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Holly Nather #1
A Life Unexpected
Visions Come Into Play...Secrets Have Been Told...Choices Must Be Made
Holly is just your typical college student. She goes to classes during the day and spends her nights either hanging out with friends or wasting an embarrassing amount of time on social networking. Her life is ordinary, nothing interesting or extravagant. That is - until she meets Luke. This enigmatic and on-the-verge-of-stalker guy brings excitement into her dull, routine life, introducing her to a world outside of her own...A world of magic...A world called Terre. As the saying goes: "With knowledge comes power" and with power comes danger. Holly is quickly and unexpectedly thrown into a life of chaos, a life that she believed to only exist in science fiction films. Visions of this day have finally come into play, secrets have been told, and choices must be made.
Holly is just your typical college student. She goes to classes during the day and spends her nights either hanging out with friends or wasting an embarrassing amount of time on social networking. Her life is ordinary, nothing interesting or extravagant. That is - until she meets Luke. This enigmatic and on-the-verge-of-stalker guy brings excitement into her dull, routine life, introducing her to a world outside of her own...A world of magic...A world called Terre. As the saying goes: "With knowledge comes power" and with power comes danger. Holly is quickly and unexpectedly thrown into a life of chaos, a life that she believed to only exist in science fiction films. Visions of this day have finally come into play, secrets have been told, and choices must be made.
- GenresNew Adult
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Sara Daniell
24 books65 followersSara Daniell’s story started in the quiet little town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin until her dad’s job transferred him to Arkansas. She thought life would officially be over with that move, but to her surprise, Arkansas is where she found love, married her best friend and had her two amazing daughters.
For years, Sara was a closet writer. Something most knew nothing about because she felt like she’d be looked down upon since most weren’t accepting of writing about fantasy worlds and magic. It wasn’t until her best friend and husband told her she needed to pursue what made her happy and to hide that for no one. So, with a deep breath and a beat up laptop, she did it.
Sara has made many close friends in the writing business and says it feels like a family more than anything else. She says she feels more confident in herself for pursuing what she loves and not letting the limited perceptions of others’ define who she is. She’s a go getter, a dream chaser, and if that makes her crazy, that’s fine with her.
For years, Sara was a closet writer. Something most knew nothing about because she felt like she’d be looked down upon since most weren’t accepting of writing about fantasy worlds and magic. It wasn’t until her best friend and husband told her she needed to pursue what made her happy and to hide that for no one. So, with a deep breath and a beat up laptop, she did it.
Sara has made many close friends in the writing business and says it feels like a family more than anything else. She says she feels more confident in herself for pursuing what she loves and not letting the limited perceptions of others’ define who she is. She’s a go getter, a dream chaser, and if that makes her crazy, that’s fine with her.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 3, 2012
It’s so refreshing when an author can write about a new world without the use of vampires, werewolves, witches, and all the other magical creatures that have been played out so many times. Sara Daniell has created a world that is relatable to ours, but infused with a splash of magic. Yet unlike some books involving magic, you don’t need a separate dictionary to look up magical terms.
It felt possible that this world could exist somewhere far away. The characters were very real. They thought, acted, and spoke like true college students. They were humorous and sometimes sarcastic. I found myself smiling as the main character looks up someone on Facebook immediately upon meeting him. This is something my generation does every day and it was great to see a character that was so realistic. I loved that the characters were out of High School too. It’s hard to find books that are in my age group (early twenties), but still have that YA genre. It will appeal to an audience of all ages.
I love, love, loved this book, but there was one thing that frustrated me. I wanted more. I felt like some of the scenes were very rushed. For example, when two characters fall in love, it happens very fast. I would have liked to see them learn more about each other before they claimed to be in love. With that said, if the only flaw I could find was that the novel was too short for my liking, then you know it’s a great read. I read this in about two days because it was too good to put down. Now I’m impatiently waiting for the next book of the series to come out in April! I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I had a chance to interview the author and will be posting it soon to my blog http://harleybearbookblog.blogspot.com/. Stop by to learn more about Sara Daniell!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-h...
I am hosting a giveaway with the author Sara Daniell for books 1&2 in this trilogy. It ends April 21, 2012.
It felt possible that this world could exist somewhere far away. The characters were very real. They thought, acted, and spoke like true college students. They were humorous and sometimes sarcastic. I found myself smiling as the main character looks up someone on Facebook immediately upon meeting him. This is something my generation does every day and it was great to see a character that was so realistic. I loved that the characters were out of High School too. It’s hard to find books that are in my age group (early twenties), but still have that YA genre. It will appeal to an audience of all ages.
I love, love, loved this book, but there was one thing that frustrated me. I wanted more. I felt like some of the scenes were very rushed. For example, when two characters fall in love, it happens very fast. I would have liked to see them learn more about each other before they claimed to be in love. With that said, if the only flaw I could find was that the novel was too short for my liking, then you know it’s a great read. I read this in about two days because it was too good to put down. Now I’m impatiently waiting for the next book of the series to come out in April! I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I had a chance to interview the author and will be posting it soon to my blog http://harleybearbookblog.blogspot.com/. Stop by to learn more about Sara Daniell!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-h...
I am hosting a giveaway with the author Sara Daniell for books 1&2 in this trilogy. It ends April 21, 2012.
March 21, 2012
“Visions” is the first novel in a trilogy, a delightful and fast-paced read, very realistic in its understanding of the character of a college coed. I found myself chuckling because Holly is such a “natural”-to a point. Holly has a stalker-at least, if this were an ordinary story about an average life, that is what Luke would be. A guy who looks up a student’s cell number, sends he r texts, stations himself outside her dorm, and seems to know her mind before she does (and appears without notice) in most occurrences would be a stalker and the girl would recognize him as such, and either avoid him or even report him. But Luke seems to have a sort of unspoken hypnotic effect on Holly-she just falls right in line with his slightly strange but winning ways. In the context of the novel it makes sense, because suspension of disbelief is so easy.
I also liked the way the author Sara Daniell built up the suspense. Clearly Luke is a man with secrets, urgencies, and needs and intentions that he’s not about to reveal. The characters are drawn very subtly: Holly, the college student, who considers herself to be smart and sensible, even street-smart-yet falls in with the plans of this strange guy she’s just met; and Luke, who definitely has his secrets, and one major issue-he lets himself be ruled by his emotions-walking away from an arranged betrothal; dropping another relationship even though the girl is in love with him, because he doesn’t have any strong feelings for her; then finding and isolating Holly just to “keep her safe.” By building the protagonists with these conflicts, issues, and failing, the author has made them much more realistic and very easy to comprehend as individuals. The story is fast-paced, and I found myself racing through the pages just to see what would occur next. This is a debut novel, and this reviewer anticipates Books 2 and 3 in this series.
I also liked the way the author Sara Daniell built up the suspense. Clearly Luke is a man with secrets, urgencies, and needs and intentions that he’s not about to reveal. The characters are drawn very subtly: Holly, the college student, who considers herself to be smart and sensible, even street-smart-yet falls in with the plans of this strange guy she’s just met; and Luke, who definitely has his secrets, and one major issue-he lets himself be ruled by his emotions-walking away from an arranged betrothal; dropping another relationship even though the girl is in love with him, because he doesn’t have any strong feelings for her; then finding and isolating Holly just to “keep her safe.” By building the protagonists with these conflicts, issues, and failing, the author has made them much more realistic and very easy to comprehend as individuals. The story is fast-paced, and I found myself racing through the pages just to see what would occur next. This is a debut novel, and this reviewer anticipates Books 2 and 3 in this series.
April 21, 2012
I loved this first book in the Holly Nather Trilogy. I was shocked at first at the fast pace of the novel, but found myself unable to stop reading. I bet you will find most people unable to stop reading this novel. I did find myself wishing for more detail, this would have drawn the novel out more, which I usually enjoy, it was omewhow enough-like a great story told in fast motion. I couldn’t complain much about the novel. There were parts that I would begin to feel were cheesy, but then the character would come in with something so normal for anyone these day’s, some kind of funny sarcasm, and I was immediately drawn in again. There was enough conflict versus enjoyment for this reading. I was at page 49 before I knew it. I am a bit A.D.D. when it comes to reading and cant stand a large novel that takes forever to get to a point, but I wasn’t sure I would like a novel with such little description. I think the author is very in touch with her audience. We all want action now and she gave that to us. There was mystery and action around every corner. Not to mention juicy men with great hearts and sexy smiles. I think this could have been even better with more detail and description, but I still can give it no less than four and a half stars-if I could give that on Amazon.com. I’m ready to read the next book and will definitely be following this author. I think this would make an intriguing T.V. series and would recommend this to young readers up to the age of thirty. Anyone who likes the new Fantasy T.V. series that are out, and really those who like fast action and a quick, easy read. The story is great and the characters relatable for this time. The imagination and drama are there. Good Job!
March 31, 2012
Who is this strange guy that is texting Holly? And why is he standing outside her dorm room window? The answers to these questions send Holly on an adventure that will change her entire life.
Sure, Luke is hot, but he also seems crazy. He expects her to believe that he’s from another world and that both of their lives are now in danger because he fell in love with her without ever meeting her? Yes, he does.
Against her better judgment, Holly goes along for the ride and soon finds that Luke isn’t crazy or psychotic. He’s actually pretty lovable and she’s falling fast. But can she let go of everything else in her life to be with him?
Visions by Sara Daniell is an amazing story of magic and romance. The plot is original and a fresh new take on paranormal adventures. The characters are relatable and sympathetic; the reader feels their pain and their triumphs every step of the way. I found myself rooting for Luke and Holly’s love until the very end and I was sad when I reached that last page. Sara Daniell has created a world that I want to revisit soon. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the trilogy. Visions is a five star book that shouldn’t be passed up.
Sure, Luke is hot, but he also seems crazy. He expects her to believe that he’s from another world and that both of their lives are now in danger because he fell in love with her without ever meeting her? Yes, he does.
Against her better judgment, Holly goes along for the ride and soon finds that Luke isn’t crazy or psychotic. He’s actually pretty lovable and she’s falling fast. But can she let go of everything else in her life to be with him?
Visions by Sara Daniell is an amazing story of magic and romance. The plot is original and a fresh new take on paranormal adventures. The characters are relatable and sympathetic; the reader feels their pain and their triumphs every step of the way. I found myself rooting for Luke and Holly’s love until the very end and I was sad when I reached that last page. Sara Daniell has created a world that I want to revisit soon. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the trilogy. Visions is a five star book that shouldn’t be passed up.
March 23, 2012
When I started reading this book, I honestly didn’t know what to expect… there weren’t any witches and werewolves, it wasn’t fairies or myths. So I was a little worried that this book might turn out to not be quite what I liked. But let me tell you... was I ever WRONG.
Within the first 3 chapters I was hooked, it is definitely not a long book, but the story is so unique and it makes you think that this could actually happen… I mean who seriously doesn’t ever think or wish that there are people that can actually use magic? This book makes you believe the unbelievable because Sara Daniell is able to share with us a story about a regular college girl that is intertwined with a world much like our own but the difference is that this other world has magic!
This is definitely a series that I will be impatiently waiting for the next books in. It was well written and although it was a little short, it was enough to capture my attention and make me want to read more, and to me... that is a successful book!
Within the first 3 chapters I was hooked, it is definitely not a long book, but the story is so unique and it makes you think that this could actually happen… I mean who seriously doesn’t ever think or wish that there are people that can actually use magic? This book makes you believe the unbelievable because Sara Daniell is able to share with us a story about a regular college girl that is intertwined with a world much like our own but the difference is that this other world has magic!
This is definitely a series that I will be impatiently waiting for the next books in. It was well written and although it was a little short, it was enough to capture my attention and make me want to read more, and to me... that is a successful book!
March 25, 2012
Review published here:
http://myaddictionisreading.blogspot....
Holly has no love life to speak of until she gets a random text one night asking for her to meet the person outside. Her first thought of course is "Is this guy crazy?" but as she learns more about him, she finds she can not stay away, for more reasons than just love.
I love Holly's attitude and wit. She is quite sarcastic and isn't afraid to speak her mind. My kind of girl.
I wish the love would have been drawn out a bit more. For how much Holly tried to fight it, it really seemed she succumbed too quick. But it was a sweet romance, the kind I like.
What a great debut by Sara Daniell.
I'm very interested to see where this series goes. Can't wait for the next installment!
http://myaddictionisreading.blogspot....
Holly has no love life to speak of until she gets a random text one night asking for her to meet the person outside. Her first thought of course is "Is this guy crazy?" but as she learns more about him, she finds she can not stay away, for more reasons than just love.
I love Holly's attitude and wit. She is quite sarcastic and isn't afraid to speak her mind. My kind of girl.
I wish the love would have been drawn out a bit more. For how much Holly tried to fight it, it really seemed she succumbed too quick. But it was a sweet romance, the kind I like.
What a great debut by Sara Daniell.
I'm very interested to see where this series goes. Can't wait for the next installment!
November 6, 2012
This book has a unique plot structure that keeps the audience guessing what will happen next. It is a nice blend of romance and suspense. I'm glad I have the three-in-one version so I don't have to wait for the sequel!
February 19, 2015
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Holly is just a normal girl attending college when Luke crashes into her life. And Luke is anything but normal. But then again, Holly may not be either...
I had a problem getting into this book at first. The beginning had some editorial issues (switching tenses for example) that were distracting, but I was able to ignore it eventually as the story sucked me in. I also didn't understand some of Holly's reasoning in the beginning, but again, I let it slide and just tried to go with the story.
I was not a fan of Luke.
While his actions were later explained, his first impression was pretty bad and I had some trouble getting over it. He just rubbed me the wrong way I guess. He did redeem himself by the end, but the problem with that was I was already rooting for someone else by then.
I loved Cohen.
He was by far my favorite character and he is the reason I want to continue on to the next book. In fact the whole last part of this book was my favorite. It was a rocky start, but the story steadily built, and the ending was great.
Now here is my biggest issue with this book-
Everything was rushed.
It's split into 3 parts, and I really feel like it should have been 3 separate books. Most of the things I didn't like could have been solved by slowing things down. I wanted more time. More time for Holly to get to know Luke. More time to learn about Terre. More time learning about Luke's relationship with his parents. More time getting to know Brody, learning about magic, preparing for battle...
I loved the story. I loved the world(s). I just wanted MORE.
So I give this one 3 stars, and will dive into the next with high hopes.
Holly is just a normal girl attending college when Luke crashes into her life. And Luke is anything but normal. But then again, Holly may not be either...
I had a problem getting into this book at first. The beginning had some editorial issues (switching tenses for example) that were distracting, but I was able to ignore it eventually as the story sucked me in. I also didn't understand some of Holly's reasoning in the beginning, but again, I let it slide and just tried to go with the story.
I was not a fan of Luke.
While his actions were later explained, his first impression was pretty bad and I had some trouble getting over it. He just rubbed me the wrong way I guess. He did redeem himself by the end, but the problem with that was I was already rooting for someone else by then.
I loved Cohen.
He was by far my favorite character and he is the reason I want to continue on to the next book. In fact the whole last part of this book was my favorite. It was a rocky start, but the story steadily built, and the ending was great.
Now here is my biggest issue with this book-
Everything was rushed.
It's split into 3 parts, and I really feel like it should have been 3 separate books. Most of the things I didn't like could have been solved by slowing things down. I wanted more time. More time for Holly to get to know Luke. More time to learn about Terre. More time learning about Luke's relationship with his parents. More time getting to know Brody, learning about magic, preparing for battle...
I loved the story. I loved the world(s). I just wanted MORE.
So I give this one 3 stars, and will dive into the next with high hopes.
April 17, 2012
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (3.5 star) rating
I really liked this book. Holly is your average college freshman who has a little bit of an attitude (but I like my characters with some spunk!) She's a bit of a tomboy, she doesn't like to be the center of attention and her love life is in the drain.
That is until one text message from a mysterious stranger changes the course of her life indefinetley. All of a sudden she's flung into a world she never could have imagined and she's falling for the stranger who has taken her away from everything she's ever known.
I think that for a first novel Sara definetly has promise. You can tell how much she loves to write right off the bat and you can tell that Visions is her literary baby. I really liked how the novel played out, though sometimes it did feel rushed but that's okay since the author is new.
It was actually quiet refreshing to have a YA book that has no witches, werewolves, vampires or other creatures that go bump in the night. Not that I don't love books with those aspects but it is nice to find an author who is willing and able to create a world devoid of those things and Sara did this quiet well.
There's treachery, alternate universes, magic (though no witches or warlock/wizards/sorcerers) and a love story to boot! I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad I had the oppotunity to review this book for the author because it was well worth the read.
I recommend this to people who like realistic YA with just a hint of fantasy. I look forward to reading more about Holly as the trilogy continues and I wish Sara all the best in her writing career. I really like her style :)
I really liked this book. Holly is your average college freshman who has a little bit of an attitude (but I like my characters with some spunk!) She's a bit of a tomboy, she doesn't like to be the center of attention and her love life is in the drain.
That is until one text message from a mysterious stranger changes the course of her life indefinetley. All of a sudden she's flung into a world she never could have imagined and she's falling for the stranger who has taken her away from everything she's ever known.
I think that for a first novel Sara definetly has promise. You can tell how much she loves to write right off the bat and you can tell that Visions is her literary baby. I really liked how the novel played out, though sometimes it did feel rushed but that's okay since the author is new.
It was actually quiet refreshing to have a YA book that has no witches, werewolves, vampires or other creatures that go bump in the night. Not that I don't love books with those aspects but it is nice to find an author who is willing and able to create a world devoid of those things and Sara did this quiet well.
There's treachery, alternate universes, magic (though no witches or warlock/wizards/sorcerers) and a love story to boot! I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad I had the oppotunity to review this book for the author because it was well worth the read.
I recommend this to people who like realistic YA with just a hint of fantasy. I look forward to reading more about Holly as the trilogy continues and I wish Sara all the best in her writing career. I really like her style :)
April 12, 2012
Visions is about Holly, its her freshman year at college and the only interesting thing in her life are her classes...Until one night, Holly receives a mysterious text message. Little does she know that be responding to the unusual text message, Holly's life changes forever.
I really loved Visions!! This was a quick quirky read that held my interest from the first page. Visions is Sara Daniell's debut novel and she did an excellent job! The characters were fun and interesting. Visions had a wonderful mix of humor, action, suspense, and romance. It was a nice blend of contemporary and fantasy.
Wonderful read, highly recommend!!
Special Thanks to Sara Daniell for providing an e-book in exchange for an honest review!
I really loved Visions!! This was a quick quirky read that held my interest from the first page. Visions is Sara Daniell's debut novel and she did an excellent job! The characters were fun and interesting. Visions had a wonderful mix of humor, action, suspense, and romance. It was a nice blend of contemporary and fantasy.
Wonderful read, highly recommend!!
Special Thanks to Sara Daniell for providing an e-book in exchange for an honest review!
November 24, 2014
This was such a great story! Daniell took me on an amazing ride in this story. It was a beautiful love story, interesting story line, and the characters were just wonderful. Even those ones I loved to hate! The world Daniell created is so interesting and mysterious. Even though in the end I had all my questions answered. I know there has to be so much more that is going on in this world. I loved how Daniell gave us more than one point of view. I got an inside look at Holly and Luke's inner struggles and questions. The end of the book I got to peek into Luke's dream journal and it was just beautiful. I can not wait to find out what's going to happen in the next book!
SBM Book Obession
SBM Book Obession
October 14, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Holly’s life was planned out. It was rather boring but it was the way she liked it. One night she receives a text from a guy named Luke. From that moment on Holly’s life was a rollercoaster! Life as she knew it would never be the same.
This book is truly different than what’s out there and that’s not a bad thing. I didn't see the many twists coming and I liked that. I felt like I was on this ride with Holly. The author did a wonderful job with the characters. This was truly a unique story. I can’t wait to read the next! I give it 4 stars
Holly’s life was planned out. It was rather boring but it was the way she liked it. One night she receives a text from a guy named Luke. From that moment on Holly’s life was a rollercoaster! Life as she knew it would never be the same.
This book is truly different than what’s out there and that’s not a bad thing. I didn't see the many twists coming and I liked that. I felt like I was on this ride with Holly. The author did a wonderful job with the characters. This was truly a unique story. I can’t wait to read the next! I give it 4 stars
January 6, 2015
3 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews