What do you think?
Rate this book
Grace Ellery #1
Teacher Beware
Thirty-one year old Grace Ellery survived being stabbed multiple times in Ohio. Two years later, she moves to Murray, Virginia to get a new lease on life.
On her first day of substitute teaching, her new life is nearly cut short when she finds herself in the middle of a shooting that leaves a married couple dead. Luckily, she is saved by Sam Meadows, a cardiologist, but the shooter has disappeared by the time the police come around.
When the shooter tries to kill Grace again, Sam and Grace realize that the killer won’t stop until she is dead. With a killer who has nothing to lose, the question isn’t if the killer will attack again, but when and who will be in the crosshairs. A romance/murder-mystery wrapped in the aspects of life: love, family, forgiveness, danger, and death.
On her first day of substitute teaching, her new life is nearly cut short when she finds herself in the middle of a shooting that leaves a married couple dead. Luckily, she is saved by Sam Meadows, a cardiologist, but the shooter has disappeared by the time the police come around.
When the shooter tries to kill Grace again, Sam and Grace realize that the killer won’t stop until she is dead. With a killer who has nothing to lose, the question isn’t if the killer will attack again, but when and who will be in the crosshairs. A romance/murder-mystery wrapped in the aspects of life: love, family, forgiveness, danger, and death.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
373 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Raine
29 books452 followersCharlotte Raine is the author of several romantic suspense books with more on the way. She worked in marketing and advertising for 15 years before focusing on her true passion, telling great stories. Charlotte gets inspiration for her writing from the scenic but serene mountains around her home in Vail, Colorado.
When she is not writing you will find her after a long day of skiing at one of the many lodges in Vail. She will most likely be next to a warm fire, drinking a glass of wine and telling stories.
When she is not writing you will find her after a long day of skiing at one of the many lodges in Vail. She will most likely be next to a warm fire, drinking a glass of wine and telling stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 23, 2015
An enjoyable romantic suspense. Grace Ellery manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time which leads to her life being threatened once again. Sam Meadows, a socially awkward cardiologist, comes to her rescue and romance ensues.
The reader may have to suspend belief a little but the characters are endearing and the story was gripping.
I would be very happy to recommend Charlotte Raine’s novels.
The reader may have to suspend belief a little but the characters are endearing and the story was gripping.
I would be very happy to recommend Charlotte Raine’s novels.
March 2, 2016
Teacher Beware by Charlotte Raine is a 2014 publication.
This book was in the KU/Prime lending library in the Kindle store, and I noticed the author has quite a few books listed on Amazon, with decent enough ratings, so I thought I would give it a try.
Yikes! This is the first book in the Grace Ellery series, but this may not be the very first book this author published. However, I’m hoping it is, and that things get better as the series progresses, because this one is pretty bad. There is nothing wrong with the formatting, the grammar is fine, there are no typos, etc. But, the outline is very rough and the story is not cohesive, lots of information dump, zero chemistry between Grace and Sam, and the plot is see through and predictable.
As I was reading the book, I began to feel as though I was running some kind of race. The characters are severely underdeveloped and saying the story is rushed is an understatement. To put the cherry on the cake there is a slight cliffhanger designed to entice you into checking out the second book.
To be fair this is a freebie in the Kindle store, and it cost absolutely nothing to give it a try, and I have discovered some wonderful books and authors this way. So, if you want to take a chance on this one, and think maybe the series might improve over time, then by all means give it a shot. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it looks like this author has quite a few published books out there and probably has a loyal following. So perhaps many of these wrinkles have been ironed out by now. So, someday, I may check back in with this author and give her work a second chance.
1.5 stars rounded to 2
This book was in the KU/Prime lending library in the Kindle store, and I noticed the author has quite a few books listed on Amazon, with decent enough ratings, so I thought I would give it a try.
Yikes! This is the first book in the Grace Ellery series, but this may not be the very first book this author published. However, I’m hoping it is, and that things get better as the series progresses, because this one is pretty bad. There is nothing wrong with the formatting, the grammar is fine, there are no typos, etc. But, the outline is very rough and the story is not cohesive, lots of information dump, zero chemistry between Grace and Sam, and the plot is see through and predictable.
As I was reading the book, I began to feel as though I was running some kind of race. The characters are severely underdeveloped and saying the story is rushed is an understatement. To put the cherry on the cake there is a slight cliffhanger designed to entice you into checking out the second book.
To be fair this is a freebie in the Kindle store, and it cost absolutely nothing to give it a try, and I have discovered some wonderful books and authors this way. So, if you want to take a chance on this one, and think maybe the series might improve over time, then by all means give it a shot. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it looks like this author has quite a few published books out there and probably has a loyal following. So perhaps many of these wrinkles have been ironed out by now. So, someday, I may check back in with this author and give her work a second chance.
1.5 stars rounded to 2
January 16, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! it is not a Who-dun-it?, not a book I found myself trying to guess what was going to happen next, it was simply a book I could read through and enjoy! As someone else stated, there wasn't a lot dedicated to the lovers and their "feelings", and no overwhelming bedroom scenes. I really found that refreshing. Charlotte Raine is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her work!
November 15, 2020
This book is a short romance suspense story. It was a very quick read that I finished in a day. The format of the book used the POV of three different characters which was interesting. The chapters were very short and caused the story to feel choppy. The three characters used for the POVs were simple and underdeveloped. Through flashbacks we learned about each of their pasts, but it was very surface. The storyline did wrap up, but the epilogue clearly was designed to get the reader interested in the next book in the series. The romance developed very quickly and maybe the author will go deeper in the next book.
A 3 star read for me.
A 3 star read for me.
December 27, 2014
On her way to her first day of work as a substitute teacher, Grace Ellery witnesses a loving couple gunned down. Wanting to get rid of any witnesses, the shooter targets her. At the very last second Grace is saved by Dr. Sam Meadows.
While I liked the synopsis, there were a few things that just didn’t work for me. It is a good story just not one you can sink your teeth into. Not only is it a quick and simple read, I thought it moved along a little too quickly at times. The story randomly moves between present and past of the three POV’s given: Grace, Sam, and Deke. While I’ve never been bothered by stories moving between past and present, it didn’t work for me here and I believe it’s because of the author’s style of writing; the way it was broken up. The author would have more than one chapter dedicated to one’s past which I thought was unnecessary especially since so many of the chapters were so short. Why not just insert a tell-tale sign that the story is switching instead of introducing a new chapter? I honestly found it a little hard to believe that a teen could outsmart the police; that not one person even saw him during the shootings while he fled on his bike; that not one neighbour even heard a gunshot go off. He hid his weapons in the woods and still no one was able to locate it.
While I did like both protagonists, Sam and Grace, I wish there was a little more written about them, and I don’t mean about their pasts. Even though we learn about their pasts, how they grew up, their parents, and what moulded them to be the people they are today, I thought they still lacked depth. I think it’s because the story is written too simply. I did appreciate how they came together as we’re not undated with pages and pages of internal conversations of how much they care for the other or whether or not they’re worthy of being loved.
I didn’t understand why Grace got mad at Sam for telling Detective Scott about her earlier attack. Sure they would’ve found out, but getting mad at Sam is selfish. It’s not like she can hide it forever or that they wouldn’t have found out. They’re all trying to figure out who the killer is, why Sam’s been framed, and who’s upset at Grace enough to want to kill her twice. The angst was stupid and ridiculous.
In the end it’s still a good story with likeable characters. Not sure if this is part of a series. Reading the last few pages, I’m wondering if there is a second book in the works. If there is another installment, I’d like to read it if there is as it seems Grace’s story has just begun. Just an FYI, there were a few grammatical errors throughout but not enough to piss you off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2015
Grace Ellery survived an attack by a former student and has moved to Virginia to start again. She isn't there long before she gets involved in the shooting of a Muslim couple. She was just driving down the road. Dr. Sam Meadows was also driving down and road and jumps out of his car in time to save Grace from being shot herself.
Sam and Grace are both damaged people. Grace still has nightmares about the attack on her and can't even look at a knife without panicking. Sam grew up in a cold home and never felt connected to his family. This has made him a man who keeps his emotional distance from others. Throwing the two of them together is good for both of them. Sam doesn't have any trouble talking to Grace and Grace sees him as a sort of hero.
Grace is targeted for more attacks and the killer hasn't stopped killing those people who are in his way. We get the story from both Grace and Sam's viewpoints and with flashbacks that tell us what got them to their current situations. We also get the viewpoint of the teenage shooter who is one crazy kid.
This was a fast-paced thriller.
Sam and Grace are both damaged people. Grace still has nightmares about the attack on her and can't even look at a knife without panicking. Sam grew up in a cold home and never felt connected to his family. This has made him a man who keeps his emotional distance from others. Throwing the two of them together is good for both of them. Sam doesn't have any trouble talking to Grace and Grace sees him as a sort of hero.
Grace is targeted for more attacks and the killer hasn't stopped killing those people who are in his way. We get the story from both Grace and Sam's viewpoints and with flashbacks that tell us what got them to their current situations. We also get the viewpoint of the teenage shooter who is one crazy kid.
This was a fast-paced thriller.
July 16, 2015
This was a well written book, it was easy to read, and is told from the viewpoints of the three main characters (that wasn't so bad, but the steps back in time were initially slightly confusing). The characters were well crafted, including all of their personal problems.
Grace was a teacher who was attacked by a former pupil, understandably this would knock anyone's confidence, so she has moved to a smaller town to try and get her life back on track. This time as a substitute teacher. As she is driving to work on her first day she witnesses a pair of fatal shootings. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time seems to have a lot of associated problems.
It is not a thriller in the normal sense, as the reader is privy to the identity of the culprit from the outset. The epilogue spoilt the rest of the book for me, but maybe others will see things differently.
Grace was a teacher who was attacked by a former pupil, understandably this would knock anyone's confidence, so she has moved to a smaller town to try and get her life back on track. This time as a substitute teacher. As she is driving to work on her first day she witnesses a pair of fatal shootings. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time seems to have a lot of associated problems.
It is not a thriller in the normal sense, as the reader is privy to the identity of the culprit from the outset. The epilogue spoilt the rest of the book for me, but maybe others will see things differently.
January 5, 2015
Great Suspense through out the entire book with a little romance. The format is a little different but after I while I got used to it, it changes each chapter with the main characters and different time lines in the characters lives. This story is about Grace and how she moves to a new city to restart her life after one of her students tries to kill her, only to find out another one of her new students want to kill her too....OH my the suspense on each page to find out what happened. Very easy to read and kept you intrigued. It ends with a interesting ending in the epilogue that could end the book or lead into another book. Look forward to reading the second book in this installment.
January 9, 2015
Highly Charged
This book immediately draws you in and doesn't let up. The storyline is very well written and the characters are almost real. I could feel for all of the characters. Their feelings and thoughts are a lot like everyday people and I could really relate to them. Except for the bad guy of course. I highly recommend this book.
This book immediately draws you in and doesn't let up. The storyline is very well written and the characters are almost real. I could feel for all of the characters. Their feelings and thoughts are a lot like everyday people and I could really relate to them. Except for the bad guy of course. I highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2015
Teacher Beware by Charlotte Raine is an engrossing read, a difficult to put down journey through pupil/teacher relationships, murder, burgeoning romance and family disputes! Charlotte Raine links all these various strands throughout her book in a skilfully managed plot. Go read, and enjoy!
not-for-me-wtf
January 16, 2015I gave up when the MC refused to tell the cops that she was once stabbed by a crazy student despite the fact that in the present she is being targeted. Again. Oh and the poorly done instalove.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2015
Awesome story
I'm telling everyone about it. Great story of not remaining a victim. Turning adversity into strength. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
I'm telling everyone about it. Great story of not remaining a victim. Turning adversity into strength. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
April 7, 2015
Sam Meadows is a cardiologist and kind of a loner, but not in the creepy way. He was raised with 2 parents who cared more about their hobbies than their children. He likes to keep to himself and doesn’t really do personal intimate conversations, but being in a small town everyone knows him and his name has meaning. Sam knows that he doesn’t show compassion very well, but he does care about the people he meets especially his patients.
Grace Ellery is originally from Ohio but has recently moved to Virginia. She left Virginia after she was attacked and needed some place to start over. She is currently working as a substitute teacher at the local high school and living in her brother’s basement while other people rent the actual house.
Deacon Cochrane is a psychopath! He’s a senior in high school who lives with her grandfather who has raised him since his father was killed serving in the Army. Deke is really smart but also very calculating. He wants to join the army when he graduates like his brother and father both did, but can’t leave his grandfather until he knows that his automotive repair business will be ok. Oh and did I mention he’s a murderer?
Sam and Grace meet when they witness a shooting of two Muslim people and Sam dives onto Grace to save her from being the next shooting victim. Sam is drawn in by Grace’s green eyes and is captivated by her. They keep running into each other and there is some flirtation there. She’s awkward and I think Sam makes her nervous, but Sam seems to like her anyway. They really do bring out the best in each other. Grace meets Deacon when she subs for one of his classes in high school. She has no idea that he is the person who shot and killed the people around town, but he recognizes her the instant he sees her. He instantly thinks she might have seen him shoot the Muslim people and plots how he can kill her. Deacon’s first attempt at her life is botched; thankfully he only manages to shoot her leg. Lucky for her this throws her into the arms of Sam. Deacon doesn’t give up that easily though. He continues to rack up the body count around town and even tries to frame Sam for a murder. This poor boy is seriously deranged. We soon find out if Grace can escape from yet another attack on her life or will Deacon succeed in killing her?
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this book. This is not my normal genre but it had a lot of twists and turns throughout the book, so it kept you interested, and you really never knew what was going to happen. The romance between Sam and Grace was very fast evolving, but then I guess being shot at can make you feel things faster. It was an easy read and I finished it in a day. There were some errors with the writing, just little mistakes, but they could be overlooked easily enough.
Grace Ellery is originally from Ohio but has recently moved to Virginia. She left Virginia after she was attacked and needed some place to start over. She is currently working as a substitute teacher at the local high school and living in her brother’s basement while other people rent the actual house.
Deacon Cochrane is a psychopath! He’s a senior in high school who lives with her grandfather who has raised him since his father was killed serving in the Army. Deke is really smart but also very calculating. He wants to join the army when he graduates like his brother and father both did, but can’t leave his grandfather until he knows that his automotive repair business will be ok. Oh and did I mention he’s a murderer?
Sam and Grace meet when they witness a shooting of two Muslim people and Sam dives onto Grace to save her from being the next shooting victim. Sam is drawn in by Grace’s green eyes and is captivated by her. They keep running into each other and there is some flirtation there. She’s awkward and I think Sam makes her nervous, but Sam seems to like her anyway. They really do bring out the best in each other. Grace meets Deacon when she subs for one of his classes in high school. She has no idea that he is the person who shot and killed the people around town, but he recognizes her the instant he sees her. He instantly thinks she might have seen him shoot the Muslim people and plots how he can kill her. Deacon’s first attempt at her life is botched; thankfully he only manages to shoot her leg. Lucky for her this throws her into the arms of Sam. Deacon doesn’t give up that easily though. He continues to rack up the body count around town and even tries to frame Sam for a murder. This poor boy is seriously deranged. We soon find out if Grace can escape from yet another attack on her life or will Deacon succeed in killing her?
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this book. This is not my normal genre but it had a lot of twists and turns throughout the book, so it kept you interested, and you really never knew what was going to happen. The romance between Sam and Grace was very fast evolving, but then I guess being shot at can make you feel things faster. It was an easy read and I finished it in a day. There were some errors with the writing, just little mistakes, but they could be overlooked easily enough.
February 23, 2015
Pasts define the present in this gritty, suspense driven tale
FOUR STARS * * * *
This is my official book review of "Teacher Beware (A Grace Ellery Romantic Suspense Book 1)" by Charlotte Raine http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Beware-...
I found this story to be very engaging. First off, I liked the format of the story. I'm not normally a really big fan of flashback story-lines - I hate the feeling of being derailed. However, Charlotte Raine (author) did a fantastic job of keeping you aware, by way of the short chapter titles, who had the lead at the time and the time-frame (present or past) - much like is done in a movie when time and places shift and text is run at the bottom of the screen. The switching between the characters and their points of view was handled skillfully and for me, added to the flow of the story. (Made me lock in and focus as the context changed).
I liked the back-story and the explanations for the characteristics of the main characters. The effort did add depth to them and allowed me as a reader to better understand why they were the way they were. It allowed for a connection to the main characters. I didn't get as deep a connection as I was hoping for, but that is my personality issue, not the story telling. It "sort of clicked" for me rather than "fully clicked." That would be my only "ding" to the book - I personally could not quite get that full connection to the characters; their present story or their back-story.
This was a "Goldilocks" length story; it was a suspenseful read with a little romance thrown in.
I read some of the reviews at Amazon.com and I would like to chime in on the aspects of "a cliffhanger ending" and "that's no way to write a book" from my own personal opinion (and not part of a direct response to any of them). The story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. To me that is a complete story. The epilogue offered "an additional scene" - nothing less than one might see at the end of a movie part way through the credits (the infamous "added scene"). I feel it was done tactfully and appropriately - in the epilogue where it belongs. I don't think it spoiled anything from the book and just adds to the idea "there will be more to the story - stay tuned." Some will argue that it the epilogue should be "a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened" and formally that is what it is for but writing styles have changed over time (read Shakespeare lately?) and today, this is the place to leave that "to be continued" (if so desired).
I recommend "Teacher Beware (A Grace Ellery Romantic Suspense Book 1)" by Charlotte Raine - * * * * Four Stars (out of five)
FOUR STARS * * * *
This is my official book review of "Teacher Beware (A Grace Ellery Romantic Suspense Book 1)" by Charlotte Raine http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Beware-...
I found this story to be very engaging. First off, I liked the format of the story. I'm not normally a really big fan of flashback story-lines - I hate the feeling of being derailed. However, Charlotte Raine (author) did a fantastic job of keeping you aware, by way of the short chapter titles, who had the lead at the time and the time-frame (present or past) - much like is done in a movie when time and places shift and text is run at the bottom of the screen. The switching between the characters and their points of view was handled skillfully and for me, added to the flow of the story. (Made me lock in and focus as the context changed).
I liked the back-story and the explanations for the characteristics of the main characters. The effort did add depth to them and allowed me as a reader to better understand why they were the way they were. It allowed for a connection to the main characters. I didn't get as deep a connection as I was hoping for, but that is my personality issue, not the story telling. It "sort of clicked" for me rather than "fully clicked." That would be my only "ding" to the book - I personally could not quite get that full connection to the characters; their present story or their back-story.
This was a "Goldilocks" length story; it was a suspenseful read with a little romance thrown in.
I read some of the reviews at Amazon.com and I would like to chime in on the aspects of "a cliffhanger ending" and "that's no way to write a book" from my own personal opinion (and not part of a direct response to any of them). The story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. To me that is a complete story. The epilogue offered "an additional scene" - nothing less than one might see at the end of a movie part way through the credits (the infamous "added scene"). I feel it was done tactfully and appropriately - in the epilogue where it belongs. I don't think it spoiled anything from the book and just adds to the idea "there will be more to the story - stay tuned." Some will argue that it the epilogue should be "a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened" and formally that is what it is for but writing styles have changed over time (read Shakespeare lately?) and today, this is the place to leave that "to be continued" (if so desired).
I recommend "Teacher Beware (A Grace Ellery Romantic Suspense Book 1)" by Charlotte Raine - * * * * Four Stars (out of five)
February 10, 2015
Needs just a little more polishing to be great.
Not a bad read. The story centers around a gal named, Grace who has moved to Virginia at the insistence of her brother to begin a fresh start. See, Grace is a school teacher and was brutally attacked by a student.
Instead of getting a fresh start, it appears her past is following her. On her way to her first day of teaching she not only witnesses a double murder, she also becomes the target of the shooter. That is a good premise. I will say, the scene is very captivating and exciting.
I had two issues with the book. The biggest one was the shooter using a shotgun to kill people from a long distance. Unless it has a single shot capacity, I couldn’t find it believable that the first couple killed would have neat wounds. The purpose of a shotgun is to have a large suppressive firing area. I’m not saying the couple wouldn’t have died, but I believe it would have been highly unlikely. A Remington Rifle would have been a better weapon of choice.
Another is the chapter titles. I’m not sure why writers are now using this method. Each chapter title is the person speaking. I find this a tad bit distracting. Perhaps in a paperback copy it wouldn’t seem so awkward, but on the Kindle version, I found myself, on more than one occasion, having to go back and see who is talking. Maybe if the titles were in a larger and more prominent font, it would have been clearer.
And lastly, I didn’t feel all the characters were completely fleshed out. The adult, Grace and her soon to be lover, Sam had too many teenage characteristics.
Okay, with that out of the way let’s get down the nitty-gritty. This is a fast paced, exciting work. I found myself at many times recollection Columbine and Sandy Grove as Deke, the troubled teen, who believes foreigners and corporations are the reason his Grandfather’s shop isn’t doing well, snaps. He’s lost his father and uncle to the war in Afghanistan and feels it’s him against the world. And there’s only one way to correct those mistakes, go on a shooting rampage and convince those who didn’t grow up in Murray, Virginia, to stay out!
I believe with just a little more work, this could be a great story. Will I read the follow-up story, still thinking about it.
Three and-a-half stars.
Not a bad read. The story centers around a gal named, Grace who has moved to Virginia at the insistence of her brother to begin a fresh start. See, Grace is a school teacher and was brutally attacked by a student.
Instead of getting a fresh start, it appears her past is following her. On her way to her first day of teaching she not only witnesses a double murder, she also becomes the target of the shooter. That is a good premise. I will say, the scene is very captivating and exciting.
I had two issues with the book. The biggest one was the shooter using a shotgun to kill people from a long distance. Unless it has a single shot capacity, I couldn’t find it believable that the first couple killed would have neat wounds. The purpose of a shotgun is to have a large suppressive firing area. I’m not saying the couple wouldn’t have died, but I believe it would have been highly unlikely. A Remington Rifle would have been a better weapon of choice.
Another is the chapter titles. I’m not sure why writers are now using this method. Each chapter title is the person speaking. I find this a tad bit distracting. Perhaps in a paperback copy it wouldn’t seem so awkward, but on the Kindle version, I found myself, on more than one occasion, having to go back and see who is talking. Maybe if the titles were in a larger and more prominent font, it would have been clearer.
And lastly, I didn’t feel all the characters were completely fleshed out. The adult, Grace and her soon to be lover, Sam had too many teenage characteristics.
Okay, with that out of the way let’s get down the nitty-gritty. This is a fast paced, exciting work. I found myself at many times recollection Columbine and Sandy Grove as Deke, the troubled teen, who believes foreigners and corporations are the reason his Grandfather’s shop isn’t doing well, snaps. He’s lost his father and uncle to the war in Afghanistan and feels it’s him against the world. And there’s only one way to correct those mistakes, go on a shooting rampage and convince those who didn’t grow up in Murray, Virginia, to stay out!
I believe with just a little more work, this could be a great story. Will I read the follow-up story, still thinking about it.
Three and-a-half stars.
March 25, 2015
Teacher Beware is a very thought-provoking and deeply moving story of overcoming your fears to fight for a life that we all deserve. No matter what stands in your way, anything can be overcome with enough heart and determination. No one should have to live in the shadow of their fear. Instead, we should seek out those around us who can help to lift ourselves out of the muck and mire. Only when we selflessly reach out to those around us will ever truly make a difference.
Grace has a past that she is trying to forget and work past, but that’s easier said than done. Just when things start to look up, they suddenly turn deadly and once again she finds herself in the crosshairs of fear. This time, she is given the opportunity to receive help in working past her current fear and overcoming her past fear. Sam Meadows becomes Grace’s knight in shining armor and essentially saves her life. Grace isn’t sure how to handle this new development in her life when all she wants is peace and a chance to start over. The only thing that Grace can count on is that Sam is more than willing to help protect her and be the light she needs to walk through the darkness of the path laid before her. Will she accept and welcome him into her life, or will she push him away and find herself in more danger then she ever imagined?
Grace was a beautiful character who has had to deal with more than any person should have to. She is trying to be strong, but all she knows how to do is to run away and hide. Sam doesn’t know what it feels like to belong or to be loved, but he is shocked when he finds comfort and love with Grace. She shakes him out of his meager existence, and he teaches Grace how to find her courage and confront her fears. They are perfect for each other, and as their relationship grows, they find a connection that they can’t deny and carefully nurture it.
Charlotte Raine has poured her entire heart into this wonderful story of choosing to reach out and make a difference in the life of others no matter the cost. First impressions are rarely correct, and as a result, we need to learn how to look into the soul of another to encourage, help, and infuse life into them. If we don’t, who will?
Grace has a past that she is trying to forget and work past, but that’s easier said than done. Just when things start to look up, they suddenly turn deadly and once again she finds herself in the crosshairs of fear. This time, she is given the opportunity to receive help in working past her current fear and overcoming her past fear. Sam Meadows becomes Grace’s knight in shining armor and essentially saves her life. Grace isn’t sure how to handle this new development in her life when all she wants is peace and a chance to start over. The only thing that Grace can count on is that Sam is more than willing to help protect her and be the light she needs to walk through the darkness of the path laid before her. Will she accept and welcome him into her life, or will she push him away and find herself in more danger then she ever imagined?
Grace was a beautiful character who has had to deal with more than any person should have to. She is trying to be strong, but all she knows how to do is to run away and hide. Sam doesn’t know what it feels like to belong or to be loved, but he is shocked when he finds comfort and love with Grace. She shakes him out of his meager existence, and he teaches Grace how to find her courage and confront her fears. They are perfect for each other, and as their relationship grows, they find a connection that they can’t deny and carefully nurture it.
Charlotte Raine has poured her entire heart into this wonderful story of choosing to reach out and make a difference in the life of others no matter the cost. First impressions are rarely correct, and as a result, we need to learn how to look into the soul of another to encourage, help, and infuse life into them. If we don’t, who will?
February 22, 2015
This isn't a genre I often read, but I was looking forward to the change.
This is a suspenseful tale full of twists and turns. There are three main characters, and by using the first person perspective, the author really gets into their heads. Each of the characters carries quite a bit of baggage, which is revealed piece by piece as the story unfolds and gives insight to the reasons why they are behaving as they are.
I thought this three character, first person POV was well done. By marking each chapter with the character's name, it was easy to keep track of which head we were visiting at that time. Although perhaps a little jarring, it was nice to dive into their individual thoughts and get a chance to feel what they were feeling. . .even the 'bad guy'.
The plot moves along nicely, and I had no trouble reading this in one sitting. But then the length, also invites to an enjoyable, evening read. The descriptions themselves were just enough to get an idea of the surroundings, but never felt flowery or wordy. It was easy to crawl into the world, and fever for Grace each time her life was endanger.
Honestly, I was on the fence whether to give this a 3 or 4 star rating, not because of the plot, characters or writing itself (I found all of that well done and intriguing), but the background of each character is dropped in as backflashes. Alongside the characters' name (at the beginning of the chapter) is a date, and the reader is transported to the past scenes. I found it simply too 'bouncy'. Three POVs is hard enough to pull through (which the author does a great job with!), but adding backflashes for each one several times ruined the flow for me. But I'm sure other readers may not find this irritating at all.
Summed up, TEACHERS BEWARE has tension, suspense, a lovely romance, and great twists and turns, and I'm glad I had the chance to dive into its pages.
This is a suspenseful tale full of twists and turns. There are three main characters, and by using the first person perspective, the author really gets into their heads. Each of the characters carries quite a bit of baggage, which is revealed piece by piece as the story unfolds and gives insight to the reasons why they are behaving as they are.
I thought this three character, first person POV was well done. By marking each chapter with the character's name, it was easy to keep track of which head we were visiting at that time. Although perhaps a little jarring, it was nice to dive into their individual thoughts and get a chance to feel what they were feeling. . .even the 'bad guy'.
The plot moves along nicely, and I had no trouble reading this in one sitting. But then the length, also invites to an enjoyable, evening read. The descriptions themselves were just enough to get an idea of the surroundings, but never felt flowery or wordy. It was easy to crawl into the world, and fever for Grace each time her life was endanger.
Honestly, I was on the fence whether to give this a 3 or 4 star rating, not because of the plot, characters or writing itself (I found all of that well done and intriguing), but the background of each character is dropped in as backflashes. Alongside the characters' name (at the beginning of the chapter) is a date, and the reader is transported to the past scenes. I found it simply too 'bouncy'. Three POVs is hard enough to pull through (which the author does a great job with!), but adding backflashes for each one several times ruined the flow for me. But I'm sure other readers may not find this irritating at all.
Summed up, TEACHERS BEWARE has tension, suspense, a lovely romance, and great twists and turns, and I'm glad I had the chance to dive into its pages.
March 23, 2015
Charlotte Raine's Teacher Beware is a a thriller/romance which revolves around the lives of a substitute teacher, Grace, and a cardiologist, Sam, who meet while witnessing a double murder. Inevitably, these two find they have much more in common than simply the blood splattered on their clothes.
Grace, a recent resident of Murray, Virginia, is looking for a fresh start after a traumatic life event while Sam chooses to remain private in the hopes of protecting himself so as not to be hurt again, as he was growing up, by those whom were supposed to love him the most. Sam himself expresses this reality, "I think about . . . my own obstacles in life. I think about how scars shows [sic] someone who has lived thoroughly. It shows someone who saw his or her worst fears and kept pushing forward" (267-268).
Thus, I think the potential for deep characterization was there, but further development was needed in order for the reader to fully comprehend their unique situations and motivations as in the case with Deke, the troubled youth in the book. As I would tell my students, slow down and take your time for fully developed second-order writing or MORE! MORE! MORE! written across the page.
In addition, a more thorough editing is needed throughout as there were abundant split infinitives (please, Peeps, do not let "not" separate to + verb), a subject/verb agreement error as noted above, and pronoun reference errors as in "Whenever I look at human [sic], I imagine their heart . . ." (63).
If reading Teacher Beware for a book club, a selection of finger foods is preferred as an avoidance of the use of knives is a must.
Grace, a recent resident of Murray, Virginia, is looking for a fresh start after a traumatic life event while Sam chooses to remain private in the hopes of protecting himself so as not to be hurt again, as he was growing up, by those whom were supposed to love him the most. Sam himself expresses this reality, "I think about . . . my own obstacles in life. I think about how scars shows [sic] someone who has lived thoroughly. It shows someone who saw his or her worst fears and kept pushing forward" (267-268).
Thus, I think the potential for deep characterization was there, but further development was needed in order for the reader to fully comprehend their unique situations and motivations as in the case with Deke, the troubled youth in the book. As I would tell my students, slow down and take your time for fully developed second-order writing or MORE! MORE! MORE! written across the page.
In addition, a more thorough editing is needed throughout as there were abundant split infinitives (please, Peeps, do not let "not" separate to + verb), a subject/verb agreement error as noted above, and pronoun reference errors as in "Whenever I look at human [sic], I imagine their heart . . ." (63).
If reading Teacher Beware for a book club, a selection of finger foods is preferred as an avoidance of the use of knives is a must.
January 15, 2015
A little out of my normal reading zone, but a wonderful suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.
I found it a bit confusing because of the format that Ms. Raine wrote in - POV back and forth between characters, but once settled in it's a great read.
This is the story of Grace, she moves to a small town trying to sort her life, after almost being killed by a former student. On her first day back to work she witnesses a shooting on the side of the road and when she jumps out of her car she is tackled by the local cardiologist, Dr. Sam Meadows. This is just the beginning, Deke is a local kid that has suffered loss of epic proportions, and well is crazy. Deke is the shooter. So, you follow the story through all these characters eyes. The characters are strong and well defined and you feel a part of this world as you turn each page.
If you like a good suspense with a little romance woven in you should completely enjoy this one. The epilogue made me scream!
I found it a bit confusing because of the format that Ms. Raine wrote in - POV back and forth between characters, but once settled in it's a great read.
This is the story of Grace, she moves to a small town trying to sort her life, after almost being killed by a former student. On her first day back to work she witnesses a shooting on the side of the road and when she jumps out of her car she is tackled by the local cardiologist, Dr. Sam Meadows. This is just the beginning, Deke is a local kid that has suffered loss of epic proportions, and well is crazy. Deke is the shooter. So, you follow the story through all these characters eyes. The characters are strong and well defined and you feel a part of this world as you turn each page.
If you like a good suspense with a little romance woven in you should completely enjoy this one. The epilogue made me scream!
February 24, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Teacher Beware by Charlotte Raine is something that once you open the book it will grab you, hold you down on the edge of your seat as you watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more. As you read it it will begin to feel like you are becoming a part of the story. There's a few twists and turns included and they will keep you on your toes. Grace moves from a past that she wants to forget. She is hired as a teacher in a new town. On her first day she sees a killing and she too is shot. The killer is after her. She is now a target to be killed. Why was Grace shot? What will happen to Grace? Will the killer be caught before anything happens? The ending is not what you expect ...... Sequel?? I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give it more. I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially to those who like books with drama, suspense, and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading more by Charlotte Raine.
Teacher Beware by Charlotte Raine is something that once you open the book it will grab you, hold you down on the edge of your seat as you watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more. As you read it it will begin to feel like you are becoming a part of the story. There's a few twists and turns included and they will keep you on your toes. Grace moves from a past that she wants to forget. She is hired as a teacher in a new town. On her first day she sees a killing and she too is shot. The killer is after her. She is now a target to be killed. Why was Grace shot? What will happen to Grace? Will the killer be caught before anything happens? The ending is not what you expect ...... Sequel?? I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give it more. I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially to those who like books with drama, suspense, and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading more by Charlotte Raine.
March 1, 2015
This story is about three people and how their lives connect. One of them is a substitute teacher named Grace. She saw a Muslim couple get shot and since she is a witness, the killer tries to kill her too. Then there is Sam who is a cardiologist. He saw Grace get out of her car to help the couple so he tackled her. He arrived just in time because Grace was being shot at by this time. Deke is the teenager who is killing all the owners of auto repair shops in the small town in order to get rid of any competition his grandfather's shop may have.
Teacher Beware was written in a unique way by often going back several years for each character. I found this confusing and hard to follow. Given my feelings on that, I felt it was a 3 star book. That was until the ending - then it became a 2 star.
Please remember that this is just my opinion and other readers may not have the difficulty that I did in following the story.
Teacher Beware was written in a unique way by often going back several years for each character. I found this confusing and hard to follow. Given my feelings on that, I felt it was a 3 star book. That was until the ending - then it became a 2 star.
Please remember that this is just my opinion and other readers may not have the difficulty that I did in following the story.
March 9, 2015
Three and a half stars
This was an interesting book, and one that keep me interested enough to read it over a 24 hour period.
I'm not really sure what category it comes under, as it has a little romance, a little mystery, a little excitement, and all rolled into one it makes a very interesting plot.
As I said there was a little romance with our two main characters hitting it off, but I didn't feel any real spark between them, it was something that just happened. There is excitement, with stabbings and shootings, but no mystery as such, because the reader knows from the start who is the killer. But wait, that's not all, Yes folks, we have a second killer, or a first, depends on how you look at it! Just as everything seems to be settling down for Sam and Grace, along comes another threat.
I did take a bit to warm to the characters in this book, but the story line held up and with a Happy (almost) for now, I really think reading on is a must.
This was an interesting book, and one that keep me interested enough to read it over a 24 hour period.
I'm not really sure what category it comes under, as it has a little romance, a little mystery, a little excitement, and all rolled into one it makes a very interesting plot.
As I said there was a little romance with our two main characters hitting it off, but I didn't feel any real spark between them, it was something that just happened. There is excitement, with stabbings and shootings, but no mystery as such, because the reader knows from the start who is the killer. But wait, that's not all, Yes folks, we have a second killer, or a first, depends on how you look at it! Just as everything seems to be settling down for Sam and Grace, along comes another threat.
I did take a bit to warm to the characters in this book, but the story line held up and with a Happy (almost) for now, I really think reading on is a must.
June 5, 2016
On her way to her first day at work as a substitute teacher, Grace Ellery witnesses a shooting and its only the quick thinking of local cardiologist, Sam that prevents her from being injured herself. However, the shooter is on a mission and he isn't done with Grace or Sam, can he be stopped before he gets to them both?
This really easy to read thriller was engaging and quick, whilst also establishing the basics of an enduring characters that I would love to read again. The small town of Murray the story is set in sounds charming and definitely worth another visit.
I am not a big romance reader or fan but the romance in this one wasn't cringeworthy and I found myself rooting for things to work out for Grace.
A chilling read but one with a feel good factor.
This really easy to read thriller was engaging and quick, whilst also establishing the basics of an enduring characters that I would love to read again. The small town of Murray the story is set in sounds charming and definitely worth another visit.
I am not a big romance reader or fan but the romance in this one wasn't cringeworthy and I found myself rooting for things to work out for Grace.
A chilling read but one with a feel good factor.
February 27, 2015
This was a short-ish book, which, for me, was great because I read it through in one sitting. I fell in love with the author's gentle writing style; eloquent and fresh, a long way from the gore and thunder others in this genre serve up. The young substitute teacher and the socially awkward cardiologist make a delightful combination. They’re the main characters here and were genuine, decent people, with realistic problems. Even the bad boy had (valid in his eye) well thought out reasons for doing everything he did, and that made me feel sad for him. And there is a sequel? This is a new author I shall be following.
August 14, 2016
4 Stars
Suspense with a touch of romance. Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the three main characters, and sometimes the chapter is from their past, which allows you more insight into each character and gives a reason for certain behaviors from them.
Although the format is different than I normally read, I found the book to be easy to follow. It has great character interaction, and a plot that will keep you on your toes.
A great read for all those interested in suspense or mystery/thriller type books.
Suspense with a touch of romance. Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the three main characters, and sometimes the chapter is from their past, which allows you more insight into each character and gives a reason for certain behaviors from them.
Although the format is different than I normally read, I found the book to be easy to follow. It has great character interaction, and a plot that will keep you on your toes.
A great read for all those interested in suspense or mystery/thriller type books.
March 1, 2020
Unlucky
Some people have all the bad luck and Grace seems to be one of them. I felt bad for Grace throughout this story but she was a good fairly strong female character which I really enjoyed.
Some people have all the bad luck and Grace seems to be one of them. I felt bad for Grace throughout this story but she was a good fairly strong female character which I really enjoyed.
February 17, 2015
Grace on her way to her first day as a substitute teacher witnesses a murder of a Muslim couple. Jumping out of her truck to help she hears more shots and someone tackles her to the ground. Sam on his way to his office sees what is going on and thinking Grace is going to be shot knocks her to the ground Deke is out to save his grandfathers business. If it wasn't for the foreigners in town that take business from him he would be doing ok. But now he has witnesses to his crime and he needs to make sure they can't talk.
Book is told in the different pov's which makes it interesting to see what all the main characters are thinking at that time. After all Grace has been through she finds herself again with her life on the line. Sam being quiet and not a big people person finds himself wanting to protect Grace. Some romance and plenty of suspense and mystery. the book does wrap up but the epilogue leaves it open for the next book.
Book is told in the different pov's which makes it interesting to see what all the main characters are thinking at that time. After all Grace has been through she finds herself again with her life on the line. Sam being quiet and not a big people person finds himself wanting to protect Grace. Some romance and plenty of suspense and mystery. the book does wrap up but the epilogue leaves it open for the next book.
February 6, 2017
Not impressed with this and deleted at 31%. It started well enough but for starters it all comes across as a bit "Mills & Boone" which isn't a favourite genre of mine. Plus there was too much repetition and too many mistakes.
We were told John is the closest thing Sam has to a friend and it was then repeated again a few pages along as was the fact that the local area school districts were deperate for new teachers. We'd hardly forgotten this in a matter of pages !! There were needless commas dumped into sentences making them read differently, the word a missed from sentences more than once (Whenever I look at human or My breathing goes shallow and for moment, stops altogether). I reached this line, sighed very loudly and deleted-"I wasn't going to risk some shooter into my house or a stray bullet to hit one of them". If you can make sense of that then all power to you !!
We were told John is the closest thing Sam has to a friend and it was then repeated again a few pages along as was the fact that the local area school districts were deperate for new teachers. We'd hardly forgotten this in a matter of pages !! There were needless commas dumped into sentences making them read differently, the word a missed from sentences more than once (Whenever I look at human or My breathing goes shallow and for moment, stops altogether). I reached this line, sighed very loudly and deleted-"I wasn't going to risk some shooter into my house or a stray bullet to hit one of them". If you can make sense of that then all power to you !!
November 23, 2015
I liked the characterization and the storyline but there were some problems that could have been eliminated with more careful editing. i.e. The murder weapon changed from a shotgun to a rifle from page to page. The ammunition at one point was called "shotshells". Maybe I am just not knowledgeable about ammunition but that seemed odd to me. The main character in her role as a substitute teacher planned lessons, supervised dissection labs and was involved in decorating for and chaperoning a school dance. Possibly in some schools but not the ones where I have taught.
The villain seemed to be very knowledgeable, organized and experienced in carrying out his mission in what I thought was a thin plot.
The villain seemed to be very knowledgeable, organized and experienced in carrying out his mission in what I thought was a thin plot.
March 9, 2015
Teacher Beware
I really enjoyed the storyline which did keep me interested in what happens next. The story did move a little fast which I can understand when some authors like to get to the point. The constant character and time changes was great also because it gave you an insight on why the characters react the way they do. There was a little confusion with Deke using a shotgun for the long distant shooting and how easy is was for him to question the hotel clerk without suspicion and then get into the hotel room of Grace who was being protected by the police. Other than that I will read the second part of this series.
I really enjoyed the storyline which did keep me interested in what happens next. The story did move a little fast which I can understand when some authors like to get to the point. The constant character and time changes was great also because it gave you an insight on why the characters react the way they do. There was a little confusion with Deke using a shotgun for the long distant shooting and how easy is was for him to question the hotel clerk without suspicion and then get into the hotel room of Grace who was being protected by the police. Other than that I will read the second part of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews