Whispers and Wishes

Sage Springs #1

by Hollie Westring

Eliza Monroe has been traveling the United States for three years, immersing herself in the towns she visits as she searches for the mother she’s never known. She hopes returning to her grandmother’s inn in Sage Springs, Mo., will provide the break she needs to evaluate her lonely life. What Eliza isn’t expecting is to have two men enter the picture, not making her decision to stay or leave any easier. One has been her foundation, while the other is as comfortable as she is hopping from city to city. Throw in a kooky grandmother, a cheerful best friend, a sarcastic guest, a town where residents and spirits interact like neighbors, and Eliza has little time to contemplate her future. Friendships grow, webs are spun, and lies are revealed before Eliza comes to terms with what she wants in life and learns what's really important. **Cover and story updated November 2017. **UtopYA 2014 nominee for best debut novel and best paranormal book of the year.**

Genres: Paranormal, Ghosts, Romance, Paranormal Romance, New Adult

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2013

About the author

Hollie Westring is the author of "Whispers and Wishes," "Spirits and Spells," and "Cinnamon and Sunshine."

Hollie has been a freelance book editor since 2011, which keeps her busy and happy. When not working or reading, Hollie is most likely in the kitchen baking.

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

I thought Whispers and Wishes by Hollie Westring was a cute entertaining story about a girl in search of her mother. Eliza has been traveling the states for three years chasing her illusive mother. Eliza basically lives out of her suitcase going where ever her private investigator sends her. She finally decides to head home for a month. Home is Sage Springs and is a very unusual town. A town where people can see and speak to ghosts. There is a secret spring somewhere in the town and the original townspeople drank from it and gained these abilities which were then passed down through generations.

Eliza heads home to her grandmother's house which is also a local bread and breakfast on the decline. Once home she comes face to face with an old flame, Jake. Eliza ran from Jake and from her home the day after Jake professed his love for her. While she spends her time avoiding Jake she hangs out with her grandmother and her best friend Lexi. The B&B is in disrepair and they decide to hire a handy man. In comes Gavin, hot, pierced, built, handy man Gavin.

While I did enjoy the story, I found myself more interested in the historical aspects of the town and the people in it then I did with Eliza and her two love interests. Ivy comes to stay at the inn and she, Eliza, and Lexi become friends. I also found myself enjoying the times they were all together. For some reason I didn't really connect with Jake and Eliza and Gavin and Eliza weren't much better but I liked him more for some reason. I also found Eliza to be stubborn and at the same time flaky. Jake admits to something that Eliza is super upset about and rightly so. Something that for me would have been a deal breaker. Something that should not and would not be tolerated in my opinion. But she immediately forgives or claims to understand they whys and whatnot when Jake comes to see her in the dead of night. I also found Jake to be kind of wimpy. When confrontation occurs and people are being horrible to Eliza he stands by silently. I didn't really think he had her back and I didn't like that for a guy that supposedly was in love with her. Gavin too does something yucky and bad and she holds him more accountable. I didn't understand that logic. Jake was someone she grew up with someone who should have had her loyalty and trust. Gavin was a new guy that she knew nothing about. So when his transgression is revealed I would think she would be more forgiving or at least as forgiving as she was for Jake. I totally understood why she was angry at Gavin. What he does is horrible. But I don't think they outweigh what Jake does or in my opinion doesn't do.

Obviously she has to make a choice and although I wasn't as interested in them as a couple (either of them), I did have an opinion of who I wanted her with. And I was disappointed in her choice. Maybe if I connected with the two of them better it would have made a difference. Maybe if she spent more time in the book with them individually, I would have felt better. However, I found the story to be more of a mystery than a romance.

A mystery because Eliza is still trying to decide if she should look for her mother whom she knows nothing about. A mystery because Ivy is super secretive. A mystery because there are mean people in town that don't want Eliza there and even though it's not clear why it still felt mysterious. A mystery because supposedly no one knows where the springs are that give out these unusual abilities.

So with all that said and I know it might sound like I didn't like the book but I did. I think it has really great potential to turn into an amazing series. I hope that the story tightens up and I hope it gets a little steamier. I really like Ivy and Lexi and I want to see where their stories lead. I also hope we get lots more background on Sage Springs.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I couldn’t put this book down! I read this in one day!!! I swear!! I love Eliza and Jake, Gavin, Ivy and Lexi this group of characters excellent! Smooth sailing all the way through never felt like anything was missing. The entire story held me captive from the first chapter and I had to know what was going on and what would happen.

Eliza grew up with her grandmother (Aggie) and her dad; he raised her. She never knew her mom only that she left right after Eliza was born. She was told the road called to her mother and that she never stayed in one place too long. So when Eliza was 18 she set out on a journey to find her mother she needed to know why she left and what type of person she is. She was on the road for two years searching with the help of a private investigator Tom, but she was never lucky enough to catch up with her. Now she was heading home to see her grandma every year she would visit but not stay long a week maybe this time though she was staying for at least a month she knew her grandma needed her help around the Inn that she ran. The Fall Fest was coming and this was the time of the year that is their busy season. Upon arriving at the airport she sees Jake…..(he wasn't suppose to pick her up Lexi was) she is nervous the last time she saw Jake she left within 24 hours of him telling her he loved her, now she didn't know where they stood with each other. Awkward would be the word I would use for this moment.

Jake a handsome guy who has been in love with Eliza for as long as he could remember. When he told her he loved her he knew she would be leaving to search for her mother but he always knew she would return. He is delighted she is back and this time he is determined to SHOW her how he feels for her.

Grams, she is just awesome!! I love this character LOVE her! She runs the Cedar Inn (it’s her home that she turned into an Inn). Then we have Lexi she is very perky...lol. But I do adore her personality in this story. Ivy, now here is a twist she comes to town to stay for who knows how long seems a little standoffish at first. Then we get to know her and I love her just as much as the other characters in this story.

Gavin. Gavin is the smoking hot guy that comes to apply for the handyman position, did I say smoking? Because this character is definitely smoking! So back to my review….Yes he is the sexy stranger that Eliza would love to get to know better.

Eliza is now between two men. She is so afraid of hurting Jake, she is attracted to him and she knows how he feels for her she does feel something for him as well. Then we have Gavin, now he is trouble and she knows it but he is damn attractive, she really wants to explore things with him. What will Eliza decide? Will she choose Jake or Gavin.? Who is Gavin? Where did he come from? Will Eliza ever find her mother? I am not telling you! You must read this!

Wait till you are introduced to Bianca, yeah she is a total bi**h!!! I have laughed out loud while reading this I have teared up too. I really enjoyed this story very much!! I am looking forward to reading Lexi's story next. There are a few twists to this story and I swear one I never saw coming. I know you will love this story.

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it!!! What an awesome story! Loved the characters, except for Bianca, no one can like Bianca but she was a well written villain.
The love triangle in the story worked but I have to admit I was super torn about who to pick for Eliza because both Gavin and Jake were perfect. In the end I know she picked the right guy but I still feel sad about the other one because he was perfect too.
The story made me laugh many times, Gram was a very funny character. The friendships were incredibly well written. I loved Lexy and Ivy and cannot wait to read their stories.
The town was awesome, I have to say I would love to live in a town full of ghosts specially when everyone there sees them and they pretty much "live" together in harmony. They are nice ghosts, not the scary kind, just your regular folks that died in the town and stayed around. Oliver of course was the best ghost and he was pretty funny too.
I also loved that the story is very clean, I like stories like this and I will give it to my 14 year old daughter to read because I am sure she will love it.
Love the author's writing style and will definitely be reading Spirits and Spells probably tomorrow.
Recommended if you like a good fun story with a bit of paranormal elements.

[LivesandBreathesBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Monroe left the tiny town of Sage Springs, Missouri three years ago, in an attempt to see a little bit of the world, while trying to track down the mother who abandoned her at birth. She returns home every September to help her grandmother, who took care of her after her father died of a heart attack, run Cedar Inn, the family’s aging bed and breakfast. But living out of a suitcase for the past few years has taken its toll on Eliza.

“A long white clump of fluff caught my attention. I was that cloud. I watched as it floated all by itself, all the while surrounded by other puffy masses. Never joining. Always drifting along on its own.”
—Eliza

She flits from city to city, hot on the heels of her ever evasive mother, following each new lead provided by the private investigator she hired. Weary from her the consistent moving, she decides that this time when she returns home, she will stay longer than normal, maybe even forever.

“Still no closer to finding my mother or finding myself, I needed some time to assess. I felt listless as I bounced from town to town, seeing people with their friends and families, and there I was—serving these happy people at cafes and restaurants. No friends or family around for hundreds of miles.”
—Eliza

She returns home and helps her grandma begin the preparations for the upcoming Fall season, which is their busiest time of year. In doing so, she must face not only her archenemy, Bianca Sutherland, whose family wants to buy Cedar Inn, but also the man she walked away from the day after he confessed his love for her. Jake Brown was a best friend to her most of her life, and seeing him brings back memories and feelings she isn’t sure she is ready to deal with. He is such a great, patient man, and throughout the whole book, I kept wanting her to just give in, already. Even after the mysterious Gavin comes to stay at the Inn, working as a handyman. But he definitely seems to have a thing for the lovely Eliza. And she can’t help but utter embarrassing innuendo practically every time she opens her mouth around him.

There are a ton of delightful characters in this book, from her best friend Lexi, to the new guest at the inn, Ivy, who owns her own candle company with one of the best business names I have ever heard. I could tell you, but I will let you find out for yourself. The grandma is hilarious, and quite the opposite of what you might expect, seeing as how she had recently been arrested after a naked, albeit spiritual, romp in the woods. That’s another thing, this Sage Springs isn’t your ordinary small town, either.

“I accepted Sage Springs for what it was, which was pretty much a town full of people and spirits. A good portion of us could see and speak with ghosts. Those of us who came from the old families anyway.”
—Eliza

And they are everywhere, including at the inn. There is a resident ghost, Oliver, who was killed in the place back in the days when it used to be a brothel. Oh, but he’s a friendly ghost, and definitely comes in handy.

The paranormal aspect wasn’t overpowering. I really liked the added touch of having ghosts like Oliver involved in conversations and scenes during the book, especially since it didn’t distract from the rest of the plot.

For someone who was feeling lonely on the road, Eliza soon finds herself torn between to seemingly genuine men, having fun with new and old friends, and that her grandmother may need her more than she lets on. I felt for Eliza and her inner struggle, still hoping to someday find her mom, but at the same time, trying to decide if she is ready to "give up her ghost" and settle back down in Sage Springs.

This was a sweet story, with a few twists and turns towards the end, but no cliffhanger. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the second in the series, “Spirits and Spells,” which will be based on a different character from this book.

Reviewed by Lea for Lives and Breathes Book Blog and posted
@ http://livesnbreathesbookblog.blogspo...

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Adult genre is full of a mixed variety of reads. There isn’t really a firm line for what would qualify in this market, so for most, it’s a hit and miss with what you might get. This read is perfect for those 13+. It has a great mixture of supernatural and new adult themes yet the paranormal twist isn’t too heavy as to drown out the plot line. I loved it and found it very refreshing.

While looking over my notes, the one word or rather image, that kept popping up is the smiley face. I even remember messaging the author saying “I’m only 3% in and I can’t stop smiling”. This was a breath of fresh air. No angst, no undue drama. Just an easy escape that had a great flow and was consistent as the plot unfolded.

Eliza is our female main character and she is just adorable. She is charming and spunky and very easy to connect to. Eliza’s family is rather quirky, as her grandmother has a tendency to practice spells in the nude and likes to talk to her cat. How can you not laugh out loud to those kinds of antics?

The supernatural theme comes into play with the deep history within the town and the family, which I will not go into as I feel as though it will ruin some of the magic of the story. I will say that the folk lore that goes along with this tale is interesting and I hope that we get to know more about it as the series continues.

There is a slight love triangle that has some rather wicked twists and turns. A few that left me with my jaw on the floor. By the end of the read, I wanted to hunt down the one love interest that I had been rooting for throughout the story. I did not at all expect or even have a slight notion as to the major bombshell that was dropped. For that I give Ms. Westring a huge KUDOS.

The world building exceptionally well done. I could picture this small town of Sage Springs easily. It might be because I am from a small town myself, but I found myself at home within this book. The friendships are solid and the under lying message of family ties is strong.

Outside of the supernatural, which keeps the story light and fun, this is really a journey of self-discovery for Eliza. She is a girl who is in search of herself. She spends a good bit of time away from home searching for her mother which really just leads to her questioning herself and what she really wants and needs out of life. Throughout the story, Eliza battles within herself as to if she is really ready to settle down and tame her spirit.

This was an easy and fun escape. I will definitely be following this series and this author.

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[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

Whispers and Wishes is a sweet tale of love and redemption as Eliza Monroe learns what’s really important in life. Having spent the better part of the last three years on the road looking for the mother she’s never known, leaving behind a potential love relationship and the ghosts that peacefully haunt Sage Springs, Eliza is finally home for a short reprieve. Her grandmother’s inn is in danger of closing, and Eliza can’t help but feel that this is where she belongs, but at what cost?

Westring has a created a cute and interesting story that revolves around the choices that we must make and how we know when enough is enough. With the revelation that Jake, the boy she left so long ago, still loves her, and the attentions of the gorgeous and mysterious drifting handy man, Gavin, Eliza isn’t sure what to do, but one thing is clear, she has to make a choice. Pulled in both directions, Eliza must decide where her loyalties lie, and as events come to a head and Eliza finds that not everyone is who they say they are and that not everything is what is seems, everything Eliza’s been working toward these last few years begins to crumble. But, with great friends and a strong home base, Eliza is ready to face her fears, the truth, and love.

If you’re looking for a charming story and a quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a renewed belief in the goodness of people, then this is the book for you.

[All Booked Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an Honest Review.

We meet Eliza who is coming back to Sage Springs to her Grandmother's Inn, I love her Nan...omg she is Fab!

I didn't jump into it straight away, i trotted along nicely, but when i got going it was a really sweet read with not one, but two potential Love interests.......not a lot of Hot action, but that doesn't bother me, as i have a perfectly good imagination ;-)

The friendships are fabulous, good old fashioned Girl Code, and Boy Code with Jake! Her Love interest / Best Friend.....ahhhh I was routing for him, until Gavin came along and then I am sorry, but ooooo, all bets were off..he was HOT and Jake was out of the window, history or not!!!

I loved the Magical and Supernatural elements to this, it wasn't heavy it was whimsical, Oliver made me laugh, he was such a sweetheart! The Cat, I needed more of the Cat. I wanted the cat to bite certain people or scratch them when the twists and the B*tche Bianca came around!!!!

I liked it a lot, a sweet story with a Few twists which had me floored!.. a couple of hot men. Some great friends and some Great chemistry. I am looking forward to the next book in the series where we concentrate on one of the other characters, but as we spend a lot of time with them all in this book it will be great to carry on with them and their story in the next in the series......

[Ikra Khatoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Hollie Westring is awesome.I couldn't stop reading this book. The Grandma in this book reminded me of my own.

Whispers and Wishes was an excellent story about Eliza who is in search of her mother and throw in a Grandma, a best friend and many other characters. What I mostly loved about this book is how there was a touch of paranormal without it becoming to much. It was a non-stop drop. A girl learns what is most important to her, after spending three years searching for her illusive mother. What I liked about this was the trilogy friendship which begins where Ivy comes to the inn and meets Eliza and Lexi. I looked forward to these specific parts. With all this non-stop adventure what will happen when Eliza is leaving. Will she be able to leave with her Grandmas problems and a few love interests including an old flame Jake? Read to find out.

Best Read of 2014

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things to love in this book and series. I enjoyed meeting Eliza and her family and friends, especially her grandmother. Her story of constantly moving around, following her mom is heartbreaking, but I can see why she might have wanted to do so. Most people wouldn't have been able to do that, so it was an interesting story line.

I really liked the mix of things going on in this book, especially the closeness of the main characters. Hollie Westring gives readers a good dose of small town USA with the values that go along with that, with the addition of the spirits that most towns don't see. It's a fun mix that kept me interested form the beginning. When I finished this book I immediately bought the second book, Spirits and Spells and I'm anxiously awaiting book 3! Try this series, I think you'll be glad you did.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers and Wishes (Sage Springs Series, Book 1) by Hollie Westring

Eliza Monroe has been traveling the United States for three years looking for her mother that she never knew. She decides to come home to Sage Springs Missouri to visit her grandmother. She finds that her Grandmothers Inn is not doing so well.

She decides to stay for a while to help her grandmother out. She is reconnected with her friends, makes some new ones, faces her child hood enemy and has two young men showering her with affection. She has a major decision to make as family secrets are revealed.

A light romantic story with a paranormal undertone. I was able to relate to Eliza and her personal issues. The story was original, the characters were believable and likable, some not as much as other. I recommend to those who love romance, drama, and a bit or paranormal.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story! This is a great of Eliza, who is 22yrs old and has been traveling the country working odd jobs and living out of a suitcase in hotels for three years following leads that a private investigator provides her on her mothers whereabouts. Eliza comes back to Sage Springs when the last lead didn't work out and she receives an email from her best friend that her grandmother was arrested and possibly selling the Inn that she grew up in. Eliza is met at the airport by Jake, her bestfriend, Lexi's cousin and the man she left the night he first told her "I love you". Are there still sparks between Eliza and Jake? Or is there something between Eliza and the new handyman, Gavin, at the Inn? No spoilers here, you have to get this great book to find out yourself!

[N.L. Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers and Wishes was a great story that had just enough of everything to keep you interested. Mystery, love, betrayal, and a sprinkle of paranormal. The characters were enjoyable and I liked that even though they were all from the same small town, they each had a different personality. I also thought Hollie did a good job at showing us enough of them to keep from straying from the main story, but also making me want to read the next two books so I can find out what their stories are. I especially liked that there were a couple of twist that I really didn't see coming and of course the two main guys in the book didn't hurt ;)

[K KEETON DESIGNS Kelsey Keeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Hollie, and I love her books as well. I was actually at her house when i finished this. And lets just say she got an earful of my thog=ughts on this books. LOL. It was wonderfully written and the following stories about the 3 girls lives in sage Springs just get better and better. I was very passionate about this book. Lets just say things didn't end the way I though they should have and as her photographer and Designer I let her know it! bahaha... I don't want to give ANYTHING away. But this is a WONDERFUL day read that you will get very involved in. Especially as the series continues. This is just one adventure. #teamgavinforever!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a good time reading this book. I couldn't put it down, I just had to know what was happening next! I love that the paranormal twist to this book was ghosts, definitely something different for me. The mystery and the unexpected twists throughtout the underlying love story is excellent. The characters were great. There are fun people you just adore, horrible people you wish you could punch in the face, and quirky people you don't know if you like or don't. Not an overly emotional book, but it will have you feeling multiple ways while you take this reading journey. A must read, if you ask me!

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. So easy to read and entertaining. Sage Springs is a town like no other where residents pass the time of day with the local ghosts and don't even give it a second thought. 

Eliza has been travelling the country looking for her mother who left when she was a baby. She makes her yearly trip home to help out her Grandmother and decides to stay a bit longer than usual. Throw in a few romantic interests, the local Bitch and her best friends and soon Eliza has to decide whether to stay or get back on the road.

Light paranormal romance that I would recommend to anyone who likes this genre.

[Elexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it took me forever to read this book (two kids make it harder to read lol) I adored this book. Eliza is a kind soul and I enjoyed reading her story. I don't like to give details out for books, but if you like a bit of paranormal , crazy TMI grandmothers, and awesome friends I'd say read this book! 5 well deserved stars for painting a beautiful image of Sage springs! I would love to visit if I could ;) & stop by the local shops! Onto the next book... And I know I will not be disappointed

[Hannah Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I first 'met' Hollie in a Facebook release party were she had such great Energy and interactions with her fan base that I knew I had to read her books and boy was I not disappointed! Sage springs is a small town with big personality! Her writing style makes you feel like you are right there in the book and her characters are very well developed! I'm so Happy for Eliza(won't put any spoilers!) and can't wait to get started on Ivy's story next! Definitely a great read!!

[Toni Michelle-Editor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great start to an awesome series! I read this book months ago and well, I am slacking in writing my reviews lately. I really wanted to make sure I got a review out for this book because it is SO GREAT!!!! I love the characters and in this instance, knowing that there is always an end to a book series saddens me. Hollie Westring is definitely an author to go all fangirl over. I had to add her to the list of my much loved authors!

[Meg Collett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, honestly enjoyed this book! The characters were authentic and the plot was captivating. A really good weekend read :)

[Rumpled Sheets Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Jodie Hinnen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was easy to like this book! I literally didn't want to put it down. This local author has me hooked; I cant wait for more!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Monroe has been traveling the United States for three years, immersing herself in the towns she visits as she searches for the mother she’s never known. She hopes returning to her grandmother’s inn in Sage Springs, Mo., will provide the break she needs to evaluate her lonely life.

What Eliza isn’t expecting is to have two men enter the picture, not making her decision to stay or leave any easier. One has been her foundation, while the other is as comfortable as she is hopping from city to city. Throw in a kooky grandmother, a cheerful best friend, a sarcastic guest, a town where residents and spirits interact like neighbors, and Eliza has little time to contemplate her future.

Friendships grow, webs are spun and lies are revealed before Eliza comes to terms with what she wants in life and learns what's really important.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure where to start! First off I will say this is definitely one of my favorite books! It didn't take long for me to get into it.. I was hooked by page 8!

Hollie Westring weaves romance, a little mystery, humor and paranormal into an amazing story!

I love the characters! Eliza is a down to earth kind of girl who can get along with anyone I think. Lexi her best friend and amazing baker is full of smiles and sunshine (I think we all need a friend like Lexi!), her former boyfriend Jake, the new handyman Gavin, the new Cedar Inn guest Ivy, the resident ghost Oliver and of course the enemy Bianca.

I love the chemistry between the characters.. They each have their own strong personality and I love that! When a book can make me laugh out loud I know that it has become a favorite!

I love the love triangle between Eliza, Jake & Gavin. I kept going back and forth because I wasn't sure which one she should be with..in the end I really really like who she ends up with :)

Whispers & Wishes is an awesome book! I'm currently reading book two and I can honestly say this trilogy of books (Whispers & Wishes, Spirits & Spells & Cinnamon and Sunshine) is an all time favorite!

Definitely pick it up!! You will not be disappointed!!

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story because it is one of those that has real like characters and mixes in the paranormal element in a way that blends well. Hollie did a great job mingling the two and telling an interesting tale. We start off with Eliza traveling the country in search of the mother who left soon after she was born. She heads back "Home" around the same time every year to help her grandma get the family in ready in time for the biggest tourist time of the year in Sage Springs Mo. Fall Fest. Coming back means facing old friends and foes that she had left behind. There were some interesting revelations and many things to learn from both the character's and the spirits that reside in this interesting community. Throw in a snobby Bianca who's soul purpose seems to be making Eliza and her grandma miserable and you have a great story that was well written. I do wish that character's felt more like their ages, they seemed younger than they should have been, but who knows maybe I am just getting old? Overall it was hard to put down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I was satisfied in the way that it ended. I am looking forward to reading more in this series and can't wait to learn more about the other character's.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza can't decide on if she wants to stay one place or continue traveling. She is searching for something not sure of what that is yet. She returns to her hometown and decides on hanging out with her eccentric and bold grandma for a little while. She has Lexi her sweet friend who bakes amazing concoctions, a new friend Ivy who is snarky, honest, and fun, then Jake the one man who has loved her her entire life. Jake is so Swoony and a true gentleman with a big heart and full of patience when it comes to Eliza and her indecisiveness. This story kept me interested throughout the entire book. Two guys vying for Eliza's attention Jake & a new guy in town Gavin "What's a girl to do?!?!" This small town has a girl you want to hate, magic, ghosts, fun characters, and a little drama of course.

Will Eliza commit to Sage Springs once and for all? Who will win Eliza's heart? What trouble lies ahead for the residents of this small town? Find out TODAY when you GRAB yourself a COPY!!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first foray into Sage Springs, MO.
This has the feel of a cozy mystery but the story is really a romance, or a looking at romance.

The mystery is where is Eliza's mother, who left shortly after she was born.
The romance comes in when Eliza is torn between two potential suitors, one she has known most of her life, the other she hardly knows at all, but there is something pulling them together.

This first book lets us know the background of the small "special" town and the characters we will hear more from in following books in this series. I did appreciate that it is a stand alone novel.

If you appreciate the witchcraft books of Juliet Blackwell, Heather Blake, Victoria Laurie and others,
You want to be in on this series from the beginning.

You'll also appreciate this if you like small town series by authors such as Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery.

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Sage Springs series is my favorite! I really connected with Eliza's traveling spirit and her desire to find something (sorry it's vague - no spoilers here!).

You are introduced to all of the important characters in this book and the town itself. After finishing the book, I really wanted to go on an excursion to find Sage Springs. The book is written so well that you feel as if you are actually in the town staying at the inn with the characters. While it is possible to read each book as a stand alone, I felt like I got so much more from the stories by reading the entire series in order.

For me, the story was about a girl finding what she wants in life with romantic and paranormal elements sprinkled in to make the story extremely fun and interesting!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Cute story. Eliza has been chasing her mom that left her when she was a baby for two years, but is taking a break and staying home with Grams for a month to help with the inn. By coming home she runs into the new problem of two men vying for her heart. Jake, a childhood friend, and Gavin, the new guy in town.

I liked Eliza, but didn't feel as connected to the other characters as I'd have liked. The town is quirky with a paranormal twist. Grams is a little craxy, and it even has the mean girl from high school. Fun quick read.

[Kristann Monaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this little gem of a book! Holly Westring pulled me in immediately with her description of Sage Springs, it's eccentric characters and it's spirits. This charming book made me fall in love with Eliza, Jake, Lexi, Ivy and especially Grams. I loved the paranormal twist to a sweet new adult book and I stayed up way late finishing it. I absolutely HATED Bianca, which means bravo Ms. Westring....you truly wrote a bitch. I have immediately downloaded the next in the series and can't wait to start it...after some sleep of course!

[Suzanna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was super impressed with this book. I am a 'read at bedtime' kind of reader (and a very slow reader lol), and it surprised me that I would find myself getting excited to go to bed so I could read and find out 'what happens next.'

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone I knew and am excited to move on to book two in the series :)

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable story and a great book for young adults. The characters (both living and dead) are interesting and well written. I especially liked Eliza's grandmother, she is quite the character! There are some twists in the story that I wasn't expecting. I would recommend this book and I was very happy that it did not end with a cliff hanger.