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Mariposa
Murdered, then trapped between worlds as a ghost, Meg is surrounded by other lost souls, some seeking to make peace with their past, while others… others fear a killer in the netherworld, who feeds on what ghosts most treasure: memories. Each time he feeds, the killer grows stronger, and he begins to threaten both the dead and the living, including Meg’s grieving step daughter.
Now a dead woman must fight the battle of her life, for the sake of her friends and family, and find out for herself if love can indeed be stronger than death.
Now a dead woman must fight the battle of her life, for the sake of her friends and family, and find out for herself if love can indeed be stronger than death.
292 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2014
2 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Kim Wells
12 books27 followersKim wrote her first critically acclaimed (if you call her fourth grade teacher a critic, and she does) short story when she was 9 years old. It was about Christmas in a Cave, and it featured such topical, ground-breaking subjects as homelessness & cave dwelling. She's been writing ever since. The state of publication depends on who you ask.
She has a Ph.D. in Literature, with specialties in American Lit, Women Writers, Feminism, Sci-Fi/Fantasy & Film Studies but please don't hold any of that against her. She sometimes teaches academic writing and how to read literature at a university in her hometown and tries to convince college students that it really is cool to like poetry.
She lives in the South, has twin children (one girl, one boy) and a husband who is the model for all her best romantic heroes. She also has two cats-- one black and sassy, one stripey and fat.
She has a Ph.D. in Literature, with specialties in American Lit, Women Writers, Feminism, Sci-Fi/Fantasy & Film Studies but please don't hold any of that against her. She sometimes teaches academic writing and how to read literature at a university in her hometown and tries to convince college students that it really is cool to like poetry.
She lives in the South, has twin children (one girl, one boy) and a husband who is the model for all her best romantic heroes. She also has two cats-- one black and sassy, one stripey and fat.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 27, 2015
I came across this book on a blog and was immediately struck by the beautiful and unusual cover. I read the blurb, watched the book trailer, and knew I had to read it.
This is a ghost story, but it is a very different kind of ghost story than I'm used to. On Amazon it's classified under metaphysical, and I think that's a pretty close description of what this is. It's a love story, but it's also about forgiveness and moving on.
I could relate very well to the characters, especially Tony. I am a native Texan, almost all German, and I'm married to a man who is 100% Mexican. Our children have blue eyes, brown hair, and all except one, tan very easily. I'll admit I've never felt any kind of animosity between the different people groups (Native American vs. Spanish/hispanic/mixed) but I don't doubt it exists. The legend of La Llorona and searching for and reconciling her lost children made for an interesting plot.
Now here's where my practical, literal, German side kicks in: I know this is metaphysical and I shouldn't sabotage my own enjoyment of the story by trying to obtain concrete answers for something not meant to be defined in such black and white manner, but I want to know how Omar can see the wolves and Meg? Is he a sensitive? Where did Tony go?
I was glad at the end that Meg and Tony got a type of HEA.
This is a ghost story, but it is a very different kind of ghost story than I'm used to. On Amazon it's classified under metaphysical, and I think that's a pretty close description of what this is. It's a love story, but it's also about forgiveness and moving on.
I could relate very well to the characters, especially Tony. I am a native Texan, almost all German, and I'm married to a man who is 100% Mexican. Our children have blue eyes, brown hair, and all except one, tan very easily. I'll admit I've never felt any kind of animosity between the different people groups (Native American vs. Spanish/hispanic/mixed) but I don't doubt it exists. The legend of La Llorona and searching for and reconciling her lost children made for an interesting plot.
Now here's where my practical, literal, German side kicks in: I know this is metaphysical and I shouldn't sabotage my own enjoyment of the story by trying to obtain concrete answers for something not meant to be defined in such black and white manner, but I want to know how Omar can see the wolves and Meg? Is he a sensitive? Where did Tony go?
I was glad at the end that Meg and Tony got a type of HEA.
December 18, 2015
“Love is not only the story of butterflies or birds; it is also the story of jackals and hounds” - M.F. Moonzajer
a random act of violence ends what could have been the happiest night of Tony and Meg's lives. now she finds herself alone, lost and wandering the earthly plane. Amelinda, Tony's daughter, grieves for the loss of her father and what might have been her stepmother. she devotes her time to her books and business wondering how her life could have been different if her dad and Meg were still alive...
dubbed by the author as her "love-note to San Antonio," this novel blends fantasy, myth, history, folklore, urban legends and ghost stories and is told in Meg and Amelinda's alternating voices.
from the first page to the last, i was entranced by the author's unique storytelling style. it was very conversational and it felt like i was not reading at all but "listening" directly to her female protagonists relate their joys and pains. moreover, this technique worked well for me because i found myself being involved in the whole narrative.
the supernatural/paranormal elements were interesting and so were the historical tidbits about San Antonio. i was amused by Meg's jaunts through the spirit world as well as appalled by some of her experiences as she finds answers to why she was still stuck and had not moved on. i also enjoyed Amelinda's side of the story as she navigates through the hustle and bustle in the land of the living. moreover, there was Earl, the cat!
what really endeared me to the book was its easy, readable, unpretentious approach. although, i noticed that there were quite a few echoes from the blockbuster movie Ghost in some of the scenes, i did not mind. i still loved how the author incorporated them and made them her own (if indeed she was inspired by some details from that movie).
Kim Wells' Mariposa is a haunting, beautiful love story that unites the divide between the living and the dead and more. it is one of the best books i have read this 2015 and i look forward to the next one!
*received a copy for review
a random act of violence ends what could have been the happiest night of Tony and Meg's lives. now she finds herself alone, lost and wandering the earthly plane. Amelinda, Tony's daughter, grieves for the loss of her father and what might have been her stepmother. she devotes her time to her books and business wondering how her life could have been different if her dad and Meg were still alive...
dubbed by the author as her "love-note to San Antonio," this novel blends fantasy, myth, history, folklore, urban legends and ghost stories and is told in Meg and Amelinda's alternating voices.
from the first page to the last, i was entranced by the author's unique storytelling style. it was very conversational and it felt like i was not reading at all but "listening" directly to her female protagonists relate their joys and pains. moreover, this technique worked well for me because i found myself being involved in the whole narrative.
the supernatural/paranormal elements were interesting and so were the historical tidbits about San Antonio. i was amused by Meg's jaunts through the spirit world as well as appalled by some of her experiences as she finds answers to why she was still stuck and had not moved on. i also enjoyed Amelinda's side of the story as she navigates through the hustle and bustle in the land of the living. moreover, there was Earl, the cat!
what really endeared me to the book was its easy, readable, unpretentious approach. although, i noticed that there were quite a few echoes from the blockbuster movie Ghost in some of the scenes, i did not mind. i still loved how the author incorporated them and made them her own (if indeed she was inspired by some details from that movie).
Kim Wells' Mariposa is a haunting, beautiful love story that unites the divide between the living and the dead and more. it is one of the best books i have read this 2015 and i look forward to the next one!
*received a copy for review
January 7, 2015
A Way With Words
I received an ARC copy of this story for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect as this was the first time I had ever read any of the author's work, but may I say this? I was completely blown-away by her beautiful prose. Once I settled in and began living within the pages of a fairly complex story, time flew by, as did the daylight hours, nighttime hours, etc. I read the entire novel in two sittings. That is the highest complement I can ever give a novel. I am, unfortunately, easily distracted.
Mariposa: A Love Story is both an elegant and an eloquent telling of an ill-fated love that requires more than a little mending of two hearts. More than a little reconciliation, or even conciliation. More than a corporeal presence, or two, is needed to pull off a gratifying resolution. It requires a special kind of connectedness, forged through love and adversity, one that transcends what we may believe about the here and the hereafter.
The author has an amazing way with words, such that it lifted me from the pages of the story into a sensory environment filled with hope and promise, despite a good bit of a mayhem. Yes, I lost a lot of sleep reading this book. It was worth it.
Lots of culture and nuances and descriptions that were incalculable. Charming and lovable characters. A complex story smoothly delivered. The cat.
What's not to love? Get your copy and read it today!
I received an ARC copy of this story for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect as this was the first time I had ever read any of the author's work, but may I say this? I was completely blown-away by her beautiful prose. Once I settled in and began living within the pages of a fairly complex story, time flew by, as did the daylight hours, nighttime hours, etc. I read the entire novel in two sittings. That is the highest complement I can ever give a novel. I am, unfortunately, easily distracted.
Mariposa: A Love Story is both an elegant and an eloquent telling of an ill-fated love that requires more than a little mending of two hearts. More than a little reconciliation, or even conciliation. More than a corporeal presence, or two, is needed to pull off a gratifying resolution. It requires a special kind of connectedness, forged through love and adversity, one that transcends what we may believe about the here and the hereafter.
The author has an amazing way with words, such that it lifted me from the pages of the story into a sensory environment filled with hope and promise, despite a good bit of a mayhem. Yes, I lost a lot of sleep reading this book. It was worth it.
Lots of culture and nuances and descriptions that were incalculable. Charming and lovable characters. A complex story smoothly delivered. The cat.
What's not to love? Get your copy and read it today!
January 11, 2015
After reading Kim Well's exceptional short, Mrs. Johnson's Blues, I was intrigued to discover how she would bring her signature southern tinged magical style to this San Antonio murder mystery. Her style came through in the distinctive rhythmical voice of Meg, a 23 year old that we learn from the first line has passed. I was mesmerized by the imagery of Meg's visceral San Antonio, and her pursuit to explore - well no spoilers - But I will say that Love Story is a proper brand. This is a story of distinctive style, unique voices, and detailed imagery, a story that will pull you into another reality and have you routing for the character, this is a story I highly recommend.
May 3, 2022
One of my favorite parts about reading is when I can bring the fictional world into the real world. Set in San Antonio, it was so cool to read about places I’ve been around the city, but also to hear about the ghost stories I was told in school growing up.
A fun read that has now transitioned me into feeling a mystery and spooky vibe in May, of all months!
A fun read that has now transitioned me into feeling a mystery and spooky vibe in May, of all months!
July 4, 2015
A love story? A ghost story? Both, actually. While I enjoyed both aspects, the ghosts interested me the most. Kim Wells added a few twists and tweaks to the usual portrayal of ghosts and the world they inhabit. As a result, I thought the ghosts and their stories were the best part of the book. Meg’s love story was both heart wrenching and hopeful. I found Amelinda’s love story to be more on the teenage level. Amelinda has some unique qualities, but I think her overall demeanor is closer to a teenager than to a young adult business owner.
I’m not familiar with the New Orleans area, so I found all of the information on its history and folklore fascinating and enjoyed the descriptions of areas in the city. Well written and entertaining is the short description for this book, and I enjoyed reading it.
I’m not familiar with the New Orleans area, so I found all of the information on its history and folklore fascinating and enjoyed the descriptions of areas in the city. Well written and entertaining is the short description for this book, and I enjoyed reading it.
September 1, 2015
Mariposa I won from a Goodreads giveaway and I was very excited for it. It's the story of a woman who is suddenly killed during one of the happiest times of her young life. She goes on a ghostly quest to try and settle her traumatic past, making a few friends and helping out other ghosts along the way. As a premiere novel, this one was pretty good. The dialogue was a bit rough at first but got better as the story progressed. I liked the nice mythological touches to the story and would highly recommend this book if you're into romance/lost love kind of novels.
March 2, 2015
This is one of the best books I've read recently! It's got all the things that I love. A strong female protagonist, a ghost, a goddess and a bookstore that has coffee and chirros. And the book has cats, wolves, and butterflies too.
This is a story about death and life and magic. I highly recommend getting and reading this book.
This is a story about death and life and magic. I highly recommend getting and reading this book.
March 9, 2015
A great story of two women, one alive and one a ghost, trying to figure out how to live after a traumatic death experience. With dark forces trying to keep them trapped; it definitely was a good read about love prevailing. The imagery provided keeps you interested and turning the page. Well done!
November 21, 2015
A book that defies genre or category. It's a little bit ghost story, more love story, and an amazing tribute to San Antonio. Read it and let me know what you think.
December 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I was transported into the story. Few books do that for me. I enjoyed the format of the book— the story being told from the two main characters’ perspective. It made the bond between the two main characters even stronger. Full disclosure: the author is my former roommate and although we are still in touch (in the digital sphere), I haven’t physically spoken to her in years. But I could “hear” her voice through Meg, the main character. There were other factors that allowed me to connect to the story more intimately. Pretty surreal when reading a book about ghosts! I’m sure some of it had to do with knowing the author personally, but the engaging storyline and vivid descriptions certainly were at the center of it. All of this to say Mariposa is beautifully written and a wonderful story.
February 7, 2020
Told from two viewpoints, Meg (the ghost) and Amelinda (her would be step daughter) this story is part spooky with some ghosts and part history or at least legend, because of the Mariposa connection to San Antonio and Mexican history.
Read while visiting San Antonio, it was all the more interesting. There were many references to places in the area, most excitingly the Menger Hotel - a place we already planned to visit!
The characters so understandable and the story line is intriguing. It was even a little scary reading it at night before bed. It was a fascinating read.
Don’t know about the designation of “book 1.” It doesn’t seem to require any sequels.
And the subtitle on my copy was “A Love Story.”
Read while visiting San Antonio, it was all the more interesting. There were many references to places in the area, most excitingly the Menger Hotel - a place we already planned to visit!
The characters so understandable and the story line is intriguing. It was even a little scary reading it at night before bed. It was a fascinating read.
Don’t know about the designation of “book 1.” It doesn’t seem to require any sequels.
And the subtitle on my copy was “A Love Story.”
September 8, 2025
Unique narrative with shifting perspectives.
December 30, 2015
Meg Murray never expected to spend the rest of her life in limbo. One night, she decided to trust in herself and her beloved boyfriend. For one moment, everything felt perfect. Tony and his daughter were her everything. They meant the world to her, something she never thought possible. Tony's asking her to share her life with him might have left her feeling flabbergasted, until the moment the two of them were murdered. It's then her life took a different turn.
Kim Wells has written a compelling story full of intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists and turns. She immerses us in Meg's plight, while filling us in on the pieces of Meg's past. We get to see the woman's vulnerabilities and uncertainties come through with every turn of the page. The more Meg is determined to set all wrongs to right, the more we see her grow before our very eyes.
While this isn't your typical love story, it's definitely a bittersweet one. Meg had the world at her fingertips, only to have it taken from her in the blink of an eye. It's refreshing to see how determined she is in finding her killer. She may be a ghost, but she's one with a chip on her shoulder. She won't rest until she completes the task at hand.
I like the fact that Kim has blended fact with fiction. The paranormal aspects of this book truly pique the reader's interest. The lore surrounding La Llorona and her missing children is one I'm quite familiar with. I can't help but wonder what else Kim has in store for the rest of her characters. Perhaps we'll have more to read of them in the future. We can hope, right?
Kim Wells has written a compelling story full of intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists and turns. She immerses us in Meg's plight, while filling us in on the pieces of Meg's past. We get to see the woman's vulnerabilities and uncertainties come through with every turn of the page. The more Meg is determined to set all wrongs to right, the more we see her grow before our very eyes.
While this isn't your typical love story, it's definitely a bittersweet one. Meg had the world at her fingertips, only to have it taken from her in the blink of an eye. It's refreshing to see how determined she is in finding her killer. She may be a ghost, but she's one with a chip on her shoulder. She won't rest until she completes the task at hand.
I like the fact that Kim has blended fact with fiction. The paranormal aspects of this book truly pique the reader's interest. The lore surrounding La Llorona and her missing children is one I'm quite familiar with. I can't help but wonder what else Kim has in store for the rest of her characters. Perhaps we'll have more to read of them in the future. We can hope, right?
September 23, 2015
What could be more shocking than being murdered on the eve of a life-changing proposal? Realizing that instead of dying, you’ve become a ghost caught between life and death. This is precisely the situation Meg finds herself in when she and her fiance are attacked on the streets of San Antonio. Rather than simply passing onto the next plane, Meg finds herself the focus of an epic supernatural struggle featuring—among other things—a colorful cast of wayward spirits, spectral wolves, and the fate of the would-be stepdaughter she loved as her own.
As more of a science fiction and fantasy reader, Mariposa represented something of a departure for me. That said, I love any story with captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and a deeply engrossing plot. Mariposa checked all those boxes and then some. I didn’t just need to find out what happened to Meg, Amelinda, and the rest, I felt like they needed me to keep reading so they could finish telling their stories. It’s that rare quality that made Mariposa jump off the page for me, and why it’s easily one of my top 10 reads of the year so far. For fans of ghost stories and magical realism, this one is a must-read.
As more of a science fiction and fantasy reader, Mariposa represented something of a departure for me. That said, I love any story with captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and a deeply engrossing plot. Mariposa checked all those boxes and then some. I didn’t just need to find out what happened to Meg, Amelinda, and the rest, I felt like they needed me to keep reading so they could finish telling their stories. It’s that rare quality that made Mariposa jump off the page for me, and why it’s easily one of my top 10 reads of the year so far. For fans of ghost stories and magical realism, this one is a must-read.
January 20, 2016
This is a awesome audio book/book! It is full of San Antonio tourism, Hispanic cultural history, paranormal, suspense, intrigue, and beauty, not necessarily in that order. It is a great book so well written and I had the audiobook so narrator Renata Friedman brought out the beauty of the book in a way that not many can do, she was awesome at painting the picture that author Kim Wells spun. I will definitely be looking for other audiobooks narrated by her to listen too.
I think this book touches just about every genre, and has something to offer just about everyone who is willing to give it a try. So if you are looking for something new and wonderful to try please give this audiobook/book a try you won't be disappointed, it was awesome!!!
I think this book touches just about every genre, and has something to offer just about everyone who is willing to give it a try. So if you are looking for something new and wonderful to try please give this audiobook/book a try you won't be disappointed, it was awesome!!!
May 12, 2015
Engrossing Magical Realism Read!
One of my favorite genres is Magical Realism. It’s difficult genre to write in, so I read this book hoping the author could pull it off. Well…she did!
Author Kim Wells has written an engaging story complete with likeable characters. You’ll experience awe, fear, love, and wonder while reading this. The writer added the right touches to draw in the reader.
It’s not a spoiler to tell you the main character Meg is murdered. It would be a spoiler to tell you why and how. She appears in the rest of this novel as a ghost. I thoroughly enjoyed this original, well-written book.
One of my favorite genres is Magical Realism. It’s difficult genre to write in, so I read this book hoping the author could pull it off. Well…she did!
Author Kim Wells has written an engaging story complete with likeable characters. You’ll experience awe, fear, love, and wonder while reading this. The writer added the right touches to draw in the reader.
It’s not a spoiler to tell you the main character Meg is murdered. It would be a spoiler to tell you why and how. She appears in the rest of this novel as a ghost. I thoroughly enjoyed this original, well-written book.
March 31, 2015
There's so much I could say about this book, but I don't want to give any of it away. What I'll just say is that the criteria of being a really good book, imho, is that it keeps me up late. As I write this, it is just after 2am on a Tuesday morning. I have to be up in a little over 4 hours to get my daughter off to school. I never stay up this late reading unless it's worth it, and boy, is this ever worth it. The book builds and builds and builds and then BAM! Do yourself a favor: get this book!!!
May 21, 2015
I received this book from the goodreads first reads program.
As someone who doesn't believe in ghosts I was oddly drawn into this story. I enjoyed the journey that Meg took and the way that all of the main characters were connected. I did feel that the ending rushed a little. The conclusion held the answers, but it was condensed to being a small part of the story. I enjoyed reading, and really enjoyed the setup for a sequel.
As someone who doesn't believe in ghosts I was oddly drawn into this story. I enjoyed the journey that Meg took and the way that all of the main characters were connected. I did feel that the ending rushed a little. The conclusion held the answers, but it was condensed to being a small part of the story. I enjoyed reading, and really enjoyed the setup for a sequel.
June 16, 2015
I loved this book from page 1. Kim Wells creates worlds full of interesting characters, characters that I want to know more about. Her descriptions of San Antonio have made me want to visit the city. Her writing is gripping and vivid, bringing you into the story in an intimate experience. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews