Shattered

by T.P. Hogan

Sebastian Ashcombe has been trapped behind the mirrors of Ashcombe Manor almost 150 years. He can view the manor using the mirrors as windows to the solid world but he can’t communicate with anyone and no one can see him. Until Now Mattie Holmes visits Ashcombe Manor in Dunmore England after her mother marries Alex Ashcombe. The last thing she expects is a man in the mirror. Bastian is not a ghost. He didn’t die. He was cursed behind the mirror on his wedding day in 1869. As they start to unravel the mystery they realise they are running out of time. If they don’t break the curse before February 29th Bastian will simply disappear. Breaking a centuries old curse is hard enough, but Mattie is starting to fall for Bastian. Not only is his very existence in jeopardy but to love a man in the mirror may only lead to a shattered heart.

Genres: Ghosts, Mystery

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2014

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I was drawn from the beginning and everything just sucked me into the story. Mattie Holmes is visiting her mom and her new stepfather whom she has never met. Ashcombe Manor in Dunmore England, is where she goes to and she runs into her new step brother. The manor is filled with mystery and quite old and Mattie wants to know the story behind it. Little does she know she sees someone in the mirror and he isn't a ghost. Sebastian Ashcombe is trapped within the mirror and cannot recall what exactly has happened and Mattie is the only one who can see him. Mattie starts to dig into the past to find out more about this handsome man trapped and learns more than she could ever think of. During the process they begin to rely on one another and something starts to blossom between them. I found the way that the past was brought back to in this story was amazing and the love and compassion that was found in the story comes alive. The characters come out strong and clear and love how Mattie was just a regular woman. I think that Bastian was sexy and very handsome and well developed. I enjoyed reading this story so very much and I finished in one night! I have to say T.P. Hogan knows how to write a story and would love to read more of her work! Super great read and you will miss out if you do not read this story! You will fall in love with it.

[Liz Lovelock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It held me right from the start. I love the history part of the book, the mystery and the characters a well developed.

I highly recommend this book. My only disappointment is that I felt like I wanted more at the end but still it ended beautifully. An excellent debut novel TP Hogan! I can't wait to read more from you. I loved it!

[Holly Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love paranormal romance and this book intrigued me after reading the author's description.

Mattie is visiting England after her mother marries Alex Ashcombe of Ashcombe manor. Her mother isn't back from her honeymoon, so she's spending her days with her new step-brother, Jonathan Ashcombe. Since both Mattie and Jonathan are adults, the dynamic is interesting. Mattie wants to treat Jonathan as a brother, but Jonathan pushes those limits. Even though Jonathan is in a relationship, he isn't even close to monogamous and he views Mattie's wholesome nature as a bit of a challenge. Regardless, they end up getting along and he intoroduces Mattie to his friends and pushes her to get out during her stay. The most intriguing part of Mattie's visit, however, is what she sees that no one else apparently can - the man in the mirrors that cover Ashcombe manor. It doesn't take long before he realizes that Mattie can see him and they begin interacting. Although Mattie's mom loves anything historical, Mattie generally isn't a fan. She finds herself drawn to the man in the mirror and sets out to find out what she can about him. She thought he was a ghost, but soon realizes that Sebastian isn't a ghost. He's one of the Ashcombe descendants and he's been trapped in the mirror due to a curse. When Mattie starts having feelings for Sebastian, she's determined to break the curse that keeps him trapped. Sebastian has been trapped for 150 years, so would he even survive after being released? Did the witch who cursed him ever intend for it to be broken? Why was he cursed? If Mattie can find that out, will she even want to help him?

There are so many great things about this story. I love how Hogan was able to use the mirrors to allow Bastian and Mattie to interact when they couldn't communicate with words (you can't hear through mirrors!). I loved that we got both Mattie and Bastian's perspective. Mattie was endearing with her wholesome, caring nature, but Bastian could have been completely misunderstood without that added element. I am not a history buff and I don't love historical romances and it didn't matter in the least. The history pieces were more like solving a mystery or putting a puzzle together. You know things fit together, but you don't know how. I was shocked to find out that this was Hogan's debut novel as I have read seasoned paranormal writers that didn't interest me to this level.

It wouldn't be right for me to rave of this book without telling you the lowlights. I mean I gave it 4 stars, not 5, right? Honestly, my biggest issue was length. I wanted a couple more chapters. I wanted to know what happened to Jonathan - I won't go into that much as it may spoil part of the story, but did he change his philandering ways? It ended so quickly...I just want to know what happened in the next day, week, month - something!! Maybe it was intentional though? Are we supposed to be on the edge of our seats wanting more, because there will be more? I'm not opposed to that. I will tell you that I will be watching for T.P. Hogan books.

Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva Blog – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/. Complimentary copy provided for honest review.

[Tnt Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sebastian, Bastian, is trapped in the mirrors of Ashcombe Manor. He fell victim to the Ashcombe curse. Mattie comes to visit her mother at Ashcombe Manor; Mattie’s mom just married Alex Ashcombe. Mattie's the only one in the house that can see Bastian in the mirrors. Mattie and Bastian work tirelessly to break the curse and fall in love in the process. Can they break the curse before Bastian simply ceases to exist? Will they find their happy ending?

I loved this book. Reading it felt refreshing; it wasn’t like all the other books available. I found the storyline to be very unique, or at least unique enough that I didn’t recognize it. I loved Bastian and his old time charm. He is 150 years old; he’s not used to women talking about sex so openly. I loved Mattie’s old world values. They make a great couple. I was a little leery of Jonathan and his wandering ways. I’m not really sure how his relationship with Tiffany will turn out in the long run. I loved hearing about the old curses and the history of the Ashcombe’s. “Shattered” was so much more than just a love story, it was a real puzzle. We had to try to put the pieces together to find out how to break the curse. I was a little surprised at the ending. I kept trying to turn the page on my Kindle. I would have liked a look into the distant future, weeks, months, years. Just to see how all the characters turned out. Overall, “Shattered” is a great book that kept me turning the pages. Sigh, I really loved Bastian.

5-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling from Australia, Mattie Holmes arrives in the dark of night to visit her mother's current husband's family at Ashcome Manor in England. Upon her arrival, she meets her new step brother, Jonathon, a handsome lad, who gives tours of his historic home to tourists who pass through. While taking the tour Mattie sees a man in a mirror, and later realizes she can communicate with him. After researching the family, she embarks upon a mystery to break the curse of the dashing man trapped behind the mirrors of the Manor.

What a fantastic debut novel from TP Hogan. We loved this story and could really imagine ourselves in Mattie's shoes. Visiting a large English manor, only to find a man trapped behind a mirror...It could happen. Regardless we enjoyed the way Sebastian and Mattie's story unfolds. Romantic and intriguing, original yet refreshing, the mystery surrounding Sebastian and his mirrors kept us glued to the pages.

We give it 4.5 sighs.

We sipped a couple of Earl Grey Martinis for this sweet romantic mystery.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. While the story kept me engaged I thought everything was mild in its telling. Surprised it was not listed as a Young Adult read.

The novel did, however, leave me with a prayer that I thought was lovely.

“Dear Heavenly Father. I have been away from your presence for a very long time and I ask forgiveness. I have been consumed with my own situation, my own troubles and needs, for far too long; and now I am able to share another’s…we humbly ask for your help in providing a miracle for Matilda and her family.”

Cheers

[Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more on my blog Home Is WHere the Wine Is Book Blog

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Whoa this book surprised me.  I enjoyed every word….

Ashcombe man thy
vanity keep thee

Till Love shines
Beauty and in purity

Till shattered heart
within pierce free

And with single breath,
mirror pass’ed be

 

Mattie is drawn to the beautiful man behind the mirror.  A ghost…but wait she doesn’t believe in ghost does she?  She thinks she is losing her mind until she realizes that he isn’t a ghost at all.

Trapped in a mirror for over 150 years by an ancient family cures, Sebastian Ashcombe’s only hope is Matilda.  The beautiful intelligent young lady that somehow can see him.  She makes it her personal quest to free him.  Scouring through history books and searching for hidden clues together that work to figure out the riddle before it’s too late.

Soon she realizes that strangely she has fallen for the man in the mirror (I know I know I’m singing Michael Jackson’s song right now too lol) and that there is more at stake than just the fate of one Ashcombe man.

Beautifully written with twists and turns throughout.  You will not be disappointed with this read!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.

Mattie arrives in the dark and it's raining. Her mother and new step-father aren't there as they're on holiday but she meets her step-brother for the first time. The house where they live is big, grand and part of the National Trust. Mattie isn't really into history as that's her mother's forte. Hers is her art but she finds that looking into the history and legends of the house to find out about the man in the mirror draws upon pretty much everything she has in her.

Sebastian has been trapped in the mirror for years, watching the few people who can see him, wither and die. Yet Mattie is different, she has found a way to communicate with him and they both become obsessed with breaking the curse.

This was an enthralling tale, gently told with hints of romance rather than a face full of it. If I had to pick on something I would say that right at the end, during Mattie's creative period, not only did she miss out on information but I also found myself going back over it to see if I had missed something. Two people who had had a very easy relationship up until this point with no signs of commitment, were suddenly engaged to be married. That would be the only point though and that is minor in and of itself.

Thoroughly enjoyed this tale and can recommend it without reservations!

[Twin Opinions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. I usually am not a fan of anything to do with historical. If I read about history I like factual history not fiction. This book however, I loved. I truly felt like reality met fiction here. The characters were incredibly strong and I loved the plot.

I really love Mattie. I can definitely relate to her character. I really liked Jonathan too. I do have to say I loved the paranormal. I have always loved the paranormal and this author did a great job of creating this story. I was a little shocked to find this was her first novel. Well done! It was great. My only downfall... I wanted more. A lot more. I feel like there are a few questions left unanswered. Is this a huge problem? No. It doesn't take away from the story at all. I just wanted more. I am hoping for a follow up. Fingers crossed. I will definitely, be reading more of T.P. Hogan....


leann
Twin Opinions
twinopinionsreview.blogspot.com

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality and fiction intersect in this fantasy romance, a solid debut from T.P. Hogan. I found it utterly unputtdownable. The intersection between fantasy and reality was grounded and entirely believable because of the attention to detail demonstrated by Matties narration. It's easy to believe she is a real person, even if events and other characters are less solid, but this is after all, fantasy.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great premise for a story. It was interesting and a fun romance.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very enjoyable read. Loved the writing, the concept, and especially the main characters of Mattie and Bastian who were very easy to warm to. A wonderful paranormal romance with a touch of old history and a mystery. This is a gripping read that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

[J.M. Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetly romantic, intriguing, well-written, this book had me turning its pages. If you love a cozy mystery and delving into history this is the book for you. Will definitely read more from this author.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, cute and quck book; took only about an hour to read, but overall an enjoyable and feel good story

[Avidreader1412 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Loved it but a very unsatisfying ending. There just wasn't enough. It would have been nice to see a bit into their future.

[Alice Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Satisfying. Shattered is a romantic, heartwarming read.

I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review on behalf of the Mommy's Naught Playground Blog.

Mattie is a 28 year old Australian, who traveled to England to meet her mother’s Husband’s new husband in England. Mattie’s new stepfather is the lord of an English Manor. The Manor is reportedly haunted, famously so, in fact Mattie’s new stepbrother Jonathan runs a ghost tour of the property. Mattie does not believe in the paranormal, that is until she has her first encounter with Bastian.

Bastian is a ghost from a bygone error. He was cursed when he married a woman he did not love, and cheated on her. He has been trapped in a prison of mirrors inside the manor for over 100 years. He is occasionally spotted by passersby, but it is Mattie who is the first to communicate with him. It is Mattie who starts researching his curse, in hopes to find a way to set his soul free.

I like this story for several reasons. First, the characters are very likable. Mattie is described as intelligent, a hard worker, with a pretty face and an average frame. She is not perfectly beautiful, but friendly and flawed. Bastian is a classic Englishman male lead. I pictured Hugh Jackman from Kate and Leopold. He is refined, polite, but passionate. He is also imperfect, which is the reason behind his being cursed.

The plot is another reason that I liked this story. I thought that the idea behind the curse and how it actually took place was original. I felt hooked from page one, and the book held my attention until the last page. The pacing was steady, and although I would have liked a little more, it did not feel rushed.

One thing I will advise, is that this is a romance. It is not erotica, and is definitely not explicit. If you enjoy a story with a good plot, characters you care about, and a true romance, this will be a bread choice for you.

[Wendy Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, short (198 pages), standalone paranormal romance where the main character, Mattie, goes to stay with her new step-brother while her mother and new step-father are on their honeymoon. This might sound like a young adult story, but it’s not (however it could be read by teens 13 and older) but Mattie is 28.

The house is really a large manor and Mattie finds out that her new step-father (whom she has never met) is really very rich. I’m still not sure why she went to stay there for a few weeks when she hadn’t met anyone yet and her mother wasn’t there, but while she was there she learned of a few possible ghosts in the manor. The house also has a countless numbers of mirrors and she can’t go anywhere without seeing her reflection, until one afternoon she looks in the mirror and sees a man.

Of course, they find a way to communicate and she learns he is in there because of an old curse, and it’s been many years since he was sentenced to the mirror. So Mattie sets out to unravel the curse that put him in the mirror in the first place. So far the only thing she has figured out (from the written words of the curse she finds on the back of an old mirror) is that she has less than a year to do it, because it has to happen before his 44th birthday which is less than a year away, or he’ll just completely disappear.

There is no action, no real drama, and no other paranormal aspects, (other than the mirror). There is some cute banter and interaction between the step-brother and Mattie, and you wonder if maybe they are going to hook up. But I kept waiting for more intense moments, or other paranormal aspects, and there were none. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet story about a woman trying to save the man she’s falling in love with. I did enjoy it, and finished it in a few hours.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unique unlike any I have read and I really enjoyed the storyline. The characters where very well written with great personalities. I love how TP brought the past into the future. Her descriptions of both time periods where intriguing.

The story is about Sabastian Ashcombe that was struck by the family curse 150 years ago and put into the mirrors of the manor. The current owner of the manor is Alex Ashcombe he his wife Christina and his son Jonathan along with servants are the occupants of the manor. Christina’s daughter Mattie comes to visit while they are on their honeymoon. Soon after arriving she starts seeing what she thinks is a reflection of a man in the mirrors but when she turns around no one is there. Then she realizes that it is not a reflection but actually a man behind the mirrors. This peaks her curiosity and she researches the history of the manor and discovers that there was a curse placed on the men in the Ahscombe family. She learns how to communicate with Bastian the man in the mirror and with the help of her Mom she works on trying to break the curse to free Bastian before time runs out.

Over all this was a great story with a mix of paranormal and history. I highly recommend reading this book even if these are not your genre of choice. Thank you TP Hogan for a on the edge of your seat read!

[Matthew Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I'm not usually a big fan of romance novels. Some of my friends pointed this book out to me and I'm glad they did. 'Shattered' had me intrigued from the moment I picked it up right through until I'd finished the last page.

As soon as Mattie arrives at Ashcombe Manor, she notices the large number of mirrors all over the place. Interesting but not entirely weird, until she starts seeing a man in one of the mirrors. She figures out how to communicate with him and begins her quest to determine how he got in there, and how to get him back out. The clock is ticking though and the man in the mirror might not have much time left.

I found that TP Hogan has done a great job of bringing to life characters that are truly intriguing and well developed. The story's plot is well thought out and even has a nice twist at the end that I wasn't expecting. My favourite aspect of the book was the 'puzzle'. I found myself just as eager as Mattie to find that next clue.

I fully enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to others that particularly enjoy romances that have something extra.

[Samaris Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie sets off to England to visit her mother and her new stepfather who just happens to be an Earl with a real life castle. From the moment she steps foot in the manor she is entranced by its old world charm. As she learns a little of the Ashcombe family history she is drawn in by the many disappearances of the men of the line and more intrigued when she realizes a curse is to blame. When she suddenly starts to see a man in the mirrors of the manor her curiosity knows no bounds. Bastien has been trapped within the mirrors of the manor for a very long time. Though he can see its inhabitants they do not see him. That is until Mattie. Once they establish a form of communication they are determined to break the curse. The more they dig the more questions Mattie has. Bastien begins to form feelings for Mattie that he has NEVER had before. Will they be able to break the curse before it is too late? Or have Bastien’s past actions condemned him with no hope? Can love really span not only the ages but be powerful enough to break a curse that has been in existence for hundreds of years?

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I love paranormal and one of my favorite books is about a guy in a mirror. This book is just as good as that one. I love curses and it might seem really weird but I am totally ok with the 150 year old guy. Maybe it is because chivalry is dead now and these guys have it in spades. This might be one of the best books I have read in a long time. I really like the way the author portrayed the characters and set up the story. Basically, Mattie is visiting her mother's new family. She married and is not there when Mattie comes to visit. Mattie meets her new step-brother and realizes that she can Sebastian in the mirror. Once they figure out they can communicate they work to figure out how to break the curse. If you like sweet romance that is not in your face you will love this book. I recommend you read it.


I am going to give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. Go check it out!!

[Nasne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this story, the promise it made me, and in a way this book delivered all that I was expecting, but at the same time..... it didn't. The romance was sweet, the story funny and heartbreaking at times. But there is one but. The time jumps of weeks! That left no room for real development of feelings, characters and storyline. Now if this was a book I hated, I couldn't care less, but I loved this story!
I wanted more! More background on the curse, more (or any) real development of the relationship between Jonathan and Tiffany, more family dynamic (Mattie's mom is just a prop now) and more development between Mattie and Bastian. We go from Mattie being facinated with Bastian to loving him without any explanation other than that they spend a lot of time together. Show me that time, tell me what happens that make them fall in love with each other!

But, in the end, this still is a very very nice read for an evening you've got nothing better to do.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

I love when I can read a book and not be guessing everything that is coming. You wont be doing that with 'Shattered'. We are given the intertwining stories of Mattie, a woman that is visiting family at their manor, and Bastian, a man who is trapped by a curse inside a mirror.
This is not a "new" plot line, but it is one of the best versions that I have read of this.
'Shattered' moves along at a good pace, and I found myself a little taken back at the abrupt ending. I would have liked to see some more of the tale.
'Shattered' is a great read and I highly suggest it to anyone looking for something different.
~Dowie

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good story. You have Mattie who is visiting the Ashcombe Manor in England after her mother's marraige. While there, she comes across Sebastian. He is stuck in a mirror and has been there since 1869. He isn't dead but cursed. Mattie only has so much time before he disappears forever. To make matters worse she is starting to fall in love with this mystery man.
This is such a different story. It isn't just a love story but a mystery/suspense story. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and hauntingly romantic this read was. I was completely captivated from beginning to end while reading the story of Mattie and Sebastian. The story line and characters were completely breathtaking and the ending was outstanding. This is a book that is worthy of 10 plus stars. This was the first book I've read written by the author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. If you love paranormal romance or are simply just looking for a beautiful romantic read then this is definitely a must read.

[S.D. Wasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous easy-reading paranormal romance. Ghosts! Men in the mirror! All the things I love in a romance. Mattie is a lovely character, an Aussie girl visiting her mum in the UK. She meets a ghost in the mirror and discovers how to communicate with him. They are both great characters and we get to know them through their communications as well as scenes that focus on each of them. I honestly didn't know how this would end or who Mattie might fall for. Very satisfying!

[Emily Rabecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on Blog!!!

[Aimee Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirror mirror

Very cute. Quick read. Definitely nice break from all the heavy day to day stuff! I actually loved the ending