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Goldilocks
Hannah Adler had wished for more attention from her father, but not at the cost of leaving everything she loved behind. The mountains of Hinsdale, Colorado was not where she’d imagined spending her senior year, but with her father accepting the inspector position at the Golden Wonder gold mine, she had no choice but to make the best of it. It’s not as if the friends, she didn’t have, would miss her. Life had been lonely since losing her mother almost five years ago, and now was her chance to start letting her heart heal once and for all.
Jake Bear had his nickname for a reason, but it wasn’t one that Hannah would have ever suspected. There was a secret buried in those sable colored eyes, and with something lurking in the woods behind her new home, Hannah was almost sure he knew more than he let on.
He only wanted to protect her, but from what…?
Jake Bear had his nickname for a reason, but it wasn’t one that Hannah would have ever suspected. There was a secret buried in those sable colored eyes, and with something lurking in the woods behind her new home, Hannah was almost sure he knew more than he let on.
He only wanted to protect her, but from what…?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2014
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 2, 2014
**** Review Originally Posted at
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict ****
"Goldilocks" by Patria L. Dunn was a lot of fun for me. I love authors that make their own story out of classic folklore and fairy tales that we all know and love in order to create something completely new. Dunn has done that with this book.
While this story still revolves around a blonde leading lady, contains three bears, and that certain blonde at one point accidently stumbles into their house, Dunn has breathed a new story into "Goldilocks.” Our blonde is named Hannah, a high school senior who has recently moved to small town with her father after only living in the big city. Living in the woods is completely foreign to her, and she must learn to adapt and find a routine that is "just right" in order to make herself happy.
Hannah certainly starts to enjoy herself a little more in her new surroundings after meeting her mysterious classmate, Jake Bear. Jake keeps to himself for the most part, but as soon as he and Hannah meet, they seem to form a connection that neither one of them can ignore. Hannah slowly puts together what is different about Jake, and has to learn how to deal with all of the knowledge that comes with knowing his secret.
One thing that took some getting used to while reading was the head hopping that went on. There were multiple point of view switches, and sometimes they got confusing. Instead of just switching points of view at the beginning of a chapter or in another clear way, Dunn would switch in the middle of the scene for a paragraph or two and then go back to the original perspective. We got scenes from Hannah, Jake, and both of their fathers, and at points, it was a lot to take in.
Through the points of view changes (mostly Hannah's and Jake's), the reader gets to see both sides of the story. While Hannah is living a (mostly) normal life, Jake is hiding this huge secret from the rest of the world. Instead of giving us a bunch of exposition or a lengthy explanation in some other way, Dunn just lets the reader see it while the story is being told from Jake's point of view. By doing this, we get to see more of the big picture until Jake and Hannah's worlds collide in a way that everything ties up together.
A part of the story that I thought was really cool was the background information that Jake told Hannah. Through Jake's heritage, Dunn has constructed this new creation story that explained how mankind was really formed, and I loved it. Not only is she making something new about the "Goldilocks" story, but Dunn is also making a new story about how we came to be here. While out of context, Jake's story might seem farfetched, it made sense in the story and in this world that Dunn had created.
I would definitely recommend "Goldilocks,” even to those who aren't big fans of fairy tales like I am. Although it's a new spin on the classic, the story is different enough to be something completely unique and all its own. Instead of a girl wandering from porridge to porridge, we have a teenager adjusting to new life and being thrown into a supernatural adventure that she never saw coming.
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict ****
"Goldilocks" by Patria L. Dunn was a lot of fun for me. I love authors that make their own story out of classic folklore and fairy tales that we all know and love in order to create something completely new. Dunn has done that with this book.
While this story still revolves around a blonde leading lady, contains three bears, and that certain blonde at one point accidently stumbles into their house, Dunn has breathed a new story into "Goldilocks.” Our blonde is named Hannah, a high school senior who has recently moved to small town with her father after only living in the big city. Living in the woods is completely foreign to her, and she must learn to adapt and find a routine that is "just right" in order to make herself happy.
Hannah certainly starts to enjoy herself a little more in her new surroundings after meeting her mysterious classmate, Jake Bear. Jake keeps to himself for the most part, but as soon as he and Hannah meet, they seem to form a connection that neither one of them can ignore. Hannah slowly puts together what is different about Jake, and has to learn how to deal with all of the knowledge that comes with knowing his secret.
One thing that took some getting used to while reading was the head hopping that went on. There were multiple point of view switches, and sometimes they got confusing. Instead of just switching points of view at the beginning of a chapter or in another clear way, Dunn would switch in the middle of the scene for a paragraph or two and then go back to the original perspective. We got scenes from Hannah, Jake, and both of their fathers, and at points, it was a lot to take in.
Through the points of view changes (mostly Hannah's and Jake's), the reader gets to see both sides of the story. While Hannah is living a (mostly) normal life, Jake is hiding this huge secret from the rest of the world. Instead of giving us a bunch of exposition or a lengthy explanation in some other way, Dunn just lets the reader see it while the story is being told from Jake's point of view. By doing this, we get to see more of the big picture until Jake and Hannah's worlds collide in a way that everything ties up together.
A part of the story that I thought was really cool was the background information that Jake told Hannah. Through Jake's heritage, Dunn has constructed this new creation story that explained how mankind was really formed, and I loved it. Not only is she making something new about the "Goldilocks" story, but Dunn is also making a new story about how we came to be here. While out of context, Jake's story might seem farfetched, it made sense in the story and in this world that Dunn had created.
I would definitely recommend "Goldilocks,” even to those who aren't big fans of fairy tales like I am. Although it's a new spin on the classic, the story is different enough to be something completely unique and all its own. Instead of a girl wandering from porridge to porridge, we have a teenager adjusting to new life and being thrown into a supernatural adventure that she never saw coming.
March 6, 2015
"There are three bears, a girl with honey gold blonde hair, and a secret lair, but this story is far from the children’s fairy tale our parents used to read to us when we were kids."
Paul Adler, trying to reconnect with his daughter, takes a job as a mine inspector for Golden Wonder Mines in Colorado, where he won’t have to travel as much. Leaving the D.C. area is not an easy adjustment for Hannah to make, at least her new school has a cross country team for her to join. The relationship between Paul and Hannah is strained for a while, however Hannah relents and vows to try to adjust to living in the middle of nowhere. At least their cabin has an indoor bathroom.
When school starts things seem quite ordinary and Hannah makes a couple of friends on the cross-country team. However there is one boy that seems to stand out from the rest at school, he is larger and a little different from the other boys. His name is Jake Bear and he intrigues Hanna. As the story unfolds she can tell that he is keeping things from her.
The mine is having trouble with cave-ins so Paul is very busy at work and gets worried about Hanna running in the woods. Hanna loves running in the woods until one day she is stalked by a huge wolf. Luckily a bear comes out of nowhere and saves her. Ms. Dunn has done an excellent job creating an ancient myth for this world, which makes the story read like an urban fantasy. The plot keeps a steady pace as new elements come to light and things start to change between Jake and Hanna. It’s a unique story that turns the old fairy tale upside down with a few unexpected twists. The characters are easy to like and the author’s descriptive prose paints realistic pictures of the wilderness. This is a fun read to get lost in.
Format/Typo Issues: I found a small number of proofing problems that include missing, extra words, or wrong words.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 21, 2015
Paul Adler, trying to reconnect with his daughter, takes a job as a mine inspector for Golden Wonder Mines in Colorado, where he won’t have to travel as much. Leaving the D.C. area is not an easy adjustment for Hannah to make, at least her new school has a cross country team for her to join. The relationship between Paul and Hannah is strained for a while, however Hannah relents and vows to try to adjust to living in the middle of nowhere. At least their cabin has an indoor bathroom.
When school starts things seem quite ordinary and Hannah makes a couple of friends on the cross-country team. However there is one boy that seems to stand out from the rest at school, he is larger and a little different from the other boys. His name is Jake Bear and he intrigues Hanna. As the story unfolds she can tell that he is keeping things from her.
The mine is having trouble with cave-ins so Paul is very busy at work and gets worried about Hanna running in the woods. Hanna loves running in the woods until one day she is stalked by a huge wolf. Luckily a bear comes out of nowhere and saves her. Ms. Dunn has done an excellent job creating an ancient myth for this world, which makes the story read like an urban fantasy. The plot keeps a steady pace as new elements come to light and things start to change between Jake and Hanna. It’s a unique story that turns the old fairy tale upside down with a few unexpected twists. The characters are easy to like and the author’s descriptive prose paints realistic pictures of the wilderness. This is a fun read to get lost in.
Format/Typo Issues: I found a small number of proofing problems that include missing, extra words, or wrong words.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 21, 2015
August 20, 2016
It started off so promising and i had high hopes for it but it just went further and further down hill. Spelling and grammar problems became more frequent. And as for the story...
Well I got to 50% and thought hm, it's starting to dwindle a bit. And then the more I read the less I liked it. It's a shame because the concept is very 80s coming of age horror film - my best friend is a teenage vampire, teen wolf, the lost Boys - and it should have worked but I don't think it has. Not for me anyway. Conversation and narrative wasn't that good of a strong point to begin with but it falls down to American Soap opera level. I skimmed through the last 20% of the book because i found it dire.
And the less said about the romance the better.
Well I got to 50% and thought hm, it's starting to dwindle a bit. And then the more I read the less I liked it. It's a shame because the concept is very 80s coming of age horror film - my best friend is a teenage vampire, teen wolf, the lost Boys - and it should have worked but I don't think it has. Not for me anyway. Conversation and narrative wasn't that good of a strong point to begin with but it falls down to American Soap opera level. I skimmed through the last 20% of the book because i found it dire.
And the less said about the romance the better.
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
Wow, this book was really engaging. It is a retelling (kind of) of Goldilocks. But I found it to be more of an awesome shifter paranormal romance/action adventure book. Hannah is annoyed when her father uproots her from her New York city life to bring her to the middle of nowhere to live in some random house in the woods. To say it was a change for her would be an understatement. I think she adjusted magnificently. If I was thrown in the woods with no electronics working, I would be pretty annoyed. But she just picked up and started to practice her cross country running. And that is where the book really started to get interesting.
In the woods Hannah eventually runs across giant wolves and bears. Her father was sent out to investigate a mine that was having a bunch of tunnels collapsing. And I just knew that somehow the wolves and/or bears were involved in it somehow. We learn pretty early on that Jake Bear is a bear shifter, but Hannah doesn't find out for a long time. The book is told in dual POV between Jake and Hannah. I really enjoyed reading Jake's sections because they explained his "connection" with Hannah. He didn't understand the pull he felt towards her.
I loved Hannah's personalities. She is a gentle and calm person, but when she wants to find something out she can be very determined and has a bit of a stubborn streak in her. I liked the bits of sassiness that peaked out of her from time to time.
I became so engrossed in this story. The pacing and plot was varied throughout the book. Sometimes it was nice and slow with lots of detail and other times it was fast and we were running through the woods with Jake involved in action packed fight scenes. I loved the romance between Jake and Hannah. They both seem like such great teens that you wanted to see them together.
I was fascinated by the spirits part of the story, but I will it was explained a little bit better. I was kind of confused on the history and the division between the wolves. Other than that though, I thought the story was super interesting. I loved Patria's writing style. She really did a great job telling a unique story. This is so much more than your average re-telling.
Wow, this book was really engaging. It is a retelling (kind of) of Goldilocks. But I found it to be more of an awesome shifter paranormal romance/action adventure book. Hannah is annoyed when her father uproots her from her New York city life to bring her to the middle of nowhere to live in some random house in the woods. To say it was a change for her would be an understatement. I think she adjusted magnificently. If I was thrown in the woods with no electronics working, I would be pretty annoyed. But she just picked up and started to practice her cross country running. And that is where the book really started to get interesting.
In the woods Hannah eventually runs across giant wolves and bears. Her father was sent out to investigate a mine that was having a bunch of tunnels collapsing. And I just knew that somehow the wolves and/or bears were involved in it somehow. We learn pretty early on that Jake Bear is a bear shifter, but Hannah doesn't find out for a long time. The book is told in dual POV between Jake and Hannah. I really enjoyed reading Jake's sections because they explained his "connection" with Hannah. He didn't understand the pull he felt towards her.
I loved Hannah's personalities. She is a gentle and calm person, but when she wants to find something out she can be very determined and has a bit of a stubborn streak in her. I liked the bits of sassiness that peaked out of her from time to time.
I became so engrossed in this story. The pacing and plot was varied throughout the book. Sometimes it was nice and slow with lots of detail and other times it was fast and we were running through the woods with Jake involved in action packed fight scenes. I loved the romance between Jake and Hannah. They both seem like such great teens that you wanted to see them together.
I was fascinated by the spirits part of the story, but I will it was explained a little bit better. I was kind of confused on the history and the division between the wolves. Other than that though, I thought the story was super interesting. I loved Patria's writing style. She really did a great job telling a unique story. This is so much more than your average re-telling.
May 10, 2014
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
A very old children's story with a very new and original plot that every age group will enjoy.
The plot was authentic, original and very entertaining and I really enjoyed the book. Although I found some gaps in the story, that at times hindered the flow; the fact remains that you could still enjoy it, catching up quickly as the story flowed from page to page.
I really loved Goldilocks character. This seventeen year old young woman that suffered the loss of her mother, still trying to get to grips with it, her emotional state vulnerable but yet it gave her the edge to see other people pain; connecting her with them.
Her willingness to work with her father to restore their relationship after the loss, even moving with him to the woods in Colorado; living in an old shack away from all her comforts as she knew it, was clearly visible. Making the best of the situation without the usual tantrums of young people her age.
Her tenacity as she bounce back each time and adapting to her new life was impressive. With a passion for nature and cross country runs she soon learned about the woods and the secrets it kept.
When she met Jake Bear her life as she knew it changed. A block of a young man with his own secrets so closely guarded that he couldn't trust anyone. Fighting for what he believes even if it brought some new challenges into his otherwise quiet life.
Both these characters had their own problems, dealing with it the best they could and you could really relate to them on a personal level. Their human frailties and changes tested to the limit.
When mysteries revealed the new twists in the story it made sure that you could experience with them the high and lows of the plot.
Filled with enough tension to keep you on the edge, while you get to know them better.
I liked both the father's characters as well. Both duty bound to do the best for their families while protecting their children; so different in their approach, but at the end they had to work together to safe the town, its people and their children.
Overall a really good plot that held you glued to the book.
A very old children's story with a very new and original plot that every age group will enjoy.
The plot was authentic, original and very entertaining and I really enjoyed the book. Although I found some gaps in the story, that at times hindered the flow; the fact remains that you could still enjoy it, catching up quickly as the story flowed from page to page.
I really loved Goldilocks character. This seventeen year old young woman that suffered the loss of her mother, still trying to get to grips with it, her emotional state vulnerable but yet it gave her the edge to see other people pain; connecting her with them.
Her willingness to work with her father to restore their relationship after the loss, even moving with him to the woods in Colorado; living in an old shack away from all her comforts as she knew it, was clearly visible. Making the best of the situation without the usual tantrums of young people her age.
Her tenacity as she bounce back each time and adapting to her new life was impressive. With a passion for nature and cross country runs she soon learned about the woods and the secrets it kept.
When she met Jake Bear her life as she knew it changed. A block of a young man with his own secrets so closely guarded that he couldn't trust anyone. Fighting for what he believes even if it brought some new challenges into his otherwise quiet life.
Both these characters had their own problems, dealing with it the best they could and you could really relate to them on a personal level. Their human frailties and changes tested to the limit.
When mysteries revealed the new twists in the story it made sure that you could experience with them the high and lows of the plot.
Filled with enough tension to keep you on the edge, while you get to know them better.
I liked both the father's characters as well. Both duty bound to do the best for their families while protecting their children; so different in their approach, but at the end they had to work together to safe the town, its people and their children.
Overall a really good plot that held you glued to the book.
March 27, 2015
I very much enjoyed Goldilocks. I was surprised when I first began reading the novel a few weeks back that Patria Dunn--an author I don't know, nor have I read any of her previous books--was able to open with an excellent Prologue that captured my interest immediately. From that point onward her plot stays sound. Her characters, especially Hannah and Jake, have dimension and vitality, caught as they are in similar life-dilemmas. I won't recap the story, but suffice it to say Dunn has done a marvelous job of infusing tension, resolution, more tension, more resolution...and well-played romance...right up until the ending pages. Hard to do well, but she's done it. Again, her plotting for the story was just excellent.
I would be remiss were I not to make mention of two things that bothered me as I read the pages (in the main a gripping YA "adventure"). The first: I found myself scratching my head when she introduced the Kind and all the back story concerning its (their) birth. Secondly, and most importantly, I was saddened that Dunn didn't utilize the expertise of a qualified line editor. At times, very often, she narrates with lines that elicit a smile, even an "ahhhh!", but the miscues took the story down a notch.
That said, I would highly recommend a read. The characters and story are nothing short of wonderful.
I would be remiss were I not to make mention of two things that bothered me as I read the pages (in the main a gripping YA "adventure"). The first: I found myself scratching my head when she introduced the Kind and all the back story concerning its (their) birth. Secondly, and most importantly, I was saddened that Dunn didn't utilize the expertise of a qualified line editor. At times, very often, she narrates with lines that elicit a smile, even an "ahhhh!", but the miscues took the story down a notch.
That said, I would highly recommend a read. The characters and story are nothing short of wonderful.
March 2, 2014
If I were to say that I wouldn't mind another story set in this world, that wouldn't seem weird, right? I mean, it wouldn't even have to be a story-story. Just Jake and Hannah ambling around the woods. Talking. Maybe kissing. There could be some nudity. A fight a two with something creepy and evil. Or not. They could just talk. Read the newspaper. Hang out and tell knock-knock jokes. I'm not picky.
Because I liked these two. I liked the world that was created and the mythology that was laid out. I liked the craziness and ... I think I'd like more, please. The kissing and other stuff is totally optional. Mostly.
So. This isn't your usual Goldilocks retelling. It has some intriguing twists. And a romance. I like romance. I liked the Jake/Hannah interactions from the start. Poor Hannah having to put up with Jake's monosyllabic grunts when they first meet. Poor Jake and his longing for Hannah that hits out of the blue.
And, oh, all the secrets that come spilling out as Hannah gets drawn more and more into Jake's world.
Yeah, I liked this one. A lot.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Because I liked these two. I liked the world that was created and the mythology that was laid out. I liked the craziness and ... I think I'd like more, please. The kissing and other stuff is totally optional. Mostly.
So. This isn't your usual Goldilocks retelling. It has some intriguing twists. And a romance. I like romance. I liked the Jake/Hannah interactions from the start. Poor Hannah having to put up with Jake's monosyllabic grunts when they first meet. Poor Jake and his longing for Hannah that hits out of the blue.
And, oh, all the secrets that come spilling out as Hannah gets drawn more and more into Jake's world.
Yeah, I liked this one. A lot.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 19, 2014
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
This Goldilocks story is brought to modern day with new characters and new situations. In fact, aside from the three bears and a blonde main character, Goldilocks stands apart from the original fairy tale almost entirely. The author created a whole new mythology to support her story. It was inventive and interesting. Goldilocks wasn't your typical Goldilocks story, and it kept me engaged from start to finish.
Goldilocks by Patria L. Dunn was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
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