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Squaring Circles

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Free spirit Pandora is shaken by the sudden death of her mother and puzzled by the appearance of a young stranger at her funeral. When her mother's grave is disturbed, she turns detective and finds herself drawn into a world of intrigue, centring round a devious couple's plot to exploit a healing circle for their own ends. Her partner Jay's collaboration with an attractive singer and her own encounter with an old flame add to the confusion when she's faced with a choice between the comfortable status quo of her healing practice or a more exciting alternative. The twists and turns of her life, just like the labyrinth in her garden, lead her to an important decision.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2014

469 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Mathews

4 books61 followers
Carolyn Mathews fell into teaching by accident, acquiring an MA in Applied Linguistics in the process, going on to produce books and plays for language students. A member of the Society of Authors, she now writes novels from her base in the south of England which she shares with a wild Pomeranian. She practises yoga and meditation whenever possible, in the hope of eventually getting them right!

In a departure from the Pandora trilogy, which is set in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, her forthcoming book, 'The Temple of Dreams,' features two young male protagonists, one of whom lives in ancient Greece.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for J.B (Debbie).
407 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2014
Carolyn Mathews has created an array of interesting and quirky characters in this book and they have made me want to go away and read the first book in the series, Transforming Pandora. Although not necessary as I think it could be read as a standalone novel, some of the background to the story might be useful to some readers, although there is a list of the main characters at the beginning of the book. But, I think it would be interesting to have read Pandora's journey from the very beginning.

Squaring Circles could be described as a mystical thriller. It has romance, it has secrets, it has mystery and it has a sprinkling of magic in it. The main character Pandora seems to be pulled in many different directions and tries so hard to please everyone and look after them and sometimes neglects her own wants and wishes. Her spiritual guide Enoch isn't offering her too much guidance when she needs it and she has her deceased mother whispering criticism and advice in her ear, so its no wonder she feels overwhelmed. I love the sexy relationship she has with her husband Jay, and whilst things aren't altogether rosie in that garden, their love and desire for one another is evident. I liked this book. It was something different and interesting subject matter which I'd like to find out more about. Carolyn Mathews manages to inject just the right amount of humour into the story at just the right times and I love the hippy / new age community the book is centred around.
Profile Image for Ram Batchelder.
Author 8 books26 followers
September 6, 2014
“Squaring Circles” is a rich and delicious slice of modern British life, topped off with an intriguing dollop of paranormal whipped cream. This brilliant novel captivated me from the black-humor filled opening scene until the last sizzling paragraph. The writing is masterful throughout, each sentence thumping with energy and flowing with great momentum, with sparkles of humor sprinkled generously throughout. This is a sequel to Carolyn Mathews’ “Transforming Pandora,” and like the first installment, this is a novel of many characters and almost non-stop conversation, delightfully narrated by the protagonist, Pandora, an author dabbling in sound healing. Most interestingly, she has a supernatural friend, Enoch, with whom she occasionally communicates via automatic writing. Pandora’s beautifully complicated modern family is depicted with such realism that the plethora of characters comes fully to life, and we feel happily included in the family.

At her mother’s funeral, Pandora meets her dreadlocked half-brother – whom she never previously knew existed. Her mother’s grave is mysteriously vandalized soon after the funeral, and the only witness to the crime was a donkey! The new girlfriend of Pandora’s son has an uncanny skill for communicating with animals, and with her help Pandora is able to access what the donkey had seen. So now we know who done it, but still have no idea why! As the mysterious drama progresses, high spirituality is woven in like golden thread in a homespun tapestry. We learn of secret methods with ancient roots for healing the body, mind and spirit, that give us “a heightened experience of unity with nature, the inner self, and God.” Enoch teaches Pandora about the potency of the Violet Flame of Saint Germaine as a transformational tool, and shows her ways to increase the vibratory level of the atoms within the human body. Pandora believes that “our spirits are part of a great Divine Body…. So in that sense, we’re all God.”

“Squaring Circles” walks us so gently into the core of the spiritual labyrinth that we hardly realize what kind of journey we’re on until suddenly it’s clear that we’ve been initiated into a new level of divine knowledge. Carolyn Mathews’ rare literary artistry will leave readers blessed and uplifted, not to mention highly entertained. This is a delightful book!

~Ram Das Batchelder, author of “Rising in Love: My Wild and Crazy Ride to Here and Now, with Amma, the Hugging Saint”
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews634 followers
September 12, 2014
With that intriguing British flare, Carolyn Mathews has created a crazy maze of twists and turns in a mystery steeped in spirituality, the power of healing and a belief in things beyond the outside world. Squaring Circles follows a “free spirit,” Pandora, as she deals with the depth of her mother and the sudden appearance of a half-brother she never knew. Was his appearance planned? Coincidence? Part of an evil plot to steal a priceless relic, possibly linked to Christ, himself? Can this relic destroy a powerful spiritual healing circle? If this isn’t enough to deal with, is it possible that her husband is repeating a pattern he has fallen in to before? Will Pandora be able to achieve the necessary balance to stay her course during these difficult times?

Carolyn Mathews writes with a boldness and straightforward manner while giving enlightenment to the practice of spirituality, of which, I admit to knowing little about. The touches of humor and quirkiness were priceless and Pandora is a force to be reckoned with, for sure! I do regret not having known there was a previous book with background on Pandora, but I did enjoy the quirky characters, the deceitful characters, the villains and the good guys, even when the lines blurred at times!

I received this copy as a part of the Squaring Circles Review Tour, stopping at Tome Tender, September 27, 2014.

Publication Date: September 26, 2014 (Kindle Version)
Publisher: Roundfire Books
ISBN-13: 9781782797043
Genre: Adult Fiction/Spirituality
Print Length: 331 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

http://tometender.blogspot.com/

Profile Image for C. McCarty.
Author 2 books31 followers
September 28, 2014
Using the "New Age" community of Glastonbury, England as its main setting, Carolyn Mathews weaves a tapestry of stories with a common thread of humanity teaching that love can't be judged and the past can't be rewritten. When I met our heroine via Transforming Pandora, I instantaneously related to her and read Mathew's debut novel in two days. That's quick for me. Squaring Circles was different in such a variety of ways, it took much longer for me to complete. Then in a light bulb moment as I neared the end, it hit me that SC is not a story one gulps down in a few sittings, but instead reads slowly, devouring each morsel of Pandora's life, and then contemplating all that is happening and what Pandora's reactions mean.

If this is your first time to read about Pandora and those who surround her ever-changing life, not to worry as the author introduces you to the main characters up front, past and present, before getting into this second novel. I adore the dialect and British turn of phrase, and smiled during times I relied on my Kindle Thesaurus to determine exactly what author Mathews was referencing. Albeit her characters tend to embellish their Mathews-given lives, as we are introduced to each new person in Squaring Circles we watch them deal with realistic human issues via the author's ability to transform text into a genre kaleidoscope of metaphysical, tragedy, mystery, suspense, romance, humor, and whatever category animals fall into, as this author slyly endears us to a donkey named Beau.

Mathews writes with such grace and superb understanding of her characters, this cast of lovable, withdrawn, quirky, questionable misfits captured my heart. Without inserting spoilers by discussing the deceitful few who did not take my heart, I will say prepare yourself for plot twists and surprises. I highly recommend this novel and encourage you to read Transforming Pandora if you haven't enjoyed that treat. I'm ready for the next installment to find out what our Pandora does next.
Profile Image for E.
357 reviews
September 15, 2014
Squaring Circles, by Carolyn Mathews, is the sequel to Transforming Pandora. In Transforming Pandora we follow Pandora's life through a divorce, widowhood and a reunion with her ex-husband, who is now a widower with children. Squaring Circles is a stand alone book, however I recommend reading Transforming Pandora as it is a terrific book. In Squaring Circles we learn that Pandora's mother, Frankie, has died unexpectedly. The story opens at Frankie's funeral with Jay, Pandora's ex-husband and now partner, accidently being dragged into the grave along with the casket. Frankie had been less than happy about Pandora and Jay reuniting and he is suspicious Frankie may have been sending forth a message. I was hooked from the first sentence. Frankie's death is not the only surprise for Pandora. She learns she has a half brother she never knew about and that he had come to see Frankie prior to her death. Why didn't her mother tell her? What other secrets did Frankie have? Then Frankie's grave is disturbed . Someone was looking for something, but what? As if all this isn't enough, there is more-lots more.
There is a large cast of interesting characters, including a very special donkey, who find themselves in a variety of relationships and situations The story takes interesting turns and moves quickly. Pandora tries to stay balanced, but her life keeps getting complicated. Will these recent events shape her future?
The author writes with wit and wisdom and this book is a pleasure to read. She has crafted a story in which the reader can bond with the protagonist. I am so looking forward the sequel.

I received this book for free and I give this review of my own free will
Author 5 books5 followers
August 20, 2014
On a rainy day in Glastonbury, England, sometimes referred to as a New Age community, Pandora Fry watches as her mother is lowered into the ground. Rosemary, a friend of her mother’s and a member of the spiritual community, offered the eulogy. Although reeling from the shock of her mother’s unexpected death, she is more than shaken at the discovery of half-brother she never knew existed.

Disturbances to her mother’s grave and the house occupied by her mother’s partner, Charles, lead Pandora through a web of intrigue involving the discovery of a secret object hidden in her mother’s belongings to an attempt to destroy the healing circle to which her mother had been a member for many years. Her days are full spent trying to get to know her new-found sibling, unearthing the mystique surrounding Rosemary and the healing circle, plus Charles’s continual mourning of Frankie, Pandora’s mother.

Ms. Matthews, with her own strong background in spirituality, is able to introduce the reader, through Pandora, ways to obtain equilibrium in her life and the lives of others in a loving, healing manner. Although having to deal with the trials of everyday life during this unsettling time, such as the possible infidelity of her partner, Pandora uses the labyrinth of life to assist and keep herself centered.

Thumbs up for Ms. Matthews and Squaring Circles!
Profile Image for Helen Noble.
Author 6 books47 followers
July 4, 2014
Squaring Circles is the humorous sequel to 'Transforming Pandora.'

A lighthearted read, set against the backdrop of contemporary Glastonbury; the unexpected twists of fate in the life of Pandora Fry continue to play out, despite her purported ‘settling down’ at the end of the previous novel.

The opening scene may be a funeral, yet the sadness is soon supplanted by the surprise arrival of a long-lost brother, and a bizarre attempt at the robbery of a grave. It is soon revealed that the conflict is centred around the search for a revered chalice, belonging to the deceased mother of Pandora.

The scenes shift from those of domestic bliss, to magical adventure, including acts of donkey whispering, the invocation of a curse, and conflict over a controversial elixir of life.

From deep within her violet flame of forgiveness and love, Pandora struggles to trust her musician husband when he returns to the recording studio with a busty blonde. Fearful of a repetition of infidelity on his part, she chooses a new path in the labyrinth of her life; one in which she will once again cross paths with an ex-lover of her own.

I’m rooting for Pandora and waiting to read the next instalment!
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books228 followers
September 28, 2014
Not having read the first book in the series, I did feel at a bit of a disadvantage trying to keep up with the myriad of characters. Although there is a handy cast list at the beginning, I did find it a bit of a pain having to flick backwards and forwards to find out who everyone was. Once I had the characters established, I enjoyed the story and warmed to Pandora, even though I personally didn’t get the ‘sound healing’, the paranormal friend Enoch or the animal whispering or the mystical elixir of life. One or two of the components would have perhaps been credible to a sceptic but all of them together stretched my imagination just a bit too far. I am sure, however, that these themes will appeal to many others.
88 reviews
October 10, 2015
Squaring Circles is a fantastic sequel to the first book in this series, Transforming Pandora. I found this to be a delightful read, and it was definitely relaxing and light after a long day. It has lots of great elements: some fantasy, humor, and even romance. It's a bit different from what I typically pick up, but that just adds to the intrigue of this book. I found the cast of characters to be incredibly colorful and enjoyable, and overall I found it to be a unique read. Can't wait to see what's next.
1,924 reviews32 followers
September 27, 2014
This is a story about modern life that has an intriguing tale to tell. Paranormal happenings are going on. This story is a sequel to Carolyn Matthews 'Transforming Pandora' and like that story, this one has many magical characters and Carolyn has written it well as the story really comes to life. Reading this book is like being on a journey with so much divine knowledge you would never have imagined. I love the cover to this book, for me it adds a certain mystery to what your about to read.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
January 18, 2018
We start this story at Pandora’s mother’s funeral. Frankie died suddenly and it seems she is sending a message about not being impressed with Jay. Pandora is also surprised by a half-brother that she knew nothing about. But the biggest surprise comes when Frankie’s grave and house are disturbed. It seems Frankie had more secrets than just a half-brother. She may have been hiding a sacred artifact relating to a healing circle that she had been a member of for years. Pandora takes it upon herself to look into this artifact, learn more about her half-brother, and deal with her relationship with Jay.

I loved following along with Pandora in Transforming Pandora and was excited to jump into Squaring Circles. Pandora has been blindsided by both her mother’s death and half-brother. But there is so much more happening. She needs all the guidance she can get but Enoch is very quiet. It also doesn’t help that her mother is helping “encourage” her from the side either.

There is so much more to this story than a simple mystery with a paranormal twist. Things go around and around yet come together at the very end in a most surprising way. And even though this is a second book in the series it could be read as a stand-alone. I just think there is so much about Pandora that will help you fully immerse yourself with this book. I just love this series and can’t wait to dive into Pandora’s Gift.

I received Squaring Circles from Rachel’s Random Resources for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Debbie.
71 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2014
I won this in an online promo party and I bought the first one as the storyline looked a little complicated. As somebody who has had acupuncture and does have some belief in alternative therapy the massive amounts of healing were a bit much for me sorry I found the rather obscure sounding healing a bit far fetched. I believe some people have a way with animals but an animal being able to tell a person who committed a crime sorry even in a story is pushing the boundaries of believable, the body healing I found possibly believable. Sounded as if the author took Reiki healing and blew it out of proportion.

The actual story about Pandora and her rather odd childhood and adulthood and turning to alternative therapy/beliefs after Mike's death were quite interesting but then having her "talking to Encoch" and throwing a purple light out were too way out even for somebody who believes in alternative therapy and at times spoilt the story for me. I loved reading about her life with Jay and the family problems and her secret sibling turning up was really good as these things happen.

Sadly for me the author pushed the Glastonbury spiritual side too far and took a good story and spoilt it when she introduced a secret sect and a long lost mystical goblet was just too much mumbo jumbo. The only good thing is this book didn't keep jumping back and forth between the years a definite improvement on the first book but sadly I won't be reading anything by this author again unless she tones down the mystical healing, sound healing, animal sight and auto writing, sorry not believable.
Profile Image for Daniela Norris.
Author 23 books55 followers
December 9, 2014
A funeral, a mysterious stranger, a docile donkey and a set of colourful characters set against the backdrop of Glastonbury - a well known New Age community in Somerset, UK - make a fantastic yarn which Carolyn Mathews weaves with an expert hand. Not having read the first book in this series, I was worried that I would not understand what was going on - but not only did I enjoy this unpretentious, lighthearted spiritual novel and read it in a couple of days, but I managed to suspend disbelief and let myself be carried by the magical and fun story without a moment of hesitation.

Pandora, the protagonist and namesake of the first human woman created by the gods (specifically by Hephaestus and Athena on the instructions of Zeus!) is dramatic and befits her name. Our literary Pandora is a complex character, which the readers needs to warm up to, but once they do - they can follow the twists and turns in her life with much interest. As Hesiod related it, each god helped create the first Pandora by giving her unique gifts. Zeus ordered Hephaestus to mold her out of earth as part of the punishment of humanity for Prometheus' theft of the secret of fire, and all the gods joined in offering her "seductive gifts". The literary Pandora is indeed seductive, but also sensitive and strong-headed.

A great read for the holiday period - a perfect book to enjoy with a mug of mulled wine.
Profile Image for Nikki Bywater.
406 reviews17 followers
November 15, 2015
Following on from Transforming Pandora, we catch up with Pandora Armstrong, now happily married to Jay, she is shocked by the sudden death of her mother and finding out she has a secret half brother called Theo who was brought up across the Atlantic.

When her mothers grave is disturbed and broken into not long after the burial. Pandora decides to investigate to find out what happened. She discovers her mother belonged to a mysterious group called the Isis circle. What exactly went on at those meetings? Pandora is keen to find out and see if it holds the key to explain why anyone would go to extreme circumstances of breaking into a grave.

I like this book because it covers a lot of genres. There is a little bit of everything in the story, romance, crime, mystery, fantasy and just a little touch of the paranormal all go into the mix to create a wonderfully told story. There is a great cast of characters who bring the story to life and you can almost feel the words breathe off the page as you read. I do recommend that you read the first book Transforming Pandora before you read this book, there are a lot of characters and it is easier to know who everyone is, if you have the background from the first book.
Author 22 books76 followers
September 27, 2015
A GLASS OF WINE WITH A GOSSIPY FRIEND

This is the second book about fabulous 50something Pandora Fry. Carolyn Mathews' great strength is to bring the reader into Pandora's world, so you feel you're sitting down to a bottle of wine and a chat with an old friend. Just as you think Pandora will live happily ever after, her mother's death leaves her turning detective to unmask conmen and grave robbers. There's also the matter of her long-lost half brother...

Once again, Pandora calls in supernatural favours to get the better of the baddies. The novel's ending is satisfactory in every way, and deliciously funny.
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