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Tess Schafer-Medium #1
Be Still, My Love
ABOUT BE STILL, MY LOVE:
A personal loss throws medium Tess Schafer's beliefs into question and severs her communications with "the other side". Unable to move on with her life, she takes a healing vacation to a haunted resort on the coast of Maine. Her arrival triggers a spike in paranormal activity and the return of her spiritual connection.
As the spirits of two young lovers reach out to her, Tess soon finds herself in the middle of much more than a tragic love story. Why are they afraid and why are they warning her away? Personal doubts, skeptics, a growing sense of menace and a distracting attraction to another guest will not stop her from uncovering the resort's secrets.
A personal loss throws medium Tess Schafer's beliefs into question and severs her communications with "the other side". Unable to move on with her life, she takes a healing vacation to a haunted resort on the coast of Maine. Her arrival triggers a spike in paranormal activity and the return of her spiritual connection.
As the spirits of two young lovers reach out to her, Tess soon finds herself in the middle of much more than a tragic love story. Why are they afraid and why are they warning her away? Personal doubts, skeptics, a growing sense of menace and a distracting attraction to another guest will not stop her from uncovering the resort's secrets.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2011
75 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Deborah J. Hughes
13 books147 followersAn avid reader and writer throughout most of her life (from the time she learned to do both!), Deborah took a detour from her writing dreams to pursue a career in the United States Air Force. That took up over twenty years of her life and gave her lots of experiences, some good, some bad but all of it worthwhile! Her military life now behind her, Deborah is focused on bringing her stories into existence through the production of her novels. All six books in her Tess Schafer-Medium series have made it onto Amazon's top-selling book lists for their genre. She and her character Tess have become pretty tight and she hopes to continue telling her stories for a long time to come! Not limited to just writing novels, Deborah also has a blog and it is there that she writes about a variety of topics. Her motto is: If curiosity killed the cat, reincarnation brought him back! Yeah, she believe in life after death, reincarnation and past lives...among other things. She figures it best not to limit herself when it comes to her beliefs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 17, 2012
A Haunting in Maine, and it’s not a story by Stephen King!
I always enjoy reading Deborah Hughes’ real-life ghost stories and paranormal tales on her blog: Ghostly Dramas, so I eagerly snapped up her novel, Be Still, My Love, and last weekend, I spent a rainy couple of days curled up on the couch with my brand new Kindle and this ghostly tale.
This novel was perfect company for the current wintry weather we’re experiencing in Cork. I was thrilled to learn it’s set in Maine, a place I myself refer to as Stephen King land. With star-crossed lovers in the form of ghosts, a medium (though she doesn’t like to be called that) and waves crashing against a rocky shore, I had a feeling this tale would be right up my alley.
Tess has spent the past two years grieving for her husband who was killed by a drunk driver. On her doctor’s orders, she heads off on a three week break to Sea Willow Haven resort which is said to be haunted. While there, Tess gradually comes back to the world of the living and reconnects with her spirituality. She is determined to get to the bottom of the strange happenings at the resort, though she doesn’t bargain for the friendships she makes and her attraction to ex-Marine, Kade.
I like characters that are flawed. Tess has all but given up on living when she arrives at Sea Willow. Her life ended when her husband’s and dog’s did, and now she chain-smokes through her days, her gaze set firmly on the past. Even her therapist has had enough of her, and so off Tess goes to Maine, to get away from the home where she now lives alone, depressed and unwilling to look to the future. She finds her way back to her faith through spending time with others and I found that I too enjoyed spending time with Tess and her new friends.
One thing I would have liked to see more of was a little spice between Tess and Kade. The man is an ex-soldier for crying out loud. Fictional soldiers are always hot and Tess deserved a little romantic action. I did find this novel quite long and felt a shorter book would have done the story more justice. Tess’s beliefs and faith are not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I accepted that and was able to enjoy spending time with her.
Read at your leisure and enjoy the easygoing pace. A gentle tale with a superb, haunting setting.
I always enjoy reading Deborah Hughes’ real-life ghost stories and paranormal tales on her blog: Ghostly Dramas, so I eagerly snapped up her novel, Be Still, My Love, and last weekend, I spent a rainy couple of days curled up on the couch with my brand new Kindle and this ghostly tale.
This novel was perfect company for the current wintry weather we’re experiencing in Cork. I was thrilled to learn it’s set in Maine, a place I myself refer to as Stephen King land. With star-crossed lovers in the form of ghosts, a medium (though she doesn’t like to be called that) and waves crashing against a rocky shore, I had a feeling this tale would be right up my alley.
Tess has spent the past two years grieving for her husband who was killed by a drunk driver. On her doctor’s orders, she heads off on a three week break to Sea Willow Haven resort which is said to be haunted. While there, Tess gradually comes back to the world of the living and reconnects with her spirituality. She is determined to get to the bottom of the strange happenings at the resort, though she doesn’t bargain for the friendships she makes and her attraction to ex-Marine, Kade.
I like characters that are flawed. Tess has all but given up on living when she arrives at Sea Willow. Her life ended when her husband’s and dog’s did, and now she chain-smokes through her days, her gaze set firmly on the past. Even her therapist has had enough of her, and so off Tess goes to Maine, to get away from the home where she now lives alone, depressed and unwilling to look to the future. She finds her way back to her faith through spending time with others and I found that I too enjoyed spending time with Tess and her new friends.
One thing I would have liked to see more of was a little spice between Tess and Kade. The man is an ex-soldier for crying out loud. Fictional soldiers are always hot and Tess deserved a little romantic action. I did find this novel quite long and felt a shorter book would have done the story more justice. Tess’s beliefs and faith are not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I accepted that and was able to enjoy spending time with her.
Read at your leisure and enjoy the easygoing pace. A gentle tale with a superb, haunting setting.
April 4, 2020
I was very excited to find out there's more in the series !!! :)
March 27, 2019
I picked up this book because it had several paranormal elements I love -- mediums, ghosts, and a haunted house. Those features were present in the story, so I finished the book. Otherwise, it would have been a DNF.
The story was pretty interested, but this book needed a good editor. Some sentences were so confusing that I had to re-read three times. The dialogue was terrible and unrealistic. Who uses the word "shall," for example? It seemed like a story that took place in the 1800s, yet the characters had cell phones.
The end surprised me, though. I'm glad I read to the end, but I won't be reading the rest of the series.
The story was pretty interested, but this book needed a good editor. Some sentences were so confusing that I had to re-read three times. The dialogue was terrible and unrealistic. Who uses the word "shall," for example? It seemed like a story that took place in the 1800s, yet the characters had cell phones.
The end surprised me, though. I'm glad I read to the end, but I won't be reading the rest of the series.
January 7, 2012
Be Still, My Love, by Deborah J. Hughes, is an intriguing paranormal mystery set in Maines, in a beautiful beach resort haunted by a pair of star-crossed lovers. Tess Schafer, a beautiful, twenty-five year old medium, communicates with spirits and is the intermediary between the living and the dead. She has just suffered personal loss which left her angry at the world and at her spiritual network for failing to warn her. Her visit to the resort triggers an escalation of spiritual activity as the ghosts of the past come forth to help her unravel the mystery surrounding their deaths.
Written in first-person POV, which is not my favourite, this book still manages to captivate my imagination and my emotions through the realism of the raw feelings and thoughts assailing Tess. The séances added that level of spookiness not found in other paranormal books, with just the right amount of explanations to make things clearer for this reader.
An enthralling read for paranormal fans, spiced with a tinge of romance.
Written in first-person POV, which is not my favourite, this book still manages to captivate my imagination and my emotions through the realism of the raw feelings and thoughts assailing Tess. The séances added that level of spookiness not found in other paranormal books, with just the right amount of explanations to make things clearer for this reader.
An enthralling read for paranormal fans, spiced with a tinge of romance.
February 25, 2012
this story is about a women named Tess, her story starts with her losing her husband and dog tootsie. she is completely devastated by the loss and goes in to a deep depression, her anger is all she really sees for 2 years. Then her therapist and her friend convince her to take a vacation, her friend finds a resort that is supposed to be haunted up in Maine and she decides to go stay there for 3 weeks. Before Mike and Tootie died she had always been a medium but after their death she lost the ability. As soon as she gets to the resort she can feel the ghosts presents, and she soon finds herself in the middle of a mystery that she never expected. it pulled me in from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down.
June 20, 2012
This is about a woman/medium who visits a haunted retreat after her husband dies, and finds herself embroiled in the mystery of a woman who cries in the night. The place is a bed/breakfast type resort where she thought she could go to get away from her grief and memories. She meets some interesting people there who find her interesting as well, as she seems to be able to communicate with the dead.
I found this enjoyable initially but it just dragged on too long. I've been reading it for weeks now, and have strayed away to read other things, then come back to it. It should've been shorter, but the writing was pretty good.
I found this enjoyable initially but it just dragged on too long. I've been reading it for weeks now, and have strayed away to read other things, then come back to it. It should've been shorter, but the writing was pretty good.
April 12, 2012
Definitely enjoyable! Clean, with a decent writing style. There were some passages that felt awkwardly expository, and I had a hard time following the climactic scene (probably my brain fog there, but it bears mentioning); but it was an interesting, worthwhile read. I did feel like I wanted to read further after the end, although not urgently. It feels honestly-written, and like I said, it was definitely enjoyable. I'd recommend it for light reading and a fun guessing-game mystery.
April 5, 2012
This book actually shocked me with how much I enjoyed it. I got it free off Amazon, so it didn't have high hopes for me, but it fit in beautifully to a challenge I was doing. The book flowed well, I liked the characters, some of it was a bit cheesy, but that was covered by the mystery of the book. Enjoyable, pleasantly enjoyable.
March 10, 2012
This book kept me reading even when I needed to be doing something else. I was hooked from the very beginning, and the story never lagged. It's not scary, but a little spooky at times. I love ghost stories, and this is a great one!
November 13, 2012
After an untimely accident sends the main character into a depression and self-imposed exile. When a close friend suggests a vacation to a resort to help her relax. This vacation ends up bringing new changes and a mystery to solve.
March 31, 2012
A very good supernatural thriller. It had a nice twist at the end.
April 12, 2012
Good, but not great, book. I liked it, but the protagonist is a little bit annoying. Ending was pretty unexpected, though. Enjoyed it.
April 14, 2012
It was a good story. I enjoyed it. Personally, I wish there had been a sex scene...or three. But, people who enjoy books with no sex will enjoy this one.
June 20, 2012
Great who-dun-it wrapped lightly with romance!
November 14, 2012
Very different. The main character is complex and the story is well told. Some parts of the story were slow but it recovers nicely and pulls you back in. I enjoyed it.
December 1, 2017
https://thevagariesofus.com/2017/10/0...
Be Still, My Love is the first novel in the Tess Schafer-Medium series by fiction author Deborah J. Hughes. The story follows Tess, a grieving widow with a history of being able to communicate with “the other side”. Tess’s grief leads her to a resort, Sea Willow haven, on the coast of Maine where she hopes to find time to heal. It is while she is here that she meets the handsome and reclusive painter, and former Marine, Kade Sinclair. While Tess contends with her growing attraction to Kade, she inadvertently becomes swept up in the tragic history involving Sea Willow Haven and two lovers, Abigail and Nathan.
The novel was a perfect blend of gothic mystery, romance, and horror-though of the ghostly kind, not so much gore. With these types of novels I anticipate a huge twist at the end, so I made sure to be extra cognizant of the fact that one, if not more, of these characters was going to surprise me. So, I paid extra close attention to the dialogue, setting, and newly introduced characters. I was determined to pronounce, “Aha! I got it! I knew it was the butler!” (Mind you, there was no butler, but if there were, he/she would probably be the guilty party).
Imagine my surprise when, during the climax of the story, I was completely and utterly surprised! I mean…what the heck just happened?? How did I not see that one coming?? Those who know me know I’m quite quick to point out my guesses for murderers, suspects, and possible love interests-I am rarely wrong, mind you. So, the fact that this novel should completely flummox at the end is a welcoming, and pleasant, surprise. I love nothing more than a shocking end! Naturally, I had to flip through the pages to see what I could have possibly missed to have so inaccurately predicted this outcome.
Oh! And that scene with Kade and Tess in the tunnel…whew! I need a fan to cool me off and something to ease my throat from all the laughing I was doing.
I highly suggest this novel if you’re looking for a book with unique characters with depth, a spooky gothic locale, and a surprising mystery with an unpredictable and shocking end!
Five stars!!
Be Still, My Love is the first novel in the Tess Schafer-Medium series by fiction author Deborah J. Hughes. The story follows Tess, a grieving widow with a history of being able to communicate with “the other side”. Tess’s grief leads her to a resort, Sea Willow haven, on the coast of Maine where she hopes to find time to heal. It is while she is here that she meets the handsome and reclusive painter, and former Marine, Kade Sinclair. While Tess contends with her growing attraction to Kade, she inadvertently becomes swept up in the tragic history involving Sea Willow Haven and two lovers, Abigail and Nathan.
The novel was a perfect blend of gothic mystery, romance, and horror-though of the ghostly kind, not so much gore. With these types of novels I anticipate a huge twist at the end, so I made sure to be extra cognizant of the fact that one, if not more, of these characters was going to surprise me. So, I paid extra close attention to the dialogue, setting, and newly introduced characters. I was determined to pronounce, “Aha! I got it! I knew it was the butler!” (Mind you, there was no butler, but if there were, he/she would probably be the guilty party).
Imagine my surprise when, during the climax of the story, I was completely and utterly surprised! I mean…what the heck just happened?? How did I not see that one coming?? Those who know me know I’m quite quick to point out my guesses for murderers, suspects, and possible love interests-I am rarely wrong, mind you. So, the fact that this novel should completely flummox at the end is a welcoming, and pleasant, surprise. I love nothing more than a shocking end! Naturally, I had to flip through the pages to see what I could have possibly missed to have so inaccurately predicted this outcome.
Oh! And that scene with Kade and Tess in the tunnel…whew! I need a fan to cool me off and something to ease my throat from all the laughing I was doing.
I highly suggest this novel if you’re looking for a book with unique characters with depth, a spooky gothic locale, and a surprising mystery with an unpredictable and shocking end!
Five stars!!
February 28, 2021
This is the first part of the "Tess Schafer - Medium" series. Main character is a young, widowed psychic who's not been able to access her psychic abilities since the tragic death of her husband.
When Tess' friend encourages her to get away and take a vacation, she books a three-week stay at an allegedly haunted resort on the coast of Maine. Once there, Tess feels her spiritual connections reawakening. She finds herself able to communicate with the spirits of two young lovers whose lives were cut short. Tess' arrival at the resort seems to have caused a spike in the paranormal activity. She can tell that the spirits are not simply lost and confused; they are both afraid of someone or something else, and they repeatedly try to warn Tess that she's in danger. However, Tess isn't going to run from this one. The owners of the resort have asked her to help, and with the assistance of another guest, one whom Tess finds attractive, she vows to uncover what happened decades ago and to move the lovers on.
This was an interesting story. It was creepy and compelling, romantic and poignant. There wasn't much humor involved, but the plot didn't call for a lite and funny tone. I admired Tess' grit and determination, even though it led her to some precarious situations. Kade was a wonderful foil, and it was uplifting to see the two of them connecting, in spite of each of them having tragedy in their pasts.
An enjoyable, engrossing read--four stars.
When Tess' friend encourages her to get away and take a vacation, she books a three-week stay at an allegedly haunted resort on the coast of Maine. Once there, Tess feels her spiritual connections reawakening. She finds herself able to communicate with the spirits of two young lovers whose lives were cut short. Tess' arrival at the resort seems to have caused a spike in the paranormal activity. She can tell that the spirits are not simply lost and confused; they are both afraid of someone or something else, and they repeatedly try to warn Tess that she's in danger. However, Tess isn't going to run from this one. The owners of the resort have asked her to help, and with the assistance of another guest, one whom Tess finds attractive, she vows to uncover what happened decades ago and to move the lovers on.
This was an interesting story. It was creepy and compelling, romantic and poignant. There wasn't much humor involved, but the plot didn't call for a lite and funny tone. I admired Tess' grit and determination, even though it led her to some precarious situations. Kade was a wonderful foil, and it was uplifting to see the two of them connecting, in spite of each of them having tragedy in their pasts.
An enjoyable, engrossing read--four stars.
August 27, 2017
Very good
This is a very well written story about a natural medium, and the author's philosophy is also on display here in a very clear way. Her thoughts on the how and why there are ghosts come through clearly in Tess's voice. While I don't completely agree with her theories, I applaud her for being able to set down her ideas in a clear and nonthreatening way. ( I believe that evil people can remain evil in death or else other types of spirits mimic the dead since there is ample evidence that some spirits can and have hurt the living, nor do I believe that visualizing a bunch of white light around yourself is enough to protect you from them.) Nevertheless, she has written a gripping story with lots of twists and turns and a touch of sweet romance, and she still manages to address some of the really big issues of life and death.
There are a few editing issues, and for that a five star read has become a four star.
This is a very well written story about a natural medium, and the author's philosophy is also on display here in a very clear way. Her thoughts on the how and why there are ghosts come through clearly in Tess's voice. While I don't completely agree with her theories, I applaud her for being able to set down her ideas in a clear and nonthreatening way. ( I believe that evil people can remain evil in death or else other types of spirits mimic the dead since there is ample evidence that some spirits can and have hurt the living, nor do I believe that visualizing a bunch of white light around yourself is enough to protect you from them.) Nevertheless, she has written a gripping story with lots of twists and turns and a touch of sweet romance, and she still manages to address some of the really big issues of life and death.
There are a few editing issues, and for that a five star read has become a four star.
June 11, 2024
Tess is a Medium whose psychic abilities left her after the sudden death of her husband and dog. Angry at not being given any warning by her Spirit Guide (Guardian Angel) of what was about to change her life forever, Tess turned her back on the God she believed in; her abilities; her writing; and allowed anger to consume her.
Sea Willow Haven Resort, with its restless spirits and haunting history, was where Tess needed to be to come to terms with her loss and rid herself of her anger. It was also where she gave herself permission to love again.
Sea Willow Haven Resort, with its restless spirits and haunting history, was where Tess needed to be to come to terms with her loss and rid herself of her anger. It was also where she gave herself permission to love again.
July 4, 2022
Be still my love
Enjoyed it very much. I could hardly put it down. I felt sorry for Tess. Her journey through her loss and solving a ghost mystery ended with the chance of a new life ahead for her.
Enjoyed it very much. I could hardly put it down. I felt sorry for Tess. Her journey through her loss and solving a ghost mystery ended with the chance of a new life ahead for her.
June 23, 2017
Very well written
This story is very well written and I hated to put it down. I developed quite a few theories as to the outcome and that was fun as well. A very enjoyable read.
This story is very well written and I hated to put it down. I developed quite a few theories as to the outcome and that was fun as well. A very enjoyable read.
September 23, 2015
I'm lazy, so just a list.
The ghost story was pretty cool.
The interminable amount of time that I had to read Tess whining, and feeling sorry for herself and being rather epically egotistical about it - no one, ever, in the history of mankind, has suffered as much as Tess; no one has ever lost as much, or grieved as much, and gosh darn it all! it is super unfair that her angel/spirit friends didn't tell her so she could do something about it, and they really should have because, golly gee, Tess is special, dang it, she's not just some everyday person here, you got that? And, not to say that there is a measurement of grief, or how long you have to love someone or anything, but you are reading about this great love she has had and they've only known each other five years and been married for two. Up to that point I was thinking Tess was in her 30's or 40's and had been with her husband for 20 years or something. Um, where was I? Oh, well, that whole deal wasn't cool.
Then there were the long, rambling, jumbled, scenes where we get to learn about Tess's philosophy, which boils down to "nothing happens to us, unless we allow it, even subconsciously". Maybe I took this wrong, but as a rape survivor I was rather firmly turned off of Tess's character at this point. But hey, I guess if it helps your grief to believe that your husband chose to die, rather than live with you, go for it. (As snarky as that sentence sounds, I do actually get why that could be a comfort.) Back to my point, this too, was not cool.
The lackluster romance. Ex-military artist dude. This is sexy, yeah? So where were the sparks? Urgh.
The housekeeper. Older Hispanic lady, lived in the U.S. all (or at least most) of her life and she still talks like she's just learning English? I don't think so. I know plenty of people who speak English as a second (or more) language, and until they tell you it is not their first language you would never know. Unless, like me, you assume that anyone who does speak English exceedingly well is not a native speaker of it. Us native speakers tend to massacre it more fully than anyone just learning it every could...I'm rambling.
Um..so yeah, the ghost story was pretty was good. There were some interesting characters (not Tess, for a psychic she was rather dull *sigh*)
I do intend to read more because the subject interests me and it might just be that Tess and I did rub along well in this first story but will warm up to each other soon.
The ghost story was pretty cool.
The interminable amount of time that I had to read Tess whining, and feeling sorry for herself and being rather epically egotistical about it - no one, ever, in the history of mankind, has suffered as much as Tess; no one has ever lost as much, or grieved as much, and gosh darn it all! it is super unfair that her angel/spirit friends didn't tell her so she could do something about it, and they really should have because, golly gee, Tess is special, dang it, she's not just some everyday person here, you got that? And, not to say that there is a measurement of grief, or how long you have to love someone or anything, but you are reading about this great love she has had and they've only known each other five years and been married for two. Up to that point I was thinking Tess was in her 30's or 40's and had been with her husband for 20 years or something. Um, where was I? Oh, well, that whole deal wasn't cool.
Then there were the long, rambling, jumbled, scenes where we get to learn about Tess's philosophy, which boils down to "nothing happens to us, unless we allow it, even subconsciously". Maybe I took this wrong, but as a rape survivor I was rather firmly turned off of Tess's character at this point. But hey, I guess if it helps your grief to believe that your husband chose to die, rather than live with you, go for it. (As snarky as that sentence sounds, I do actually get why that could be a comfort.) Back to my point, this too, was not cool.
The lackluster romance. Ex-military artist dude. This is sexy, yeah? So where were the sparks? Urgh.
The housekeeper. Older Hispanic lady, lived in the U.S. all (or at least most) of her life and she still talks like she's just learning English? I don't think so. I know plenty of people who speak English as a second (or more) language, and until they tell you it is not their first language you would never know. Unless, like me, you assume that anyone who does speak English exceedingly well is not a native speaker of it. Us native speakers tend to massacre it more fully than anyone just learning it every could...I'm rambling.
Um..so yeah, the ghost story was pretty was good. There were some interesting characters (not Tess, for a psychic she was rather dull *sigh*)
I do intend to read more because the subject interests me and it might just be that Tess and I did rub along well in this first story but will warm up to each other soon.
February 14, 2013
I'm surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to get interested in the beginning, and I thought this was going to be another unremarkable book to add to my Kindle regrets, but just the opposite happened. It grew on me.
I loved finding out more about Tess and her ability. I loved her worldview and how she approached her own life as well as the afterlife. She applied those same rules and philosophies to her own troubles, unlike so many heroines in fiction these days who believe double-standards can reasonably apply to them. Tess was definitely one of the rare, intelligent ones.
There was always something interesting going on at the resort, new twists and small signs that let me figure out the mystery along with Tess and the others, which I appreciated. The plot and mystery itself were well-planned and I appreciated the foreshadowing. The Sixth Sense-like twist on the end with the groundskeeper was a nice touch. I kept wondering what was up with him, and what he was hiding.
I had hoped to find out more about the connection between Abigail and the characters in Tess' own story. I can assume it is the same story, only played out with different names, but she writes in it several times...and then nothing more is ever mentioned about it. Also, the character Modesta was a little insulting. She states towards the beginning she was born in America, yet speaks with the type of broken English common with Mexican immigrants. If she were native-born, wouldn't she be fluent? My parents were first-generation Mexican-Americans, as well as most of my cousins, and their English is perfect. The misrepresentation of a Mexican woman, born in America, yet unable to speak basic English fluently is just a tad on the ignorant side. If she were an immigrant in America only a few years, she would have been a perfect character.
Yet, on the whole, I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
I loved finding out more about Tess and her ability. I loved her worldview and how she approached her own life as well as the afterlife. She applied those same rules and philosophies to her own troubles, unlike so many heroines in fiction these days who believe double-standards can reasonably apply to them. Tess was definitely one of the rare, intelligent ones.
There was always something interesting going on at the resort, new twists and small signs that let me figure out the mystery along with Tess and the others, which I appreciated. The plot and mystery itself were well-planned and I appreciated the foreshadowing. The Sixth Sense-like twist on the end with the groundskeeper was a nice touch. I kept wondering what was up with him, and what he was hiding.
I had hoped to find out more about the connection between Abigail and the characters in Tess' own story. I can assume it is the same story, only played out with different names, but she writes in it several times...and then nothing more is ever mentioned about it. Also, the character Modesta was a little insulting. She states towards the beginning she was born in America, yet speaks with the type of broken English common with Mexican immigrants. If she were native-born, wouldn't she be fluent? My parents were first-generation Mexican-Americans, as well as most of my cousins, and their English is perfect. The misrepresentation of a Mexican woman, born in America, yet unable to speak basic English fluently is just a tad on the ignorant side. If she were an immigrant in America only a few years, she would have been a perfect character.
Yet, on the whole, I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
December 12, 2012
I enjoyed the book, but it took me quite a while to get into it. We are bogged down by the main character's depression over the death of her husband and their dog. While I don't want to trivialize it, it was two years prior and she was still horribly depressed so I wanted her, and the book, to move forward already. Once it did, the mystery was fun and the romance was sweet. My only real gripe was with the depiction of the housekeeper. It said she was born in America, yet she was written with a strong Spanish speaking accent and apparently never learned proper English. Pet peeve of mine, but I know many Latinos and they all know how to use the word "a". The housekeeper ended up sounding like she was talking baby talk rather than as a grown up would.
June 5, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. The story introduces Tess, a medium whose abilities have left her after a tragic loss in her personal life. After a long grieving period, her friends convince Tess to get away and get in touch with herself and maybe her abilities. Tess finds herself in a haunted resort looking into a haunted mystery from long ago. There is mystery, danger, and new friendships, and of course spirits to explore to help Tess heal. I enjoyed how the elements of this story were all presented.
February 6, 2015
I read half, I'm not sure if I'll finish. It's just that I don't CARE what happens. It's rather slow, and I think it's building, I just don't care what it's building to.
If you like supernatural genre I think it would be interesting and keep your attention. It was on my new Kindle when I got it, or I don't think I would have tried it.
Givint it three stars hoping those who like this type of thing will give it a try.
If you like supernatural genre I think it would be interesting and keep your attention. It was on my new Kindle when I got it, or I don't think I would have tried it.
Givint it three stars hoping those who like this type of thing will give it a try.
July 20, 2012
I have struggled with this book for two days and got about half way thru before I speed read the remainder, which could have taken another two days considering the length of the book. Whoever wrote the description of this story completely omitted the extensive god and angel relationships discussed within. This book should be classified as a CHRISTIAN MURDER MYSTERY.
November 30, 2014
Really Enjoyed
Good storytelling, good editing. I will be reading the next in this series. The ending was wrapped a little fast, leaving some clues insignificant or unanswered. Still a great read, especially for those who are interested in psychic abilities or are intuitive themselves.
Good storytelling, good editing. I will be reading the next in this series. The ending was wrapped a little fast, leaving some clues insignificant or unanswered. Still a great read, especially for those who are interested in psychic abilities or are intuitive themselves.
January 29, 2015
Ghost story.
Really good ghost story. Interesting characters. Tess has never recovered emotionally from the death of her husband two years before. She takes a friends advice to go on a trip, and stirs up the ghosts that haunts the premises. In trying to solve the mysteries surrounding their deaths, she begins her own healing. Well written.
Not scary but there is intrigue.
Really good ghost story. Interesting characters. Tess has never recovered emotionally from the death of her husband two years before. She takes a friends advice to go on a trip, and stirs up the ghosts that haunts the premises. In trying to solve the mysteries surrounding their deaths, she begins her own healing. Well written.
Not scary but there is intrigue.
June 16, 2015
At first thought it was deceased lovers haunting a resort due to dying prematurely and at the hands of an evil person. Typical story line of so I thought as this story has many unexpected twists and turns. People were not who they appeared to be and was difficult to determine who was innocent and who was guilty in this one.
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