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The Enchanted One: The Ravenwood Trilogy
She wanted to live a normal life. He wanted to end it. Orphaned at birth and raised in a cloistered convent, Lizzie Chambers knows nothing of her parentage; even her name comes from the pages of a book. When she is forced to leave the convent, she soon finds out life is nothing like her cherished Austen novels. Trapped in an unhappy marriage and questioning her own sanity, her only solace is her beloved flower shop, Enchanted Garden. When her husband is killed and her store burns down, both under suspicious circumstances, Lizzie finds herself fleeing a demon she has no clue how to stop or even why it has targeted her in the first place. But Gideon York knows. As a member of the Order of the Triple Goddess he is charged with protecting Lizzie and others like her from the dark forces seeking to destroy these rare and powerful women. When their growing attraction tempts Gideon to break his sacred vow and Lizzie's own powers threaten her new found family in the Order, she can no longer deny her destiny. To protect the people she loves, Lizzie must find the courage to face the demon alone and risk the ultimate sacrifice...her life.
- GenresFantasy
294 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 27, 2023
3.5! Why do things happen when Lizzie is mad?? The story starts off a tad slow bringing all the pieces in with Vivienne and Gideon helping her with this, as well as helping her realize someone is after her. Does she want to run the rest of her life to survive? Nice first book and excited for the next! I want to thank the author for a book in exchange for an honest review!
October 26, 2023
Lizzie Chambers hasn't lived a typical life-- orphaned at birth & raised in a cloister, she led a bit of a sheltered life. Turned out when she reaches adulthood she makes her way through life and runs a florist shop and is a failed marriage. Something has to change--and it does when her husband is killed and her shop burns down she is forced to come to terms with her gifts and make a decision for her future path. I did enjoy this book and am looking forawrd to reading the next installment. The charcters in this story are fully developed and I related to them on a personal level! The choices Lizzie needs to make are similiar to ones women make everyday. Even in another world domestic violence exists and the author as woven this theme into her story. Not to worry though, it does not dominate the book! Lizzie's journey does and the outcome will leaving you rooting for her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 18, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and became engrossed in it very quickly. From beginning to end, it is beautifully written with vividly described scenes that really make you feel like you're there. Even something simple like sitting in a hospital waiting room is described in such a way that it really brings the surroundings to life, with attention paid not only to visuals, but also to smells and sounds. At first I felt the book might be a little slow, but that's just me and my impatience! It grew on me more and more as I continued, and as this is the first book of a trilogy, naturally some time needs to be spent developing characters and setting things up. There were some lovely phrases throughout, such as "the staccato kiss of the sleet" and "it was a strange and stilted dance between them," to name just a couple that stood out to me. Somehow the phrasing always seems to fit just right, and I got the impression that the author is a perfectionist and agonized over each and every sentence, making sure that it sounded absolutely perfect! A great deal of thought and planning has gone into this book, and every action and exchange clearly visualized. Little things are explained which you might at first think unnecessary, such as a character bunching up a napkin and unpacking their snack from a bag or something like that, but it actually adds to the realism. I was sympathetic to the main character Lizzie and she was well fleshed out, along with the other main characters Gideon, Vivienne and Madison. I also applaud the inclusion of Miss Sweetie, who showed that anyone can have the purest soul despite how they may appear to others and the prejudices some may have against them - although refreshingly, all the characters interact with him in the most natural manner which is exactly how it should be. Just a note for anyone who may find it helpful - there are only one or two uses of profanity and the book is certainly not overly graphic in any way so it is suitable for young adults. I will definitely read the next one!
August 10, 2024
This was an excellent first to the Ravenwood Trilogy series by Lora Deeprose! This book is what got me into the Women's Fiction genre- reading about an inspiring badass witch in her own right set me on a path to discover more!
I loved how the story centered around a middle aged woman, Lizzie Bennett, (excellent name by the way! A little wink to Jane Austen fans!) finding her true identity and discovering her own powers. In the book world (and especially fantasy), it can be difficult to find a book about a middle aged woman instead of a teenager (who's letting these kids run around and sacrificing themselves to save the world?!), and who discovers themselves and comes into their power, going on adventures and protecting the people they love. That's why this book was so unique and refreshing- it follows a character that is realistic and applicable to people like you and me!
I also enjoyed the clever use of imagery to create a movie in my head. The detail in the writing was beautiful, descriptive, and engaging. The language used was very whimsical and cozy, and it managed to compliment the darker themes such as loss and grief by creating a realistic and natural atmosphere in the story. Grief is a difficult topic to write about. It can even be controversial. But in this book, I felt like the grief I had experienced from losing people important to me- even those who weren't worthy of such affection, such as was the case with Lizzie's husband Ian- had really reflected in the writing of the book. The themes of loss described by Lizzie read out very well done and true to life. I commend the author for her ability to share the difficult emotions of grief.
Lastly, the ending was so enticing! I could not put the book down until I figured out what happened next. And the discovery at the end... exhilarating! Excellent writing and conclusion to the story and a great opening to the next in the series!
This book truly was the Enchanted One!
I loved how the story centered around a middle aged woman, Lizzie Bennett, (excellent name by the way! A little wink to Jane Austen fans!) finding her true identity and discovering her own powers. In the book world (and especially fantasy), it can be difficult to find a book about a middle aged woman instead of a teenager (who's letting these kids run around and sacrificing themselves to save the world?!), and who discovers themselves and comes into their power, going on adventures and protecting the people they love. That's why this book was so unique and refreshing- it follows a character that is realistic and applicable to people like you and me!
I also enjoyed the clever use of imagery to create a movie in my head. The detail in the writing was beautiful, descriptive, and engaging. The language used was very whimsical and cozy, and it managed to compliment the darker themes such as loss and grief by creating a realistic and natural atmosphere in the story. Grief is a difficult topic to write about. It can even be controversial. But in this book, I felt like the grief I had experienced from losing people important to me- even those who weren't worthy of such affection, such as was the case with Lizzie's husband Ian- had really reflected in the writing of the book. The themes of loss described by Lizzie read out very well done and true to life. I commend the author for her ability to share the difficult emotions of grief.
Lastly, the ending was so enticing! I could not put the book down until I figured out what happened next. And the discovery at the end... exhilarating! Excellent writing and conclusion to the story and a great opening to the next in the series!
This book truly was the Enchanted One!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
This book didn’t grab my attention immediately but majority don’t. It was very well written. Throughout the entire book there were things about the MFCs life that I related to, I could see myself in her so it was an easy read. It was not all butterflies and rainbows for her. The romance was not the main story which I also really enjoyed. At some points I got goosebumps and had to know what happens so stayed up past my bedtime to read it lol. All in all I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what the next one brings. I need to know who the bad guy is 🤣.
July 4, 2018
What a great story! Anytime an author puts strong women and magick in a novel, I'm all in. Couldn't put it down. Fascinating tale of a young woman coming to grips with her past and the magick within making itself present whether she's ready or not. She has help from powerful friends, but in the end she faces the demons head on by herself. The finish is both breathtaking and satisfying.
November 2, 2023
This book is so beautifully written. I loved how Lora’s writing style brings every scene to life and really makes you feel as you are in the scene. Lora has really put a lot of detail into both of her books and I am really happy that I chose both for my September reviews! I definitely felt like I was in Madison (the main characters) shoes throughout the book! The book is suitable for any age!
January 14, 2015
~~~~Doris's Review~~~~
5 Stars
"To the Goddess of the Triple Moon, the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, I ask for your guidance and protection for what I am about to do."
Never in a million years did Lizzie imagine that she would be saying these words. Much less that she would know the incantation she was about to perform. The reason, well, that blew the imagination.
Lizzie was a young women who owned a flower shop, which she loved. She loved the serenity of immersing herself in the art of floral design. The only thing that she wished was different, is her relationship with her husband, Ian. He is a tyrant and his mother, her mother-in-law is even worse.
On this day Lizzie is leaving work early. She is upset and angry. The bank called and informed her that large charges of electronic paraphanelia have been taken from her account, now she is overdrawn. Ian is in their apartment playing video games on his new equipment. When he is confronted, he starts yelling at her and calling her names. All of a sudden all the lightbulbs in the kitchen explode and glass flies everywhere. He storms out of the apartment, yelling for her to pack her stuff and get out.
What seems like hours later, Lizzie gets a phone call from the hospital informing her that Ian has been in a traffic accident and she needs to go there as soon as possible. Ian dies. After this, strange events start happening. She is attacked by ravens at the cemetery, she meets Gideon who claims to be her protector. She meets Gideon's mother. All of these different events culminate into one of the best, most exciting book of this genre that I have read in a long time. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wholeheartedly give this spectacular read 5 Stars!! Read this book, people! Highly entertaining, enjoyable, dramatic, suspenseful, everything to make a dynamic book!
~~~~Katheryn's Review~~~~
5 Stars
She wanted to live a normal life. He wanted to end it.
Sounds simple right? In reading this book you will find out it is way more complicated than it sounds and way more interesting! Lizzie may not have felt courageous but to me she was. The scene in the kitchen where her anger caused the lights to just bust would have scared the crap out of me, lol. Her departed husband was a total jerk and not saying he deserved to die, but he did deserve pain. Her mother in law was total witch and deserved to be taught a lesson. When she slapped Lizzie at the hospital, she should have been knocked on her behind HARD!! Glad she had a friend in her employee Madison, and love how protective she was over Lizzie. That Gideon really had the hots for Lizzie and was a great protector, till he let emotions take control and get taken off of the assignment of looking out for her. I have to say I enjoyed this book and I am ready for the part 2 to come out. I give it 5 stars!!
5 Stars
"To the Goddess of the Triple Moon, the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, I ask for your guidance and protection for what I am about to do."
Never in a million years did Lizzie imagine that she would be saying these words. Much less that she would know the incantation she was about to perform. The reason, well, that blew the imagination.
Lizzie was a young women who owned a flower shop, which she loved. She loved the serenity of immersing herself in the art of floral design. The only thing that she wished was different, is her relationship with her husband, Ian. He is a tyrant and his mother, her mother-in-law is even worse.
On this day Lizzie is leaving work early. She is upset and angry. The bank called and informed her that large charges of electronic paraphanelia have been taken from her account, now she is overdrawn. Ian is in their apartment playing video games on his new equipment. When he is confronted, he starts yelling at her and calling her names. All of a sudden all the lightbulbs in the kitchen explode and glass flies everywhere. He storms out of the apartment, yelling for her to pack her stuff and get out.
What seems like hours later, Lizzie gets a phone call from the hospital informing her that Ian has been in a traffic accident and she needs to go there as soon as possible. Ian dies. After this, strange events start happening. She is attacked by ravens at the cemetery, she meets Gideon who claims to be her protector. She meets Gideon's mother. All of these different events culminate into one of the best, most exciting book of this genre that I have read in a long time. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wholeheartedly give this spectacular read 5 Stars!! Read this book, people! Highly entertaining, enjoyable, dramatic, suspenseful, everything to make a dynamic book!
~~~~Katheryn's Review~~~~
5 Stars
She wanted to live a normal life. He wanted to end it.
Sounds simple right? In reading this book you will find out it is way more complicated than it sounds and way more interesting! Lizzie may not have felt courageous but to me she was. The scene in the kitchen where her anger caused the lights to just bust would have scared the crap out of me, lol. Her departed husband was a total jerk and not saying he deserved to die, but he did deserve pain. Her mother in law was total witch and deserved to be taught a lesson. When she slapped Lizzie at the hospital, she should have been knocked on her behind HARD!! Glad she had a friend in her employee Madison, and love how protective she was over Lizzie. That Gideon really had the hots for Lizzie and was a great protector, till he let emotions take control and get taken off of the assignment of looking out for her. I have to say I enjoyed this book and I am ready for the part 2 to come out. I give it 5 stars!!
January 18, 2015
Originally posted at Revenge of the Feels
Rating: 3½ stars
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
When I first read The Enchanted One, I was slightly confused by what I was reading. It was a novel with adult characters, yet the story flows like a Young Adult novel. Nevertheless, this novel has quite a beautiful story! Things starts to clear up soon when Lizzie’s husband was killed and she get thrust into the whole elemental-magic life.
I felt a little negative towards Lizzie at first. She feels as if she is the one responsible for her husband’s death, which I strongly think she’s not. She’s too pessimistic. I wanted to shake her out of her stupor.
Though I grew fonder of her as the story progresses. Lizzie is a person who dares to do what she wants, taking things into her own hands and not backing down, even if she’s faced with danger.
Then came Gideon York. I admit that the reason why I continued reading the novel was because of him. I was literally waiting for the guy to show up. The thing about Gideon, is that he’s different from most men out there. You know, those bad boys that many loves. He’s different and truthfully, I like it.
No wait, I LOVE IT!
Gideon is like a breath of fresh air for me. I love how Gideon interacts with Lizzie, and nope, the age difference did not freak me out. I just wish there was more of their interaction in the book.
I have TWO ISSUES with men. Firstly, those who beat up their wives is just inhumane and disgusting. Second, those men that leeches onto their wives and refused to work. I won’t even lie about how happy I felt when the author decides to kill off that pathetic excuse of a human being known as Lizzie’s husband!
Well I thought I hated Lizzie’s husband but guess what, another person tops the list! That person is Penelope, Lizzie’s mother-in-law. I swear, that woman is an asshole. It’s no wonder the son that she gave birth to is an asshole. Like mother, like son.
The pace of the book was a little slow and some of the times, I found it hard to continue but I promise this, it gets better and better! What I found a little weird is that the characters are adults, but the flow of the book is like one in the Young Adult genre.
Though, I’m definitely glad this is a trilogy because frankly, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK!
ANSWERS, I NEED ANSWERS!
Recommended for all readers to read The Enchanted One for a new take in the world of magic and elementals!
Rating: 3½ stars
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
When I first read The Enchanted One, I was slightly confused by what I was reading. It was a novel with adult characters, yet the story flows like a Young Adult novel. Nevertheless, this novel has quite a beautiful story! Things starts to clear up soon when Lizzie’s husband was killed and she get thrust into the whole elemental-magic life.
I felt a little negative towards Lizzie at first. She feels as if she is the one responsible for her husband’s death, which I strongly think she’s not. She’s too pessimistic. I wanted to shake her out of her stupor.
Though I grew fonder of her as the story progresses. Lizzie is a person who dares to do what she wants, taking things into her own hands and not backing down, even if she’s faced with danger.
Then came Gideon York. I admit that the reason why I continued reading the novel was because of him. I was literally waiting for the guy to show up. The thing about Gideon, is that he’s different from most men out there. You know, those bad boys that many loves. He’s different and truthfully, I like it.
No wait, I LOVE IT!
Gideon is like a breath of fresh air for me. I love how Gideon interacts with Lizzie, and nope, the age difference did not freak me out. I just wish there was more of their interaction in the book.
I have TWO ISSUES with men. Firstly, those who beat up their wives is just inhumane and disgusting. Second, those men that leeches onto their wives and refused to work. I won’t even lie about how happy I felt when the author decides to kill off that pathetic excuse of a human being known as Lizzie’s husband!
Well I thought I hated Lizzie’s husband but guess what, another person tops the list! That person is Penelope, Lizzie’s mother-in-law. I swear, that woman is an asshole. It’s no wonder the son that she gave birth to is an asshole. Like mother, like son.
The pace of the book was a little slow and some of the times, I found it hard to continue but I promise this, it gets better and better! What I found a little weird is that the characters are adults, but the flow of the book is like one in the Young Adult genre.
Though, I’m definitely glad this is a trilogy because frankly, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK!
ANSWERS, I NEED ANSWERS!
Recommended for all readers to read The Enchanted One for a new take in the world of magic and elementals!
December 21, 2014
The Enchanted One, Lora Deeprose
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
This reads like a YA book in many ways. I don’t mean that in a disparaging way, just that's its an easy read.
Its really just based around four people , Lizzie, Madison Gideon and Vivienne. There are others but they don’t feature hugely. I found the characters to be quite frustrating at times, Lizzie was a bit of a doormat, but given her sheltered and unusual upbringing that was in a way understandable. It didn’t stop me from mentally yelling at her “stand up for yourself” especially with the awful husband and mother in law. Madison I really liked to begin and then she changed so much, it was as if she was a different person. I’m not really sure why that was, why the boyfriend line was there – it didn’t add much but maybe in a later book there’ll be more significance from him. She and Lizzie are happy working together in Enchanted Garden, Lizzie’s flower shop.
Once Gideon makes himself known its all change, there’s spooky happenings, her shop burns down and Lizzie finds out a demon is after her. She realises that her life as she knew it was gone....Gideon, he seemed to be more interested in Madison than Lizzie til he finally made that brief move and then...well lets just say I was so, so disappointed in him, he really let Lizzie down and I expected more from him. Still, maybe in the next book? I did expect a lot more on the romance side than there was here. Vivienne was a nice lady but a bit of a steamroller at times, very full of enigmatic answers. I did feel the way the supernatural elements unfolded was very slick, too polished for me. I need a lot of working out, I need to try to see solutions for myself but with the type of magic here coming from inside the Guardians and Lizzie it seemed very problem meet solution – a neat easy fix, when in fact we’re talking about powerful demons and life-threatening danger. I needed it to be a bit more scary, and for things to take longer to be solved. It felt almost clichéd at times.
Despite that it was a fun, easy read and I want to know what's in the future for Lizzie, what happens with Gideon, if Madison's changed behaviour stays or passes once her shock is over. There’s also the puzzle of Lizzie’s background to discover. all that power comes from somewhere.
Stars: Three, a fun read, a good start and I want to know more of the story.
ARC supplied by author.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
This reads like a YA book in many ways. I don’t mean that in a disparaging way, just that's its an easy read.
Its really just based around four people , Lizzie, Madison Gideon and Vivienne. There are others but they don’t feature hugely. I found the characters to be quite frustrating at times, Lizzie was a bit of a doormat, but given her sheltered and unusual upbringing that was in a way understandable. It didn’t stop me from mentally yelling at her “stand up for yourself” especially with the awful husband and mother in law. Madison I really liked to begin and then she changed so much, it was as if she was a different person. I’m not really sure why that was, why the boyfriend line was there – it didn’t add much but maybe in a later book there’ll be more significance from him. She and Lizzie are happy working together in Enchanted Garden, Lizzie’s flower shop.
Once Gideon makes himself known its all change, there’s spooky happenings, her shop burns down and Lizzie finds out a demon is after her. She realises that her life as she knew it was gone....Gideon, he seemed to be more interested in Madison than Lizzie til he finally made that brief move and then...well lets just say I was so, so disappointed in him, he really let Lizzie down and I expected more from him. Still, maybe in the next book? I did expect a lot more on the romance side than there was here. Vivienne was a nice lady but a bit of a steamroller at times, very full of enigmatic answers. I did feel the way the supernatural elements unfolded was very slick, too polished for me. I need a lot of working out, I need to try to see solutions for myself but with the type of magic here coming from inside the Guardians and Lizzie it seemed very problem meet solution – a neat easy fix, when in fact we’re talking about powerful demons and life-threatening danger. I needed it to be a bit more scary, and for things to take longer to be solved. It felt almost clichéd at times.
Despite that it was a fun, easy read and I want to know what's in the future for Lizzie, what happens with Gideon, if Madison's changed behaviour stays or passes once her shock is over. There’s also the puzzle of Lizzie’s background to discover. all that power comes from somewhere.
Stars: Three, a fun read, a good start and I want to know more of the story.
ARC supplied by author.
February 24, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Review originally appeared on Books That Hook
The Enchanted One is a contemporary fantasy about a woman named Lizzie who must come to terms with her unusual abilities. To me, it was a tale of personal growth and self-discovery. Lizzie starts out with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, fears, and insecurities. She grows into a powerful woman who is comfortable in her own skin. By the end of the book, I was very proud of Lizzie.
The book is well-written with only a few errors–primarily punctuation, which is to be expected with an ARC.
It started out rocky for me because I couldn’t relate to Lizzie. I understood how some women in her situation behave and react like that, but I couldn’t connect with her on a personal level.
In the first thirty percent of the book, the reader doesn’t get much of a glimpse of the magical aspect of the book. The only example was how light bulbs blow up when Lizzie gets upset.
When the magic really comes into the story, it does so with a bang. It was a little jarring to me, because it was such a contrast to the previous material. In my opinion, there could have been more magical elements mixed into the story earlier so it didn’t come so abruptly. Once I got settled into the fantasy side of it, I became enchanted by The Enchanted One.
The writer did a great job with the setting descriptions. It was easy to visualize.
I didn’t care for a lot of the characters–even Lizzie for most of the story–but that isn’t the fault of the writer; it was just their personalities. However, I did really like the cook at the woman’s shelter.
At one point, I cringed a little because there was a ‘down-the-rabbit-hole’ comparison. This is so overused in fantasy. If I hear one more character compare herself to Alice, I think I’ll scream.
Despite that, I enjoyed reading The Enchanted One. I would definitely read the next book in the series. I recommend it to readers who like stories that transform the main character. There are a couple of action scenes, but this is mostly a story of personal development and friendship. A reader of this book should also be someone who doesn’t mind not learning who the bad guy is.
The Enchanted One is a contemporary fantasy about a woman named Lizzie who must come to terms with her unusual abilities. To me, it was a tale of personal growth and self-discovery. Lizzie starts out with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, fears, and insecurities. She grows into a powerful woman who is comfortable in her own skin. By the end of the book, I was very proud of Lizzie.
The book is well-written with only a few errors–primarily punctuation, which is to be expected with an ARC.
It started out rocky for me because I couldn’t relate to Lizzie. I understood how some women in her situation behave and react like that, but I couldn’t connect with her on a personal level.
In the first thirty percent of the book, the reader doesn’t get much of a glimpse of the magical aspect of the book. The only example was how light bulbs blow up when Lizzie gets upset.
When the magic really comes into the story, it does so with a bang. It was a little jarring to me, because it was such a contrast to the previous material. In my opinion, there could have been more magical elements mixed into the story earlier so it didn’t come so abruptly. Once I got settled into the fantasy side of it, I became enchanted by The Enchanted One.
The writer did a great job with the setting descriptions. It was easy to visualize.
I didn’t care for a lot of the characters–even Lizzie for most of the story–but that isn’t the fault of the writer; it was just their personalities. However, I did really like the cook at the woman’s shelter.
At one point, I cringed a little because there was a ‘down-the-rabbit-hole’ comparison. This is so overused in fantasy. If I hear one more character compare herself to Alice, I think I’ll scream.
Despite that, I enjoyed reading The Enchanted One. I would definitely read the next book in the series. I recommend it to readers who like stories that transform the main character. There are a couple of action scenes, but this is mostly a story of personal development and friendship. A reader of this book should also be someone who doesn’t mind not learning who the bad guy is.
February 4, 2015
**Book provided by the author for an honest review**
The story was about the life of Lizzie Chambers. Lizzie is a floral shop owner, married with no children, no friends, and basically no life. Lizzie has unexplainable abilities that frighten her and she isn't even really sure they are real. After a tragic event happens in Lizzie's life, her abilities attract a mysterious dark entity, that is determined to kill her! Now that Lizzie is even more confused by this strange dark force, will she be able to survive what she is becoming and the attacks from the dark shadow??
The story line was great, interesting, engaging, but the slow, tedious, mundane character development is what lost me. I fully understand how important character development is, but most of the time it isn't following the main character of the story in their mundane day to day lives. I had a hard time keeping with the book, and constantly found myself looking at my progress in the book. Finally by 40% through is where the story picks up and starts engaging Gideon, and moving forward.
The supporting characters were a wonderful compliment for Lizzie. Madison, the employee turned best friend, and Gideon the Guardian/friend, and Vivienne the mentor/friend. They all supported Lizzie in their own ways, as well as taught her about friendship. The moments with Vivienne were the most heart warming for me, and I'm so glad Lizzie had someone like her in her life.
I'm not sure if this book was a single novel, or if it will be part of a series or trilogy, but I would hope for the latter because the end of this book felt cut short with the way Lizzie handled her transition. My rating had the potential for being a 3-4 Stars if it were not for the slow build up in the first half of the book, but if you are a person who likes the detailed character development, than this book is right up your alley!
The story was about the life of Lizzie Chambers. Lizzie is a floral shop owner, married with no children, no friends, and basically no life. Lizzie has unexplainable abilities that frighten her and she isn't even really sure they are real. After a tragic event happens in Lizzie's life, her abilities attract a mysterious dark entity, that is determined to kill her! Now that Lizzie is even more confused by this strange dark force, will she be able to survive what she is becoming and the attacks from the dark shadow??
The story line was great, interesting, engaging, but the slow, tedious, mundane character development is what lost me. I fully understand how important character development is, but most of the time it isn't following the main character of the story in their mundane day to day lives. I had a hard time keeping with the book, and constantly found myself looking at my progress in the book. Finally by 40% through is where the story picks up and starts engaging Gideon, and moving forward.
The supporting characters were a wonderful compliment for Lizzie. Madison, the employee turned best friend, and Gideon the Guardian/friend, and Vivienne the mentor/friend. They all supported Lizzie in their own ways, as well as taught her about friendship. The moments with Vivienne were the most heart warming for me, and I'm so glad Lizzie had someone like her in her life.
I'm not sure if this book was a single novel, or if it will be part of a series or trilogy, but I would hope for the latter because the end of this book felt cut short with the way Lizzie handled her transition. My rating had the potential for being a 3-4 Stars if it were not for the slow build up in the first half of the book, but if you are a person who likes the detailed character development, than this book is right up your alley!
November 14, 2014
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**
Orignial review can be found here:http://superbookgrl13.blogspot.com/20...
I was pretty hooked on this book right from the start. It draws you in pretty quickly. It's about a plain woman who was involved in a abusive relationship, to a deadbeat lazy bones. She owned a flower shop, and that was pretty much her life. Until one day her husband dies.
This book kinda frusterated me, I just wanted to slap Lizzie so many times. I wanted to slap her husband, I wanted to slap her friend, I wanted to slap Gideon. The only person I didn't want to slap was Gideons mom.
Even though I was annoyed with the characters like 93% of the time, I still enjoyed this book, full of magic and mystery. The book never answered who was behind the dark feelings, who the "bad guy" is, so we've got to wait for the next few books to find out whats going to happen. I enjoyed seeing the evolution and maturity of Lizzie, took her long enough but the end I respected her, I never like characters that are wimpy and afraid of their feelings and choices.
Looking forward to book number 2!
Orignial review can be found here:http://superbookgrl13.blogspot.com/20...
I was pretty hooked on this book right from the start. It draws you in pretty quickly. It's about a plain woman who was involved in a abusive relationship, to a deadbeat lazy bones. She owned a flower shop, and that was pretty much her life. Until one day her husband dies.
This book kinda frusterated me, I just wanted to slap Lizzie so many times. I wanted to slap her husband, I wanted to slap her friend, I wanted to slap Gideon. The only person I didn't want to slap was Gideons mom.
Even though I was annoyed with the characters like 93% of the time, I still enjoyed this book, full of magic and mystery. The book never answered who was behind the dark feelings, who the "bad guy" is, so we've got to wait for the next few books to find out whats going to happen. I enjoyed seeing the evolution and maturity of Lizzie, took her long enough but the end I respected her, I never like characters that are wimpy and afraid of their feelings and choices.
Looking forward to book number 2!
March 7, 2015
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
In the beginning, I was disappointed with this book. It was too wordy, too much descriptions of inconsequential elements. The pace was slow and there were no attachments to the characters. About 40 percent into the story, it began to move. But then....WOW!.... the pace begins to really pick up, suspense grabs you by the collar and away we fly into an adventure that is magical, scary, exciting, edge of your seat intensity and amazing! The scene with Lizzie and Madison and the fight with Madison's boyfriend was very exciting and at the end of the book with the big showdown with the great Evil......you've got to read it for yourself! Can't think of enough words to express how enjoyably reading this book was. I definitely want to read the next one. There must be more to Lizzie's journey! I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars!
In the beginning, I was disappointed with this book. It was too wordy, too much descriptions of inconsequential elements. The pace was slow and there were no attachments to the characters. About 40 percent into the story, it began to move. But then....WOW!.... the pace begins to really pick up, suspense grabs you by the collar and away we fly into an adventure that is magical, scary, exciting, edge of your seat intensity and amazing! The scene with Lizzie and Madison and the fight with Madison's boyfriend was very exciting and at the end of the book with the big showdown with the great Evil......you've got to read it for yourself! Can't think of enough words to express how enjoyably reading this book was. I definitely want to read the next one. There must be more to Lizzie's journey! I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars!
January 17, 2015
The Enchanted One by Lora Deeprose
Review
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was drawn into Lizzie Bennet's journey immediately. Lora Deeprose has woven a story so complete of her character I felt an intimate connection with her throughout most of the story. Lizzie ultimately led discovers the powers of friendship, love, magic, and above all her self worth and validation. The journey, is not Lizzie's alone, and the ways the characters move in and out of each other's story's are phenomenal.
The author weaves a complex story that does not disappoint and is unpredictable to the end.
I have written this review in a vague manner and other than to disclose that I enjoyed this book very much I feared I would give away too many details. I'll suffice it to say, very well worth the read!
Review
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was drawn into Lizzie Bennet's journey immediately. Lora Deeprose has woven a story so complete of her character I felt an intimate connection with her throughout most of the story. Lizzie ultimately led discovers the powers of friendship, love, magic, and above all her self worth and validation. The journey, is not Lizzie's alone, and the ways the characters move in and out of each other's story's are phenomenal.
The author weaves a complex story that does not disappoint and is unpredictable to the end.
I have written this review in a vague manner and other than to disclose that I enjoyed this book very much I feared I would give away too many details. I'll suffice it to say, very well worth the read!
January 23, 2015
The Enchanted One by Lora Deeprose is book one of the Ravenwood Trilogy. Lizzie Chambers has had a rough life, and she knows there's something different about her. Things happen when she's mad, and she can't control it.
Enter Gideon and Vivienne to guide her through these strange happenings. Turns out, someone's after her. And he's dangerous. Lizzie will have to fight for her life, and that's not exactly how she wants to live.
The book starts off a little slow. We know there's something lurking in the background, but we can't get a handle on it. Lizzie is a little slow on the uptake, but that's part of her personality quirks. There's a little romance, a lot of self-doubt, and some self-actuallization. The emotional spectrum is all over the charts.
Enter Gideon and Vivienne to guide her through these strange happenings. Turns out, someone's after her. And he's dangerous. Lizzie will have to fight for her life, and that's not exactly how she wants to live.
The book starts off a little slow. We know there's something lurking in the background, but we can't get a handle on it. Lizzie is a little slow on the uptake, but that's part of her personality quirks. There's a little romance, a lot of self-doubt, and some self-actuallization. The emotional spectrum is all over the charts.
April 11, 2016
The Enchanted One is a comforting travel companion. I spent much of last year in transits, airplanes, and hotels for work and holidays.This lovely book was a welcome distraction from waiting and even better when relaxing on my holidays. Lizzie’s adventures felt personal, like I was sharing the story of a good girlfriend. The supernatural themes are incorporated so easily it seemed like a given that we could all face these tribulations and embark on adventures of this kind without notice. The author’s description of the Canadian landscapes are so descriptive I felt transported there. She describes what sounds like heaven. Really looking forward to the 2nd instalment of the trilogy.
July 22, 2015
2.5/5.0
Lizzie begins with a tragic story that gets more and more tragic as the story goes on; yet she carries a presence that connects with the reader throughout.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Lizzie begins with a tragic story that gets more and more tragic as the story goes on; yet she carries a presence that connects with the reader throughout.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
fantasy-scfi
July 12, 2015For a star rating and review please see InD'tale magazine online, July/August 2015 issue http://www.indtale.com/reviews/parano...
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