, and as he falls inlove with Sage, the two men are constantly fighting with each other. Add to that Cooper's estranged Dad who Sage takes in, the local cop has been in love with Sage for ages, and a criminal endangering Sage, and you have all the ingredients for a funny, sad, and interesting story.
This book is all that. The interaction between Noah and Cooper is hilarious, Sage's grief and her attempt to go on with life are the sad parts, and Cooper's Dad and the cop add the interesting bits. It is not a fast paced book, but the was the story develops, and is told, is just lovely. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of this author.
Sage, now on her own, decides to live their dream and buys Winter Song, an old, much needing repair building. She hires Noah, an out of work carpenter, to help her with the renovation. So far, so good.
What she doesn't know is that the ghost of her former lover is constantly by her side. Noah, however, is able to see and converse with ghosts, and as he falls inlove with Sage, the two men are constantly fighting with each other. Add to that Cooper's estranged Dad who Sage takes in, the local cop has been in love with Sage for ages, and a criminal endangering Sage, and you have all the ingredients for a funny, sad, and interesting story.
This book is all that. The interaction between Noah and Cooper is hilarious, Sage's grief and her attempt to go on with life are the sad parts, and Cooper's Dad and the cop add the interesting bits. It is not a fast paced book, but the was the story develops, and is told, is just lovely. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of this author.
December 29, 2013
This book is sweet - it may not get your pulse racing, but is satisfying and I enjoyed both the setting and character interaction. It is a "love triangle" between two living and one dead soul who does not want to let go of his love. Cooper makes things difficult for the blooming attraction between Noah and Sage, until something happens and the men must work together. While the ending was hinted at before it happened, it still felt a bit tacked-on for some reason. However, it did make for a good dramatic ending. And maybe the purpose was to make the reader feel, like Sage, that what happened came out of the blue. Overall, I would recommend to anyone who likes their ghost stories with some (clean)romance, or vice-versa.
January 4, 2014
I've seen about five minutes of the movie Ghost and only roughly remember those minutes since they occurred 25 years ago. I think they consisted of a woman mourning her lost husband, working at the potter's wheel, and her husband's ghost coming and putting his hands on top of hers on the wet clay.
Whether that scene is actually in the movie or not, this book is very similar to my memory from Ghost. It's very sweet and well-written, and contained a love triangle that I didn't hate. I usually am not all that keen on the romantic leads in romance novels either, but the thoughtful carpenter was perfect in this book. Recommended to readers of "girl books."
Whether that scene is actually in the movie or not, this book is very similar to my memory from Ghost. It's very sweet and well-written, and contained a love triangle that I didn't hate. I usually am not all that keen on the romantic leads in romance novels either, but the thoughtful carpenter was perfect in this book. Recommended to readers of "girl books."
October 29, 2013
Winter Song intrigued me from the start. I wasn't sure what to expect but what I got was wonderful. A bit of romance, paranormal (yet not scary...think Nicolas Spark's latest), a bit of action as well as healing from love lost. The story was very well written and perfect for a relaxing cool autumn day. Thank you, Ms. McMurrain, for a wonderful escape from daily life. And when is that next book coming out?
August 1, 2014
Good summer vacation read
Good summer vacation read
Entertaining,quick summer read. Sweet romance with a ghost. The characters were engaging and three storyline moved along feeling with love and loss and moving on. there were a few times that felt redundant and I was tempted to skim the pages but I didn't. more if a woman's read than a man's,I think. There were a couple of times that I was moved too tears. good ending, to
Good summer vacation read
Entertaining,quick summer read. Sweet romance with a ghost. The characters were engaging and three storyline moved along feeling with love and loss and moving on. there were a few times that felt redundant and I was tempted to skim the pages but I didn't. more if a woman's read than a man's,I think. There were a couple of times that I was moved too tears. good ending, to
September 14, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It read quickly and held my interest. The story did become somewhat predictable near the end, and left me with only one small moment that surprised me (which actually made me gasp). I sometimes thought the dialogue between the characters was a bit childish, more suited to how teens might speak to one another rather than adults. I gave it four stars rather than three because it is much better than a lot of the other books I have read recently. I would recommend it to others
January 21, 2016
A thoroughly delightful book that explores enduring love. I am not really that much of a fan of the paranormal, but Jennifer McMurrain has a different take on what would happen if a loved one's spirit decided not to leave so as to try to continue a loving relationship after death. This book is an engaging read that kept me turning pages until late into the night last night. I was captivated by this humorous and heartwarming story and could not put it down.
January 17, 2014
I love ghost/love stories. Sometimes it is just so hard to let go of a love one. Especially when the future like Sage and Cooper had planned was so sweet and full of hope. It definitely takes a special person, like Noah, to see that love and do the right thing. Well written. Couldn't put it down. Never even saw the twist coming. A must read. Jennifer McMurrain is my new favorite author.
April 12, 2014
I typically don't go for the "I'm so in love I just can't leave you" ghost stories. I find them sappy and unbelievable. This one however had enough redeeming qualities for me to enjoy it. I truly liked the female character - strong, sure and determined to do anything! That is a character I like! Sage held my interest and kept me reading.
September 19, 2013
Being a fantasy writer, I really enjoyed the way Jennifer McMurrain brought this ghost back to life with all of his canter and antics. Grab this book and get ready for a fun, yet moving story of Loss, Love and Moving on.
January 11, 2014
This is a paranormal love story. Loved the setting and storyline even though it was a bit "out there" for me. It was an enjoyable read and well written. I would read more books by Jennifer McMurrain.
February 7, 2014
A sweet paranormal love story. And a free book from Ereader News Today (Amazon). Two men love the same woman...only one of the men is dead. Interesting concept that reminded me of the movie GHOST, starring Patrick Swayze.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews