Souls: A Novel

by J.A. Hinsman

Souls is the unforgettable story of Ann, and the painful death of her twin sister, Celeste. Ann sets out on a quest to find the killer of her womb-mate following the subsequent death of her parents and after depression nearly kills her. Ann finds herself in California seeking out a Hollywood producer as the perpetrator and while there finds her soul coming back to life when she meets a young actor, Tyler Peters. She cringes at the idea of dating someone younger and becoming a ‘cougar’, but she may be able to use him for his Hollywood connections. An astonishing electricity between the two turns to a passionate and deep love that is tested by an unpredictable twist that comes when Ann figures out who is behind her sister’s death.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2012

Reviews

[Natalie Ducey]

“Souls: A Novel” by Jennifer Hinsman is an enjoyable, easy read with suspense, romance, and a little paranormal. The author takes you on a journey as the main character, Ann, sets out to find who killed her twin sister, Celeste. As an identical twin myself, I easily connected with Ann and her determination to solve this mystery. Overall, I felt the characters were developed nicely, and the pace was steady. I did, however, find that her encounters with all the right people in such a short time rather implausible. Although Ann did some investigation, it all seemed to fall together too easily. But, I did appreciate the twists and turns along the way.
For romance lovers, you’ll enjoy the budding romance of Ann and young, handsome actor, Tyler. I found myself cheering for her to find love and a peacefulness within her soul. Ann proves to be a strong woman, but you also see her vulnerability as she searches for that right someone to make her soul whole again. This is a prevalent message in the later stages of the book. I believe readers looking for a suspense, mystery, romance, and paranormal story will really enjoy this book.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko]

Beautiful and very touching love story. It didn’t start as a love story, but as a gruesome and very tragic story about this poor girl Ann who lost her whole family in the blink of an eye. Will she make it? Will she survive? This is one story where you could see the hand of God at work in someone’s life. At every turn, Ann found people who seemed to be sent to help her.

First, her late sister’s fiancé, whom she trusted, but whom perhaps, she shouldn’t have trusted so much. Then Ed who just out of the blues was there, and became a God sent. Ann ended calling him dad. And then came Tyler who again came into Ann’s life in that typical hand of God way. Call it destiny!

I love romances, and this one touched me in a sweet and delicate way. I must say that I came across a number of glitches which did not take from the story at all, glitches like some omitted words here and there. But, like I said, they did not spoil my enjoyment of this story.

[Balroop Singh]

Souls: A Novel by J.A. Hinsman is a usual story of romance and murder with some predictable suspense thrown in. I liked how the word ‘soul’ has been used as a symbol in Ann’s life in different ways but a book loses its charm when it is riddled with typos just in the beginning. Glaring errors would surprise you; I have marked at least 10. Besides there is repetition of the word ‘wondered,’ most of the dialogues end with that word. This book needs a good editor, as the rambling, indiscreet style of writing suggests that unnecessary details could be eliminated.

Slow in the beginning, the story picks up some pace when Ann talks about her emotional upheavals. There are two extreme kinds of characters – either they are incredibly good or absolutely wicked; gray areas don’t seem to exist in Hinsman’s world. Ann inspires awe but her perilous acts seem illusionary and her benevolence far-fetched. What spoke to me is the sibling love; Celeste’s endearing messages of moving on in life have a special charm yet Ann decides to play with fire. Half of the story is told in epilogue! I didn’t like that aspect too.

[Kim Cox]

Twists, Turns and Great Characters: What

more could you ask for, right? This is a

wonderful story line, very touching about

sibling love and what happens if someone

harms one of them. It was also about

letting go of the hate and letting yourself

live again after a loss. I loved all the

characters, especially Ann and Tyler and

their romance, but I think Ed was my

favorite. All the characters were well-

crafted and detailed. I could relate with

Ann as a person who has lost a sibling and

both parents, and of marrying a man seven

years younger. I know how it feels to be

the only one left in your immediate family.

So we had a lot in common. I also love a

great mystery and this one didn't

disappoint me. There were just enough

twists and turns to keep me guessing. I did

find a few missing words and typos but they

didn't take away from the enjoyment of the

story. I believe with a little more

editing this book could be on the best

seller list. I'm looking forward to reading

more from this author.

[Victoria Simcox]

Despair had virtually encompassed Ann when her twin sister, Celeste was murdered succeeding the dying of her father and mother. Later, while in quest of a Hollywood big-wig as the offender, she chance meets Tyler Peters, a young actor and finds herself drawn to him; however being he is younger than her, this doesn’t sit right with her. As the relationship grows more fervent, she gets warmer on the culprit’s trail and, the amazing energy amid her and Tyler Peters is suddenly tried. This story is immensely stirring, to do with sisterly bonds and the consequences of one of their lives taken in a disturbing way. There are positively exclusive characteristics to the narrative’s passionate design. Author, J Hinsman weaved an intriguing, romantic story that will keep you flipping through the pages. Two thumbs up!

[lornad106]

Enjoyed the book

I enjoyed the book. It had all the requirements needed in a book--love, murder, deception, suspense. However, I don't think I've ever read a book with as many typos as this one. You must not have a proofreader. And with the spell check now and everything I can't believe that the book was printed with that many errors. Champagne--it was misspelled at least twice--possibly three times. These took away from my enjoyment of the book. But you are an excellent writer--just please hire a good proofreader.

[Deborah Drezon]

Liked this very much. Hinsman has written a very compelling story, part mystery, part romance. Love to see it edited better, though. It didn't take away my enjoyment but the typos and slightly misused words were distracting. Still I really did like it. Good beach read.

[Rebecca Reilly]

J Hinsman did a lovely job with this debut novel! A bit of paranormal, romance, murder, and some mystery, Souls has a bit of everything.

[J.V. Carr]

Must Read!

A super sweet romance with a tragic murder twist. I read this entire book today! I couldn't put it down until the end!