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North Shore #1
Melody
From the author of The Academy Series!
When Melody ran away from a drugged out ex-husband and a controlling mother, she needed a new home and a new job. A thriving and posh hideaway, Juniper Island held a promise to be the change she needed.
Directed to the North Shore by the locals, she meets Tonac, an unusual chef and owner of the Mayana restaurant. He gives his delicious meals away for free, and doesn't serve people what they want, only what they need.
When Melody tastes the food for the first time, she finds out why the customers kept coming back despite the strangeness. The food influences people in unique ways, sometimes sharing visions, sometimes gently nudging people to encourage bravery, kindness, even charity.
Tonac takes her on as a waitress, but under his care, she comes face-to-face with the secret of who he really is.
Not all of the residents of Juniper Island are happy with Tonac. When Melody gets caught up in the middle, it'll take more than a few spiced apple tarts or a helping of pumpkin soup to uncover the deeper secrets that some people on Juniper Island wants to keep buried.
When Melody ran away from a drugged out ex-husband and a controlling mother, she needed a new home and a new job. A thriving and posh hideaway, Juniper Island held a promise to be the change she needed.
Directed to the North Shore by the locals, she meets Tonac, an unusual chef and owner of the Mayana restaurant. He gives his delicious meals away for free, and doesn't serve people what they want, only what they need.
When Melody tastes the food for the first time, she finds out why the customers kept coming back despite the strangeness. The food influences people in unique ways, sometimes sharing visions, sometimes gently nudging people to encourage bravery, kindness, even charity.
Tonac takes her on as a waitress, but under his care, she comes face-to-face with the secret of who he really is.
Not all of the residents of Juniper Island are happy with Tonac. When Melody gets caught up in the middle, it'll take more than a few spiced apple tarts or a helping of pumpkin soup to uncover the deeper secrets that some people on Juniper Island wants to keep buried.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2013
216 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Stone
58 books4,353 followersC. L. Stone likes :chocolate_bar: and #findingburiedtreasure. Her books are about :revolving_hearts: and @dark_themes and #chocolatechippancakes.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 5, 2019
god i've really been hitting the 2 star books recently!
this was probably my least favourite CL Stone story. usually they're entertaining for when i can't be bothered reading serious books, but this one just bored me and i considered DNFing it a few times. the romance was unbelievable (INSTA-LOVE) and i just couldn't get into this storyline. ah well, it was free!
thanks to amazon kindle and the author for the free book :)
this was probably my least favourite CL Stone story. usually they're entertaining for when i can't be bothered reading serious books, but this one just bored me and i considered DNFing it a few times. the romance was unbelievable (INSTA-LOVE) and i just couldn't get into this storyline. ah well, it was free!
thanks to amazon kindle and the author for the free book :)
August 5, 2013
As a huge fan of C.L. Stones Academy series, I were really looking forward to this piece of chocolate.
It had a rich, spicey flavour, with caramel fillings, and just melted on my thongue. In many specters this book were the perfect romance story.
There are some similarities between The Academy, where the boys/men surrounding the female lead, seems to navigate towards her.
Female lead is also different somehow, but we are not clued in on the why much later in the book.
So, distraught woman runs from controlling mother and ex husband to try to re-invent herself on an island. We've read this before. Many times. And most of those times we enjoy it. But Stone just couldn't help herself to spice it up. Literally.
The men, oh my, the men. How the author describes them, just makes me drool and smile. But how they come alive under her pen, makes her an autstanding author. I read the book in one sitting. Except for a toilet break. But really, that just doesn't count does it.
The blend of romance, close communtiy support and love, finding yourself. Danger who lurks, magic that sings in your veins, and the wishful thinking you were there just to get a taste of all the wonders.
Oh, I'm getting out of track. The book were great. Although her earlier books got a 5 star from me, this one gets an 4.5. There are no major errors or things that annoy me, but the difference is that in The Academy, I never know what happens next. The Spice God were at some times just a little predictable. In a good way.
Enjoy the scenery, smell the different spices, taste the looming danger and get at feeel of the mystery and magic of Juniper Islad. You will not regret buying this book if your looking for romance, danger, a strong and popular female lead (who is also different), men to die for, crazy ex husband, slave driving mother, and oh so more.
Yeah, C.L. Stone never lets me down. Thank you for an awsome summer book.
Now I just have to wait for The Academys 3. book. Oh please release it soon! Im DYING HERE!!
It had a rich, spicey flavour, with caramel fillings, and just melted on my thongue. In many specters this book were the perfect romance story.
There are some similarities between The Academy, where the boys/men surrounding the female lead, seems to navigate towards her.
Female lead is also different somehow, but we are not clued in on the why much later in the book.
So, distraught woman runs from controlling mother and ex husband to try to re-invent herself on an island. We've read this before. Many times. And most of those times we enjoy it. But Stone just couldn't help herself to spice it up. Literally.
The men, oh my, the men. How the author describes them, just makes me drool and smile. But how they come alive under her pen, makes her an autstanding author. I read the book in one sitting. Except for a toilet break. But really, that just doesn't count does it.
The blend of romance, close communtiy support and love, finding yourself. Danger who lurks, magic that sings in your veins, and the wishful thinking you were there just to get a taste of all the wonders.
Oh, I'm getting out of track. The book were great. Although her earlier books got a 5 star from me, this one gets an 4.5. There are no major errors or things that annoy me, but the difference is that in The Academy, I never know what happens next. The Spice God were at some times just a little predictable. In a good way.
Enjoy the scenery, smell the different spices, taste the looming danger and get at feeel of the mystery and magic of Juniper Islad. You will not regret buying this book if your looking for romance, danger, a strong and popular female lead (who is also different), men to die for, crazy ex husband, slave driving mother, and oh so more.
Yeah, C.L. Stone never lets me down. Thank you for an awsome summer book.
Now I just have to wait for The Academys 3. book. Oh please release it soon! Im DYING HERE!!
December 10, 2017
Omg why did I not read this sooner? Finally decided to finish up C.L's other books while waiting for updates on other series (and because she's releasing Faith a few parts at a time in her newsletter and I needed to read the 1st book) and ajsbdavsdasf ITS SO GOOD!
I'm totally team Dionysus though; reminds me too much of Luke or Gabriel for some reason. Its free so go read it if you haven't already! Don't be like me and put it off for so long! :)
I'm totally team Dionysus though; reminds me too much of Luke or Gabriel for some reason. Its free so go read it if you haven't already! Don't be like me and put it off for so long! :)
November 21, 2014
Ok, I have to be honest, this book has been sitting on my TBR pile for about a month now. I really love The Academy series by C.L. Stone and did not want to move on. However, I am now really glad I did.
I loved this book! I thought Melody was a really interesting, deep character and the descriptions of Tonac and Dion were just, well, *swoon*. I have to admit, I had no idea the twist involving the guys was coming, it completely fooled me, and made this book go on my list of “unable to put down”.
I really enjoyed the descriptions in this book, I could picture the Mayana and Juniper Island in my mind perfectly.
I am most definitely on Team Dion, even though he was a bit of an ass in the beginning, he seemed to have a lot of charm and tried to help Melody understand more about the powers he had, which was more than Tonac did. He was also funny, and I am a sucker for a boy that can make me laugh!
The only downsides to this book was that outside of the three main characters I did not feel that I really knew any of the other characters very well. For example, Gretta ends up becoming Melody’s best friend and in the end she sacrifices a lot because she loves everyone on the island, so I just wish we could have got to know them all a bit better.
I felt that the book ended a bit abruptly and would have like to see a bit more explanation!
If you enjoyed The Ghost Bird series by C.L. Stone and you like stories about Gods and Goddesses then read this book!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it. For that reason I am going to give it…..
Four out of five stars: really liked it, this is definitely going to find a place on my shelves, go and buy this book!
I loved this book! I thought Melody was a really interesting, deep character and the descriptions of Tonac and Dion were just, well, *swoon*. I have to admit, I had no idea the twist involving the guys was coming, it completely fooled me, and made this book go on my list of “unable to put down”.
I really enjoyed the descriptions in this book, I could picture the Mayana and Juniper Island in my mind perfectly.
I am most definitely on Team Dion, even though he was a bit of an ass in the beginning, he seemed to have a lot of charm and tried to help Melody understand more about the powers he had, which was more than Tonac did. He was also funny, and I am a sucker for a boy that can make me laugh!
The only downsides to this book was that outside of the three main characters I did not feel that I really knew any of the other characters very well. For example, Gretta ends up becoming Melody’s best friend and in the end she sacrifices a lot because she loves everyone on the island, so I just wish we could have got to know them all a bit better.
I felt that the book ended a bit abruptly and would have like to see a bit more explanation!
If you enjoyed The Ghost Bird series by C.L. Stone and you like stories about Gods and Goddesses then read this book!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it. For that reason I am going to give it…..
Four out of five stars: really liked it, this is definitely going to find a place on my shelves, go and buy this book!
December 22, 2014
Never fails to make me smile.
C.L. never fails to make me smile even with this quirky story. The woman's mind never fails to surprise and entertain me. She always has a unexpected twist to her books. If you want a light story without drama and a ton of sex this is for you.
C.L. never fails to make me smile even with this quirky story. The woman's mind never fails to surprise and entertain me. She always has a unexpected twist to her books. If you want a light story without drama and a ton of sex this is for you.
January 7, 2017
Great Fun Read
I love all of Ms Stones books and this is no different. My only disappoint is than there isn't more books with Melody, Tonac and Dion as a reverse harem series. Maybe throw Vul into the mix to make it interesting
I love all of Ms Stones books and this is no different. My only disappoint is than there isn't more books with Melody, Tonac and Dion as a reverse harem series. Maybe throw Vul into the mix to make it interesting
February 28, 2016
It was really odd but I did get sucked into it. Not what I was thinking it was going to be at all but it was still pretty good
November 14, 2017
This book was... different. That's not to say it was bad, but just different. It also confused the hell out of me most of the time. You get hallucination causing food, questionable alcohol, and mysterious townspeople/business owners. I have to admit, I did not clue into what was going on until it was spelled out for me, but I think I'm going to blame that on my foggy brain.
On the subject of the big reveal, I feel like the author spent way too much time dancing around the subject. Melody would ask Tonac multiple times a variation of the same question: what do you do to the food and how? We are kept in the relative dark for more than half the book (the reveal doesn't come until about 60% through, according to my kindle app) and are only told the truth by a brand new character, thrown in out of the blue (literally). And before she finds out the truth about Tonac (is he a drug dealer? Is he drugging people without their consent? How come no one else knows who he is? What about Dion and his decidedly questionable actions/alcohol?) what does Melody do? Why, instead of confronting Tonac like she intended, she ends up in bed with him! WHO CARES ABOUT THESE ANSWERS, APPARENTLY NOT MELODY.
And when do we learn the truth about our lovely main characters? Almost immediately after she has sex with Tonac. *eye roll* I mean, if you have all of these huge, unanswered questions about the guy, wouldn't you want the answers before jumping into bed with him? No? Okay, whatever.
Anywhoooo.
Aside from my nitpicking on the story, I did not find many faults with this book as a whole. I don't really recall any grammar or spelling errors that pulled me away from the story. It was confusing at times, causing me to reread a few sections before I caught up with what was going on, especially since the magic in this novel is so very entwined with the everyday. I did laugh quite a few times throughout this novel. I did not see the second book on Amazon, but I think I'll give it a go when it comes out.
On the subject of the big reveal, I feel like the author spent way too much time dancing around the subject. Melody would ask Tonac multiple times a variation of the same question: what do you do to the food and how? We are kept in the relative dark for more than half the book (the reveal doesn't come until about 60% through, according to my kindle app) and are only told the truth by a brand new character, thrown in out of the blue (literally). And before she finds out the truth about Tonac (is he a drug dealer? Is he drugging people without their consent? How come no one else knows who he is? What about Dion and his decidedly questionable actions/alcohol?) what does Melody do? Why, instead of confronting Tonac like she intended, she ends up in bed with him! WHO CARES ABOUT THESE ANSWERS, APPARENTLY NOT MELODY.
And when do we learn the truth about our lovely main characters? Almost immediately after she has sex with Tonac. *eye roll* I mean, if you have all of these huge, unanswered questions about the guy, wouldn't you want the answers before jumping into bed with him? No? Okay, whatever.
Anywhoooo.
Aside from my nitpicking on the story, I did not find many faults with this book as a whole. I don't really recall any grammar or spelling errors that pulled me away from the story. It was confusing at times, causing me to reread a few sections before I caught up with what was going on, especially since the magic in this novel is so very entwined with the everyday. I did laugh quite a few times throughout this novel. I did not see the second book on Amazon, but I think I'll give it a go when it comes out.
January 9, 2019
What a fresh approach to the whole Gods/myths thingy.
I actually really enjoyed the book and I wish the author would continue this series. Although Ms. Stone has a lot on her plate with her other series, maybe she could give it a try to this one in the future.
The characters were very likeable and I loved those Gods, Tonac and Dion were amazing, I would want to see more of them and their relationship with Mel, even Vul would be a nice addition, his characters seemed intriguing and I want to know his story.
Thank you for this little gem Ms. Stone.
I actually really enjoyed the book and I wish the author would continue this series. Although Ms. Stone has a lot on her plate with her other series, maybe she could give it a try to this one in the future.
The characters were very likeable and I loved those Gods, Tonac and Dion were amazing, I would want to see more of them and their relationship with Mel, even Vul would be a nice addition, his characters seemed intriguing and I want to know his story.
Thank you for this little gem Ms. Stone.
July 9, 2018
So not what I expected!!!!
After reading a series of books by an author you think you have a pretty good idea about other books by said same author. I was truly pleasantly surprised that this one was as good as the previous Ghost Bird series but just different enough to hold my interest. Mythological Gods. Way to be changing up and letting your creative juices flow. I approve and if there are more in this genre, I am getting them!!!
After reading a series of books by an author you think you have a pretty good idea about other books by said same author. I was truly pleasantly surprised that this one was as good as the previous Ghost Bird series but just different enough to hold my interest. Mythological Gods. Way to be changing up and letting your creative juices flow. I approve and if there are more in this genre, I am getting them!!!
November 1, 2018
Another great book
I read it in a day, which is what I do with really good books. I have had it for a while but just realized it. I love the island. There is a north shore with a light house and strong undertows. Reminded me of the academy books and North with Sang. I kept thinking that her father had something to do with everything, but I was wrong.
I read it in a day, which is what I do with really good books. I have had it for a while but just realized it. I love the island. There is a north shore with a light house and strong undertows. Reminded me of the academy books and North with Sang. I kept thinking that her father had something to do with everything, but I was wrong.
September 18, 2024
I did not finish this book. I received this book as a freebie. I had it on my Kindle and hadn't paid attention to the genre. I am not generally a fan of paranormal. When I found myself looking at the progress indicator on the Kindle, and being disappointed that I was further through it (Only 53%? UGH!) I decided there are far better ways to spend my reading time.
November 3, 2017
I never got a chance to read this, shall I say never gave the book a chance until it hit my email with a new cover and Title. I gotta say it was a twist I didn't see coming but I enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read that happens next!
October 30, 2017
Amazing read. One of the few I will keep and read again, and again.....
November 12, 2017
Really fun!
Nice use of and blending of historical gods and goddesses from multiple ancient times and cultures into one really amusing fipiece of fiction.
Nice use of and blending of historical gods and goddesses from multiple ancient times and cultures into one really amusing fipiece of fiction.
March 4, 2019
Absolutely amazing
Can’t wait for the sequel. C. L. Stone does it again with her amazing imagination. Melody, with her boundless love, is an inspirational yet unassuming heroine.
Can’t wait for the sequel. C. L. Stone does it again with her amazing imagination. Melody, with her boundless love, is an inspirational yet unassuming heroine.
Want to read
March 5, 2020Melody - alternate title
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed C.L. Stone’s “Ghost Bird” series and then, to a lesser extent, the “Scarab Beetle” series, so when I saw that the Kindle version of “Melody” was free, I grabbed it. I didn’t read what this was about before I started reading it but the reviews were good so I went in with an open mind.
The main character is Melody. We meet her as she is fleeing her druggie ex-husband and controlling Mother. She arrives on Juniper Island, a tourist haven, with no money and nowhere to live. Melody needs a job and she meets Tonac, the unusual chef and owner of Mayana, a restaurant that feeds the locals. The locals love Tonac’s food but he doesn’t charge for his meals and people leave whatever they want in return. Melody starts working in the restaurant and learns that Tonac’s food influences people in strange ways and, along with other characters, all is not quite as it seems on the island.
The story wasn’t what I expected at all, having not read the blurb, I had no idea that it had anything to do with Gods and in all honesty I probably wouldn’t have read it if I had known this. The writing was ok, not amazing and the characters were a bit stereotypical. Not knowing anything about the historic Gods, I got a bit lost in the details and how it all worked. I have to say that I’m not sure I fully understood Melody’s part in all this and the eventual ending was predictable. Overall, I didn’t think this was the best example of C.L. Stone’s writing, so I’d probably give this one a miss if you’re a fan.
The main character is Melody. We meet her as she is fleeing her druggie ex-husband and controlling Mother. She arrives on Juniper Island, a tourist haven, with no money and nowhere to live. Melody needs a job and she meets Tonac, the unusual chef and owner of Mayana, a restaurant that feeds the locals. The locals love Tonac’s food but he doesn’t charge for his meals and people leave whatever they want in return. Melody starts working in the restaurant and learns that Tonac’s food influences people in strange ways and, along with other characters, all is not quite as it seems on the island.
The story wasn’t what I expected at all, having not read the blurb, I had no idea that it had anything to do with Gods and in all honesty I probably wouldn’t have read it if I had known this. The writing was ok, not amazing and the characters were a bit stereotypical. Not knowing anything about the historic Gods, I got a bit lost in the details and how it all worked. I have to say that I’m not sure I fully understood Melody’s part in all this and the eventual ending was predictable. Overall, I didn’t think this was the best example of C.L. Stone’s writing, so I’d probably give this one a miss if you’re a fan.
December 5, 2018
Spice God begins when Melody arrives in a new town. She needs a job, and a place to stay, but she hopes she just get some food and figure it out from there. Once she gets to a strange restaurant where she didn't have to order or pay she then decided to ask the owner for a job. Tonac, the owner of the restaurant, gives her a job and a place to stay. But she doesn't realizes she's entering a whole new world now. This world is so different from anything she's ever experienced, and she's unsure how to continue on. But with her growing feelings for Tonac, and the strange things that are happening, she's got to figure it out before it is too late.
This book was okay. I sort of felt like the ending left us with more answers then questions, so that was a little frustrating. And I felt like we also didn't really learn anything about Melody. At least not what made her so different from everyone else. Other then that the characters were pretty interesting. And the whole story intrigued me right from the start.
This book was okay. I sort of felt like the ending left us with more answers then questions, so that was a little frustrating. And I felt like we also didn't really learn anything about Melody. At least not what made her so different from everyone else. Other then that the characters were pretty interesting. And the whole story intrigued me right from the start.
November 25, 2025
Spice God is a great start to another delectable series from Stone. Well I hope its a new series...
Yes, this book did make me hungry with all the luscious talk of food but the inner secrets behind Juniper Island was utterly enticing. This is a completely new concept for Stone, bringing a mythological twist to her newest endeavor. Spice God gives us a strong heroine, discovering her way after an abusive marriage and a controlling parent. Exquisite but vulnerable men to fall for our leading lady. Power plays and dark agendas to threaten the peace of Juniper.
I found Spice God to be a very entertaining read . You can't help be caught up with the suspense of the imminent danger, hopeful for the romance, and be captivated by a wonderful lead female character.
Yes, this book did make me hungry with all the luscious talk of food but the inner secrets behind Juniper Island was utterly enticing. This is a completely new concept for Stone, bringing a mythological twist to her newest endeavor. Spice God gives us a strong heroine, discovering her way after an abusive marriage and a controlling parent. Exquisite but vulnerable men to fall for our leading lady. Power plays and dark agendas to threaten the peace of Juniper.
I found Spice God to be a very entertaining read . You can't help be caught up with the suspense of the imminent danger, hopeful for the romance, and be captivated by a wonderful lead female character.
June 28, 2016
A clever modern fairy tale
It is written in fairy tale style in the sense that it's more about telling the story & characters playing their parts than the characters being super developed--meaning that Tonac & Melody fall in love, but we don't get the specific details: she "sees" him & he is hot and sensitive.
It is a very clever adaptation of the pantheons of gods mingling amongst us in the 21st century. And a fresh look at how the gods understand their place in existence. It was kind of cool that Melody isn't necessarily "special", but simply open...like anyone could access this level of awareness if the circumstances were right.
This world is big & developed enough that there could easily be more "modern day fairytales".
It is written in fairy tale style in the sense that it's more about telling the story & characters playing their parts than the characters being super developed--meaning that Tonac & Melody fall in love, but we don't get the specific details: she "sees" him & he is hot and sensitive.
It is a very clever adaptation of the pantheons of gods mingling amongst us in the 21st century. And a fresh look at how the gods understand their place in existence. It was kind of cool that Melody isn't necessarily "special", but simply open...like anyone could access this level of awareness if the circumstances were right.
This world is big & developed enough that there could easily be more "modern day fairytales".
December 14, 2014
I crave c.l. Stones work and when I burned through ghost bird and scarab beetle I needed another fix. This book doesn't disappoint. There may be some points I wished shed elaborate more one but really it's only one book and she can't go on forever. And the idea of going to the restaurant and getting what you need instead of what you want is something I wish was real in the world. I'm sure it is out there somewhere I just haven't found it yet. Although perhaps in the mean time I could just precariously live through c. l. Stone's work and continue to enjoy my favorite series.
August 16, 2018
What a fresh approach to the whole Gods/myths thingy.
I actually really enjoyed the book and I wish the author would continue this series. Although Ms. Stone has a lot on her plate with her other series, maybe she could give it a try to this one in the future.
The characters were very likeable and I loved those Gods, Tonac and Dion were amazing, I would want to see more of them and their relationship with Mel, even Vul would be a nice addition, his characters seemed intriguing and I want to know his story.
Thank you for this little gem Ms. Stone.
I actually really enjoyed the book and I wish the author would continue this series. Although Ms. Stone has a lot on her plate with her other series, maybe she could give it a try to this one in the future.
The characters were very likeable and I loved those Gods, Tonac and Dion were amazing, I would want to see more of them and their relationship with Mel, even Vul would be a nice addition, his characters seemed intriguing and I want to know his story.
Thank you for this little gem Ms. Stone.
July 13, 2018
I love all the books by c.l. stone.. i hate waiting for the next books.. i came across this one and thought i would give it a read. Well i had it finished within a day. I love the story and the relationships and how it all cane together at the end i did hope there was going to be another book to follow this one but i have since found others.. this is an easy read and funny too.
March 24, 2021
This book made me think of fluffy pancakes with a shot of tequila on the side. Destitute and downtrodden girl meets a handsome and mysterious guy. She finds a place she feels she belongs. And then a boatload of trouble floats her way. I think the author should have stayed with the original title, though I guess that would have given some things away. This really should be a series.
August 11, 2021
I’m a huge fan of C.L. Stone’s Academy series, so I picked this one up to give it a shot. It was pretty amazing. Like her other books, it took some time to figure out what was going on, but I was riveted long before that. I can’t really describe it coherently without giving away the plot, but you should definitely add this to your reading list.
November 11, 2013
It was an enjoyable, quick read. I liked the setting of the coastal island, and I like the story of a woman who find herself and her strength through the book. Through in some yummy hunks, a little good and evil, and you have an entertaining book, with a nice romance.
January 30, 2015
I loved the academy series (both of them) written by the same author so I decided to give this book a try. She never fails to disappoint me! This one was a quick easy read with some great characters. Very unpredictable and i like that :)
December 9, 2016
I actually really enjoyed the characters in this book. But I felt like it was the start of a series and CL left me hangin. But I did enjoy the story line and the potential routes that this story could go
April 11, 2017
Awesome Read
CL Stone has a away with words Every book she writes I find myself drawn into her characters as the come to life on the pages.
CL Stone has a away with words Every book she writes I find myself drawn into her characters as the come to life on the pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews