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Chenoire
When Faith Garrity’s twin sister died, she lost a part of herself. Unable to move past the pain, the once-driven ornithologist is at risk of losing her career as well. To save her job, she heads to the oil-ravaged wetlands of Louisiana. There, in the bayou community of Chenoire, she encounters the handsome but guarded Zackary Préjean, still suffering from a great loss of his own.
She’s drawn to Zack, but soon finds that the Préjean family isn’t what it seems… They have dangerous secrets—and deadly enemies. Caught up in a feud that threatens the area’s uneasy truce, Faith and Zack must learn to trust each other. Survival will require enormous sacrifice, but it just might also give them both a way to move on.
She’s drawn to Zack, but soon finds that the Préjean family isn’t what it seems… They have dangerous secrets—and deadly enemies. Caught up in a feud that threatens the area’s uneasy truce, Faith and Zack must learn to trust each other. Survival will require enormous sacrifice, but it just might also give them both a way to move on.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2013
About the author
Susannah Sandlin
14 books668 followersPseudonym of Suzanne Johnson
Suzanne Johnson writing as Susannah Sandlin is the author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance, often set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night! She is the author of the Penton Legacy series (REDEMPTION, ABSOLUTION, OMEGA, ALLEGIANCE and STORM FORCE (spinoff), The Collectors series (LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP and DEADLY, CALM, AND COLD) and the upcoming romantic suspense series Wilds of the Bayou, which began with book one, WILD MAN'S CURSE (April 5, 2016) and continues with the release of BLACK DIAMOND on Oct. 18, 2016.
Awards include the 2015 Holt Medallion for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2015 Booksellers Best Award for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2013 Holt Medallion award for ABSOLUTION; a 2014 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for ALLEGIANCE; a 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for OMEGA; and the 2014 Linda Howard Award of Excellence for ELYSIAN FIELDS (written as Suzanne Johnson).
Suzanne Johnson, writes the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series: ROYAL STREET; RIVER ROAD; ELYSIAN FIELDS; PIRATE'S ALLEY, and BELLE CHASSE (coming November 8, 2016). A novella and story collection from the Sentinels world, PIRATESHIP DOWN, was released in 2015.
Suzanne Johnson writing as Susannah Sandlin is the author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance, often set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night! She is the author of the Penton Legacy series (REDEMPTION, ABSOLUTION, OMEGA, ALLEGIANCE and STORM FORCE (spinoff), The Collectors series (LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP and DEADLY, CALM, AND COLD) and the upcoming romantic suspense series Wilds of the Bayou, which began with book one, WILD MAN'S CURSE (April 5, 2016) and continues with the release of BLACK DIAMOND on Oct. 18, 2016.
Awards include the 2015 Holt Medallion for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2015 Booksellers Best Award for Romantic Suspense (Lovely, Dark, and Deep), the 2013 Holt Medallion award for ABSOLUTION; a 2014 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for ALLEGIANCE; a 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award Nomination for OMEGA; and the 2014 Linda Howard Award of Excellence for ELYSIAN FIELDS (written as Suzanne Johnson).
Suzanne Johnson, writes the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series: ROYAL STREET; RIVER ROAD; ELYSIAN FIELDS; PIRATE'S ALLEY, and BELLE CHASSE (coming November 8, 2016). A novella and story collection from the Sentinels world, PIRATESHIP DOWN, was released in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 24, 2014
This is an original review from http://bookedandloaded.com - I received this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
Chenoire by Susannah Sandlin is short story that takes place out in Louisiana bayou. You can check out the authors inspiration story HERE - you don’t want to miss this guest post!
I didn’t really think too much about what this book was about before I dove into it. What I got was a brilliant surprise! Sandlin submerges us with the sounds, smells, and tastes of true bayou feel. She sprinkles in some paranormal and romance making it a great short story. The characters were well defined in the short amount of time and I felt the story was complete, although I certainly could have continued reading about this world Sandlin created.
If you are looking for a short story to break you out of the cold weather funk – you will not be disappointed with Chenoire!
Chenoire by Susannah Sandlin is short story that takes place out in Louisiana bayou. You can check out the authors inspiration story HERE - you don’t want to miss this guest post!
I didn’t really think too much about what this book was about before I dove into it. What I got was a brilliant surprise! Sandlin submerges us with the sounds, smells, and tastes of true bayou feel. She sprinkles in some paranormal and romance making it a great short story. The characters were well defined in the short amount of time and I felt the story was complete, although I certainly could have continued reading about this world Sandlin created.
If you are looking for a short story to break you out of the cold weather funk – you will not be disappointed with Chenoire!
December 16, 2025
Review
She was on a trip to Louisiana to delve into bird legs and wings. It seems they turn color depending on what they ate and she needed a boat and guide. Getting a crude map she wandered around the swamp until she got stuck in the mud and walked caked in mud to get help. She finally came to a house but the man was no help and told her to go back where she came from. They argued until struck lite up the night and he started cursing. It was his dad and new wife who suggested he take her to look for birds tomorrow. The next morning at 5:00 am they headed out in the boat to another bayou but got entangled with at an 8 ft gator that threatened her life and he dived into the water but in doing so transformed into a large fish. When he emerged from the water he was dragging a man not a gator. She was questioning him about appearing as a fish and the guy as an gator.
Enjoy
She was on a trip to Louisiana to delve into bird legs and wings. It seems they turn color depending on what they ate and she needed a boat and guide. Getting a crude map she wandered around the swamp until she got stuck in the mud and walked caked in mud to get help. She finally came to a house but the man was no help and told her to go back where she came from. They argued until struck lite up the night and he started cursing. It was his dad and new wife who suggested he take her to look for birds tomorrow. The next morning at 5:00 am they headed out in the boat to another bayou but got entangled with at an 8 ft gator that threatened her life and he dived into the water but in doing so transformed into a large fish. When he emerged from the water he was dragging a man not a gator. She was questioning him about appearing as a fish and the guy as an gator.
Enjoy
April 23, 2019
Okay, this story had all kinds of possibilities, but 48 pages? What can you really tell in so few pages. And the “Covenant?” WTH was that all about? Zack had to have 4 or 5 of his family members take turns slicing into his back so Faith would never tell anyone about the shifters? Really? That was silly. He was awfully sure of her after knowing her two days. Yeah, I can see only 64 ratings in the 6 years it’s been out. That’s just not enough pages for anything.
Now, I’ve read all 12 of Ms. Sandlin’s books and I can tell you I absolutely loved all 5 books in the Penton Legacy. But then, I love vampire books. This one, not so much.
No real romance and the F-bomb was used 1 time.
As to the narration: Amy McFadden did a great job on the voices.
This was a free read and free listen or I wouldn't have bother with only 48 pages.
Now, I’ve read all 12 of Ms. Sandlin’s books and I can tell you I absolutely loved all 5 books in the Penton Legacy. But then, I love vampire books. This one, not so much.
No real romance and the F-bomb was used 1 time.
As to the narration: Amy McFadden did a great job on the voices.
This was a free read and free listen or I wouldn't have bother with only 48 pages.
November 14, 2017
I'm a sucker for all things Louisiana so I decided to have a listen to this to keep me entertained whilst making a cottage pie, which I have to say it did. The jaunty (and rather good) narrator took me straight to bayou country, where gator season kept me happily occupied as my kitchen, and the plot, gently steamed up and the main characters worked their way towards a satisfactory conclusion. All in all an enjoyable hour and a half, and the cottage pie was lovely.
May 23, 2019
What a waste of time. I love shifters.....wolf, dragon, bear even bird shifters but fish and alligator shifters....in New Orleans!!!!!!!! Nope....don't like it!
Susannah is a wonderful writer but bypass this book and read any of her other books if you want to be entertained.
One good thing though - the narrator was great.
Susannah is a wonderful writer but bypass this book and read any of her other books if you want to be entertained.
One good thing though - the narrator was great.
December 14, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up for GR.
I would have liked this a lot better if it had been a full length novel. So many things needed fleshed out. So much happened in such a short period. This could have been such a stellar slow burn romance.
I would have liked this a lot better if it had been a full length novel. So many things needed fleshed out. So much happened in such a short period. This could have been such a stellar slow burn romance.
November 15, 2019
Sweet short!
Just a sweet little paranormal to while away a cold afternoon. Hope there might be more about their family coming one day soon.
Just a sweet little paranormal to while away a cold afternoon. Hope there might be more about their family coming one day soon.
February 17, 2025
A quick shifter story. Definitely a different take on shifters in general, but enjoyable. It might be short, but it was still good. Surprisingly didn't feel rushed.
January 5, 2014
Four Stars: A terrific paranormal novella set in the swamplands of Louisiana.
Faith presses the accelerator and spins her tires in the mud. Night is coming and Faith's car is stuck in a mud puddle in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, Faith abandons the mired car and trudges through the thick mud heading up the road in search of Chenoire and Luce Préjean. Faith is determined to rent a boat even if it means begging strangers. Faith is researching the effects of the BPA oil spill on the local bird life, but she only has a few short days. If she doesn't get a boat, her research is in big trouble. Little does she know that asking the Préjean family for help will change her life forever. In the swamps of Louisiana, there are creatures even more dangerous than the local gators. Will Faith survive her swampy encounter?
What I Liked:
*Novellas are always hard for me to review as I feel like I never get a complete and satisfying story. However, that is not the case with Chenoire by Susannah Sandlin. I was delighted to find that I got a full story and I was not disappointed, aside from the fact that I want more! If you are in the mood for a quick, one sitting read, definitely grab this one.
I loved the swampy Louisiana setting. Ms. Sandlin (Johnson) always does a tremendous job with her settings. I love that she manages to transport me to her locations with her words. This time, I took a tour of the swampy regions of the St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana. This is an area teeming with creatures of the swamp, including fearsome alligators. I highly recommend any of Suzanne's books because I think her world building is top notch!
*Once Faith arrives in the swamp amongst the Préjean family, it becomes apparent that there is something a bit strange going on. I loved the infusion of paranormal in this one. There are some interesting shapeshifters that stirred my imagination.
*The romance is a fast burner, but it is believable. Two stubborn and determined people suffering the pains of heartache and loss are thrown together when they are placed in a dangerous and deadly situation. What starts out as lustful looks quickly blossoms into something more as the two come together, face a dangerous threat, share secrets and heal each other's hearts. There is plenty of heat and passion in this one even if it is fast and furious.
I loved that the couple together learns to put their pasts behind them and look forward to the future as they let go of their baggage. Everything wraps up nicely and ends on a high note.
And The Not So Much:
*I feel like a broken record saying this, but with good novellas, I want more. I loved the characters, the shapeshifters and the swamp. I desperately want to know more about the shapeshifters, the Préjean family and the romance. I only hope that this is a prequel to another series!
*I loved the romance, but it does move at a rapid pace. To some it might feel like instalove, but I felt it was believable considering the couple has a lot in common and that they come together over a life threatening event. I would love to see how things develop down the road as the romance is off to a solid start.
*I was fascinated by the research presented regarding the effects of the oil spill on the local bird population. I was curious to know more.
Chenoire is a quick yet satisfying little read. It has plenty of action, a tremendous setting, paranormal entities and a fast and furious romance. If you are a fan of Ms. Sandlin (Johnson) I highly recommend you pick up this novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am crossing my fingers that there will be more down the road.
Favorite Quotations:
"He grinned at her, a sorry advertisement for the achievements of bayou dentistry."
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Rainy Day Ramblings.
Faith presses the accelerator and spins her tires in the mud. Night is coming and Faith's car is stuck in a mud puddle in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, Faith abandons the mired car and trudges through the thick mud heading up the road in search of Chenoire and Luce Préjean. Faith is determined to rent a boat even if it means begging strangers. Faith is researching the effects of the BPA oil spill on the local bird life, but she only has a few short days. If she doesn't get a boat, her research is in big trouble. Little does she know that asking the Préjean family for help will change her life forever. In the swamps of Louisiana, there are creatures even more dangerous than the local gators. Will Faith survive her swampy encounter?
What I Liked:
*Novellas are always hard for me to review as I feel like I never get a complete and satisfying story. However, that is not the case with Chenoire by Susannah Sandlin. I was delighted to find that I got a full story and I was not disappointed, aside from the fact that I want more! If you are in the mood for a quick, one sitting read, definitely grab this one.
I loved the swampy Louisiana setting. Ms. Sandlin (Johnson) always does a tremendous job with her settings. I love that she manages to transport me to her locations with her words. This time, I took a tour of the swampy regions of the St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana. This is an area teeming with creatures of the swamp, including fearsome alligators. I highly recommend any of Suzanne's books because I think her world building is top notch!
*Once Faith arrives in the swamp amongst the Préjean family, it becomes apparent that there is something a bit strange going on. I loved the infusion of paranormal in this one. There are some interesting shapeshifters that stirred my imagination.
*The romance is a fast burner, but it is believable. Two stubborn and determined people suffering the pains of heartache and loss are thrown together when they are placed in a dangerous and deadly situation. What starts out as lustful looks quickly blossoms into something more as the two come together, face a dangerous threat, share secrets and heal each other's hearts. There is plenty of heat and passion in this one even if it is fast and furious.
I loved that the couple together learns to put their pasts behind them and look forward to the future as they let go of their baggage. Everything wraps up nicely and ends on a high note.
And The Not So Much:
*I feel like a broken record saying this, but with good novellas, I want more. I loved the characters, the shapeshifters and the swamp. I desperately want to know more about the shapeshifters, the Préjean family and the romance. I only hope that this is a prequel to another series!
*I loved the romance, but it does move at a rapid pace. To some it might feel like instalove, but I felt it was believable considering the couple has a lot in common and that they come together over a life threatening event. I would love to see how things develop down the road as the romance is off to a solid start.
*I was fascinated by the research presented regarding the effects of the oil spill on the local bird population. I was curious to know more.
Chenoire is a quick yet satisfying little read. It has plenty of action, a tremendous setting, paranormal entities and a fast and furious romance. If you are a fan of Ms. Sandlin (Johnson) I highly recommend you pick up this novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am crossing my fingers that there will be more down the road.
Favorite Quotations:
"He grinned at her, a sorry advertisement for the achievements of bayou dentistry."
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 2, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
Susannah Sandlin, whether she is writing as Sandlin or as Suzanne Johnson, always does a fantastic job of painting extremely clear pictures in her readers’ minds of both New Orleans and the less familiar but much creepier Louisiana bayou country.
Chenoire also brings us back to the devastation caused by the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill , and the reminder that the damage was not just confined to shores frequented by tourists. The spill continued for months, and the effects are still being felt in coastal wetlands today.
It’s the aftermath of the disaster that sets up this story. Faith Garrity is an ornithologist who plans to study the effects of “storm-shock” on the avian population of the bayou. She believes that the oil invading the birds’ habitats changed their coloring.
Well, Faith has sort of a plan. What she really has is a concept that she hopes will get her academic career back on track, and a lot of desperation. She shows up during “gator season”, and can’t get a boat or a guide to take her where she needs to go.
She’s desperate because she lost her twin sister to an auto accident, and hasn’t managed to recover from her own personal disaster.
Faith gets sent where she needs to go, to make a bond with someone else who is alone. In the middle of absolutely nowhere, there’s supposed to be someone who might rent her a boat. Faith is sent to Chenoire, a very small town with a very big secret.
In Chenoire Faith finds herself in the middle of the Préjean family, and the dynamics between grown-up sons who can’t get over their father’s remarriage, and the woman who gave up her city life to marry into a place she can never be part of and where she’s resented at every turn.
All the Préjean sons are twins, except for Zack. Faith lost her twin. They have a common place from which to start at least a friendship, maybe more. Until Faith is caught in the middle of the Préjean family feud, and Faith learns way more than she bargained for; about Zack, about Chenoire, and about herself.
Escape Rating B: Chenoire is a short story, and I wish it were longer. I adore everything Susannah/Suzanne writes, but the tale hints at a deep backstory that I’d love to have seen.
Admittedly, I always want more backstory.
It isn’t difficult to guess the nature of the secret of Chenoire. Figuring out that the Préjean family, and their enemies, are all shapeshifters, is not hard. The story is in Faith realizing that it’s not just okay for her to be alive, but that it’s okay to be happy to be alive after losing her twin, combined with Zack figuring out that having at least a civil relationship with his stepmother does not mean that he doesn’t still mourn his mother’s loss.
We see the beginning of Faith’s relationship with Zack. This isn’t a romance, and what they have isn’t insta-love. Thank goodness. They have a connection and the beginnings of both friendship and trust, which is a fine start for any relationship. We see the start of their healing, but not the end. We leave the story with hope that they get there.
Chenoire reminds me a lot of the author’s other recent backcountry story, Christmas in Dogtown. The story isn’t quite the same, but the settings are similar; both Chenoire and Dogtown are lost towns with deep roots in the misty past of legend. They both contain legends that still live in the present, but must be kept secret. And they both conclude with that hope of a happy ending, combined with the sense that there are still magical places in the world.
Susannah Sandlin, whether she is writing as Sandlin or as Suzanne Johnson, always does a fantastic job of painting extremely clear pictures in her readers’ minds of both New Orleans and the less familiar but much creepier Louisiana bayou country.
Chenoire also brings us back to the devastation caused by the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill , and the reminder that the damage was not just confined to shores frequented by tourists. The spill continued for months, and the effects are still being felt in coastal wetlands today.
It’s the aftermath of the disaster that sets up this story. Faith Garrity is an ornithologist who plans to study the effects of “storm-shock” on the avian population of the bayou. She believes that the oil invading the birds’ habitats changed their coloring.
Well, Faith has sort of a plan. What she really has is a concept that she hopes will get her academic career back on track, and a lot of desperation. She shows up during “gator season”, and can’t get a boat or a guide to take her where she needs to go.
She’s desperate because she lost her twin sister to an auto accident, and hasn’t managed to recover from her own personal disaster.
Faith gets sent where she needs to go, to make a bond with someone else who is alone. In the middle of absolutely nowhere, there’s supposed to be someone who might rent her a boat. Faith is sent to Chenoire, a very small town with a very big secret.
In Chenoire Faith finds herself in the middle of the Préjean family, and the dynamics between grown-up sons who can’t get over their father’s remarriage, and the woman who gave up her city life to marry into a place she can never be part of and where she’s resented at every turn.
All the Préjean sons are twins, except for Zack. Faith lost her twin. They have a common place from which to start at least a friendship, maybe more. Until Faith is caught in the middle of the Préjean family feud, and Faith learns way more than she bargained for; about Zack, about Chenoire, and about herself.
Escape Rating B: Chenoire is a short story, and I wish it were longer. I adore everything Susannah/Suzanne writes, but the tale hints at a deep backstory that I’d love to have seen.
Admittedly, I always want more backstory.
It isn’t difficult to guess the nature of the secret of Chenoire. Figuring out that the Préjean family, and their enemies, are all shapeshifters, is not hard. The story is in Faith realizing that it’s not just okay for her to be alive, but that it’s okay to be happy to be alive after losing her twin, combined with Zack figuring out that having at least a civil relationship with his stepmother does not mean that he doesn’t still mourn his mother’s loss.
We see the beginning of Faith’s relationship with Zack. This isn’t a romance, and what they have isn’t insta-love. Thank goodness. They have a connection and the beginnings of both friendship and trust, which is a fine start for any relationship. We see the start of their healing, but not the end. We leave the story with hope that they get there.
Chenoire reminds me a lot of the author’s other recent backcountry story, Christmas in Dogtown. The story isn’t quite the same, but the settings are similar; both Chenoire and Dogtown are lost towns with deep roots in the misty past of legend. They both contain legends that still live in the present, but must be kept secret. And they both conclude with that hope of a happy ending, combined with the sense that there are still magical places in the world.
May 8, 2014
And another wonderful story by Ms Sandlin! Yes I know it's a short story, but even her short stories have a way of making you love the characters, get caught up in their lives, and root for their HEA!! Before I get really into it, I have two questions... Is Zack's family related to Rene's- you know from the "other series"? And if so, I bet they are but, could you find room for one of those HAWT pieces for me? I don't live too far ya know!! Lol ok now for the big talk. This story got me because it's sweet and fun but it's also about living with the death of a loved one and learning to actually live. Damned if I didn't tear up twice!
So after a tragedy, Faith is literally trying to salvage both her career and her life. She's using the last little bit of money to try to study some of the birds affected by an oil spill- yes I live here and can attest to it's aftermath- and she somehow finds herself down in the BFE's- let's say that's Cajun talk for middle of nowhere and it's unabbreviated term is inappropriate lol! She lands herself in Zack Prejean's yard begging for a rental boat and a guide. Let's just say she has no idea how much her life will change because of this. Though Faith is struggling to regain her normalcy, you can tell she is goal oriented, cares about her career and the wildlife it contains, and is sweet and easy going. You will also learn she's strong, brave, loyal, and can handle a gun lol I like her a lot! I hope we get to see more of her one day!
Zack, well, he may be a HAWT piece but he's got a chip on his shoulder. He may be back home to help his father but he doesn't want to be there and he's making sure everyone knows about it. He's so rude to Faith partly because of this chip and partly because he's attracted to her. His rudeness is also halted by Faith who also won't be bullied. Giggle! Zack is family oriented, he's definitely a hard worker, and when he believes in something, he'll go above and beyond to prove it! Maybe he has a HAWT cousin for me :)
there's also some very interesting side characters, a really great little plot twist, and a wonderful lesson that sometimes love really is enough!! Ooooh and there's a new little twist on the supernatural elements in here and I LOVE THEM!!! I want some more :) gimme gimme! Also, I just happen to obsessively love this author and her mad ninja writing skills! She'll make you forget you're reading a short story and transport you to a place not to far from me and my hometown... Yes I can talk to you about eating gator and shrimping lol!! So with that, I won't spoil the surprise and I'll keep it simple with a WONDERFULLY ROMANTIC 5 WOLF PAWS, cuz I don't wanna tell you what is really clawing it's way around :)
So after a tragedy, Faith is literally trying to salvage both her career and her life. She's using the last little bit of money to try to study some of the birds affected by an oil spill- yes I live here and can attest to it's aftermath- and she somehow finds herself down in the BFE's- let's say that's Cajun talk for middle of nowhere and it's unabbreviated term is inappropriate lol! She lands herself in Zack Prejean's yard begging for a rental boat and a guide. Let's just say she has no idea how much her life will change because of this. Though Faith is struggling to regain her normalcy, you can tell she is goal oriented, cares about her career and the wildlife it contains, and is sweet and easy going. You will also learn she's strong, brave, loyal, and can handle a gun lol I like her a lot! I hope we get to see more of her one day!
Zack, well, he may be a HAWT piece but he's got a chip on his shoulder. He may be back home to help his father but he doesn't want to be there and he's making sure everyone knows about it. He's so rude to Faith partly because of this chip and partly because he's attracted to her. His rudeness is also halted by Faith who also won't be bullied. Giggle! Zack is family oriented, he's definitely a hard worker, and when he believes in something, he'll go above and beyond to prove it! Maybe he has a HAWT cousin for me :)
there's also some very interesting side characters, a really great little plot twist, and a wonderful lesson that sometimes love really is enough!! Ooooh and there's a new little twist on the supernatural elements in here and I LOVE THEM!!! I want some more :) gimme gimme! Also, I just happen to obsessively love this author and her mad ninja writing skills! She'll make you forget you're reading a short story and transport you to a place not to far from me and my hometown... Yes I can talk to you about eating gator and shrimping lol!! So with that, I won't spoil the surprise and I'll keep it simple with a WONDERFULLY ROMANTIC 5 WOLF PAWS, cuz I don't wanna tell you what is really clawing it's way around :)
August 7, 2016
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
CHENOIRE: TAKING A CHANCE ON A STRANGER
E-Galley provided by author via tour company for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I’ve never read anything by Suzanne Johnson, Susannah Sandlin’s alter ego, that I haven’t loved. So I thought it was high time I take a look at Susannah’s writing and see if there’s a different author really living inside Suzanne. Yay, they seem to be mostly the same person and I love them both!
This is an excellent short story that feels similar to, but darker than, Susannah’s alter Suzanne’s Sentinel of New Orleans series. A lot darker. There’s a seething sexual undercurrent inherent in the trope of the lost woman being helped by a strange, seemingly backwards man. At one point Faith mentions feeling as if she’s wandered into something out of “Deliverance.” Usually, if it’s a “Deliverance”-Like location, the man is sinister and doesn’t have the woman’s best interest in mind.
Here though that seething undercurrent is not malevolent, it is just sexy although it feels a little spooky to Faith until she learns a lot of the secrets this family has. The attraction between the love interests is palpable. It’s the attraction that allows a bit quicker pace in the relationship development; that allows the romantic side of taking a chance on a stranger. The menace from a third feels real. Ah! There’s the sinister element.
I like that both Zack’s and Faith’s losses occur off page. I think they would have overpowered the story otherwise, and I don’t usually enjoy reading death scenes.
Susannah offers as much character development as a short story can bear. And, it is apparent that she feels deeply about the area.
I didn’t find that the author put on a different voice writing under a different name than I am accustomed to. Both Suzanne Johnson and Susannah Sandlin deliver high quality fiction with straight forward plotting, great characters, and lots of -um- tension.
I highly recommend this great short story, CHENOIRE.
Have you ever taken a chance on a stranger? What were the results?
CHENOIRE: TAKING A CHANCE ON A STRANGER
E-Galley provided by author via tour company for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I’ve never read anything by Suzanne Johnson, Susannah Sandlin’s alter ego, that I haven’t loved. So I thought it was high time I take a look at Susannah’s writing and see if there’s a different author really living inside Suzanne. Yay, they seem to be mostly the same person and I love them both!
This is an excellent short story that feels similar to, but darker than, Susannah’s alter Suzanne’s Sentinel of New Orleans series. A lot darker. There’s a seething sexual undercurrent inherent in the trope of the lost woman being helped by a strange, seemingly backwards man. At one point Faith mentions feeling as if she’s wandered into something out of “Deliverance.” Usually, if it’s a “Deliverance”-Like location, the man is sinister and doesn’t have the woman’s best interest in mind.
Here though that seething undercurrent is not malevolent, it is just sexy although it feels a little spooky to Faith until she learns a lot of the secrets this family has. The attraction between the love interests is palpable. It’s the attraction that allows a bit quicker pace in the relationship development; that allows the romantic side of taking a chance on a stranger. The menace from a third feels real. Ah! There’s the sinister element.
I like that both Zack’s and Faith’s losses occur off page. I think they would have overpowered the story otherwise, and I don’t usually enjoy reading death scenes.
Susannah offers as much character development as a short story can bear. And, it is apparent that she feels deeply about the area.
I didn’t find that the author put on a different voice writing under a different name than I am accustomed to. Both Suzanne Johnson and Susannah Sandlin deliver high quality fiction with straight forward plotting, great characters, and lots of -um- tension.
I highly recommend this great short story, CHENOIRE.
Have you ever taken a chance on a stranger? What were the results?
January 22, 2014
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Faith Garrity goes to the bayou community of Chenoire to study birds. Along the way she runs into a little trouble. She gets her car stuck in a very big mud hole and ends up with mud on her from her head to her toes and ends up walking the rest of the way to the Préjean's place. Upon her arrival she sees this very handsome man. He is hot up one side and down the other. This hot dude is Zack Préjean. Zack is visiting his family because his dad asks him to come and help them out during gator season, Zack's family hunt gator for a living.
When Zack see Faith he is like whoa, an angel. There is one problem though most angels don't cuss and Faith is doing a whole lot of it. Not only is she covered from head to toe with mud she is swatting gnats and cussing like a sailor. Zack is just tickled pink to hear her walking down the road and hearing such language coming out of an angel's mouth.
Faith tries to talk Zack into letting her rent one of their boats so that she can go out on the bayou to study birds. But Zack tells her that she will have to talk to his father about renting the boat. Zack is surprised and happy when his father tells him to take her out in the boat. While they are out on the bayou they run into a little trouble with a gator attacks Faith. While Faith is trying to get away from the gator she finds out that Zack is hiding a secret from her and she is determined to find out what that secret is.
I have never read a book quite like Chenoire before but I really liked it and also like the fact that it was different than any other book that I have read so far. Susannah Sandlin is a brilliant author and I love her work. I have read The Penton Legacy and thought it to be amazing. In my opinion Susannah is one author to keep your eye on. I will definitely be reading more of her work hopefully real soon.
Faith Garrity goes to the bayou community of Chenoire to study birds. Along the way she runs into a little trouble. She gets her car stuck in a very big mud hole and ends up with mud on her from her head to her toes and ends up walking the rest of the way to the Préjean's place. Upon her arrival she sees this very handsome man. He is hot up one side and down the other. This hot dude is Zack Préjean. Zack is visiting his family because his dad asks him to come and help them out during gator season, Zack's family hunt gator for a living.
When Zack see Faith he is like whoa, an angel. There is one problem though most angels don't cuss and Faith is doing a whole lot of it. Not only is she covered from head to toe with mud she is swatting gnats and cussing like a sailor. Zack is just tickled pink to hear her walking down the road and hearing such language coming out of an angel's mouth.
Faith tries to talk Zack into letting her rent one of their boats so that she can go out on the bayou to study birds. But Zack tells her that she will have to talk to his father about renting the boat. Zack is surprised and happy when his father tells him to take her out in the boat. While they are out on the bayou they run into a little trouble with a gator attacks Faith. While Faith is trying to get away from the gator she finds out that Zack is hiding a secret from her and she is determined to find out what that secret is.
I have never read a book quite like Chenoire before but I really liked it and also like the fact that it was different than any other book that I have read so far. Susannah Sandlin is a brilliant author and I love her work. I have read The Penton Legacy and thought it to be amazing. In my opinion Susannah is one author to keep your eye on. I will definitely be reading more of her work hopefully real soon.
January 3, 2014
When I saw the cover of this book, and the scales on his back, I imagined it was about something completely different, but was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out. Actually, I shouldn’t be surprised.. Susannah Sandlin is one of my favorite paranormal romance authors, she never disappoints me!
Chenoire is a story is about love, loss and learning to trust again, blended with a really cool paranormal twist that I didn’t see coming. Faith meets Zack during her crusade to rent a boat, a necessary part in accomplishing her research. Zack isn’t interested in helping at first, but it doesn’t take long before he’s convinced to be her guide in the dangerous waters of the bayou. Faith learns about Zack’s dark secret and the two get thrown together in a way neither expected, simply to survive.
I really enjoyed this story and how vivid Sandlin is in her description of the wetlands of Louisiana. She never fails to take me right into the story, making it possible for places I’ve never seen before to become familiar to me. I am also a huge fan of the characters she creates for her stories. There’s never a shortage of steamy men, or strong women that like to push their buttons. I do wish the story wasn’t so short, though. I would have liked more development in the characters in order to be on the same page they were by the end.
Chenoire was an awesome short story with a great lesson about healing and moving forward with life after tragedy. The paranormal match up was unusual, but in a good way.. to the point that I want to read more about these two types of creatures! I definitely recommend this story to fans of paranormal romance!
Chenoire is a story is about love, loss and learning to trust again, blended with a really cool paranormal twist that I didn’t see coming. Faith meets Zack during her crusade to rent a boat, a necessary part in accomplishing her research. Zack isn’t interested in helping at first, but it doesn’t take long before he’s convinced to be her guide in the dangerous waters of the bayou. Faith learns about Zack’s dark secret and the two get thrown together in a way neither expected, simply to survive.
I really enjoyed this story and how vivid Sandlin is in her description of the wetlands of Louisiana. She never fails to take me right into the story, making it possible for places I’ve never seen before to become familiar to me. I am also a huge fan of the characters she creates for her stories. There’s never a shortage of steamy men, or strong women that like to push their buttons. I do wish the story wasn’t so short, though. I would have liked more development in the characters in order to be on the same page they were by the end.
Chenoire was an awesome short story with a great lesson about healing and moving forward with life after tragedy. The paranormal match up was unusual, but in a good way.. to the point that I want to read more about these two types of creatures! I definitely recommend this story to fans of paranormal romance!
December 17, 2013
This Review was first published on my blog Lecture toute une Aventure
My opinion:
Like often about novella I don’t want to say to much in fear of spoiling the story for those who haven’t discovered it yet….so I can say I really loved it, normally I don’t reread at least that soon a story because I remember it too well and get bothered….in this case it wasn’t the case at all. Yes I remembered the story and only the name changed but it was still has fun and I love how the author’s love for the area is spreading in her words. I do want to visit the region despite the gators now^^
The characters are fun are well built,. Faith is determined but really attentive to other and Zack^^ he will make you love fish in a different way than before^^ It’s a story about trust and acceptance, forgiving and learning to live again after a horrible lost…. So you will smile and well has tearing up a little while reading this but foremost you will immersed in Louisiana natural beauty and left to want more ^^.
Now that this story is set in the universe of Susannah Sandlin I’m loving it even more than in the past so you just definitively give it a try!
Score: 4,5/5
My opinion:
Like often about novella I don’t want to say to much in fear of spoiling the story for those who haven’t discovered it yet….so I can say I really loved it, normally I don’t reread at least that soon a story because I remember it too well and get bothered….in this case it wasn’t the case at all. Yes I remembered the story and only the name changed but it was still has fun and I love how the author’s love for the area is spreading in her words. I do want to visit the region despite the gators now^^
The characters are fun are well built,. Faith is determined but really attentive to other and Zack^^ he will make you love fish in a different way than before^^ It’s a story about trust and acceptance, forgiving and learning to live again after a horrible lost…. So you will smile and well has tearing up a little while reading this but foremost you will immersed in Louisiana natural beauty and left to want more ^^.
Now that this story is set in the universe of Susannah Sandlin I’m loving it even more than in the past so you just definitively give it a try!
Score: 4,5/5
February 21, 2014
A short story from an author whose work I admire, is of course autobuy for me. I liked this one a lot and would certainly not mind to read more about this wonderful bayou world Susannah Sandlin has created.
This is a really sweet story, where a woman goes out into the swamp to study birds affected by the oil spill, and a man who is more than human. A man who distrusts city woman for they can only be trouble, and a woman who is trying to safe her career after grieving too much over her lost twin. There is danger, there is discovery, but it really is about two lost and grieving people finding each other. No it is not insta lust or insta love in just one day, but they will see what will happen next. And I am really happy with that solution.
If you are looking for a fast and original paranormal story, you can’t go wrong with Chenoire. I recommend it. Susannah Sandlin has a way with words, and she paints the Louisiana bayou very vividly, I can see it in front of me. And being Dutch, there is no such a thing in my country that I can compare it to.
8 stars.
This is a really sweet story, where a woman goes out into the swamp to study birds affected by the oil spill, and a man who is more than human. A man who distrusts city woman for they can only be trouble, and a woman who is trying to safe her career after grieving too much over her lost twin. There is danger, there is discovery, but it really is about two lost and grieving people finding each other. No it is not insta lust or insta love in just one day, but they will see what will happen next. And I am really happy with that solution.
If you are looking for a fast and original paranormal story, you can’t go wrong with Chenoire. I recommend it. Susannah Sandlin has a way with words, and she paints the Louisiana bayou very vividly, I can see it in front of me. And being Dutch, there is no such a thing in my country that I can compare it to.
8 stars.
© 2014 Reviews by Aurian
May 12, 2016
Faith and Zack. This felt like a prequel to a new series, but there doesn't seem to be any other books.
It's really too short for all the stuff it covers. Set in the bayou you can kinda guess what sort of shifters there are there. The shifters 'families' have a long standing feud that Faith unwittingly steps into the middle of. She is there to study birds and uses a fake southern accent to make the locals like her better. Somehow this never comes up though? Anyways, I liked the initial build up for the characters but the ending was too rushed to believe in the romance between the MCs. I enjoyed it, but have liked other stuff by this author much more.
It's really too short for all the stuff it covers. Set in the bayou you can kinda guess what sort of shifters there are there. The shifters 'families' have a long standing feud that Faith unwittingly steps into the middle of. She is there to study birds and uses a fake southern accent to make the locals like her better. Somehow this never comes up though? Anyways, I liked the initial build up for the characters but the ending was too rushed to believe in the romance between the MCs. I enjoyed it, but have liked other stuff by this author much more.
August 12, 2016
This was a well written contemporary paranormal romance. I thought the author did a good job with setting up the plot in a short space. I liked all the characters well enough, although I thought the romance was rushed (hey, it's a short story so I was totally expecting that!), but nice. Cool shapeshifters treated in a way I have not seen before. This was exactly what I needed to tell me if I wanted to read more from this author. The answer is yes. B. PS cool cover art!
September 2, 2016
Lived this short story
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