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The Winters Family #1
Secrets of Whitestone Manor
Some secrets are too dark to ever be brought into the light.
At least mine are.
My name is Orson Winters, and you already know too much for me to let you walk away.
A decade has passed since my parents were killed, forcing my younger siblings and me to move in with our estranged uncle. Whitestone Manor in all its grandeur was overwhelming enough. Then, we learned the family secret.
There’s darkness in the world no one, besides a handful of fighting families, even knows exists. The Winters family is the most acclaimed of them all. However, power isn’t always pleasurable, especially considering that it’s my responsibility to keep my reckless brothers and sister from jeopardizing us all.
When an old enemy emerges from the shadows, Uncle Sebastian calls in another fighting family to assist. I didn’t need their help. I could independently protect my siblings and the rest of the world from danger. That was, until I met Lilith Shaw. Now I’m not even sure that I can protect myself.
I can’t focus on that, though.
I’m the last one standing between you and those who wait in the darkness.
If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you my story.
At least mine are.
My name is Orson Winters, and you already know too much for me to let you walk away.
A decade has passed since my parents were killed, forcing my younger siblings and me to move in with our estranged uncle. Whitestone Manor in all its grandeur was overwhelming enough. Then, we learned the family secret.
There’s darkness in the world no one, besides a handful of fighting families, even knows exists. The Winters family is the most acclaimed of them all. However, power isn’t always pleasurable, especially considering that it’s my responsibility to keep my reckless brothers and sister from jeopardizing us all.
When an old enemy emerges from the shadows, Uncle Sebastian calls in another fighting family to assist. I didn’t need their help. I could independently protect my siblings and the rest of the world from danger. That was, until I met Lilith Shaw. Now I’m not even sure that I can protect myself.
I can’t focus on that, though.
I’m the last one standing between you and those who wait in the darkness.
If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you my story.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
5 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Jo James
7 books44 followersHi there!
So, I'm Brittany Jo James.
I'm a military wife, mother of two boys, author of a few books, child of Almighty God, Oklahoma girl trying to survive in Alaska, owner of a Shar-Pei and a toy Pomeranian, smiling-makes-me-happy type of person.
Yeah. That's about it. Read my books! ;)
So, I'm Brittany Jo James.
I'm a military wife, mother of two boys, author of a few books, child of Almighty God, Oklahoma girl trying to survive in Alaska, owner of a Shar-Pei and a toy Pomeranian, smiling-makes-me-happy type of person.
Yeah. That's about it. Read my books! ;)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2015
“The trick, as far as I could tell, was to keep our shadow separate from everyone else’s.”
Amazing. Fantastic. Talk about a page-turner!! From the moment I started reading Secrets of Whitestone Manor, I wanted nothing more than to continue reading this book. I needed to know what would happen next. Suffice it to say, I was pleased with every swipe of the page. The plot kept getting better and better, the characters kept developing wonderfully, and the overall events kept surprising me and keeping my interest completely intact. I was fully invested in this book!
Brittany Jo James wrote this installment so well that I had no trouble at all visualizing the events described. The amount of detail during the scenes allowed me to see everything unfold clearly as if I was watching a movie. AMAZING! Loved that very much!!! Also, the pace of this book was in my opinion, perfect! Nothing felt dragged or rushed. Everything developed as it should have.
This book had a little bit of everything: drama, action, romance, humor (arguments between siblings? Yeah, they were quite funny!), and of course mystery and paranormal qualities. The character interaction was flawless and it flowed naturally. Nothing felt forced with their dialogue and they all connected really well and balanced each other out. Ellison – HA!! Badass chick!!! The typical pain-in-the-butt younger sister, funny and ‘smartassy’! I’m sure she’ll be the cause of Orson’s grey hairs in the near future, LOL!
“Lilith Shaw was meant for me, and without her I would never be whole again.”
Lilith…LOVED her. She was funny, strong, and sassy!! She challenged Orson so much and made him step out of his comfort zone – which he very well needed to do. They were so different and yet so perfect for each other precisely because of how different they were. They were what they each needed to fully live their lives as normally as they possibly could given their circumstances.
“I realized that out of all the things I’ve ever fought for in my life, this is the one that matter the most. You’re worth fight for. We’re worth fighting for.”
The paranormal aspect of this book was a first for me and wow! I was incredibly amazed and beyond intrigued by it. I won’t go into ANY of the specifics regarding this because it’s all part of their secret. But know this: seeing it all unfold kept me turning the pages at what felt like not a fast enough speed. I needed to know more and more; my curiosity was at its highest. Then, of course, leave it to Ms. James to throw in a few surprises to only solidify my love for this book and for what will surely be a phenomenal series!
I LOVE this family and their secret life and am anxiously waiting for book two already! FIVE STARS to Secrets of Whitestone Manor!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/168KusN
Amazing. Fantastic. Talk about a page-turner!! From the moment I started reading Secrets of Whitestone Manor, I wanted nothing more than to continue reading this book. I needed to know what would happen next. Suffice it to say, I was pleased with every swipe of the page. The plot kept getting better and better, the characters kept developing wonderfully, and the overall events kept surprising me and keeping my interest completely intact. I was fully invested in this book!
Brittany Jo James wrote this installment so well that I had no trouble at all visualizing the events described. The amount of detail during the scenes allowed me to see everything unfold clearly as if I was watching a movie. AMAZING! Loved that very much!!! Also, the pace of this book was in my opinion, perfect! Nothing felt dragged or rushed. Everything developed as it should have.
This book had a little bit of everything: drama, action, romance, humor (arguments between siblings? Yeah, they were quite funny!), and of course mystery and paranormal qualities. The character interaction was flawless and it flowed naturally. Nothing felt forced with their dialogue and they all connected really well and balanced each other out. Ellison – HA!! Badass chick!!! The typical pain-in-the-butt younger sister, funny and ‘smartassy’! I’m sure she’ll be the cause of Orson’s grey hairs in the near future, LOL!
“Lilith Shaw was meant for me, and without her I would never be whole again.”
Lilith…LOVED her. She was funny, strong, and sassy!! She challenged Orson so much and made him step out of his comfort zone – which he very well needed to do. They were so different and yet so perfect for each other precisely because of how different they were. They were what they each needed to fully live their lives as normally as they possibly could given their circumstances.
“I realized that out of all the things I’ve ever fought for in my life, this is the one that matter the most. You’re worth fight for. We’re worth fighting for.”
The paranormal aspect of this book was a first for me and wow! I was incredibly amazed and beyond intrigued by it. I won’t go into ANY of the specifics regarding this because it’s all part of their secret. But know this: seeing it all unfold kept me turning the pages at what felt like not a fast enough speed. I needed to know more and more; my curiosity was at its highest. Then, of course, leave it to Ms. James to throw in a few surprises to only solidify my love for this book and for what will surely be a phenomenal series!
I LOVE this family and their secret life and am anxiously waiting for book two already! FIVE STARS to Secrets of Whitestone Manor!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/168KusN
February 16, 2015
I am in love.
Let me start out with saying this is not my usual read. I stumbled upon it and once I started I couldn't put it down. The story of the Winters family held me captive from the first chapter on. At a young age Orson, Ellison, Pierson and Grayson have to grow up and spend their childhood fighting rather than being kids. Their mission is to protect the world from the bad. Brittany has done an amazing job with this book and throughout the whole book she keeps your interest. My heart stopped several times and all I could think is "Please don't let anything happen to them." I could feel every emotion Or went through in this book.
Thank you Brittany for sharing such an amazing story with us. I will be reading more of your work and can't wait for the second book of this series to come out.
Let me start out with saying this is not my usual read. I stumbled upon it and once I started I couldn't put it down. The story of the Winters family held me captive from the first chapter on. At a young age Orson, Ellison, Pierson and Grayson have to grow up and spend their childhood fighting rather than being kids. Their mission is to protect the world from the bad. Brittany has done an amazing job with this book and throughout the whole book she keeps your interest. My heart stopped several times and all I could think is "Please don't let anything happen to them." I could feel every emotion Or went through in this book.
Thank you Brittany for sharing such an amazing story with us. I will be reading more of your work and can't wait for the second book of this series to come out.
February 12, 2015
*I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is phenomenal! ! I couldn't say one thing negative about Secrets of Whitestone Manor, from the first page to the last. .. it's perfect!
We learn as we go about the family and we get some really humorous interactions with the siblings. I love when I read a book and I can relate to it, but yet not predict what's coming.
Everything is built on the previous reveal, so I can't reveal too much here, but tout tell you that if you like to read, I mean at all, you must get this book and read it!
I wish I could give more stars! !
~Dowie
This book is phenomenal! ! I couldn't say one thing negative about Secrets of Whitestone Manor, from the first page to the last. .. it's perfect!
We learn as we go about the family and we get some really humorous interactions with the siblings. I love when I read a book and I can relate to it, but yet not predict what's coming.
Everything is built on the previous reveal, so I can't reveal too much here, but tout tell you that if you like to read, I mean at all, you must get this book and read it!
I wish I could give more stars! !
~Dowie
March 3, 2015
I loved the writing and especially the characters names. I found this to be a classic tale with real mystery among family drama.
October 16, 2015
A new spin on Good Vs. Evil...
I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Brittany Jo James' writing style and the tales that she spins. They are different and oh so refreshing from what I usually read. At first I didn't know how I would respond to this type of story but the way she has written it without too much of the creepy underworld was just enough to keep me interested.
So, obviously I will NOT be giving away The Secrets of Whitestone Manor with my review because I am a firm believer in reading to find out for yourself and this book is definitely one that needs to be discovered and not through someone else's eyes.
I really liked the Winters siblings, Orson (the oldest), Grayson, Ellison (sister) and Pierson (youngest). I loved the vast differences in their personalities and I loved that by the end of this book that they have all accepted their roles in the life they were meant to live. I enjoyed that this book is told fully from Orson, the oldest siblings, POV. I really liked that his character is just so honest with himself and with everyone else. He is devoted to his family and his duties, but when push came to shove he owned his mistakes and rectified them. I loved that he made it his mission to protect is siblings and even though he couldn't give them the life he though his parents wanted for them, he did keep them together and protected them with all he had. Even though he wanted nothing to do with his Uncle Sebastian he knew that his uncle was all that they had.
Grayson's character is one that I wouldn't getting to know more of and getting inside his head. I loved Ellison's spitfire personality and the fact that most everyone feared her. Pierson is another of the Winters siblings that I can't wait to see grow more into his role in the family. I can't wait to see how he adjusts and comes into his role. Same with the other siblings. I would like to see them take on more and lighten the load off Orson.
The Shaw family is a family that comes to visit the Winters during this story and it is here that we meet Paul, Vincent, Maxwell and Lilith. The Winters children get to learn so much for the Shaw's about their parents, things that their uncle never talked about. The also form strong bonds with the Shaw family. Orson also has a strong attraction to Lilith and at every turn it seems he is ticking her off and not understanding why. He had already accepted that he would never be able to be with a woman because of his duties, so when Lilith knocks his off kilter he just doesn't know how to act.
I really enjoyed the authors ability to get me to connect with these characters, especially Lilith and Orson.
This is book one of the Winters Sibling Series and I am curious to see what happens in the upcoming books. Maybe we will be getting some of the other Winters siblings POVs, that would be really great as they all grow.
I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Brittany Jo James' writing style and the tales that she spins. They are different and oh so refreshing from what I usually read. At first I didn't know how I would respond to this type of story but the way she has written it without too much of the creepy underworld was just enough to keep me interested.
So, obviously I will NOT be giving away The Secrets of Whitestone Manor with my review because I am a firm believer in reading to find out for yourself and this book is definitely one that needs to be discovered and not through someone else's eyes.
I really liked the Winters siblings, Orson (the oldest), Grayson, Ellison (sister) and Pierson (youngest). I loved the vast differences in their personalities and I loved that by the end of this book that they have all accepted their roles in the life they were meant to live. I enjoyed that this book is told fully from Orson, the oldest siblings, POV. I really liked that his character is just so honest with himself and with everyone else. He is devoted to his family and his duties, but when push came to shove he owned his mistakes and rectified them. I loved that he made it his mission to protect is siblings and even though he couldn't give them the life he though his parents wanted for them, he did keep them together and protected them with all he had. Even though he wanted nothing to do with his Uncle Sebastian he knew that his uncle was all that they had.
Grayson's character is one that I wouldn't getting to know more of and getting inside his head. I loved Ellison's spitfire personality and the fact that most everyone feared her. Pierson is another of the Winters siblings that I can't wait to see grow more into his role in the family. I can't wait to see how he adjusts and comes into his role. Same with the other siblings. I would like to see them take on more and lighten the load off Orson.
The Shaw family is a family that comes to visit the Winters during this story and it is here that we meet Paul, Vincent, Maxwell and Lilith. The Winters children get to learn so much for the Shaw's about their parents, things that their uncle never talked about. The also form strong bonds with the Shaw family. Orson also has a strong attraction to Lilith and at every turn it seems he is ticking her off and not understanding why. He had already accepted that he would never be able to be with a woman because of his duties, so when Lilith knocks his off kilter he just doesn't know how to act.
I really enjoyed the authors ability to get me to connect with these characters, especially Lilith and Orson.
This is book one of the Winters Sibling Series and I am curious to see what happens in the upcoming books. Maybe we will be getting some of the other Winters siblings POVs, that would be really great as they all grow.
February 8, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book!
UPDATE:
Firstly I want to hive Brittany a HUGE thank you for kindly providing me with a copy of "Secrets Of Whitestone Manor" to read and review...I absolutely LOVE her work
James clearly has no boundaries when it comes to writing an extraordinary novel!
This is definitely different to her previous work, but she totally pulls it off
I can't express how much I enjoyed this book.
There were ups and downs and twists and turns.
I love how she always manages to sneak in a tiny piece of God within her story/writing...
Having secrets are some peoples way of living, trusting those around them to know their secrets are sacred, and they have to go through great lengths to learn to the truth.
When tragedy strikes this young quadruplet of siblings, they didn't have anyone to turn to, no one to look after them, no one to take them in....until they got shipped to an uncle they knew they never had....
Orson, the eldest of the bunch, has to take responsibility at a young age, he needs to pull up his big girl panties and look after is younger siblings:
Grayson
Ellison
Pearson
Having to be a both parents and a brother to this bunch can be a burden, but to Orson it's his duty.....*Swoon*
Having learned their true heritage and being told that they, well basically in a nutshell, living a lie....the Winters siblings learns of their parents, they learn the family secret, that had been kept hidden from them....
Can they overcome the lies?
Can they live up to the everlasting family secret?
Can they make their parents proud?
Will they live a secluded life forever?
Can they start to let love in?
Can you keep a secret?.....then read this book, so I can tell you mine ;)
UPDATE:
Firstly I want to hive Brittany a HUGE thank you for kindly providing me with a copy of "Secrets Of Whitestone Manor" to read and review...I absolutely LOVE her work
James clearly has no boundaries when it comes to writing an extraordinary novel!
This is definitely different to her previous work, but she totally pulls it off
I can't express how much I enjoyed this book.
There were ups and downs and twists and turns.
I love how she always manages to sneak in a tiny piece of God within her story/writing...
"I bind to myself today,
God's power to guide me;
God's might to uphold me;
God's wisdom to teach me;
God's eye to watch over me;
God's ear to hear me;
God's word to give me speech;
God's hand to guide me;
God's way to lie before me;
God's shield to shelter me;
God's host to secure me;
Against the snares of demons;
Against the seductions of vices;
Against the lusts of nature;
Against everyone who meditate injury to me;
Whether far or near;
Whether few or many.
In the holy name of Jesus we pray, Amen."
Having secrets are some peoples way of living, trusting those around them to know their secrets are sacred, and they have to go through great lengths to learn to the truth.
When tragedy strikes this young quadruplet of siblings, they didn't have anyone to turn to, no one to look after them, no one to take them in....until they got shipped to an uncle they knew they never had....
Orson, the eldest of the bunch, has to take responsibility at a young age, he needs to pull up his big girl panties and look after is younger siblings:
Grayson
Ellison
Pearson
Having to be a both parents and a brother to this bunch can be a burden, but to Orson it's his duty.....*Swoon*
Having learned their true heritage and being told that they, well basically in a nutshell, living a lie....the Winters siblings learns of their parents, they learn the family secret, that had been kept hidden from them....
Can they overcome the lies?
Can they live up to the everlasting family secret?
Can they make their parents proud?
Will they live a secluded life forever?
Can they start to let love in?
Can you keep a secret?.....then read this book, so I can tell you mine ;)
February 6, 2015
I absolutely loved Secrets Of Whitestone Manor. James has gone and done it again!!
There is obviously nothing, and I mean nothing that James can't write. She does a phenomenal job at drawing you into a story and keeping you there. This is a suspenseful romantic read, with a bit of paranormal. There are plenty of twists and turns, that will have you flipping page after page wanting to know what happens next. You want to know the Winter families secret.
Orson Winters is the oldest and certainly has a lot on his shoulders. Ten years ago their parents died, so he had to take care of his younger brothers and sister. They ended up moving in with their estranged uncle, at Whitestone Manor. It's a home that on the outside may seem great, but inside holds secrets and it's a secret he would of rather not known about.
Here they are fighting to protect the world from satan, but something bigger is coming. So their Uncle Sebastian calls upon another fighting family. The Shaw family. Who needs that families help? Certainly not Or. Little did he know that Lilith Shaw would be a sassy lil thing to challenge him at ever turn. From the moment they met they were drawn to one another. There is no place for love when your a fighter though...
Lilith Shaw is a wonderful leading lady! I couldn't help but laugh at the words that were coming out of her mouth, to the way she acted around Orson. She's independent and doesn't need a man to help protect her. She has this under control.
I've come to find that James always has a very strong leading lady.
It's beyond pact full of action, there will be questions, you'll turn page after page trying to figure it all out. It's wonderful. Certainly keeps you on your toes, and might even have you a bit creeped out. Especially if it's dark, quiet, and your all alone when reading a certain part of the book. Hahahaha. Yes, that's me admitting that I was a bit creeped out.
So if you haven't already #1click this bad boy and learn all about the Winter family secrets.
I rate Secrets of Whitestone Manor 5+ amazing stars
#TeamLilith #TeamOrson #OrLil <3 <3 <3
More to come with my review on the Blog Tour February 9, 2015!
February 9, 2015
WHAT I THOUGHT:
LOVED IT! I like so much about this book! Even the cover gives you the feel of something old, sinister and creepy. I was into the book, well before I opened it, as the blurb really latched onto me. I had to read it and find out these dirty little secrets that are worth so much plotting and sinister messages.
I instantly loved the writing style and pace that James took in the book. I found that it was a brilliant pace, the same pace you would expect if you were a journalist, trying to suss a story and dig up all the secrets behind the manor. This meant that there were times where the story flew by, with action and urgency, really grabbing me, and there were times when we paused, reflecting and really taking in all the details. All this meant for me, was that I was hooked. I had enough detail to know the characters and the situations, and I felt like I was there.
I really like the plot of the story, which I won't share because, as you can tell...it's a secret. However, I am a fan of romance mixed with a bit of paranormal. This was written well and really blended that, along with the paranormal reason that things were the way they were in the manor.
I found the lead female to be strong and intelligent, which I love. I am a fan of strong females, especially when they are the counter, in a story, to a very strong male. I like when they battle for the story, not realising what is building between them. James writes this tension so well, that the scenes and emotions flow together, making it as real as if you were the person involved.
Overall, I really loved this read. It was different, but still had a lot of the underlying parts you need in a great paranormal romance. I highly recommend this read, as I truly could not put it down, even when my hubby moaned at me for reading on my iPad at 3AM....I just had to know the next step in the Secrets of Whitestone Manor. So Addicting!
LOVED IT! I like so much about this book! Even the cover gives you the feel of something old, sinister and creepy. I was into the book, well before I opened it, as the blurb really latched onto me. I had to read it and find out these dirty little secrets that are worth so much plotting and sinister messages.
I instantly loved the writing style and pace that James took in the book. I found that it was a brilliant pace, the same pace you would expect if you were a journalist, trying to suss a story and dig up all the secrets behind the manor. This meant that there were times where the story flew by, with action and urgency, really grabbing me, and there were times when we paused, reflecting and really taking in all the details. All this meant for me, was that I was hooked. I had enough detail to know the characters and the situations, and I felt like I was there.
I really like the plot of the story, which I won't share because, as you can tell...it's a secret. However, I am a fan of romance mixed with a bit of paranormal. This was written well and really blended that, along with the paranormal reason that things were the way they were in the manor.
I found the lead female to be strong and intelligent, which I love. I am a fan of strong females, especially when they are the counter, in a story, to a very strong male. I like when they battle for the story, not realising what is building between them. James writes this tension so well, that the scenes and emotions flow together, making it as real as if you were the person involved.
Overall, I really loved this read. It was different, but still had a lot of the underlying parts you need in a great paranormal romance. I highly recommend this read, as I truly could not put it down, even when my hubby moaned at me for reading on my iPad at 3AM....I just had to know the next step in the Secrets of Whitestone Manor. So Addicting!
May 22, 2015
Secrets they are there for a reason . not only to protect but sometimes secrets become harder to keep and when that happens we must do what we have to , to keep it a secret . Orson had to learn this lesson the hard way and everyday it is put to the test but to protect his brothers and sister and the world he will do it . But sometimes even the strongest need help but it is not easily accepted .
Orson was raised with love and his parents but when all that is suddenly taken away and the normal is secrets and deceit he does what he must to keep them all together and safe . when he meets Lilith everything changes but what happens when secrets is all you know and trust is hard .
Lilith Shaw and Orson are alike in many ways but unlike Orson she grew up in this world and secret and dangers. But even she has secrets and between those two the chemistry between them is aglow . Lilith is everything Orson is not and the main one is outgoing. Where Orson is more reserved she is more vibrant.
Orson , Lilith and the gang is in the middle of a big mystery and together they are going to unearth secrets that many would like to stay buried.
Im not usually a fan of YA romance but I loved this book it had so many things , drama , romance , suspense, it is a very captivating read. The whole story is gripping I would definitely recommend this book to anyone . If you're not a YA reader this book will change your mind. Everything from the siblings interaction to the ending . This was a 5 star read for me and cannot wait to start book two.
~Lindsey
Orson was raised with love and his parents but when all that is suddenly taken away and the normal is secrets and deceit he does what he must to keep them all together and safe . when he meets Lilith everything changes but what happens when secrets is all you know and trust is hard .
Lilith Shaw and Orson are alike in many ways but unlike Orson she grew up in this world and secret and dangers. But even she has secrets and between those two the chemistry between them is aglow . Lilith is everything Orson is not and the main one is outgoing. Where Orson is more reserved she is more vibrant.
Orson , Lilith and the gang is in the middle of a big mystery and together they are going to unearth secrets that many would like to stay buried.
Im not usually a fan of YA romance but I loved this book it had so many things , drama , romance , suspense, it is a very captivating read. The whole story is gripping I would definitely recommend this book to anyone . If you're not a YA reader this book will change your mind. Everything from the siblings interaction to the ending . This was a 5 star read for me and cannot wait to start book two.
~Lindsey
February 12, 2015
I received this book from HEA Book Tours, PR & More in return for a fair and honest review.
I've actually had trouble deciding on a star rating for this book. There are parts of it that are definitely worth a 4 and then others where I was wavering towards a 3. I've gone with 4 because, overall, this book held my attention and kept me turning the pages.
The story starts with a happy family who are enjoying life. They have a visit from someone who calls himself Uncle Sebastian which confuses the children because their parents say he is just an old friend. Not much time passes before tragedy strikes and both parents are killed. The children are packed up sent off to Uncle Sebastian who tells them that their whole way of life has to change. Fast forward 10 years and then the story really starts.
The book is well written with a fast paced plot that will keep you turning the pages. I think the issues I had were more of a personal level which is why I have given this 4 stars instead of 3 but I just didn't like Orson that much and got whiplash from the amount of times that he and Lilith were together, no they're not, yes they are. Plus there's a massive dollop of insta-love on there which just didn't seem to fit considering their first meeting (which was absolutely brilliant! I had high hopes!).
I've actually had trouble deciding on a star rating for this book. There are parts of it that are definitely worth a 4 and then others where I was wavering towards a 3. I've gone with 4 because, overall, this book held my attention and kept me turning the pages.
The story starts with a happy family who are enjoying life. They have a visit from someone who calls himself Uncle Sebastian which confuses the children because their parents say he is just an old friend. Not much time passes before tragedy strikes and both parents are killed. The children are packed up sent off to Uncle Sebastian who tells them that their whole way of life has to change. Fast forward 10 years and then the story really starts.
The book is well written with a fast paced plot that will keep you turning the pages. I think the issues I had were more of a personal level which is why I have given this 4 stars instead of 3 but I just didn't like Orson that much and got whiplash from the amount of times that he and Lilith were together, no they're not, yes they are. Plus there's a massive dollop of insta-love on there which just didn't seem to fit considering their first meeting (which was absolutely brilliant! I had high hopes!).
February 11, 2015
When I started reading this book I got pulled right in. I wanted to know the secret of Whitestone Manor. I figured out pretty quickly that the Winters family was not a typical family but I wasn't sure what their mission was right away but we find out pretty quickly what it is.
Orson is the oldest of the Winters siblings. He seems to act much older then his age. He and his siblings Ellison, Grayson, and Pierson live with Uncle Sebastian. Ellison and Grayson are great, they seem to get into trouble a lot and keep Orson on his toes.
The Winters family is one of the few families that protects the world against evil. When they threat is too much they call in another family to help. That how Orson meets Lilith.
Secrets of Whitestone Manor has mystery, romance, and paranormal themes. It has enough twists to keep you guessing and it doesn't have a dull moment
A copy was received for a review.
Orson is the oldest of the Winters siblings. He seems to act much older then his age. He and his siblings Ellison, Grayson, and Pierson live with Uncle Sebastian. Ellison and Grayson are great, they seem to get into trouble a lot and keep Orson on his toes.
The Winters family is one of the few families that protects the world against evil. When they threat is too much they call in another family to help. That how Orson meets Lilith.
Secrets of Whitestone Manor has mystery, romance, and paranormal themes. It has enough twists to keep you guessing and it doesn't have a dull moment
A copy was received for a review.
May 3, 2015
★★★★★
After the deaths of their parents Orson, his two brother's and his sister are taken to Whitestone. This is the home of his uncle that their father walked away from to attempt to give his family a normal life. The family business is much more than the copper mine, that just supplies the wealth.
The siblings lead a strictly organised life, because their real job will be to protect the innocent from the Sons of the Serpent.
Another family of fighters come to help out with a large group. Lilith is a very independent woman, used to fighting and looking after herself. When Orson tries his over protective attitude with her , she has to put him right.
This is a story that gives us ordinary people doing a heroic job. How they keep the things they do from the authorities is a bit of a mystery. Lots of fights, danger and plenty of emotion. I look forward to the next in the series.
After the deaths of their parents Orson, his two brother's and his sister are taken to Whitestone. This is the home of his uncle that their father walked away from to attempt to give his family a normal life. The family business is much more than the copper mine, that just supplies the wealth.
The siblings lead a strictly organised life, because their real job will be to protect the innocent from the Sons of the Serpent.
Another family of fighters come to help out with a large group. Lilith is a very independent woman, used to fighting and looking after herself. When Orson tries his over protective attitude with her , she has to put him right.
This is a story that gives us ordinary people doing a heroic job. How they keep the things they do from the authorities is a bit of a mystery. Lots of fights, danger and plenty of emotion. I look forward to the next in the series.
February 8, 2015
Another great novel by Brittany Jo James! This book is well written and keeps you engaged in the story from the first page to the last page! There are twist and turns around every corner. There is enough mystery to keep you wondering what will happen next. There is enough romance to make it sweet. Then you have a bit of paranormal that makes it that much more interesting. The characters are well developed and you will fall in love with them! I highly recommend this one!
January 27, 2015
This book was amazing! It grabs and holds your attention the whole way through! It almost borders on para-rom which is my heart but Mrs. James keeps everything clean, witty, and exciting. Our MC, Or, is just hot stuff! You can't help but just love him!!! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!! Keep up this spectacular work!!!
February 3, 2015
BEST WORK BY BRITTANY YET!!! I can't even express how much I enjoyed this book. There were ups and downs and twists and turns. It kept me turning page by page. It's romantic but not overly so. Mysterious. Must read!
February 8, 2015
Brittany has done it again! Secrets of Whitestone Manor is full of intrigue and edge of your seat drama, with just the right amount of feisty romance to tickle the senses! I am definitely excited for book 2!
February 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. It's a page Turner, and keeps you guessing. There were many times I thought I knew what was going on, but I was wrong every time. If you read this book you won't be disappointed!
May 2, 2015
Well this book was definately not what I expected. When I realized what it was about, I was intrigued but skeptical at the same time. I wasn't sure it would work, but it totally did. I was completely enthralled in the story and I'm really glad I decided to read it.
February 9, 2015
Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Kobo!
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Amazon: http://amzn.to/1HOtyZP
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iTunes: http://bit.ly/1K5aC6G
January 7, 2015
I cannot wait for this book!!!! :)
May 17, 2015
First off I would like to say Wow! I give this book a 4.5. Britttany Jo James has written a very dense, detail oriented book with just enough of a hint of mystery in the back story to keep us interested.
I actually took a break in the reading of this book to let the story percolate thru my head.
meet the Winters Family, Orson, Grayson, Ellison and Pierson, destined to fight the Sons of the Serpent and defend the innocent and preserve those who believe in the Lord from their evil. "With the first sin, the Sons of the Serpent were born. It's the responsibility of this family to fight and keep them, and all other evil entities from destroying Humanity. We're the ones God had entrusted to stand in the way of Satan's attack on the world."
This is how the Winters children are introduced to their destiny after their parents are killed by the enemy.
For 10 years the children's uncle has trained them to look, listen and kill those who would see Satan reign over the world. They are trained killers determined to eradicate the Sons of the Serpent and all those who would join them. It has been a hard ten years for the Winters children, their Uncle is a harsh and unforgiving man. yet he has trained them well and they are ready for the years of fighting ahead. Expect lots of action and some hinted at torture, needless to say this family fights well together.
To make it even more interesting one of the other families that also fights the evil is called in to help. Enter Lilith and her family.
However what good is a book like this without a little romance, Lilith who is determined to fight and not be a wife and mother butts heads with Orson who is the eldest Winters child. They just cannot seem to connect or perhaps their developing feelings for each other get in the way? I will let you discover the truth of that statement when you read "Secrets of Whitestone Manor" by Brittany Jo James.
This book is a good read and I am looking forward to reading the others in the series.
I actually took a break in the reading of this book to let the story percolate thru my head.
meet the Winters Family, Orson, Grayson, Ellison and Pierson, destined to fight the Sons of the Serpent and defend the innocent and preserve those who believe in the Lord from their evil. "With the first sin, the Sons of the Serpent were born. It's the responsibility of this family to fight and keep them, and all other evil entities from destroying Humanity. We're the ones God had entrusted to stand in the way of Satan's attack on the world."
This is how the Winters children are introduced to their destiny after their parents are killed by the enemy.
For 10 years the children's uncle has trained them to look, listen and kill those who would see Satan reign over the world. They are trained killers determined to eradicate the Sons of the Serpent and all those who would join them. It has been a hard ten years for the Winters children, their Uncle is a harsh and unforgiving man. yet he has trained them well and they are ready for the years of fighting ahead. Expect lots of action and some hinted at torture, needless to say this family fights well together.
To make it even more interesting one of the other families that also fights the evil is called in to help. Enter Lilith and her family.
However what good is a book like this without a little romance, Lilith who is determined to fight and not be a wife and mother butts heads with Orson who is the eldest Winters child. They just cannot seem to connect or perhaps their developing feelings for each other get in the way? I will let you discover the truth of that statement when you read "Secrets of Whitestone Manor" by Brittany Jo James.
This book is a good read and I am looking forward to reading the others in the series.
April 25, 2016
Please don't let my review prevent you from reading this book, as a lot of other people seem to have loved it. I personally just wasn't connecting with the book or characters. It just didn't grab me, I put the book down, and just wasn't interested enough to pick it back up again.
January 28, 2015
Review to come soon!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews