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Sedona
Sedona, AZ is a tourist town that lures people from around the world who believe there is more beyond the veil of reality. They come for the whispering pines, Hopi legends, vortices, magic crystals, and healing springs. Enter Cal Novak, a spunky editor from Atlanta, Georgia, who gives up the city life because she is searching for more time, more adventure, more meaning. The magic of her new hometown does not disappoint. Behind the curtain of every window there are secrets waiting to be uncovered. For those searching for more, there’s no place like Sedona.
- GenresMystery
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
16 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Fryar Freeman
1 book23 followersKerry Fryar Freeman crafts fiction as if it were a new puzzle. The settings are real and well-researched, the details are rich and layered, and the stories absorb and propel readers one piece at a time. Kerry’s debut novel, SEDONA: A NOVEL, was long-listed for the Santa Fe Writers Project Literary Award and is set for publication with the Wild Rose Press later this year. Kerry also writes a blog called “Books and Bevies” where she features an array of authors from New York Times and Amazon bestsellers to debut Indie gems. Books and Bevies can be found on her website KerryFryarFreeman.com or by following her on Twitter @KerryFFreeman and Instagram @Books_and_Bevies. Kerry currently resides in North Carolina and is a member of the NC Writers’ Network and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 25, 2023
It’s the holiday season, and I want something light and amusing. Christmas is a time of magic, and Sedona, AZ is noted as being magical. I was immediately drawn to Kerry Fryar Freeman’s “Sedona”. Look at the book cover! It beckons! Plus, it was longlisted for the 2022 Santa Fe Writers Project Literary Award.
The protagonist, Cal Novak, recently moved from Atlanta GA to Sedona AZ at the behest of her cancer-addled grandmother. Neither have been, but both have heard of the magical healing powers of the area. Plus, she was ready for a change.
Cal is an editor by trade. Once she relocates them, she needs to find work, to bring in cash flow. She had contract work for the local Crystal Magazine, but she needs more money. Her grandmother’s expenses are hefty.
A Tour Company moves into the area and is hiring. Sedona is tiny, a tourist town that survives on tourists. Once Cal is hired, she receives a tip that this new business may not be as upstanding as at first appeared. Perhaps there is a newspaper article in this that can jump-start her career and provide needed cash. Once Cal begins her sleuthing, she uncovers conflicting information.
Meanwhile, her grandmother is making remarkable progress. Perhaps there is something to be said about the healing springs, magic crystals, and vortices.
Now Cal wants to stay in Sedona for her grandmother, and to become part of a community. As she falls in love with the area, she learns some of the secrets that keep it functioning. There could be some shady business dealings going on, and Cal is just the reporter to extricate the truth!
This is a witty read. Cal is the plucky protagonists that this reader needed.
The protagonist, Cal Novak, recently moved from Atlanta GA to Sedona AZ at the behest of her cancer-addled grandmother. Neither have been, but both have heard of the magical healing powers of the area. Plus, she was ready for a change.
Cal is an editor by trade. Once she relocates them, she needs to find work, to bring in cash flow. She had contract work for the local Crystal Magazine, but she needs more money. Her grandmother’s expenses are hefty.
A Tour Company moves into the area and is hiring. Sedona is tiny, a tourist town that survives on tourists. Once Cal is hired, she receives a tip that this new business may not be as upstanding as at first appeared. Perhaps there is a newspaper article in this that can jump-start her career and provide needed cash. Once Cal begins her sleuthing, she uncovers conflicting information.
Meanwhile, her grandmother is making remarkable progress. Perhaps there is something to be said about the healing springs, magic crystals, and vortices.
Now Cal wants to stay in Sedona for her grandmother, and to become part of a community. As she falls in love with the area, she learns some of the secrets that keep it functioning. There could be some shady business dealings going on, and Cal is just the reporter to extricate the truth!
This is a witty read. Cal is the plucky protagonists that this reader needed.
May 11, 2025
In a Nutshell: A contemporary mystery-drama set in the Arizonian city of Sedona. Interesting storyline, quirky characters, fast pace. I went in blind and came out amazed. Don’t be fooled by the cover; this isn’t a light-hearted read, though it has its fun moments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
😍 The title gives a clear clue that the story is about the town and not the characters. The plot uses the setting of Sedona brilliantly. The small town vibes, the gorgeous buttes, the trails and caves, the indigenous beliefs,… almost every page shows us Sedona as a real place gifted with nature and culture while still having that partially xenophobic attitude towards outsiders such as Cal. Initially, I didn’t know Sedona is a town in the USA. Reading about it in this book made me look up the town online. I am impressed by how well the author has captured it with her words.
😍 Most of the supporting characters in the book are intriguing and well-layered. Some are so complex that it is tough to decide whether to like them or thwack them. Except for one character, everyone’s motivations are clear from their sketching. The grey in their personalities makes them feel like actual people than as picture-perfect fictional characters.
😍 The plot is surprisingly complicated. It starts as a nice and easy-going narration of Cal’s wanting to settle in Sedona for her grandma and of her finding a new job, but once the mystery begins, the secrets come tumbling out. The suspense elements build up as the book progresses. Though a relatively light mystery, the book has its share of twists and turns. As the blurb didn’t make it sound like a mystery novel, I was caught unawares, in a very good way.
😍 Though a debut novel, the book doesn’t try to cram in a chunk of social commentary or a multitude of “happening” themes. The primary two ideas explored are corporate manipulation and small-town loyalties, and it sticks mainly to these topics throughout. No ‘kitchen sink’ approach here.
😍 Though the mystery gets fairly intense in the second half, the proceedings are kept light. Cal’s conversation, filled with sarcasm and banter, creates comic relief.
😍 There is a minor touch of magical realism in the plot, exploring the Native American beliefs in the healing powers of nature and crystals. This was handled subtly rather than being shoved into your face.
😍 The pace of the book is steady from start to end. The writing is also easy-going, making it easy to complete this novel within a few hours.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 Cal is a wonderful main character: flawed, impulsive, sometimes gullible, loyal, witty, and independent. Despite her shortcomings, it is very easy to root for Cal. In some scenes, her helplessness and frustration come out very well. At the same time, I wish certain aspects of her character had been detailed better. Her age is never specified, though she seems to be in her twenties. She calls herself an introvert but she's definitely not sketched as one. Her character does many things most introverts would never even consider doing. Also, how the heck did she find the money to drink so much when she was worried about finances? It’s strange how we never see her eating, but the drinking seems to be almost omnipresent, and almost always without consequences.
😐 I love that stunning cover. Cal is as sassy as she appears on that pic, and her sunglasses reflect the gorgeous sandstone buttes of Sedona. That said, the cover might reflect Cal's bold personality perfectly but not the book. I almost dismissed the book as a YA rom-com because of that bright pastel fun-filled vibe. The content was a welcome surprise. I wish the cover had better suited the story. I think many of the right target readers (light/cozy mystery lovers) might skip over this book assuming it to be a romcom or a YA work. This is just my opinion. Art is always subjective, after all.
😐 The fledgling romantic relationship didn’t astonish me as almost every book nowadays adds a dash of romance to its plot, whether it fits or not. In this case though, I found the development a needless one. The book could have worked perfectly had the two characters in question stayed besties, so there was no need for the love track. On the positive side, the romance doesn’t overwhelm the core plot. It stays a secondary add-on than as an important arc.
Bookish Nays:
😖 The ending feels rushed, with the epilogue trying to tie up the pending threads too neatly. It was too perfect for this kind of story. As this is a short novel anyway at about 240 pages, maybe a few pages more could have sorted out this issue.
All in all, I enjoyed the ride through Sedona with its intriguing characters. The story had more than enough to keep me satisfied.
Definitely recommended. This indie debut work will be great for those who enjoy light-hearted cozy mysteries with a dash of humour and a respect for nature.
4 stars.
My thanks to author Kerry Fryar Freeman for providing me with a complimentary copy of “Sedona”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Sedona in Arizona has been a tourist attraction since long for its Hopi legends, its healing pines, and its magic crystals. However, Cal has moved to Sedona for a different reason: her grandma is suffering from cancer, and they have heard that Sedona’s dry air can offer relief. Cal freelances as an editor at a local magazine about crystals. But as her grandma’s healthcare costs increase, she looks for a better paying job. Thankfully, the newly-opened Belle Butte Touring Company has a vacancy for a guide. Cal begins her adventurous new work enthusiastically, but she soon realises that her new workplace holds as many secrets as Sedona does.
The story comes to us mostly in Cal’s third person perspective, though we have some interlude chapters from the viewpoint of a couple of other characters.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The title gives a clear clue that the story is about the town and not the characters. The plot uses the setting of Sedona brilliantly. The small town vibes, the gorgeous buttes, the trails and caves, the indigenous beliefs,… almost every page shows us Sedona as a real place gifted with nature and culture while still having that partially xenophobic attitude towards outsiders such as Cal. Initially, I didn’t know Sedona is a town in the USA. Reading about it in this book made me look up the town online. I am impressed by how well the author has captured it with her words.
😍 Most of the supporting characters in the book are intriguing and well-layered. Some are so complex that it is tough to decide whether to like them or thwack them. Except for one character, everyone’s motivations are clear from their sketching. The grey in their personalities makes them feel like actual people than as picture-perfect fictional characters.
😍 The plot is surprisingly complicated. It starts as a nice and easy-going narration of Cal’s wanting to settle in Sedona for her grandma and of her finding a new job, but once the mystery begins, the secrets come tumbling out. The suspense elements build up as the book progresses. Though a relatively light mystery, the book has its share of twists and turns. As the blurb didn’t make it sound like a mystery novel, I was caught unawares, in a very good way.
😍 Though a debut novel, the book doesn’t try to cram in a chunk of social commentary or a multitude of “happening” themes. The primary two ideas explored are corporate manipulation and small-town loyalties, and it sticks mainly to these topics throughout. No ‘kitchen sink’ approach here.
😍 Though the mystery gets fairly intense in the second half, the proceedings are kept light. Cal’s conversation, filled with sarcasm and banter, creates comic relief.
😍 There is a minor touch of magical realism in the plot, exploring the Native American beliefs in the healing powers of nature and crystals. This was handled subtly rather than being shoved into your face.
😍 The pace of the book is steady from start to end. The writing is also easy-going, making it easy to complete this novel within a few hours.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 Cal is a wonderful main character: flawed, impulsive, sometimes gullible, loyal, witty, and independent. Despite her shortcomings, it is very easy to root for Cal. In some scenes, her helplessness and frustration come out very well. At the same time, I wish certain aspects of her character had been detailed better. Her age is never specified, though she seems to be in her twenties. She calls herself an introvert but she's definitely not sketched as one. Her character does many things most introverts would never even consider doing. Also, how the heck did she find the money to drink so much when she was worried about finances? It’s strange how we never see her eating, but the drinking seems to be almost omnipresent, and almost always without consequences.
😐 I love that stunning cover. Cal is as sassy as she appears on that pic, and her sunglasses reflect the gorgeous sandstone buttes of Sedona. That said, the cover might reflect Cal's bold personality perfectly but not the book. I almost dismissed the book as a YA rom-com because of that bright pastel fun-filled vibe. The content was a welcome surprise. I wish the cover had better suited the story. I think many of the right target readers (light/cozy mystery lovers) might skip over this book assuming it to be a romcom or a YA work. This is just my opinion. Art is always subjective, after all.
😐 The fledgling romantic relationship didn’t astonish me as almost every book nowadays adds a dash of romance to its plot, whether it fits or not. In this case though, I found the development a needless one. The book could have worked perfectly had the two characters in question stayed besties, so there was no need for the love track. On the positive side, the romance doesn’t overwhelm the core plot. It stays a secondary add-on than as an important arc.
Bookish Nays:
😖 The ending feels rushed, with the epilogue trying to tie up the pending threads too neatly. It was too perfect for this kind of story. As this is a short novel anyway at about 240 pages, maybe a few pages more could have sorted out this issue.
All in all, I enjoyed the ride through Sedona with its intriguing characters. The story had more than enough to keep me satisfied.
Definitely recommended. This indie debut work will be great for those who enjoy light-hearted cozy mysteries with a dash of humour and a respect for nature.
4 stars.
My thanks to author Kerry Fryar Freeman for providing me with a complimentary copy of “Sedona”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
July 5, 2025
3.5 stars, extra half for being a debut. So I totally chose this one for the setting - I live in AZ & go there occasionally - hate how upscale, snooty and over-priced it's become (even 💩 motels are $300/night & resort fees now - seriously, stay in Cottonwood!) And this one won a SW writing award, so I grabbed off Hoopla. But it was sadly pretty "meh" - the MC Cal was a 22 y.o. hot mess & it spent way, way too much time on "local v. tourist" issues. There was a bit of a mystery that really was not that mysterious or interesting and I really would have enjoyed learning more about Gran & how her cancer went into remission. I think this one just didn't know what it was supposed to be - quirky charm or a mystery, and instead just failed at both.
July 28, 2024
As part of the Indie Ink Awards 2023, I grabbed the book Sedona in the category of Best Setting. I’ll be honest that I never would have picked up this book based on the cover alone, but we do these competitions to try new authors and it worked out this time!
Thankfully I kept an open mind and didn’t judge Sedona too prematurely by the cover, because it was a solid mystery with a ton of personality. The entire book is steeped in setting to the point that in many ways, Sedona is its own character. I love books where the setting comes alive so I did enjoy this short mystery novel.
Cal and her grandma move to the Arizona tourist town based on its legendary healing properties. Is it the crystals? Something in the air? A hoax? Needing a job, Cal goes to work for a new tour company where everything is not quite as clean cut as it seems. If there’s anything to uncover, Cal will find it. She also works for a journalist and enjoys the detective work.
I liked how she was manipulated by the townfolk as discretion is a pretty common lesson to learn in your twenties. Everyone can’t be taken at face value and sometimes they have secondary motives. I also liked that while the book had a typical amount of he-said she-said, Cal also did some actual sleuthing around. The mystery itself had multiple components and kept me interested until the end.
The writing is easy to follow and succinct in a way that made the pages fly by. I read Sedona in two days and had fun with the mystery and Cal’s sassy personality.
The only thing that bugged me is that it was hard for me to picture the main character. Her description doesn’t seem to match the woman on the cover. There is a lot of talk about curly hair and a fro that didn’t accomplish anything other than marking Cal and her hilarious best friend Des as outsiders
Long story short: Sedona itself was practically a character in the novel with its tourist traps, local life, and red rocks surrounding everything. It can be both healing and dangerous and runs deeply in the locals’ blood. There’s a lot of personality in this shortish book. Don’t be misled by the cartoonish cover, this is a solid mystery novel!
Thankfully I kept an open mind and didn’t judge Sedona too prematurely by the cover, because it was a solid mystery with a ton of personality. The entire book is steeped in setting to the point that in many ways, Sedona is its own character. I love books where the setting comes alive so I did enjoy this short mystery novel.
Cal and her grandma move to the Arizona tourist town based on its legendary healing properties. Is it the crystals? Something in the air? A hoax? Needing a job, Cal goes to work for a new tour company where everything is not quite as clean cut as it seems. If there’s anything to uncover, Cal will find it. She also works for a journalist and enjoys the detective work.
I liked how she was manipulated by the townfolk as discretion is a pretty common lesson to learn in your twenties. Everyone can’t be taken at face value and sometimes they have secondary motives. I also liked that while the book had a typical amount of he-said she-said, Cal also did some actual sleuthing around. The mystery itself had multiple components and kept me interested until the end.
The writing is easy to follow and succinct in a way that made the pages fly by. I read Sedona in two days and had fun with the mystery and Cal’s sassy personality.
The only thing that bugged me is that it was hard for me to picture the main character. Her description doesn’t seem to match the woman on the cover. There is a lot of talk about curly hair and a fro that didn’t accomplish anything other than marking Cal and her hilarious best friend Des as outsiders
Long story short: Sedona itself was practically a character in the novel with its tourist traps, local life, and red rocks surrounding everything. It can be both healing and dangerous and runs deeply in the locals’ blood. There’s a lot of personality in this shortish book. Don’t be misled by the cartoonish cover, this is a solid mystery novel!
November 18, 2023
I loved everything about this story. I had finished it in a few hours. I have never been to Sedona, but while reading the story I feel like I had been transported to Sedona. I enjoyed Cal's beautiful relationship with her grandmother. It reminds my grandmother. I loved Des, Drunk Tommy and Officer Sanchez. Overall, I loved this book and enjoyed the vibe it gave.
January 6, 2024
The cover is what drew me to this book originally. I loved the cover.
Pros: Beautiful prose. Sometimes I reread sentences because they were so descriptive and lyrical and I wanted to hear them again.
Fun story about the people (locals and tourists) in Sedona.
Quick moving story. There was never a time when I got bored or wanted to put it down.
Cons: At times, I felt like it was women’s fiction and other times I felt it was cozy mystery, which confused me.
I wanted more info about the family relationships and wanted the family relationship to be a bigger part of the story.
Overall, 4/5 🌟 It was a fun read, I learned some things about the Sedona area, and I read it in one day.
If you like a little mystery in your women’s fiction books, you’ll enjoy this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Pros: Beautiful prose. Sometimes I reread sentences because they were so descriptive and lyrical and I wanted to hear them again.
Fun story about the people (locals and tourists) in Sedona.
Quick moving story. There was never a time when I got bored or wanted to put it down.
Cons: At times, I felt like it was women’s fiction and other times I felt it was cozy mystery, which confused me.
I wanted more info about the family relationships and wanted the family relationship to be a bigger part of the story.
Overall, 4/5 🌟 It was a fun read, I learned some things about the Sedona area, and I read it in one day.
If you like a little mystery in your women’s fiction books, you’ll enjoy this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I started reading it and before I knew it, I had finished it in a matter of a few hours. It was the characters that made this book for me. They were all so engaging that I could not stop reading.
I have been to Sedona, Arizona and it is a beautiful place to visit. So, I instantly was transported to Sedona while reading this book. I felt for Cal as she uprooted everything to move her Grandma Ruth to Sedona when she requested it. She is a good granddaughter.
Luckily, in this new town, Cal becomes friends with Des. I liked Des a lot. Mostly everyone in the town was friendly and this included Officer Sanchez and Drunk Tommy. Yes, Tommy underneath his gruff exterior does have a heart.
I have been to Sedona, Arizona and it is a beautiful place to visit. So, I instantly was transported to Sedona while reading this book. I felt for Cal as she uprooted everything to move her Grandma Ruth to Sedona when she requested it. She is a good granddaughter.
Luckily, in this new town, Cal becomes friends with Des. I liked Des a lot. Mostly everyone in the town was friendly and this included Officer Sanchez and Drunk Tommy. Yes, Tommy underneath his gruff exterior does have a heart.
August 17, 2024
Sedona is a cute mystery set in an interesting area of Arizona, rich in cultural history. I liked the role the setting played with legendary magical healing powers in the air, trees, and water combined with human mischief. The main character Cal had a fun, quirky personality. Her willingness to question anyone unabashedly made her a force to be reckoned with as she unravelled the mystery of why the locals wanted the new resort Belle Butte to fail. If you're looking for a fast and light mystery this book is for you.
October 4, 2023
I was sent a complimentary digital review copy of this book by the author, thank you, Kerry! This has not in any way affected my review, my opinions are honest. Publication date for Sedona: A Novel is November 15th, 2023.
Sedona: A Novel is a thrilling mystery set in the seemingly magical town of Sedona, AZ. A place where tourists come to feel the power of the crystals and the healing of the dry climate. Cal Novak, a young woman with a predilection for wearing red high-top sneakers (modern-day ruby slippers, anyone?), and her grandmother have come to live there with the hope that her grandmother’s cancer will be eased. After a year in Sedona, Cal is beginning to feel settled but still looking for a more consistent job than the freelance editing that currently supports them. There is not a lot to choose from in this tourist town during off-season, but she ends up taking a job as tour guide for the newly established Belle Butte touring company and uncovers a mystery and a disturbing secret she feels compelled to share with the local press, despite the likely repercussions. The plot thickens and there are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, which kept me guessing!
The characters are well thought out and believable. Cal is a wonderful, feisty heroine with a heart of gold. She has given up her life in order to follow her sick grandmother’s whim. She does not ask for anything in return and is working hard to make a life and a support network in their new hometown. Cal is fearless and her curiosity gets her into plenty of dangerous situations. She decides to dabble in investigative journalism and amateur detective work and my heart was often in my mouth waiting for something awful to happen to her!
“Drunk Tommy” is another great character. A slimy Stetson-wearing drunk who runs another tour company, peddling the healing powers of the trees over at “Whispering Pines”. Like most of the characters in this novel, he also has a shocking secret. He and Cal have a weird relationship, whereby he often acts inappropriately towards her, so the ending was somewhat surprising to me (no spoiler here). He clearly values her worth as a new community member.
Des, the bartender, is a somewhat stereotypical friend, turned love interest for Cal, but I liked him and found them to be a cute couple.
Cal’s new employer, Mark Courier was surrounded by mystery. He was the man behind the curtain at Belle Butte, fabricating a magical miracle using smoke and mirrors, created to the detriment of the land. Why was such a rich guy setting up a tour company in Sedona? What was his connection to the town? Why were all of his staff out-of-towners? So many questions surrounded him and created an air of shadiness around his new business.
With Sedona: A Novel, Freeman has depicted a real place in a magical way. There is a sense that anything can happen in Sedona if you only believe in its innate power. The town comes to life during tourist season:
“The locals seemed vibrant now that the tourists were there, almost as if their spirits fed on their energy. Even on tours, Cal noticed herself genuinely smiling. They added something to the land, like fertilizer for plants. If locals were colors, they were once sepia-toned, and now they were Technicolor. She couldn’t deny the difference. It was like the locals harvested the tourists and stored them to survive.”
I visited Sedona on vacation a few years ago and was keen to return to this beautiful place surrounded by its atmospheric red rocks. This very enjoyable novel has made me even more determined!
Sedona: A Novel is a thrilling mystery set in the seemingly magical town of Sedona, AZ. A place where tourists come to feel the power of the crystals and the healing of the dry climate. Cal Novak, a young woman with a predilection for wearing red high-top sneakers (modern-day ruby slippers, anyone?), and her grandmother have come to live there with the hope that her grandmother’s cancer will be eased. After a year in Sedona, Cal is beginning to feel settled but still looking for a more consistent job than the freelance editing that currently supports them. There is not a lot to choose from in this tourist town during off-season, but she ends up taking a job as tour guide for the newly established Belle Butte touring company and uncovers a mystery and a disturbing secret she feels compelled to share with the local press, despite the likely repercussions. The plot thickens and there are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, which kept me guessing!
The characters are well thought out and believable. Cal is a wonderful, feisty heroine with a heart of gold. She has given up her life in order to follow her sick grandmother’s whim. She does not ask for anything in return and is working hard to make a life and a support network in their new hometown. Cal is fearless and her curiosity gets her into plenty of dangerous situations. She decides to dabble in investigative journalism and amateur detective work and my heart was often in my mouth waiting for something awful to happen to her!
“Drunk Tommy” is another great character. A slimy Stetson-wearing drunk who runs another tour company, peddling the healing powers of the trees over at “Whispering Pines”. Like most of the characters in this novel, he also has a shocking secret. He and Cal have a weird relationship, whereby he often acts inappropriately towards her, so the ending was somewhat surprising to me (no spoiler here). He clearly values her worth as a new community member.
Des, the bartender, is a somewhat stereotypical friend, turned love interest for Cal, but I liked him and found them to be a cute couple.
Cal’s new employer, Mark Courier was surrounded by mystery. He was the man behind the curtain at Belle Butte, fabricating a magical miracle using smoke and mirrors, created to the detriment of the land. Why was such a rich guy setting up a tour company in Sedona? What was his connection to the town? Why were all of his staff out-of-towners? So many questions surrounded him and created an air of shadiness around his new business.
With Sedona: A Novel, Freeman has depicted a real place in a magical way. There is a sense that anything can happen in Sedona if you only believe in its innate power. The town comes to life during tourist season:
“The locals seemed vibrant now that the tourists were there, almost as if their spirits fed on their energy. Even on tours, Cal noticed herself genuinely smiling. They added something to the land, like fertilizer for plants. If locals were colors, they were once sepia-toned, and now they were Technicolor. She couldn’t deny the difference. It was like the locals harvested the tourists and stored them to survive.”
I visited Sedona on vacation a few years ago and was keen to return to this beautiful place surrounded by its atmospheric red rocks. This very enjoyable novel has made me even more determined!
January 30, 2024
Liked ✅
- Description of Sedona, AZ
- Local vs Tourist living
- Cal and Des’ relationship
- Complex characters
- Crime mystery
Didn't Like ❌
- Slow burn
- Cal’s antics
Thoughts 💭
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading Sedona. I was really interested in the setting of Sedona, AZ as well as all the mysticism, healing crystals and whispering pines. I would have loved it if we got to read more about the legends of the Hopi Tribe.
I did find the book a bit of a slow burn, I was really searching for the mystery aspect but it didn’t really hit home until the last half. I like Cal and Des as a duo, there were a lot of shenanigans that they got up to together and I think they complimented each other beautifully. I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters, they were extremely layered and very realistically human.
It made for the perfect balance of black, white and grey characters. Once the mystery started, it really delved deep into it. There was a lot of finger pointing between characters and that made me just as confused as Cal! I felt I was truly in her shoes trying to investigate the truth. There were times where I really questioned Cal and her need to get involved, but her instincts were on to something!
- Description of Sedona, AZ
- Local vs Tourist living
- Cal and Des’ relationship
- Complex characters
- Crime mystery
Didn't Like ❌
- Slow burn
- Cal’s antics
Thoughts 💭
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading Sedona. I was really interested in the setting of Sedona, AZ as well as all the mysticism, healing crystals and whispering pines. I would have loved it if we got to read more about the legends of the Hopi Tribe.
I did find the book a bit of a slow burn, I was really searching for the mystery aspect but it didn’t really hit home until the last half. I like Cal and Des as a duo, there were a lot of shenanigans that they got up to together and I think they complimented each other beautifully. I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters, they were extremely layered and very realistically human.
It made for the perfect balance of black, white and grey characters. Once the mystery started, it really delved deep into it. There was a lot of finger pointing between characters and that made me just as confused as Cal! I felt I was truly in her shoes trying to investigate the truth. There were times where I really questioned Cal and her need to get involved, but her instincts were on to something!
December 3, 2023
In this story Cal Novak leaves everything behind to come to Sedona to take care of her grandmother. But when Cal takes a job she soon uncovers mysteries and secrets that this small town wants hidden but she feels she needs to share with the press now matter what may happen.
The characters in this story all have their unique personalities and will keep you entertained. This is a well written, mystery thriller, that is set in the beautiful Sedona that will have you trying to fiqure out what’s next and what Cal should do.
The characters in this story all have their unique personalities and will keep you entertained. This is a well written, mystery thriller, that is set in the beautiful Sedona that will have you trying to fiqure out what’s next and what Cal should do.
November 15, 2023
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read her book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was so good. Going in I didn’t know what to expect. The more that I got into it the more that I didn’t want to put it down. The writing was amazing and you could almost sense the mystery in the air with this book.
This book is written in a way to where the reader can easily read this in a whole day. Because it is that addictive. The author did a great job at making it feel complex. It was almost like you didn’t know how it would end up by the time you reach the end of the book.
The main thing I would complain about is wasn’t a big fan of how some of the characters made Cal, the main character, feel like she was in the middle of something. She knew that something bigger was going on but she didn’t know what it was that she needed to do. Not without rocking the boat she was trying so hard not to rock.
Overall, this was a great story that I can see myself rereading over and over again without getting bored.
This book was so good. Going in I didn’t know what to expect. The more that I got into it the more that I didn’t want to put it down. The writing was amazing and you could almost sense the mystery in the air with this book.
This book is written in a way to where the reader can easily read this in a whole day. Because it is that addictive. The author did a great job at making it feel complex. It was almost like you didn’t know how it would end up by the time you reach the end of the book.
The main thing I would complain about is wasn’t a big fan of how some of the characters made Cal, the main character, feel like she was in the middle of something. She knew that something bigger was going on but she didn’t know what it was that she needed to do. Not without rocking the boat she was trying so hard not to rock.
Overall, this was a great story that I can see myself rereading over and over again without getting bored.
November 21, 2023
Sedona is an easy read that captured my time over a night and mid morning read that was highly entertaining. Couldn’t wait to finish the book the following morning as I was totally into the characters. Being a western fan and intrigued by the southwest area of the US the book was right in my wheelhouse. The writer painted a picture of Sedona I could visualize in my mind and then wove into the setting characters that schematically fit the environment. Additionally, the theme that Sedona with its magical and mystical healing opportunities being involved with the plot made for a fun read. Left a lot of opportunities for a fuller development of the current characters, and seriously hope a sequel is a possibility. Excellent movement of story lines with the characters to keep one’s attention as you progress through the book’s chapters. Got to give a high mark to this novelist for entertaining me and perhaps scheduling a visit to Sedona on the horizon.
November 18, 2023
Let me just start off by saying Sedona is my favorite town in AZ. I've been there a few times and love it. So that being said, the setting had me completely hooked! The plot was great, and I really enjoyed reading this book.
Cal Novak has sworn to take care of her dying grandmother. Her grandmother's wish is to live out her days in Sedona, AZ. Sedona is known for its Hopi legends, vortexes, magic crystals, and healing powers. Cal leaves behind her job, and all she knows in Atlanta, GA, to move 1800 miles away. She's able to find a job with a local magazine that is seasonal, but she needs to find another source of income. She decides to apply to Belle Butte, a new tour company. She gets the job and starts to wonder why she's the only "local" they've hired. She starts to dig around and unveils secrets that may save her new community or break it.
I thought this book was well written, and the mystery had me turning pages. The characters were incredibly entertaining, and as I mentioned before, I absolutely loved the setting. If you're looking for a quick, lighthearted mystery, I highly recommend this one.
Cal Novak has sworn to take care of her dying grandmother. Her grandmother's wish is to live out her days in Sedona, AZ. Sedona is known for its Hopi legends, vortexes, magic crystals, and healing powers. Cal leaves behind her job, and all she knows in Atlanta, GA, to move 1800 miles away. She's able to find a job with a local magazine that is seasonal, but she needs to find another source of income. She decides to apply to Belle Butte, a new tour company. She gets the job and starts to wonder why she's the only "local" they've hired. She starts to dig around and unveils secrets that may save her new community or break it.
I thought this book was well written, and the mystery had me turning pages. The characters were incredibly entertaining, and as I mentioned before, I absolutely loved the setting. If you're looking for a quick, lighthearted mystery, I highly recommend this one.
November 16, 2023
Happy Book Birthday to Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman!
Thank you to the author and @katerockbooktours for a review copy of this book!
I honestly had no idea what to expect out of this book. I knew it was about a woman who moved to Sedona, Arizona to help with her aging grandmother. And I got the impression that it is Wizard of Oz inspired. Through moving there she experiences a magic that will change her life.
Ultimately my favorite part about this book was getting to experience Sedona through Cal. Contrary to the fact that I found a Sedona shirt in my closet, I’ve never been any where even close to Arizona. The author interspersed so much interesting lore about the area into her story. The fact that Cal gets a job as a tour guide really adds to the experience of being in Sedona through the book.
I also really enjoyed the quirky cast of characters who really rounded out the world.
4⭐️ from me. Go check this one out on Amazon for a funny, warm adventure for the up coming cold winter nights.
Thank you to the author and @katerockbooktours for a review copy of this book!
I honestly had no idea what to expect out of this book. I knew it was about a woman who moved to Sedona, Arizona to help with her aging grandmother. And I got the impression that it is Wizard of Oz inspired. Through moving there she experiences a magic that will change her life.
Ultimately my favorite part about this book was getting to experience Sedona through Cal. Contrary to the fact that I found a Sedona shirt in my closet, I’ve never been any where even close to Arizona. The author interspersed so much interesting lore about the area into her story. The fact that Cal gets a job as a tour guide really adds to the experience of being in Sedona through the book.
I also really enjoyed the quirky cast of characters who really rounded out the world.
4⭐️ from me. Go check this one out on Amazon for a funny, warm adventure for the up coming cold winter nights.
November 16, 2023
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This light to read mystery follows Cal Novak who lives in Sedona, she moved with her grandma when they find out she is ill and may not have much time left.
Sedona is rumoured to have curing qualities with healing crystals, whispering pines and many more magical remedies.
When Cal’s editing job is not earning enough, she looks for additional employment and manages to secure a job as a tour guide. Soon she discovers there may be secrets being kept by her new employer and is determined to find out the truth.
Will she uncover any secrets? How will Sedona help her grandma?
I say this is a light ready as I would say this is like a cozy mystery, but with aspects of romance. Friendship and family relationships too.
I liked Cal’s character as she must come out of her shell not only to cope with her new job but to work out the mysteries and secrets occurring in Sedona.
It is lovely to think there may be a place like this with healing qualities, even if it may not always be what it seems, I think it would provide a positive atmosphere for recovery.
Overall, a light, cozy mystery where the secrets of Sedona are awaiting to be discovered.
This light to read mystery follows Cal Novak who lives in Sedona, she moved with her grandma when they find out she is ill and may not have much time left.
Sedona is rumoured to have curing qualities with healing crystals, whispering pines and many more magical remedies.
When Cal’s editing job is not earning enough, she looks for additional employment and manages to secure a job as a tour guide. Soon she discovers there may be secrets being kept by her new employer and is determined to find out the truth.
Will she uncover any secrets? How will Sedona help her grandma?
I say this is a light ready as I would say this is like a cozy mystery, but with aspects of romance. Friendship and family relationships too.
I liked Cal’s character as she must come out of her shell not only to cope with her new job but to work out the mysteries and secrets occurring in Sedona.
It is lovely to think there may be a place like this with healing qualities, even if it may not always be what it seems, I think it would provide a positive atmosphere for recovery.
Overall, a light, cozy mystery where the secrets of Sedona are awaiting to be discovered.
December 3, 2023
Phenomenal characters, rich setting, and mystery combine to make this a page-turning read. I enjoyed the banter, Cal's relationship with Des, and the spirituality woven throughout the story. Will definitely be reading more from this author!
February 28, 2024
Five star all the way. Grabbed my attention early and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to your next book!!!
January 10, 2024
I received this book as part of my BookClub for January, and I enjoyed reading it! I especially liked the characters.
I do have to say it took me a bit to get into the story; the first approximate half of the book felt a bit slow to me, but I am used to fast-paced thrillers so that could just be why!
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the mystery aspect of it!
I do have to say it took me a bit to get into the story; the first approximate half of the book felt a bit slow to me, but I am used to fast-paced thrillers so that could just be why!
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the mystery aspect of it!
February 11, 2024
A very creditable first novel whose author shows a lot of promise. The writing is smooth and polished, and the characters are interesting.
November 20, 2023
Fantastic read! This book was hard to put down until the final mystery lines had been resolved and even then there were some surprises in the end! Kerry Fryar Freeman takes you on a scenic and spiritual journey through the magical land of Sedona! I would highly recommend this book to anyone loving a terrific storyline with thoughtful and fulfilling characters to follow!
February 29, 2024
Fantastic book! Loved the characters and the setting. Look forward to her next book!
November 15, 2023
Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sedona is set in Sedona, Arizona. Cal and her grandmother move there hoping that the dry climate and healing power of the crystals will help heal her grandmother’s cancer. She is also looking for adventure and meaning of life. She takes a job at Belle Butte tour company. While there, she stumbles into a mystery.
This was a well written read with some great characters and excellent descriptions. Cal is an amazing young woman who really puts her grandmother first. She is gutsy and unafraid. This was an easy to read mystery with some romance throat, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sedona is set in Sedona, Arizona. Cal and her grandmother move there hoping that the dry climate and healing power of the crystals will help heal her grandmother’s cancer. She is also looking for adventure and meaning of life. She takes a job at Belle Butte tour company. While there, she stumbles into a mystery.
This was a well written read with some great characters and excellent descriptions. Cal is an amazing young woman who really puts her grandmother first. She is gutsy and unafraid. This was an easy to read mystery with some romance throat, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 4, 2024
An excitable read that keeps you engaged with the mystery of Sedona and the intertwined stories of the characters. The characters come alive on the pages and keep you wanting more. I could definitely see these characters in a TV series or movie ?? Fryar Freeman has captured something special
March 11, 2024
A different kind of read but I enjoyed it.
November 16, 2023
Easy fun read. Good character development and well written.
February 27, 2024
I feel like the only one not loving this novel but it was way to light for my taste. I was invested in the cute story line at first and excited for the mystery to kick in but then I feel like the mystery was brought up and resolved in the matter of a few chapters so there was no sitting on the edge of my seat moment.
Spoilers upcoming ****
And all that just for the big mystery to be a weed farm and some very surface level brother drama?? I was bored out of my mind.
Spoilers upcoming ****
And all that just for the big mystery to be a weed farm and some very surface level brother drama?? I was bored out of my mind.
November 26, 2023
Sedona, Arizona has always been one of my favorite places. Its breathtaking mountains of bright pinks and deep reds, clear blue skies for miles, and a thriving art community all have my heart. It’s also a community known for its healing powers.
This is what brings feisty Cal Novak and her sweet grandmother Ruth there. Hoping to ease the pain of her grandmother’s cancer, they have been settled in for a year when Cal finds a job as a tour guide and ends up uncovering a deep secret. With a penchant for journalism and some amateur sleuthing, she’s bound to get into some trouble. Sharing it though could bring more danger for her than expected!
The characters are well written and as colorful as the stunning landscape. Several of them remind me of actual people I’ve met while traveling there! And yes there’s mystery surrounding a few of them too. The writing is witty and engaging throughout this mix of mystery and new adult fiction. It’s a wonderful debut for Freeman. I was transported to a place I most definitely want to visit again.
Thank you Kerry Fryar Freeman and RR Book Tours for the ARC.
This is what brings feisty Cal Novak and her sweet grandmother Ruth there. Hoping to ease the pain of her grandmother’s cancer, they have been settled in for a year when Cal finds a job as a tour guide and ends up uncovering a deep secret. With a penchant for journalism and some amateur sleuthing, she’s bound to get into some trouble. Sharing it though could bring more danger for her than expected!
The characters are well written and as colorful as the stunning landscape. Several of them remind me of actual people I’ve met while traveling there! And yes there’s mystery surrounding a few of them too. The writing is witty and engaging throughout this mix of mystery and new adult fiction. It’s a wonderful debut for Freeman. I was transported to a place I most definitely want to visit again.
Thank you Kerry Fryar Freeman and RR Book Tours for the ARC.
July 9, 2025
I am honored to be the first one to purchase Sedona.
April 1, 2024
“Welcome to Sedona, the friendliest little town in Arizona…The blue of the sky reminded Cal of turquoise with striations of white made by the few streams of clouds. It reminded her of the American flag against the red of the desert and rock. Pride crept up from her soul, pride and peace…She felt her spirit expanding into the desert, howling at the moon, throbbing red against the hills. She was no longer a tumbleweed. She had roots, and this was her home. No one was going to take that away.”
As Cal and her grandmother settle into Sedona, Cal snags a job as a tour guide for an up and coming resort where she encounters staff from all over. “There was Nia, who followed Mr. Courier to Arizona because she clearly loved him. There was the elevator that led to nowhere. There were the bureaucrats, politicians, wealthy locals, and the press who came to the grand opening of a somewhat over-the-top tourist attraction…Nothing was as it appeared at Belle Butte as if someone had placed strange lenses into her eyes that distorted the view.”
Suddenly, Cal is faced with a moral and ethical dilemma: “Could she ignore Mark’s possible radioactive den under the butte in exchange for a new job and security? Could she be a part of Tommy’s undercover operation, drugs filtering throughout the desert thanks to his fields?” “People aren’t all good or all bad; they’re just people. Maybe the world would be better without a man like Tommy, or perhaps the world was full of them.” But Cal must determine her own destiny.
“You can either be a tourist or become a local. Tourists don't live with us long because they don’t understand us. They come and spend a moment of their lives, and we give them a memory. Locals, well those are different animals. They endure the summer heat and the winter snow. They live through droughts and monsoons. They understand what it means to dig in and survive somewhere…You got to be tough, like those pines, like everything else that grows out in the desert. You’re no city girl now. You’re a desert girl…you’re a cactus starting to take root.”
If Tommy and Mark want to draw guns for this land, that’s their business. Which side will Cal pick? The one that saves Sedona! Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and Sedona lights the fire of intrigue! Mystery, rivalry, legacy, a dash of romance, Kerry Fryar Freeman’s debut is as bright as a Sedona sunrise.
As Cal and her grandmother settle into Sedona, Cal snags a job as a tour guide for an up and coming resort where she encounters staff from all over. “There was Nia, who followed Mr. Courier to Arizona because she clearly loved him. There was the elevator that led to nowhere. There were the bureaucrats, politicians, wealthy locals, and the press who came to the grand opening of a somewhat over-the-top tourist attraction…Nothing was as it appeared at Belle Butte as if someone had placed strange lenses into her eyes that distorted the view.”
Suddenly, Cal is faced with a moral and ethical dilemma: “Could she ignore Mark’s possible radioactive den under the butte in exchange for a new job and security? Could she be a part of Tommy’s undercover operation, drugs filtering throughout the desert thanks to his fields?” “People aren’t all good or all bad; they’re just people. Maybe the world would be better without a man like Tommy, or perhaps the world was full of them.” But Cal must determine her own destiny.
“You can either be a tourist or become a local. Tourists don't live with us long because they don’t understand us. They come and spend a moment of their lives, and we give them a memory. Locals, well those are different animals. They endure the summer heat and the winter snow. They live through droughts and monsoons. They understand what it means to dig in and survive somewhere…You got to be tough, like those pines, like everything else that grows out in the desert. You’re no city girl now. You’re a desert girl…you’re a cactus starting to take root.”
If Tommy and Mark want to draw guns for this land, that’s their business. Which side will Cal pick? The one that saves Sedona! Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and Sedona lights the fire of intrigue! Mystery, rivalry, legacy, a dash of romance, Kerry Fryar Freeman’s debut is as bright as a Sedona sunrise.
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