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The Dusk Trilogy #2
Flourish: The Story of Anne Fontaine
Following the death of her dominating mother, Anne Fontaine decides to leave the bayou to reconnect with her estranged half-sister, Adrienne Deschanel. Her hope is to forge a relationship with Adrienne that was not possible when her mother was alive. Secretly, she also hopes to find out if her extraordinary supernatural talents are shared by anyone else.
When Nicolas Deschanel gets wind of Anne's presence, he suspects that she is one of many con artists after his sister's money. Not knowing that her story is true, he engages in a game of cat-and-mouse with her, deciding to have a little fun.
Eventually, circumstances find both of them back at the Deschanel family seat, Ophélie, where secrets and stories come to life.
When Nicolas Deschanel gets wind of Anne's presence, he suspects that she is one of many con artists after his sister's money. Not knowing that her story is true, he engages in a game of cat-and-mouse with her, deciding to have a little fun.
Eventually, circumstances find both of them back at the Deschanel family seat, Ophélie, where secrets and stories come to life.
40 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 1, 2013
35 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books899 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 15, 2016
http://bookslifewine.com/a-r-flourish/
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars!
To quote my friend Colleen, "I must confess myself... disappointed."
I am supposed to be reading an anthology full of Romance novel firsts: the beginnings of 14 different Romance series. So I am not sure what the fuck to call Flourish. As you can tell by the title/heading, Flourish is NOT the first in a series - it's something like the 6th story in this damn series. I had NOT A FUCKING CLUE the import of anything that happened in this stupid story.
Also - just to add insult to injury - this is NOT a Romance. Not a Romance. This has not a hint of Romance in it - so why is it in a Romance anthology?? I seriously would like to know.
Flourish is the story of Anne Fontaine. Anne has had some family issues and is searching for her half-sister, Adrienne, in order to re-connect after a hurtful parting. In search of Adrienne, Anne meets Nicolas. Nicolas is suspicious of Anne because a lot of fortune hunters were trying to contact Adrienne. In order to "force" Anne to admit she was not Adrienne's sister but instead another fortune hunter, Nicolas pretends to be someone other than Adrienne's brother. Nicolas also hits on Anne (and if I'm not mistaken puts his hand up her skirt). THANK GOD they didn't swap spit cause I would have thrown up in my mouth. Anne is Adrienne's half-sister so she is Nicolas's half sister, too (grossness abounds).
Nicolas takes Anne to meet their aunt and thus ends the story.
Yep. That's it. Anne meets her family. There is no ROMANCE here and I was expecting a Romance. No wonder Red Hot Beginnings was pulled - so far the offerings have sucked major ass. I have not wanted to move forward with any of the stories I've read in this anthology thus far.
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars!
To quote my friend Colleen, "I must confess myself... disappointed."
I am supposed to be reading an anthology full of Romance novel firsts: the beginnings of 14 different Romance series. So I am not sure what the fuck to call Flourish. As you can tell by the title/heading, Flourish is NOT the first in a series - it's something like the 6th story in this damn series. I had NOT A FUCKING CLUE the import of anything that happened in this stupid story.
Also - just to add insult to injury - this is NOT a Romance. Not a Romance. This has not a hint of Romance in it - so why is it in a Romance anthology?? I seriously would like to know.
Flourish is the story of Anne Fontaine. Anne has had some family issues and is searching for her half-sister, Adrienne, in order to re-connect after a hurtful parting. In search of Adrienne, Anne meets Nicolas. Nicolas is suspicious of Anne because a lot of fortune hunters were trying to contact Adrienne. In order to "force" Anne to admit she was not Adrienne's sister but instead another fortune hunter, Nicolas pretends to be someone other than Adrienne's brother. Nicolas also hits on Anne (and if I'm not mistaken puts his hand up her skirt). THANK GOD they didn't swap spit cause I would have thrown up in my mouth. Anne is Adrienne's half-sister so she is Nicolas's half sister, too (grossness abounds).
Nicolas takes Anne to meet their aunt and thus ends the story.
Yep. That's it. Anne meets her family. There is no ROMANCE here and I was expecting a Romance. No wonder Red Hot Beginnings was pulled - so far the offerings have sucked major ass. I have not wanted to move forward with any of the stories I've read in this anthology thus far.
August 29, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anne is a Deschanel, even if she never grew up knowing anything about her father or the rest of her family, she shares one special bond with them, she is gifted. When her gift scares her she tracks down Adrienne, the only family member she knows, to try and understand what is happening. Nicholas is tired of people trying to take advantage of his family ever since the miraculous return of Adrienne Deschanel. When Adrienne’s husband calls to tell him there’s someone else trying to get a hold of some of the family money Nicholas decides to check it out. He thinks this girl is trying to scheme his family so he’s going to get close to her to find out the truth. What he finds is another sister and a kindred spirit.
This book takes place several years after the ending of St. Charles at Dusk. However, it is not necessary to have read that book in order to understand the events or people of Beyond Dusk. Cradit has made this book an easy adventure into the world of the Deschanel’s. Her classical style of writing will entice you into a world where the fabulously wealthy have not only their own secrets to hide but mysteries about their pasts to discover and deal with. Cradit is amazingly talented at painting a picture in your mind and leaving a longing in your soul to visit this world in her books as well the real life inspirations. Her characters become family and friends with whom you have an interest in seeing them happy or at the very least not miserable. The fact that Cradit can pull so many emotions from the reader in such a short story is a testament to her genius with words.
September 3, 2013
I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah M. Cradit shines with Beyond Dusk: Anne by not only showing her talent at telling a good story but also at being an incredibly good writer. It was an interesting novella, that kept me hooked all the way thru. The way that it's written with edges of the supernatural combined with the normal - I love it.
When Anne arrives in town seeking out her sister Adrienne she doesn't expect money or anything more than family and finding out answers to a particualarly interesting secret that she has been keeping. Unbeknownst to her, Nicolas, Adrienne's brother and Anne's brother, decides to investigate her, thinking that Anne is lying about being related to them. After the miraculous way that Adrienne came back to them, people have been coming out of the wood work claiming to be related or that Adrienne promised them things while she was not herself. Suffice it to say Nicolas doesn't believe that Anne is their sister and sets out to prove she's lying. What happens from there is both funny and awesome.
I actually genuinely like Nicolas, he's charming and kind of arrogant in a way that I really like. I liked him in the previous books and I like him here too. Anne, was a sweet girl who was both completely timid while showing that the potential for her growth as a character is astounding and her gift or her secret, I should say, is amazingly awesome.
Overall, I really liked this short novella. It wrapped up nicely and gave us a peek at this wonderfully complex family. The writing is fantastic and I can't wait to read more of anything else that Sarah M. Cradit gives us next.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books Blog
http://memyselfandbooksblog.blogspot.com
Sarah M. Cradit shines with Beyond Dusk: Anne by not only showing her talent at telling a good story but also at being an incredibly good writer. It was an interesting novella, that kept me hooked all the way thru. The way that it's written with edges of the supernatural combined with the normal - I love it.
When Anne arrives in town seeking out her sister Adrienne she doesn't expect money or anything more than family and finding out answers to a particualarly interesting secret that she has been keeping. Unbeknownst to her, Nicolas, Adrienne's brother and Anne's brother, decides to investigate her, thinking that Anne is lying about being related to them. After the miraculous way that Adrienne came back to them, people have been coming out of the wood work claiming to be related or that Adrienne promised them things while she was not herself. Suffice it to say Nicolas doesn't believe that Anne is their sister and sets out to prove she's lying. What happens from there is both funny and awesome.
I actually genuinely like Nicolas, he's charming and kind of arrogant in a way that I really like. I liked him in the previous books and I like him here too. Anne, was a sweet girl who was both completely timid while showing that the potential for her growth as a character is astounding and her gift or her secret, I should say, is amazingly awesome.
Overall, I really liked this short novella. It wrapped up nicely and gave us a peek at this wonderfully complex family. The writing is fantastic and I can't wait to read more of anything else that Sarah M. Cradit gives us next.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books Blog
http://memyselfandbooksblog.blogspot.com
August 30, 2013
Beyond the Dusk: Anne by Sarah M. Cradit is a novelette and part of the Crimson & Clover series.
This story focuses on The Fontaines in New Orleans. Anne Fontaine Deschanel has arrived in New Orleans in search of her sister, Adrienne.
Anne and Adrienne had not parted on the best of terms. All Anne wants is to reconnect with her sister again. She is aware of a brother named Nicolas, but they've never met. So, when Oz informs Nicolas that yet another person is claiming to be related to Adrienne, he decided to have a little fun with the girl calling herself "Jane".
Presuming Anne is just another fortune hunter, he meets up with her at he hotel bar and deliberately keeps his identity from her. This is a very dangerous game Nicolas is playing with "Jane". Suffice it to say, Nicolas rather underestimated Anne. He's gotten a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I really enjoyed this part of the series. New Orleans is one of my favorite locations and I could see the gardens and flowers and smell the aromas of the city. Nicholas is a character I have mixed emotions about. I'm just not sure how to feel about him. He is a jerk a lot of the time, but when it comes to family, he is as loyal as they come, usually.
He gets his comeuppance with Anne. You will not want to miss this installment in the series. Anne has a lot to offer and will be a valuable asset to the family.
Another solid effort from Sarah Cradit. This one gets an A.
This story focuses on The Fontaines in New Orleans. Anne Fontaine Deschanel has arrived in New Orleans in search of her sister, Adrienne.
Anne and Adrienne had not parted on the best of terms. All Anne wants is to reconnect with her sister again. She is aware of a brother named Nicolas, but they've never met. So, when Oz informs Nicolas that yet another person is claiming to be related to Adrienne, he decided to have a little fun with the girl calling herself "Jane".
Presuming Anne is just another fortune hunter, he meets up with her at he hotel bar and deliberately keeps his identity from her. This is a very dangerous game Nicolas is playing with "Jane". Suffice it to say, Nicolas rather underestimated Anne. He's gotten a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I really enjoyed this part of the series. New Orleans is one of my favorite locations and I could see the gardens and flowers and smell the aromas of the city. Nicholas is a character I have mixed emotions about. I'm just not sure how to feel about him. He is a jerk a lot of the time, but when it comes to family, he is as loyal as they come, usually.
He gets his comeuppance with Anne. You will not want to miss this installment in the series. Anne has a lot to offer and will be a valuable asset to the family.
Another solid effort from Sarah Cradit. This one gets an A.
September 8, 2013
Sarah Cradit has written in a novelette what many authors try to accomplish in a full novel. Having already encountered her characters in her inaugural novel ST. CHARLES AT DUSK, I thoroughly enjoyed her new novelette BEYOND DUSK. It shed a wonderful new light on the character of Anne.
In this novelette, Cradit did what Anne Rice did with Lestat. The vampire was not the hero of Interview With the Vampire; but he has been the hero of subsequent books. Cradit has done the same. Her character Anne is brought to life beautifully, and depicted as being a powerful and meaningful character.
One of the most charming elements of this story is a trick Stephen King did in Firestarter. In the same way King’s inventiveness coined the word “pyrokinesis” (literally translated as *fire motion / fire mover*), Cradit brilliantly coined her own word for Anne’s amazing ability: “Arborkinetic” (tree / grass mover). Cradit’s wonderful character Anne has a remarkable influence over flora and fauna. It’s absolutely brilliant!
A wonderful facet about Cradit’s writing is its fluidity and organization. Her prose never allows the suspension of disbelief to be broken. And her narrative voice shows the readers how much Cradit loves her characters.
BEYOND DUSK makes me wonder what’s next in store for Anne in future books for the House of Crimson and Clover series.
Highly recommended reading!
In this novelette, Cradit did what Anne Rice did with Lestat. The vampire was not the hero of Interview With the Vampire; but he has been the hero of subsequent books. Cradit has done the same. Her character Anne is brought to life beautifully, and depicted as being a powerful and meaningful character.
One of the most charming elements of this story is a trick Stephen King did in Firestarter. In the same way King’s inventiveness coined the word “pyrokinesis” (literally translated as *fire motion / fire mover*), Cradit brilliantly coined her own word for Anne’s amazing ability: “Arborkinetic” (tree / grass mover). Cradit’s wonderful character Anne has a remarkable influence over flora and fauna. It’s absolutely brilliant!
A wonderful facet about Cradit’s writing is its fluidity and organization. Her prose never allows the suspension of disbelief to be broken. And her narrative voice shows the readers how much Cradit loves her characters.
BEYOND DUSK makes me wonder what’s next in store for Anne in future books for the House of Crimson and Clover series.
Highly recommended reading!
August 31, 2013
I recently had the honor of being gifted a copy of “Beyond Dusk: Anne” in exchange for an honest review. Having read “St. Charles at Dusk”, being much impressed, looking forward to “The Storm and the Darkness” as a book to read soon, I was eagerly anticipating “Beyond Dusk: Anne”. I have read a few novellas and was very glad to see that the author gave enough backstory from St. Charles at Dusk without rewriting that novel. I tend to resent that when authors are less than creative with their novellas. This novella was very creative indeed, and introduced a paranormal element that I found most delightfully done and intriguing. The characters, while matured, stayed true to their unique personalities. I could really relate to Anne Fontaine, having been a poor southern farm girl myself once upon a time, and her having to overcome her shyness and awkwardness in being introduced to, “High Society.” The flora and foliage were also beautifully described. My only complaint is that, this novella was not long enough nor complete enough to suit me. Just about the time I got really excited and was deeply into the story, it ended, quite like a teaser. I wanted to know the rest of this story. This teaser will only encourage me to keep reading the series, and will in no way deter me!
August 28, 2013
Written as an accompaniment, or epilogue, to Sarah Cradit’s first novel, “Beyond Dusk: Anne” surprisingly stands very nicely on its own. The end is satisfying with full resolution of open questions, and promises of future fun.
While the characters will be richer if you've read “St. Charles at Dusk,” or even “The Storm and the Darkness,” prior consumption isn’t required. Those who know and adore Nicolas from Sarah’s Crimson and Clover series will love him even more. Anne develops beautifully. Ever the tease, Cradit also cameos a couple characters who will (hopefully) play a larger role in future works.
Small in commitment, big on entertainment, “Beyond Dusk: Anne” serves two palates: This short is a sweet dessert for an existing Cradit fan. New-to-her readers will discover a lovely appetizer that is consummate Sarah, serving rich visual detail, naughty humor, agonizingly realistic characters, unexpected twists, and a generous dash of paranormal.
Oh, and be sure to pour yourself a nice adult beverage to sip. I recommend a cognac, neat.
Happy Reading!
While the characters will be richer if you've read “St. Charles at Dusk,” or even “The Storm and the Darkness,” prior consumption isn’t required. Those who know and adore Nicolas from Sarah’s Crimson and Clover series will love him even more. Anne develops beautifully. Ever the tease, Cradit also cameos a couple characters who will (hopefully) play a larger role in future works.
Small in commitment, big on entertainment, “Beyond Dusk: Anne” serves two palates: This short is a sweet dessert for an existing Cradit fan. New-to-her readers will discover a lovely appetizer that is consummate Sarah, serving rich visual detail, naughty humor, agonizingly realistic characters, unexpected twists, and a generous dash of paranormal.
Oh, and be sure to pour yourself a nice adult beverage to sip. I recommend a cognac, neat.
Happy Reading!
August 29, 2013
I have a serious love for Sarah Cradit's House of Crimson and Clover series, and this was the perfect little morsel to follow up the last book! We see Nicolas being a little mischievous when he comes up with the idea to "play" with the people who are trying to cash in on his sister Adrienne's memory loss. He is being protective and enjoying himself at the same time.
We see Anne Fontaine come to see the only sister she has ever met. Anne has a powerful family "gift", she has the ability to manipulate plants. Everyone has a gift, most are benign, but Anne's is crazy powerful. She demonstrates this on Nicolas when his playing goes too far. Nicolas, seeing what she is able to do, also starts to see the family resemblance in her and takes her to their aunt. She confirms what Nicolas already knows, this is his half sister as well.
I have to say it was the perfect way for this story to continue, I enjoy reading Sarah's work and I find that every time I enter her world of Magi, I am more and more impressed.
I give this 5 Novella lipsticks!
~B~
We see Anne Fontaine come to see the only sister she has ever met. Anne has a powerful family "gift", she has the ability to manipulate plants. Everyone has a gift, most are benign, but Anne's is crazy powerful. She demonstrates this on Nicolas when his playing goes too far. Nicolas, seeing what she is able to do, also starts to see the family resemblance in her and takes her to their aunt. She confirms what Nicolas already knows, this is his half sister as well.
I have to say it was the perfect way for this story to continue, I enjoy reading Sarah's work and I find that every time I enter her world of Magi, I am more and more impressed.
I give this 5 Novella lipsticks!
~B~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2013
Having not read the two full-length novels in this series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novelette. I had a really good gut feeling about it though. Yes! I love it when my gut is right! I was pretty much sold at New Orleans, supernatural powers and a home named Ophelie. Oh, but there is so much more! Written to compliment the House of Crimson and Clover series, Beyond Dusk: Anne did a fine job at drawing me in, introducing me to the characters with no confusion and hooking me bait, line and sinker. I’m a sucker for rich characters, broad vocabulary and intricate storylines. This story delivers them all. I couldn’t turn the pages on my eReader quick enough and was literally on the edge of my seat several times! I may have gone into this novelette blind to the series, but that will soon change! Ms. Cradit, consider me a new fan. Maybe even a stalker…a stalker of your series, that is!
January 15, 2014
A breathless 40 pages, was it really only 40 pages? Sarah put so much into this short, that I really did feel like I read a full book, and it left me craving more more more.
.
I was introduced to Anne in St. Charles at Dusk and while I really did not care for her character, I was sort of ambivalent toward her. Now I am totally rethinking it. We saw her unleash a fury that left me breathless and slack jawed. She is going to be formidable! I want to go back and reread Dusk to see if those feelings still exist now that I know more of her history. As far as Nicholas, he has some work to do to get redemption I think. But as I have learned, with Anne, I will reserve judgement for now!
That being said, Sarah, I want more ANNE! My question is still “Why did you end it there!?!?” I am a Crimson and Clover fan for life and cannot wait to see what else Sarah comes up with!
~Michele
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I was introduced to Anne in St. Charles at Dusk and while I really did not care for her character, I was sort of ambivalent toward her. Now I am totally rethinking it. We saw her unleash a fury that left me breathless and slack jawed. She is going to be formidable! I want to go back and reread Dusk to see if those feelings still exist now that I know more of her history. As far as Nicholas, he has some work to do to get redemption I think. But as I have learned, with Anne, I will reserve judgement for now!
That being said, Sarah, I want more ANNE! My question is still “Why did you end it there!?!?” I am a Crimson and Clover fan for life and cannot wait to see what else Sarah comes up with!
~Michele
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September 10, 2016
Adrienne Deschanel ‘came back from the dead’ after being missing for three years following the accident which killed all the members of her family except for her brother, Nicolas. Since her return a year ago they have been inundated with calls from people claiming to have been a part of Adrienne’s previous life. Oz Sullivan, now Adrienne’s husband, is also the Deschanel’s lawyer and is dealing with the unwanted attention.
Anne Fontaine was born in a cabin in the bayou. When her mother dies she sets out for New Orleans in the hopes of meeting her sister again and finding out more about her background and the strange power she possesses.
Thoughts
A very interesting and engaging story that gives more of an insight into Anne’s character and her place in the family. I like the introduction of the paranormal aspect and as with the first novel, this one is very well written and beautifully descriptive and has a lot of depth for such a short story.
Anne Fontaine was born in a cabin in the bayou. When her mother dies she sets out for New Orleans in the hopes of meeting her sister again and finding out more about her background and the strange power she possesses.
Thoughts
A very interesting and engaging story that gives more of an insight into Anne’s character and her place in the family. I like the introduction of the paranormal aspect and as with the first novel, this one is very well written and beautifully descriptive and has a lot of depth for such a short story.
August 29, 2013
I received this novelette as a gift in exchange for an honest review. This was the first book I had read from Sarah M. Cradit and it will definitely not be the last. With descriptive dialogue and interesting characters this novella whispers of a wonderfully enchanting series of interconnected novels and after reaching the end leaves a reader wanting more.
In this short novella Anne Fontaine travels from the bayou to forge relations with her half-sister Adrianne. Anne is not the only person to claim an association with Adrianne and therefore finds that she must convince Nicolas that her relationship is honest before any meeting can occur. A paranormal ability, recently developed, needs to be explained. A relationship to a dead man needs to be proved. Wonderfully flowing from start to end, the twists and turns in the story-line made me gasp aloud.
In this short novella Anne Fontaine travels from the bayou to forge relations with her half-sister Adrianne. Anne is not the only person to claim an association with Adrianne and therefore finds that she must convince Nicolas that her relationship is honest before any meeting can occur. A paranormal ability, recently developed, needs to be explained. A relationship to a dead man needs to be proved. Wonderfully flowing from start to end, the twists and turns in the story-line made me gasp aloud.
August 30, 2013
I don't normally read short stories or novellas. I was reminded of that reading this engaging story...it was just too darn short. I wanted more. Greedy I know. But the characters created in the series are so well thought out and described that I just want to know them even better. I feel like I'm part of their lives, even if it is a relationship looking in from the outside.
This story enhances the series, but you wouldn't have to read the series first necessarily. I do think the novella makes more sense after reading St. Charles at Dusk.
Do I recommend this novella? You bet I do. I recommend St. Charles at Dusk and The Storm and The Darkness too. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. This novella just reminded me that I want more!
I was given this novella in exchange for an honest review and these opinions are honest.
This story enhances the series, but you wouldn't have to read the series first necessarily. I do think the novella makes more sense after reading St. Charles at Dusk.
Do I recommend this novella? You bet I do. I recommend St. Charles at Dusk and The Storm and The Darkness too. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. This novella just reminded me that I want more!
I was given this novella in exchange for an honest review and these opinions are honest.
August 30, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion, so here it goes:
I Haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of Sarah M. Cradit’s books before, but after reading this novelette I can honestly say that I am so going to read more of the House of Crimson and Clover series, the story of Anne was so well written and so intriguing that it made me want to find out more about the Deschanel’s and the Fontaine’s. Anne always knew that she was different and in this novelette she finds out why and that the she isn’t the only one, but she is however more powerful than the others and I can’t wait to see/read how she’s going to develop her power in the near future. I would recommend this book to everyone who’s looking for a great read !!!
I Haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of Sarah M. Cradit’s books before, but after reading this novelette I can honestly say that I am so going to read more of the House of Crimson and Clover series, the story of Anne was so well written and so intriguing that it made me want to find out more about the Deschanel’s and the Fontaine’s. Anne always knew that she was different and in this novelette she finds out why and that the she isn’t the only one, but she is however more powerful than the others and I can’t wait to see/read how she’s going to develop her power in the near future. I would recommend this book to everyone who’s looking for a great read !!!
August 29, 2013
I'm a big fan of the House of Crimson and Clover series that Sarah has written. The short brought us a new twist, and I no longer hate Anne. In fact, I'm kind of hoping she will get her own full length book sooner or later because she has become a very intriguing character.
After St. Charles at Dusk, I really didn't like her much. This story gave me a reason to rethink my instant dislike of her character. And of course I love Nicolas even more. I can't say too much more without giving anything away. That's the trouble with shorts. The other trouble is usually being left with too many questions. They were all answered, and you get a whole taste of her story without being left hanging.
I still want more but only because Anne has become a real person with a story I want to know. ;)
After St. Charles at Dusk, I really didn't like her much. This story gave me a reason to rethink my instant dislike of her character. And of course I love Nicolas even more. I can't say too much more without giving anything away. That's the trouble with shorts. The other trouble is usually being left with too many questions. They were all answered, and you get a whole taste of her story without being left hanging.
I still want more but only because Anne has become a real person with a story I want to know. ;)
September 1, 2013
Novellete = Teaser.
This is the first of Sarah's works I have read, and I'm currently kicking myself for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and will definitely make a point of promptly tearing through the others. At the very least it was entertaining, clever and even bit saucy. I had absolutely NO IDEA what to expect when I sat down to it but I nearly broke the down arrow on my computer trying to read more. The story piques your interest straight away, and within 3 pages you are committed. I was very concerned not having read the other two books that I wouldn't have a clue what was happening but the back story is there, its easy to follow and its not overdone. A quick read that does not lack depth or disappoint, far from it! Now onto the others...
This is the first of Sarah's works I have read, and I'm currently kicking myself for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and will definitely make a point of promptly tearing through the others. At the very least it was entertaining, clever and even bit saucy. I had absolutely NO IDEA what to expect when I sat down to it but I nearly broke the down arrow on my computer trying to read more. The story piques your interest straight away, and within 3 pages you are committed. I was very concerned not having read the other two books that I wouldn't have a clue what was happening but the back story is there, its easy to follow and its not overdone. A quick read that does not lack depth or disappoint, far from it! Now onto the others...
September 3, 2013
This was my first read of Sarah Cradit's work, and I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah left very good first impression on me as a writer. She was clean, with a solid manuscript and good characters. Beyond Dusk is a novelette at around 10,500 words. In that very short space, she created a very moving plot line. It's hard to find self-published authors with a very real talent for word usage and little to no mistakes.
While I won't recap the story here, it ties in with a few previous books of hers that I have not read, but stands alone well, without too much 'explaining' or 'recap' involved. If anything, this book has encouraged me to read the other copies, of which I already had in my TBR pile.
Overall a fast, great read.
Sarah left very good first impression on me as a writer. She was clean, with a solid manuscript and good characters. Beyond Dusk is a novelette at around 10,500 words. In that very short space, she created a very moving plot line. It's hard to find self-published authors with a very real talent for word usage and little to no mistakes.
While I won't recap the story here, it ties in with a few previous books of hers that I have not read, but stands alone well, without too much 'explaining' or 'recap' involved. If anything, this book has encouraged me to read the other copies, of which I already had in my TBR pile.
Overall a fast, great read.
September 12, 2013
It was too short. I think that is the best compliment I could give this story, it is far too short. I am a Fontaine fan (maybe I need to come up with a clever nerdy title for my people), and have been looking forward to seeing more Anne, but just as enjoyable was getting to know Nick better, and the intriguing introduction of Aunt Colleen. I was really satisfied with the end of St. Charles at Dusk's love story, but this novelette has acted as an appetizer, and now I am anxious to see where the next novel will take me. (I just had a binge of Haven, so I'm looking forward to the Maine setting!)
P.S. When Sarah Cradit promises magic, she delivers.
P.S. When Sarah Cradit promises magic, she delivers.
August 29, 2013
This novelette was given to me by the author for an honest review. This novelette gives an insight into the side of the Deschanel family we briefly met in The Storm and The Darkness. This is the story of Anne, the bastard child of Charles Deschanel and how she decides to travel to New Orleans to find her sister and meet her brother. Even though this is a very short story it delves deeply into how dysfunctional a family can be and how much some people want to belong. I totally enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more about the Deschanel family and how Anne fits in with the family.I give it 5 stars even though it left me hanging :)
February 21, 2015
And the story continues.....
We finally get to begin to understand Anne, her life in the bayou and what has sculpted the demur, shy Anne we've come to know. Under her mother's thumb Anne was forced to simply comply. Now that her Mother has passed, Anne can begin to explore who she is and what she was meant to be. Will her Dechannel family embrace her and help her grow or draw the bridge to another outsider trying to weddle their way into the wealthy family?
As always I enjoyed Sarah Cradit's story and felt it ended too soon! Anxious for the next one!!
We finally get to begin to understand Anne, her life in the bayou and what has sculpted the demur, shy Anne we've come to know. Under her mother's thumb Anne was forced to simply comply. Now that her Mother has passed, Anne can begin to explore who she is and what she was meant to be. Will her Dechannel family embrace her and help her grow or draw the bridge to another outsider trying to weddle their way into the wealthy family?
As always I enjoyed Sarah Cradit's story and felt it ended too soon! Anxious for the next one!!
January 7, 2014
Having not read any of the novels in The House of Crimson and Clover, this short tells me that I have been missing out. With saying that I also want to add that I didn’t find myself lost as I dove into this story.
I adored the characters, even Nicholas and the game he tried and in my opinion failed at playing. Epic fail. Cradit has woven incredible depths into her characters in a short amount of time and I am curious to learn more about the world she is building and what I missed in the Novels leading up to this short.
I adored the characters, even Nicholas and the game he tried and in my opinion failed at playing. Epic fail. Cradit has woven incredible depths into her characters in a short amount of time and I am curious to learn more about the world she is building and what I missed in the Novels leading up to this short.
August 29, 2013
"Beyond Dusk: Anne" is a splendid short story. I am very impressed by the amount of detail put into every single page. I almost felt like I was there, seeing the beautiful scenery and smelling the flowers. Anne and her brother, Nicolas, were both very realistic characters and described in a way I could see them both very clearly.
Reading this really makes me want to read the other two books from author Sarah M. Cradit!
Reading this really makes me want to read the other two books from author Sarah M. Cradit!
September 5, 2013
So, I have not read anything by this author and come to find out, this little blurb is part of a series. Now because of this little 58 page book I need to know what else happens. This is well written, drags you in throws you around and *Poof* all done, very disappointing, but the good news is there more!! So I am off to check out this new to me series cause I have to know more! Very intriguing if I don't mind saying so.
January 5, 2014
Read this story as part of an anthology: Dauntless Indies a collection of shorts.
This little short story was very good loved it. I loved it when she first meets her brother very comical and embarrassing situation. I also loved how she was getting her powers and didn't know how to control them, that would be very frightening. This story was very well written and being that I hadn't read anything from this author I am happy to say I am looking forward to reading more of her works.
This little short story was very good loved it. I loved it when she first meets her brother very comical and embarrassing situation. I also loved how she was getting her powers and didn't know how to control them, that would be very frightening. This story was very well written and being that I hadn't read anything from this author I am happy to say I am looking forward to reading more of her works.
September 1, 2013
I received a free copy of Beyond Dusk: Anne in exchange for an honest review. This novelette is a tightly woven story of Anne Fontaine, a secondary character from Sarah M. Cradit’s first novel St. Charles at Dusk. The novelette picks up several years after the point where St. Charles leaves off. Anne Fontaine is Adrienne Deschanel's half-sister and in St. Charles, she’s a slight figure, a sad and lonely young woman who deserves to be more than just a complication to Adrienne’s own efforts to regain her former life. But Anne (and the reader) is in for a big surprise: her role in the Deschanel family is greater than she could ever imagine. She comes to New Orleans to find Adrienne, to talk to her and try to make amends. Nicholas, her half-brother, thinks she is simply yet another impostor after Adrienne’s money. He tries to set her up, entrap her and have a bit of fun himself at her expense, all the while not aware of who she really is. The author does an excellent job of making you bite your fingernails in anticipation: will they find out each other’s true identity before it’s too late and they both do something they will regret? Add to this tension, the thrilling discovery that Anne has supernatural powers. She has a way with plants, you might say, and it’s that power, more than anything else that convinces Nicholas that she belongs in the family. Anne awakens a new kind of faith in Nicholas, one that makes this reader hope that these two young people, each lonely in their own way, will find comfort and acceptance within each other.
Sarah M. Cradit is a masterful storyteller, providing enough detail to give the reader a strong sense of place, a sense of having traveled to Ophelie, The Gardens, St. Charles Avenue. Her characters are complex and mature under her skillful writing. She can write slapstick humor just as expertly as scenes of violent emotion as well as sensuous, steamy interludes, all of which you will find in Beyond Dusk: Anne. This novelette can stand on its own. You don’t have to have read St. Charles at Dusk to appreciate Anne, but you will want to after reading Anne. The ending did leave this reader wanting more. It was a bit of an “open” ending, in the sense that Anne’s new life was just beginning. It could be considered a teaser, which would be unforgivable if we were never to hear of the Deschanel family again. Fortunately for Sarah M. Cradit’s fans, there is more to read about this fascinating family.
I rarely give 5 stars to anything. There were minor errors in this ebook version that I read, some of which may be attributed to how I downloaded it (through Calibre and to my Kobo). But I saw a marked improvement in Ms. Cradit’s writing from St. Charles at Dusk, enough so I feel very comfortable rating this short book 5 stars.
Sarah M. Cradit is a masterful storyteller, providing enough detail to give the reader a strong sense of place, a sense of having traveled to Ophelie, The Gardens, St. Charles Avenue. Her characters are complex and mature under her skillful writing. She can write slapstick humor just as expertly as scenes of violent emotion as well as sensuous, steamy interludes, all of which you will find in Beyond Dusk: Anne. This novelette can stand on its own. You don’t have to have read St. Charles at Dusk to appreciate Anne, but you will want to after reading Anne. The ending did leave this reader wanting more. It was a bit of an “open” ending, in the sense that Anne’s new life was just beginning. It could be considered a teaser, which would be unforgivable if we were never to hear of the Deschanel family again. Fortunately for Sarah M. Cradit’s fans, there is more to read about this fascinating family.
I rarely give 5 stars to anything. There were minor errors in this ebook version that I read, some of which may be attributed to how I downloaded it (through Calibre and to my Kobo). But I saw a marked improvement in Ms. Cradit’s writing from St. Charles at Dusk, enough so I feel very comfortable rating this short book 5 stars.
August 30, 2013
Just wonderful! This short novelette is perfect. It gives you just want you need, no more, no less and doesn't leave to floundering around for more story, and wishing there way less story. Sarah weaves a perfect amount of story here, and leaves you feeling content and having a whole new outlook. Not many authors can go back and craft a story around a different character and make it tie in as beautifully as Sarah did with this one. If you are a fan of the previous books, you'll have no trouble loving this too, and if you haven't read them yet, pick this one up, give it a go, and if you like it, you'll love the rest :)
The details that really highlight Anna is this book will be changing a lot of opinions of Anne, because it definitely changed mine. Anne has now really become a full and complete character in her own right and we really got an amazing chance to understand her in this short novelette.
Sarah's writing style as always is well organized, interesting and especially unique. She writes as though she herself has lived it, with such dedication and drive, that you believe that the world before your eyes in real. You believe Sarah was there, on the sidelines, watching and writing, in order to bring these stories to us. They are wonderfully emotional, without being too overwhelming, and they are incredibly detailed without being too over the top or cluttered. Sarah has a perfect style and is able to captivate the reader right away, and sweep them off to her world, and then we never want to return to ours.
Just because it's shorter doesn't mean it's any less amazing then all of Sarah's other works, this one stands as an amazing insight into a character, a relationship, and it deepens are understanding of the character and heightens our appreciation of the works that came before shedding more light on the text we've previously read and showing us it in a new way. Sarah is definitely an author to watch, The House of Crimson and Clover series is definitely one of my favorites right now, and I can't wait to see where it goes next! :)
** I was given an ARC of this book for review. All opinions are my own and based on my feelings towards the reading, the gift of the book did not sway me in any way **
The details that really highlight Anna is this book will be changing a lot of opinions of Anne, because it definitely changed mine. Anne has now really become a full and complete character in her own right and we really got an amazing chance to understand her in this short novelette.
Sarah's writing style as always is well organized, interesting and especially unique. She writes as though she herself has lived it, with such dedication and drive, that you believe that the world before your eyes in real. You believe Sarah was there, on the sidelines, watching and writing, in order to bring these stories to us. They are wonderfully emotional, without being too overwhelming, and they are incredibly detailed without being too over the top or cluttered. Sarah has a perfect style and is able to captivate the reader right away, and sweep them off to her world, and then we never want to return to ours.
Just because it's shorter doesn't mean it's any less amazing then all of Sarah's other works, this one stands as an amazing insight into a character, a relationship, and it deepens are understanding of the character and heightens our appreciation of the works that came before shedding more light on the text we've previously read and showing us it in a new way. Sarah is definitely an author to watch, The House of Crimson and Clover series is definitely one of my favorites right now, and I can't wait to see where it goes next! :)
** I was given an ARC of this book for review. All opinions are my own and based on my feelings towards the reading, the gift of the book did not sway me in any way **
September 2, 2013
Beyond Dusk: Anne is A House of Crimson and Clover Novelette which may be read as a stand alone. However, the series is fantastic and once you read one of the books in the series, you’ll surely read them all.
This novelette tells the story of Anne Fontaine, Adrienne and Nicholas Deschanel’s half sister, who travels to New Orleans to meet with Adrienne. Unlike her half siblings who reside in an exquisite plantation home, Anne grew up in a shack in the Louisiana bayou. Now that her mother is dead and her brother is moving on to Baton Rouge, Anne no longer feels tied to her childhood home. However, meeting with Adrienne is no easy feat. In fact, Anne has to communicate through Adrienne’s husband, Oz Sullivan, and her brother Nicholas Deschanel, in order to speak with her sister. Over the years a number of women have claimed familial ties to the incredibly wealthy Deschanel family, so it makes sense that Oz and Nicholas are weary.
Nicholas follows Anne to a bar and attempts to fill her with liquor because alcohol after all is truth serum, and he’s convinced that she’s simply another con artist. However, when Nicholas meets Anne, he realizes that there’s something different about her and finds her strangely attractive. After multiple shots of liquor, Nicholas drives Anne back to the Deshanel plantation, where Anne has an intense reaction. Nicholas realizes that Anne is in fact a Deschanel, for supernatural powers is a family trait.
I enjoyed Beyond Dusk: Anne which was a quick but powerful read that allowed me to get to know Anne’s fascinating story. I definitely recommend this novelette as well as the Crimson and Clover series as a whole.
This novelette tells the story of Anne Fontaine, Adrienne and Nicholas Deschanel’s half sister, who travels to New Orleans to meet with Adrienne. Unlike her half siblings who reside in an exquisite plantation home, Anne grew up in a shack in the Louisiana bayou. Now that her mother is dead and her brother is moving on to Baton Rouge, Anne no longer feels tied to her childhood home. However, meeting with Adrienne is no easy feat. In fact, Anne has to communicate through Adrienne’s husband, Oz Sullivan, and her brother Nicholas Deschanel, in order to speak with her sister. Over the years a number of women have claimed familial ties to the incredibly wealthy Deschanel family, so it makes sense that Oz and Nicholas are weary.
Nicholas follows Anne to a bar and attempts to fill her with liquor because alcohol after all is truth serum, and he’s convinced that she’s simply another con artist. However, when Nicholas meets Anne, he realizes that there’s something different about her and finds her strangely attractive. After multiple shots of liquor, Nicholas drives Anne back to the Deshanel plantation, where Anne has an intense reaction. Nicholas realizes that Anne is in fact a Deschanel, for supernatural powers is a family trait.
I enjoyed Beyond Dusk: Anne which was a quick but powerful read that allowed me to get to know Anne’s fascinating story. I definitely recommend this novelette as well as the Crimson and Clover series as a whole.
September 1, 2013
A digital copy was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
I would like to first state that I have not read any of the authors other books but was curious about her work because I had heard a lot of positive buzz. This is not something that I would normally pick up without a strong recommendation from someone who knows me but I am so very glad I came across this. The novella is an easy read that switches between points of views in different section much like you would find in A Song of Ice and Fire. The two principle characters are Nicolas and Anne and both feel very unique and different from each other. Nicolas feels like the rich playboy who likes to have fun at other people’s expense and Anne feels like the country maid she is. The dialogue is fast paced and fits with each character. There is great depth in the story being told and you do not in any way need to read the previous books. This is one of my favorite types of storytelling, revealing whole volumes of information in just a few words and the author really did a remarkable job. She also introduced me to one of my new favorite words, arborkinetic! I have a feeling Anne will one day show people what Arbor Day is really all about. The nice thing about this story is that it starts well, goes through the paces and left me with a satisfying conclusion and left me wanting more.
If you like a more subdued modern fantasy story, with incredible writing and great characters you really can’t go wrong with this.
This novella is on the Green Embers’ Recommended List.
I would like to first state that I have not read any of the authors other books but was curious about her work because I had heard a lot of positive buzz. This is not something that I would normally pick up without a strong recommendation from someone who knows me but I am so very glad I came across this. The novella is an easy read that switches between points of views in different section much like you would find in A Song of Ice and Fire. The two principle characters are Nicolas and Anne and both feel very unique and different from each other. Nicolas feels like the rich playboy who likes to have fun at other people’s expense and Anne feels like the country maid she is. The dialogue is fast paced and fits with each character. There is great depth in the story being told and you do not in any way need to read the previous books. This is one of my favorite types of storytelling, revealing whole volumes of information in just a few words and the author really did a remarkable job. She also introduced me to one of my new favorite words, arborkinetic! I have a feeling Anne will one day show people what Arbor Day is really all about. The nice thing about this story is that it starts well, goes through the paces and left me with a satisfying conclusion and left me wanting more.
If you like a more subdued modern fantasy story, with incredible writing and great characters you really can’t go wrong with this.
This novella is on the Green Embers’ Recommended List.
January 21, 2015
For more reviews, please visit itsnotjustabookbro.blogspot.com
Following the death of her dominating mother, Anne Fontaine decides to leave the bayou to reconnect with her estranged half-sister, Adrienne Deschanel. Her hope is to forge a relationship with Adrienne that was not possible when her mother was alive. Secretly, she also hopes to find out if her extraordinary supernatural talents are shared by anyone else.
When Nicolas Deschanel gets wind of Anne's presence, he suspects that she is one of many con artists after his sister's money. Not knowing that her story is true, he engages in a game of cat-and-mouse with her, deciding to have a little fun.
Eventually, circumstances find both of them back at the Deschanel family seat, Ophélie, where secrets and stories come to life.
This one actually kind of threw me off. I have not read the Crimson or House of Night Series, so I was not familiarized with this author’s work. I enjoyed the back story behind it and the cunning twists that the brother made, which, by the way resulted in some pretty embaressing things for both of them. I was really confused about the whole ‘making the garden her b****’ thing until it was clarified that it was a family thing. In the end, this was a good short story and I would love to read more by the author, I give it a 4/5 stars.
[downloaded from Amazon.com]
Following the death of her dominating mother, Anne Fontaine decides to leave the bayou to reconnect with her estranged half-sister, Adrienne Deschanel. Her hope is to forge a relationship with Adrienne that was not possible when her mother was alive. Secretly, she also hopes to find out if her extraordinary supernatural talents are shared by anyone else.
When Nicolas Deschanel gets wind of Anne's presence, he suspects that she is one of many con artists after his sister's money. Not knowing that her story is true, he engages in a game of cat-and-mouse with her, deciding to have a little fun.
Eventually, circumstances find both of them back at the Deschanel family seat, Ophélie, where secrets and stories come to life.
This one actually kind of threw me off. I have not read the Crimson or House of Night Series, so I was not familiarized with this author’s work. I enjoyed the back story behind it and the cunning twists that the brother made, which, by the way resulted in some pretty embaressing things for both of them. I was really confused about the whole ‘making the garden her b****’ thing until it was clarified that it was a family thing. In the end, this was a good short story and I would love to read more by the author, I give it a 4/5 stars.
[downloaded from Amazon.com]
September 1, 2013
Although I still haven't read the first book in the series, St. Charles at Dusk (still in my TBR pile!), and one of these characters was only in that book, I had no problem keeping up with this story. As I mentioned in another review, Nicolas Deschanel was my favorite character in The Storm and the Darkness, so I was excited to see him again in this novelette. I just love his straightforward approach and 'tell it like it is' attitude! I'm hoping one of the author's upcoming books will focus more on Nicolas - hoping to see him get his happily ever after with a good woman who can keep up with him.
Although this was my first time being introduced to Anne Fontaine, it was easy to connect to her character's strong sense of family and insecurity about her limited finances and education in comparison to the Deschanels'. The supernatural aspects of this story made me want to know more about Anne and, like some others who have read this book, I want to see what happens to her character beyond this novelette.
The author truly has a talent for character development and plot and I look forward to reading more in this series. I also have to mention again how gorgeous the book covers are!
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Although this was my first time being introduced to Anne Fontaine, it was easy to connect to her character's strong sense of family and insecurity about her limited finances and education in comparison to the Deschanels'. The supernatural aspects of this story made me want to know more about Anne and, like some others who have read this book, I want to see what happens to her character beyond this novelette.
The author truly has a talent for character development and plot and I look forward to reading more in this series. I also have to mention again how gorgeous the book covers are!
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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