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The Shell Keeper
In South Carolina, magic is as plentiful as sweet tea.
Thanks to her aunt’s unwanted generosity, policewoman Lei Texeira has embarked on a vacation—of the supernatural sort. She’s staying on the beach in a frothy mansion that resembles a baker’s confection. Pixie, a Southern belle with enough bling to open a shop on Rodeo Drive, manages the place.
When Pixie reveals a local woman reputed to have psychic powers wants to meet Lei, the invitation is anything but welcome.
What Lei discovers about the sorcery of belief, and the love promised to her future will begin to heal wounds she’s carried for far too long.
Q & A with the Author
What motivated you to write in the Lei Crime World?
I adore Toby Neal’s superb Lei Crime novels. I’m an adoptive parent, and the troubled family life surrounding Toby’s unique protagonist, Lei Texeira, are issues close to my heart. When I heard Lei Crime would become a new Kindle World, I jumped at the chance to contribute.
What was the inspiration behind The Shell Keeper?
I wanted to add elements of fantasy and magic to the Lei Crime series of police procedurals, which are set squarely in the mystery & thriller genre. As Lei evolves throughout the series, she carries grief and a sense of loss due to an abusive childhood. I enjoy writing stories that inspire readers to view the world in a positive light, and felt Lei’s background provided the perfect elements for an uplifting read. In The Shell Keeper, Lei begins healing wounds she’s carried for most of her young life.
When does The Shell Keeper take place?
We meet Lei two weeks before she joins the South Hilo PD in Hawaii. She’s preparing to move from her aunt’s home in California to Hawaii. The vacation she takes in South Carolina is totally unexpected, a surprise gift from her aunt.
Will you write other stories in the Lei Crime World?
Count on it! The Shell Keeper is my first foray into magical realism, a genre I’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring, and The Shell Keeper begs for a second, longer installment. I’ve already begun work on Lei’s Magic, Part Two.
Thanks to her aunt’s unwanted generosity, policewoman Lei Texeira has embarked on a vacation—of the supernatural sort. She’s staying on the beach in a frothy mansion that resembles a baker’s confection. Pixie, a Southern belle with enough bling to open a shop on Rodeo Drive, manages the place.
When Pixie reveals a local woman reputed to have psychic powers wants to meet Lei, the invitation is anything but welcome.
What Lei discovers about the sorcery of belief, and the love promised to her future will begin to heal wounds she’s carried for far too long.
Q & A with the Author
What motivated you to write in the Lei Crime World?
I adore Toby Neal’s superb Lei Crime novels. I’m an adoptive parent, and the troubled family life surrounding Toby’s unique protagonist, Lei Texeira, are issues close to my heart. When I heard Lei Crime would become a new Kindle World, I jumped at the chance to contribute.
What was the inspiration behind The Shell Keeper?
I wanted to add elements of fantasy and magic to the Lei Crime series of police procedurals, which are set squarely in the mystery & thriller genre. As Lei evolves throughout the series, she carries grief and a sense of loss due to an abusive childhood. I enjoy writing stories that inspire readers to view the world in a positive light, and felt Lei’s background provided the perfect elements for an uplifting read. In The Shell Keeper, Lei begins healing wounds she’s carried for most of her young life.
When does The Shell Keeper take place?
We meet Lei two weeks before she joins the South Hilo PD in Hawaii. She’s preparing to move from her aunt’s home in California to Hawaii. The vacation she takes in South Carolina is totally unexpected, a surprise gift from her aunt.
Will you write other stories in the Lei Crime World?
Count on it! The Shell Keeper is my first foray into magical realism, a genre I’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring, and The Shell Keeper begs for a second, longer installment. I’ve already begun work on Lei’s Magic, Part Two.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
11 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Christine Nolfi
23 books4,051 followersChristine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of seventeen novels. Look for her 2025 release, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.
Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband.
Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 11, 2015
It is easy to see why Christine Nolfi is one of my favorite authors. Her gift of storytelling makes it a delight to pick up one of her stories and become totally captivated for hours on end!
The Shell Keeper (Lei's Magic Book 1) is a charming read that introduces us to Lei, a policewoman, who goes to a B & B for some R & R to try and escape her all-consuming troubled past. Upon meeting an older woman on the beach she is shown some magical sea shells and also a glimpse into her future.
I can hardly wait to read where this imaginative author takes us in Lei's Magic, Part Two.
The Shell Keeper (Lei's Magic Book 1) is a charming read that introduces us to Lei, a policewoman, who goes to a B & B for some R & R to try and escape her all-consuming troubled past. Upon meeting an older woman on the beach she is shown some magical sea shells and also a glimpse into her future.
I can hardly wait to read where this imaginative author takes us in Lei's Magic, Part Two.
April 9, 2015
This very short novella was a good introduction to the character of Lei Texeira. Lei is a troubled young woman who has had a very difficult time moving beyond her unhappy childhood. When she reluctantly takes a vacation given to her by her beloved aunt before starting a new job in Hawaii as a police officer, her outlook changes in some surprising ways. Lei meets a mysterious woman on a beach who leads her to some realizations that help her get past her unhappiness and look forward to the future.
I look forward to the next Nolfi installment in Lei's Magic, as well as to reading the Lei Crime Novels by Toby Neal. Nolfi portrayed a character that I rooted for and wanted the best for. She did it in a very interesting and compelling manner.
I often find novellas of this length to be unsatisfying because it is difficult to tell a well rounded story so briefly. This was definitely not the case with this one. Christine Nolfi did a great job of writing a very shot, yet completely satisfying story.
I look forward to the next Nolfi installment in Lei's Magic, as well as to reading the Lei Crime Novels by Toby Neal. Nolfi portrayed a character that I rooted for and wanted the best for. She did it in a very interesting and compelling manner.
I often find novellas of this length to be unsatisfying because it is difficult to tell a well rounded story so briefly. This was definitely not the case with this one. Christine Nolfi did a great job of writing a very shot, yet completely satisfying story.
July 21, 2015
The Shell Seeker follows closely on the heels of The Shell Keeper, a continuing story of unique people caught up in a crime drama with a few magical twists.Lei is a young rookie cop snagged into crime solving while trying to vacation in South Carolina before starting her first job in Hawaii. This chapter of her vacation adventure involves a missing necklace belonging to one of the grande dames of Charleston.
The author is a master of bringing out the best in her characters. Even the initially unlikable characters are given background so their motives are understood by the reader. The story line is easy to follow,each installment stands well on it's own. These stories are the perfect summer read. Light beach reading at it's very best.
The author is a master of bringing out the best in her characters. Even the initially unlikable characters are given background so their motives are understood by the reader. The story line is easy to follow,each installment stands well on it's own. These stories are the perfect summer read. Light beach reading at it's very best.
April 20, 2015
You know, not everyone can write a short story and make it count, to make the reader "feel" that they have read a worthwhile book full of 'body' to its pages. I might have known that Christine Nolfi would pull this off!
I have had the chance to read several of her book, each time loving them. She is an expert story teller.
The start of this crime series in such a few pages was astounding with what I have learnt. Sometimes it takes that long to gain all that knowledge from a full 300 page book to what this author has done in short.
We start to learn about Lei's life before she become a Police Officer, which I found intriguing, it was not all plain sailing. Her childhood was very rough, very rough in deed which I feel will evoke her being a 'good' cop.
We also get to meet Pixie who has the talent for prediction [to name one] through her psychic powers.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading one of this authors books before, may I suggest you start with this one, I am sure once you see her style of writing and how she writes believable characters, events and 'lifelike' qualities, you will be spellbound as I am.
Thank you goes to Christine Nolfi for allowing me to read this book once complete, she knows how I get muddled in beta reading chapters at a time *wink*
April 13, 2015
I "found" Lei and Toby Neal through Christine Nolfi, so it made perfect sense to me when I read this novella with Nolfi's own take on the snarky cop from Hawaii. And I have to say that Nolfi picked up the baton and ran with it and didn't miss a beat. The imagery, the way they lapsed into "pidgin", the dialogue, I felt like I was reading Neal. That being said, the extra element of the magic, the mysterious old woman with the enchanted shells...Nolfi had added a dimension to Lei's story that made it slightly different, extremely compelling, darker, more dangerous. As a lover of magical realism, as well as my enjoyment of the Lei Crime Series, I am really looking forward to what comes next.
April 11, 2015
***A magical story***
The Shell Keeper is part fairy tale, part parable. It explores the main character of Lei Texeira from the Lei Crime novels of Toby Neal before Lei became a police officer. Ms. Nolfi writes an engaging story and it's not to be missed.
The Shell Keeper is part fairy tale, part parable. It explores the main character of Lei Texeira from the Lei Crime novels of Toby Neal before Lei became a police officer. Ms. Nolfi writes an engaging story and it's not to be missed.
April 16, 2015
The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Keeper (Kindle Worlds Novella)
(Lei's Magic Book 1) by Christine Nolfi
This installment of the Lei Crime series tells of Lei's life before she became a police officer. She leaves South Carolina for Hawaii. She meets a woman named Pixie who tells her of a local woman who has psychic powers. Lei wants to meet this mysterious woman. She will learn a lot from both women.
A well written short story. I really like Lei, coming from a rough childhood, she grow to be a well rounded, normal woman. I liked the psychic connection in this story. The magic shells adds more of a paranormal touch. For Lei life becomes a bit of self discovery, letting go, and learning to really love. For healing old wounds just may be the key to her happiness.
I recommend The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Keeper (Kindle Worlds Novella) to those looking for a quick "pick me up". A fantastic five star short story.
(Lei's Magic Book 1) by Christine Nolfi
This installment of the Lei Crime series tells of Lei's life before she became a police officer. She leaves South Carolina for Hawaii. She meets a woman named Pixie who tells her of a local woman who has psychic powers. Lei wants to meet this mysterious woman. She will learn a lot from both women.
A well written short story. I really like Lei, coming from a rough childhood, she grow to be a well rounded, normal woman. I liked the psychic connection in this story. The magic shells adds more of a paranormal touch. For Lei life becomes a bit of self discovery, letting go, and learning to really love. For healing old wounds just may be the key to her happiness.
I recommend The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Keeper (Kindle Worlds Novella) to those looking for a quick "pick me up". A fantastic five star short story.
April 9, 2015
Christine Nolfi has captivated me with The Shell Keeper. In a few pages we get to know Lei, care about her, and want to know what makes her tick. The magic that seeped through is a magic we all posses. It was as if Lei reached a moment of clarity and my hands are over my eyes as I'm peeking through my fingers and holding my breath....what will she do next? For a novella, I was very satisfied and with something special sprinkled in, I'm longing to read more.
April 9, 2015
Full review in progress:
1) Fantastic partnering of Toby Neal's Lei Texiera from the Lei Crime series with Christine Nolfi's magical, heart-warming stories. Captured Lei's voice without losing her own.
2) Short novella yet inviting to readers. I read in 1/2 hour because I couldn't put it down.
3) Example of why I love the creativity of indie authors so much
1) Fantastic partnering of Toby Neal's Lei Texiera from the Lei Crime series with Christine Nolfi's magical, heart-warming stories. Captured Lei's voice without losing her own.
2) Short novella yet inviting to readers. I read in 1/2 hour because I couldn't put it down.
3) Example of why I love the creativity of indie authors so much
August 2, 2015
*** Inspiring and uplifting ***
THE SHELL SEEKER follows Lei Texeira immediately after THE SHELL KEEPER. Both are stand-alone books but I recommend reading them in order for a richer, fuller experience.
Ms. Nolfi weaves a delightful tale about the search for famed emeralds, stolen in the 1700s from Blackbeard’s ship.
With equal parts fantasy and magic, this is another wonderful addition to the Lei Crime series.
Inspiring and uplifting and not to be missed!
THE SHELL SEEKER follows Lei Texeira immediately after THE SHELL KEEPER. Both are stand-alone books but I recommend reading them in order for a richer, fuller experience.
Ms. Nolfi weaves a delightful tale about the search for famed emeralds, stolen in the 1700s from Blackbeard’s ship.
With equal parts fantasy and magic, this is another wonderful addition to the Lei Crime series.
Inspiring and uplifting and not to be missed!
April 10, 2015
Christine Nolfi has captivated me with The Shell Keeper. This very short novella was a good introduction to the character of Lei Texeira. I really liked the way this story flowed. Christine takes a character that is someone else's and created a spectacular, magical read. If you haven't read a book by Christine before I would suggest you start Now.
November 8, 2025
I love everything Christine Nolfi has written, and this novella is no exception. I can't wait for The Shell Keeper Part II coming in July 2015!!
July 6, 2015
This is another great read in the Lei Crime Series. Christine knocked this one out of the park. The story flowed seamlessly, terrific prose, the usual snarky Lei in a really terrific story!
April 15, 2015
The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Keeper (Kindle Worlds Novella)
Christine Nolfi
I like to write book reviews to simply share my opinion and some things I would like to know if I were deciding to pick up this book. First, IMHO, if you have not read a book authored by Christine Nolfi yet, you are missing out on a phenomenal reading experience! She is one of my favorite authors because of her strong female protagonists and the vivid scenes she paints. In The Shell Keeper, first in the Toby Neal Lei Crime Kindle World series, Nolfi holds true to those as well as introduces a new magical slant in her work.
I have not yet read Blood Orchid by Toby Neal, on which this novella is based. I purchased the entire Lei Crime series some time ago and keep up with the buying, but haven't taken the time to indulge in the reading. I seldom start a series until it is completely finished, because I am so impatient. I'm going to make an exception with this one - I have to get to know Lei, the main character, better! If I had already read Blood Orchid, this would be just as appealing. Either way, I'm hooked. :) Nolfi introduces us to Lei and lets readers in on some of Lei's childhood history during a vacation (which I will not spoil) to the author's South Carolina stomping grounds. She, therefore, like Neal with the Hawaiian setting and the Lei series, has the inside scoop and gives us a strikingly deep feel for the beauty and gentility of the South, without being over the top.
As per usual with a Nolfi story, I was pulled in from the first sentence - which, for me, distinguishes the great book from the good. (I actually felt the penetrating humidity that Lei did as she disembarked from the airplane. No joke.) Because typos and grammatical errors are my biggest pet peeve in a book, I'm happy to report nary a one being found. My second largest pet peeve is books that end with a cliffhanger. ;) The surprise at the very end took me completely by surprise and I was left feeling satisfied in a good way and completely looking forward to part two due in July!
I'm very excited about the Kindle Worlds concept and look forward to reading all of the Lei Crime series stories for certain. My hat's off to Toby Neal for creating a character so rich in history, emotion and strength as Lei. It will be interesting to see her interpreted and put into different situations by a variety of authors. The Shell Keeper was a great place to begin. I highly recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars.
April 13, 2015
Two weeks before she begins her assignment with the South Hilo Police Department in Hawaii, recent police academy graduate Leilani Texeira dubiously accepts a gift from her aunt Rosario. Lei's aunt has secretly booked her niece some time at a relaxing Bed and Breakfast in South Carolina, and now she expects Lei to report to her every day with Lei's 'Itinerary of Fun'. So, Lei grudgingly embarks on her vacation - with absolutely no idea that it will turn out to be an unexpectedly magical interlude.
She soon discovers that she's staying on the beach at a frothy, 'Tara'-style mansion - one that strongly resembles a baker's confection. Not only that, but this Bed and Breakfast is managed by an honest-to-goodness Southern belle hostess named Pixie. And Pixie wears enough bling to open a shop on Rodeo Drive. Pixie apparently likes to gossip as well; when she reveals that a local woman who is reputed to have psychic powers wants to meet Lei, her invitation is anything but welcome.
Lei is nothing if not cautious - actually highly skeptical, if the full truth is told. Yet, what Lei discovers about the the sorcery of belief, and the love that is promised to her in the future, may just be strong enough to begin to heal wounds that she's been carrying for way too many years.
I must say that while I have at least three books in Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series, I have yet to read any of her work. However, I did read Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi back in June of 2013. At 38 pages long, I very much appreciated that this story was so well-written. It was also a well-developed, complete story that left me fully satisfied by the end. I give this short story an A+! and I'm looking forward to reading more stories set in this world in the future.
She soon discovers that she's staying on the beach at a frothy, 'Tara'-style mansion - one that strongly resembles a baker's confection. Not only that, but this Bed and Breakfast is managed by an honest-to-goodness Southern belle hostess named Pixie. And Pixie wears enough bling to open a shop on Rodeo Drive. Pixie apparently likes to gossip as well; when she reveals that a local woman who is reputed to have psychic powers wants to meet Lei, her invitation is anything but welcome.
Lei is nothing if not cautious - actually highly skeptical, if the full truth is told. Yet, what Lei discovers about the the sorcery of belief, and the love that is promised to her in the future, may just be strong enough to begin to heal wounds that she's been carrying for way too many years.
I must say that while I have at least three books in Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series, I have yet to read any of her work. However, I did read Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi back in June of 2013. At 38 pages long, I very much appreciated that this story was so well-written. It was also a well-developed, complete story that left me fully satisfied by the end. I give this short story an A+! and I'm looking forward to reading more stories set in this world in the future.
July 14, 2015
A truly magical second half...
"The Kindle World Lei Crime Series: The Shell Seeker" is a truly magical and well written second half to the "Shell Keeper."
Written with such clarity and wonderment, Christine Nolfi brings alive the story of five very strong women characters who each play a special role in the continuation of this amazing duology.
While the first part of the book focused more on Lei and her personal growth internally as well as externally with others and in regard to her occupation, the second half focuses on her ability to find the individual or individuals who have taken a prized possession of her step-grand mother's. Along the way she had to learn to trust her instincts, to speak for herself and stand by her convictions. At the same time, she is working to help those around her, find the answer to the mysterious disappearance of the prized possession, learn the value of friendship, and to recognize that sometimes gut instinct and heart instinct is just as important and powerful as ones literal mind.
Lei changes and learns a great deal during her time in South Carolina, from her newly found friends, her aunt, from within, and from the magic and wonderment that followed her throughout her remaining time there and as she heads to Hawaii for her new job.
Hopefully we will be able to follow Lei as she goes through more changes and begins her job as a pinkie officer in Hawaii...and her eventual goal of making detective and finding her true love.
Another smashing read by Christine Nolfi. Another do not miss set by this author. Not a TBR set but a right now set. You won't regret it.
"The Kindle World Lei Crime Series: The Shell Seeker" is a truly magical and well written second half to the "Shell Keeper."
Written with such clarity and wonderment, Christine Nolfi brings alive the story of five very strong women characters who each play a special role in the continuation of this amazing duology.
While the first part of the book focused more on Lei and her personal growth internally as well as externally with others and in regard to her occupation, the second half focuses on her ability to find the individual or individuals who have taken a prized possession of her step-grand mother's. Along the way she had to learn to trust her instincts, to speak for herself and stand by her convictions. At the same time, she is working to help those around her, find the answer to the mysterious disappearance of the prized possession, learn the value of friendship, and to recognize that sometimes gut instinct and heart instinct is just as important and powerful as ones literal mind.
Lei changes and learns a great deal during her time in South Carolina, from her newly found friends, her aunt, from within, and from the magic and wonderment that followed her throughout her remaining time there and as she heads to Hawaii for her new job.
Hopefully we will be able to follow Lei as she goes through more changes and begins her job as a pinkie officer in Hawaii...and her eventual goal of making detective and finding her true love.
Another smashing read by Christine Nolfi. Another do not miss set by this author. Not a TBR set but a right now set. You won't regret it.
July 4, 2015
Another great summer read from Christine Nolfi. The mystery was an added bonus to the rest of the crazy cast characters that were just kooky enough to be believable without seeming to belong in a different time and reality. I did read The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Keeper (Kindle Worlds Novella) first and while this book could easily be a standalone, I think having the novella introduce the characters was a lot easier when diving in head first to the full length of The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Seeker (Kindle Worlds Novella). I'm excited to see what will come of Lei once she begins her career in HI. Although I have to admit I am a little sad to think that Lei will be leaving behind Pixie and the rest of the SC bunch. I hope that they will somehow make a reappearance in future novels.
April 9, 2015
This was a truly delightful novella. It is a magical and enchanting tale. I really liked the way this story flowed. I didn’t feel like Nolfi was trying to cram too much information into a short story and it didn’t feel rushed. I enjoyed it thoroughly from start to finish.
Lei is the main character in Toby Neal’s Lei Crime series of books. Although I own the first four books in this series, I have not yet read them so I was not familiar with the character. After reading this novella, I feel like I had a very nice introduction to her and I like her. Even though the character was not created by Nolfi, I could tell that she had a deep connection and affection for Lei. That is one thing that shined through in her writing.
Whether you have or have not read Neal’s series of books, I would recommend this book for a quick and enjoyable read. Christine Nolfi is a talented story teller and I always enjoy her writing immensely. The magical realism genre is a new direction for her writing, but I think that this novella shows her great talent and versatility. I can’t wait to read more of her writing in this genre.
Lei is the main character in Toby Neal’s Lei Crime series of books. Although I own the first four books in this series, I have not yet read them so I was not familiar with the character. After reading this novella, I feel like I had a very nice introduction to her and I like her. Even though the character was not created by Nolfi, I could tell that she had a deep connection and affection for Lei. That is one thing that shined through in her writing.
Whether you have or have not read Neal’s series of books, I would recommend this book for a quick and enjoyable read. Christine Nolfi is a talented story teller and I always enjoy her writing immensely. The magical realism genre is a new direction for her writing, but I think that this novella shows her great talent and versatility. I can’t wait to read more of her writing in this genre.
June 30, 2015
"The Shell Seeker," the second entry by Christine Nolfi in Toby Neal's Lei Crime world series, follows immediately on the heels of "The Shell Keeper," although you don't have to read one to enjoy the other. Both are equally entertaining stories that pull you into a unique and magical world. Although the story features Lei Texeira, it has a number of wonderful secondary characters that feel like they should feature in a series of their own, particularly Pixie.
For those unfamiliar with Christine Nolfi's writing, you're missing a real treat. She can weave a magical spell with her words and draw you into the lives of her characters in a way I haven't seen done quite the same way by any other author. The story this time around involves the search for notorious, and extremely expensive, emeralds. As Lei, at first reluctantly, gets drawn into solving the robbery, she comes to care for those involved and ends up using that very intuition and emotional attachment to bring the case to a satisfying conclusion. With each book in this entry, Lei experiences personal growth and satisfaction, and so do we.
**I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
For those unfamiliar with Christine Nolfi's writing, you're missing a real treat. She can weave a magical spell with her words and draw you into the lives of her characters in a way I haven't seen done quite the same way by any other author. The story this time around involves the search for notorious, and extremely expensive, emeralds. As Lei, at first reluctantly, gets drawn into solving the robbery, she comes to care for those involved and ends up using that very intuition and emotional attachment to bring the case to a satisfying conclusion. With each book in this entry, Lei experiences personal growth and satisfaction, and so do we.
**I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
July 2, 2015
Quick read that had dreaming of summer beach days ahead. In a few short sentences Christine Nolfi had sweating right alongside Lei and dreaming of the greenish blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean. The myth and small mystery made me wish for more than just a few pages of Lei and the crazy cast of characters she encountered during her brief journey to SC. I'm anxiously awaiting this evening when I can begin The Lei Crime Series: The Shell Seeker (Kindle Worlds Novella) and yet again be whisked away from the dreary, rain-filled days of Ohio to somewhere sunny and full of excitement and intrigue . And maybe a little more about KeKe... I'm a sucker for big dogs with little dog names.
July 10, 2015
This is the second book in this Lei Crime novel novella. The first was The Shell Keeper, which was amazing and you should read it to get the full scope of this story. This is another magical mystery tour of a book! Could it be possible we all possess a gift, I believe we do, we simply do not tap into that part of our brain. This is filled with the power of all that we do not know. It is also filled with a crime that Lei helps to solve using her new found powers. Sounds like something you may not like, try it, it will blow your mind. I loved the characters, especially Pixie. All the characters are well developed, especially for a novella. The story flows effortlessly throughout and I was captured from the very first page. Christine Nolfi is a masterful storyteller, no matter what she writes. I have read every book she has ever written and loved them all. Give this book a try, it may surprise you.
April 22, 2015
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Shell Keeper is the first book of the Lei Crime series it tells the story of Lei's life before she became a police officer. Her Aunt gives her a paid vacation to Hawaii. She meets Pixie who tells her of a local women who has psychic powers. The Women wants to meet Lei. Lei will learn a lot from both Women. A very well written short story. Lei had a rough childhood but she grew up to be a very well rounded normal person. I enjoyed the psychic connection. The magic shells gives it more of a paranormal touch. Life becomes a bit of self discovery for Lei, learning to let go and to really love. Healing her old wounds might be her key to happiness.
The Shell Keeper is the first book of the Lei Crime series it tells the story of Lei's life before she became a police officer. Her Aunt gives her a paid vacation to Hawaii. She meets Pixie who tells her of a local women who has psychic powers. The Women wants to meet Lei. Lei will learn a lot from both Women. A very well written short story. Lei had a rough childhood but she grew up to be a very well rounded normal person. I enjoyed the psychic connection. The magic shells gives it more of a paranormal touch. Life becomes a bit of self discovery for Lei, learning to let go and to really love. Healing her old wounds might be her key to happiness.
May 24, 2015
The title, The Shell Keeper and the beautiful cover drew me to this book. Anything about beach life, shells and sand is captivating for me. I read this magical story while sitting at the beach, listening to the waves lap to shore.
Christine has developed the few characters in the story with skill. The reader learns about Lei's difficult childhood, her aunt, Pixie, the B&B innkeeper and the local woman with the psychic powers and the 'magic' shells. We are left with hope that Lei may find happiness, love and career success. "We choose whether or not to welcome the truth into our lives".
Looking forward to July 2015 to continue reading about Lei and her police career in Hilo. Thank you Christine for this copy of your book.
Christine has developed the few characters in the story with skill. The reader learns about Lei's difficult childhood, her aunt, Pixie, the B&B innkeeper and the local woman with the psychic powers and the 'magic' shells. We are left with hope that Lei may find happiness, love and career success. "We choose whether or not to welcome the truth into our lives".
Looking forward to July 2015 to continue reading about Lei and her police career in Hilo. Thank you Christine for this copy of your book.
April 7, 2015
What an interesting concept to have an author write a story about a character in another author's book! I love everything I've read by Christine Nolfi, so I was sure I'd love this new short story about Lei, the main character in Toby Neal's crime series. I was not disappointed. The story is well developed and adds perspective snd insight into Lei's personality that makes you want to get to know more about her. I've never read any of the books in the Lei Crime series, but this story by Ms. Nolfi certainly got me interested. I think this story will be a wonderful addition to collections by both authors.
July 7, 2015
The Shell Seeker by Christine Nolfi is a wonderful book. This is Nolfi’s second trip into Toby Neal’s Lei Crime Series which can be found in Kindle Worlds. Her first book, The Shell Keeper was outstanding and I will say Nolfi did not let me down, she never does. She is an incredible storyteller. Her characters will draw you in so that you can experience their emotions, their adventures, their hopes and dreams, as you walk alongside them in their world. There is magic in Christine’s writing and like her characters you will be charmed into that enchanting and mystical realm.
I highly recommend this book, as well as, any book by Christine Nolfi.
I highly recommend this book, as well as, any book by Christine Nolfi.
April 7, 2015
I actually did a beta read of this book for the author, Christine Nolfi. This is a short novella that encompasses so much magic in such a short span. Detective Lei needs a break from crime. She goes to an inn where she can get some R&R and gets so much more. This novella is extremely well written and flows effortlessly. It will make you a believer in magic, in the wonders that simple shells can hold. It is magical to read. Christine Nolfi is a master storyteller of the highest caliber. I highly recommend this book to everyone that needs a little magic in their lives.
April 8, 2015
This Novella was awesome. Christine takes a character that is someone else's and created a spectacular, magical read. Lei is going into law enforcement in Hawaii but is sent unwillingly on vacation by her aunt first. She is testy at first but a magical meeting with an older woman opens her up to the possibilities of her future and forgiveness. She'll learn to leave her past in the past and learn to look forward to the future with the help of some beautiful shells. After reading this you will want more. Christine never disappoints her readers and has done a fantastic job once again
April 12, 2015
As a big fan of Christine's work I was excited to get the chance to read and review her gift of this novella.
It was so much fun to read. As always, Christine describes both the setting and characters perfectly. I could actually feel my hair frizz along with Lei's when she stepped out into the Charleston humidity. Lei is such a tortured soul, I think it will be interesting to watch her grow .
It was so much fun to read. As always, Christine describes both the setting and characters perfectly. I could actually feel my hair frizz along with Lei's when she stepped out into the Charleston humidity. Lei is such a tortured soul, I think it will be interesting to watch her grow .
April 12, 2015
This was my first book by the author, so I honestly know nothing about this series. Regardless of that I think this sets up things nicely. You get to see why Lei is the way that she is. She is just starting out on the police force, moving from California to Hawaii. Her aunt suggested she takes a vacation to clear her mind. While on vacation, she meets some interesting people who share insight for her future. I think this was a great start to the series, background is always important and it makes me want to look up more books in this series.
July 7, 2015
This book is magical and intriguing. It grabs you from the very beginning and will make you lose track of time. This is the second book in the series and you don't need to read the first one The Shell Keeper but you should so you can get to know Lei.
This time she must help find the missing pirate necklace that was part of Blackbeard's stash. She feels she needs to find this necklace to help her friends out.
I loved every minute of this book and hated to see it end. This book is even more amazing than the first one.
This time she must help find the missing pirate necklace that was part of Blackbeard's stash. She feels she needs to find this necklace to help her friends out.
I loved every minute of this book and hated to see it end. This book is even more amazing than the first one.
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